ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE HALLOWEEN ALL WRAPPED UP FAMILY TICKETS TO DISNEY ON ICE ‘DREAM BIG’ THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO… FUN TO BE HAD THIS AUTUMN Issue 62 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2022 WIN!
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Raring2go! 2 raring2go.co.uk 3 Wow what a summer we have had! The long, lovely days in the sun and lots of great events to attend have been even sweeter after the last two years. Like many, we staycationed this year and made the most of Scotland’s beaches, hills, fresh food and local delicacies (I think all the NE’s Ice Cream makers and sellers saw us more than once!). We enjoyed the Commonwealth Games (well done Birmingham) and cheered our local competitors on (we have a wealth of talent in our area!). I am writing this in mid-August in blazing sunshine and I can tell you, thinking about fireworks, Halloween and autumn leaves has been quite tricky this year! However, our 62nd issue (and start of year 16) is a bumper one and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it together for you. If you really love the magazine, and are possibly thinking about a change in direction, take a read of P4, as I am looking for the right person to pass the Raring2go! baton on to – and maybe that’s you! If your wee ones are heading back to school or nursery or starting a new stage, we hope it goes well – take a deep breath and put on the kettle. Seven weeks of school summer holidays done! Hello! EDITOR Victoria Withy EDITORIAL Victoria Withy Aileen MacVicar DESIGN ADVERTISING SALES Aileen MacVicar ADMINISTRATION Alison Smith GET IN TOUCH T: 01467 629491 M: 07795 118228 E: aberdeen@raring2go.co.uk THE TEAM Victoria Withy Editor & Owner Minco Design & Print What's On DISCOVER THE FULL LINE UP OF EVENTS AND FIND HOSPITALITY UPGRADE DETAILS TO TAKE YOUR NEXT SHOW TO A NEW LEVEL OF INCREDIBLE. BOOK TICKETS AT PANDJLIVE.COM November 2022 December 2022
5 What’s on locally? Please check details before setting off! We are hearing about new events constantly – keep an eye on our social pages and our What’s On? Diary at www.raring2go.co.uk/aberdeen-city-and-shire. Leith Hall’s The Big Picnic! from 11am till 4pm. A family friendly picnic with stalls and activities celebrating rural life on the lovely Leith Hall estate. Free to attend. For more information see https://bit.ly/3JPKTEV Macduff Aquarium’s Silver Spray 25th Anniversary Weekend Event. The Aquarium’s 25th anniversary ‘shell-ebrations’ continue with a fun filled weekend, including the launch of Doric book ‘Cedric e Flapper Skate’ and storytelling sessions with author Jackie Ross. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/macduffmarineaquarium Crathes Castle’s PIM 2022 Running Festival. Races for adults (half marathon/5k) and kids (1.5k) open to all abilities through the grounds and surrounding countryside of Crathes. Pre-registration necessary at www.resultsbase.net/event/6352 Apple Sunday at Pitmedden Garden. Along with local produce and crafts, we will have live music, entertainment, guided tours of the estate, kid’s trails plus lots more to enjoy! For more information see Apple Sunday 2022 | Facebook. Macduff Aquarium’s Shark Season. Get ready for a fortnight of ‘jawsome’ sharky activities! www.facebook.com/macduffmarineaquarium Fyvie Castle’s Squirrel Safari. Join the Rangers on a family squirrel walk, playing some fun games as you go and looking for the furry red favourites. £3 adults / £7 children. For information and ticket bookings see https://bit.ly/3dtL90g Udny Pumpkin Patch, open in the October Holidays, booking essential see www.udnypumpkins.co.uk or Udny Pumpkins | Facebook for more information and confirmation of opening date. Castle Fraser’s Family Halloween Trail. Head to Castle Fraser this Halloween for a fang-tastic fairy tale trail through their gardens and grounds. Prebooking required £7.50 per child (adults free). For information and to book see https://bit.ly/3T0rjKv Crathes Castle’s Squirrel Safari. Join the Rangers on a family squirrel walk, playing some fun games as you go and looking for the furry red favourites. £3 adults / £7 children. For information and ticket bookings see https://bit.ly/3zVODA2 Oldmeldrum Fireworks. Pleasure Park, Park Crescent starting at 6.30pm. Hot food and drinks available. See www.facebook.com/oldmeldrumsports for further information. Kemnay Fireworks. Kemnay Pleasure Park, BBQ, Pick ‘n’ Mix and other refreshments available. Keep an eye out on Facebook for news of a possible Fun Fair on the night as well. Kemnay Fireworks Display | Facebook Kintore Fireworks. Kintore Primary School playing field. Spinners, toys and hot food will be available on the night. More details will be posted on the Kintore Facebook www.facebook.com/Kintore and Kintore Fireworks Facebook pages soon. We Are Inverurie BIG Christmas Switch-On. From 2-6pm in front of Inverurie Town Hall. For further information please see We are Inverurie - BID | Facebook. SEPT 4 SEPT 24 OCT 19 SEPT 25 SEPT 17&18 OCT 17-28 OCT 24-30 OCT NOV 5 NOV 5 NOV 6 NOV 27 OCT 26 If you are organising a public event, please add it to our What’s On? Diary (quick, easy and free to do!) so we can help you promote it. Raring2go! Raring2go! 4 raring2go.co.uk Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions and taking control of your working life to fit around your family? After 16 amazing years, I am now looking for a new owner to take over the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire edition of Raring2go! magazine; a thriving and well-respected local business. During my years as Editor, I’ve enjoyed discovering new places to visit with my family, reviewing shows at the theatres, and trying out new activities with my daughter. By working for myself, I have been lucky enough to be there for the daily school run, attend sports days and nativities and take time off during the school holidays. As my daughter is now older (she was only 18 months when I published the first issue in August 2007!) I feel it’s now time to hang up my editor’s hat, put down my pen (well laptop maybe!) and start a new chapter. I would love for another local, passionate parent to enjoy the same experiences I have. However, it is important to me to find the right person to take care of my second ‘baby’, so I will continue to publish Raring2go! until I find that special person to take it forward. While Raring2go! is a business where you work for yourself, you are part of a supportive franchise network where there is Could you be the next Editor of Raring2go! Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire? ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE MAGAZINE & WEBSITE GO-TO GUIDE YOU YOUR CHILD WINTER 2021/22 rariinng2go Issue 59 Look out for our icon to let you know there is more information available online! ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE BAKE AND MAKE P22 WHAT’S ON? P20 WIN! WIN! WIN! A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR AT PETERHEADP12 Issue 60 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2022 R2G_Aberdeen Issue60_SPRING 2022.indd 1 22/02/2022 11:42 ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE THROW A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY! TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS P26 FAMILY TICKETS TO ROYAL DEESIDE MOTOR SHOW AND GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM! P14 WHAT’S ON? HIGHLAND GAMES, SHOWS AND MORE! P12 Issue 61 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2022 WIN! R2G_Aberdeen Issue61_SUMMER 2022 v3.indd 1 31/05/2022 15:42 always someone on hand to give you advice if you need it alongside the friendly and helpful head office team. No previous experience is necessary, although an interest in the local area, an eye for details and a tenacious can-do attitude will certainly help! If you’re ready for a change in direction (or you know someone who is) and have always dreamed of working for yourself do get in touch with me for a chat on T: 07795 118228 victoria.withy@raring2go.co.uk I am so looking forward to seeing where someone new can take my fantastic, local family magazine – the sky is the limit!
Raring2go! Raring2go! 6 raring2go.co.uk 7 www.battlescotland.co.uk book now 07773 771741 Outdoor activities perfect for Hen/Stag do’s Party Packages Family and Friends day out Druggam Woodlands, Banchory, Aberdeen AB31 5HP Open 7 days a week Pre-Booking is essential Archery Age 6+ Laser Tag Age 6+ Mini Paintball Age 8+ Bubble Football Age 10+ Paintball Age 12+ Airsoft Age 12+ Axe & Knife Throwing Age 16+ Battle Grounds Adventure Activities Individuals welcome for Airsoft and Paintball Walk on events! Advert Proof LOCHTER 01651872000 www.lochter.co.uk info@lochter.co.uk FUNFORALLTHEFAMILY! GARIOCH INDOOR BOWLING T: +44 (0) 1467 622622 | www.gibconline.co.uk Harlaw Road, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 4FR A GREAT FAMILY DESTINATION!
Raring2go! Raring2go! 8 raring2go.co.uk 9 Autumn is here, bringing lots of fun family times, events, awareness days and laughs. Here’s our top picks of things to do and get involved in over the next few months: SEPTEMBER Roald Dhal Story Day: 13th Sept. www.roalddahl. com/ create-and-learn/join-in/ roald-dahl-day European Day of Languages: 26th Sept. www.edl.ecml.at/ World’s Biggest Coffee Morning: 30th Sept. www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk Recycle Week: 19th-25th Sept www.letsrecycle.com/news/ recycle-now-launches-themefor-recycle-week-2022 National Eye Health Week: 19th-25th Sept www.visionmatters.org.uk OCTOBER The Big Draw: 1st - 31 Oct. The official Big Draw Festival Month www.thebigdraw.org/ about-the-big-draw-festival Harvest Festival UK: 2nd Oct. Harvest Festival is a traditional celebration of the harvest that occurs in the United Kingdom on the Sunday closest to the Harvest Moon which takes place around the Autumn Equinox. National Baking Week: This happens every 14th to 20th October in the U.K. Pyrex initially started the holiday back in 2007 with other baking companies to inspire people of all abilities to try their hand at baking at home. For lots of recipe ideas see www.raring2go.co.uk/recipes Family Learning Festival: 15th - 30th Oct. The 2022 Festival theme is Inspiring Curiosity! This year’s theme aims to inspire a love of shared learning through curiosity. www.familylearningfestival. com/home Festival of Diwali: 23rd - 27th Oct. What are the five festivals of Diwali? The festival of lights continues for five consecutive days - Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. If you want to join in with Diwali on the Square 2022 in London, find out more at www.london. gov.uk/events/2022-10-09/ diwali-square-2022 Halloween: Mon. 31st Oct. Dress up, go guising, have fun - lots of recipes, ideas and games for Halloween on our website at www.raring2go.co.uk NOVEMBER Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire Night: 5th Nov. To learn the history of the gunpowder plot, see here www.raring2go.co.uk/ businesses/national-trustcoughton-court World Science Day 2022: 10th Nov. The theme this year is "Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future" . Road Safety Week 2022: 14th - 20th Nov. The theme of Road Safety Week 2022 is Safe Roads for All, bringing together communities and professionals to shout out for everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on safe roads. www.brake.org.uk/roadsafety-week/take-part World Nursery Rhyme Week: 14th-18th Nov. Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development and education. As well as being fun they are excellent teaching tools. To get involved visit www.worldnurseryrhymeweek .com DECEMBER Tree Dressing Day: 1st Dec. Yipee, it’s time to put up the Tree and enjoy decorating it with the family. For some decorating tips see www.wealddown.co.uk/ events/tree-dressing/ Christmas Jumper Day: 9th Dec. Its time to get yours out and celebrate everything that is Christmas! If you want to wear one for a great cause, why not find out more about one we support here: www.christmas.savethechildren.org.uk Winter Solstice 21st Dec: What is the Winter Solstice?It’s when the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky, and that day therefore has the least daylight and the longest night. Learn more at www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ topics/when-winter-solsticeshortest-day Christmas Day 25th: This year Christmas falls on a Sunday which means that Tuesday 27th Dec. is a public holiday. As New Years Day will also fall on a Sunday, Monday the 2nd Jan. 2023 will be a Bank Holiday. Festival of Winter walks: Head out over the Christmas and New Year period, for a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and clear away the Christmas over indulgence. orld Science Day 20 2: 10th Nov. The theme this year is "Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future" . Road Safety W ek 20 2: 14th - 20th Nov. The the e of Road Safety Week 2022 is Safe Roads for All, bringing together co unities and profe sionals to shout out for everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on safe roads. w.brake.org.uk/roadsafety-week/take-part orld Nursery Rhy e W ek: 14th-18th Nov. Nursery rhy es play an important role in early childh od develop ent and education. As well as being fun they are excellent teaching t ols. To get involved visit ww.worldnurseryrhy ew ek .com DECE BER Tr e Dre sing Day: 1st Dec. Yip e, it’s time to put up the Tr e and enjoy decorating it ith the fa ily. For some decorating tips see www.weal down.co.uk/ events/tree-dressing/ Christmas Ju per Day: 9th Dec. Its time to get yours out and celebrate everything that is Christmas! If you want to wear one for a great cause, why not find out more about one we su port here: ww.christmas.savethechildren.org.uk inter Solstice 21st Dec: What is the Winter Solstice?It’s hen the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky, and that day therefore has the least daylight and the longest night. Learn more at w .rmg.co.uk/stories/ topics/when-winter-solsticeshortest-day Christmas Day 25th: This year Christmas falls on a Sunday which means that Tuesday 27th Dec. is a public holiday. As Ne Years Day will also fall on a Sunday, Monday the 2nd Jan. 2023 will be a Bank Holiday. Festival of Winter walks: Head out over the Christmas and New Year period, for a great o portunity to enjoy the great outdoors and clear a ay the Christmas over indulgence. He e’s Forest y and Land Scotland’s top tips for looking after your Chris mas tree bit.ly/3QFiXFR c / https://edl.ecml.at/ ser r m . com/ top https://raring2go.co.uk/ / gov. uk/events/202 -10-09/ square-2022 https://coff e.mac illan.org.uk/ World Science Day 2022: 10th Nov. The theme this year is "Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future" . Road Safety Week 2022: 14th - 20th Nov. The theme of Road Safety Week 2022 is Safe Roads for All, bringing together communities and professionals to shout out for everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on safe roads. www.brake.org.uk/roadsafety-week/take-part World Nursery Rhyme Week: 14th-18th Nov. Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development and education. As well as being fun they are excellent teaching tools. To get involved visit www.worldnurseryrhymeweek .com DECEMBER Tree Dressing Day: 1st Dec. Yipee, it’s time to put up the Tree and enjoy decorating it with the family. For some decorating tips see www.wealddown.co.uk/ events/tree-dressing/ Christmas Jumper Day: 9th Dec. Its time to get yours out and celebrate everything that is Christmas! If you want to wear one for a great cause, why not find out more about one we support here: www.christmas.savethechildren.org.uk Winter Solstice 21st Dec: What is the Winter Solstice?It’s when the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky, and that day therefore has the least daylight and the longest night. Learn more at www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ topics/when-winter-solsticeshortest-day Christmas Day 25th: This year Christmas falls on a Sunday which means that Tuesday 27th Dec. is a public holiday. As New Years Day will also fall on a Sunday, Monday the 2nd Jan. 2023 will be a Bank Holiday. Festival of Winter walks: Head out over the Christmas and New Year period, for a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and clear away the Christmas over indulgence. w.savethechildren.org.uk/ christmas-jumper-day#! le.co /news/ l -launches-themef l - ek-202 /
Raring2go! Raring2go! 10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Spey Bay, Moray IV32 7PJ T: 01343 820339 E: dolphincentre@whales.org W: dolphincentre.whales.org WDC SCOTTISH DOLPHIN CENTRE FREE ENTRY FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE Photo copyright Charlie Phillips/WDC CAFE ~ GIFT SHOP ~ LANDBASED DOLPHIN WATCHING TUGNET ICEHOUSE TOUR ~ EXPLORE THE BONES BOX Autumn & Winter Opening Times Sep & Oct: Thur - Mon 10:30am - 4pm Nov to mid Dec: Thurs - Mon 10:30am - 3:30pm CLOSED Tuesdays & Wednesdays Competition WIN! You and your family (four people: one or two adults over 18 and two/three children under 12) could win one of two family tickets to the show on Friday 11th November 2022 at 6pm at the P&J Live in Aberdeen. WIN! One of TWO FAMILY TICKETS TO DISNEY ON ICE AT THE P&J LIVE ! Competition closes Friday 28th October 2022 To enter visit W: raring2go.co.uk/ aberdeen-city-and-shire/ competitions Believing is just the beginning at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and stars from Frozen, Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and more at Aberdeen’s P&J Live from 10 – 13 November 2022! Share every magical moment of breath-taking ice skating and beloved Disney stories!
Raring2go! Raring2go! 13 Music instrument tuition Under 5’s music group In-school tuition 12 raring2go.co.uk If you’re like us, you got through the last few weeks of the summer holidays with gritted teeth. You were sick of hearing ‘I’m bored!’ and you vowed never to spend so much money on nonsense – or complain about overuse of compter gadgets – ever again. Now that term has started again, it’s time to think about occuping the children with holiday clubs for their next break – either October half term or Christmas, which will come round sooner than you think. There are many classes for children which cater for all types of interests. For instance, is your little girl bows-and-arrows mad like Katniss from the Hunger Games? Then an archery class would suit her. Or does your son want to dance like a member of a boyband? He can learn how, while you have the house to yourself. Swimming suits everyone and is an all year round activity - not just for summer! A week long intensive course does wonders for a child’s confidence in the water. Dancing, drama, art, forest school, football, rugby, gymnastics, music... think of the clubs your children attend already - with enough demand maybe their teacher will run a holiday session. Check out the lessons on our clubs and classes pages as most of them also run holiday clubs at different times of the year. If you are l oking for October don’t wait too long, the best places get booked up quickly. Holiday Clubs about occuping the children with holiday clubs for their next break – either October half term or bows-and-arrows mad like Katniss from the Hunger Games? Then an archery class would suit her. Or does your son want to dance like a member of a boyband? He can learn how, while you have the house to yourself. Swimming suits everyone and is an all year round activity - not just for summer! A week long intensive course does wonders for a child’s confidence in the water. Dancing, drama, art, forest school, football, rugby, gymnastics, music... think of the clubs your children attend already - with enough demand maybe their teacher will run a holiday session. Check out the lessons on our clubs and classes pages as most of them also run holiday clubs at different times of the year. If you are looking for October don’t wait too long, the best places get booked up quickly.
Raring2go! Raring2go! 14 raring2go.co.uk 15 OAKWOOD - ACT I V I TY CAMP S - AN EXC I T I NG AND AWARD W I NN I NG SW I M SCHOOL AR R I V I NG NEAR YOU ! E XP E R I ENCE THE D I F F E R ENCE ! " THE UK ' S F I R S T CAR BON POS I T I V E SWI M SCHOOL , EDUCAT I NG THE YOU TH OF TOMOR ROW" BOOK NOW! ABERDEENSWIMMINGACADEMY.COM HIGH QUALITY & AFFORDABLE LESSONS CUSTOMER CENTRIC SMALL CLASS SIZES STA MARK ACCREDITED EXPERIENCED PVG CHECKED STAFF PRIVATE 1-2-1 & 1-2-2 LESSONS ADULT LESSONS ROOKIE LIFEGUARDING IN- HOUSE RLSS & STA TUTORS TEACHERS IN WATER COMMITTED TO RAISING INDUSTRY STANDARDS HOUS E OF SCH I VAS ( AB E RDE EN NOR TH NEAR E L LON ) ARDOE HOUS E HOT E L & S PA ( AB E RDE EN WE S T ) 1 2 3 4 5
12 The Raring2go! Guide to… Choosing an Independent School Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. With information now so instantly available through smart phones, laptops and tablets, it isn’t just simply sitting and browsing a prospectus over a leisurely cup of coffee. So, what should I consider? There are various factors that come into play, and the importance of each will vary from family to family. You may be looking for independent education for all or part of a child’s schooling, but here we look at some of the key points that you may wish to consider. Siblings - do you want all your children to go to the same school? If the answer is “Yes”, and you have a mix of girls and boys, then clearly you are only looking at co-ed schools. If you are considering each child individually, would a single sex school, or a co-ed school be more suitable? What strengths does my child have? Are they academic, musical or sporty? What facilities does the school have that match these skills? Does your child have areas of weakness that need special assistance? Schools should support and develop the areas of weakness whilst continually challenging their areas of strength or expertise. School run - both the time and distance involved in the school run will be a factor, particularly if you have different schools to drop off at, or pick up, from. Some schools offer the option to book school transport, but also look at the various options around public transport or lift shares. Consider the timings of any sporting fixtures, as this could affect your transport plans. Feeder schools - some schools have particular links to senior schools. If you have a specific requirement for a senior school, look at the relationships that this school may have with schools that may feed in. Look at the destinations of the leaving pupils. Culture - are there traditional or religious considerations? Would a small or large school suit your child best? Boarding or day pupil? Budget - there may be scholarships, bursaries or sibling discounts available. Enquire about the number and eligibility, and how they are awarded. Do your homework, and then go and visit those schools that you have shortlisted, and see for yourself. After the Open Days, you will probably have narrowed your selection down. It is worth asking the Admissions Department if you can visit the school on a normal day, so that you get a real feel for the atmosphere. Expect too, to pay a non-refundable registration fee. This does not guarantee you a place, and accordingly it’s not unusual for parents to pay a registration fee to more than one school. Make up your own mind - undoubtedly everyone that you speak to about a school will have their own personal opinion that may be based on rumour, hearsay or experience. Whilst the process can seem daunting, if you are prepared with your requirements, and identify questions that you need answering, you will be able to compare each school on a like-for-like basis. Trust your instinct – it’s likely to lead you to the correct decision. Raring2go! Raring2go! 16 raring2go.co.uk 17 Registration is now open www.st-margaret.aberdeen.sch.uk Contact us on 01224 584466 or email admissions@st-margaret.uk Registered Charity with OSCR (Reg. No. SC016265) Join us at our Open Day Saturday 1st October At St Margaret’s, we understand girls – how they learn, play and develop. The only all girls’ school in Aberdeen, St Margaret’s has around 370 pupils ranging in age from 3 to 18. Our school values of respect, equality, hard work, ambition and community are at the heart of all that we do. We believe that a single-sex education offers girls the space in which their intellectual and physical identity can blossom, free from stereotype, full of challenge and rich with opportunity and care. We design every aspect of our academic, pastoral and extra-curricular provision to meet the needs of girls at their different developmental stages. Class sizes at St Margaret’s are deliberately small ensuring that each girl receives the individual attention and support she requires. Our allTHE IMPORTANCE OF A WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY through community, from nursery to sixth year, provides abundant leadership opportunities and fosters a sense of belonging. Older girls mentor and inspire younger pupils in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Overall academic attainment is consistently high but is only one aspect of our holistic approach to education: St Margaret’s is an inclusive, caring school with a strong sense of community, where girls are supported to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Senior pupil Kasia, who has secured a place at Edinburgh University to study Astrophysics, shared that “being at St Margaret’s gave me the opportunity to experience things I had never done before and allowed me to be myself. My teachers have supported me to believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to and I am grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication.” For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact the St Margaret’s Admissions Team on (01224) 584466.
Raring2go! Raring2go! 18 raring2go.co.uk 19 Albyn School Open Events Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Friday 18 November 2022 Friday 16 December 2022 An independent school for girls and boys aged 2-18 Register at www.albynschool.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher 1) Get yourself ready rst, before your child. It’s helpful to prepare some things the night before and go to bed at a reasonable hour so you’ll all wake early enough. Late nights are a sure re way to make the mornings more stressful for everyone. 2) Don’t turn on the TV before breakfast. Its far better to make sure the children are dressed before they eat and then perhaps when they’re fully ready you can turn the television on. 3) Let your child know ahead of time that you’ll be going out. Explain exactly what the day’s activities will be and tell them clearly what their time requirements are. 4) Help younger children learn the importance of being organised. Encourage them to do things for themselves. For example, teaching children to get dressed by themselves is chance to practice independent skills and it will save you time in the long run! 5) Turn getting ready into a game! For example, you could try the “beat the clock” game. The idea is that your child’s goal is to be ready before the alarm clock buzzes. If you child wins he/she earns a small treat or reward such as a favourite snack in their lunch box. It’s important to tell your child exactly what tasks they must do in order to be ready to leave and thus win the reward. Back to school... Unfortunately the holidays cant last forever. Here’s a few tips to help with the start of a new school year: It is so important that your child begins their learning journey in the right environment. At Albyn School, boys and girls feel safe and at home in our small classes; the perfect setting for inquisitive minds to flourish and for your child’s potential to be unlocked. Our pupils want to excel, and they develop high aspirations for the future. With over half of our S5 pupils achieving five A grades at Higher in 2022, pupils are given full support for whichever pathway they choose to follow once they leave Albyn. Part of our vision is to offer the opportunity for our pupils to seek fulfilment and enrichment both in and out of the classroom. With smaller class sizes and a large range of subjects on offer, pupils are able to learn in a purposeful and comfortable environment with dedicated teachers who have time for each and every pupil. Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to take part in an incredibly rich and wide cocurricular programme, where one day they may be flying high in the sky with the Combined Cadet Force and the next day they could be racing an electric car with our Formula 24 Club. There really is something for everyone. Pupil Voice is really important at Albyn, and we encourage our pupils to have their say on many different aspects of school life. This helps us to create the best learning environment for each individual pupil. Our vision and values are lived every day and are shared widely and deeply by all who learn, work and teach within our school community. For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact the Albyn School Admissions Team on 01224 322408, email: admissions@albynschool.co.uk. Albyn School Open Events Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Friday 18 November 2022 Friday 16 December 2022 An independent school for girls and boys aged 2-18 Register at www.albynschool.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher Albyn School Open Events Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Friday 18 November 2022 Friday 16 December 2022 An independent school for girls a d boys aged 2-18 Register at www.albynsc ool.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher Albyn School Open Ev ts Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Friday 18 November 2022 Friday 16 Decemb r 2022 An independent school for girls and boys age 2-18 Register at www.albynscho l.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher Albyn School Op n Ev ts Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Friday 18 November 2022 Friday 16 December 2022 An independent school for girls and boys age 2-18 Register at www.albyn chool.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher Albyn School Open Ev nts Friday 16 September 2022 Saturday 5 November 2022 Frid y 18 November 2022 Friday 16 December 2022 An independent school for girls and boys age 2-18 Register at www.albynschool.co.uk Charity no. SC008392 In 2022 over half of all S5 pupils gained 5 A grades at Higher The right environment allowing each child to find their voice ore e some o bed at ake early re way ssful for e breakfast. hildren are n perhaps turn the of time in exactly and 4) H lp younger children learn the importance of being organised. Encourage t em to do things for th ms lves. For example, teaching children t get dressed by themselves is chance to practice independent skills and it will save you ime in the long run! 5) Turn getting ready into a game! For exampl , you could try the “beat the clock” game. The idea is that your child’s goal is to be ready before the alarm clock buzzes. If ou child wi s he/she earns a small treat or reward such as a favourite sn k in their lunch box. It’s important to tell your child exactly what tasks they ust do in order to be ready to leave and thus win the reward. ool... nt last foreve . Her ’s a t of a new school year: . for e some to bed t ake early re way essful for e breakfast. hildren are en perhaps n turn the of time in exactly and 4) Help younge children learn the importance of being organised. Encourag th m to do things for thems lves. For example, tea hing children o get dressed by themselves s ch nce to practice independent skil s and it w ll save you time in the long run! 5) Turn getting ready into a game! For example, you could try the “beat the clock” game. The idea is that your child’s goal is to be ready before the alarm clock buzzes. If you child wins he/she earns a small treat or reward such as a favourite snack in their lunch box. It’s important to tell your child ool... ant l st forever. Here’s a t of a new school year: . fore e some to b d at ake arly re way essful for e breakfast. hildren are e perhaps 4) Help younger children learn the importance of being organised. Encoura hem to o things for themselves. For example, teaching chi dren to get dressed by emselves s chance to practic independent skills and it will save you time in the long run! 5) Turn getting ready int a game! For ool... ant last forever. Here’s a t of a new school year: . 1 G t yours lf ady rs , for y ur child. It’ helpfu to prepare some things the night b fore and go to bed at a rea onable hour so you’ll all wake early enough. Lat nigh s are a sure re way to mak the mornings more stressful for everyone. 2 Don’t tur on the TV befo e br akfast. Its far better to make su e the childr n are dressed b fore they eat a d then perhaps when they’re fully ready you can turn th television on. 3) Let your child know ahead of time th t you’ll be going out. Explai exactly what the day’s activities will be and tell them clearly wh th ir time requirem nts are. 4) H lp younger c ildren learn the importance of being orga ised. Encourage them to do th ngs for themselv s. For example, teaching children to get dr ssed by themselves is chance to practice independent skills and it will save you time in the long run! 5) urn getting ready into a ame! For example, you could t y the “beat the clock” game. The id a is th t your chi d’s goal is to be ready be ore the alarm clock buzzes. If you child wins he/she earns a small treat or reward uch as a favourite snack in their lunch box. It’s important to t ll you child exactly what tasks they must do in order to be ready to leave and thus win the reward. Back to school... Unfortunately the holidays cant last forever. Here’s a few tips to help with the start of a new school year: 4. 1 G t you self rst, b fore your child. It’s he pful to prepare some things the night before and go to b d t a r asonabl hour so you’ll all wa e early eno gh. Lat igh s ar a sure re way to mak the mornings more stressfu for everyone. 2) Do ’t turn on he TV before breakfast. Its far b tter to make sure he childr n ar dresse b fore they eat and t en perhaps when they’re fully ready you can turn the television on. 3 Let y ur child know ahe d of time 4 H lp younge children learn th importance of being organis d. Encourag th m to do things for hem elves. For example, tea hing children to get dressed by hems lve is ch nce to p actice independent kills and it w ll save you tim in he long run! 5) Turn getting ready into a game! For example, you could try the “beat the clock” game. The idea is that your child’s goal is to be ready before the alarm clock buzzes. If you child wins he/she earns a small treat Back to school... U fortunately the holidays cant last f rever. Here’s a few tips to help with the start of a new school year: 5.
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Raring2go! 21 It’s Pumpkin Time! Here’s one of her recipes for you to try with your kids: Easy Pumpkin Cake Bake in a square tin and slice into squares for elevenses or the school lunchbox Makes 12 Ingredients: 175g sugar 175ml sunflower oil 3 eggs 150g pumpkin, grated 100g raisins 175g self-raising flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of ground ginger, ground nutmeg and ground cloves For the drizzle icing: 50g icing sugar The juice from half an orange Method: • Heat the oven to 180oC. • Line a 21cm square tin with non-stick paper. • In a large bowl, mix the sugar, oil and eggs. Stir in the grated pumpkin. Add the raisins and dry ingredients. • Pile into the prepared tin and bake for about one hour until it springs back to the touch and a toothpick or skewer comes out clean. • Remove from the tin and leave to cool. • Mix the icing sugar and orange juice and use a teaspoon to drizzle over the cooled cake. • Cut into a dozen squares. It’s nearly Halloween, which means it’s nearly PUMPKIN time! Think pumpkins and the first thing that usually springs to mind is carving them into spooky Jack o’ lanterns. However, there’s so much more you can do with your pumpkin! We spoke to Jenny Fyall from Udny Pumpkins, who is growing 8000 at her pumpkin patch near Udny Green, for some tips to keep your little ones entertained this autumn. PAINT YOUR PUMPKIN Use acrylic paint to create a beautiful picture or pattern on your pumpkin or turn it into your favourite animal or cartoon character. The beauty of painting your pumpkin is that (unlike when you carve it), it can last for many weeks or even months, providing a stunning decoration for your home or child’s bedroom. DECORATE IT Dig out some craft supplies and let your child’s imagination run wild. Stick on googly eyes, poke in pipe cleaners, glue on some felt hair and before you know it, you’ll have created a crazy looking pumpkin monster! USE IT AS A VASE To make a stunning table centrepiece, cut off the lid and scoop out the seeds as you would when carving a pumpkin. Put your favourite autumnal flowers into a small glass jar or plastic beaker filled with water and pop the whole thing into your pumpkin. KEEP IT AS A DECORATION Pumpkins are beautiful, especially if you have a mix of colours. At the pumpkin patch we have white “ghost” pumpkins, blue ones, green ones and even warty ones. Lots of children make a beeline for our tiny munchkin pumpkins and love to give them a name and keep them in their bedroom! A selection of pumpkins can look so pretty on the doorstep or mantelpiece. If they are kept inside and aren’t carved or cut, a pumpkin can last for six months or even longer. Sometimes, magically, they even change colour as they age. GROW FROM IT If you’ve carved a pumpkin, you’ll know they are full of slimy seeds. Wash all the gunge off the seeds (use a colander or sieve), then dry them out thoroughly (put them on a sunny window ledge on some kitchen roll). Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Then in the spring plant them to grow your very own pumpkin for next Halloween! COOK WITH IT Pumpkins are amazing to cook with, full of vitamin A and low in fat. They can be used for everything from soup to cake, from pasties to milkshakes. Grate some into bolognaise sauce or add some into a risotto. It’s great messy fun to cook with pumpkins, so children will love it. Jenny enjoys cooking with pumpkins so much she’s written a book - The Pumpkin Patch Cookbook; Forty tasty recipes celebrating the magic of pumpkin in the kitchen.
Raring2go! 23 Raring2go! 22 raring2go.co.uk Surviving Halloween WITCH Wear a black and green outfit and paint on a green witches’ face and paint the back of your hands green (or use some green gardening gloves). Use a pillowcase or towel for a cape. Mess up your hair and make a hat from card or newspaper and paint it black. Stripy tights or socks complete the look along with some pointy shoes or boots. Whether you’re having a party, going trick or treating or just greeting ghastly visitors here are five quick costumes you can make yourself – no sewing involved! 1 5 2 3 4 MUMMY Pop on a white or pale outfit and wrap bandages around yourself, securing with knots, masking tape or safety pins. Paint your face white and add some blackened eyes. COLOURFUL MONSTER Paint a bright orange or green monster face, backcomb your hair so it stands on end and wear bright clothes. Make some monster ears from card and pin or clip on (or put on a hair band) add a finishing touch. GHOST A white sheet or pillowcase can be used to make a ghostly body, paint your face white with black eyes and you’re done! PUMPKIN A orange tee-shirt or pillowcase work great as a body! Draw black eyes and a mouth on it with a marker pen. A green bobble hat and scarf finishes off the outfit (and green or black tights too!). Spook-tacular fun activities for Halloween! The spookiest day of the calendar is fast approaching and we’re all looking forward to Halloween discos or trick or treating this year. However, if these aren’t your (or your kid’s) thing, fear not… our alternative guide to Halloween celebrations is here. And, even if the 31st isn’t on a weekend this year, we bet a spooktacular time can still be had by all! Have a Blood Curdling Feast! Star Gazing Frightening Film Night Hide and Seek Make Mud Pie Spells Decorate Your House Zoom by Torchlight Get the decorations out and make it a party at home. Witches’ fingers or spider sandwiches anyone? Check out the gruesome recipe ideas on our website. The early dark nights are perfect for a spot of star or witch spotting. How scary do you dare? The Addams Family, Casper, Goosebumps or Room on a Broom are some of our faves. See page 22 for more! Have a go at painting some rocks with a Halloween theme, then head outdoors to hide them. There are lots of Facebook groups dedicated to Painted Rocks where you can share photos of ones you find. “Hubble bubble, toil and trouble”…a nice easy activity that you can do in the garden. Make a mud pie or a witch’s brew with lashings of mud and water and anything else you can find to throw in. Get ready for Trick or Treaters this year and make your house spookily fantastic! The residents of your street could judge the bestlooking house! For more craft ideas take a look at the KidZone on our website. Even though we are out and about again, we now have lots of ways to connect with people who aren’t close. Try meeting with friends and family who aren’t local online, by torchlight. and see who can pull the funniest faces! If you can’t meet up with Granny or Granda for Halloween, how about organising a spooky video call with them? You could dress up, dim the lights and each take turns telling a ghost story. Even better – the children could write their own stories! Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt Hide delicious treats around the house and send your little witches and wizards in search of the loot. Like trick or treating, only warmer! Pumpkin Carving Dress Up Camping in the Garden There are lots of creative templates or ideas online and little ones can join in with paint. Add a tealight for a spooky glow. Make sure you share photos of your carvings with us on our Facebook page. We saw some great photos last year! For our best quick and easy, no sew Halloween costume ideas check out page 22. We’d love to see how you get on – share your photos on our social pages. Take camping to the extreme! Camp in the garden (or lounge), pour the hot chocolate and prepare to share some terrible tales! Please share photos of your Halloween fun with us on our Facebook page!
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Raring2go! Raring2go! 26 raring2go.co.uk 27 Returning to your job after maternity leave or once your children are at school can seem daunting, but it needn’t be. Take some simple steps to regain your confidence in the workplace. STARTING FROM SCRATCH If your employer has kept your job open for you, then you’re entitled to some catch-up days when you will return to keep an eye on how things have been without you. That’s also an opportunity to getcolleagues to fill you in on any gossip or changesthat may affect you. But if this is your first step back into the world of 9-5 for years then no wonder you’re nervous. Relax... GET POSITIVE Don’t imagine that just because it seems all you’ve been doing for years is washing, pushing a buggy and singing The Wheels On The Bus that you are unemployable. Boost your confidence by listing all the skills you used to have, and those you have nowadays. Persuaded a picky child to eat a vegetable? That’s negotiation. Helped out at the school fair? Events organising and teamwork. Raising money in a local pub raffle? That’s sales and marketing. Transfer your talent of problem solving and being creative (keeping siblings happy) into an employment environment and you’re probably more skilled than you first thought. With that in mind, brush up your CV or create one now that reflects the person you are now, not the person you were. If you can’t remember what it’s like to be on your feet all day or sitting at a desk, then practise. Charities, schools, libraries, hospitals and many other organisations are desperate for volunteers. You can meet the public, enjoy adult company and see how you get on. IN THE HOT SEAT Wherever you work, little things may be different – even the way the tea run is done. There could be members of staff you’ve never met, different systems of storing or processing information. Take a moment to learn the new ways and don’t fall into the trap of saying ‘That’s not how it should be’. But nor should you beat yourself up if you don’t pick up all the changes the first time. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Keep in mind there are many working mums already out there who share your feelings – guilt at leaving their baby, guilt at being delighted they’ve got the chance to leave their baby (!), people existing on little sleep, worried they’re wearing odd socks, or aren’t coping. Invest in a slow cooker or frozen pizza if you’re too tired to make hot meals in the evening. Book yourself time off during the working day or at the weekend so you can look and feel your best – a pedicure, a haircut, meeting a friend for coffee. If you can afford it, get a cleaner. And don’t fall into the trap of buying your child’s affection at the weekends with expensive gifts – your precious time is enough. GETTING BACK to work
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30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 31 Copyright © 2022 by Mojo Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Publishers. Produced and published by Clique Publications Limited 27 Fairway Avenue, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 3WY Telephone: 01467 629491. All information in the publication is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without written permission. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in the publication are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. Please note that points of view expressed in articles and in advertisements included in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the publication, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the Publishers for loss arising from the use of information published. All rights reserved. Competitions Our competition Ts and Cs are here: www.raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms. They don’t reference GDPR specifically because our privacy policy makes this very clear www.raring2go.co.uk/privacy. Enter via the Raring2go.co.uk/aberdeen-city-and-shire, simply by registering for free on the site. These rules apply to all the competitions in the magazine. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry drawn at random. No cash alternative to prize. The winner will be notified by email or by phone. A list of recent winners will be published in each edition. Any personal data provided will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It will only be used for the purposes of notifying outcomes of the competition. Your information will not be shared with any organisations external to Raring2go! except for when a third party is issuing a prize directly. If you don’t wish to be informed of future events or offers, please state so. Our Summer Competition to win a Family Ticket to visit Alford’s Grampian Transport Museum was won by June Forsyth and Family. Sign up today, just 1 click away! Visit raring2go.co.uk and start saving today Sign up today and gain access to: • Great Competitions • Money-off Vouchers • What's On Diary • Kidzone Activities Localise with your postcode to find offers & ideas near you! Your LOCAL family magazine and website From places to Visit, Stay, Play, Eat, Shop & Explore... you'll find things to do, local to you! www.raring2go.co.uk FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/bts30 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial *This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Ages 3–9 Learning Maths Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills. Ages 7–13 Building Confidence Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Ages 3–7 Learning to Read Children follow structured, one-on-one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills. Ages 2–4 First Steps Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready-to-read skills. Ages 5–10 Mastering Phonics Fast-paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers. Try the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2–13. Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for young kids, and it’s proven to work in just 15 minutes a day. Perfect for back-to-school preparation and cleverly designed to grow with your child, 91% of parents see an improvement within just a few short weeks.
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