Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival

Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival

Friday 18^th & Saturday 19^th July 2014

With the exception of Alice in Wonderland workshop & performance on Friday 18^th July ALL activities are 100% FREE!!

The festival also has on offer lots of self-directed activities and drop-in sessions so even if you don't book in for a time-set offering you won't be at a loss for things to do!

At the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival we very much have families in mind so we have aimed to make this programme as convenient as possible for you to spot what you might be looking for. Put simply, we have listed the activities in an age-orientated way then by date and time of day.

Please note – we strongly advise you to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of any events and activities you book. This is to allow you plenty of time to park, discover the location of your event on the estate and make your way there in a leisurely way

The festival events & activities will be happening in locations across the estate and in Kingsbarns Village Hall. Please allow a good 20 minutes walking time between Cambo House & the village.

A Commonwealth Art Exhibition will be on display in Kingsbarns Village Hall from 6.30pm Friday 18^th through to 5pm Saturday 19^th July. The exhibition has been created by  and from the art work of children from Kingsbarns Primary School and Kilmaron School

Bringing teenies? (3 – 6 year olds)

Strength, Speed & Stamina Show                                           Fri 18^th 10am & 12.15pm

No booking required

All ages           Duration: 30mins

Have you got what it takes? During this energetic show you will explore how top athletes prepare for the challenges of a lifetime! How fast is the fastest human? What does a marathon and a mountain have in common? Can you guess what a weight lifter eats for breakfast? Discover all this and more through Dundee Science Centre's exciting interactive show!

Storytelling Explorer Family Workshop                                          Fri 18^th 12 – 1.30pm

Booking required

For 5 – 10 year olds and their adult/s. Duration: 1hour 30mins

Did you know ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.Tolkien started life as a made up story that he told his children, before it became a best-selling book?!

This storytelling workshop for families will explore techniques adults can use in order to discover their inner storyteller. We will learn to tell a traditional story, make up some mini-tales, pick up some pro-tips and have lots of fun in the process

Alice in Wonderland Workshop                                                                   Fri 18^th 1pm

Booking required

Aimed at 5 – 10 years

A fantastic, fun workshop for 5 – 10 year olds prior to the performance of Alice in Wonderland. Come and have some fun with the actors as we tumble down the rabbit hole & explore Wonderland through drama, movement & song. The workshop lasts 45 minutes. This event is likely to sell out fast so to avoid disappointment we encourage you to book online or by telephone to Cambo swiftly!

Alice in Wonderland – Cambridge Touring Theatre                  Fri 18^th 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tickets – Ad £12, Conc £7.50 & Family £35

This open air family performance invites you to come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with you friends and family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited and encouraged to come along dressed in their best Wonderland fashion.

"Has families rolling around with laughter" – The Guardian

'Lapin wants Breakfast' – Le Petit Monde Puppet Theatre      Sat 19^th 10am & 2pm

No booking required     Duration 40mins

Aimed at 3 – 5 yrs

Tania is just back from Paris. In her suitcase, she has brought her tiny French garden, where Lapin, the French rabbit lives. He really wants his breakfast, but will only eat ONE THING. What could it be . . .? Le Petit Monde brings you this engaging puppet performance for 3 – 5 year olds. This show was rated 4* in The Herald – "The simple theme of trying to feed a fussy rabbi had the target audience fully engaged with Lapin & his friends" www.lepetitmonde.co.uk

Le Petit Monde Fruit & Vegetable Necklace workshop    Sat 19^th 11.15am & 3.15pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

Aimed at 3 – 7 yrs (Accompanying adults required for those under 5)

Come to Tania's little French Den and make your own 'Pomme' necklace. Or will it be a 'Carotte' one? Or even a beautiful 'Brocoli' one? Using various materials, we'll decorate simple necklaces to wear & have fun . . .in French! Tania is qualified in Childcare & Education & has been running French creative workshops & classes for pre-school children since 2008.

Mad Hat Campfire                                                                  Sat 19^th 11.45 – 12.45pm

Booking required

Aimed at 4 – 12 yrs – under 6 must have accompanying adult

'Said the Hatter. "You might just as well say that 'I see what I eat' is the same thing as 'I eat what I see'!"

Come around the Haba Fire BBQ for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party inspired session to learn to see what we eat. We will learn how to set and light a fire without matches and how to create some Mad Hat rosemary damper bread using giant bamboo. While waiting for it to cook we will make some wild-garlic butter and, time permitting, some stick men sculptures, before tucking in. The session will be run by a Primary-trained Forest School teacher.

Miniature Mops & Super-Sized Shelters                                 Sat 19^th 2.30 – 3.30pm

Booking required

Aimed at 4 – 12 yrs – under 6 must have accompanying adult

'If seven maids with seven mops, Swept it for half a year,

Do you suppose', the Walrus said, 'That they could get it clear?'

Come into the woods to create some miniature twig brooms using basic tools and learn some simple lashing and whittling techniques. Then join us in creating dens using Forest School techniques and knots to shelter a-whateversize-Alice required. The session will be run by a Primary-trained Forest School Teacher.

Bringing tweenies? (7 – 12 year olds)

Strength, Speed & Stamina Show                                         Fri 18^th 10am & 12.15pm

No booking required

All ages           Duration: 30mins

Have you got what it takes? During this energetic show you will explore how top athletes prepare for the challenges of a lifetime! How fast is the fastest human? What does a marathon and a mountain have in common? Can you guess what a weight lifter eats for breakfast? Discover all this and more through Dundee Science Centre's exciting interactive show!

Beginner's Yoga                                                   Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th 10.45am & 3.30pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

For 12yrs – adult

Explore the wonders and benefits of yoga with Lori. This Ashtanga-flow based class is suitable for everybody & every body! Emphasis will be on the breath and mind-body awareness. Geared with beginners in mind the session will not incorporate head stands, hand stands or shoulder stands. Give it a go, just go with the flow! www.matsyyoga.com

Minecraft Workshop – Commonwealth Games Eco-Village! 

Fri 18^th  & Sat 19^th  11am – 12.30pm & 2.30 – 4pm

Booking required

The Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival invites you to Cambo Stables to join the Festival Minecraft Team, using this popular, immersive computer game, to create a Commonwealth Games Eco-village.

Aimed at 8 – 12 year olds, accompanying adults are fully encouraged to join the young Festival Minecraft Team or to create the 'Mine-ders' collaboration

All of this virtual building will happen under the professional guidance and support of Digital Artist and Creative Producer, Stephen Reid, winner of Mojam 2014!

Please note– you must bring your own device

Storytelling Explorer Family Workshop                                         Fri 18^th 12 – 1.30pm

Booking required

For 5 – 10 year olds and their adult/s. Duration: 1hour 30mins

Did you know ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.Tolkien started life as a made up story that he told his children, before it became a best-selling book?!

This storytelling workshop for families will explore techniques adults can use in order to discover their inner storyteller. We will learn to tell a traditional story, make up some mini-tales, pick up some pro-tips and have lots of fun in the process

Alice in Wonderland Workshop                                                                    Fri 18^th 1pm

Booking required

Aimed at 5 – 10 years

A fantastic, fun workshop for 5 – 10 year olds prior to the performance of Alice in Wonderland. Come and have some fun with the actors as we tumble down the rabbit hole & explore Wonderland through drama, movement & song. The workshop lasts 45 minutes. This event is likely to sell out fast so to avoid disappointment we encourage you to book online or by telephone to Cambo swiftly!

Alice in Wonderland – Cambridge Touring Theatre                  Fri 18^th 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tickets – Ad £12, Conc £7.50 & Family £35

This open air family performance invites you to come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with your friends and family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited and encouraged to come along dressed in their best Wonderland fashion.

"Has families rolling around with laughter" – The Guardian

Le Petit Monde Fruit & Vegetable Necklace workshop    Sat 19^th 11.15am & 3.15pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

Aimed at 3 – 7 yrs (Accompanying adults required for those under 5)

Come to Tania's little French Den and make your own 'Pomme' necklace. Or will it be a 'Carotte' one? Or even a beautiful 'Brocoli' one? Using various materials, we'll decorate simple necklaces to wear & have fun . . .in French! Tania is qualified in Childcare & Education & has been running French creative workshops & classes for pre-school children since 2008

Mad Hat Campfire                                                               Sat 19^th 11.45am – 12.45pm

Booking required

Aimed at 4 – 12 yrs – under 6 must have accompanying adult

'Said the Hatter. "You might just as well say that 'I see what I eat' is the same thing as 'I eat what I see'!"

Come around the Haba Fire BBQ for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party inspired session to learn to see what we eat. We will learn how to set and light a fire without matches and how to create some Mad Hat rosemary damper bread using giant bamboo. While waiting for it to cook we will make some wild-garlic butter and, time permitting, some stick men sculptures, before tucking in. The session will be run by a Primary-trained Forest School teacher.

Miniature Mops & Super-Sized Shelters                                   Sat 19^th 2.30 – 3.30pm

Booking required

Aimed at 4 – 12 yrs – under 6 must have accompanying adult

'If seven maids with seven mops, Swept it for half a year,

Do you suppose', the Walrus said, 'That they could get it clear?'

Come into the woods to create some miniature twig brooms using basic tools and learn some simple lashing and whittling techniques. Then join us in creating dens using Forest School techniques and knots to shelter a-whateversize-Alice required. The session will be run by a Primary-trained Forest School Teacher.

Bringing teens? (13 – 17 year olds)

Sound Journey Workshop                                                              Fri 18^th 10am – 11am

Booking required

Aimed at 10 – 16 year olds     Duration: 1 hour

An interactive sound journey, this workshop lead by musician & meditation teacher, Daniel Allison, will guide young people in the co-creation of a journey through sound. Tibetan singing bowls, ethnic percussive instruments, drums & chimes will all be available, while Daniel will lead the journey with his native American flute and didgeridoo!

Strength, Speed & Stamina Show                                       Fri 18^th 10am & 12.15pm

All ages           Duration: 30mins

Have you got what it takes? During this energetic show you will explore how top athletes prepare for the challenges of a lifetime! How fast is the fastest human? What does a marathon and a mountain have in common? Can you guess what a weight lifter eats for breakfast? Discover all this and more through Dundee Science Centre's exciting interactive show!

Beginner's Yoga                                Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th both days 10.45am & 3.30pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

For 12yrs – adult

Explore the wonders and benefits of yoga with Lori. This Ashtanga-flow based class is suitable for everybody & every body! Emphasis will be on the breath and mind-body awareness. Geared with beginners in mind the session will not incorporate head stands, hand stands or shoulder stands. Give it a go, just go with the flow! www.matsyyoga.com

Café Chatter 'Insights from Jabberwocky! : How we learn language' Fri 18^th 11am

Booking required        Duration 45mins

Talk & discussion lead by:

Dr Lynne Duncan, Director of Language & Learning Lab, School of Psychology, Dundee University

Can nonsense verse tell us something about how we learn to speak and read? Although at first everything may appear "jabberwocky", infants rapidly begin to crack the code to understand the sounds that they hear when adults speak. As they get older, children learn to decipher the letter symbols that they see as they come across written words in storybooks. What are the tools that children use to do this, how can we best help them to learn and why does this learning process occasionally break down?

Alice in Wonderland – Cambridge Touring Theatre             Fri 18^th 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tickets – Ad £12, Conc £7.50 & Family £35

This open air family performance invites you to come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with your friends and family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited and encouraged to come along dressed in their best Wonderland fashion.

"Has families rolling around with laughter" – The Guardian

Commonwealth Cookery Demo & Supper     Fri 18^th 7pm   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Cullen Skink

Tanzanian Coconut Black-eyed Pea Soup

Canadian Strawberry Soup

Bread & Shortbread

Please note - Donations welcome to Kingsbarns Village Hall

Commonwealth Cookery Demonstration – Sat 19^th   11am   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Drop-in event – no booking required

Commonwealth Cookery Workshop – Sat 19^th   11.45am   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Commonwealth Café – 11am – 4pm

Commonwealth soups and bread

Coffee & teas

Shortbread

Strawberries & Cream

Commonwealth Cookery Demonstration – Sat 19^th   2pm   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Drop-in event – no booking required

Commonwealth Cookery Workshop – Sat 19^th   2.45pm   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Café Chatter 1 – Why do we love making music?                                    Sat 19^th 3pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

Talk & discussion lead by:

Dr Ines Jentzsch, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, St Andrews University

Music is something that many of us could not live without. Active music making in particular is extremely enjoyable but more importantly, can powerfully affect our long-term physical & mental wellbeing. When we learn to play an instrument, a number of complex tasks combine. These tasks require an immense amount of motivation, concentration & discipline involving different parts of or brains. Neuroscientists have found strong evidence for both structural and functional changes in the brains of musically active people. What exactly are these brain changes and can we acquire them even later in life? Can they positively affect us cognitively & emotionally? Or is music nothing more than just an auditory cheesecake (S.Pinker)?

Just yourself and some curious friends?

Strength, Speed & Stamina Show               Fri 18^th 10-10.30am & 12.15 – 12.45pm

No booking required

All ages           Duration: 30mins

Have you got what it takes? During this energetic show you will explore how top athletes prepare for the challenges of a lifetime! How fast is the fastest human? What does a marathon and a mountain have in common? Can you guess what a weight lifter eats for breakfast? Discover all this and more through Dundee Science Centre's exciting interactive show!

Beginner's Yoga                              Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th   both days 10.45am & 3.30pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

For 12yrs – adult

Explore the wonders and benefits of yoga with Lori. This Ashtanga-flow based class is suitable for everybody & every body! Emphasis will be on the breath and mind-body awareness. Geared with beginners in mind the session will not incorporate head stands, hand stands or shoulder stands. Give it a go, just go with the flow! www.matsyyoga.com

Alice in Wonderland – Cambridge Touring Theatre             Fri 18^th 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tickets – Ad £12, Conc £7.50 & Family £35

This open air family performance invites you to come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with your friends and family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited and encouraged to come along dressed in their best Wonderland fashion.

"Has families rolling around with laughter" – The Guardian

Café Chatter- 'Insights from Jabberwocky! : How we learn language' Fri 18^th 11am

Booking required.

Talk & discussion lead by:

Dr Lynne Duncan, Director of Language & Learning Lab, School of Psychology, Dundee University

Can nonsense verse tell us something about how we learn to speak and read? Although at first everything may appear "jabberwocky", infants rapidly begin to crack the code to understand the sounds that they hear when adults speak. As they get older, children learn to decipher the letter symbols that they see as they come across written words in storybooks. What are the tools that children use to do this, how can we best help them to learn and why does this learning process occasionally break down?

Commonwealth Cookery Demo & Supper     Fri 18^th 7pm   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Cullen Skink

Tanzanian Coconut Black-eyed Pea Soup

Canadian Strawberry Soup

Bread & Shortbread

Please note - Donations welcome to Kingsbarns Village Hall

Commonwealth Cookery Demonstration – Sat 19^th   11am   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Drop-in event – no booking required

Commonwealth Cookery Workshop – Sat 19^th   11.45am   Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Commonwealth Café                                                                         Sat 19^th 11am – 4pm

Commonwealth soups and bread

Coffee & teas

Shortbread

Strawberries & Cream

Commonwealth Cookery Demonstration – Sat 19^th   2pm      Kingsbarns Village Hall

Drop-in event – no booking required

Commonwealth Cookery Workshop – Sat 19^th   2.45pm        Kingsbarns Village Hall

Booking required

Café Chatter 1 – Why do we love making music?                                   Sat 19^th 3pm

Booking required        Duration 45mins

Talk & discussion lead by:

Dr Ines Jentzsch, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, St Andrews University

Music is something that many of us could not live without. Active music making in particular is extremely enjoyable but more importantly, can powerfully affect our long-term physical & mental wellbeing. When we learn to play an instrument, a number of complex tasks combine. These tasks require an immense amount of motivation, concentration & discipline involving different parts of or brains. Neuroscientists have found strong evidence for both structural and functional changes in the brains of musically active people. What exactly are these brain changes and can we acquire them even later in life? Can they positively affect us cognitively & emotionally? Or is music nothing more than just an auditory cheesecake (S.Pinker)?

Drop – in & D.I.Y @ the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival
Beastly Brains                                                                                    Fri 18^th 10.30 – 4pm
Drop-in activities run by Dr Nicola Stock and her team of scientists from Roslin Insitute that will have visitors of all ages engaged and intrigued.
How do animal brains compare to ours? Play with beanbag brains, discover some amazing animal facts and find out how a brain disease in sheep is helping scientists to understand human diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Better Connected Brains Work Better!                                          Fri 18^th 10.30 – 4pm

The better connected your brain, the better it works.  To do something well, different parts of the brain need to talk to each other along connections. 

When someone gets older some of those connections get broken and certain kinds of thinking, like memory, becomes more difficult and reaction times get slower.  You will learn how the brain receives information and the building blocks (neurones and connections) of the brain.  You’ll look at how different parts of the brain and body connect and how scientists measure the brain using tests of thinking ability and brain imaging equipment.   

Discover how scientists at the University of Edinburgh use the latest techniques in brain imaging and psychology to investigate the brain from youth to old age. You’ll get to see how CCACE measures the brain, look at real brain scans and test each other’s brains by testing reaction time.”

 ‘Clock around the Rock’ & Festival Games Challenges!           Sat 19^th 10.30 – 4pm
We’re super excited that Scotland is hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and so, we decided we would bring a little of the Games fun – with a twist – to Cambo. Under the careful referee and supervision of the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Games Organising Committee, set your personal time record in ‘Clock around the Rock’ and challenge friends and family at a range of other challenges.  

Reading Roots                                                                  Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th 10am – 4pm
In partnership with the fabaulous Barnardo's Bookshop in St Andrews, you will find across the Cambo Estate the festival Reading Roots Trees – look out for the signs and rugs, encouraging you to pop under the shade of these natural canopies and 'leaf through', read and share a bit of the magic to be found from a small selection of books provided by Caitlin and her team at Barnardo's.

Barnardo's Books @ Cambo Stables                             Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th 10am – 4pm
Barnardo's bookshop comes to the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival. If you like your books pre-loved and your purchases in support of a good cause then make your way to the Stables and see if anything captures your interests and imagination.

The Tail Trail                                                                   Fri 18^th & Sat 19^th 10am – 4pm
On arrival to Cambo, all visitors will get the ‘Tail Trail’. Inspired by the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, the trail will send you off to track down the white tails located across the estate. You will need all your wits and observational abilities in tip-top form. Bonker’s Gift Shop, St Andrews, have kindly sponsored the prizes for those who succeed in this challenge.

Commonwealth Art Exhibition –  On display from Fri 18th 6pm – Sat 19^th 5pm
Kingsbarns Village Hall
The Commonwealth Art Exhibition will be on display in Kingsbarns Village Hall from 6.30pm Friday 18^th through to 5pm Saturday 19^th July. The exhibition has been created by  and from the art work of children from Kingsbarns Primary School and Kilmaron School

Festival Opening Hours 2014

·         Cambo Estate opens 9.30am Friday 18^th July

·         Cambo Estate opens 9.30am Saturday 19^th July

·         Kingsbarns Village Hall opens 6pm Friday 18^th July

·         Kingsbarns Vllage Hall opens 10.30am Saturday 19^th July

Food and Drink

We have the Cambo Tearoom at the House and the Commonwealth Café will be running in Kingsbarns village hall, just a gentle 20 minute walk from the Cambo car park.

With the whole of the estate to explore and enjoy, we warmly invite you to bring picnics with you but do ask you keep all litter from you picnics and deposit in any of the many bins and recycling options available.

Disabled facilities
We make it as easy as we can for disabled visitors to Cambo Estate. Disabled parking is available and this is situated next to the house, toilet block and café & shop.

Our volunteers will be on hand but please do not hesitate to contact us in advance to discuss any concerns you may have about your visit with us.

Be part of the chatter before, during and after

·         Follow the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival on

 Twitter  @MadHatterGreyMatter

·         Follow Cambo on

 Facebook  Twitter  Youtube  Flickr  RSS

Contacting Us

By email                     cambo@camboestate.com
By telephone              +44 (0) 1333450054
Address                      Cambo House, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8QD