Families Oxfordshire magazine May-June 2014

FREE

Issue 61

Celebrating 10 years of

May - June 2014

See inside for our birthday FAB reader givaways!

Radley College is an independent boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18.

The Foundation Award at 11+, 13+ and 16+ are for boys currently in state education with academic potential and interest in music, art, drama or sport.

100% of full fees for two ears at Radley.

Entry is through assessment in English and Maths on 29 November 2014.

Applications close on 1 November 2014. Sample papers are on the website.

Contents

Radley College FOUNDATION AWARDS AT

11+, 13+ & 16+

For details: The Registrar, Radley College, Abingdon OX14 2HR Tel: 01235 543174

on of Families ar birthday editi ye th 10 l ia fic ers we’ve e to the of to you our read de Hi and welcom itu at gr r ou including d to show s on page 13 ay Oxfordshire! An aw ve gi ay hd lt Box Music great birt ildren and a Sa compiled some ch 10 to up r to t party fo e family tickets a Laser Komba ve also got mor e’ W session . ng ds hi ol ac ar co ye class tennis party for 0-7 r te as m tic as us a fant Marwell Zoo pl r Tennis.

Oxford’s Premie om fr e don’t up for grabs out the magazin ab ns tio es gg u, mments or su to hear from yo If you’ve any co e’re always keen in w es as ss in ne si em bu th s and local nt re hesitate to send pa g tin or ard to supp as we look forw s! another 10 year Oxfordshire for Best wishes

Ema PROFESSIONAL TUTORS IN OXFORD.

Home schooling & Post-mocks subject consultancy

d views 4-5 News an tters 6 School ma

7 Parenting

ives in Crisis Midw Trust ystic Fibrosis C e h T 8

Anniversary - 50th 9 Club focus

l arts Martia 0th birthday 11 Families 1

nanza! giveaway bo y g kid’s energ in rn u B

2 1

g project 13 Gardenin

activity

s on

14-15 What’

www.radley.org.uk Oxfordshire We have expert tutors for SATS, 11+ and Common entrance exams, scholarship exams for independent schools, home schooling and post-mock exam consultation

WHO WILL LOOK AFTER YOUR LOVED ONES IF ANYTHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU?

RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN IS NEVER EASY!

We cover Abingdon, Bicester, Banbury, Didcot, Faringdon, Kidlington, Oxford, Wantage, Witney, Woodstock and all villages of Oxfordshire.

Front cover by marksandspencer.com

TRUST SLADE LEGAL’S SYMPATHETHIC APPROACH Slade Legal's family lawyers make sure they tailor their advice to your particular circumstances.

Most importantly, we will listen to your needs and expectations, and ensure you are given practical and realistic advice at all times.

Call your local Slade Legal office today!

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EVERY PARENT NEEDS A WILL! For parents, making a Will is the single most important thing you can do, to ensure that your child is cared for by the people you choose if anything should happen to you.

A large number of people die without making a Will. This can lead to uncertainty, costly disputes and your loved ones not being adequately provided for, particularly if you want to take care of children from a previous relationship.

Call your local Slade Legal office today!

king find us on

Social networ

Families Oxfordshire designed by Dickidot Limited.

01865 400801 www.dickidot.com

Independent Catholic boarding and day school for 400 girls aged 3-18 (and day boys aged 3-8)

Bursaries available for girls entering Year 3 and above

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Abingdon Didcot Wallingford 01235 01235 01491 521920 511211 839346

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

- Editor Ema Murphy 8 038 66 / 07733 22 T: 01993 8159 .co.uk iliesoxfordshire E: editor@fam fordshire.co.uk W: familiesox

01865 762802 www.ryestantony.co.uk Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY

enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk

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News & views

tRANSPORT tHEATRE & uNICORN ON tOUR

Children’s Hospice Week

Wi-Fi to be banned for the under 3’s

The UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children with life-limiting conditions takes place from 13-20 June celebrating the families, professionals, hospices and services who provide round the clock care for seriously ill children. Why not get involved on Hero Friday and dress up as your hero, as your favourite pop star, actor, sports personality or superhero to raise funds for your local hospice. www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk

Did you know that in January 2014 the French Assembly voted in favour of a law to ban WIFI in all institutions for children under the age of 3 years old? The proposed bill aims to limit exposure to electromagnetic waves generated by wireless technologies – mobile phones, tablets, Wi-Fi. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation classified such equipment as “possibly carcinogenic.”

New website to help mums meet

New changes to Wantage Civic Hall

OPEN MORNING 21 JUNE 2014, 10 am - 12 noon

The Vale of the White Horse District Council is delighted to announce that Wantage Civic Hall is now named The Beacon and is offering many more events and activities, including wedding and children’s parties, live music and business events for the community.

Little Willows, the large, newly designed Nursery School for Cranford House

Local mums take to the hockey pitch!

Specially tailored curriculum Extra-curricular programme of clubs & activities after school and during holidays For boys and girls from age 2 upwards 8am – 6pm throughout the year Email: admissions@cranfordhouse.net Tel : 01491 651218

Fab new online children’s clothing Mon Petit Oscar is an Abingdon based online retail store offering beautiful European clothes and handmade shoes for children from 0-6. For mum there are a variety of stylish change bags and accessories. Brands include some of the best from Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Mon Petit Oscar is currently offering FREE delivery to OX14 customers!

A group of Oxford mums took to the hockey pitch recently, providing them with lots of fun and a chance to get fit! If you want to get back on the pitch but have been putting it off for whatever reason, join them at the Back to Hockey sessions at: Oxford Hawks Hockey Club, Banbury Road, every Saturday and Oxford Hockey Club, Oxford Brookes, every Tuesday 19.00-20.00. www.englandhockey.co.uk/backtohockey

The South Oxford Adventure Playground SOAP is running after school events on Mondays and Thursdays, so Oxon children can create outdoor musical instruments from scrap metal and make electronic music!

All sessions are free, open to under 15’s so so just turn up and have a go!

Under 7’s should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is a required at www. soapoxford.org.uk.

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Visit www.monpetitoscar.com.

Mum Amie is a new, free to use, meet-a-mum website that matches users’ profiles for compatibility, enabling mums to make friends in Oxfordshire and beyond. Created by two mums, the site uses dating site technology to match up mums and to help them find friends with similar interests, circumstances and personalities, based on their chosen criteria. The website also aims to help single mums, mums in same sex relationships and mums that have children with disabilities find each other for friendship and support. Try it at www.mumamie.com.

The Pauline Quirke Academy, Oxford

Tuesday 27 May 11am & 2pm “An utter delight” Daily Telegraph

For ages 6+

Tickets: £7

For those of you who didn’t perhaps Box Office: 01865 319450 know, the PQA is held at the www.thenorthwall.com technological and eco-friendly John Milton Media Centre at Wheatley Park School. The academy was set-up by well-known TV actress Pauline families_oxfordshire_NW_v1.indd 1 14:42:33 L07/03/2014 imited Quirke, which is now a popular places nationwide theatre class for children.

- book now!

PQA classes in Oxford are held every Saturday from 10am-1pm including lessons in Film and Television, Comedy and Drama and Learn to Sing, Dance and Act Musical Theatre - for children and teenagers aged 5-18. regualr shows take place and Master Classes taken by a professional, Boosts self-esteem and confidence • Fosters creativity in specialist arts like Stage Combat, Puppetry, TV and Radio Increases concentration • Make new friends Presenting, Ballet, Hip Hop, Make Up, Shakespeare, Mask Work Skills for life • Stretches imaginations and many more.

Exciting performance opportunities - and lots of fun!

For more information on this theatre class visit www.pqacademy.com/locations/oxford/ Summer Holiday Shows

IPL treatment with a qualified and experienced Bare UK consultant is the simple way to a carefree future.

Find out more by contacting info@bareuk.co.uk Fast growing dark hair, shaving and waxing could be a thing of the past.

IPL is the freedom you’ve been looking for.

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Tel: 01865 930 339

WIN 4 tickets to see Nicole & Martin at The North Wall!

Roll up, roll up and be amazed as three classic fairy tales come to life with a colourful, musical mix of theatre, dance, juggling and acrobatics. Nicole & Martin will be pitching their big white tent at The North Wall from 10-12 July, and treating audiences to their own versions of The Bremen Town Musicians, Hansel and Gretel, and The Fisherman and his Wife.

For your chance to win a family ticket to this enchanting circus-theatre experience, send in your answer to the question below to: editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk by 30 May!

Oxford FAME The Princess & The Pirates Abingdon Seniors: Bugsy Malone Juniors: Pirates of the Curry Bean Banbury The Jungle Book Thame Robin Hood

Stagecoach Schools OXFORD 01869 278600 Maya Sprigg email: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

ABINGDON 01865 390970 Julia Howson email: abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

BANBURY 01908 969467 Melissa Allen email: banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

THAME 01865 763767 Nicky Goodwin email: thame@stagecoach.co.uk

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Q: Which four animals journey together in The Bremen Town Musicians?

Visit www.thenorthwall.com for a clue!

Oxfordshire

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School matters Free online network launched for Oxfordshire parents

A free web based networking service designed to help primary schools improve parental involvement and develop an online community, launched in Oxfordshire in April.

ShareMySchool.com, offers a set of virtual notice-boards for local schools which parents can sign up to in order to access and exchange information. The noticeboards enable the school to promote and share a range of information, including forthcoming events, homework, trips and PTA fundraisers.

Parents can also connect with each other to discuss other relevant issues from school uniform to child minders and school pick ups. Ofsted reports that “The majority of schools have found that, where they have actively communicated with parents, their results on Parent View have been overwhelmingly positive.”

To find out more visit www.sharemyschool.com/schools-getinvolved.

OLA placed in Oxfordshire’s top five schools

Our Lady’s Abingdon (OLA) has been ranked as one of the top five schools in Oxfordshire, and among the top 200 in England, by the UK government.

In January, the Department for Education published league tables showing the performance of more than 5,000 English secondary schools in GCSEs and equivalent qualifications.

When comparing the total average point score per pupil, OLA came in at number four in Oxfordshire, and among the top 200 in England, with an impressive average of 549.1 points. OLA also ranked

The UK’s No.1 school holiday day camps

Fun and affordable childcare in the school holidays

Book online at www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 467300

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

fourth in the county for the percentage of pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades (including English and Maths).

What choices do you have in childbirth?

T he future of science

The School’s Principal, Mr Stephen Oliver, said: “I am of course delighted that OLA ranks so highly in these statistics. True to our Catholic ethos, we care very much for the individual child, looking to develop to the full the talents of each and every one of our pupils. As a school with small class sizes, we are able to offer each individual the care and attention they need to reach their full potential.

“To be among the top 200 schools in England is a testament to the tremendous energy and enthusiasm of my teaching colleagues. They are doing a wonderful job.”

OLA is a co-educational, independent school in Abingdon, educating children from Nursery to Sixth Form. For full details on this and other news from OLA, please visit the school’s website: www.olab.org.uk.

Walk that way

It’s time to get walking again!

This year’s Walk to School Week runs from 19-23 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents. 2014’s campaign promises plenty of fun ideas of how to get involved.

With Strider’s 5-day Walking Challenge it’s easier than ever to take part, plus you also get a chance to win an iPad mini. Walk to School Week reinforces five benefits of walking: safety, discovery, health, eco-friendly and social time, so how about setting up a Park & Stride area around your school, or holding a Walk to School event and encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home for a day?

Just remember to have fun! Download loads of puzzles, pledges and challenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk.

By Joanna Parry

Who decides how you give birth? Midwives?

Politicians? You? Boys, parents, staff, governors and donors, with spades in hand, joined forces recently to mark the laying down of the new Science Centre’s foundations.

The group, which represented all aspects of the school community, dug a replica of the Science Centre’s floor plan where the new building is set to stand in 2015. The school’s Head, Felicity Lusk said, “At last the journey to create our stunning new Science Centre really begins. Over the next few months it will take shape before our eyes.” The School exceeded its goal of raising £1million towards the cost of the Science Centre, set to cost £15million in total.

Share your stories

May sees the return of National ShareA-Story Month, an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, Share-A-Story Month is a fantastic opportunity to bring children and stories together, with a host of events running nationally. The 2014 theme is ‘Imagination and Inventiveness’, celebrating with Dahl & Dahl and the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check out the website for ideas, activity packs and competition prizes. www.fcbg.org.uk/ national-share-a-story-month.

How much does it matter where and how it happens?

I have three children and when I started on my pregnancy journey I embraced it wholeheartedly. I read the books, I attended antenatal classes, I wrote a birth plan. I thought I had choices in where and how I gave birth.

Months later, having never seen the same midwife twice and my birth plan remaining unread at the bottom of my bag, I realised I didn’t really have a choice. A home birth was never offered to me, nor was the natural birthing unit in hospital. I didn’t have a named midwife overseeing my care so I didn’t build up the trust that is so vital between mother and midwife. I was fortunate – my babies came quickly and my hospital births were uneventful.

However, many women want something different, and it is not as readily available as it might be.

In a recent survey by Birthrights and Mumsnet only half of women said they had the birth they wanted. These mums weren’t whining about not having candles burning or music playing, they wanted the time and space to give birth the way they chose - to bring their baby into the world in a gentle, stressfree environment. Whether this is at home or in hospital, they wanted a midwife alongside them who has seen them through from the beginning. They didn’t want to be pushed into choices they weren’t 100% happy with.

Doula Lucy Pilkington is well aware of this problem. ‘Women need time to birth. As a doula I see women not being given enough time to go into labour naturally or being told they aren’t progressing fast enough. They end up being induced because it is hospital policy,’ she says. ‘Today induction is often “routine” rather than medically necessary.’

Some women want to avoid having a Caesarean section, as evidence mounts that babies delivered this way could have a higher propensity towards obesity, asthma and allergies. By not passing through the birth canal babies potentially miss out on protective bacteria that could help prevent disorders in childhood and later life, including type 1 diabetes, eczema and celiac disease.

Some mums want to avoid epidural pain relief. Although the research is ambiguous, studies suggest that drugs administered by epidural enter the baby’s bloodstream and although not harmful in the long term some babies might become lethargic or struggle to latch on when breastfeeding.

Dr Michel Odent, who introduced the concept of ‘home-like’ birthing rooms in hospitals and birthing pools, is particularly

concerned about the use of synthetic oxytocin to induce labour. ‘Too many women give birth now on a synthetic oxytocin drip. It is the most common medical intervention in childbirth,’ he says. But with no long-term studies on its side effects, he adds: ‘We are playing with the oxytocin systems of human beings without knowing what we are doing.’

As the belief grows that the way we give birth can have a real bearing on our future health and the health of our babies, isn’t it time women really had the choice about how they give birth?

As the NHS struggles with a shortage of midwives, many women are turning to home births or independent midwives, doulas or private hospitals to get the birth they want. A home birth can give women the space and time to deliver the way they desire, with an NCT study showing that if you book a home birth you halve your chances of needing to have a Caesarean, ventouse or forceps delivery. Babies who are born at home are less likely to have infections after birth and are more likely to breastfeed successfully, with some studies saying they are more relaxed and peaceful.

Some women are hiring independent midwives - fully qualified midwives who work outside of the NHS – to oversee their care.

Some are choosing a doula, a non-medical carer who offers emotional and practical support. But all of these options cost money, and I believe that everyone should have the birth they want (in principle. We all know things can change greatly during labour), not just those who can afford it.

In 2012 the Department of Health issued a mandate saying it wanted every woman to have a named midwife overseeing their care. I truly hope this will happen, so that each and every woman in the UK will have the birth choices she desires.

Whether it’s a natural homebirth or a hospital C-section, having a choice of where and how we give birth is better for us and better for the next generation, in the short term and beyond.

Website and links www.birthchoiceuk.com www.m4m.org.uk www.aims.org.uk www.thebirthiwant.org.uk www.nct.org.uk www.independentmidwives.org.uk www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk www.doula.org.uk Oxfordshire

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FAMILY UNITED

Club focus

Karina Marvin & Sue Kruk

In the first of our Club Focus features we’ll be concentrating in a bit more detail on the various clubs and classes available around us. While taking part in or considering what to do, the philosophy behind an activity can sometimes be forgotten or overlooked. Here we have a small insight into the art of Aikido,

by Oxford instructor Rich Watts and Karate for the very young, from Virginia Richardson of Tiny Tigers Karate in Abingdon, Wantage and Didcot.

Ethan loves football. He’s midfield for Lee Rangers, and follows his dad’s team, Sheffield Wednesday.

He is 7 ¼ and likes playing (and squabbling) with his siblings- Evie, 5 and Zac, 2 - ice cream, Star Wars and Lego. He dislikes spiders and cabbage, and he’s dubious about physiotherapy.

A normal lively little boy, but also very special-- one in 2500. He has cystic fibrosis (CF). Since diagnosis, at two days, he has had a strict daily treatment regime, including ‘physio’.

Ethan was born in Southampton with a blocked bowel (meconium ileus), which affects 10 – 15% of babies with CF.Needing two laparoscopies in his first week , he spent 3.5 weeks in the neonatal unit. ‘’It came as a terrible shock to us’’ Karina remembers.’’ We had absolutely no idea that there was anything wrong. It completely rocked our world. Our first baby , and we felt so helpless. We loved him dearly and were determined to keep him well. Doctors told us that, like 2.5 million other people in the UK, we are both carriers of a faulty gene and that Ethan had inherited this gene from us both. There was a 1 in 4 chance of each and every further baby having cystic fibrosis.

Thankfully Evie and Zac are free from it.

With Ethan finally home, we began his life-long treatment. Initially the physio meant clapping a wriggling baby on his back twice a day. Quite challenging ! Now it involves using a PEP mask to exercise his lungs, blowing exercises, and a mucusthinning nebulising treatment. Ethan is extremely active, swimming regularly. Exercise helps to keep his lungs clear from excessive thick, sticky mucous which could otherwise clog them. He accepts that his strict after-school treatment regime is necessary for him to stay healthy. We are very honest with him. There is never a day off, whether it’s his birthday, Christmas, or on holiday”.

Ethan must also take enzyme tabletsCreon- with every meal. Without them he couldn’t digest his food and would fail to thrive. He has to eat more ( high calorie) food than other children to maintain weight. ‘’He is the envy of his class when he pulls out his chocolate biscuit at snack time! He attends regular specialist hospital clinics, where they monitor height , weight, lung function and diet.The care is phenomenal. We have complete faith that the team want the best for Ethan as much as we do”.

Ethan enjoys school in Lee-on-Solent . “The teachers are so supportive.

They make sure Ethan takes his tablets and eats and drinks lots. They recently held a charity day when everyone came to school dressed in their favourite colour and Ethan talked to the children about his condition.’’

Cystic fibrosis dominates and changes family life for everyone.’’

It’s hard to juggle the needs of three children. Although busy, we also try to raise money for charity--our way of helping Ethan and others.

We are hastening the day when the condition is no longer life-limiting.

We must have hope’’ Fifty years ago, frail children invariably attended special schools.

Now they look well. It’s hard to believe they have such a serious condition. But they remain very susceptible to infections. “This is my constant fear. All children get colds, but with Ethan I worry that they will go to his chest.’’ Minor bugs can develop into serious respiratory illness .CF children are treated rigorously with antibiotics, sometimes intravenously. They are not allowed to mix with other CF kids, in case they pass each other infections. Consequently it’s not easy to meet other CF mums. ’’ Initially I felt very isolated.

Ethan’s hospital has been great at introducing me to other families locally and through this and the local CF group I have made some great friendships.’’

We all fight together for a better future.

It is the 50th Anniversary of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust , founded in 1964 to…

1 research a cure.

The CF gene was identified in 1989.

Gene therapy clinical trials are in progress.

Although life expectancy has improved greatly, many precious lives are lost prematurely.

2 support patients and families The Trust has funded research at Southampton and Portsmouth Universities and clinical care & training for health professionals at Southampton CF Centre. For advice/support, ring the helpline - 0300 373 1000. See www. cysticfibrosis.org.uk

3 facilitate early diagnosis.

Since 2007, CF testing has been included in the routine heel prick test for all new born babies.

Despite great progress, cystic fibrosis is not yet beaten.

Karina and Sue (son aged 44) meet at the Portsmouth & Isle of Wight Branch’s regular get-togethers. Sue is Secretary.

www.watercressline.co.uk

Karate Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of defensive and counterattacking body movements. The themes of traditional karate training are fighting and self-defence, though its mental and moral aspects target the overall improvement of those taking part. This is facilitated by the discipline and persistent effort required in training.

The mission of Tiny Tigers Education is to improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of young children.

Attention, balance and co-ordination skills learned during the early years of a child’s life, support cognitive learning and have been linked to educational performance in young children.

All Tiny Tigers Karate programmes offer a unique platform for child development targeting social needs as well as emotional and physical intelligence. Using Tiny Tigers training helps children reset their body’s movement programming which enables them to relearn basic motor control and facilitates an improved ability to learn.

The themes of Balance, Co-ordination, Mental Focus and Fitness, provide a comprehensive structure to enhance a child’s well-being and resilience.

During Listen and Learn time, the values of Personal safety Awareness, Confidence, Respect, Self-discipline and Anti Bullying are explored, to work towards helping children grow, in to confident and resilient people.

To find out more about Tiny Tigers Karate classes for 2-6 year olds and to book a free trial lesson contact Virgina Richardson on 01235 364 371 or visit: www.tinytigerseducation.co.uk.

14 & 15 JUNE 2014

CALL 01962 733810 TO FIND OUT MORE OR CLICKETY CLICK TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

Aikido The martial art of Aikido is very different from most martial arts around today. It is non-competitive, with no fighting, and encourages its participants to work together to learn something that’s effective and potentially life changing.

Developed in Japan, Aikido is a powerful method of selfprotection that involves throws and locks to control an aggressor. It uses precise body movements rather than strength and aggression to redirect the force of an attack into the ground or back through the attacker.

Aikido is great fun to learn and is taught in a friendly traditional training environment. It is also a great way to build up your physical fitness, coordination and posture.

Aikido is an excellent learning tool for children. The Koushinkan Aikido Oxford club prides itself on equipping young students with the confidence and pro-social skills to develop them into productive, respectful and engaging young people.

To find out more about Aikido classes and to book a free trial lesson contact Rich Watts on 07773 982719 or visit: www.aikidooxford.co.uk.

023 92 469104 / www.facebook.com/CFPortsmouth

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire

May / June 2014

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Happy 10th Birthday

Fabulous parties at every age!

A birthday party is a ritual of childhood and an event that’s remembered forever. So the pressure is on – how do you ensure success and survival (for both you and your homes?) Joanna Moorhead guides you through what’s best, age by age 0-3: There’s just one word that matters here: simplicity. Birthday parties for tinies can be marvellous, memorable affairs, but they don’t need to be elaborate or to involve much expense or entertainment or special props. In essence, you’re catering for the grown-ups as much as for the children – because at this stage, the adults will definitely stay (and you’re more than likely to have a few grandparents in the mix as well). Concentrate on creating a fun, easy, safe space for the children – a soft play space with plenty of toys strewn around is ideal – and make sure the adults are well catered-for: if they stay calm, the children will as well.

If you want something with a bit of a theme, how about a teddy bears’ picnic?

Make sure everyone remembers to take their favourite cuddlies home at the end though, or there will be tears at bedtime!

4-6: At this stage parties can be a bit more ambitious and a time when it is well worth investing in a great entertainer: they are experts, know how to crowd control while producing shrieks and honest laughs. However don’t assume that to put on a great bash you need to spend lots of money. At this age children can have loads of fun without a big outlay; later on, when they’re tweens and teens, you’ll be under pressure to shell out big-time, so don’t pre-empt that now. A party at home or in the local park can be huge fun; traditional party games will be popular, and if you want to push the boat out a bit consider investing in a bouncy castle; or if home really isn’t a possibility, a soft play centre will be hassle-free, if more expensive. Themed parties are great for this age group, and they actually make life simpler for the party organiser: a pirate theme is always popular, or sea creatures, or pick up on your child’s favourite book

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

By Joanna Moorhead

WIN

or TV programme. Dressing up is a big hit for this age group too.

7-9: Activities work a treat at this stage, whether you’re at home or in a church hall or at a park. For a popular and lowbudget option, think about a baking party at home – weigh out all the ingredients before the children arrive, get them to mix and decorate them and then pop them in the oven to bake while you play a few party games (shortbread biscuits are easy peasy; have a range of cutters for exciting shapes). Give examples of some of your own local entertainers. P

A SALT BOX MUSIC PARTY Music, games, percussion & puppets

With Instruments from around the globe

For ages 0-7’s, within

10-12: Older children like going out to party. To keep the costs down, encourage a smaller number of guests – think about a trip to the seaside or to an exciting adventure playground they’ve not visited before, and remember that the journey can be as much fun as the activity at the end of it. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, a trip to a climbing wall, an ice rink, a bowling rink or a gokarting centre can be wonderful fun too.

T he golden rules • Never have a party that lasts more than two hours • The younger the child, the fewer the guests • Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops – but always have them, they’re hugely popular • Have a plan mapped out for what should happen when

Families FAB GIVAWAY

Oxfordshire

W W W.SALT BOXMUSIC.CO.UK

Please send an email outlining which give-away wish to be ente you red for, including your name, addr telephone numbe ess and r to editor@fam iliesoxfordshire .co.uk.

For the Laser Ko mbat party com petition please your email to: ox send ford@partyman world.co.uk.

WIN

3 sets of family tickets to MARWELL ZOO Get close to the wonders of the natural world at the 140-acre park and home to over 170 exotic and endangered species, in beautiful surroundings. And witness the Rise of the Dinosaurs from 23 May – 2 September. Meet a living velociraptor, fossil dig, come face to face with the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex and get close to a baby T-rex.

www.marwell.org.uk

WIN

Party food tips • Food doesn’t need to be complicated • It does need to include options – many children won’t eat ham/cheese/eggs/ grapes/pizza • Don’t overface guests with too much food • Putting cup-cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier

Try Kiddies Cake n Candy Cart for themed children’s birthday parties from Wedding Wishes Oxford...

From Princess to Pirates to Despicable Me...

Candy Cart with Sweets plus extras such as

A TENNIS COACHING MASTERCLASS for One Lucky Family (4 People)

With James Aukland - Former Coach of Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray

Indoor Playcentre & Unique Party Venue

Laser Arena, Party Venue & Corporate Bookings

3A/3B Grenoble Road, Ozone Leisure Park, Oxford OX4 4XP

3A/3B Grenoble Road, Ozone Leisure Park, Oxford OX4 4XP

www.partymanworld.co.uk 01865 788 380

www.laserkombat.co.uk 01865 788 380

WIN

LASER COMBAT PARTY Partyman World and Laser Kombat are based on the Ozone Leisure Park next to the Kassam Stadium and have a fabadousa range of parties to suit everyone. For your chance to win a FREE Play and Laser Party for 10 children all you have to do is answer the following question correctly to be entered into our prize draw.

The question is: What is the name of Partyman Worlds mascot?

The correct answer must be emailed to oxford@partymanworld.co.uk.

Cake Pops, Party Bags, Cup Cakes and Birthday Cake.

Oxfordshire

May / June 2014

11

Happy 10th Birthday

How to burn Kid’s Energy

By Joanna Parry

The long summer holidays are approaching and, if your kids are anything like mine, after just an hour indoors they’ll be climbing the walls. But don’t despair! There are so many things to do over the holidays, from play centres to sports clubs to creating your own fun, and many of them are free! Check out our guide to burning off some of your kids’ energy.

• why not try a summer club, class or activity? From cricket to tennis, football to drama, athletics to trampolining or even dry slope skiing, there are hundreds around. Many clubs and classes offer free trials over the summer break – why not try one, and then book an ongoing class for September?

• visit a museum. From the British Museum to the V&A museums offer a huge range of activities during the summer holidays, almost all of which are free. Museums don’t have to be quiet or sedentary activities – most of them run children’s workshops throughout the holidays, some of which can be very energetic! Visit the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, the Story Museum or the Oxford Museum in Woodstock for lots to see and do. Also, don’t forget the park.

Acres of room to run around in, trees to climb and most with children’s playgrounds. Best of all, they are free!

• if the weather is not so great why not try an indoor swimming pool or go-karting or even ice skating? Indoor play centres can seem pricey, but if you get there early before they get busy and stay for most of the day, they can be great value for money • make up your own games! It’s creative, you’ll have great fun with your kids, and it’s completely free. Organise a treasure hunt in the park, have a trampolining competition in the garden or set up an obstacle course, invite some friends over and give them a scavenger hunt to get stuck into. Go geocaching (similar to a treasure hunt, where you use a GPS to find a hidden treasure), divide your brood into two teams and start a water fight, fly a kite, pitch a tent and fill the paddling pool, or run your own Sports Day

The real trick to have peace, bizarrely, is to have MORE children at your place. They are more likely to engage in games and run around than if they are with you only!

• if it’s bucketing down there’s still plenty of fun to be had (and energy to be expended) indoors. Have a Games Day and challenge your kids to get through a number of board games or table tennis sessions. Make dens or castles out of cardboard boxes, then decorate them. Have a disco – all you need is your best dancing queen outfit and an iPod. Treasure hunts can be just as fun indoors as out, or you can even get the kids running up and down the stairs if you’re really stuck!

Make a movie or build a den or just put on the wellies and waterproofs and go splashing about in the rain

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May / June 2014

13

Happy 10th Birthday

What’s on May/June 2014 THEATRE & MUSIC THE NORTH WALL

PEGASUS

South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN thenorthwall.com

15-16 MAY. ROCKPOOL

27 MAY. 1001 NIGHTS

Using the things she finds around her, Shahrazad fashions saucepans into crowns, old pipes into enchanted telescopes and a mop into a magic carpet to transport you to a fantastical and imagined world of kings, viziers, and jinns. 11am/2pm. £7. Age 6+ 21 JUNE. EMILY BROWN AND THE THING

Exciting original music, physical storytelling and lots of comedy combine to create a fantastic adventure based on the hugely popular book by Cressida Cowell. 11am/2pm. £7. Age 3+

CORNERSTONE 25 Station Road, Didcot, OX11 7NE Cornerstone-arts.org 10 MAY. 1001 NIGHTS

At Leckford Place School creationtheatre.co.uk 26-30 MAY. PUT ON A PLAY IN A WEEK

23 MAY. YOUTH ACTIVITY DAY

Work together to craft a brand new adaptation of a classic, from Pippi Longstocking to King Lear. Each day 9am-5pm. £170.

NEW THEATRE George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG newtheatreoxford.org.uk/ 30 JUN-1 JUL. ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL

Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite TV programme Dancing With Mice!, but when the girls and boys have different ideas and can’t agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina to ensure the show goes on. 4.30pm. Check for prices.

THE KENTON THEATRE New Street Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP kentontheatre.co.uk 25 MAY. ADVENTURES WITH SAM

Join Sam on an adventure and head down to the farm where you’ll meet Heidi the Hen and Simon the sheep dog and help solve a mystery. An interactive, fun filled show with music and songs, perfect for all the family. £9/£30.11am/2pm.

29-31 MAY. DISNEY’S LITTLE MERMAID JR

The beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula. Please check online for times.

JACQUELINE DU PRE MUSIC BUILDING St Hilda’s College, Oxford, OX4 1DY St-hildas.ox.ac.uk 18 MAY. ACCORDION

Led by Tom on trumpet and introducing the cello in a special music building and bring your own cushion! £5. Book at www.ticketsoxford. com. Under 5s: 10am & 11am. Over 5s:12pm.

15 JUN. FAMILY PROM

Led by Mark Hooper incorporating The Grow Show with puppets and live music. Bookings and information find online. 11am.

14

When a big storm whips up the sea, two very different creatures are left stranded in an isolated rock pool, far from the open water. As their pool starts to drain away, Prawn and Crab don’t have long enough to find a way of getting home. Funny, tender, exuberant. Check online for times.

Ages 3+

Sharazad is caught between her heritage in the East and new life in the West. She tells a tale every night and in the show she uses the props she finds to transport you to an imagined world of kings, viziers and jinns. 6pm. £8/£6. Ages 6+

CREATION THEATRE

Happy 10th Birthday

Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE pegasustheatre.org.uk

Drop-in. Make activity backpacks, sorting boxes, trails, colouring sheets and craft activities. Sundays. 2pm4pm. Ages 5+ PITT STOPS

Explore the Museum, discover something new and make something super! Drop in sessions. First Saturday of the month. 1pm-6pm. Ages 5+

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM Beaumont Street, Oxford Ashmolean.org Family Drop-In Sessions and the Family Activity Station. Free. Donations of £1 per child are welcome, who must be accompanied by an adult.

ACTIVITY STATION

Visit the Activity Station to find gallery trails and sketching materials. Free.

5 MAY. FAMILY FUN - TRAILS AND MORE!

Explore the Museum with trails, backpacks and ‘make n takes’. 1-4pm.

Free.

Cornerstone and Oxfordshire Play Association are hosting free activities from break dancing and DJ-ing to sports and games. Plus a free music gig. 4-7pm. Age 9+

10 MAY. JAPANESE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

25 MAY. PIRATE GRAN

15 MAY. UNDER 5’S ‘ELEPHANT STOMP’

Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits.

You’d never guess she was a Pirate with a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a raft of adventures! Pirating isn’t the life for everyone but Gran says if you don’t mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it’s a career more girls should think about. £8/£6. Ages 3+

THEATRE CHIPPING NORTON The Theatre, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton. OX7 5NL chippingnortontheatre.co.uk/ 25 MAY. MONDAY’S CHILD

Tells a simple poetic story of the unique bond between a grandmother and a child and shares the delights and surprises of the respective stages of their lives. Live music and dance, this imaginative and funny story explores how we learn, grow old and cope with new challenges. £8.50.

11.30am/2.30pm.

THE MILL ARTS CENTRE Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 5QE themillartscentre.co.uk 31 MAY. THE MUSICIANS OF BREMEN

What happens to old toys when nobody loves them anymore? A worn out donkey, a pull along dog, a bedraggled cat and a mechanical cockerel find themselves in just such a place. They escape and run away to Bremen Town to try their luck as musicians. So begins an adventure in this classic fairytale of friendship and courage. £7/£23. Ages 3-9. 11.30am.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES PITT RIVERS MUSEUM OXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY,

Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk FAMILY FUN Free. Adults to accompany children.

Make your own carp-shaped kite to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan.

1-4pm. Free.

Follow the elephant stomp and make an elephant to take home. 10.30am12.30pm. Free.

16 MAY. MAGIC MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

Have an evening of magic as Curators present magical and mystical objects while visitors enjoy magic shows, tarot, stargazing and more. 7-10pm.

Free.

17 MAY. FUN ARTY PARTY

Get stuck into art and celebration with hands-on demos, tours and crafts.

Ages 8+. 12-4p 14 JUN. MARVELLOUS MODIGLIANI

Discover how Modigliani was influenced by Cycladic art and get messy creating your own sculpture.

1–4pm.

19 JUN. WOOF WOOF!

Discover dogs in objects and paintings and make a puppy puppet. Under 5’s.

THE OXFORDSHIRE MUSEUM Park Street, Woodstock OX20 1PA oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum 16 MAY. ANIMAL MAGIC

For stories all about animals and dinosaurs and make a finger puppet.

Ages up to 7. Free.

27 MAY. TOM TOTS

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Garden runs a series of fun, family activities including drop-in holiday activities, family backpacks and insightful trails. Offering craft activities, sowing and growing and exploring the Garden and Glasshouses. Free with entry to the Garden.

Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW oum.ox.ac.uk

EARTH TRUST

FAMILY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS

Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QZ earthtrust.org.uk

7 JUN-6 SEPT. ALICE FAMILY TRAIL

Discover more about Alice’s adventures in Oxford suitable for all the family. Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm.

Try a trail, borrow a backpack, make something exciting or have a rummage in the special sorting boxes. Drop-in. Free. 2-4pm.

4 MAY. TREE DRESSING & ACTIVITIES

THE STORY MUSEUM

Church Lane, Witney, OX28 3LA cogges.org.uk/

Celebrate a traditional festival to welcome the start of summer. Learn about trees and plants and use natural materials to make garlands and decorations.

See website for times.

42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP storymuseum.org.uk/ See online for dates and times of these events/activities in May-June.

16 MAY. COGGES AFTER DARK

A night time of light and sound installation on the manor lawn. Music, bar and food. £2. 7pm. All ages.

11 MAY. DAWN CHORUS WALK

Stories, songs and craft activities for under 5’s. £1.50 per family.

ABC...STORY!

Story, rhyme and do morning events for ages 3 and under every Tues, Thurs and Sat. Work through an alphabet of 26 titles with messy play, songs and stories.

WONDER WALKS

A playful family walkabout through Oxford, city of stories. Explore the fantasy worlds of Middle Earth, Wonderland and Narnia - and the writers who created them. Every Sunday.

RELAXED VISITS

A chance for those with autism, learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders to experience the exhibition with carers in a relaxed environment. Free. Each last Sunday morning of every month.

MUSEUM OF OXFORD Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX www.oxford.gov.uk/events.

UNTIL 6 JUN. TRANSPORT THROUGH TIME

Take all the family and follow the trail to discover transport and travel through the ages. Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm.

29 MAY. THE ROMANS ARE COMING!

Piece together the past of the Ancient Romans with fun hands-on activities.

Dress up, touch Roman artefacts and create a mosaic of your own. Free.

10.30am-3.30pm.

COGGES FARM MUSEUM

26 MAY. WITNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Enjoy an afternoon of live music, with and bar.

12pm-5:00pm

ATTRACTIONS COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxon OX18 4JP cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/ 10 MAY. SCRUFFS DOG SHOW

Dogs of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in a fun dog show, with categories ‘best biscuit catcher’, ‘waggiest tail’ and others. All money raised will go to the charity, Dogs for the Disabled. Normal admission price for dog owners.

3-5/24-26 MAY. COTSWOLD FALCONRY

See free flying Bird of Prey demonstrations where birds will swoop low over heads and some will soar high in the sky. See a variety of birds from eagles to owls in these exciting demonstrations at 1pm and 3.30pm.

24 MAY-1 JUN. LEMUR WEEK

Set your alarm clocks and listen to the birds at the Clumps! Learn about birds with Ben Carpenter.

4:30am-6:30am.

11 MAY. BATS AT WALLINGFORD CASTLE MEADOWS

Join local bat expert on a walk at to learn how to use a bat detector and recognise different species. 9pm11pm. Meet at Cemetery Lane, Wallingford Castle Meadows.

27 MAY. BABY & TODDLER SENSORY BUGGY WALK

Learn about the natural world, smell, touch, taste, listen and look! 10am-11:30am.

30 MAY. FOREST SCHOOL FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

A morning of play and discovery in the woodlands.

Forest School offers children hands-on learning experiences lead by a trained Forest School leader.

10am-12pm.

30 MAY. FAMILY BUSHCRAFT

Go wild in the great outdoors! Explore the woods, make shelters, learn how to make fire and use a knife safely n cook on the fire. Take a packed lunch.

10am-4pm.

1 JUN. SUMMER BIRDS

Learn about the summer migrating birds around the lake. 10am-12pm at Thrupp Lake, Radley, Abingdon. £5 adults, £2 child.

A week of Lemur based talks and activities to highlight our Lemur conservation work to save species such as the Great Bamboo Lemur from extinction.

1 JUN. BAT WALK

OXFORD CASTLE UNLOCKED

14 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS. aidanmeller.com/

44-46 OxfordCastle, Oxford, OX1 1AY oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Walk at dusk to see bats flying at the lake. Learn how to detect and recognise different species. 9pm-11pm also at Thrupp Lake. Price £5.

AIDAN MELLER FINE PAINTINGS

UNTIL 29 MAY. THE GOLDEN YEARS OF VICTORIAN ILLUSTRATION

Become Victorian prisoners for the day with traditional hard labour punishments at the castle.

A new exhibition of engravings documents the role of Pre-Raphaelite artists in the revolution in illustration that occurred in the second half of the 19th century.

BLENHEIM PALACE

HOBBS OF HENLEY

Woodstock, Oxon blenheimpalace.com/

Station Road, Henley on Thames. Oxon, RG9 1AZ hobbsofhenley.com

24 MAY-1 JUN. HARD LABOUR

8-9 JUN. LEUKAEMIA & LYMPHOMA RESEARCH TRIATHLON

The second largest triathlon in the UK, in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

12-22 JUN. SUMMER OUTDOOR THEATRE

By The Oxford Drama School.

27 MAY. WILDLIFE CRUISE

For a fun family outing discover the wildlife of the River Thames that inspired ‘Wind in the Willows’ on a cruise.

15 JUN. JUNIOR SCULLING REGATTA

DIARY DATES

WATERPERRY GARDENS

Selling good quality clothes (0-5’s), toys and equipment. At The Manor Prep School, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, OX13 6LN. 11am-12.30pm. £1. www.nct.org.uk/Abingdon.

Watch a series of 500 metre multi-lane races on the lake for juniors aged 13 and below.

Waterperry, Nr Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1JZ waterperrygardens.co.uk 18 MAY. CANCER RESEARCH WALK

Enjoy a spring day out and raise money for Cancer Research UK with a sponsored walk anytime between 10am-3pm.

24 MAY-1 JUN. GNOMETASTIC

Help the gnomes who’ve forgotten their names in the half term! Find gnomes and names to claim a prize. £2 per child who must be accompanied by an adult.

10am – 5.30pm

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD BOTANIC GARDEN Rose Lane Oxford OX1 4AZ botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

10 MAY. ABINGDON NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

Music Tuition

Woodstock and surrounding areas.

Piano lessons for children.

Classical guitar for children & adults, all grades.

Call Robert on 07577202726 or email: musictutorials@live.co.uk

4 MAY & 1 JUN. DIDCOT SUNDAY MARKET

At the Orchard Centre. Buy local food, gift & crafts with entertainment. 10-4pm.

5 MAY. DIDCOT GUIDES FAIR

Civic Hall, Didcot. Including lots of games and activities, crafts and the Brownie May Queen. 104pm.

17-18 MAY. WALLINGFORD FOOD FESTIVAL

Enjoy a festival of local food and a great family day out.

26 MAY. HARWELL FEAST HARWELL

Enjoy a car boot sale, stalls, entertainment, area shows and displays. 10-5pm.

22 JUN. BBOWT FAMILY FUN

Enjoy the wildlife at Letcombe Valley community nature reserve. Free for all ages. Entrance is on the reserve in Letcombe Regis SU377860. Email letcombevalley@gmail.com or 01235 769194.

For times and prices, please visit venue websites 01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire

May / June 2014

15

Happy 10th Birthday

“Outstanding” Latest ISI Inspection Report

For more details please contact: Mrs Karen Copson 01235 858462 admissions@manorprep.org Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6LN www.manorprep.org

www.watercressline.co.uk

26th May - 1st June

Meet Peppa Pig here at the Watercress Line!

It’s going to be a really exciting day out! Come and meet Peppa Pig who will be making personal appearances at various intervals on each day.

And there will be lots of piggy activities to do, including a piggy petting farm, piggy crafts and face painting too*! *small fee applies

www.peppapig.com Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.

Happy 10th Birthday

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire