Families Oxfordshire November December 2019

F R TAKE EE ME HOM E

Issue 94 November/December 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1

MP-565 Families Mag 87x130.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2019 09:24 Page 1

An outstanding independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-11

Top grade of

‘excellent’ in all areas

- ISI Report 2017

Early Years Open Morning Saturday 11 January 2020 10:00am – 12:00pm

01235 858462

admissions@manorprep.org

www.manorprep.org

Abingdon

To challenge, cherish and inspire

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

Wise wrisotmrasd, ths at can

I LOVE AUTUMN! Crackling fires, family walks in the woods and

the cosy glow of candlelight as the night draws in and the days get

y Ch Happy, happ of our the delusions to ck ba win us the old to ll ca re , ys childhood da uth, and sures of his yo man the plea back to his r lle ve tra e transport th me! and quiet ho own fireside s en ck Di les ar Ch

shorter. As we start to think about Christmas shopping, Christmas dinner, school nativities, pantomimes and that very important visit to Father Christmas, life can get pretty hectic.

So whatever your family traditions, this issue will save some precious time providing you with dates, times and locations of your local pantomimes, where to find Santa and carol services.

Hopefully we will inspire you with a few gift ideas too. @familiesCambMag

facebook.com/FamiliesUKOxfordshire

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Oxfordshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

FOUR TICKETS TO SEE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT 11AM ON SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER Running Friday 29 November to Sunday 12 January.

Get ready to boo and cheer, another smashing Oxford Playhouse panto is here! Join Oxford Playhouse for a magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.

Brought to you from the team behind Dick Whittington and His Cat and Jack and the Beanstalk, it’s going to be full of super singing, dazzling dancing and lashings of slapstick silliness. Perfect festive fun for all ages 5 to 105, DON’T MISS IT! To enter visit our facebook page @familieseastoxfordshiremag

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SALES: Jean, Jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Rebecca, admin@ familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net 22,000 copies of Families Oxfordshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Families Oxfordshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

WE ARE RECRUITING! We are looking for a pro-active, self starter with great administration, organisational, written and communication skills. It would be advantageous to have someone with great relationship building skills to help with new business opportunities as they arise and nurture existing customer accounts.

We have potentially 2 part times roles available, you will need to work from home during term time only, starting in January.

If you are interested, please send a CV and a covering letter to editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 3

News & views

Letter from Santa THE ORATORY SCHOOL

is celebrating outstanding successes in today’s GCSE results, with a record 8% grade 9s

The Oratory School has once again celebrated a successful set of GCSE results, with 23% of grades in the 9-8 category, 37% at 9-7, and 78% at grade 4 or higher, all significantly higher than the national average. A record 8% of all grades were the top grade 9.

The highest achievers included: Franky Tyler who recorded an impressive seven grade 9s alongside one A* and three 8s; JoonminChoe with four 9s, one A*, five 8s, and one 6; Joseph Staples with three 9s, two A*s, two 8s, two 7s, and three 6s; Toby Winterbottom with two 9s, one A*, three 8s, three 7s, and two 6s; Daniel Klucinec with two 9s, one A*, two 8s, three 7s and two 6s; Alex Vile with one 9, one A*, three 8s, four 7s, and two 6s.

There were some excellent departmental performances, particularly in Art and Design where 36% of grades achieved were grade 9, History in which 31% of grades were A*, Music where 100% of grades were 9-7, and English Language in which 50% of pupils achieved 9-7.

The Head Master, Mr Joe Smith, who was present to offer his congratulations to boys and parents said: “The new 9-1 GCSEs have been applied across almost all subjects and exam boards this year and there had been a significant amount of concern nationally about the toughening of syllabuses. However, the boys in our Year 11 cohort have performed admirably well and we are delighted that there was a significant increase in the percentage of top grade 9s scored by our pupils when compared with last year. A significant amount of work and preparation has gone into attaining these grades, in terms of the pupils’ independent revision, parental support and involvement in this, and also from the aspect of the extra revision sessions put on by teaching staff to assist preparation for all pupils. I am sure that the pupils will be both proud of their achievements and indeed learn from the process as they now move on to the further challenges of A Level study.”

4 Families Oxfordshire

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? Here are two ways of making this happen.

Royal Mail Letter to Santa For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. www.royalmail.com/christmas/ letters-to-santa

Step Up for Safe Streets

UK Road Safety Week 2019, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, will encourage road users to ‘step up’ and play a part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads.

Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable.

This year, the annual event aims to encourage everyone to Step Up for Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing design-led solutions that can help end suffering on our roads.

The focus is on how design can stop human error from causing death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and cycling, and can make sure that the air is clean.

For more information and to get your FREE Action Pack, visit www.roadsafetyweek.org

NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December. www.nspcc.org.uk/ what-you-can-do/make-a-donation/ letter-from-santa/

RECORD LOW SUDDEN INFANT DEATHS

Sudden infant deaths, the syndrome in which otherwise seemingly healthy babies die unexpectedly before their first birthday, has dropped to its lowest level on record, according to a report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Records of what used to be called ‘cot death’ began in 2004, when the rate was 0.5 deaths per 1,000 births (i.e. one in 2,000 infants). The 2017 figure is 0.27 per 1,000 births – more like one in 4,000– meaning the figure has almost halved since the records began.

The ONS said the fall in unexplained deaths may be due to factors such as fewer expectant mothers smoking and more awareness of safer sleeping practices.

The term ‘cot death’ is no longer used, due to the suggestion that sudden infant death can only happen when a baby is in its cot. The term now used is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. More info: www.ons.gov.uk

New Head Joins Pre-Prep Department of The Oratory Preparatory School The Pre-Prep Department of The Oratory Preparatory School near Goring Heath has a new Head, Miss Kate Oakley. Kate, who is joining the Pre-Prep team this term said, “I am passionate about the formative years of a child’s education and believe that nurturing the whole child is the very essence of a successful Pre-Prep and that staff should respect each child as an individual and give them the confidence and self-esteem to develop their talents to the full.” The Pre-Prep Department welcomes children from Nursery through to Year 2. This is where the journey begins by instilling a spirit of exploring and discovery, an appetite for trying out new things and a life-long love for learning that provides a foundation for each child’s

future. Kate has spent her career working in Pre-Prep departments in London, Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire. Her own education was at a faith based school and she spent six years leading the Pre-Prep at St Martin’s Ampleforth. Kate commented, “I am really looking forward to meeting the children and their families. I believe that communication between parents, children and the school is an essential part of my role and I believe in being a visible and positive role model, with a sense of humour, taking an active part in the day to day events of the school. I am also looking forward to promoting the ethos of The Oratory Prep School in the wider community.” familiesonline.co.uk

News & views New Sleepy Tales for Children

MEASLES: One in Seven 5 Year Olds Not Protected One in seven 5 year olds may not be protected against potentially life threatening measles, Public Health England (PHE) has warned.

PHE has revealed that about 30,000 children may have started primary school with no protection against measles, mumps and rubella, while 90,000 may have had only the first of the two vaccines necessary for protection.

There were 230 cases of measles in England in the first quarter of 2019, many linked to visiting European countries during

holiday periods. As a result of these outbreaks, the UK has now lost its measles-free status, just three years after the virus was eliminated.

PHE is urging all parents to check their child’s Red Book to make sure there is a record of two MMR doses and the 4-in-1 booster vaccine. If not, parents should contact their GP practice to arrange any further vaccinations.

More info: www.nhs.uk/NHS vaccinations and when to have them

‘AMAZON FUTURE ENGINEER’

Launches in the UK to Help Children and Young Adults from Low-Income Backgrounds Build Careers in Computer Science London – 27 September 2019 – The UK needs an additional 38,000 workers with computer sciencerelated skills, including 21,000 computer science graduates, to meet labour demands every year – or the economy could lose out on an estimated £33 billion a year by 2030, according to new research by Capital Economics.

To help close that gap, Amazon is launching Amazon Future Engineering the UK– a comprehensive childhood-to-career programme to inspire, educate, and enable children and young adults to try computer science. By supporting the recruitment and training of 50 secondary school computer science teachers and over 200 ‘Careers Leaders’, launching robotics workshops for 10,000 children and creating other opportunities to experience computer science, Amazon Future Engineer is set to reach more than one million children and young people across the UK over the next two years.

“Research shows the UK needs 21,000 more computer science graduates on average, every year, to meet the demands of the digital economy,” said Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “By making computer science skills more widely accessible from childhood to career, we hope Amazon Future Engineer will inspire and empower young people, regardless of their background, to take up careers in computer science.”

Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Today’s school pupils will go on to do jobs that don’t even exist yet because the world of technology and computing is progressing so quickly. This is why we’re making sure our schools and teachers equip young people with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to be successful in the future by expanding our IoT programme and investing an extra £14bn in schools over the next three years. The work of Amazon Future Engineer will support us in just that by harnessing Amazon’s reach and know-how to make sure that pupils from all backgrounds can access a cutting edge education and I look forward to seeing it in action.”

You can find out about Amazon Future Engineer at www.amazonfutureengineer.co.uk, and more about the Amazon in the Community programme at www.aboutamazon.co.uk/amazon-in-the-community familiesonline.co.uk

The book publisher Penguin Random House has collaborated with The Children’s Sleep Charity to create collections of Sleepy Tales audiobooks designed to help children relax before bedtime.

For children ages 3 to 6 years, Ladybird Sleepy Tales and for children aged 7+, Puffin Sleepy Tales,they are stories with a difference. Part sound scape, part descriptive narrative, they use relaxing sounds and soothing narrators’ voices to conjure calming settings and landscapes to help children feel calm and positive at the end of the day.

Each tale is 15 minutes long and has been created to be interesting enough to hold children’s attention, but not too exciting.

Sleepy Tales are designed to become part of a child’s bedtime routine, and can be listened to before or after reading a bedtime story.

Children can listen on their own, or with a parent, as a way to wind down.

More info: www. penguin. co.uk/books

Waterstones to open new bookshop in Didcot Waterstones is set to open a new bookshop in Didcot this autumn.

The bookseller will open a 2500 sq ft bookshop in the Oxfordshire town’s Orchard Centre in November.

A team of six experienced booksellers will be on hand at Waterstones Didcot to give customers a warm welcome and to share recommendations.

The bookshop will stock a bespoke range of books, stationery and gifts and will host book launches, reading groups, and family friendly activities to celebrate the written word.

Luke Taylor, Waterstones Head of Retail and Bookselling, says “We are delighted to be opening another shop on the outskirts of Oxford and are hopeful that it will complement nicely its sister shop in the city centre. Our bookshop in Oxford has an enthusiastic and dedicated team, and it is from here that we will staff the new shop in order to ensure the residents of Northbourne and the surrounding villages are met with knowledgeable and passionate booksellers from the off!”

Waterstones, Unit 51 Orchard Centre, Didcot, OX11 7LL

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Hits the Screen this Christmas

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas adapted as a half-hour animated film for Channel 4.

It will feature a star studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.

The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.

For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale of the tiger that shows up at young Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing.

Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said:“The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every family’s imagination watching it.

Families Oxfordshire 5

ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL

OPEN MORNING Tuesday 28 January

abingdon.org.uk/prep

Preparing girls for the world Prep School Open Morning 5th November | 9.30am - 11.00am Pre-Prep School Stay & Play 26th November | 9.30am - 11.00am

www.ohsvisit.org.uk/families

Baby News Christmas Gift Guide

Gift ideas for new or expectant mums this Christmas, including both practical gifts and those to be treasured forever.

SOPHIE LA GIRAFE COMFORTER GIFT SET

This charming gift set featuring an original Sophie la girafe® and a Sophie la girafe festive hat and booties is sure to be popular for baby’s first Christmas. The 58 year old icon that is loved by millions is still made using traditional methods in France from 100% natural rubber, derived from the sap of the hevea tree, and decorated with food grade paint.

RRP: £25.99 from 1two.co.uk

BUMBLEBEE AND DUCKY PUSH PALS

Make walking even more fun by the minute with Hape’s Push Pals, a fusion of bright colours and friendly character full motifs. As the Bumblebee is pushed forward, the bee ‘flies’ forward flapping its wings. Where as when Ducky waddles along look out for its moveable, webbed feet which imitates a ducks slapping feet. To push, pull and play with around the house, the Hape Push Pal. Both £19.20 from YesBebe.

POD CHANGING BAG

The Pod Bag’s clever functionality enables parents to carry less, whilst combining two essential products for families during travel and days out. In a few simple steps, the Pod Bag transforms from a useful changing bag to a handy travel crib in less than a minute.

Furthermore, the ingenious product even doubles up as a removable changing mat, ideal for nappy changes on the go when little ones have outgrown the crib function.

RRP: 65.00 from bizzigrowin.com

MY FIRST BAUBLE AND PRESENT SACK Mamas & Papas Christmas collection is now available with a selection of clothing and gifts perfect for the festive season. Why not treat a newborn or mum to be with a My first Christmas Bauble £10 or Super size present bag £25 sure to start a tradition and provide many lasting memories for years to come. mamasandpapas.com

KNITTED TOYS

Best Years have been specialising in making ethical toys for over 10 years and are truly passionate about toys. Their toys are fun, engaging, tactile, bright, practical and on top of all that they are an ethical company and make sure all toys are ethically The collection consists of a large number of toys, including hand knitted Christmas decorations and rattles. Prices start from £6.50 from www.bestyears.co.uk

Please mention Families Magazine when replying to adverts familiesonline.co.uk

PHOEBE BEAR

Modern times have not been so kind to the graceful old ways of creating teddy bears, replacing hand-made craftsmanship and quality materials with unrealistic looks, assembly-line production and synthetic fabrics; a picture far removed from the teddy bear past, which was conversely steeped in the noble values of quality and natural authenticity. This sad fact is something that has propelled Grin & Bear into being, as they strive to recreate those more romantic times when making teddy bears was about tender loving care. £98.00 from www.grinandbearlondon.com

NIBBLING’S BOUTIQUE PERSONALISED Safe, practical and stylish, Nibbling’s boutique range of premium accessories combines fashion with practicality. Blending stunning designs with ethical materials, Nibbling’s award-winning teething jewellery and accessories are made from 100% foodgrade silicone which is safe and soft enough for babies to chew. The personalised range makes a great Christmas gift idea for a new mum or mum priced at £15 from www. nibbling.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 7

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Oxfordshire

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WHERE: Fairytale Farm,

Southcombe WHEN: November – Saturdays and Sundays In Fairytale Farm’s Illuminated Evenings, the park will be open all day as normal, but when daylight fades the entire Enchanted Walk will become a magical wonderland of fairy lights. www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

Cotswold Wildlife Park WHERE: Burford

WHEN: November & December:

10.00 – 17.00 Wonderful animals and seasonal events complemented by daily activities: penguin feeding, adventure playground, farm yard fun and single-gauge railway!

Adult £16; Child £10.50; Under 3s FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Fre

e!

WHEN: November & December –

Tue-Fri: 10.30-11.30 In the Story Café, with picture books, games, props and lots of joining in. Whether it’s a Giant Jam Sandwich, Handa’s Fruit Salad Surprise or even Tea with a tiger, there is something for all.

FREE www.storymuseum.org.uk

Beauty and the Beast Panto WHERE: Oxford Playhouse

WHEN: 15 – 17 November

WHEN: 29 November – 6 January

Visit the annual festive celebration at Oxford’s city centre. The festival takes place over 3 days and includes light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance and lots of free activities in venues across the city.

FREE www.oxfordschristmas.com e!

Eyes and Other Things WHERE: Museum of the

History of Science WHEN: 16 November: 13.00-16.00 Dissect eyeballs and carry out curious visual experiments to help you understand sight. Dropin. 9+ FREE www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Fre

e!

Roves Farm Christmas Food and Craft Fair

WHERE: Roves Farm, Swindon

Fre

e!

Christmas Market

WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock WHEN: 22 November – 15 December Escape the high street bustle and soak up the festive atmosphere at Blenheim Palace’s Christmas market, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Palace. Free before 12 www.blenheimpalace.com

Kick start the festive period with a weekend showcasing the best food from the Roves Farm shop and butchery as well as a selection of gifts from local designermakers. FREE www.rovesfarm.co.uk/

Real Ice-skating at Frosts Garden Centre

WHERE: Frilford, Nr Abingdon

WHEN: 16 November – 5 January

Experience the thrill of skating outdoors on a real ice rink; sessions last 45 minutes and price includes skate hire. Parent/toddler skate on select Wednesdays.

From £6.50 www.milletsfarmcentre.com Fre

e!

Artists and Makers Fair

WHERE: The North Wall

The Snowman™ and The Snowdog Exhibition

WHERE: River & Rowing Museum

WHEN: 23 Nov – 19 Jan This year

the River & Rowing Museum’s magical festive programme of activities has been inspired by the iconic story of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog. As well as behind-the-scenes drawings and artwork, you’ll find activities to enjoy together.A delightful way to make memories. Free with admission. www.rrm.co.uk Fre

e!

Didcot Christmas Street Fair

WHERE: Thame Town Hall

WHERE: Broadway & Orchard

December: 10.00-16.00 See a range of work from artists and makers. Buy a present for your friends, family or yourself. FREE www.sallyevansevents.com

WHEN: 28 November: 16.00-21.00

WHEN: 30 November & 1

Oxford Playhouse is showcasing Beauty and the Beast as this year’s Panto. Beauty - smart as a whip, bold as brass, and with a heart of pure gold. She’s the opposite of the Beast - gruff, rough and in need of a shave. Fun retake on a classic tale which will leave you laughing. From £15 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

The Snow Queen

WHEN: 16-17 November

Story Bites Session

WHERE: The Story Museum

OXFORD CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL

WHERE: Various locations Oxford

Fre

Illuminated Evenings

e!

Centre

All the fun of the fair with side shows, rides, parades, food stalls and family entertainment. FREE www.didcotevents.co.uk

Arts Centre WHEN: 30 November – 5 January Gerda’s best friend Kai has gone missing and she can’t find him anywhere.

Luckily there’s all sorts of helpful people she can ask: a river, some rose bushes, a crow, a robber girl and her talking doves… £15 to £32 www.thenorthwall.com

NUTCRACKER

WHERE: Cornerstone Arts

Centre, Didcot WHEN: 17 November Journey through the magical night with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. £8.50, Conc £6.50, Family Ticket £26 www.cornerstone-arts.org

FAMILY FOLK SHOW WHERE: Pegasus Theatre

WHEN: 9 November 2pm & 4pm

Award-winning folk duo Megson blend their infectious mix of heavenly vocals and lush harmonies into a gentle, entertaining concert designed especially for big and little music connoisseurs to enjoy together. pegasustheatre.org.uk 8 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET WHERE: Broad Street

WHEN: 5– 21 December

Plan an amazing day out at Oxford’s Christmas Market, where traders will be offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air. www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

Christmas at Greys Court

Christmas Family Craft

PINOCCHIO

Nr Henley-on-Thames WHEN: 1 December to 6 January Celebrate Christmas at Greys Court with handmade decorations, twinkling lights and real fir trees. It’s set to be really festive. £6.25 Child/£12.50 Adult www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WHEN: 7 December: 11.00-13.00

Centre, Didcot WHEN: 7-30 December This is a magical tale about a naughty runaway puppet who dreams of being a real boy.

No matter how hard Pinocchio tries, he just keeps getting in to trouble. And whenever he tells tales his nose grows... £16, Conc £14.50, Family Ticket £52 www.cornerstone-arts.org

WHERE: Greys Court,

Fre

e!

Christmas Story Painting

WHERE: Ashmolean Museum WHEN: 7 - 14 December

2 pm and 3.15 pm Visit the Ashmolean Museum for their regular Ashventures for stories, gallery hunts, games and crafts. FREE www.ashmolean.org

Frosty 5k

WHERE: Broad Street,

Oxford

WHEN: 7 December

Raise money for Helen & Douglas House.

Join 2,000 Santas on this 5k run for a good claus to help local terminally ill children. Wheelchair & buggy friendly. Includes suit and mince pie. From £15 www.hdh. org.uk or 01865 799150.

Christmas Creations

WHERE: River & Rowing Museum WHEN: Sat 7 Dec 2-4pm

Make decorations inspired by The Snowman™ and The Snowdog including snow shakers, snowflakes and a snowman jar.

4-7 yrs £8.50 www.rrm.co.uk

Christmas Card Collages Fre

e!

WHERE: Weston Library WHEN: 7 December:

12.00-16.00 Spread some festive cheer by making a collaged Christmas card based on the Bodleian’s special collections.

Free www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden

Collect natural treasures from the Garden and turn them into beautiful decorations to take home. Drop-in. £5 www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

The Snowman™ and The Snowdog Christmas Screenings

WHERE: River & Rowing Museum

WHEN: 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th

December various times during the day Meet The Snowman, enjoy special screenings of the classic animation and top it all off with a delicious hot chocolate and snowman cookie in the Café. Film screenings and an appearance from The Snowman™ will last for an hour. Booking essential Children: £8. Adults: £12. www.rrm.co.uk 01491 415600

Stories with Santa

WHERE: New Theatre, Oxford WHEN: 8 – 24 December Santa has heard lots of stories on his travels around the world as he delivers presents to all the good boys and girls every Christmas Eve. And this year, he wants to share them with the lucky children of Oxford. From £2.50 www.atgtickets.com

WHERE: Cornerstone Arts

THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN WHERE: BT Studio

WHEN: 12 December – 5 January

Join the Jolly Christmas Postman on his final delivery of the year as he visits well-loved characters such as Miss Riding Hood and Humpty Dumpty and many others, with a gift for all this Christmas time. From £10 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Nature Tots, Didcot

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay WHEN: 11 December:

9.30 – 11.30 Environmental Education Centre Outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft for pre-schoolers.

Booking essential. £7 per child www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Family Open Day

WHERE: Oxford Centre for

Innovation WHEN: 21st December The Science Oxford Centre provides an amazing and unique science-themed experience for young people and their families.

Their new venue encourages you to play and explore – to design you own experiments and make your own discoveries. 3+ £6 per person or £20 for a group of 4. www.scienceoxford. com/events 01865 810000

BREAKING THE ICE

WHERE: Pegasus Theatre WHEN: 11 – 24 December

Go on a journey into the snow where music, shadows and projection will transport you to a place where polar bears and huskies really can be friends.

Then watch as your child joins in with the adventure and takes their place on Team Polar Bear or Team Husky! £10 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

Artways Art Club

WHERE: River & Rowing Museum WHEN: Every Saturday

10.30am – 12.30pm Saturdays during term time, giving children the opportunity to work with a professional artist to develop new skills. Sessions cost £10 per week and must be booked as a block. 7-11 yrs From £10 01491 415605 edbookings@rrm.co.uk www.rrm.co.uk

Supermarket Scrooge

WHERE: Jacqueline du Pre Music

Building, St Hilda’s College WHEN: 14th, 15th, 19th & 20th23rd December Wild Boor Ideas is back with a Christmas tale of ghosts in the greengrocery starring punnets of puns, jars of jokes and a basket of surprises in the veg aisle so grab your trolley for a festive treat of a family show. Tickets: £9 children, £10 adults www.jdp.st-hildas. ox.ac.uk

Families Oxfordshire 9

Families Fun

Christmas Light Festival ‘Discovery’, is the theme of this year’s festival inspired by scientific discovery and by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Be prepared to see Oxford’s streets and buildings in a new light as commissioned artworks and presentations colonise the city for this special weekend. Some of the town’s most iconic buildings open their doors for free festive events while musicians, dancers and choirs appear on stages and in pop-up locations all over the city centre. Exciting light installations illuminate the proceedings as the festival is launched by a lantern parade winding its way through the streets with artist inspired luminous creations.

BROAD STREET

Fri-4-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10-6pm Broad Street’s festive market boasts a wonderful atmosphere with pop-up bands and choirs performing alongside gift, craft and food vendors in a historic street. Between shopping and visits to the Museum of the History of Science and Weston Library, this is an outdoor festival hub with lots to keep you occupied! Events include Spark, Ghost Caribou and Let yourself glow.

BONN SQUARE

Fri & Sat 4-10pm Whilst you’re passing Bonn Square stop to indulge in some mulled wine and stay a while to contemplate the wonderful sound and light installations. There’s plenty to see even after the lantern parade passes through. Enter the Zooniverse from the University of Oxford, Phil Kline’s Unsilent night and ICreative Boom Bike

by Film Oxford

GLOUCESTER GREEN

Fri & Sat 4-10pm Join the crowds at Gloucester Green to welcome the Lantern Parade and enjoy a musical finale from Spark! illuminated marching band on Friday night. Sit under the lantern strewn trees, surrounded by stalls of street food from around the world as the spectacular performances fill the square.

Events include Icon, Out of the blue and Spacewalk fire sculpture.

Wild Boor Ideas presents

Supermarket Scrooge Various dates from 14-23 December Relaxed performance 19 December Fes t 2-7 ive fun yr o for ld thei r fa s and mili es

Oxford OX4 1DY

Tickets £9/£10 ticketsoxford.com

ROBERT MAYER TRUST

10 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

s a m t s i r h C r e h t Fa

WHERE TO FIND

SANTA’S GROTTO AT FROSTS GARDEN CENTRE

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

SANTA STEAM

WHEN: 9 November – 24 December

WHEN: 30 November – 24 December WHERE: Odds Farm Park

WHEN: 1 – 23 December

Odds Farm Park has been sprinkled with even more Christmas magic and spectacular surprises, with two magical Christmas experiences to choose from. From £25.

Railway At weekends and special dates, the Chinnor to Thame Junction train will carry Santa and his Elves to visit every family on board!

WHERE: Frilford, Nr Abingdon

Every child will get to create their very own bag of reindeer food to take home to sprinkle on Christmas Eve and meet Santa who will read an enchanting story.

Child £16.99; Adult £4.99 www.milletsfarmcentre.com

CHRISTMAS GROTTO WHEN: 16 November – 22 December WHERE: Yarnton Home and Garden

Take a journey through an enchanted Christmas Winter Wonderland. Travel through a forest of trees, encounter polar bears and reindeers, step aboard the Yarnton Express and marvel at the amazing light displays.

From £4.95 www.yarntonhomegarden.co.uk

SANTA’S GROTTO WHEN: 17 November – 23 December WHERE: Notcutts Nursery, Nuneham

Courtenay A magical Winter Wonderland awaits! Each child will receive a Christmas gift, personally given by Santa, opportunities for breakfast or tea with Santa too. From £8.50 per child www.notcutts.co.uk

www.oddsfarm.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALE WHEN: November – Saturdays and Sundays WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Southcombe

Visit Fairytale farm for a special Christmas fairytale. You will go to the magical Fairytale Castle and start your journey from the South Pole to the North Pole, then meet Santa in his beautiful Grotto. From £6.75 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS TO VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS

WHERE: Chinnor & Princes Risborough

Presents for all fare-paying children and young people aged 1-15yrs. Adult £12; Child £10 www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

SANTA SPECIALS WHEN: 7 - 23 December on Weekends

WHERE: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Travel in heritage railway coaches and visit Santa in his grotto on the train, with a present for all children and a mince pie and hot fruit drink for all adults.

Adult £12; Child £8; under 2 £5 www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com

WHEN: 30 November– 23 December

SANTA’S GROTTO AND VINTAGE BUS RIDES

At weekends travel with Thomas and his friends to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

A children’s ticket includes a gift, lots of fun and entertainment. £16 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

WHEN: 8 & 15 December

WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre

WHERE: Oxford Bus Museum, Hanborough

Visit Father Christmas in his Vintage Bus Grotto plus free vintage bus rides. Each child receives a present from Santa during their visit; additional charge of £3.50 to see Santa.

Adult £5; Child £3 www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AT ROVES FARM WHEN: 30 November – 23 December WHERE: Roves Farm, Swindon

Follow the sparkling lights to meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto and choose your gift from the Elves’ Toyshop. Make reindeer food, Christmas crafts, and meet & feed the friendly farm animals. £5-£13.50 www.rovesfarm.co.uk/

All events require pre-booking.

Please mention Families Magazine when booking. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 11

Families Fun

Top Ten Board and Card Games to Play this Christmas Christmas is the time to dust off your favourite games to play at home with your family and friends.

With a flurry of new games hitting our living room tables during recent years, the games market has seen something of a revolution. Now there are hundreds of games available that employ brain-teasing strategies and flex your investigatory muscles.

Claire Winter has picked ten family board games that will help entice your children away from gadgets this festive season.

SHERLOCK HOLMES Consulting Detective Thames Murders game

DOBBLE

Gather your loved ones, and don your deerstalkers to play this fun mystery game. You have to solve the case by interviewing witnesses, and tracing their steps through Victorian London. This is very much a challenge of the mental ability of the players, rather than a game of chance. The details are wellresearched and give you a real sense of a bygone era. £34.90 Amazon

This fun picture card game is very popular in our house and it’s really addictive. It depends on speed of observation as players have to match pick out one icon from a group on a card that matches the same icon in a group on another card. This simple premise then forms the basis for five short mini-games, alternatively asking you to collect or discard cards as quickly as possible. Younger eyes and reflexes are at a definite advantage which means your 5 year old will beat you fair and square! £12.99 Amazon

THE LONDON BOARD GAME

TALES OF ARABIAN NIGHTS

MONOPOLY CHEATERS EDITION

SPEECH BREAKER

The complexities of the London Underground system make this a great brain-challenging game for players of all ages. The board itself is the London Underground map, so while enjoying the race, you’ll also learn more about London. Players must visit six of London’s sightseeing hotspots, and the winner is the first person to get back to the mainline station where they started. £30 www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk

The new Cheaters Edition of Monopoly brings a fresh twist to the property trading game that was initially designed to warn players about the dangers of capitalism. This version encourages cheating and subterfuge! It includes 15 cheat cards that allow players to steal money from the bank and avoid paying rent. £17.74 Amazon

EXPLODING KITTENS

Not technically a board game, this card game is for people who like explosions, laser beams, and kittens. All the players draw from the deck until one of them draws the exploding kitten.

At this point, the only option for survival is to play a defuse card that allows them to place the kitten back into the deck. Beautifully designed and riotously funny! £19.99 Amazon

PICTIONARY

This drawing game has been a firm favourite since 1985. The latest edition has been updated with two levels of clues for adults and younger children, making it a fun game for all ages. It also has wipe clean markers and boards. Mattel has also released Pictionary Air, which uses an app and augmented reality, but I prefer the old school version! £21.99 Amazon

This game is unlike anything you’ll have played and is the closest you can come to being in your own adventure book on a board. You travel around the board choosing how to tackle each random event using a rulebook. Whatever option you choose it has an unpredictable consequence, which makes it both unpredictable and eventful! £49.98 Amazon

This challenging game for children age 14+ is great fun. You have to put on the game headset, talk into the microphone, and get your teammates to guess who, what, where without saying any of the words on the cards. But…the microphone jams your speech with a built-in delay. As you talk, you’ll hear your delayed voice through the game headset, making it harder to speak clearly. Really hilarious! £25.52 Amazon

CHESS AND DRAUGHTS

According to academics, chess boosts intelligence and creativity, so this Christmas teach your children the tactical games of Chess and Draughts to improve their mental agility. These timeless games are also a great way to share one-on-one time with your child. £19.99 Amazon

NUDGE

Nudge is an incredibly simple, yet insanely addictive strategy game for children age 14+ designed to send you and your opponent over the edge. Designed with the environment in mind, the game is made from 100% recyclable materials including the game board, single-colour packaging, and fully biodegradable game discs. £9.99 www.nudgegames.co.uk

Enjoy your precious family time this Christmas!

12 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Gift Guide 3.

1.

2.

ALL I WANT FOR

4.

7.

6.

5.

9.

10.

8.

12.

11.

1. LEGO STAR WARS YODA 7. SIXPENCE PLAY SHOP & £89.97 @ John Lewis.com THEATRE £155 at gltc.co.uk 2. LEGO DISNEY FROZEN II ARENDELLE CASTLE Village Toy £74.97 at John Lewis 3. TONIEBOX - the new audio system for children £69.95 tonies.com 4. LE TOY VAN HONEYBAKE WOODEN SWEET DREAMS PRAM, £59.99 preciouslittleone. com 5. SHIFU ORBOOT The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe, £39.99 at Amazon 6. TIDLO WOODEN COUNTRY PLAY KITCHEN, £115 at brightminds.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

8. HAPE MIGHTY MINING MOUNTAIN SET £60.89 from Amazon.

9. LITTLEBITS AVENGERS HERO INVENTOR KIT, £149.99 at Amazon 10. JANOD MY FIRST LITTLE BIKLOON WOODEN BALANCE BIKE, Blue, £69.95 preciouslittleone.com 11. LOLLY & SCOOP ICE CREAM SHOP £65 at gltc. co.uk 12. PLAYMOBIL CITY LIFE 9275 Tiny Paws Pet Hotel £39.99 johnlewis.com

Families Oxfordshire 13

Families Education

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD TO LISTEN AND DO AS THEY ARE TOLD?

by Parent Coach Jane Rogers For children who never seem to listen, try this approach: • Be in the same room, arm’s length.

• No issuing orders from a different room.

• Use your child’s name: ‘Sam’.

• Be clear.

Be consistent and don’t

forget to praise when your • Tell your child what to stop doing and what to start doing, child does the right thing. describe the behaviour you want: ‘Turn the TV off now, go and put your pyjamas on.’

• Give a reason: ‘It’s time for bed.’

• Don’t get involved in an argument about the reason, or whether or not the reason is reasonable.

• Give time for your child to comply, wait five seconds, stay quiet.

• Stay in the room. If your child does not comply, if you can do so, give them a choice,

• Keep it friendly: ‘I can turn it off or you can, which would you prefer.’

• Praise your child when they do comply.

• Don’t be tempted to dilute that praise by saying ‘Why can’t you always do that’ or words to that effect. If you do, you will be turning praise into criticism.

• Children get told to do things a lot, and it can be helpful to think about what this feels like for them.

• Would you rather someone said to you ‘Don’t park your car there’ in a stern voice? Or ‘Would you park somewhere else please, I need that space for unloading.’ (Notice the second person described the behaviour they wanted and gave a reason, perhaps they would also give you reasonable time to move your car.)

ABINGDON & DIDCOT

I know this all looks easy on paper, and might not be so simple in the real world, but if you have a child who never seems to listen, give it a try over the next week or two.

Be consistent and don’t forget to praise when your child does the right thing.

Good luck,

Jane

Jane Rogers is a parenting expert, and founder of The Cambridge Parent Coach.

She is a qualified and highly experienced parenting course facilitator, and writes and runs workshops for parents. Jane is passionate about Positive Parenting, and realised that it all made so much sense when bringing up her own two boys, now in their twenties.

The aim of The Cambridge Parent Coach is to share the Positive Parenting ethos and ideas in a way that is simple to understand and easy to put into practice. www.thecambridgeparentcoach.co.uk

14 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

REBUILDING YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENCE AFTER BULLYING

by Toby Buckley Many children need a bit of help to bolster their self-esteem and increase their confidence, especially if they’ve been having a hard time with a school bully.

Some experts have suggested that ongoing bullying can sometimes be just as damaging as physical or emotional abuse in the home.

It breaks children down – no matter what you might have been told about life events being “character-building,” victimisation does not strengthen most children. Negative thoughts, diminished self-worth, feelings of inadequacy and self-blame can all occur as a result of chronic victimisation, and all of these can really damage a child’s self-esteem.

If your child has recently experienced bullying, give them lots of time to talk and be sure to provide support and plenty of affection. Encouraging friends and family to admire a painting they’ve done, or a certificate they’ve been awarded, by putting it on the wall or on social media can be a great boost.

As often as you can, take the time to celebrate your child’s successes and praise their talents and unique character traits.

Help Your Child to Explore Something New

Encourage your child to take up a new activity.

Do they appear to have a strong interest in arts and crafts? Do they have a natural gift with a musical instrument? Identify a space where they can embrace these interests, engage with new people and learn new skills.

Trying something new and putting yourself out there can be difficult for children at any time, but particularly when their confidence is low after a bullying episode. Give them lots familiesonline.co.uk

of support to stick with it and help them to Take Up a Sport thrive in their new environment. Your child’s If your child isn’t pursuing a sport yet, try overall confidence will really grow when they signing them up for one where they can discover and develop hidden talents. It will quickly attain new skills, such as athletics or also give them the opportunity to make new martial arts. Children can really benefit from friends who don’t know about their bullying regular physical activity, but many kids will experiences at school. feel nervous about highly competitive team The activities your child gets involved in can games. Sports like martial arts will have the have a massive influence on their self esteem added bonus of teaching your child some and confidence. It comes down to more than self-defence skills, which will allow them to just having fun (though this is important too). feel more able to cope with difficult situations.

There are loads Of course, your child won’t be of activities out encouraged to use their new The activities your child gets skills to beat up their bullies – but there that will involved in can have a massive just knowing that they aren’t help your child influence on their self esteem completely helpless can give them to relax and reand confidence. group. the confidence they need to avoid these situations in the first place.

Spend Time Together Bonding over a new common interest can When it comes to building your child’s selfalso be great for your relationship with your esteem, setting time aside to spend with child, so you could consider taking up a sport them can go a long way towards this. It together. strongly communicates how important they For more information about bullying, check are to you. A solid relationship is also easier out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Bullying to build if you have this time together. Your at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/thechild will face more and more challenges as essential-guide-to-bullying which offers some they grow, and the foundation of a strong answers as to why children are bullied and relationship with their parent will really make how parents can prevent this from happening, a difference to how they cope. Kids who feel as well as providing some proven methods like an afterthought in their parents’ lives will on how to help the bullied child boost their find dealing with bullying and other hardships plummeting self-esteem. much more difficult than kids who know their Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount at parents love them unconditionally. checkout.

Families Oxfordshire 15