Oxfordshire Nov Dec

Header F R TAKE EE ME HOM E

An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime

© Illustration: www.korkypaul.com

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN a family ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk

24 November to 7 January FEE-FI-FO-FUM, I smell lots of panto fun!

TICKETS FROM £15

Issue 82 November/December 2017 familiesonline.co.uk

01865 305305

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1

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Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

This Christmas a few things to do that won’t cost a penny: Take time to live well-Eat mince pies-Roast chestnuts-Gather holly-Wear a bobble hat-Read all afternoon-Sing a carol-Find peace and joy-Gather your family together-Watch candles flicker-Smell the pineBe merry-Make tracks in the snow-Feel the glow-Wrap presents-Count your blessings-Bake gingerbread-Walk in the woods-Send cards-Turn off your phone-Snuggle in-Choose a tree-Light a fire-Watch a Christmas filmHang twinkly lights-Enjoy frosty morningsMake time for the simple things this Christmas.

What’s in this issue?

4 News and Views 7 Pregnancy and Baby News

Merry Christmas

@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.

WIN

A FAMILY TICKET TO JACK AND THE BEANSTALK!

FEE-FI-FO-FUM, I smell lots of panto fun!

After getting into humungous trouble with his mother for selling their hapless cow for a handful of beans, Jack’s dreams come

9 What’s On – Panto, Ice skating and Christmas markets 10 Festive book reviews 11 Where to find Father Christmas in Oxfordshire 13 Is your child being bullied at school 14 Christmas gift guide 15 Independent toy shops

true when they start to grow… and grow. Oxford Playhouse are offering one lucky family the chance to end their year in dreamy style with a VIP package to see the spectacular Jack in the Beanstalk on New Year’s Eve; including 5 premium tickets, programmes, drinks and ice-creams. To enter simply like Families Oxfordshire Magazine Facebook page @ familieseastoxfordshiremag by 16 November 2017.

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.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Crystal McClean DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

20,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire 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 3

News & views

FEARS OF WORST FLU SEASON IN HISTORY

The NHS is braced for the worst flu season in its history, amid fears that overcrowded hospitals will be unable to cope.

Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had a “heavy flu season” over their recent winter with many hospitals struggling to deal with demand. He said scientists would re-examine vaccines amid fears that the current jabs may not hold off the infections.

For almost a decade the NHS has escaped a heavy flu season, with the last pandemic in 2009.

Free flu jabs are offered to all over 65s, pregnant women, young children, those with long-term conditions such as asthma and all frontline NHS staff.

The children’s flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray. The vaccine is available free for eligible children, including: children aged two and three; children in reception and school years one, two, three and four (though in some parts of the country, all primary school-aged children will be offered the vaccine), and children aged 2 to 17 with long-term health conditions. Over the next few years the programme will gradually be

extended to include older children.

Your child’s GP or school should contact you about getting your child vaccinated before the winter. If you haven’t heard from your GP by early November 2017, contact them directly.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

1. Avoid close contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2. Stay home when you are sick If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to prevent risk of spread.

3. Cover your mouth and nose When coughing or sneezing use a tissue.

4. Clean your hands Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with them, then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Two Languages: Too Much?

Are two languages at a time too much for the mind? In a new study, an international team of researchers reports that bilingual infants as young as 20 months can efficiently and accurately process two languages.

“By 20 months, bilingual babies do not just think that ‘dog’ and ‘chien’ are two versions of the same thing” reports Casey Lew-Williams, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Co-Director of the Princeton Baby Lab in the USA, “they implicitly know that these words belong to different languages.”

“One of the most obvious implications of these results is that we needn’t be concerned that children growing up bilingual will confuse their two languages.”

Lew-Williams suggests that this study also provides a likely explanation of why bilinguals show cognitive advantages across the lifespan.

“We believe that everyday listening experience in infancy…back-andforth processing of two languages - is likely to give rise to the cognitive advantages that have been documented in both bilingual children and adults.”

4 Families Oxfordshire

BEST-SELLING ADVENT CALENDAR MAKES A CHRISTMAS COMEBACK A children’s advent calendar that sold out by mid-November last year is back for 2017 - and parents are already signing up to get theirs when it hits the shelves.

The sought-after calendar from British stationery, gadgets and accessories company Tinc comprises 24 individual boxes, each containing exclusive gifts that can’t be bought in store. This year, the goodies promise to be better than ever with a combined estimated value of nearly £50. In the past these have

included colourful stationery and fingertip crayons. £28 available at Tinc and John Lewis.

To join the waiting list visit www.tinc.uk.com

familiesonline.co.uk

News & views FOREST BATHING THE NEXT BIG THING!

By spending time actively engaging with nature, we reconnect with the natural world and can gain both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Leave all devices behind.

Go to a forest. Walk slowly.

Breathe. Open all your senses.

Forest Bathing - the medicine of simply being in the forest has become a cornerstone of preventative healthcare in Japan, where a quarter of the population regularly visit one of 48 officially designated Forest Therapy bases.

Though well-known in Japan, such Forest Therapy is little known in Britain. But now there is no need to fly across continents to experience it. Forest Holidays introduced Forest Bathing at their Hampshire and Norfolk locations in September 2017, with more locations across the UK to follow. Their Forest Rangers have

INSPIRATIONAL FILM MAKERS OF THE FUTURE

undergone extensive training with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programmes and are set to impart their wisdom to those in need of a de-stressing boost in the woods.

A Forest Bathing experience costs £30 and includes a guided, relaxing forest trail followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with your guide and other guests; the tea is made with foraged plants from the forest!

Weekend breaks in Thorpe Forest, Norfolk, start from £545 for a 2 bedroom cabin.

Call 03330110495 www. forestholidays.co.uk/things-todo/forest-bathing

LIFE CHANGING FOR LEGO LOVERS!

Fed-up of tripping over cars and treading on Lego? Play&Go mats are the answer. Throw on the back of a door or under the bed even pop them in the car for a sleepover.

Clearing up and transporting toys has never been easier. Available in five patterns from block colours to the best-selling road map.

Truly life-changing storage, no more hours spent clearing a toy-strewn floor or asking children not to empty out the Lego box. £29 Five Boys Clothing www. fiveboysclothing.com ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The 14th annual screening of new films by the Abingdon Film Unit (AFU) in October showcased 11 diverse subjects at Abingdon School.

The AFU enables students to make short films under the guidance of industry professionals assembled by renowned documentary maker, the late Michael Grigsby. The AFU’s students are predominantly from Abingdon School with some from other senior schools.

Several films took inspiration from the local community, such as a portrait of the Abingdon Morris Men, insight into a board games café in Oxford and an uplifting account of a resident’s progress from youth team goalie to top Premiership football referee. A particularly thoughtprovoking piece by three Abingdon pupils examined Sobell House, a facility for terminally ill patients at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

Other films investigated regeneration at the Winstanley Estate in Battersea, a hand-drawn animation inspired by Brexit and the story of Abingdon School student Joe Bradley’s ancestor in late 19th century China.

The Michael Grigsby Young Filmmaker Award was given to Harry Buchan, for his Winstanley Estate film, and to Joe Bradley for the film about his ancestor’s missionary work in China.

The AFU has produced nearly 150 films, many of which have won been screened at festivals in America, France, Sweden, Hong Kong and throughout the UK.

A little bit of hope in a card

Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via: www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/christmas-cards

ADOPT ALAN THE RHINO Stuck for what to get the kids or relatives for

Christmas? The Cotswold Wildlife Park has a range

of gift ideas that are a little bit different. How about adopting Alan, their new baby rhino? (Not literally, as they don’t make good pets!). There are lots of

other species of animal that you could potentially

adopt and in doing so, not only will you help towards the Park’s conservation and breeding programmes,

you will receive one free entry ticket. Prices are from

£25-50 depending on the animal and make an unusual gift for someone who has everything! Order by 18th December for Xmas Delivery. For more information

visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/get-involved or phone 01993 823006. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 5

Baby news

TIPS FOR WINDING Apart from confusion and lack of sleep, the biggest problem new parents encounter is dealing with wind. A baby in

pain from stomach wind can’t feed or sleep properly and is more likely to be fretful and unhappy.

All babies get wind, including breastfed babies, but there is very little practical winding advice available. I cover it in detail in my book, but here are a few tips that might help you improve your winding techniques.

Winding Tips

• Always aim to elongate your baby’s body to help straighten folds in the stomach lining and free bubbles.

• If baby is in sitting position keep their back straight and head lifted so they look straight ahead, not down. This opens the airways and takes pressure off the stomach valve making them less likely to be sick.

• Do not apply anything other than the gentlest pressure (like the weight of your hand or their own body weight) to baby’s stomach.

• If a technique or position is not producing results after two minutes, stop and try something else.

• It is common for babies to bring up a little milk when they burp. This is because the valve at the top of the stomach is inefficient

at keeping milk down whilst wind is trying to come up. It can make feeding and winding messy, but improves with age as the valve matures. On its own it does not mean your baby has reflux, so don’t panic!

• Try to wind in a position that allows you to see your baby’s face. Some burps can be very quiet and easily missed, so it helps to watch their face as you can often see when baby is burping even if you can’t hear it.

• Remember that bubbles rise, so after each different winding position, always return baby to an upright position for at least thirty seconds to allow any bubbles you have released to rise to the top of the stomach where they can be burped up.

• There is a pattern to a baby’s burps. The first one is usually the biggest and most likely to cause milk return, and is often followed by smaller ‘aftershocks’. Over time you will learn your babies winding pattern and what works

best.

Get creative and try as many different positions and movements as you can think of.

Trial and error is a huge part of parenting so don’t be afraid of getting it wrong because this is how you will learn. © Sarah Norris The Baby Detective by Sarah Norris, published by Orion Spring, is out now. www.babydetective.co.uk Sarah Norris is one of the most accomplished and experienced maternity nurses in the UK. In The Baby Detective she aims to educate, guide and empower parents by leading them through her 3-step problem-solving process: A*I*M. She guides parents in Assessing a problematic situation, Investigating the possible causes and Modifying behaviour in order to resolve it.

3 Secrets of a Sleeping Baby So you have a new member of the family? Congratulations!

After baby comes home and a couple months go by most mums and dads start to realize that everyone including themselves and baby need to get sleeping.

The problem is they haven’t got a clue how to make that happen!

So if you’re looking for sleep here’s the 3 secrets of a sleeping baby that will get you going in the right direction!

1) Good nights start with good days.

If you want to get baby sleeping at night, you have to first set up a proper daytime routine. Babies do 3 main things; eat, play, and sleep. We want to do them in that order for the best sleep set up.

Younger babies should be doing all three of those every 2.5-3 hours, on up to six month olds doing those every 4 hours. Starting your days at the same time helps cement that eat play sleep cycle.

6 Families Oxfordshire

2) Babies must be taught sleep, their own they need to learn on not bought sleep. their own.

3) Information alone is not You have to teach your baby enough. to go from fully wide awake to Babies come and grow fully asleep without the help so fast and have constant of anyone or anything. Things developmental changes. that help baby go to Combine that with sleep are called ‘sleep crutches’.

Babies do 3 main too much conflicting information on the So parents save things; eat, play, internet and a deep your money and and sleep level of exhaustion skip the expensive and your brain can gadgets in todays’ get fried pretty quickly. stores and give your Work with a sleep consultant that baby the chance to learn sleep gives you good solid information and put them down in their crib and access to them ongoing to to work it out a bit. If you want answer questions. Babies usually them to sleep don’t follow any book and on can make life

frustrating. You just really need someone to tell you what to do and make all of this go away

quickly so you can get your sanity back.

The best investment in life is

your spouse and your children.

So when you are spending on your little one don’t forget to

set aside an education budget

for yourself to be equipped for

things like sleeping. You’ll never

regret giving your child (and you) the gift of sleep!

Brad & Greta Zude founders of MyBabyCanSleep. com

familiesonline.co.uk

Baby news IT’S OFFICIAL RUNNY EGGS BACK ON THE MENU! Pregnant women, babies and elderly people can now enjoy dippy eggs again for the first time since the 1980s - as long as they have the British Lion mark.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) changed its advice in October 2017 on eggs, confirming that British Lion eggs are safe to be eaten runny, and even raw, by vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women and elderly people. These groups can now enjoy the nutritional benefits of eggs, without having to fully cook them.

The new advice follows a year-long risk assessment by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food and is the result of extensive food safety measures introduced within the British Lion Code of Practice since its launch in 1998.

Andrew Joret, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, which runs the British Lion scheme, welcomed the new advice: “This is a real success story for the UK egg industry. Our producers have maintained the highest standards for two decades to ensure the superior safety of British Lion eggs and we are delighted that FSA has now confirmed that these eggs are safe enough for even vulnerable

groups to eat runny or even raw.

“We know that the previous advice has deterred many women from eating eggs when pregnant, and from giving them to their babies, as well as denying older people the pleasure and nutritional benefits of a ‘dippy egg’ and home-made mousses and mayonnaise.”

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: “The major reduction in the risk of salmonella in Lion eggs is testament to the work carried out by egg producers. The measures they’ve taken, from vaccination of hens through to improving hygiene on farms and better transportation, have dramatically reduced salmonella levels in UK hens.”

Dr Juliet Gray, registered nutritionist, said: “The new advice is very welcome news.

Eggs are highly nutritious, containing many key nutrients including high quality protein, vitamin D, selenium, iodine, choline and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are particularly important for many vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, babies and elderly people and several of them are not found in many other foods.”

Fit for a Prince

Ideal for popping over pyjamas on chilly mornings or for drying off with after bath time, this luxury white robe from My 1st Years Families is the perfect addition to your little LOVES! one’s wardrobe. The sumptuous towelling feels super soft against baby’s skin and offers maximum absorbency for just-bathed tots. Don’t forget to complete the gift with the complimentary personalisation service - just enter up to 12 characters to be be embroidered on the front for free. Prince George wore his whilst meeting President Barack Obama, so if it’s fit for a prince …

A MINDFUL PREGNANCY AND BIRTH ‘Mindful Pregnancy & Birth’ offers readers an intimate view of mindfulness practice and its relevance to pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Through sharing her own personal story of pregnancy and motherhood, and discussing the hormonal functions of birth physiology in an accessible way, familiesonline.co.uk

What’s NEW!

Wonder Wagon

Hape seek to inspire play, learning and exploration of the world. The recently launched Wonder Wagon is great to help develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination as your little one goes on his or her journey of finding first steps. Advanced walkers can add toys to the wagon to push and pull to give more resistance and build strength.

Plus it’s safe for passengers to ride or haul and store toys. Suitable for children form 12 months. £85.99 from Amazon.

★★★★★

Blade & Rose New Festive Fun Collection

Adorable little cherubs will love the all new unisex Red Christmas Gingerbread leggings featuring cute red and white stars on the legs and a happy gingerbread man on the bum (sizes 0-4 years, RRP £10). The Collection also includes matching two tone socks (RPP £5.50), perfect for keeping your child’s feet warm during the chilly winter days. The Christmas Penguin Collection features the seasonal red, green and white coloured leggings with spots and stripes with the added touch of a blissful penguin on the bottom (sizes 0 -4 years). Tiny tots are also in for treat with the Christmas Penguin Knitted top, sold as a set RRP £21.50.

Playful toddlers can splash about in style with the Scottie Dog Wellington Boots (£24.95 sizes 3 – 7. The set also features the blue and white polka dot leggings with signature Scottie dog character on the bum (£10). There is also the Striped Heart top in red, white and blue (£13.95). Complete the look with the Crotchet Flower Hat ( 0 – 6 years), keeping little ones cosy and warm on the colder days (£13.00). doula Riga Forbes accompanies the reader through an exploration of using mindfulness skills in the lead up to birth and in childbirth itself.

Riga says: “This book personalises the journey of gestation, birth and parenting as an opportunity to cultivate both mindfulness and compassion, with autobiographical offerings throughout... My book is a gentle guide to inner-growth,

self-care and to developing greater awareness.”

Mindful Pregnancy & Birth by Riga

Forbes, Published

by Leaping Hare Press,

RRP £8.99.

Families Oxfordshire 7

W hat’s On

places to Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Ox fords h ire

Fre

e!

Wolvercote Craft Fair

WHEN: 11 November:

11.00-16.00

WHERE: Wolvercote Primary

School

30+ stalls of handmade crafts, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, kids clothes, prints

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

WHEN: 24 November – 7 January WHERE: Oxford Playhouse After getting into humungous trouble with his mother for selling their hapless cow for a handful of beans, Jack’s dreams come true when they start to grow…

From £15 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

& Christmas decorations.

Plus workshops, live music,

refreshments & kids activities. £1. www.facebook.com/ wolvercoteprimarypta 01865 558301

Real Ice-skating at Frosts Garden Centre WHEN: 18 November-4 January

Cotswold Wildlife Park

WHERE: Frilford, Nr Abingdon

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

Adult £15; Child £10; Under 3s FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

outdoors on a real ice rink;

WHEN: November & December:

Experience the thrill of skating sessions last 45 minutes and price includes skate hire.

From £6.50

www.milletsfarmcentre.com

WHEN: 25 November:

Pixel Painting with Python WHEN: 11 November

WHERE: Oxford Centre

For Innovation Kids can discover their inner Banksy at this colourful coding workshop. They will learn how every colour they can think of can be made from just red, green and blue, then create artwork of their own. 9+. £8 www.scienceoxford. com/events 01865 810000

Chastleton at Christmas

WHEN: 2-17 December Sat & Sun:

11.00-15.00 WHERE: Nr Moreton-in-Marsh Step back in time for Christmas at Chastleton.

Adult £6; Child £3 01608 674355

A Christmas Carol

WHEN: 2 December-6 January WHERE: The North Wall Arts

Centre With misers, music, Marley’s ghost and all sorts of Creation twists, it will be a show unlike any other. £13.50 - £32.00 www.thenorthwall.com

8 Families Oxfordshire

Woodstock Christmas Market

Oxford Christmas e!

Fre Light Festival

WHEN: 17-19 November

WHERE: Various locations Oxford

Delight in the extraordinary

collection of illuminated and

interactive installations in and

around old and new buildings and public spaces. Kicks off with over

400 local young people providing a spectacular lantern parade.

Activities at various venues.

FREE www.oxfordschristmas.com

10.00-19.30 WHERE: St Mary Magdelene Church A variety of stalls in a wonderful atmosphere. Full choral entertainment throughout!

FREE www. woodstockchristmasmarket. co.uk

Christmas at Blenheim

WHEN: 24 November-1 January:

WHEN: 25 November - 23

December

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens

Help Rudolph find his eight

friends lost all around the gardens

and then collect a Christmas treat. £2 Child plus Adult admission

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

The Buildy-Uppy Dance Show WHEN: 19

November

17.00-22.00

WHERE:

Palace,Woodstock Sensory magic with Christmas trees that sing and a fairy-lit arbour Ride the vintage carousel and enjoy a well stocked gift shop, tasty treats and other traditional fare.

Adult £16.50; Child £10.50; Under 5s FREE www.blenheimpalace.com

Arts Centre,

WHERE: Blenheim

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BEAR SPOTTING WHEN: 18 November

WHERE: Story Museum

Find Santa’s Reindeer

Join author Michelle Robinson as she takes us through the essential guide to bear spotting, packed with tips on how to stay out trouble and avoid being (gulp!) eaten.

3+. Adult £7; Child £5 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 807600

Cornerstone Didcot

Help create enticing caves,

precarious

castles and fabulous creatures.

Learn that the strongest thing one can build is friendship. £8.50; Conc £6.50; Family £26 www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Fre

e!

Terrific Toys

WHEN: 2 December: 13.00-16.00 WHERE: Pitt Rivers Museum

See toys from around the world

and then make your own to take home FREE www.prm.ox.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Fun Didcot Christmas Street Fair

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

WHEN: 30 November:

16.00-21.00

WHEN: 15-30 December

WHERE: Broadway and Orchard

WHERE: Cornerstone Arts

Centre All the fun of the fair with side shows, rides, parades, food stalls and family entertainment.

FREE www.didcotevents.co.uk

Christmas Dinners in the Cowshed

CHRISTMAS FAIR

WHERE: Greys Court,

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden

WHEN: 1-22 December

WHEN: 2 & 3 December

Nr Henley-on-Thames Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner in the tea-room this festive season. Book online Adult £14.95 Child £7.50 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyscourt

Browse for unique hand-picked seasonal gifts for all ages in the beautifully decorated heated marquee, then pause for some delicious artisan food. www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

Morgan & West: A (sort of) Christmas Carol Magic Show!

WHEN: 5-24 December

WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford

Fun for all the family in this utterly splendid (and totally silly) Christmas magic extravaganza! £14; £10 Con; £7 Under 18s www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812 150

Amongst the Stars WHEN: 9-23 December

WHERE: New Theatre, Oxford

When something precious disappears, a search party is dispatched and amidst the red velvet and limelight a magical world is discovered which is keeping something very special, very safe. £12.50 www.atgtickets.com

Fr

ee!

WHEN: 9 December

WHERE: Story Museum

Develop comic-making skills and share ideas with like-minded enthusiasts. Awesome comic artist Neill Cameron will be on hand to offer helpful advice and tips.

Ages 8-12. £7. www.storymuseum.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

9.30-11.00

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

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

Booking essential. £5 per child www.bbowt.org.uk/events Must have an image please

Dick Whittington

WHERE:

WHERE: Broad Street

Comics Club with Neill Cameron, Christmas Edition

WHEN: 15-17 November:

December: 13.00 & 16.00

WHEN: 7-17 December

With market traders 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

Nature Tots, Didcot

WHEN: 21 & 23

Oxford Christmas Market

Jingles Magic Sleigh WHEN: 7 January 2018

WHERE: Story Museum

Join as Jingle cheers Santa with festive stories, from The Wishing Well to the tale of The King of the Goblins, and see what special gift Santa gives her for her help.

Adult £7.50; Child £5.50 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 807600

Centre, Didcot The world of the Nutcracker and the Mouse king is vividly brought to life with new songs and music, performed live by actor musicians supported by a talented young company ensemble from the local community. £15; Conc £13.50; Family Ticket £50

The Beacon, Wantage Packed with songs, slapstick, silliness, breathtaking special effects, audience participation and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime. £8.50 ; £32 Family www.beaconwantage.co.uk 01235 763456

War Horse

WHEN: 13 December-6 January: 14.30 & 19.30 WHERE: New Theatre, Oxford The National Theatre’s record-breaking show based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel; a show of phenomenal inventiveness.

From £20.90 www.atgtickets.com

Please mention Families Oxfordshire when booking ALADDIN AND THE MAGICAL LAMP

WHEN: 16 - 22 December

WHERE: Jacqueline du Pré Music

Building, St Hilda’s College Alison Laddin works hard in the market at her mean Auntie’s lightware-mending stall ‘Old Lamps to New’. Discover her magical adventures in this Pantomime Show.

(SEN performances on 22 Dec). £7; Under 1s FREE www.jdp.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/events Families Oxfordshire 9

Books of the Season WINTER IS THE PERFECT SEASON FOR BURYING NOSES IN GOOD BOOKS

By Justine Crow

Twinkle Twinkle ABC

by Barney Saltzberg 0-2 Years , Phaidon RRP £8.95 Artful and melodic board book that mixes and matches two of the most sung baby songs on the planet accompanied by a banjo, a growling bear and a pirouetting cow (of course).

Perfect for winding down.

The Snowbear

by Sean Taylor & Claire Alexander Frances Lincoln RRP£11.99 Iggy and Martina head off into the snow to play but somehow they wander off just a little too far and after all their hard work, getting cold hands whilst patting the snow into shape, who do you think comes to their rescue?

The Bear & the Piano Sound Book

by David Litchfield 3-5 Years, Frances Lincoln RRP

£14.99 Now that you’ve warmed up the vocal chords, everyone can enjoy this new sound edition of last year’s sumptuous hit picture book for preschoolers. Not too loud though, or – whispers - you’ll wake the baby.

Richard Scarry’s Best Treasury Ever

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat

by Richard Scarry Harpercollins RRP £20.00 For fifty years children have been entertained by the antics of Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat, and I think the deep affection for the Busytown stories persists because they convey diversity, combined with slapstick and familiarity. Everything and everyone is on the go in all manner of vehicle.

Santa Claude

by Alex T Smith 6-8 Years, Hodder RRP £5.99 Claude, the daft dog with the knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, has done much to encourage early readers.

Our eponymous hero is back and wearing a certain festive person’s trousers, which are just a little too big and is causing mayhem with his best friend Sir Bobblysock.

Justine Crow is co-founder of the South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’. Blogger and reviewer, parent of three, she also co-authored ‘The Little Book of Nits’

by Phil Earle Hodder RRP £6.99 We meet Kay Catt, a timid soul with much to worry about. Enter Wilf Wilkinson, the weirdest pensioner ever in the street. Never mind a flat cap and cardi, this old codger has a pointy hat.

Just like a..um.. wizard?

Father Christmas & Me

by Matt Haig 9-11 Years, Canongate RRP £14.99 The third in the tinsel decked trilogy in which we meet Amelia and her newly adoptive parents, none other than Father and Mary Christmas (who wouldn’t want them for a mum and dad?).

But, everything is under threat from a jealous Easter Bunny and his henchmen.

The Book of Dust

by Philip Pullman David Fickling RRP £20.00 Set ten years before the Northern Lights, we meet, Malcolm, who navigates the Thames in his canoe ‘La Belle Sauvage.’ One day he discovers that the priory across the water has a visitor, an infant named Lyra.

Cornerstone is association with Goblin proudly present

by E.T.A. Hoffmann

Fun-filled stories retold for families and children aged 3+ Ticket Office: 01865 807600 www.storymuseum.org.uk

1 Dec 2017 7 Jan 2018

42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP Registered charity no. 1107809

10 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Fun Santa’s Grotto at Frosts Garden Centre WHEN: 11

November-24 December WHERE: Frilford, Nr Abingdon Enter Santa’s magical wonderland, sing with his bashful elves, make some reindeer food, listen to an enchanted story read by Santa himself.

With lots of surprises along the way! Booking recommended.

Child £14.99; Adult £4.99 www.milletsfarmcentre.com

Father Christmas

Santa at Wyevale Garden Centre

WHEN: 18 November-24 December WHERE: Bicester

Take your little elves along to visit Santa’s Grotto at weekends in November and throughout December. They can also join him for breakfast or tea and decorate a festive biscuit, plus gift. With Santa’s arrival parade on 18 November from 11am, there’s every reason to visit! Booking recommended. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto and Reindeer WHEN: 19 November-24 December

WHERE: Notcutts Nursery, Nuneham

Courtenay A truly special Christmas experience with some of Santa’s favourite reindeer! As well as meeting these gorgeous winter creatures and Santa himself, your child will receive a Christmas gift, personally given by Santa.

Gets very busy so booking online recommended. Also separate opportunities for breakfast or tea with Santa. £10 per child www.notcutts.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto

WHEN: 25, 26 November

& 10, 17 December

WHERE: Sulgrave Manor, Banbury

Visit Santa in his Grotto for a special gift.

Dates in November coincide with Christmas Market. First date in December coincides with screening of The Snowman, second date with story-telling, crafts & activities, garden trail and costumed family friendly house tours. Santa visits must be pre-booked 01295 760205 or email enquiries@ sulgravemanor.org.uk. £6 per child www.sulgravemanor.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE TO FIND

Santa Specials

WHEN: 2-23 December Weekends

WHERE: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Father Christmas and Mother Christmas are onboard every train with gifts for children up to 8 years.

Adult £10; Child £5; under 5s FREE www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com

Day out with Thomas and meet Santa WHEN: 2-23 December

WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre

At weekends and on Friday 22 December, Thomas likes to take all his young friends to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Child ticket includes gift.

Adult £15; Child £16 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

SANTA AT BANBURY MUSEUM WHEN: 2-23 December

At weekends with extra dates from 18 December, as well as meeting Father Christmas, each child will receive a lovely gift, a Christmas activity pack to take home and a very special Santa museum trail.

Pre-book. £8.50 www.banburymuseum.org/ christmas-grotto/

Santa at Fairytale Farm WHEN: 2-24 December

WHERE: Chipping Norton

At weekends with extra dates from 20 December, children can meet Santa in his indoor fairytale grotto and receive a present, join in with Christmas activities, enjoy all the usual Fairytale Farm attractions and see the enchanting Christmas lights.

From £5.30 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

Visit Santa on a Vintage Bus WHEN: 10 & 17 December:

12.15 & 14.45

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.

Pre-book. Adult £5; Child £3 www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

Santa Steam Specials WHEN: 10-24 December

WHERE: Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway

At weekends and special dates at various times, the Chinnor to Thame Junction train will carry Santa and his Elves to visit every family on board! Presents for all fare-paying children and young people aged 0-15yrs . Everyone can also enjoy a spiced hot berry cordial and a delicious mince pie. Pre-book.

Adult £12; Child £10 www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

Please mention Families Oxfordshire when booking Families Oxfordshire 11

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

BANBURY 0808 2085134 banbury@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/banbury

BICESTER 01869 321185 bicester@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/bicester

FARINGDON 01367 240663 faringdon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/faringdon

OXFORD BOTLEY 01865 590510 botley@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/botley

OXFORD HEADINGTON 01865 688809 headington@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/headington

OXFORD KIDLINGTON 01865 689222 kidlington@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/kidlington

OXFORD SUMMERTOWN 01865 655663 summertown@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/summertown

THAME 01865 763767 thame@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/thame

HENLEY & HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow

ÂŽ

Creative Courage For Life

ÂŽ

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

Anti-Bullying

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED OR BULLYING?

By Jane Rogers

When you send your child off to school you do so in the hope that they will be safe from harm.

Sadly, for some children this is not the case and bullying is still an issue in many schools today.

So what are the signs to look out for?

There may be some obvious signs: If your child has been physically hurt or had their possessions stolen or broken, this should ring an alarm bell.

Your child may tell you they are being bullied: Children who are being bullied can be divided roughly into two categories: those who tell an adult about it and those who don’t. If your child tells you that another child has been unkind to them, it’s important to make the time to listen. show it. Give them a chance to role play some A change in behaviour: scenarios at home, so that they can practice Children who are being bullied may become ways to react in a safe environment. withdrawn and anxious, or they may display angry and aggressive Ask your child what they behaviour. Any unusual or e real If you hav s talk want you to do worrying behaviour needs ay lw a s n r When my son was bullied e c to be investigated. con school ’s d il h c at primary school, he r u to yo . it t u wanted me to go to the o b a Sleep disturbance: school and sort it out. I If your child begins to have remember him saying “I don’t trouble sleeping,ask yourself think the adults know how bad it is.”He if there could be something bothering had tried to sort it out himself, but it hadn’t them. worked, so now he was taking a different approach. Encourage your child to try to Anxiety about going to school: tackle their own problems, but always be there Again, if this is a change in behaviour,it’s time for them when they get to the point of asking to explore what the reasons might be. for your help.

How to help your child

Listen to your child and stay calm However upset or angry you may feel, try to put those feelings to one side while your child is talking to you about what is happening to them. This is an opportunity for you to begin to teach your child how to approach and hopefully solve difficult problems. Staying calm and rational is a very useful skill;, role model it for your child at this difficult time.

Encourage your child to learn how to shrug off teasing A bully will always home in on someone who seems weaker, and who gives them the reaction they want. Verbal bullying can be very hurtful to your child, but it’s useful to explain to them that a bully will bully all the more if they see a reaction. Although your child may be hurting inside, encourage them not to familiesonline.co.uk

Build self- esteem Prevention is always better than cure. Children who are confident and have good self-esteem are less likely to be bullied. That’s not to say it won’t happen, but people with resilience will always fare better in the face of adversity and will be less likely to be bullied.

What if my child is the bully?

If this is the case then spend some time trying to work out why this could be happening.

People become bullies for a number of reasons.

• Low self-esteem Those who don’t think much of themselves on the inside may feel the need

And finally: If you have real concerns always

talk to your child’s school about it. All schools should have a bullying policy which you can ask to see, and, of course, a duty of care to each and every child.

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

Her two parent workbooks: ‘How to encourage good behaviour so you can enjoy your children’ and ‘How to use positive discipline to improve your child’s behaviour,’ are available on Amazon. You can follow ‘The Cambridge Parent Coach’ on Facebook.

To help stamp out bullying in our schools

talk to your school about getting involved

in Anti-Bullying Week running from 13 to 17 November 2017. Run by the Anti-Bullying

Alliance, the week aims to support schools with a range of free activities to help them

take action to prevent bullying and create a safe environment for pupils.

For more information visit

www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

to make themselves look ‘big’ on the outside.

• Following the crowd Bullies can sometimes appear to be very popular and being part of the ‘in’ crowd can be very important to children and young people.

• For safety If the jungle that is the

school playground feels unsafe, then it may make sense to your child to align themselves to the person who looks the strongest.

• Learned behaviour Children who witness bullying behaviour around them may copy that behaviour and turn into a bully themselves.

Families Oxfordshire 13

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL TOY SHOPS THIS CHRISTMAS Boswell & Co. Department Store

Bagatelle Toys

1-4 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 8RJ 01865 241244 www.boswells.co.uk

Hoyles Games 71 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BA 01865 203244 www.hoylesonline.com

Bicester Toys & Thorntons 66-68 Sheep Street, Bicester OX26 6JW 01869 323946 www.toymaster.co.uk

63 Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BA 01491 576559 www.bagetelletoys.com

Champions Toys Department Pettits of Wallingford 7 St. Mary’s Street, OX10 0EY 01491 836271 www.pettitsofwallingford.co.uk

Dentons Toys & Cycles 1 High Street, Witney OX28 6HW 01993 704979

Wally’s Toy Shop

Teddy Bears of Witney

97 High Street, Thame OX9 3EH 01844 261947 www.facebook. com/wallystoyshopthame

99 High Street, Witney OX28 6HY 01993 706616 www.teddybears.co.uk

Toys-UK 162-164 Broadway, Didcot OX11 8RJ 01235 759450 www.toys-uk.co.uk

THE NURSERY SHOP

22 Stern Street, Abingdon OX14 3JP 01235 520476 www.thenurseryshop.com

Please mention Families Oxfordshire when shopping

14 Families Oxfordshire

We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate. However we cannot be held responsible for any unintentional errors.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Gift Guide 1.

3+

GIFT GUIDE 3.

2.

Stockin g FILLER!

4.

8+ 5.

Stockin g FILLER!

6+

4+

6+

6.

8.

6+

7.

8+

Stockin g

6+

FILLER!

10.

6+

11.

8+ 8+

12.

9.

13.

1. Snuggly Rascals Children’s Headband Headphones

£14.99, www.snugglyrascals.com 2. Ticket to Ride Board Game £32.99, Amazon 3. Play in a Box £12.99, National Theatre Bookshop 4. Unicorn Night Light £9.99, Firebox.com 5. Hasbro Chatty Charlie, the Barkin’ Beagle £59.99, Argos 6. Star Wars Illumi-Mate Colour Changing Light

£6.99 Tesco, Wilkinson 7. Simbrix Kits £18, Amazon 8. Air Wars Battle Drones £79.99, Argos and Smyths 9. Lightshow Heliball £20, Hawkin’s Bazaar 10. RC Cyklone 360 £20, Hawkin’s Bazaar 11. Mover Kit £59.99, John Lewis 12. Virtuali-Tee £25, Curiscope 13. Playmobil Pony Farm £39.99, Playmobil 14. Playmobil Hiccup and Toothless £29.99, Playmobil 15. The Mighty Mountain Amazon, £139.99

4+ 14.

15.

3+

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 15

ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL

New transfer process

from Abin gdon Prep to Abingdon School

“Exceptional

- pupils’ achievement, both inside and outside the classroom. ISI Inspection

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For talented boys we have Funded Places that can be worth up to 100% of the fees at 11+, 13+ or for Sixth Form. Radley is a top boys’ boarding school near Oxford.

01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk/funded-places

abingdon.org.uk/prep

Visit Oxford High Junior School Junior School Stay & Play 13 November 2017 Visit www.ohsvisit.org.uk for 2018 events or call Admissions on 01865 318500

For girls aged 4 to 18 years