Families Oxfordshire Issue 42 March - April 2011

F R E E®

Issue 42 • March - April 2011 • www.familiesox.co.uk

Issue 42:July August.qxd 22/02/2011 22:18 Page 1

May - June issue

Bumps & Babes, Birthday

Parties, local news,

half term fun & What's OnTo advertise call 01235 206657

An Easter treat for all thefamilyPeep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine is setto roll into the Buckinghamshire RailwayCentre for a Day Out With Thomas fromFriday 22 until Monday 25 April. This fun-filled event offers children and theirfamilies the opportunity to take a ride witha Thomas the Tank Engine steam train,meet The Fat Controller and enjoy a ride onthe train pulled by Percy. The ticket priceincludes Magic shows, Punch ‘N’ Judy, the“Thomas” DVD Theatre, Storytelling, Artsand Crafts. Thomas’s small cousins will begiving rides at the ever-popular MiniatureRailway. The Centre boasts excellentfacilities including a Café, Shops packedwith Thomas goodies, picnic areas andample parking. Tickets: Adult £15; Child(ages 2 – 15) £11; Children under 2 goFREE. Save £2 per ticket if you book at leastone week ahead.Bookings for a Day out with Thomas closeon Friday 15 April.Buckinghamshire Railway Centre,Quainton Road Station,Quainton near Aylesbury Bucks HP22 4BY01296 655720 or www.bucksrailcentre.orgFor more information about “Thomas” visitwww.thomasandfriends.com

news & views

MARCH / APRIL 2011

In this issue:

News & Views 2-5Spring Activities 6-9Childcare 10-11Books 12Baby 13Education 14-15Growing & Caring 16What’s on 17-19Competition 20Editor: Felice VermeulenContact: [email protected]

Next issue, May / June 2011: Parties, Bumps and babies.Editorial deadline 15 April 2011.

To advertise in Families Oxfordshire:Call 01235 206657 or email [email protected]

Circulation: We distribute free copies in hundreds of schoolsand nurseries throughout Oxfordshire. If your school, nurseryor parent group would like copies of Families Oxfrdshire letus know and we’ll sort things out.

Copyright: Families Oxfordshire March 2011Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other originalmaterials submitted for publication are sent at owner's ownrisk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor itsagents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care inpreparing this magazine but publishers and distributorscannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers norfor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families Oxfordshire is part of a groupestablished in 1990 and headed by Families South West. Allfranchised magazines in the group are independently ownedand operated under licence.

Families Readers’ PanelWe contact members of the Panel fromtime to time to ask their opinion and/orrecommendations on a range of subjectsfrom parenting to products and services.The information is used anonymously inthis magazine only. In return, membersof the Panel are entered into a draw fora book token from Mostly Books inAbingdon.To join email: [email protected]

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Win tickets to a fabulousDAY OUT WITH THOMAS Families Oxfordshire have teamed up withBuckinghamshire Railway Centre to giveaway Family tickets for a day out withThomas the Tank Engine and another prizeof Family tickets for any Steam Day orSpecial Event Day (except with Thomas).

To enter the draw simply answer thefollowing question:What is the post code of the BucksRailway Centre?

Send an email to [email protected] send a postcard quoting THOMAS to Families OxfordshireP.O Box 167 Wantage OX12 8ZJ The closing date is Friday 8 April 2011Don’t forget to include your name, fulladdress and telephone number.Winners agree to the possibility of their name beingpublished in the May-June 2011 issue of FamiliesOxfordshire and on the Families website. Nocorrespondence will be entered into. Entries open toOxfordshire residents only. Your details will not be usedfor any purpose other than this draw.

SAVE THE DATESLeckford Place School is holding an openevening on Thursday 9 June 6 – 8pm andthe school’s popular Creative HolidayCourses are planned from 15 – 18 Augustfrom 9.30 am – 4.00 pmd’0verbroeck’s College, Leckford Place, Leckford Road, Oxford OX2 6HX01865 302620 www.doverbroecks.com

Health Care at the ManorHospital Illnesses in children can be very stressful forparents at any time of year. When is arunny nose just a cold, or a poorly tummyjust a 24 hour bug, and when should youstop waiting for your child’s hearing to getbetter? We may see the GP and bereassured but what if the same problemkeeps coming back? Little ones can easilybecome run down and we all know the GPis very busy and it’s hard to keep goingback for reassurance or to insist more isdone.Recurrent illnesses can be caused byunderlying problems which can be resolvedor managed quickly and easily once theyhave been diagnosed. The Manor Hospitaloffers the services of a ConsultantPaediatrician who can spend the time withyou and your child, arrange tests if requiredto check out their symptoms and give youthe reassurance you need. If treatment isnecessary, then the hospital is able toarrange timely and effective treatment. 01865 307750www.nuffieldhealth.com/oxfordhospital

WIN

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FAMILIES MARCH / APRIL 2011

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Start with cards! Now’s the time of year when people areoften looking for a new challenge, a freshstart or just a little extra money to pay forChristmas or save towards the summerholiday. If you like to socialise, have a fewfriends and you love greeting cards andstationery products, you could run your ownbusiness from home, even if you only have2 spare hours a week! Tess Brooker, a local Phoenix TradingExecutive Trader (and mum to 2 year oldtwin girls) is looking for enthusiastic peopleto join her team. There are no targets or

minimum order limits and you don’t have tohave a sales background. Phoenix cards arefabulous enough to sell themselves.Phoenix have just created a brand newjoining kit which only costs £30. You can beinstantly in business with sample cards,brochures and display boxes. Many Phoenixtraders are mums and it really does providea flexible business opportunity to fit aroundyour children. It’s a fun, friendly way to earna little extra money or even a full timeincome. 01993 200809www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/tessbrooker

Healthy growth @ Labels4Kids Labels4kids is capitalising on a successful 2010, after winning Internet Retailer of the YearFirst Prize. In 2011, the company has continued its expansion with a website re-design,which includes an easier to use checkout, plus the exciting addition of a Spanish online store.

“Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer firstand make their shopping experience an enjoyable one”, saysAnn-Maree Morrison, company director and a devoted fan ofFamilies Magazines in the UK.

“We hope our customers enjoy receiving our e-newslettersevery now and then and will fully support our facebook, twitterand blog page, including the parents forum. We are interestedin any topics for discussion that you would like to talk aboutand welcome suggestions for debates and new products.

“Labels4kids is not just about selling name labels and IDproducts. We actively encourage a ‘Labels4kids community’ tohelp each other and talk about children related issues on ourblog and forum.” She added.

For more information or to join their facebook page or twitter feed go to labels4kids.com.

Trust in Childcare For a number of years, Best Bear hashelped parents take the fear and hassle outof finding childcare solutions. Operatingnationwide, Best Bear can help find ananny, au pair, baby sitter or even a nurserysafely. This Spring, Best Bear are offering a10% discount to Families readers who takeadvantage of their reference checkingservice. Call 08707 201277 to speak to anadvisor and quote ‘Families’ to ensure yourdiscount. Best Bear www.bestbear.co.uk


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MARCH / APRIL 2011 5

FAMILIES MARCH / APRIL 2011

You are never too young to getinvolved at Abingdon Prep. Theirextra-curricular, or Other Half activities,

are available to all age groups, althoughthey are obviously tailored to suit abilitiesand ages. The younger pupils enjoy art,ceramics, chess and ICT clubs and join inchoir, orchestra, judo and tennis. Theseactivities are in addition to the music, art,games, ICT, French, PE and swimminglessons that they enjoy as part of the lessontimetable. From Reception onwards, Abingdon Preppupils benefit from excellent facilities,including an indoor swimming pool, artstudio, music and drama rooms, an ICT suiteand acres of space to play, includingwoodland, an adventure playground andgardens. At Abingdon Prep the curriculum isenhanced with regular visiting speakers andan extensive variety of trips ranging fromlocal days out to residential stays abroad.

This term the younger boys have alreadyenjoyed a visit from a space engineer fromthe Oxford Science Centre, trips to theINTECH Planetarium and a visit from thePuppet Theatre. From an early age boysare encouraged to explore new interestsand make the most of the wide-range ofopportunities available to them.The Pre-prep department also has anenormous amount to offer, not only in theteaching and activities available during theschool day, but also with the ‘wrap-aroundcare’ offered through breakfast and after-school clubs, including a dedicated after

school club for younger children. Prospective parents are invited to a PhonicsOpen Morning on Tuesday 15 March,starting at 9.30am. The Open Morning willdemonstrate the school’s innovative Phonicsteaching, from Reception to Year 3, and willprovide an opportunity to talk to staff, theHeadmaster and tour the School. To visitAbingdon Prep contact Cathy Hambly byemail: [email protected] orcall 01865 391570www.abingdon.org.uk/prep

Means-tested bursaries are available forentry into Reception 2011.

Collecting conkersand a visit from aspace scientist ~ allpart of the learningday at Abingdon Prep

Conker collection at Abingdon Prep


MARCH / APRIL 2011

DAYS OUT

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Spring is finally here!Now is a great time totake the family for a

walk in the countryside, toenjoy fresh air, exercise andsome wildlife spotting. TheBerks Bucks and OxonWildlife Trust (BBOWT) lookafter many beautiful naturereserves across Oxfordshire,many providing an ideal (andfree!) place for a familyouting. Katty Baird, BBOWTvolunteer and mother-of-three gives a round-up ofsome springtime favourites.

Warburg NatureReserve, OxonWhat’s it like?This is a really great place for walking in thewoods and open grassy rides, listening tobirds, watching red kites wheelingoverhead and spotting early butterfliesemerging from their winter hideaways. Warburg Nature Reserve is at the head of adry valley in the Chilterns and is remarkablytranquil even though it’s only a few minutesaway from Henley-on-Thames. It’s a goodplace for families to visit. It has a picnicarea, bird hides and a Visitors Centre.

What can we see?The little white wood anemone flowersthroughout March, and you may find earlyprimroses springing up in the chalkgrassland. The burnished copper coloured

beech buds are filling out ready to burstwith sharp green leaves in April. Listen out for the red kites, birds of prey re-introduced to the Chilterns during the lastfew years, as they call to each other whilethey wheel in the sky, and dance togetherin a mating ritual. Rest for a few minuteson a bench to admire the view and maybeyou’ll catch sight of fallow deer treadinglightly through the woodland edge, grazingon the grassy rides.

Things to doCheck out the Wildlife Trust’s websitewww.bbowt.org.uk to download a map ofWarburg Nature Reserve and choose yourwalking routes. The reserve is close to theOxfordshire Way, which extends yourwalking horizons even further. Spend a fewminutes in a bird hide and see how manywoodland birds, like the greater spottedwoodpecker, you can see.

SPRING’S IN THE AIR...

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Photo Warburg Nature Reserve BBOWT www.bbowt.org.uk


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Getting thereFrom the A4130 north of Henley-on-Thamesturn into Bix village. Go left into RectoryLane and down a steep hill. Turn left for BixBottom and continue up the valley to thecar park at the end.

Foxholes, OxonWhat’s it like?Once part of the ancient Wychwood Forestin north-west Oxfordshire, this tranquilwoodland reserve slopes down to the RiverEvenlode and includes meadows, pondsand open areas.

What can we see?In spring the woodland floor is vibrant withprimroses, violets and early-purple orchids.The thick green carpet of leaves throughoutthe woods in April is the prelude to thefantastic display of bluebells which starts atthe end of the month and goes through tomid-May - not to be missed!The woods are full of birdsong, and if yougo down to the river you may spot the bluestreak of a kingfisher; mallards and otherducks nest here too.

Things to doFoxholes is criss-crossed by a network ofpaths and bridleways which are easy foroff-road pushchairs and active youngsterswho want to scramble about and have fun.Take binoculars and a bird book to see howmany woodland and river birds you canspot before the trees are in full leaf.

Getting thereThe Wildlife Trust recommends youdownload the Foxholes reserve Google mapfrom the website www.bbowt.org.uk

because it’s a bit off the beaten track!You’re recommended to use the accessfrom the north-west via Foscot, which issafer than using the bumpy track fromBruern Abbey.

BernwoodMeadows, OxonWhat is it like?Bernwood Meadows is well worth a visitfrom April onwards. A traditional haymeadow, it has escaped ploughing andpesticides so that wild flowers like yellowrattle and oxeye daisy flourish. On warmsunny days in late spring and summer themeadow is like a jewel-box, with carpets ofcolourful flowers and butterflies and otherinsects flitting about. The Forestry Commission’s Bernwood Forestis next to the Reserve, offering plenty moreopportunities for energetic children toexplore.

What can we see?One of the earliest meadow flowers is thelilac-white coloured cuckooflower, so calledbecause it blooms at the time the firstcuckoos can be heard in our countryside.Harder to spot is the beautiful green-winged orchid, now uncommon acrossmuch of the country due to widespreaddrainage of wet meadows. With the flowers come butterflies: paleyellow brimstones can be seen flying alongthe hedgerows on warm March days.During April look for orange-tips, so calledbecause of the orange tips to the wings(however, this only applies to malebutterflies; the female’s wings are insteadtipped with black).

Things to doThis is a good place for flower and bug-hunting, and great for the budding youngnaturalists in your family (though probablybetter suited to the older child who canresist picking the pretty flowers!). Crouchdown for a moment to see how manydifferent species you can spot. The path through the meadow leads toShabbington Wood, part of Bernwood Forestand one of the top butterfly sites in Britain.Here you can follow the Bernwood ForestButterfly trail, a 2 mile trail suitable for allages.

Getting thereBernwood Meadows is seven miles north-east of Oxford. There is a surfaced car parkon the road between the villages of StantonSt John and Oakley, about ½ a mile south ofthe main entrance to Bernwood Forest.

BBOWT is the onlyvoluntary organisation in the regionconcerned with all aspects of natureconservation and has over 80 reserves.Events are run throughout the year, manysuitable for families with young children.www.bbowt.org.uk 01865 775476

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SPRING IN ACTION

MARCH / APRIL 2011

How Can I Help You?Ever thought of owning your ownbusiness - one that's professional,

simple, hugely rewarding and fun?Are you ambitious, self-motivated

and enjoy helping others?

This could be for you!

The catch?Hard work &determination!

The rewards? The chance to buildyour own successful home-basedbusiness with an income for life.

To find out more please call

Michele Poynteron 01865 882405

A stage experience with a difference In the small village of West Hendred, between Wantage and Didcot, aminor revolution is happening. AK15 is blowing the doors off thetraditional stage school image. They are setting the stage alight withclasses, which are a melting pot of West End musicals, popular music,hip hop dance routines and performance arts. With guest tutors freshfrom the West End, TV and professional dance companies, this calibre of

training is very rare outside big cities. AK15 has been bringing its own slice of magic to ruralOxfordshire for several years now and the demand for classes is continually growing. Withclasses for 4 year olds and upwards, a boys only crew and an adults dance fit class, theyreally have something for everyone.07832 287850 www.ak15.co.uk

Squash Academy back ontrackHaving taken time out from coaching overthe last year, former World No.3 andCommonwealth Games Gold Medallist SueWright is back with a vengence. Sue hasbeen a competitor on the InternationalSquash Tour for over 15 years, and coachingyoung players has always been her passion.The Park Sports Centre in Wheatley is thenew venue for her Academy, where Sue andother top coaching staff on hand will sharetheir knowledge and experience with the upand coming generation of players.

Taster, Feeder and Development squads willbe the initial starting point. For those lookingfor a bit more the Full Academy Squad willbe available. In addition, the Academy willbe running camps and one day sessions forall abilities in the holidays. Sue says:” I hopeto find the new squash stars of the future.”Having previously had the Academy at fullcapacity with over 40 young players andNational and International Tour players aspart of the squads, Sue is now lookingforward again to giving young people theopportunity to try a new sport.07770 980435www.swsquashacademy.co.uk

Go-Kart PartyJulio Baressi is a familiar face in the localsports and leisure scene. As the owner ofGo Kart he now organises indoor Birthday

Parties and operates from 30 indoor venuesacross Oxfordshire. Go-Kart Party iscompletely safe for children between 4 and10 years of age. Because the karts areoperated within an inflatable boundarytrack the children drive within a cushion ofair. The speed of the karts is set accordingto the age and ability of the children andthe party programmes are for different agegroups.

Birthday parties are completely structured.They last 1 – 1 ½ hours and canaccommodate up to 30 children. Children’seyes light up with the feeling ofindependence with their first real drivingexperience. You will see their driving skillsimprove over the duration of the party asthey get different challenges to complete.

Kids try to pop balloons, chase each otherdown by playing cat and mouse and finishoff with racing, all accompanied by the bestmusic that children love. Every child isawarded with a Safe Driver certificate and atrophy goes to the Best Driver. (The bestdriver is always the birthday child, but thechildren don’t know that!). The birthdaychild then does a lap of honour while allthe other children cheer and applaud andthey finally finish with a Formula1chequered flag. You also have the option oftaking a party room afterwards for food,drink and the Birthday Cake.07841 053154 or 01865 775653www.gokart-party.co.uk

Oxford is about to go MAD!Former sales manager Sophie Hill has goneMAD and has left her office behind bybecoming the newest member of theexciting MAD Academy network. She isbringing new fresh and funky music anddancing classes to North Oxford, Bicesterand surrounding villages.MAD Academy offers high-energy classesfor babies and children aged 3 months to 4years. What sets MAD Academy apart arethe free spirited and fun style of theclasses which bring to life both music and

dance. Classes include a variety of activities and games to develop and improve children’smusicality, listening skills, physical awareness, co-ordination and intellectual reasoning. Sophie has always loved music and dancing since her first ballet lessons at the age of 4. Acompetent pianist and saxophonist, she has continued her love for music and encouragesher own children to sing and play. Sophie is very excited about sharing this passion with theparents and children of North Oxfordshire. Sophie will be running classes from April 2011.01869 369502 www.madacademy.com.


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Music: anamazing thingA gentle lullaby cansoothe a crying baby.Playing withinstruments or movingto music can helptoddlers develop motorskills and physicalcoordination. Abouncing nurseryrhyme can trigger thegiggles, and learning

songs expands vocabulary. It is therefore a good idea to introducechildren to music at an early age.

Sam Palmer of Music with Mummy in Wantage and Grove says:“Singing nursery rhymes, listening to favourite songs, dancing andplaying instruments with your little one at home are all great ways tohave fun and further cement the developing bond between you andyour child. Try plastic milk bottles filled with rice for shakers andsaucepans with wooden spoons make great drum kits.”

Music groups can also provide a fun, safe environment wherechildren can experience the pleasure of music with other children.Here they learn to share, take turns, discover basic musical concepts,grow in confidence and develop their social skills. Look for a music group that your child can grow with from birth toschool age. And choose one that you, the adult, enjoy so that youhave as much fun as your child.Music with Mummy Wantage & Grove 07919 911137ww.musicwithmummywantage.co.uk

Stagecoach show in aid ofchildren’s hospital

Stagecoach students are putting the fun infund raising this year, by performing in aCharity Spectacular at the New Theatre on3 April. The event is held every 2 or 3 yearsto celebrate the talents of the Oxfordstudents and to raise money for localcharities.

The show, a modern day version ofCinderella, is full of song and dance andfeatures the students aged to 18. Thestudents hope to raise £5000 for theChildren’s Hospital and InterAct, a Stagecoachfoundation charity for disadvantagedchildren.

Flamboyantly told, the gregarious castfeatures Ugly Cousins, Evil Aunt Joan andeven a Darth Vader fanatic. All are keen tofulfill their dreams by auditioning for afamous performing arts school in America.With over 300 local children and teenagerson stage, wonderful comedy and foot-tapping songs, the colourful retelling of thisclassic tale will delight any age. This year’sdirector is David Wilson from Headingtonwho has scripted the show and written oneof the songs. David is no stranger to theNew Theatre, having performed and directed

shows there in recent years.

Nine year old Fay Goodwin isvery excited about the show. “Ican’t wait to perform in front ofa huge audience. I get a bitnervous going on stage, but it’ssuch good fun. And I want todo something good for childrenin hospital too.”

Maya Sprigg, principal ofStagecoach in Oxford, is keento stress the charity element aswell as the show itself.“Stagecoach is very muchabout community as well astraining and performance.Living in such as wonderfulplace as Oxford, it’s easy totake things for granted. Thecharity spectacular places the focus onbuilding a brighter future for children from allwalks of life and all abilities. And we havefun raising the money.”

Stagecoach provide training in singing, danceand drama for children and teenagers atweekends and there are regularopportunities to perform on stage. Springand Summer holiday courses take place atthe Theatre at Headington. This year’s shows

will be Broadway or Bust, Sweeney Todd(School Edition), Churchill’s Children and, forjuniors, Arabian Nights and The Phantom ofthe Theatre.

Tickets are available from the New Theatrebox office or from Ticketmaster online.www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

01869 278600 or [email protected]

Bushcraft campsThe Bushcraft Company at CornburyPark near Charlbury are offering 2mini camps at Easter, from11-13 April and from 18-20 April.The residential camps for 7-13 yearold are filled with fun activities,such as camp craft, wilderness survival, fire workshop, plant walk,and of course, also an Easter egg hunt. They also offer family campsand camps for (school) groups.01608 811 380 www.thebushcraftcompany.com/holidaycamps


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CHILDCARE

MARCH / APRIL 2011

We’re all in this together – we’ve allheard that, many times, from ourpoliticians about our country’s

financial problems.

But from April, if you’re a working parentyou could be forgiven for thinking you weremaybe taking more than your fair share ofthe hit.

Why so? Well, that’s when cuts to state-funded help with childcare announced inlast year’s comprehensive spending reviewstart to kick in: and what they’ll mean is acut in income of on average £436 foralmost half a million families nationwide

and even up to £1,300 a year to somefamilies in London, according to thethinktank Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced lastyear that the percentage of childcare costsrecoverable through the working tax creditsystem would be reduced from 80% to70% this month. But, says the ResolutionFoundation, many families are still unawareof the changes – and, says its chiefexecutive Gavin Kelly, those on middle-to-low incomes are the ones likely to find thelosses hardest to bear.“Many parents find support with childcarecosts absolutely essential to staying in

work, and the big worry is that some willnow find that work doesn’t pay,” he says.And he points out that, coming after recentrises in travel costs, the cuts come at a timewhen families are feeling the pinch veryhard indeed.

After all, for working parents childcare cutsdon’t just represent a loss of income: theyforce parents to think about whetherworking when their children are young isactually worth the effort at all. Given thatthe government is committed to helpingparents to work if they want to, that doesn’tmake much sense.

Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive.Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive.Joanna Moorhead explains why.Joanna Moorhead explains why.

Are mothers being penalised?

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To be totally fair about it, of course, a two-parent family should view the costs ofchildcare as a proportion of their jointincome. But in practice, how it’s seen bymost couples is as a proportion of themother’s wage. And if the proportion ofthat income spent on travel, lunches andchildcare becomes too high, then manymothers start to think: what’s the point ofcarrying on working?

After all, life is hard enough when you’vegot a small child or small children; if themoney you’re bringing in is making a bigmaterial difference to your family, then it’sworth it. But when it ceases to do that, youmight as well reduce the stress in your ownlife and increase the amount of time youspend with your child or children, and quitwork.

The problem in the UK, as compared withmany other countries in Europe, is thatchildcare costs already eat up a hugeproportion of a family’s income – 33%,according to recent figures from the OECD,compared with 4% of a family’s income inBelgium, 11% of a family’s income inFrance, and even compared with 19% of afamily’s income in the US.

And many campaigners argue that failing toinvest in childcare, and so reducing theproportion of a family’s income spent onchildcare, is failing the long-term economicfuture of the country. After all, workingmothers are extremely valuable to theeconomy: they’re paying into theirpensions, they’re learning new skills,they’re keeping their confidence up, andeven if they only tread water while theirchildren are young, they’re keepingconnected with the world of work in a waythat will make it much easier to up a gearwhen their children are at school.

From the government’s point of view, ofcourse, the changes to working tax credit

are all part of a cuts package that has toaffect everyone in the land. This month’schanges to the childcare element of thecredit will save £270m next year, rising to£385m by 2014-15. The policy is one ofseveral deficit reduction measures whichwill hit families, including an end to the£250 child trust fund for new babies, andthe cutting of child benefit from 2013 tofamilies where one parent is a higher-ratetaxpayer.

What’s especially unfair is that, if womenleave the workplace when their children aretiny, they often find their working choiceshugely reduced when they try to return towork three, or five, or even ten years downthe line.

And given that we’re being encouraged toanticipate living longer, and working forlonger, that makes no sense.

The cost of childcare:what mums sayI’ve got two children aged two and three,and to be honest I reckon it costs me towork. Around 70% of my income goes onchildcare, and the rest is eaten up in travel,lunches and clothes to wear for work. Ikeep telling myself that it’s a long-terminvestment in my capacity to work whenthe children are older and at full-timeschool, but there are days when that ringsvery hollow indeed. The truth is that it’s areal slog, working so hard when you’ve gotsmall children...somewhere in your mindyou know they’re happiest when they’rewith you, and you know you’re happiestwhen you’re with them, and if you’re noteven making money out of it, there comesa point when you think: why bother.Julie, 37, works in marketing.

I’ve worked out that unless I can earn atleast £35,000 a year, it’s simply not worthgoing back – so, for the moment, I’vedecided to stay at home. What worries meis how I’ll get back into the job market – Ifeel that while I’m at home I’m not gettingthe kind of experience employers areinterested in, and that my confidence willbe much-diminished by the time I’m readyto put in job applications again. Like manyworking parents I’d rather work part-timethan full-time, but working part-time meansan even lower salary, and you still have toget yourself into the office, buy lunches andso on, and that costs a huge amount. WhatI need is a system under which my childrencould get good, affordable childcare so thatI could at least keep my toe in the waterwith my job, for the long-term.Suzy, 34, former curator.

More information: Daycare Trust www.daycaretrust.org.uk Working Familieswww.workingfamilies.org.uk Childcare tax credits www.direct.gov.uk


DANCEBOOKS

MARCH / APRIL 2011MARCH / APRIL 2011

CHILDREN’S BOOKS SELECTED BYMOSTLY BOOKS’ MARK THORNTON

Welcome to Silver Street FarmNicola Davies ISBN: 978-1 4063 2059 6When Meera, Gemma and Karl discover an abandoned railwaystation called Silver Street, it seems their dream of one dayowning their own farm might be coming true. But eventshappen quicker than the children could ever have expected -some eggs they thought were off surprisingly hatch into fluffyducklings, some poodles bought on the internet turn out to belambs, and soon Silver Street Farm is up and running. Whathappens next is by turns delightful, exciting, funny as thechildren battle health and safety officials and their owncluelessness to ensure Silver Street survives. A fun new first-reader series for ages 7+.

See Inside Recycling andRubbishAlex Frith ISBN: 978-1 4095 0741 3If your kids have asked you lots ofquestions since the green bin changes inOxfordshire, what could be better than abook that explains all about rubbish andrecycling for children? With exciting pagesfull of pictures and flaps to lift, this is anengaging way to discover how recyclingworks, how plastics, glass and paper aremade into new things and what happens toanything that isn’t recycled. Great fun andinformative (even for adults!), for ages 6+.

Also look out thisSpring for newpicturebooks inpaperback from OliverJeffers’ Up and Down –the sequel to Lost andFound, the story of aboy and his penguin, a30th anniversary re-issue of Peepo! byJanet & Allan Ahlbergand the remarkablePress Here by Herve

Tullet, a magical journey of colour andimagination for ages 2+.

Buried ThunderTim Bowler ISBN: 978 0 1927 2838 8Unsettling, disturbingwith a grippingsupernatural twistthat hooks you rightfrom the start. Theatmosphere createdby Tim's taughtprose reminds mestrongly of AlanGarner's Owl Service.The powerfulcharacterisation andsharp dialogue onlyserve to ratchet upthe tension. 13+Also out inpaperback is Trashby Andy MulliganISBN: 978 1 0 3856 1901 1, a ‘slumdogmillionaire’ for young adult readers, whichtakes us on a gripping adventure involvingtwo boys living on a huge rubbish tip in thePhilippines.

The Girl SavageKatherine RundellISBN: 978-0 5712 5431 6The wild spirit of Africa is embodied inWilhelmina Silver, whose world is one offreedom. She rides, climbs and knowsabout animals –none of whichequips her for lifeat an Englishboarding school.In fact, when Willruns away hersheer survivalskills prove greatfor the streets ofLondon in winter.But even Willcan't stay on therun forever. Willshe take thebravest step of all and go back to the schoolshe hated? A beautiful, life-affirming novelabout bravery and hope, and celebratingdifference.For ages 9+.

Run WildJo Schofield and Fiona DankISBN: 978 0 7112 3172 6Preview by Felice VermeulenThese outdoor activities experts and localauthors will be introducing their latest bookRun Wild during a special event at theSunday Times Oxford Literature Festival atChristchurch on 2 April. If you book you canjoin in, explore Christ Church Meadows andhunt for natural materials such as sticks,feathers and seeds, then have a go atmaking wonderful mythical characters and

magical creatures. It’s a family eventsuitable for children up to the age of12 who must be accompanied by anadult and dressed suitably for theweather!www.oxfordliteraryfestival.com Run Wild is packed with inspirationalideas to encourage children andfamilies to go outside and enjoy the

natural world. See www.goingwild.net

12



BABY

In the past few years there has been anexplosion of classes for babies, frombaby massage to music, signing to

singing, gymnastics to yoga. This may seemlike a fad, but concerned parents areflocking to exercise classes catering forchildren of all ages, including those tooyoung to even crawl. The reason could lie inresults of recent research, which pushes theimportance of baby exercise classes to thefore, because it appears exercise in infancyis vital in maintaining a child’s lifelonghealth.

Baby exercise – not just a fad

The scienceAccording to some paediatric experts,parents who use prams, playpens, car seatsand bouncing chairs for hours at a timemay be delaying not only their child'sphysical development but their mentaldevelopment too. "The need for even thevery young to be physically active issomething parents often don't understand,"says Jane Clark of the University ofMaryland, USA. "The earlier infants andtoddlers get exposure to daily movementand exercise, the better the likelihood ofhealthy development in later life." In fact,regular exercise in the very youngencourages the kind of development thatmay be critical for health in later life, asduring infancy the brain is developingpathways and connections to the muscles.Children who do not get enough exercisemay miss out on the chance to make thestrong kinds of brain-muscle connectionsthat make physical activity easier, moreenjoyable and more likely to become a life-long habit avoiding obesity and otherweight-related conditions. The lessonlearned – keep your baby active and it willset them up for a healthier life.

Early Days Although it may not seem like much, anewborn baby's daily routine of changing,bathing, crying and growing is enoughexercise for them. In fact, a newborn isexercising many of its muscles in the veryact of feeding at the breast, and crying isimportant for the lungs and diaphragm andplays a large part in the development ofthe baby’s musculature. At this stage youcan try baby massage, a great way tophysically and emotionally bond with yourbaby, and a soothing and relaxingexperience for babies.

Exercise classesOnce a baby reaches 4 months, there are aplethora of baby exercise classes out there.This doesn't mean your baby needs to takeweight-lifting classes down the gym, butparents keen to give their little one a goodstart in life are looking to yoga, swimmingand developmental play classes.

Baby massageStart with a baby massage class, wheresimple massage techniques help stimulateyour baby's senses. Kristel van Wauwe runsregular sessions in Abingdon but you canalso book group sessions with friends orprivate sessions in the comfort of yourhome. Call 07866600194 or seewww.atouchofrelaxation.co.uk

Baby yogaBaby yoga is a great way to encouragebaby-parent interaction. Through free-flowing movement, touch and sound,babies learn better coordination, sitting andstanding techniques and motor skills.Proponents of yoga say it also helpsalleviate problems such as colic andconstipation. "You do things like bend theirlegs, push their knees up to their chestsand make hip circles," says Sally, mum oftwo. "You can be surprisingly firm as youmove them around as they are so flexible,and they seem to like being manipulated."Look for classes across Oxfordshire onwww.yogabugs.com or www.birthlight.com.

SwimmingBabies are born with natural swimmingreflexes which, if not developed, they loseat 8-10 months. Swimming not only helpswith bonding, but exercise in the water isparticularly good because it supports theweight of the baby. Call Saz Sunthareswaranat Waterbabies on 01869 325499 or seewww.waterbabies.co.uk

Baby gymBaby gym classes. What you get dependsupon where you go, but many have ballpits, trampolines, basic gymnasticsequipment, crawl tunnels and soft playareas to teach babies and toddlers aboutrhythm, movement, coordination skills anddance through a series of fun tumblingexercises. See www.tumbletots.com

Music and Movement For movement with music and rhythm,contact Liz Meadowcroft 01865 326746 atwww.monkeymusic.co.uk, Michelle Keatingat 01993 704207 www.saltboxmusic.co.uk,Sam Palmer from Music with Mummy07919 911137www.musicwithmummywantage.co.uk orSophie Hill at MAD Academy 01869 369502www.madacademy.com

Exercise at home Baby exercise classes are great fun, butthere are also baby exercises you can do athome. The aim is to help you bond withyour new child, and to instil an enjoymentof exercise from the start of life. For tips onexercising, playing and bonding with yourbaby and for more baby exercise classes goto www.familyfitnessexpert.co.uk orwww.kidsexercise.co.uk

with the help of Joanna ParryThis space can be

yours from as little as

£300 for a whole year.

No [email protected]

01235 206657


Communicate

14

EDUCATION

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Relaxed & healthy atrevision time

As recent research* reveals, the majority of students now revise for exams at the eleventh hour, ornot at all. It is therefore no surprise exams are stressful for parents and pupils alike. To help relievetension, Omega-3 experts at Equazen eye q offer this parents’ guide to revision.

Think ahead

The majority of parents (97%) are unsurehow long children should spend revising,yet nearly half (48%) anticipate beingasked to help with revision. Planning andcommunication is crucial, so as a first step,get together as a family to work out a goodrevision plan.

Less than a third of pupils now plan revisionin advance, and 15% loathe any sort ofrevision while just under a third (28%) ofparents believe just an hour’s revision a dayin the run up to exams is sufficient. Ideally,at least a month before exams, work outhow much revision is needed for eachsubject. Then add an extra week before-hand to devise a realistic revision plan andsave stress later.

Take a memory break

Shut eye and diet

A tenth of Brits don’t know how theirchildren revise, yet taking short breaks atthe right time is key to aiding memory. Thisis according to a recent study at New YorkUniversity’s Center for Neural Science whichfound that moments of wakeful rest (suchas making a cup of tea) increased activitybetween two key areas of the braininvolved in memory. Our brains want us totune out other tasks, to enable us to tune into what we’ve just learned, so after 45minutes of revision, take a 10 minutebreak. This helps our brains prioritise theright information to put into long termstorage when we go to sleep.

Lots of sleep and regular exercise will helpthem stay alert (and stay in a better mood)and a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit

and vegetables is important. Experts alsobelieve Omega-3 essential fatty acids areimportant for maintaining a healthy brain.Oily fish like mackerel or sardines is full ofOmega-3 but for those whose brains tellthem they don’t like oily fish, a supplementmay be an alternative.

FocusNearly half of parents (48%) think theirchildren can have their music or TV onwhilst studying, yet experts believe this canbe off-putting. Try to limit distractions likethe internet, music or TV by providing aneutral, well-lit environment for them torevise. Hoards of revision notes can beoverwhelming so as subject knowledgegrows, encourage them to condense notesonto index cards or draw mind maps foreach topic.



Brain exercise A new web site has launched to promote training for a brain (& body)exercise programme called Bal-A-Vis-X, a series of balance, auditory andvision exercises, of varied complexity, all of which are deeply rooted inrhythm. These exercises require full-body coordination and focused attention. Bal-A-Vis-X isschool friendly and fun. The first training in the UK is taking place from 11th-13th November.The training will be suited to teachers, parents with SEN children, and therapists.www.integratedbrain.co.uk

All work and no play?

Don’t panicPanicking won’t help so let them knowthey’re not alone. Advise them to talk tofriends who will be feeling the same and ifit all gets too much, a good moan to youshould offload some of the stress!www.equazen.co.uk* The research for Equazen eye q was carried out

online by Opinion Matters between 11 Mar 2010 and 17Mar 2010 amongst a nationally representative sampleof 1119 UK parents of 10+ year olds.

A third of parents (33%) offer rewardsbased on exam results while a further third(28%) have bought treats, paid or bribedtheir child to revise. Interestingly half ofdads (46%) refuse to entertain the idea ofincentivising revision or exam results, whilemums take more of a ‘needs must’approach. Whichever camp you sit in, it isimportant to recognise their achievements,whether that’s simply marking progress ona revision timetable, or planning a familyday out for when exams are over.

Childcare andlearning atFerndaleDeciding whether to keep your toddler athome or to begin their nursery education while you head back to work can be a big decision.Trying to find the right nursery can also be tricky as many pre-schools operate short sessionswhich can be hard to manage within the constraints of a working day. To try and resolve thisfor working parents, Ferndale School in Faringdon has lowered its age of entry to 2 ½ and atthe same time offered parents the option of an extended day from 7.45am to 5.30pm. TheHead of Ferndale’s Nursery School, Clare Harvey- Smith explains “Parents are often tornbetween wanting to ease their child gently into the idea of being away from mummy ordaddy and the need to get back to work. We wanted to find a balance between ourtraditional prep school setting and practical day care hours. We treat each family individuallyto ensure they have the best package of hours to suit their needs and we build up at thepace that suits them. Often they may require flexible sessions at short-notice to cover anappointment or meeting for example.” 01367 240618 www.ferndaleschool.co.uk


GROWING & CARING

16 MARCH / APRIL 2011

Garden in a BagSustainable farming charity Send a Cow is encouraging families inthe UK to get growing veggies the African way by planting up a BagGarden. This simple technique is helping thousands of poor farmers

in Africa to produce food for their families all yearround, even when land and water are scarce , andit works just as well in gardens and on patios inthe UK too.

Celebrity gardener Carol Klein says: “There isnothing better than getting outside with yourchildren and discovering the magic that happensafter you plant a seed. Bag Gardens are a reallyfun activity to do with the family; you not onlyget to grow some lovely veggies, but your kidswill learn about where their food comes from,about the environment and how other childrenare living in Africa.”

Kids will get their hands dirtycollecting the stones to createa central column, and packingthe sack with a mixture ofcompost and soil. Once you’vecut some holes and plantedthe seeds you’re ready to go!You’ll have an eye-catching,water-saving, space-saving,weed-free multi-storeygarden. And with budget cuts andfood prices tightening our purse strings, parents will also love thesaving they make on the weekly shop.!

Their £12 Bag Garden Starter Kits give you everything need to getgoing: a hessian sack (or three mini sacks for smaller growers),three packets of organic seeds ideal for spring planting. Just buythem from www.sendacowgifts.org.uk/somethingspecial or call 01225 874222

GRUBS at the ManorBoys and girls at The Manor PreparatorySchool in Abingdon are actively taking part inGRUBS, the school’s environmental group. Grubs members are Green, Respect natureand animals, redUce, re-use and recycle,Before it is too late!, and they Save energyby turning lights off.GRUBS gives children a chance to take thelead in the protection of our planet.Mrs Karen Copson, Registrar at the Manor

Prep says: “As a society, we havebecome used to thinking of littlethings which make a big difference.Our school has a role to play insaving the environment. We do lotsof projects related to this topicaround the school.We are very much hoping thatmany creatures will visit our pondin the spring, especially birds,toads, frogs, all sorts of bugs andmaybe, if we are lucky, even anewt! In the meadow, we arelooking forward to seeing all sortsof insects such as ladybirds andgrasshoppers together with a

variety of birds.

To make the butterfly garden we marked outthe area with tape and planted lots oflavender to attract the insects. We areexpecting to see nectar-loving insects suchas bees and butterflies, for example PaintedLadies, Red Admirals and Peacocks.To make the willow tunnel children wereeach given a short piece of string to whichwe had to attach a willow cutting to make itarch. We planted the willow cuttingsdiagonally and pressed them down with our

feet. The tunnel has to be watered regularlyuntil it starts growing in the spring. When itis fully established, we are going to make aden and it will be interesting to watch thewillows grow. We can’t wait to see howmany types of birds visit our feeders androost or nest in our boxes. We are usingdifferent sorts of boxes to attract all sorts ofbirds. It is going to be an exciting spring!”The children here at The Manor haveembraced the GRUBS scheme whole-heartedly. Each class, throughout the school,has two representatives who attend regularGRUBS meetings where future projects areplanned with the help of the team ofdedicated staff at the school.

Each GRUBS representative serves for oneyear and wears a GRUBS badge each day sothat they may be easily identified as aperson who can take forward the ideas oftheir peers.At the end of each academic year the“GRUBS” children are rewarded with aninteresting day out. Last July, the childrenenjoyed a fabulous trip to the FalconryCentre in Kingston Bagpuize.The Manor Preparatory School01235 858462 www.manorprep.org

COMPETITION WINNERSWinners

ICE RINK ticketsWilliam Spracklen- Northmoor

Charlotte Barker -WheatleyCaroline Wolff -Pyrton

Natasha (10) and Jack (7) Barron-BeckleyKath Norkett -Drayton

WINNERSStart a Family Friendly Business BOOK

Melanie AndrewsClanfield

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CONGRATULATIONS!


MARCH / APRIL 2011

WHAT’S ON

17

holiday timetable of activities such aspainting and board games for the morningand playing in the garden and a smallamount of TV in the afternoon. If you letthem drift from one cartoon to the otherthey’ll get frustrated very soon! With a littlethought, you can come up with dozens offun things to do at home.Stock up on activity books from the libraryor browse in your local book shop!Or why not invite your children’s friendsover to play? You may think double thechildren means double trouble, but it’soften easier for them to have playmatesaround to entertain each other. It alsomeans they will get invited back, givingyou a much-needed break!

Give them a treat There are always plenty of activities andevents going on during school holidays.Take them on a trip to a theme park, afarm, nature reserve or park, swimmingpool, theatre or cinema as a special treat.Don’t forget your local library or museum.Make full use of these wonderful localresources! Look in this issue’s What’s Ondiary on page 18 & 19 pages to find outwhat’s going on in your area. Enjoy!

Holidays with the family can sometimes bea “hit or miss” experience. Lucilla Paull hasmade it possible for parents to make itmore of a hit. She says: “ When myhusband and I first had children, we tried tocontinue holidaying in hotels but found thatit just didn’t work with the children. So wequickly headed down the route ofindependent self-catering holidays toaccommodate the children’s needs – if theywere happy, then we were happy.” Lucillahas set up a web site which now lists over850 independent self-catering properties inFrance, the UK and Ireland. Not only has thesite great searching facilities, but it focuseson recommendations from like-mindedmums and dads. “We have always foundthe best holidays were thoserecommended to us”, Lucilla says. www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

SUPER CAMPS atEasterSuper Camps have been runningMulti-Activity Camps for childrenaged 4-14 for 14 years. They have anumber of camps running during theschool holidays at schools acrossOxfordshire: Headington School,Headington; Oxford High School,Summertown; Radley College, Nr.Abingdon and Cranford HouseSchool, Moulsford. All except OxfordHigh will be running camps duringthe Easter holidays: 11– 21 April.

Their Multi-Activity Camps combinesports, arts and crafts into an action-packed timetable of 8 sessions per

day! Activities include motor quads, climbing, swimming, archery(activities vary from site to site) and they’ve got a new artprogramme coming for 2011 – there’s an abundance of variety to suitall ages and interests.

Super Camps offer free extended hours (8am – 6pm) and are Ofstedregistered so are able to accept childcare vouchers. Multi-ActivityCamps can be booked by the day or by the week.

Last year Super Camps launched a number of specialised camps andcourses which will once again be running at a selection of theirvenues across Oxfordshire this Easter. These courses are geared towards children who would prefer to focuson a particular activity and there will be even more to choose fromduring the summer holiday.www.supercamps.co.uk

Happyholidays

Holidaying at Easter

Whether you’re a working parentlooking to spend quality timewith your brood over the Easter

weekend, or a full-time mum or daddesperately looking for an activity camp tofill a long school holiday, here are someideas to help you. With a bit of planningahead, you’ll find you can avoid thetantrums and arguments and tear yourdarlings away from the TV and the Wii andenjoy the Easter break, rather than findingyourself counting down the days untilschool starts again! The holidays are a great time to bring backsome of the old fashioned games andspend real time with your kids. It can behard at first, throwing yourself into gamesand activities, but this is the stuff thatchildhood memories are made of. It isimportant to plan your day: write out a

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with the help of Joanna Parry


WHAT’S ON

We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate and up-to-date. However, please call venues to confirm.18

25 Station Road Didcot OX11 7NE 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk7 APR 7.30PM DIDCOT GIRLS’ SCHOOL DANCESHOWCASE Didcot Girls’ School run a fantastic danceprogramme with many girls doing GCSE and A Leveldance to a very high standard.10 APR 2PM LYNGO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTSEgg just doesn’t want to hatch! So with winter comingMum asks Percy to look after Birdy until the Spring – butcan he stop the eagle from having Egg for breakfast?

.CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE PEGASUS THEATRE

THE THEATRE2 Spring Street Chipping Norton OX7 5NL 01608 642350www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk

21 MAR - 22 MAR 7.30PM ALPHA TO OMEGA byThe Theatre’s Youth Theatre. The 3 oldest groups(14 – 18), have been exploring life from its inceptionthrough to its end. See their personal interpretations onthe meaning of life.24 MAR 10.30 AM THE TOURIST (PG) CinemaBambino. Screening for parents with babes in arms.Check details. 2 APR 1.30PM ELMER THE ELEPHANT by Blunderbus Ages 3 - 7 11 APR 11AM, 2.30PM THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF& OTHER FURRY TAILS by the Theatre of Widdershins.Age 3+19 APR 10.30AM THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (PG)Cinema Bambino. Screening for parents with babes inarms. Check details. 30 APR 11AM MR MARK’S CHILDREN’S CONCERTS:THE CELLO Join pianist Mr Mark for this concert specially devised forthe under 6’s.

Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 19 MAR 2PM, 4PM & 7.30PM SATNAV performedby Tac-au-Tac Youth Dance. The final official Dancin’Oxford Festival 2011 event celebrates the talent ofOxford’s young dancers. Aged from 3 to 19 years thedancers explore a catalogue of mishaps with navigationsystems. 30 MAR - 2 APR 7.30PM plus Saturday matinee1.30PM AFTER GILGAMESH performed by PegasusYouth Companies. The earliest story, written thousandsof years ago, still has echoes in today’s world. The taleof Gilgamesh, demi-god and king of Uruk is filled withfantastic characters: gods, heroes, wise women,courtiers and temple dancers. Ages 10+9 APR 8PM THE KARAVAI QUARTET From Oxford’s twinned city Perm come Russia’s foremostBalalaika players. Karvai Quartet play Russian folk musicwith a modern twist. All ages.

MILL ARTS CENTRE

KENTON THEATRE New Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP 01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk24 MAR – 26 MAR 7.30PM THE ROCKY MONSTERSHOW Presented by Masquerade Stage School. Twoscientists, Dan and Rebecca, visit Arkham Village, tomeet up with a professor of genetics, named professorFenton. To their shock horror, professor Fenton madetwo unusual creations, a male and female monster. 27 MAR – 2 APR HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL Thisyear’s theme is FANTASY & FAIRYTALE. For moreinformation visit www.hyf.org.uk

Spiceball Park Banbury OX16 5QE01295 252050 www.themillartscentre.co.uk

2 APR 2PM RAPUNZEL presented by Jactito TheatreA beautiful girl locked in a high tower by a WickedWitch. It's a hairy situation! A puppet show for all thefamily. Ages 4-8 years3 APR 6PM INDIGO DANCE PROFESSIONALSHOWCASE Full of inspiration, the resident youth dancecompany has returned with their popular performanceplatform. Flamenco, Street dance, Ballet, Jazz etc. Funfor all the family.12 APR 11.30AM THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF ANDOTHER FURRY TAILS by the Theatre of Widdershins.Age 3+14 APR 2PM FAIRLY TALES The hit improvisedcomedy for kids and their families! A high energyimprovised show. Ages 6+

19 APR 11.30AM & 2PM THE WAY BACK HOME byOliver Jeffers. An inter-galactic adventure tale forfamilies and young children. Ages 3+ 21 APR 2PM THE FROG PRINCE AND OTHERPECULIAR STORIES from ‘Terry Jones Fairy Tales’. Amagical and witty one-woman adaptation of the famousfroggy tale. Ages 5-11

NORTH WALL ARTS CENTRE South Parade Summertown OX2 7NN 01865 319 450 www.thenorthwall.com

26 APR 11 7.30PM NATIONAL YOUTH GUITARENSEMBLE The U.K’s finest young guitarists, directed byOxford based composer Gerald Garcia, will be making awelcome return to the North Wall.20 APR 10.30AM & 2.30PM, 21 APR 10.30AMARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG, BAD WOLF?Little Red Riding Hood is out on stage telling the worldthe same old story about Grandma and the Big BadWolf, blah, blah, blah! Go backstage and meet MrB.B.Wolf, renowned thespian and notorious villain, as hetakes a break between scenes to set the record straight.

OXFORD PLAYHOUSE &BT STUDIO11-12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com26 MAR 11AM & 2PM THE STEADFAST TINSOLDIER There once was a remarkable tin soldier whofell in love with a beautiful paper dancer and thentumbled out of a window so beginning a perilousjourney into the unknown. Ages 3 to 8 8 APR 12PM & 9 APR 11AM, 1PM & 4PM EGGAND SPOON This interactive experience for the veryyoung will take you from summer to winter and back tospring again. Ages 6 months to 3 years. 19 – 23 APR THE JUNGLE BOOK When Shere Khanthe tiger swears to kill young Mowgli, Baloo andBagheera agree to take the boy to the man village forhis safety. But the jungle holds dangers and surprises forthem all.

George Street, OX1 2AG0870 606 3500 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

19 & 20 MAR THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE! ON STAGEThis all new 90-minute musical adventure is packedwith audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing andthrilling adventures.3 APR 5 PM STAGECOACH CHARITY SPECTACULARA fun filled musical spectacular, featuring the studentsfrom the Stagecoach centres in Oxford, raising moneyfor the Children’s Hospital and InterAct.

1 MAY 8PM UNCAGED MONKEYS The first evernational science tour celebrating the universe and manyof the wonders that lie within it. The finest names inscience broadcasting gather together to talk of darkmatter, black holes, Bonobo apes, the big bang andanything else they can cram into two hours.Robin Ince, co-presenter of Radio 4's Infinite MonkeyCage will be introducing great minds of scienceincluding - Professor Brian Cox, Dr Ben Goldacre, SimonSingh. A night like no other, mixing live presentationsand fabulous projections of the phenomenal.Prepare to be amazed.

TOWN HALLSt Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP

01865 252195 www.oxfordphil.com 27 MAR 3PM - 4PM FUNOMUSICA FAMILYCONCERT Presented by Alasdair Malloy. After aprocession of International flags to herald this sportingextravaganza, hear John Williams’ Summon the Heroesfrom the opening ceremony of the 1994 Olympics.Imagine the sporting silverware being brought home intriumph with the Grand March from Aida, discover howfootball fanatic composer Shostakovich was the perfectchoice for a ballet about a football team. Go dressed inyour sports kit for the pre-concert craft activities at 2pm.Concert suitable for ages 4-8 but the whole family iswelcome.

NEW THEATRE & OFS STUDIO


WHAT’S ON

Send your diary dates for May - June by Friday 15 April 2011 to [email protected] 19

10 APR & 17 APR 2.45pm SIR THOMAS BODLEY'SFAMILY FRIENDLY TOUR Bodleian Library 01865 277224www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/about/visitors/familyAges 5-11. Booking essential.11 - 25 APR EGGSTRAORDINARY EGGVENTURE Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.ukOxford University Museum of Natural Historywww.oum.ox.ac.uk 12 APR 10.30AM - 11.30AM ORANGE HAT EASTERADVENTUREThe Theatre 01608 642350www.chippingnortontheatre.co.ukEaster Holiday Activity for 6 months – 5 years13 & 20 APR 11.30 CHILDREN'S TOUR OF THEHOUSEWaddesdon Manor Nr Aylesbury HP18 0JH 01296 653226 www.waddesdon.org.uk17 APR 2.30PM - 4PM JANEK SCHAEFER’S LUCKYDIP DISCO FOR U7s AND PARENTSModern Art Oxford 01865 813800www.modernartoxford.org.uk20 APR BOAT TRIPS River and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames01491 415600 www.rrm.co.ukTake a trip on a historic passenger steamer.20 APR 1PM - 4PM EASTER BRANCHESUniversity of Oxford Botanic Gardenwww.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk23 APR 10AM MR. MYLES MUSIC WORKSHOPNorth Wall Arts Centre 01865 319450www.thenorthwall.com‘Jazz mini-break’ for children aged 6 -9.24 - 25 APR PEPPA PIG Blenheim Palace 01993 811325www.blenheimpalace.com29 APR 11.30 AM A ‘ROYAL’ JOUSTBlenheim Palace 01993 811325www.blenheimpalace.comA special Jousting tournament to celebrate the Royalwedding.29 APR 6PM ROYAL WEDDING BUN THROWINGCELEBRATIONAbingdon Museum www.abingdonmuseum.org.uk30 APR 10.30AM –1PM FAMILY ACTIVITY The Ewelme Watercress Beds Centre01491 835173www.ewelmewatercressbeds.orgA morning of fun and activities on a wildlife theme 30 APR & 1 MAY 11.30 AM JOUSTINGTOURNAMENTBlenheim Palace 01993 811325www.blenheimpalace.com

APRILMARCH11 - 20 MAR 10AM - 5PM PROFESSOR TOAD'STROLLEYRiver and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk Mr Toad celebrates National Science & Engineering Wk. 12 MAR 10AM-4PM WOW! HOW?Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.ukOxford University Museum of Natural Historywww.oum.ox.ac.uk Make, text, explore and explode with excitement andhands-on fun. Ages 8+. Free, drop-in.12 MAR 11AM-4PM CHARACTER DOLL MAKING Darn It & Stitch Blue Boar Street, Oxford OX1 1DL 01865 242 779 www.darnitandstitch.com2-part workshop for parents and children, makingclothed dolls from patterns. Booking in parent-childpairs; over 8s only.17 MAR 3 - 7PM PUBLIC OPEN DAY – `YOURHEALTH, YOUR FUTURE’NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in West Wing andChildren's Hospital atrium of the John Radcliffe Hospitalwww.oxfordbrc.orgEvents aimed primarily at adults in conjunction withOxfordshire Science Festival Week and Global BrainAwareness Week. All welcome.19 MAR 10.30AM NCT NEARLY NEW SALECranford House Girls School, Moulsford. [email protected] MAR 11AM-4PM PARENT-AND-CHILDCHARACTER DOLL MAKINGDarn It & Stitch Blue Boar Street, Oxford OX1 1DL 01865 242 779 www.darnitandstitch.com19 MAR 2 - 4PM GLOBE-MAKERS Museum of the History of Sciencewww.mhs.ox.ac.uk 01865 277280Discover the Museum's collection of globes and makeyour own! Booking required.20 MAR 10AM - 5PM COMBE MILL IN STEAMCombe Mill www.combemill.org20 MAR THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHERFURRY TALESSouthmoor Pre-school 01865 821436What really happened between the wolf and his threeporky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in thewoods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll? –are explored and explained by the Theatre ofWiddershins in the Southmoor Village Hall - in aid ofSouthmoor pre-school. Age 3+24 - 29 MAR HORSEPOWER ZIPPO'S CIRCUSSouth Park, off Cheney Lane, Oxford www.zippos.co.ukDazzling and adrenaline-packed circus spectacular. 26 MAR 4, 5 & 6PM STREET DANCEMASTERCLASSESPegasus Theatre01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk With EmJ and special guests. Hip-Hop Intensive withCarlos Neto, John Graham & Miha Matevzic.26 & 27 MAR 10AM - 4PM LAMBING WEEKENDNorthmoor Trust Estate www.northmoortrust.co.uk

2 APR 11AM – 3PM BEFRIEND YOUR SEWINGMACHINEDarn It & Stitch Blue Boar Street, Oxford OX1 1DL

01865 242 779 www.darnitandstitch.com Heather Bennett teaches you all about your fixy friend.Course aimed at adults.2 & 3 APR 10AM – 4PM LAMBING WEEKENDNorthmoor Trust Estate www.northmoortrust.co.uk3 APR 10AM – 5.30 PM MOTHERING SUNDAY Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley OX33 1JZ01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.ukNormal garden entrance fee applies to everyone, exceptMum, she goes free! 3 APR 10.30 AM ON YOUR BIKEwww.onyourikesommingcommon.co.uk. family charity bike ride starting from Sonning CommonPrimary School. Choose from marshalled routes of 6, 12and 20 miles, a supervised playground cycle and a3 mile health walk which is buggy friendly.3 APR 10.30AM – 4.30 PM MOTHER'S DAYOxford Bus Museum/Morris Motors ExperienceOX29 8LA. 01993 883617www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk, Today Mum goes free with a paying child.

APRIL

9 APR – 25 APR THE BIG EASTER BUNNY HUNTWaterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley, OX33 1JZ01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk9 APR – 25 APR 11AM-4PM EASTEREGGSTRAVAGANZA Millets Farm Centre, Frilford 01865 392200www.milletsfarmcentre.comEggsplore Millets Farm and complete eggciting Easteregg hunts, before finding your way to our craft tentwhere children can enjoy a selection of eggsotic crafteggtivities.9 APR 12-4PM OXFORDSHIRE GOES WILD Oxford University Museum of Natural Historywww.oum.ox.ac.uk Talk to conservation groups about their work and seelive insects, birds and more!9 APR 2PM – 4PM FAMILY PRINTING WORKSHOP Bodleian Library 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.ukLearn about the history of printing, see historic presses,set your own name in type, and print! Children aged 8and over must be accompanied by an adult, and viceversa. Booking is essential.10 APR 9.30AM, 10.30AM & 3PM U5s11.30AM OVER 5S CUSHION CONCERT - CLARINETJacqueline Du Pre Music Building, St Hilda's College01865 305305 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/index.php/jdp


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Copyright Families Oxfordshire March 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner's own risk and while every care is taken, neitherFamilies nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Oxfordshire is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the groupare independently owned and operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine but publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for theaccuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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Families Oxfordshire Issue 42 March - April 2011