Families Oxfordshire Issue 42 March - April 2011

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

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news & views An Easter treat for all the family In this issue: News & Views Spring Activities Childcare Books Baby Education Growing & Caring What’s on Competition

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IN 2-5 6-9 10-11 12 13 14-15 16 17-19 WIN 20

Editor: Felice Vermeulen Contact: editor@familiesox.co.uk Next issue, May / June 2011: Parties, Bumps and babies.

Editorial deadline 15 April 2011.

To advertise in Families Oxfordshire: Call 01235 206657 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk Circulation: We distribute free copies in hundreds of schools and nurseries throughout Oxfordshire. If your school, nursery or parent group would like copies of Families Oxfrdshire let us know and we’ll sort things out.

Copyright: Families Oxfordshire March 2011 Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner's own risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care in preparing this magazine but publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Group: Families Oxfordshire is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families Readers’ Panel We contact members of the Panel from time to time to ask their opinion and/or recommendations on a range of subjects from parenting to products and services.

The information is used anonymously in this magazine only. In return, members of the Panel are entered into a draw for a book token from Mostly Books in Abingdon.

To join email: editor@familiesox.co.uk

May - June issue

Bumps & Babes, Birthday Parties, local news, half term fun & What's On To advertise call 01235

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206657

Peep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine is set to roll into the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for a Day Out With Thomas from Friday 22 until Monday 25 April. This funfilled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a Thomas the Tank Engine steam train, meet The Fat Controller and enjoy a ride on the train pulled by Percy. The ticket price includes Magic shows, Punch ‘N’ Judy, the “Thomas” DVD Theatre, Storytelling, Arts and Crafts. Thomas’s small cousins will be giving rides at the ever-popular Miniature Railway. The Centre boasts excellent facilities including a Café, Shops packed with Thomas goodies, picnic areas and ample parking. Tickets: Adult £15; Child (ages 2 – 15) £11; Children under 2 go FREE. Save £2 per ticket if you book at least one week ahead.

Bookings for a Day out with Thomas close on Friday 15 April.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton near Aylesbury Bucks HP22 4BY 01296 655720 or www.bucksrailcentre.org For more information about “Thomas” visit www.thomasandfriends.com

Win tickets to a fabulous DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Families Oxfordshire have teamed up with Buckinghamshire Railway Centre to give away Family tickets for a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and another prize of Family tickets for any Steam Day or Special Event Day (except with Thomas).

To enter the draw simply answer the following question: What is the post code of the Bucks Railway Centre?

Send an email to editor@familiesox.co.uk or send a postcard quoting THOMAS to Families Oxfordshire P.O Box 167 Wantage OX12 8ZJ The closing date is Friday 8 April 2011 Don’t forget to include your name, full address and telephone number.

Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the May-June 2011 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website. No correspondence will be entered into. Entries open to Oxfordshire residents only. Your details will not be used for any purpose other than this draw.

SAVE THE DATES Leckford Place School is holding an open evening on Thursday 9 June 6 – 8pm and the school’s popular Creative Holiday Courses are planned from 15 – 18 August from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm d’0verbroeck’s College, Leckford Place, Leckford Road, Oxford OX2 6HX 01865 302620 www.doverbroecks.com

Health Care at the Manor Hospital Illnesses in children can be very stressful for parents at any time of year. When is a runny nose just a cold, or a poorly tummy just a 24 hour bug, and when should you stop waiting for your child’s hearing to get better? We may see the GP and be reassured but what if the same problem keeps coming back? Little ones can easily become run down and we all know the GP is very busy and it’s hard to keep going back for reassurance or to insist more is done.

Recurrent illnesses can be caused by underlying problems which can be resolved or managed quickly and easily once they have been diagnosed. The Manor Hospital offers the services of a Consultant Paediatrician who can spend the time with you and your child, arrange tests if required to check out their symptoms and give you the reassurance you need. If treatment is necessary, then the hospital is able to arrange timely and effective treatment.

01865 307750 www.nuffieldhealth.com/oxfordhospital

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FAMILIES MARCH / APRIL 2011

Start with cards!

Now’s the time of year when people are often looking for a new challenge, a fresh start or just a little extra money to pay for Christmas or save towards the summer holiday. If you like to socialise, have a few friends and you love greeting cards and stationery products, you could run your own business from home, even if you only have 2 spare hours a week!

Tess Brooker, a local Phoenix Trading Executive Trader (and mum to 2 year old twin girls) is looking for enthusiastic people to join her team. There are no targets or

minimum order limits and you don’t have to have a sales background. Phoenix cards are fabulous enough to sell themselves.

Phoenix have just created a brand new joining kit which only costs £30. You can be instantly in business with sample cards, brochures and display boxes. Many Phoenix traders are mums and it really does provide a flexible business opportunity to fit around your children. It’s a fun, friendly way to earn a little extra money or even a full time income.

01993 200809 www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/tessbrooker

Trust in Childcare For a number of years, Best Bear has helped parents take the fear and hassle out of finding childcare solutions. Operating nationwide, Best Bear can help find a nanny, au pair, baby sitter or even a nursery safely. This Spring, Best Bear are offering a 10% discount to Families readers who take advantage of their reference checking service. Call 08707 201277 to speak to an advisor and quote ‘Families’ to ensure your discount. Best Bear www.bestbear.co.uk

Healthy growth @ Labels4Kids Labels4kids is capitalising on a successful 2010, after winning Internet Retailer of the Year First 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 first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one”, says Ann-Maree Morrison, company director and a devoted fan of Families Magazines in the UK. “We hope our customers enjoy receiving our e-newsletters every now and then and will fully support our facebook, twitter and blog page, including the parents forum. We are interested in any topics for discussion that you would like to talk about and welcome suggestions for debates and new products.

“Labels4kids is not just about selling name labels and ID products. We actively encourage a ‘Labels4kids community’ to help each other and talk about children related issues on our blog and forum.” She added.

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

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FAMILIES MARCH / APRIL 2011

Collecting conkers and a visit from a space scientist ~ all part of the learning day at Abingdon Prep

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ou are never too young to get involved at Abingdon Prep. Their extra-curricular, or Other Half activities, are available to all age groups, although they are obviously tailored to suit abilities and ages. The younger pupils enjoy art, ceramics, chess and ICT clubs and join in choir, orchestra, judo and tennis. These activities are in addition to the music, art, games, ICT, French, PE and swimming lessons that they enjoy as part of the lesson timetable.

From Reception onwards, Abingdon Prep pupils benefit from excellent facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, art studio, music and drama rooms, an ICT suite and acres of space to play, including woodland, an adventure playground and gardens.

At Abingdon Prep the curriculum is enhanced with regular visiting speakers and an extensive variety of trips ranging from local days out to residential stays abroad.

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Conker collection at Abingdon Prep

This term the younger boys have already enjoyed a visit from a space engineer from the Oxford Science Centre, trips to the INTECH Planetarium and a visit from the Puppet Theatre. From an early age boys are encouraged to explore new interests and make the most of the wide-range of opportunities available to them.

The Pre-prep department also has an enormous amount to offer, not only in the teaching and activities available during the school day, but also with the ‘wrap-around care’ offered through breakfast and afterschool clubs, including a dedicated after

school club for younger children.

Prospective parents are invited to a Phonics Open Morning on Tuesday 15 March, starting at 9.30am. The Open Morning will demonstrate the school’s innovative Phonics teaching, from Reception to Year 3, and will provide an opportunity to talk to staff, the Headmaster and tour the School. To visit Abingdon Prep contact Cathy Hambly by email: registrar@abingdonprep.org.uk or call 01865 391570 www.abingdon.org.uk/prep Means-tested bursaries are available for entry into Reception 2011.

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DAYS OUT

Photo www.thebushcraftcompany.com

SPRING’S IN THE AIR...

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

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pring is finally here!

Now is a great time to take the family for a walk in the countryside, to enjoy fresh air, exercise and some wildlife spotting. The Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) look after many beautiful nature reserves across Oxfordshire, many providing an ideal (and free!) place for a family outing. Katty Baird, BBOWT volunteer and mother-ofthree gives a round-up of some springtime favourites.

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Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxon What’s it like?

This is a really great place for walking in the woods and open grassy rides, listening to birds, watching red kites wheeling overhead and spotting early butterflies emerging from their winter hideaways.

Warburg Nature Reserve is at the head of a dry valley in the Chilterns and is remarkably tranquil even though it’s only a few minutes away from Henley-on-Thames. It’s a good place for families to visit. It has a picnic area, bird hides and a Visitors Centre.

What can we see?

The little white wood anemone flowers throughout March, and you may find early primroses springing up in the chalk grassland. The burnished copper coloured

beech buds are filling out ready to burst with sharp green leaves in April.

Listen out for the red kites, birds of prey reintroduced to the Chilterns during the last few years, as they call to each other while they wheel in the sky, and dance together in a mating ritual. Rest for a few minutes on a bench to admire the view and maybe you’ll catch sight of fallow deer treading lightly through the woodland edge, grazing on the grassy rides.

Things to do Check out the Wildlife Trust’s website www.bbowt.org.uk to download a map of Warburg Nature Reserve and choose your walking routes. The reserve is close to the Oxfordshire Way, which extends your walking horizons even further. Spend a few minutes in a bird hide and see how many woodland birds, like the greater spotted woodpecker, you can see.

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Getting there From the A4130 north of Henley-on-Thames turn into Bix village. Go left into Rectory Lane and down a steep hill. Turn left for Bix Bottom and continue up the valley to the car park at the end.

Foxholes, Oxon What’s it like?

Once part of the ancient Wychwood Forest in north-west Oxfordshire, this tranquil woodland reserve slopes down to the River Evenlode and includes meadows, ponds and open areas.

What can we see?

In spring the woodland floor is vibrant with primroses, violets and early-purple orchids.

The thick green carpet of leaves throughout the woods in April is the prelude to the fantastic display of bluebells which starts at the end of the month and goes through to mid-May - not to be missed!

The woods are full of birdsong, and if you go down to the river you may spot the blue streak of a kingfisher; mallards and other ducks nest here too.

Things to do Foxholes is criss-crossed by a network of paths and bridleways which are easy for off-road pushchairs and active youngsters who want to scramble about and have fun.

Take binoculars and a bird book to see how many woodland and river birds you can spot before the trees are in full leaf.

Getting there The Wildlife Trust recommends you download the Foxholes reserve Google map from the website www.bbowt.org.uk

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because it’s a bit off the beaten track!

You’re recommended to use the access from the north-west via Foscot, which is safer than using the bumpy track from Bruern Abbey.

Bernwood Meadows, Oxon What is it like?

Bernwood Meadows is well worth a visit from April onwards. A traditional hay meadow, it has escaped ploughing and pesticides so that wild flowers like yellow rattle and oxeye daisy flourish. On warm sunny days in late spring and summer the meadow is like a jewel-box, with carpets of colourful flowers and butterflies and other insects flitting about.

The Forestry Commission’s Bernwood Forest is next to the Reserve, offering plenty more opportunities for energetic children to explore.

Things to do This is a good place for flower and bughunting, and great for the budding young naturalists in your family (though probably better suited to the older child who can resist picking the pretty flowers!). Crouch down for a moment to see how many different species you can spot.

The path through the meadow leads to Shabbington Wood, part of Bernwood Forest and one of the top butterfly sites in Britain.

Here you can follow the Bernwood Forest Butterfly trail, a 2 mile trail suitable for all ages.

Getting there Bernwood Meadows is seven miles northeast of Oxford. There is a surfaced car park on the road between the villages of Stanton St John and Oakley, about ½ a mile south of the main entrance to Bernwood Forest.

Photo Terry Longley www.seeing.org.uk

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What can we see?

One of the earliest meadow flowers is the lilac-white coloured cuckooflower, so called because it blooms at the time the first cuckoos can be heard in our countryside.

Harder to spot is the beautiful greenwinged orchid, now uncommon across much of the country due to widespread drainage of wet meadows.

With the flowers come butterflies: pale yellow brimstones can be seen flying along the hedgerows on warm March days.

During April look for orange-tips, so called because of the orange tips to the wings (however, this only applies to male butterflies; the female’s wings are instead tipped with black).

BBOWT is the only voluntary organisation in the region concerned with all aspects of nature conservation and has over 80 reserves.

Events are run throughout the year, many suitable for families with young children. www.bbowt.org.uk 01865 775476

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SPRING IN ACTION Oxford is about to go MAD! Former sales manager Sophie Hill has gone MAD and has left her office behind by becoming the newest member of the exciting MAD Academy network. She is bringing new fresh and funky music and dancing classes to North Oxford, Bicester and surrounding villages.

MAD Academy offers high-energy classes for babies and children aged 3 months to 4 years. What sets MAD Academy apart are the free spirited and fun style of the classes which bring to life both music and dance. Classes include a variety of activities and games to develop and improve children’s musicality, 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. A competent pianist and saxophonist, she has continued her love for music and encourages her own children to sing and play. Sophie is very excited about sharing this passion with the parents and children of North Oxfordshire. Sophie will be running classes from April 2011.

01869 369502 www.madacademy.com.

A stage experience with a difference In the small village of West Hendred, between Wantage and Didcot, a minor revolution is happening. AK15 is blowing the doors off the traditional stage school image. They are setting the stage alight with classes, which are a melting pot of West End musicals, popular music, hip hop dance routines and performance arts. With guest tutors fresh from 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 rural Oxfordshire for several years now and the demand for classes is continually growing. With classes for 4 year olds and upwards, a boys only crew and an adults dance fit class, they really have something for everyone.

07832 287850 www.ak15.co.uk

Squash Academy back on track Having taken time out from coaching over the last year, former World No.3 and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Sue Wright is back with a vengence. Sue has been a competitor on the International Squash Tour for over 15 years, and coaching young players has always been her passion.

The Park Sports Centre in Wheatley is the new venue for her Academy, where Sue and other top coaching staff on hand will share their knowledge and experience with the up and coming generation of players.

Taster, Feeder and Development squads will be the initial starting point. For those looking for a bit more the Full Academy Squad will be available. In addition, the Academy will be running camps and one day sessions for all abilities in the holidays. Sue says:” I hope to find the new squash stars of the future.”

Having previously had the Academy at full capacity with over 40 young players and National and International Tour players as part of the squads, Sue is now looking forward again to giving young people the opportunity to try a new sport.

07770 980435 www.swsquashacademy.co.uk

Go-Kart Party Julio Baressi is a familiar face in the local sports and leisure scene. As the owner of Go Kart he now organises indoor Birthday

Parties and operates from 30 indoor venues across Oxfordshire. Go-Kart Party is completely safe for children between 4 and 10 years of age. Because the karts are operated within an inflatable boundary track the children drive within a cushion of air. The speed of the karts is set according to the age and ability of the children and the party programmes are for different age groups.

Birthday parties are completely structured.

They last 1 – 1 ½ hours and can accommodate up to 30 children. Children’s eyes light up with the feeling of independence with their first real driving experience. You will see their driving skills improve over the duration of the party as they get different challenges to complete.

Kids try to pop balloons, chase each other down by playing cat and mouse and finish off with racing, all accompanied by the best music that children love. Every child is awarded with a Safe Driver certificate and a trophy goes to the Best Driver. (The best driver is always the birthday child, but the children don’t know that!). The birthday child then does a lap of honour while all the other children cheer and applaud and they finally finish with a Formula1 chequered flag. You also have the option of taking a party room afterwards for food, drink and the Birthday Cake.

07841 053154 or 01865 775653 www.gokart-party.co.uk

How Can I Help You? Ever thought of owning your own business - 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 build your own successful home-based business with an income for life.

To find out more please call

Michele Poynter on 01865 882405

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Stagecoach show in aid of children’s hospital Stagecoach students are putting the fun in fund raising this year, by performing in a Charity Spectacular at the New Theatre on 3 April. The event is held every 2 or 3 years to celebrate the talents of the Oxford students and to raise money for local charities.

The show, a modern day version of Cinderella, is full of song and dance and features the students aged to 18. The students hope to raise £5000 for the Children’s Hospital and InterAct, a Stagecoach foundation charity for disadvantaged children.

Flamboyantly told, the gregarious cast features Ugly Cousins, Evil Aunt Joan and even a Darth Vader fanatic. All are keen to fulfill their dreams by auditioning for a famous performing arts school in America.

With over 300 local children and teenagers on stage, wonderful comedy and foottapping songs, the colourful retelling of this classic tale will delight any age. This year’s director is David Wilson from Headington who has scripted the show and written one of the songs. David is no stranger to the New Theatre, having performed and directed

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shows there in recent years.

Nine year old Fay Goodwin is very excited about the show. “I can’t wait to perform in front of a huge audience. I get a bit nervous going on stage, but it’s such good fun. And I want to do something good for children in hospital too.”

Maya Sprigg, principal of Stagecoach in Oxford, is keen to stress the charity element as well as the show itself.

“Stagecoach is very much about community as well as training and performance.

Living in such as wonderful place as Oxford, it’s easy to take things for granted. The charity spectacular places the focus on building a brighter future for children from all walks of life and all abilities. And we have fun raising the money.”

Stagecoach provide training in singing, dance and drama for children and teenagers at weekends and there are regular opportunities to perform on stage. Spring and Summer holiday courses take place at the Theatre at Headington. This year’s shows

Music: an amazing thing A gentle lullaby can soothe a crying baby.

Playing with instruments or moving to music can help toddlers develop motor skills and physical coordination. A bouncing nursery rhyme can trigger the giggles, and learning songs expands vocabulary. It is therefore a good idea to introduce children to music at an early age.

will be Broadway or Bust, Sweeney Todd (School Edition), Churchill’s Children and, for juniors, Arabian Nights and The Phantom of the Theatre.

Tickets are available from the New Theatre box office or from Ticketmaster online. www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 01869 278600 or email oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

Bushcraft camps The Bushcraft Company at Cornbury Park near Charlbury are offering 2 mini camps at Easter, from 11-13 April and from 18-20 April.

The residential camps for 7-13 year old 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 camps and camps for (school) groups.

01608 811 380 www.thebushcraftcompany.com/holidaycamps

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

Music groups can also provide a fun, safe environment where children 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 to school age. And choose one that you, the adult, enjoy so that you have as much fun as your child.

Music with Mummy Wantage & Grove 07919 911137 ww.musicwithmummywantage.co.uk

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Photo Kids Unlimited www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

CHILDCARE Are mothers being penalised?

Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive.

Joanna Moorhead explains why.

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e’re all in this together – we’ve all heard that, many times, from our politicians about our country’s financial problems.

But from April, if you’re a working parent you could be forgiven for thinking you were maybe taking more than your fair share of the hit.

Why so? Well, that’s when cuts to statefunded help with childcare announced in last year’s comprehensive spending review start to kick in: and what they’ll mean is a cut in income of on average £436 for almost half a million families nationwide

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and even up to £1,300 a year to some families in London, according to the thinktank Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced last year that the percentage of childcare costs recoverable through the working tax credit system would be reduced from 80% to 70% this month. But, says the Resolution Foundation, many families are still unaware of the changes – and, says its chief executive Gavin Kelly, those on middle-tolow incomes are the ones likely to find the losses hardest to bear.

“Many parents find support with childcare costs absolutely essential to staying in

work, and the big worry is that some will now find that work doesn’t pay,” he says.

And he points out that, coming after recent rises in travel costs, the cuts come at a time when families are feeling the pinch very hard indeed.

After all, for working parents childcare cuts don’t just represent a loss of income: they force parents to think about whether working when their children are young is actually worth the effort at all. Given that the government is committed to helping parents to work if they want to, that doesn’t make much sense.

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The cost of childcare: what mums say

To be totally fair about it, of course, a twoparent family should view the costs of childcare as a proportion of their joint income. But in practice, how it’s seen by most couples is as a proportion of the mother’s wage. And if the proportion of that income spent on travel, lunches and childcare becomes too high, then many mothers start to think: what’s the point of carrying on working?

After all, life is hard enough when you’ve got a small child or small children; if the money you’re bringing in is making a big material difference to your family, then it’s worth it. But when it ceases to do that, you might as well reduce the stress in your own life and increase the amount of time you spend with your child or children, and quit work.

The problem in the UK, as compared with many other countries in Europe, is that childcare costs already eat up a huge proportion of a family’s income – 33%, according to recent figures from the OECD, compared with 4% of a family’s income in Belgium, 11% of a family’s income in France, and even compared with 19% of a family’s income in the US. And many campaigners argue that failing to invest in childcare, and so reducing the proportion of a family’s income spent on childcare, is failing the long-term economic future of the country. After all, working mothers are extremely valuable to the economy: they’re paying into their pensions, they’re learning new skills, they’re keeping their confidence up, and even if they only tread water while their children are young, they’re keeping connected with the world of work in a way that will make it much easier to up a gear when their children are at school.

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

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are all part of a cuts package that has to affect everyone in the land. This month’s changes to the childcare element of the credit will save £270m next year, rising to £385m by 2014-15. The policy is one of several deficit reduction measures which will hit families, including an end to the £250 child trust fund for new babies, and the cutting of child benefit from 2013 to families where one parent is a higher-rate taxpayer.

What’s especially unfair is that, if women leave the workplace when their children are tiny, they often find their working choices hugely reduced when they try to return to work three, or five, or even ten years down the line.

And given that we’re being encouraged to anticipate living longer, and working for longer, that makes no sense.

I’ve got two children aged two and three, and to be honest I reckon it costs me to work. Around 70% of my income goes on childcare, and the rest is eaten up in travel, lunches and clothes to wear for work. I keep telling myself that it’s a long-term investment in my capacity to work when the children are older and at full-time school, but there are days when that rings very hollow indeed. The truth is that it’s a real slog, working so hard when you’ve got small children...somewhere in your mind you know they’re happiest when they’re with you, and you know you’re happiest when you’re with them, and if you’re not even making money out of it, there comes a point when you think: why bother.

Julie, 37, works in marketing.

I’ve worked out that unless I can earn at least £35,000 a year, it’s simply not worth going back – so, for the moment, I’ve decided to stay at home. What worries me is how I’ll get back into the job market – I feel that while I’m at home I’m not getting the kind of experience employers are interested in, and that my confidence will be much-diminished by the time I’m ready to put in job applications again. Like many working parents I’d rather work part-time than full-time, but working part-time means an even lower salary, and you still have to get yourself into the office, buy lunches and so on, and that costs a huge amount. What I need is a system under which my children could get good, affordable childcare so that I could at least keep my toe in the water with my job, for the long-term.

Suzy, 34, former curator.

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

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DANCE BOOKS CHILDREN’S BOOKS SELECTED BY MOSTLY BOOKS’ MARK THORNTON Welcome to Silver Street Farm

See Inside Recycling and Rubbish Alex Frith ISBN: 978-1 4095 0741 3 If your kids have asked you lots of questions since the green bin changes in Oxfordshire, what could be better than a book that explains all about rubbish and recycling for children? With exciting pages full of pictures and flaps to lift, this is an engaging way to discover how recycling works, how plastics, glass and paper are made into new things and what happens to anything that isn’t recycled. Great fun and informative (even for adults!), for ages 6+.

Also look out this Spring for new picturebooks in paperback from Oliver Jeffers’ Up and Down – the sequel to Lost and Found, the story of a boy and his penguin, a 30th anniversary reissue of Peepo! by Janet & Allan Ahlberg and the remarkable Press Here by Herve Tullet, a magical journey of colour and imagination for ages 2+.

Run Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Dank ISBN: 978 0 7112 3172 6

Nicola Davies ISBN: 978-1 4063 2059 6 When Meera, Gemma and Karl discover an abandoned railway station called Silver Street, it seems their dream of one day owning their own farm might be coming true. But events happen quicker than the children could ever have expected some eggs they thought were off surprisingly hatch into fluffy ducklings, some poodles bought on the internet turn out to be lambs, and soon Silver Street Farm is up and running. What happens next is by turns delightful, exciting, funny as the children battle health and safety officials and their own cluelessness to ensure Silver Street survives. A fun new firstreader series for ages 7+.

The Girl Savage

Buried Thunder

Katherine Rundell ISBN: 978-0 5712 5431 6 The wild spirit of Africa is embodied in Wilhelmina Silver, whose world is one of freedom. She rides, climbs and knows about animals – none of which equips her for life at an English boarding school.

In fact, when Will runs away her sheer survival skills prove great for the streets of London in winter.

But even Will can't stay on the run forever. Will she take the bravest step of all and go back to the school she hated? A beautiful, life-affirming novel about bravery and hope, and celebrating difference.

For ages 9+.

Tim Bowler ISBN: 978 0 1927 2838 8 Unsettling, disturbing with a gripping supernatural twist that hooks you right from the start. The atmosphere created

by Tim's taught prose reminds me strongly of Alan Garner's Owl Service.

The powerful characterisation and sharp dialogue only serve to ratchet up the tension. 13+ Also out in paperback is Trash

by Andy Mulligan ISBN: 978 1 0 3856 1901 1, a ‘slumdog millionaire’ for young adult readers, which takes us on a gripping adventure involving two boys living on a huge rubbish tip in the Philippines.

Preview by Felice Vermeulen

These outdoor activities experts and local authors will be introducing their latest book Run Wild during a special event at the Sunday Times Oxford Literature Festival at Christchurch on 2 April. If you book you can join in, explore Christ Church Meadows and hunt for natural materials such as sticks, feathers and seeds, then have a go at making wonderful mythical characters and magical creatures. It’s a family event suitable for children up to the age of 12 who must be accompanied by an adult and dressed suitably for the weather! www.oxfordliteraryfestival.com Run Wild is packed with inspirational ideas to encourage children and families to go outside and enjoy the natural world. See www.goingwild.net

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BABY Baby exercise – not just a fad

with the help of Joanna Parry

I

n the past few years there has been an explosion of classes for babies, from baby massage to music, signing to singing, gymnastics to yoga. This may seem like a fad, but concerned parents are flocking to exercise classes catering for children of all ages, including those too young to even crawl. The reason could lie in results of recent research, which pushes the importance of baby exercise classes to the fore, because it appears exercise in infancy is vital in maintaining a child’s lifelong health.

The science According to some paediatric experts, parents who use prams, playpens, car seats and bouncing chairs for hours at a time may be delaying not only their child's physical development but their mental development too. "The need for even the very young to be physically active is something parents often don't understand," says Jane Clark of the University of Maryland, USA. "The earlier infants and toddlers get exposure to daily movement and exercise, the better the likelihood of healthy development in later life." In fact, regular exercise in the very young encourages the kind of development that may be critical for health in later life, as during infancy the brain is developing pathways and connections to the muscles.

Children who do not get enough exercise may miss out on the chance to make the strong kinds of brain-muscle connections that make physical activity easier, more enjoyable and more likely to become a lifelong habit avoiding obesity and other weight-related conditions. The lesson learned – keep your baby active and it will set them up for a healthier life.

Early Days Although it may not seem like much, a newborn baby's daily routine of changing, bathing, crying and growing is enough exercise for them. In fact, a newborn is exercising many of its muscles in the very act of feeding at the breast, and crying is important for the lungs and diaphragm and plays a large part in the development of the baby’s musculature. At this stage you can try baby massage, a great way to physically and emotionally bond with your baby, and a soothing and relaxing experience for babies.

Exercise classes Once a baby reaches 4 months, there are a plethora of baby exercise classes out there.

This doesn't mean your baby needs to take weight-lifting classes down the gym, but parents keen to give their little one a good start in life are looking to yoga, swimming and developmental play classes.

MARCH / APRIL 2011

Baby massage Start with a baby massage class, where simple massage techniques help stimulate your baby's senses. Kristel van Wauwe runs regular sessions in Abingdon but you can also book group sessions with friends or private sessions in the comfort of your home. Call 07866600194 or see www.atouchofrelaxation.co.uk

This space can be

yours from as little as £300 for a whole year.

No VAT editor@familiesox.co.uk

01235 206657

Swimming Babies are born with natural swimming reflexes which, if not developed, they lose at 8-10 months. Swimming not only helps with bonding, but exercise in the water is particularly good because it supports the weight of the baby. Call Saz Sunthareswaran at Waterbabies on 01869 325499 or see www.waterbabies.co.uk

Baby yoga Baby yoga is a great way to encourage baby-parent interaction. Through freeflowing movement, touch and sound, babies learn better coordination, sitting and standing techniques and motor skills.

Proponents of yoga say it also helps alleviate problems such as colic and constipation. "You do things like bend their legs, push their knees up to their chests and make hip circles," says Sally, mum of two. "You can be surprisingly firm as you move them around as they are so flexible, and they seem to like being manipulated."

Look for classes across Oxfordshire on www.yogabugs.com or www.birthlight.com.

Baby gym Baby gym classes. What you get depends upon where you go, but many have ball pits, trampolines, basic gymnastics equipment, crawl tunnels and soft play areas to teach babies and toddlers about rhythm, movement, coordination skills and dance through a series of fun tumbling exercises. See www.tumbletots.com

Music and Movement For movement with music and rhythm, contact Liz Meadowcroft 01865 326746 at www.monkeymusic.co.uk, Michelle Keating at 01993 704207 www.saltboxmusic.co.uk, Sam Palmer from Music with Mummy 07919 911137 www.musicwithmummywantage.co.uk or Sophie Hill at MAD Academy 01869 369502 www.madacademy.com

Exercise at home Baby exercise classes are great fun, but there are also baby exercises you can do at home. The aim is to help you bond with your new child, and to instil an enjoyment of exercise from the start of life. For tips on exercising, playing and bonding with your baby and for more baby exercise classes go to www.familyfitnessexpert.co.uk or www.kidsexercise.co.uk

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EDUCATION Relaxed & healthy at revision time

As recent research* reveals, the majority of students now revise for exams at the eleventh hour, or not at all. It is therefore no surprise exams are stressful for parents and pupils alike. To help relieve tension, Omega-3 experts at Equazen eye q offer this parents’ guide to revision. and vegetables is important. Experts also Communicate Take a memory break The majority of parents (97%) are unsure how long children should spend revising, yet nearly half (48%) anticipate being asked to help with revision. Planning and communication is crucial, so as a first step, get together as a family to work out a good revision plan.

Think ahead Less than a third of pupils now plan revision in advance, and 15% loathe any sort of revision while just under a third (28%) of parents believe just an hour’s revision a day in the run up to exams is sufficient. Ideally, at least a month before exams, work out how much revision is needed for each subject. Then add an extra week beforehand to devise a realistic revision plan and save stress later.

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A tenth of Brits don’t know how their children revise, yet taking short breaks at the right time is key to aiding memory. This is according to a recent study at New York University’s Center for Neural Science which found that moments of wakeful rest (such as making a cup of tea) increased activity between two key areas of the brain involved in memory. Our brains want us to tune out other tasks, to enable us to tune in to what we’ve just learned, so after 45 minutes of revision, take a 10 minute break. This helps our brains prioritise the right information to put into long term storage when we go to sleep.

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

believe Omega-3 essential fatty acids are important for maintaining a healthy brain.

Oily fish like mackerel or sardines is full of Omega-3 but for those whose brains tell them they don’t like oily fish, a supplement may be an alternative.

Focus Nearly half of parents (48%) think their children can have their music or TV on whilst studying, yet experts believe this can be off-putting. Try to limit distractions like the internet, music or TV by providing a neutral, well-lit environment for them to revise. Hoards of revision notes can be overwhelming so as subject knowledge grows, encourage them to condense notes onto index cards or draw mind maps for each topic.

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Childcare and learning at Ferndale

All work and no play?

A third of parents (33%) offer rewards based on exam results while a further third (28%) have bought treats, paid or bribed their child to revise. Interestingly half of dads (46%) refuse to entertain the idea of incentivising revision or exam results, while mums take more of a ‘needs must’ approach. Whichever camp you sit in, it is important to recognise their achievements, whether that’s simply marking progress on a revision timetable, or planning a family day out for when exams are over.

Don’t panic Panicking won’t help so let them know they’re not alone. Advise them to talk to friends who will be feeling the same and if it all gets too much, a good moan to you should offload some of the stress! www.equazen.co.uk * The research for Equazen eye q was carried out

Deciding whether to keep your toddler at home 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 sessions which can be hard to manage within the constraints of a working day. To try and resolve this for working parents, Ferndale School in Faringdon has lowered its age of entry to 2 ½ and at the same time offered parents the option of an extended day from 7.45am to 5.30pm. The Head of Ferndale’s Nursery School, Clare Harvey- Smith explains “Parents are often torn between wanting to ease their child gently into the idea of being away from mummy or daddy and the need to get back to work. We wanted to find a balance between our traditional prep school setting and practical day care hours. We treat each family individually to ensure they have the best package of hours to suit their needs and we build up at the pace that suits them. Often they may require flexible sessions at short-notice to cover an appointment or meeting for example.”

01367 240618 www.ferndaleschool.co.uk

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 and vision exercises, of varied complexity, all of which are deeply rooted in rhythm. These exercises require full-body coordination and focused attention. Bal-A-Vis-X is school 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

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

MARCH / APRIL 2011

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GROWING & CARING Prep says: “As a society, we have become used to thinking of little things which make a big difference.

Our school has a role to play in saving the environment. We do lots of projects related to this topic around the school.

We are very much hoping that many creatures will visit our pond in the spring, especially birds, toads, frogs, all sorts of bugs and maybe, if we are lucky, even a newt! In the meadow, we are looking forward to seeing all sorts of insects such as ladybirds and grasshoppers together with a variety of birds.

GRUBS at the Manor Boys and girls at The Manor Preparatory School in Abingdon are actively taking part in GRUBS, the school’s environmental group.

Grubs members are Green, Respect nature and animals, redUce, re-use and recycle, Before it is too late!, and they Save energy by turning lights off.

GRUBS gives children a chance to take the lead in the protection of our planet.

Mrs Karen Copson, Registrar at the Manor

To make the butterfly garden we marked out the area with tape and planted lots of lavender to attract the insects. We are expecting to see nectar-loving insects such as bees and butterflies, for example Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Peacocks.

To make the willow tunnel children were each given a short piece of string to which we had to attach a willow cutting to make it arch. We planted the willow cuttings diagonally and pressed them down with our

Garden in a Bag Sustainable farming charity Send a Cow is encouraging families in the UK to get growing veggies the African way by planting up a Bag Garden. This simple technique is helping thousands of poor farmers in Africa to produce food for their families all year round, even when land and water are scarce , and it works just as well in gardens and on patios in the UK too.

Celebrity gardener Carol Klein says: “There is nothing better than getting outside with your children and discovering the magic that happens after you plant a seed. Bag Gardens are a really fun activity to do with the family; you not only get to grow some lovely veggies, but your kids will learn about where their food comes from, about the environment and how other children are living in Africa.”

feet. The tunnel has to be watered regularly until it starts growing in the spring. When it is fully established, we are going to make a den and it will be interesting to watch the willows grow. We can’t wait to see how many types of birds visit our feeders and roost or nest in our boxes. We are using different sorts of boxes to attract all sorts of birds. It is going to be an exciting spring!”

The children here at The Manor have embraced the GRUBS scheme wholeheartedly. Each class, throughout the school, has two representatives who attend regular GRUBS meetings where future projects are planned with the help of the team of dedicated staff at the school.

Each GRUBS representative serves for one year and wears a GRUBS badge each day so that they may be easily identified as a person who can take forward the ideas of their peers.

At the end of each academic year the “GRUBS” children are rewarded with an interesting day out. Last July, the children enjoyed a fabulous trip to the Falconry Centre in Kingston Bagpuize.

The Manor Preparatory School 01235 858462 www.manorprep.org

Kids will get their hands dirty collecting the stones to create a central column, and packing the sack with a mixture of compost and soil. Once you’ve cut some holes and planted the seeds you’re ready to go!

You’ll have an eye-catching, water-saving, space-saving, weed-free multi-storey garden. And with budget cuts and food prices tightening our purse strings, parents will also love the saving they make on the weekly shop.!

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

COMPETITION WINNERS Winners ICE RINK tickets William Spracklen- Northmoor Charlotte Barker -Wheatley Caroline Wolff -Pyrton Natasha (10) and Jack (7) Barron-Beckley Kath Norkett -Drayton WINNERS Start a Family Friendly Business BOOK Melanie Andrews Clanfield Caroline Richens Frilford CONGRATULATIONS!

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WHAT’S ON Holidaying at Easter Photo www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

with the help of Joanna Parry

hether you’re a working parent looking to spend quality time with your brood over the Easter weekend, or a full-time mum or dad desperately looking for an activity camp to fill a long school holiday, here are some ideas to help you. With a bit of planning ahead, you’ll find you can avoid the tantrums and arguments and tear your darlings away from the TV and the Wii and enjoy the Easter break, rather than finding yourself counting down the days until school starts again!

The holidays are a great time to bring back some of the old fashioned games and spend real time with your kids. It can be hard at first, throwing yourself into games and activities, but this is the stuff that childhood memories are made of. It is important to plan your day: write out a

W

holiday timetable of activities such as painting and board games for the morning and playing in the garden and a small amount of TV in the afternoon. If you let them drift from one cartoon to the other they’ll get frustrated very soon! With a little thought, you can come up with dozens of fun things to do at home.

Stock up on activity books from the library or browse in your local book shop!

Or why not invite your children’s friends over to play? You may think double the children means double trouble, but it’s often easier for them to have playmates around to entertain each other. It also means they will get invited back, giving you a much-needed break!

Give them a treat There are always plenty of activities and events going on during school holidays.

Take them on a trip to a theme park, a farm, nature reserve or park, swimming pool, theatre or cinema as a special treat.

Don’t forget your local library or museum.

Make full use of these wonderful local resources! Look in this issue’s What’s On diary on page 18 & 19 pages to find out what’s going on in your area. Enjoy!

Happy holidays Holidays with the family can sometimes be a “hit or miss” experience. Lucilla Paull has made it possible for parents to make it more of a hit. She says: “ When my husband and I first had children, we tried to continue holidaying in hotels but found that it just didn’t work with the children. So we quickly headed down the route of independent self-catering holidays to accommodate the children’s needs – if they were happy, then we were happy.” Lucilla has set up a web site which now lists over 850 independent self-catering properties in France, the UK and Ireland. Not only has the site great searching facilities, but it focuses on recommendations from like-minded mums and dads. “We have always found the best holidays were those recommended to us”, Lucilla says. www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

SUPER CAMPS at Easter Super Camps have been running Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 4-14 for 14 years. They have a number of camps running during the school holidays at schools across Oxfordshire: Headington School, Headington; Oxford High School, Summertown; Radley College, Nr. Abingdon and Cranford House School, Moulsford. All except Oxford High will be running camps during the Easter holidays: 11– 21 April.

Their Multi-Activity Camps combine sports, arts and crafts into an actionpacked 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 art programme coming for 2011 – there’s an abundance of variety to suit all ages and interests.

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

Last year Super Camps launched a number of specialised camps and courses which will once again be running at a selection of their venues across Oxfordshire this Easter.

These courses are geared towards children who would prefer to focus on a particular activity and there will be even more to choose from during the summer holiday. www.supercamps.co.uk MARCH / APRIL 2011

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WHAT’S ON .

CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE

PEGASUS THEATRE

25 Station Road Didcot OX11 7NE 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk

Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE 01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

7 APR 7.30PM DIDCOT GIRLS’ SCHOOL DANCE SHOWCASE Didcot Girls’ School run a fantastic dance programme with many girls doing GCSE and A Level dance to a very high standard.

10 APR 2PM LYNGO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS Egg just doesn’t want to hatch! So with winter coming Mum asks Percy to look after Birdy until the Spring – but can he stop the eagle from having Egg for breakfast?

KENTON THEATRE New Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP 01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk

24 MAR – 26 MAR 7.30PM THE ROCKY MONSTER SHOW Presented by Masquerade Stage School. Two scientists, Dan and Rebecca, visit Arkham Village, to meet up with a professor of genetics, named professor Fenton. To their shock horror, professor Fenton made two unusual creations, a male and female monster.

27 MAR – 2 APR HENLEY YOUTH FESTIVAL This year’s theme is FANTASY & FAIRYTALE. For more information visit www.hyf.org.uk

NEW THEATRE & OFS STUDIO George Street, OX1 2AG 0870 606 3500 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

19 & 20 MAR THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE! ON STAGE This all new 90-minute musical adventure is packed with audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing and thrilling adventures.

3 APR 5 PM STAGECOACH CHARITY SPECTACULAR A fun filled musical spectacular, featuring the students from the Stagecoach centres in Oxford, raising money for the Children’s Hospital and InterAct.

1 MAY 8PM UNCAGED MONKEYS The first ever national science tour celebrating the universe and many of the wonders that lie within it. The finest names in science broadcasting gather together to talk of dark matter, black holes, Bonobo apes, the big bang and anything else they can cram into two hours.

Robin Ince, co-presenter of Radio 4's Infinite Monkey Cage will be introducing great minds of science including - Professor Brian Cox, Dr Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh. A night like no other, mixing live presentations and fabulous projections of the phenomenal.

Prepare to be amazed.

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

26 APR 11 7.30PM NATIONAL YOUTH GUITAR ENSEMBLE The U.K’s finest young guitarists, directed by

MILL ARTS CENTRE Spiceball Park Banbury OX16 5QE 01295 252050 www.themillartscentre.co.uk 2 APR 2PM RAPUNZEL presented by Jactito Theatre A beautiful girl locked in a high tower by a Wicked Witch. It's a hairy situation! A puppet show for all the family. Ages 4-8 years

3 APR 6PM INDIGO DANCE PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASE Full of inspiration, the resident youth dance company has returned with their popular performance platform. Flamenco, Street dance, Ballet, Jazz etc. Fun for all the family.

20 APR 10.30AM & 2.30PM, 21 APR 10.30AM ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG, BAD WOLF? Little Red Riding Hood is out on stage telling the world the same old story about Grandma and the Big Bad Wolf, blah, blah, blah! Go backstage and meet Mr B.B.Wolf, renowned thespian and notorious villain, as he takes a break between scenes to set the record straight.

OXFORD PLAYHOUSE & BT STUDIO 11-12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

12 APR 11.30AM THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER FURRY TAILS by the Theatre of Widdershins.

26 MAR 11AM & 2PM THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER There once was a remarkable tin soldier who

Age 3+

fell in love with a beautiful paper dancer and then tumbled out of a window so beginning a perilous journey into the unknown. Ages 3 to 8

14 APR 2PM FAIRLY TALES The hit improvised comedy for kids and their families! A high energy improvised show. Ages 6+ 19 APR 11.30AM & 2PM THE WAY BACK HOME by Oliver Jeffers. An inter-galactic adventure tale for families and young children. Ages 3+

21 APR 2PM THE FROG PRINCE AND OTHER PECULIAR STORIES from ‘Terry Jones Fairy Tales’. A magical and witty one-woman adaptation of the famous froggy tale. Ages 5-11

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Oxford based composer Gerald Garcia, will be making a welcome return to the North Wall.

8 APR 12PM & 9 APR 11AM, 1PM & 4PM EGG AND SPOON This interactive experience for the very young will take you from summer to winter and back to spring again. Ages 6 months to 3 years.

19 – 23 APR THE JUNGLE BOOK When Shere Khan the tiger swears to kill young Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety. But the jungle holds dangers and surprises for them all.

19 MAR 2PM, 4PM & 7.30PM SATNAV performed

by Tac-au-Tac Youth Dance. The final official Dancin’ Oxford Festival 2011 event celebrates the talent of Oxford’s young dancers. Aged from 3 to 19 years the dancers explore a catalogue of mishaps with navigation systems.

30 MAR - 2 APR 7.30PM plus Saturday matinee 1.30PM AFTER GILGAMESH performed by Pegasus Youth Companies. The earliest story, written thousands of years ago, still has echoes in today’s world. The tale of Gilgamesh, demi-god and king of Uruk is filled with fantastic 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 foremost Balalaika players. Karvai Quartet play Russian folk music with a modern twist. All ages.

THE THEATRE 2 Spring Street Chipping Norton OX7 5NL 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 21 MAR - 22 MAR 7.30PM ALPHA TO OMEGA by The Theatre’s Youth Theatre. The 3 oldest groups (14 – 18), have been exploring life from its inception through to its end. See their personal interpretations on the meaning of life.

24 MAR 10.30 AM THE TOURIST (PG) Cinema Bambino. 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 in arms. Check details.

30 APR 11AM MR MARK’S CHILDREN’S CONCERTS: THE CELLO Join pianist Mr Mark for this concert specially devised for the under 6’s.

TOWN HALL St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP 01865 252195 www.oxfordphil.com

27 MAR 3PM - 4PM FUNOMUSICA FAMILY CONCERT Presented by Alasdair Malloy. After a procession of International flags to herald this sporting extravaganza, hear John Williams’ Summon the Heroes from the opening ceremony of the 1994 Olympics.

Imagine the sporting silverware being brought home in triumph with the Grand March from Aida, discover how football fanatic composer Shostakovich was the perfect choice for a ballet about a football team. Go dressed in your sports kit for the pre-concert craft activities at 2pm.

Concert suitable for ages 4-8 but the whole family is welcome.

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

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WHAT’S ON MARCH

APRIL

11 - 20 MAR 10AM - 5PM PROFESSOR TOAD'S TROLLEY

2 APR 11AM – 3PM BEFRIEND YOUR SEWING MACHINE

River and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames 01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk Mr Toad celebrates National Science & Engineering Wk.

Darn It & Stitch Blue Boar Street, Oxford OX1 1DL

12 MAR 10AM-4PM WOW! HOW? Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Oxford University Museum of Natural History www.oum.ox.ac.uk Make, text, explore and explode with excitement and hands-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.com 2-part workshop for parents and children, making clothed dolls from patterns. Booking in parent-child pairs; over 8s only.

17 MAR 3 - 7PM PUBLIC OPEN DAY – `YOUR HEALTH, YOUR FUTURE’ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in West Wing and Children's Hospital atrium of the John Radcliffe Hospital www.oxfordbrc.org Events aimed primarily at adults in conjunction with Oxfordshire Science Festival Week and Global Brain Awareness Week. All welcome.

19 MAR 10.30AM NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

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 WEEKEND Northmoor Trust Estate www.northmoortrust.co.uk

3 APR 10AM – 5.30 PM MOTHERING SUNDAY Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley OX33 1JZ 01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk Normal garden entrance fee applies to everyone, except Mum, she goes free!

3 APR 10.30 AM ON YOUR BIKE www.onyourikesommingcommon.co.uk. family charity bike ride starting from Sonning Common Primary School. Choose from marshalled routes of 6, 12 and 20 miles, a supervised playground cycle and a 3 mile health walk which is buggy friendly.

3 APR 10.30AM – 4.30 PM MOTHER'S DAY Oxford Bus Museum/Morris Motors Experience OX29 8LA. 01993 883617 www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk, Today Mum goes free with a paying child.

Cranford House Girls School, Moulsford. wallingfordnns@yahoo.co.uk

20 MAR THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHER FURRY TALES Southmoor Pre-school 01865 821436 What really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll? – are explored and explained by the Theatre of Widdershins in the Southmoor Village Hall - in aid of Southmoor pre-school. Age 3+

24 - 29 MAR HORSEPOWER ZIPPO'S CIRCUS South Park, off Cheney Lane, Oxford www.zippos.co.uk Dazzling and adrenaline-packed circus spectacular.

26 MAR 4, 5 & 6PM STREET DANCE MASTERCLASSES Pegasus Theatre 01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk With EmJ and special guests. Hip-Hop Intensive with Carlos Neto, John Graham & Miha Matevzic.

26 & 27 MAR 10AM - 4PM LAMBING WEEKEND Northmoor Trust Estate www.northmoortrust.co.uk

11 - 25 APR EGGSTRAORDINARY EGGVENTURE Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Oxford University Museum of Natural History www.oum.ox.ac.uk

12 APR 10.30AM - 11.30AM ORANGE HAT EASTER ADVENTURE The Theatre 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk Easter Holiday Activity for 6 months – 5 years

13 & 20 APR 11.30 CHILDREN'S TOUR OF THE HOUSE Waddesdon Manor Nr Aylesbury HP18 0JH 01296 653226 www.waddesdon.org.uk

17 APR 2.30PM - 4PM JANEK SCHAEFER’S LUCKY DIP DISCO FOR U7s AND PARENTS Modern Art Oxford 01865 813800 www.modernartoxford.org.uk

20 APR BOAT TRIPS River and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames 01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk Take a trip on a historic passenger steamer.

23 APR 10AM MR. MYLES MUSIC WORKSHOP

19 MAR 2 - 4PM GLOBE-MAKERS

Combe Mill www.combemill.org

Bodleian Library 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/about/visitors/family Ages 5-11. Booking essential.

University of Oxford Botanic Garden www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

Darn It & Stitch Blue Boar Street, Oxford OX1 1DL 01865 242 779 www.darnitandstitch.com

20 MAR 10AM - 5PM COMBE MILL IN STEAM

FAMILY FRIENDLY TOUR

20 APR 1PM - 4PM EASTER BRANCHES

19 MAR 11AM-4PM PARENT-AND-CHILD CHARACTER DOLL MAKING

Museum of the History of Science www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 01865 277280 Discover the Museum's collection of globes and make your own! Booking required.

APRIL 10 APR & 17 APR 2.45pm SIR THOMAS BODLEY'S

9 APR – 25 APR THE BIG EASTER BUNNY HUNT Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley, OX33 1JZ 01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

9 APR – 25 APR 11AM-4PM EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

North Wall Arts Centre 01865 319450 www.thenorthwall.com ‘Jazz mini-break’ for children aged 6 -9.

24 - 25 APR PEPPA PIG Blenheim Palace 01993 811325 www.blenheimpalace.com

29 APR 11.30 AM A ‘ROYAL’ JOUST Blenheim Palace 01993 811325 www.blenheimpalace.com A special Jousting tournament to celebrate the Royal wedding.

Millets Farm Centre, Frilford 01865 392200 www.milletsfarmcentre.com Eggsplore Millets Farm and complete eggciting Easter egg hunts, before finding your way to our craft tent where children can enjoy a selection of eggsotic craft eggtivities.

29 APR 6PM ROYAL WEDDING BUN THROWING CELEBRATION

9 APR 12-4PM OXFORDSHIRE GOES WILD

Abingdon Museum www.abingdonmuseum.org.uk

Oxford University Museum of Natural History www.oum.ox.ac.uk Talk to conservation groups about their work and see live insects, birds and more!

The Ewelme Watercress Beds Centre 01491 835173www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org A morning of fun and activities on a wildlife theme

9 APR 2PM – 4PM FAMILY PRINTING WORKSHOP Bodleian Library 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Learn about the history of printing, see historic presses, set your own name in type, and print! Children aged 8 and over must be accompanied by an adult, and vice versa. Booking is essential.

30 APR 10.30AM –1PM FAMILY ACTIVITY

30 APR & 1 MAY 11.30 AM JOUSTING TOURNAMENT Blenheim Palace 01993 811325 www.blenheimpalace.com

10 APR 9.30AM, 10.30AM & 3PM U5s 11.30AM OVER 5S CUSHION CONCERT - CLARINET Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building, St Hilda's College 01865 305305 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/index.php/jdp

Send your diary dates for May - June by Friday 15 April 2011 to editor@familiesox.co.uk

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Page 20

competition WIN an Evening Spa Experience at Nirvana Spa

S

pring is here, so it’s time to say goodbye to the "winter blues", wind your clocks forward and prepare your body, mind and soul for the season with a much needed pampering session at Nirvana Spa. Nirvana Spa, the UK’s largest spa, based in Berkshire, provides the ultimate experience of peace and tranquillity with treatments that have been specifically selected to restore, relax and refresh senses.

Nirvana Spa is offering Families Oxfordshire readers the chance to win an Evening Spa Experience for two Plus runner-up prizes of a selection of spa goodies from the Celestial Spa Authentic range

Renowned for its pure water source, Nirvana Spa is home to six pure, natural pools fed by a spring deep underground with water clean enough to drink. The spa’s famous floatation therapy pool contains hundreds of tons of minerals and salts from the Dead Sea. So, you can enjoy a relaxing floating experience while treating your whole body to a therapeutic experience at the same time.

There are regular offers on the Nirvana website, such as the current Champagne Experience which includes two Celestial treatments, manicure, pedicure, champagne lunch and a Celestial gift set to take home at the special price of £199 (was £275). www.nirvanaspa.co.uk

To enter, just answer this question:

How many pure

natural pools

does Nirvana Spa have?

Closing date is: 15 April 2011

Send your entry by e-mail to: editor@familiesox.co.uk, or by post to: Families Oxfordshire, NIRVANA Competition, PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ Include your name, address and telephone number Your details will not be used for any purpose other than this competition.

Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the May/June 2011 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website.

No correspondence will be entered into. Entries open to Oxfordshire residents only.

Terms and Conditions- Evening Spa Experience 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The Evening Spa Experience prize pack includes a flotation therapy pool experience, exclusive use of spa facilities and dinner.

The Evening Spa Experience prize pack for two persons is worth £130.

The Evening Spa Experience can be taken from Mon to Thur 5.30pm – 10.15pm. Weekends, bank holidays and national holidays excluded.

The prize cannot be exchanged for another offer or a cash alternative.

Accommodation, travel and expenses are excluded.

Prize can be taken any time up to a year.

Allow up to 30 days for prize to be arranged.

"Without publicity a terrible thing happens. Nothing."

(P T Barnum)

What's next in

?

Bumps & Babes, Birthday Parties, What's On, local news, & half term fun Distributed in hundreds of schools and nurseries across Oxfordshire. To advertise call 01235

206657

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, neither Families 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 group are 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 the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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MARCH / APRIL 2011