Families Oxfordshire Issue 50 July-August 2012

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FR EE

O xfordshire

Issue 50 July - August 2012 www.familiesox.co.uk

Great holiday activities and What’s On in Oxfordshire!

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news & views Oxfordshire’s best festival From August 23–27 head along to the Towersey Festival in Thame. With five dedicated venues packed with things to do, the Festival really does have something for everyone. There are over 20 individually programmed sessions a day with opportunities to learn a dance, join a band or join in some crafts. Under 6s can join in with singing games, take part in a mini gym, enjoy some reflexology and even take their teddy or dolly to Teddies’ Hospital. There’s also a lot going on for older children, while in the evening there are lots of family shows to enjoy, including a production of the children’s book The Way Back Home (turn to page 17 to win tickets). The activities range from hundreds of gigs (over 50 artists a day), street theatre on the Showground, lantern making, loads of Ceilidh Dancing, world class cuisine to the International Market, craft and street fairs.

Towersey is a wonderful way to finish your summer holidays and a very different day out. Children’s tickets start from £19. www.towerseyfestival.com for more info.

Childcare Vouchers to Pay for Summer Holiday Camps Summer camps are fun and exciting; children can experience activities they would not usually experience. Camps are a great tool to use if you are a working parent and need childcare or to simply encourage your child to engage in more social activities.

The cost of sending children to camps is an important factor. Did you know you can use your childcare vouchers, taken as a salary sacrifice via your employer, to pay for the cost of most summer camps? Be savvy, if you intend to send your child to a camp in the following year you can save up childcare vouchers to pay for the costs.

Headington Preparatory School girls join in ‘The Big Dribble’ The whole of Headington Preparatory School’s Lower II were lucky to take part in The Big Dribble at Oxford Brookes Sports Centre in May. This is a GB Hockey flagship event involving a giant ball moving down the country. Oxford was one of the cities in the UK to take part in this event. The girls all ‘dribbled’ a hockey ball around a 100m track to help GB Hockey set a world record for dribbling a ball 2012 km. They also got the chance to sign a giant hockey ball and write a good luck message to the GB players.

The ball will be presented to them at the test event at the Olympic venue. The girls received a certificate to commemorate the day. Despite the rain, fun was had by all. www.headington.org/prep 01865 759861

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As childcare vouchers are tax free and national insurance exempt, parents using childcare vouchers, taking the full amount and depending on their salary, can save up to £933 per parent, per year on the cost of their childcare. The Busy Bees nursery in BIcseter is one of many childcare providers in Oxfordshire that accept childcare vouchers. Busy Bees are campaigning to raise the weekly childcare voucher cap from £55 to £75 per week to help parents save more on the cost of childcare. If you want to support the campaign, you can sign the Busy Bees e-petition on their web site. www.busybeesbenefits.com

We have had an enormous response to our Reader Survey. Thank you! All prize winners have been notified.

Resolving The Working Mother’s Dilemma Many of us find it hard to balance the needs of the family with our need to carry on working and doing something we enjoy.

That was the dilemma Diana Page found herself in when she started her family 11 years ago. “I knew that I wanted to be able to raise my children – but I also wanted to provide a good lifestyle and the right education options, whilst doing something I enjoyed,” she says.

Diana is now working under the umbrella of Forever, which she says is an amazing company, and earning a six figure income.

She’s able to attend all the various sports, social and school events while developing a meaningful career.

If you want to have your cake and eat it too, contact Diana, who is recruiting working partners to work part-time from home. You’ll get full hands-on training and support and follow a proven business model. www.yeshaveitall.com 01235 533362

Summer reading challenge Libraries across the UK are gearing up to introduce children to an imagination paradise that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays.

Story Lab, the 2012 Summer Reading Challenge run by The Reading Agency, an independent charity, aims to inspire children to read in their holidays. Children can sign up at your local library from the end of June. There will be incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal if they complete the Challenge. “Pop down to your local library and find out more about what's happening,” says Anne Sarrag, Summer Reading Challenge director, “and help your children discover a love of stories whilst they develop their reading skills over the summer holidays.” An interactive Story Lab website www.story-lab.org.uk launches this month, enabling children to talk about their favourite books, or follow the Summer Reading Challenge on Facebook.

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FAMILIES JULY / AUGUST 2012

A fond farewell… and a warm welcome After eight fantastic years as editor of Families Oxfordshire, I am handing over the reins to a new editor.

In this issue: News & views Summer Holidays Counselling your child Books Career Education Parenting Back to School What’s on Luca & Maya

2-4 6-9 10-11 12 13 14 15 16 17-19 20

Ema Murphy will be taking over the editorship of this much loved publication.

She has many years experience in PR and journalism and has worked in local schools.

Perhaps more importantly, Ema is a local mum, which means she knows what’s important to parents in Oxfordshire.

WIN WIN

Over fifty people responded when I advertised I wanted to hand over the magazine to a new editor. This wasn’t a surprise because I knew, from readers’ feedback and the response our advertisers get, how popular Families Oxfordshire is.

The reason I chose Ema as my successor is not only because she has all the credentials to be the editor of the magazine, but also because of her commitment and wonderful personality. I feel confident she will connect with readers and advertisers alike and that the magazine will continue to be successful.

And so I leave Families Oxfordshire and you, loyal readers, in safe hands and thank you all for the wonderful eight years. A big thank you too to my own amazing family for their support, to all the contributors and in particular the lovely ladies who distribute the magazine across Oxfordshire.

Many of them have become dear friends.

Goodbye and farewell!

Felice Vermeulen, Editor

Wallingford is first choice for unique children’s drama school Outgoing Editor: Felice Vermeulen Contact: editor@familiesox.co.uk

Next issue: September / October 2012: Back to School Copy deadline 10 AUG 2012 To advertise in Families Oxfordshire contact Ema Murphy on: 01993 815966 or 07733 228 038 email: editor@familiesox.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 July 2012 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.

Front cover

Photo: courtesy Richard Merrett.

Team Merrett - Many thanks to the Merrett family who have supported Families Oxfordshire since the start eight years ago.

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London based Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops started a class in January 2000 with 3 children. They now have 4000 children attending their workshops across London and have chosen Wallngford as their newest Perform Plus destination, opening in September 2012.

PERFORM PLUS CLASSES in Wallingford will take place at 2.15 pm on Saturdays at Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford Oxford Road, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LX All children are invited to a Free Trial Session. www.perform.org.uk 0845 400 4000

Perform is a new type of children’s drama school. They use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/teachers. They work exclusively with 8-12 year old children and their focus is entirely on The 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. They don’t send children to auditions or castings, but focus on helping children develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week. They are also centrally run as opposed to being a franchised business.

Principal Lucy Quick says: “We are incredibly excited about opening in Wallingford from September. It’s an amazingly creative area, and we have already found some fantastic local people to lead the workshops.”

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news & views Step inside a successful story Forget handbags and organic moisturisers, hundreds of women are turning to children's books as a way to make a living and involving their children in the process.

A new army of creative entrepreuneurs, The Barefoot Ladies, are selling Oxford-based Barefoot Books through an array of creative and colourful channels, from music festivals, arts and crafts fairs, story-telling festivals, schools, fundraisers and home parties to make good money in the face of recession.

And their children are their most trusted advisors, reviewing books and helping out at events.

The new catalogue features travel books, books for creative kids, Barefoot classics for all ages and a new range of action and adventure books for independent children.

The Bare Facts …about Spray Tanning There’s no doubt about it, having a tan makes us look and feel better. But acquiring that sun-kissed glow is not always so easy and can be costly, both in terms of money and our health. A natural tan inevitably requires at least one trip abroad, while a sun-bed version involves repeated treatments, and both are associated with risks of skin damage from ultraviolet radiation. There is a solution to this conundrum - spray tanning. It can be the solution for those who are browned off with both sunburn and the solarium. Julie Mutton of Bare UK says: “The good news is that spray tan products are safe and natural and offer a real benefit, since they allow you all the pleasure of a lovely even allover bronzing, without the worry about sun protection, peeling and sunburn, or the long-term harmful effects of the sun or sun beds.” www.bareUK.co.uk 07773 764817

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SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS RYE ST ANTONY OXFORD Wed 19 Sep Open Day 01865 762802 www.ryestantony.co.uk

THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL Sat 6 Oct 10.00am - 12.30pm 01235 858462 www.manorprep.org

ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Sat 13 Oct Open Morning 01865 392303 www.abingdon.org.uk/prep

OUR LADY’S ABINGDON Sat 15 Oct Open Morning 10.00am -1.00pm 01235 523147 (Junior School) www.olab.org.uk

The Barefoot Books studio in north Oxford stocks these titles but also offers arts and crafts and story-telling sessions, music workshops, yoga and pilates as well as gourmet organic food. www.barefootbooks.com 08003282640 The people behind ARCh

Become an ARCh volunteer Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) is a registered charity which recruits, trains and supports volunteers who work on a one to one basis with children in primary schools across Oxfordshire.

Schools select children for ARCh support for various reasons and the aim of the charity is to provide them with a love of reading which will last a lifetime.

There are currently around 200 volunteers working in over 100 schools, supporting more than 600 children.

However the charity is looking to recruit more volunteers to help more children, particularly in Oxford City, Bicester, Banbury, Thame, Abingdon and Berinsfield.

After successfully completing the application, checking and training process, ARCh volunteers are assigned to a local primary school, which they visit twice a week during the school day. Three children are chosen for each helper and volunteers commit to continue to work with them for the entire academic year.

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to be a volunteer. All you need is to be patient, enjoy reading and have the appropriate interpersonal skills to help children and liaise with school staff.

ARCh provides full training and ongoing support. www.archoxfordshire.org.uk 01869 320380

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FAMILIES JULY / AUGUST 2012

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photo Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure

Take the family challenge

Summer 2012 is going to be all about active fun and getting out and about in the UK, which, for all of us cash-strapped families, is a lot cheaper than going abroad. So what are the best activities to enjoy en famille? Joanna Moorhead investigates.

Swing through the forest

Take an underground walk

A tree-top adventure makes for an adrenalin-charged day out with the children – and while you’re up there, you get some brilliant views as well!

Personally, I’ve never been so happy to be back on solid ground as when I got down from the terrifying heights of the forest course I tried out with my kids...but on the upside, at least I did make it down, and relying on them to help me through the most white-knuckle parts of the course went a long way in terms of family bonding!

Until recently Go Ape! had been restricted to over-10s, but there’s now a new course at two of the company’s 27 centres nationwide – Thetford near Brandon, and Moors Valley Country Park near Bournemouth. It’s designed for children as young as four, although they also need to be at least a metre tall, and it’s an hourlong course which, like the over-10s Go Ape! courses, takes children (and their parents) through a network of looping obstacles five metres above the forest floor, including the spider’s web, log balance and jungle crossing, before finishing on a tree-to-tree zipwire. www.goape.co.uk

There’s something strangely thrilling about taking a walk through a cave, into the very inside of the earth – the atmosphere is quite different from anywhere else you’ll ever go,and the memories of what you see and experience stay with you for a long time. And, of course, every child needs to understand the difference between those stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the best caves in the country are at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, the White Scar Cave at Ingleton in Yorkshire, where you can take an 80-minute tour through some of the country’s most awesome subterranean rock formations, and Wookey Hole near Wells in Somerset, home (apparently) to the Witch of Wookey. Not suitable, though, for a buggy or a wheelchair.

For more information on the caves mentioned here see www.whitescarcave.co.uk www.cheddargorge.co.uk www.wookey.co.uk

STAY LOCAL!

Every family has a kite or three, usually given as birthday or Christmas presents and with fiendishly difficult-looking instructions. We sometimes thought about taking our children to fly them, but something always held us back – usually doubts about how to do it, and whether the area we were planning to kite-fly in was actually big enough. But a lesson from Kevin Baker of Southern Breeze, a kiteflying operation based at Baiter Park on Poole harbour, set us straight: Kevin showed us how to make sure we were in a suitable kite-flying area (you need to use your thumb to check the height of the surrounding obstacles, to make sure they’re far enough away), and you need to give the kite a forceful yank to get it into the sky. More adventurous families can progress to kite-buggying and kiteboarding, in which you use the power of an airborne kite to propel yourself along on a vehicle on the ground.

For more information on Kevin Baker see www.sbkites.co.uk or for the British Kite Flying Association www.bkfa.org.uk

STAY LOCAL! The White Horse Kite Flyers club is based near Swindon, www.whkf.org.uk

Climb the rocks Rock-climbing is apparently one of the fastest-growing sports in Britain, and giving it a try makes for a great family day out.

Like all the best family challenges it’s about supporting one another, learning new skills, encouraging people when they need it, and celebrating new-found abilities and courage! Family climbing courses abound – google to find one in your area – and most are for complete beginners and take children from about eight (although some specialise in working with younger children). Look for a course where you have a dedicated instructor: you’ll learn (amongst other things) how to belay (ie hold the ropes safely) and how to make the most of the rock’s features for your hands and feet. If you’re looking for a family challenge in a rainy period, look up climbing walls in your area and see if you can hire an instructor for a family session there instead.

STAY LOCAL!

High Ropes Oxford offers recreational sessions for individuals, families and other groups, such as children’s birthday parties, at Culham Adventure Park, Furze Brake (woodland rear of Culham No 1 Site) off the A415, OX14 3DA. Minimum age 10 yrs, minimum height 140cm.

01865 727378 www.highropesoxford photo Urban Ascent www.urbanascent.co.uk

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Fly a kite

The Rock Solid Climbing Wall at Oxford Brookes University offers casual climbing on weekdays and at weekends.

Special Kids Open Sessions on Mondays for ages7+, and the Rock Stars Kids Club on Sunday morning for age groups 7-9yrs, 10-13yrs, 14-17yrs.

01865 484373 www.brookes.ac.uk/sport/facilities/climb JULY / AUGUST 2012

photo Mark Parker Kitevibe .com

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

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Find a geocache Geocaching is one of those things that sounds totally perplexing to anyone who’s never tried it, but is a huge hit with almost everyone who has. The idea is to find some ‘treasure’ – treasure that’s hidden in a box, and is findable using a hand-held satnav system (any will do). The treasure in question usually consists of a plastic box like a lunchbox with a whole host of miscellaneous bits and pieces in it – things like small toys, CDs, pens, anything. The rule is that when you find your treasure you’re allowed to take one thing out, and you must put one thing in – and sign the log book of course. The treasure is hidden everywhere and anywhere – in cities, in the countryside, even underwater.

For more information see www.geocaching.com

STAY LOCAL! From 24 July to 2 September the University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum in Nuneham Courtenay offers family friendly geocaching treasure hunts. GPS units can be borrowed for a £40 deposit.

01865 341576 www.harcourtarboretum.ox.ac.uk

photo Derek Hayward

Ride the tracks For a family with people who can’t get around very easily – elderly grandparents, for example, or other people with special needs – you can’t beat a trip on a steam railway. Most of these railways, preserved from Victorian times, are in areas of breathtaking natural beauty – the glorious Sussex countryside whisks by if you take the Bluebell Railway, for example, or if you’re in Yorkshire try the Embsay, which still runs from its original 1888 station near Skipton in Yorkshire through some of the most glorious Dales countryside.

For more information on the lines mentioned here see www.bluebell-railway.co.uk and www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk, or see www.steamrailwaylines.co.uk for the lines across the UK .

Go canoeing Canoeing centres up and down the country offer equipment hire and instruction for families who want to dip their toes in the water. Your instructor will help you learn how to paddle, how to turn and how to negotiate rapids – and he or she will also ensure that you’re canoeing in a suitable place, and in suitable weather, for the age of your children (which is crucial, because accidents can happen quickly in canoes). What’s especially lovely about canoeing is that you can also have a day out that’s close to wildlife – look out for fish, water birds and dragonflies. If you’re lucky you might even spot an otter or a water vole. Hiring a canoe and instructor costs around £150 for half a day. For more information see www.canoe- england.org.uk/go-canoeing or British Canoe Union (BCU) www.bcu.org.uk

STAY LOCAL! Isis Source is a club-within-a-club at Isis Canoe Club in Oxford, specially for families with older children aged 10+. www.isiscanoecluboxford.co.uk Cherwell Canoe Club runs courses every summer in Banbury.

Participants must be aged 8+. www.cherwellcc.org.uk/Courses

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SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Photo: Monty Smith, a scene from Stagecoach Oxford’s production of Arabian Nights last Summer

Here comes summer ‘Hoodie’ Holiday fun for age 4-10 at Stagecoach Children love putting on a show in the living room – but imagine how they would feel putting on a show in a real theatre, complete with all the lights and costumes of a show! This summer, treat them to 5 days rehearsing ‘Little Red Hoodie’ a show written specifically for four to 10 year olds and staged at The Theatre at Headington, Oxford.

Aside from having the time of their lives, all the children will have fun creating, exploring and the performing this quirky version of a

Watch out! Coyotes pack takes over Oxford!!

Coyotes is a new, fun, innovative, exciting and engaging Spanish course for children aged 7-11. The first “litter” of Coyotes is about to complete their first year of Spanish learning in July, achieving level 1.1, and will celebrate with a great evening at the Old Fire Station Theatre in Oxford. There will be songs and a short play in Spanish, together with an animation-fashion show, and the children will be the protagonists of the event. The Spanish lessons are part of the

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classic tale. “It’s a great performance opportunity” says principal Maya Sprigg from Stagecoach Oxford. “Plus, it’s great fun and amazing what they can learn in just a week”. There are a few places left for the 5 day courses at the end of July and beginning of August. The advanced showcase for older children, Hairspray, has been amazingly popular.

Many Stagecoach centres run courses during the holidays. Look out for Stagecoach Abingdon’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Phantom of the Theatre’, as well as Banbury’s ‘Allsorts’. All offer quality learning and performing experiences.

For more details, contact your local Stagecoach principal.

Oxford – Maya Sprigg 01869 278600 Abingdon – Julia Howson 0845 113 0320 Bicester – Jenna McKee 07983 378 883 Banbury – Melissa Allen 01869 249318 Thame – Nicky Goodwin 01865 763767 www.stagecoach.co.uk

programme of activities developed by the Communicate Project.

The Communicate Project is planning some fantastic workshops for children this summer, and organising CommuniKids Puppet & Drama Group to start in September. The lessons and workshops run during term time and in the summer in Oxford. www.spanishcoyotes.co.uk www.communicateproject.com

An active summer at the Lighthouse

The Lighthouse provides a caring environment in which children can develop and learn. It is a happy place to be in the rain and sunshine because of the outdoor classrooms on the decking and the large field with plenty of opportunity for active and imaginative play. The gardens grow beans, peas, lettuce and tomatoes, which have enjoyed the rain, and sunflowers and strawberries which are looking forward to the sun.

The nursery is open from 23 July to 31 August for children up to the age of 8.

The Seagulls theme ‘Oceans Around the World’ will give them the opportunity to explore the coasts, under the ocean and sailing the high seas.

At the end of August the Lighthouse will transform the field into the seaside village of 'Newington on Sea’. On Thursday 30 August there will be a Seaside Charity Afternoon for CLICSargent and Csytic Fibrosis.

September will bring a change as an “Extended Day” starting at 8.00 am will be provided to allow parents to drop off children at The Lighthouse and get to work on time. www.lighthousenurseryschool.co.uk 01865 891712

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Summer Adventures Summer is here and Lasergaming & High Ropes Oxford brings you one the best summer holiday adventure days Oxfordshire has to offer.

Be a commando for the day with Lasergaming adventure days for children aged 8+, this summer. Lasergaming is a live combat entertainment experience using infra-red gaming guns. Inspired by popular video games such as Halo2, Call of Duty, outdoor Lasergaming is just like a computer game but real. If you play the XBox, Wii, PLAYSTATION you will love this. The gaming guns use a harmless infra-red beam, similar to a TV remote, that tags sensors worn by each player.

bridges, Tarzan swings, zip slides and then the final Jungle Commando test, the 45ft Drop Zone Parachute Descender. Earn your wings, after climbing 13m on to your Launch Platform, you will then prepare for your decent. Will you make the Jump?

Of course if you would like the ultimate outdoor adventure then check out the Camp Commando Black Ops course, which lasts two days and one night. For children 10+. www.outdoorlaser.com 01865 727378.

Or why not be a Jungle commando V.I.P on a multi activity day that combines Lasergaming with High Ropes. Conquer the elements, negotiate the balance beams, suspended tunnel, cargo nets, burma

Summer Splashing Tips

Staying Safe

The summer holidays are a great opportunity to practice all the great skills you’ve learned so far at your Water Babies classes. Waterbabies have very kindly provided the following health and safety tips that you need to keep in mind when swimming or around water with your little ones this summer. If you haven’t tried Waterbabies yet, they have free taster sessions running during July.

Be safety conscious at the pool side or sea side. Check where the rescue equipment and first aid kit are and whether there are any lifeguards on duty.

Keeping Warm in Water Be very aware of the temperature of the pool you are swimming in. Limit the time in the pool to what your baby is comfortable with. Use a wetsuit to give them that extra bit of warmth.

Watch their lips – any change in colour is a sign their core body temperature is dropping.

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Flotation devices are not life preservers.

They are not a substitution for supervision.

If you use a flotation device ensure that it fits the size and age of the child.

Always actively supervise your children while they are in, on or near the water. It is vitally important that any adult nominated to watch the child is able to swim and is not afraid to jump in.

If you must leave, even for the shortest time, take your child with you or designate a known adult to supervise.

Never leave an older sibling to watch younger children. www.waterbabies.co.uk 01869 325499

Explore Learning The summer holidays are fast approaching, and children across Oxford will be hanging up their schoolbags until September.

However with research showing that many children fall behind over the summer holidays, many parents are keen for their children not to neglect learning completely.

This is one of the reasons why July is the most popular time of year for new members to join Explore Learning. The ethos of these fun and interactive tuition centres is to complement the school experience, combining learning with a vibrant environment that children love.

Going to Explore just once or twice a week over the summer will help children retain all the skills they have been working to master in school and even build up more for the new term ahead. Free trials are available at the Heyford Hill Oxford Centre. www.explorelearning.co.uk 01865 595509

MAD Academy ‘Summer of Sport’ holiday classes MAD Academy will be helping to keep children entertained this summer with classes in Oxford and Bicester over the summer holidays. The holiday classes will have a special sports theme to help young children celebrate the amazing summer of sport. MAD Academy’s holiday classes are packed full of fun games and activities inspired by the sporting events and of course lots of music and dancing! www.madacademy.com 01869 369502

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COUNSELLING YOUR CHILD

The Story behind ‘The Copper Tree’ Three years ago Families Leeds editor Sarah Butters had to tell her then 5 year old daughter about the death of a young relative. She searched for a book to help her.

Three years on, she’s found that book and has been along to chat to its author, Hilary Robinson.

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eath. It’s a topic no one wants to think about but almost all families will have to deal with at some point.

For most, it’s the passing of an elderly relative, but for some it’s the loss of someone much younger. It’s not a topic traditionally tackled in children’s fiction, until now.

The Copper Tree is the story of a class of children who learn how to cope with the death of their teacher, Miss Evans. We witness the youngsters finding out she’s unwell, her final visit to the school and how they deal with the news of her death.

“The aim of the book is to celebrate the life lost and find a way to continue the memory,” explains Hilary. “Experts call this Continuing Bonds Theory. The children in Miss Evans’ class are encouraged to remember the character and qualities she imparted and to pass them on. It means the person who has died, lives on in a sense.”

The children in the class all have their own

personalities and their own memories of Miss Evans. One child remembers how her teacher had taught her to share, another remembers she’d taught him about how plants grow. Each child chooses words that are then inscribed on copper leaves which will hang on a Copper Tree made by the school caretaker.

“The idea for the tree came from the Tree of Life at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds,” says Hilary. “It’s a beautiful copper tree and bereaved relatives can hang a leaf inscribed with the name of the loved one they lost.

I’ve always thought that it’s a really wonderful idea.”

The book was inspired by Hilary’s own loss.

Seven years ago her sister in law Caroline lost her battle with breast cancer. Caroline had been head teacher at Cross Hall Infant School in Morley. As Hilary reads through The Copper Tree explaining various pictures and references, it’s clear this book is a very personal tribute to a very brave lady. There’s a part where the children receive a letter from Miss Evans “in shaky writing” which is a reference to one of Hilary’s own memories of Caroline.

“I remember my daughters getting an Easter card written by Caroline. She’d been

determined to make the card herself but her fine motor skills had started to go and so the writing was shaky.”

However sad the theme, this isn’t a sad book. It is a story about loss, but it’s also a story about the gifts we give each day to each other. It’s written from the point of view of Olivia, one of the children, so there are places where the narrator’s mind wanders - to observe a three legged dog winning a race at Sports Day, or a classmate’s obsession with bats.

The beautiful illustrations and simple story disguise a book that’s been well researched and given the support of experts in the field of child bereavement. Hilary was keen to make sure she handled the delicate subject matter with sensitivity and responsibility and as a result, she’s won the support of leading charities and hospices around the country.

“There were three main considerations,” explains the author. “Firstly the importance of using real people, not animals. Secondly, you’ve got to avoid euphemisms. If you tell a 5 year old they’ve ‘lost’ someone, they’ll think you’ll eventually find them. Finally there should be no whimsical notions of heaven. What do we really know? It’s up to parents and teachers to explain as they feel fit.”

Hilary would like The Copper Tree to be used as a resource in schools and shared in classrooms across the country as a way of encouraging children to communicate. The message the book gives is that a life lived is to be celebrated and those touched by that life should pass on what they’ve learnt.

To Hilary and her family, the publication of The Copper Tree is a celebration of the short but full life her sister in law Caroline lived.

Her spirit, courage and memory will now live on in the pages of this amazing book and in the hearts of those who read it.

The Copper Tree is available through the official website www.thecoppertree.org or in book shops.

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Helping children through grief

Newcastle and some self defence classes.

However one of the most poignant exercises is ‘A Day to Remember’.

“It’s a very direct look at a child’s grief, but done in a fun way,” says Dan. “It’s a day of arts and crafts focused around the person who has died. It allows the children to process the memories, and not just the good ones. It’s about remembering the whole person.”

Art is a big part of the therapy at St Gemma’s and Dan uses drawing with the children. When the words run out, drawing a picture can be a way of communicating feelings. The walls of the art room are covered with work from both those being treated here and the children they leave behind.

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t’s a sad fact, but at some point in their young life, your child will lose a loved one. How do you help them process their grief and when do children need professional support? Sarah Butters talked with Dan Bordoley, Children and Young People’s Worker.

The branches of the Tree of Life at St Gemma’s Hospice are filled with delicate copper leaves inscribed with the names of those who have died here. Each of these leaves represents a life lost, a family bereaved. Dan Bordoley has supported hundreds of children from those families through their grief. The smiling faces looking out of the latest newsletter from his department reveal that he’s doing vital work.

Dan supports children dealing with the very worst sort of loss – often a parent - and says there are as many different ways of grieving as there are children.

but most of the children Dan works with say they prefer to know what’s going on. It gives them the chance to ask questions, and gives parents the chance to explain things. Open and honest language is also vital.

“Be clear with the words you use. Don’t be afraid to say ‘death’ and ‘dying’ otherwise the child will be confused,” Dan explains. “If you say you’ve ‘lost’ someone, a child thinks they can be found. If you say someone has ‘fallen asleep’ a child thinks they can be woken, or they can be scared to go to sleep themselves.”

Dan’s work combines individual and family counselling with group workshops. Those workshops use art, drama, dance and sport to either focus the children’s mind on working through their grief, or providing a positive distraction with young people going through the same experiences. At the moment Dan’s planning a sailing trip in

“A useful exercise to do with a child is to divide a piece of paper into three sections,” explains Dan. “This is before, during and the future. Get the child to draw a picture in each area. It helps to start a conversation, acknowledge what’s happened but importantly to see there’s a future. This can take some children 10 minutes and others much longer.”

Dan will see about 100 children this year aged between 5 and 16 years old. He describes his job as a privilege. The children he’s supported over his 5 years here have taught him a positive and important lesson about the human spirit that can give every grieving family hope in their darkest hour.

“Most children are OK. Yes, they will be changed. Yes, the experience will stay with them for life. But they’ll be OK.” Sarah Butters is editor of Families Leeds.

Dan Bordoley is based at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds. youngpeople@stgemma.co.uk 0113 218 5500

“Everyone grieves in their own way, at their own pace,” explains Dan. “Most model their parents, especially younger children. Very young children tend not to understand and so don’t accept the person has gone. They think they’re coming back. Death doesn’t mean the same to a young child as it does to you and me. That changes when they get to about 6 years old. Then they begin to understand the person who has died, isn’t coming back. They will have feelings but at that age, can struggle with verbalizing them.”

Honesty and direct, real language are the key to communicating with children. There’s a natural instinct as a parent to want to protect your child from sadness and loss,

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DANCE BOOKS Waterstones selection of this summer’s best holiday reading for children All books are available from your local Waterstones bookshop and online at www.waterstones.com

My First Justin’s Jokes Justin Fletcher, Faber £4.99 Hands up if you like laughing! Children's TV superstar Justin Fletcher shares his favourite jokes for young fans in "My First Justin's Jokes".

Giggle-tastic, full-colour spreads include hilarious scenes on the farm, at a festival and going to bed - perfect for ages 2+.

Warning! This book will make you laugh out loud.

Hugless Douglas and the Big Sleep David Melling, Hodder £10.99 Douglas is very excited about Rabbit's sleepover, but he collects so many friends along the way that soon it's a big squash in Rabbit's small burrow! Can Douglas think of a way for them all to get some sleep? David Melling 's third book about Douglas the brown bear combines brilliantly imaginative illustrations with an endearing sense of what it is like to be a small child learning about the world.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again Frank Cottrell Boyce, Macmillan £6.99 When the Tooting family find a vast abandoned engine and fit it to their camper van, they have no idea of the adventure that lies ahead.

The engine used to belong to an extraordinary flying car and it wants to be back on the road again ...fast!

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Goldilocks and Just The One Bear

by Leigh Hodgkinson, Nosy Crow £6.99 Many years have passed since Goldilocks caused chaos at the Bears' house in the woods, but what happens when Little Bear wanders out of his fairytale and into the big city where Goldilocks now lives?

Goldilocks is now grown up with a family and a rather smart apartment, so how will she react to coming home and finding that a very lost bear has been scoffing porridge, breaking chairs and sleeping in beds? Will she be cross, or is finally time to make amends?

Mystery Horse Jane Smiley, Faber £6.99 When Abby Lovitt gets to work at her family's ranch, she can hardly believe her luck. True Blue is a beauty, a dapple grey, and he needs a new home - his owner was tragically killed in a car crash, and no one has claimed him. Her father is wary, as always. But Abby is smitten. True Blue is a sweetheart, and whenever Abby calls out, "Blue, Blue, how are you?" he whinnies back. But sometimes True Blue seems, well ...spooked. Abby starts to wonder about True Blue's previous owner.

The Great Dog Disaster Katie Davies, Simon & Schuster £5.99 Suzanne's Great-Great-Aunt Deidra has left her dog to Suzanne's Mum in her will.

Suzanne is over-the-moon about having a dog again, after her old dog Barney was 'sent away to a farm' by her Dad. But when Beatrice the Newfoundland arrives, she is a BIG disappointment. She's smelly and old and miserable and doesn't like walks, or catching sticks, or any of the things that dogs are meant to like. So Anna and Suzanne devise a plan to turn Beatrice into a proper dog - but if they don't pull it off soon, Suzanne's Dad will send Beatrice away too.

The Sleeping Army Francesca Simon, Profile £6.99 Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she is drawn to the Lewis Chessmen and Heimdall's Horn. Unable to resist, she blows the horn, waking three chess pieces from their enchantment; the slaves Roskva and Alfi, and Snot the Berserk. They are all summoned to Asgard, land of the Viking gods, and told they must go on a perilous journey to restore the gods to youth. If Freya refuses she will be turned into an ivory chess piece but, if she accepts her destiny and fails, the same terrible fate awaits her.

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CAREER

Birth and Beyond Get ready for a new career in a booming business with the NCT and the University of Worcester’s new certificate of higher education f you’re looking for a rewarding job you can fit around your family, or are thinking about returning to study or work after having a baby, a change of career to become an NCT practitioner could be just what you need.

NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, and the University of Worcester have joined forces to provide university-accredited training for those wanting to support parents on their journey from pregnancy to parenthood by becoming an NCT practitioner.

NCT College admissions are open for courses beginning in September 2012.

There’s no better training if you want to build up a rewarding and enjoyable career working with parents at a unique and important time in their lives.

One NCT antenatal teacher, Fiona, said: “For me, my NCT work fits around the needs of my teenage boys. The training is very comprehensive, diverse and interesting and of a very high standard. I also love getting together with other practitioners and sharing ideas. I have a job I can do around my family and earn a decent hourly wage.”

The new Certificate of Higher Education – Birth and Beyond Practitioner, completed over one or two years, is the only university-accredited qualification for parenting education. Qualifying students can then begin a year of probationary practice, delivering innovative Preparation for Birth and Beyond (PBB) courses based on the Department of Health’s new framework. So, you can start earning an income from your new knowledge and skills right away.

NCT is well-known for the information and support its practitioners provide through antenatal courses, breastfeeding counselling and facilitated postnatal groups, enabling parents to feel more confident and prepared for their new role.

Students can choose from a range of modules from the Foundation Degree course. Will you train as an antenatal teacher, breastfeeding counsellor, postnatal leader or NCT Doula? Or perhaps you’d be more interested in running NCT Yoga for Pregnancy classes.

The courses allow students to learn through a mixture of tutorials, one-to-one time with tutors and online learning. With tutorials run across the UK and study days hosted regionally, students can complete the majority of their studies without the need to travel to Worcester. This flexibility is ideal if you’re looking for a career you can juggle around a young family, and the varied syllabus offers plenty of choice depending on your interests and aspirations.

In the climate of an ever-increasing birth rate and overstretched maternity services, there could not be a better time to build a fulfilling career as an NCT practitioner working alongside midwives and other health professionals to support new and expectant parents. As one of the UK’s largest network of practitioners working with new and expectant parents, students are supported to find work quickly and easily through the charity’s national operation.

If you are interested in finding out more visit www.nct.org.uk/nct-college

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EDUCATION

From primary to secondary Making the transition to secondary school. How much should you help and how much should you let go?

Margaret Ansell has supported large numbers of children and parents through this transition and this is what she has learnt.

After the transition BE THERE Make sure a parent or trusted carer is available before and after school to provide food, notice if your child comes in late, listen to their successes and concerns and be aware of subtle changes in mood; Watch and listen, help out if asked but don’t take over. Become an Enabler rather than a Fixer.

SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRIENDSHIPS It is of great importance to older children that they mix socially and establish secure friendships. They need to do this whilst still young enough to turn to you for support when they make mistakes.

Gradually they will learn to make informed choices about friends. It’s appropriate for this age group to have access to a basic mobile phone and computer but the dangers of social networking should be discussed and boundaries agreed upon.

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he transition from Primary to Secondary School is an anxious time for parents. During the primary school years, it is fairly easy to support your child at school.

You will probably know his teacher, other members of staff and parents, as well as being familiar with school policies and routines.

The thought of losing the control this familiarity offers is as daunting for parents as it is for children and you may well wonder how best to continue to support your child.

You may also worry specifically about your child’s ability to cope with the new environment and crucially, whether he or she will make friends.

Your anxieties may be eased by adopting strategies that help with the transition.

In the following columns you will find some tips and tools, which should help you prepare for and manage the early months.

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Before the transition SHIELD YOUR CHILD FROM YOUR ANXIETY They can make this transition. Critically, they need to know that you believe in them and their ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.

RELAX THE ORGANISATION Towards the end of year 6, step back from the organisation of your child’s school life e.g. packing school bags etc. You may secretly want to savour these last few months of dependency but your child needs a taste of independence. If they are slow to take up the reins, don’t take over and don’t despair, they will get there eventually.

PRACTICE THE NEW JOURNEY If your child will walk to school or travel independently on public transport, start by travelling together but without interaction. Then move to simply following behind your child.

Finally, let him do it alone and meet him there. Travel at busy times. Allow your child to make mistakes and find solutions. This equips them with the skills to handle the unexpected like bus detours and road closures.

SUPPORT ORGANISATION AND ROUTINES. Create “To Do Lists” or “Timetables” for the fridge, agree places to keep bags, kit, and books. Label uniform and valuables.

Establish routines so they can get to school punctually. Don’t expect too much too soon, many won’t crack this for years!

UNDERSTAND WHAT HOMEWORK THEY HAVE Agree a routine that will help your child to complete and hand in all homework on time, without devoting too much time to one piece and little or nothing to others.

However, remember it is their homework not yours; help, encourage, motivate but accept their best.

SCHEDULE TIME TO RELAX. Your child will be exhausted by the effort of holding it all together. Tears are likely over the most trivial things and they may regress and demand more care. Trust that they can cope and make sure there is time for sleep, friends, homework, more sleep, watching TV, playing computer games and yet more sleep! Avoid weekend breaks and reduce extra-curricular commitments to the minimum.

And lastly, schedule time to relax yourself!

All will eventually be well.

Margaret Ansell owns and runs The Study Zone in Twickenham and provides study support, holiday activities and childcare for children age 8 to 16. www.thestudyzone.co.uk 020 8894 1154

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PARENTING

Coping with failure I

t is a certainty that we all experience failure from time to time and therefore need to be able to cope with it. There are (at least) two ways of responding to failure: one is to be beaten down by it and to feel hopeless and discouraged and perhaps give up; the other is to accept that this time things didn’t go so well and determine to keep trying until you do better and hopefully learn something from the experience. Edison found many ways not to invent the light bulb before he discovered the way that worked. “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work…”

How do we respond to failure Perhaps education systems and modern methods of parenting don’t equip our children well for responding to failure positively. Across the world education systems with their interest in standardising and measuring have put much emphasis on tests, results, scores and achievements with the result that sometimes there has been not enough attention paid to the process of learning, creating happy, creative and thoughtful problem solvers. So much attention has been paid to achievements that to fail is no longer an option.

Anything wrong with positive parenting?

Parents have praised their children for doing well. The focus remains on results rather than on creative thinking or new tactics tried. This creates a lot of pressure for kids –they know that winning is what counts and it makes it hard for them to fail.

This creates a culture of risk adversity in academics, sport and the arts and pits children against each other rather than encouraging collaboration –who dares to fail or even to take another path if it is so important to win and there is a set way to do it?

Parents can influence matters We can influence matters considerably by what we pay attention to and how we talk about success and failure. If we pay attention only to achievements children learn results-based success is all that counts. When they do not achieve the result hoped for, are our children not worthwhile?

When your daughter comes home from a netball match don’t let your first question be ‘did you win?’, but ‘Did you enjoy the game? Did you play your best? Were you able to set up some goals? How did the team play together?

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By Melissa Hood Give meaningful and descriptive praise for effort, strategies, attitudes and small improvements, rather than results, to develop a growth mindset in children. “You kept on trying with these sums even though you didn’t find it easy. That’s persevering. Your efforts have paid off – five out of six are correct.”

Look behind children’s behaviour and acknowledge their emotions to help them manage their feelings. Children who develop emotional intelligence are more resilient and pick themselves up again after set backs.

Encourage independence, especially in thinking, to build self trust. Invite and listen to kids’ ideas. “I know we did too much for our youngest son around his A levels because we felt it was so important that he get the grades he needed for the next step in his education, his passport to successful adult life. But when he feels his parents are there to catch him he doesn’t put so much effort in himself. When we do too much of his thinking/planning/ organising he doesn’t do it himself.” Mother of 18 year old.

Then ask them to find something to improve, routinely.

It is a difficult task for parents but we need to allow our children to have an unpressured childhood not just for the sake of their present happiness but also to create a future generation of people who can think and are willing to embrace new ideas. www.theparentpractice.com

Model how to handle failure well. When you get something wrong don’t beat yourself up about it but acknowledge the mistake and explain why it was a mistake.

Take steps to remedy it - make amends.

Articulate what you are learning, show that you are not diminished by your failures but can profit from them.

Respond encouragingly to their mistakes around school work or music practice or sport as follows: Find something positive to comment on first. Make sure you’re acknowledging good qualities or behavioural traits such as commitment and creativity as well as being able to spell well or do fractions or dribble a ball well or play a piece fluently.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Buying a family computer

by Simon Ellis

Compatibility It is important that the home computer can run software common to home, school and office. Microsoft offers its Office package for students and their families at a hugely discounted price for both Windows and Mac. For a few years now, Macs have also been able to run any Windows software by using the built-in Bootcamp feature or by using extra software such as Parallels for Desktop.

Planning ahead

Easy2Name Off to School set It’s that time of year again! Once you’ve got the kids kitted out for the new school term, it’s time to stick the labels on to keep all those newly purchased items safe for another year.

We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away. Each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply send an email to editor@familiesox.co.uk or a postcard to Families Oxfordshire P.O. Box 167 Wantage OX12 8 ZJ IMPORTANT! Don’t forget to add your full address and telephone number.

Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag and labels in red, pink or blue.

Closing date 10 Aug 2012.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the Sep-Oct ’12 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.

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G

one are the days when computers in schools were consigned to dusty, dark rooms, and reserved for special lessons. Nowadays, with computers permeating all areas and levels of the curriculum, having one at home has become all but essential for even the youngest of schoolchildren.

The decision on what computer to buy will depend on how you plan to use it. In particular, you should consider:

Size The size of the device is of crucial importance. If you have a dedicated space and don't need to move the computer around, a desktop PC offers the best value and options for expansion in the future.

Thin lightweight laptops such as the new ultrabooks are wonderfully portable but they are costly and their screen size (around 13") can limit working space for documents. Netbooks are cheap but have even smaller screens, typically only 10" and many don't have the necessary computing power for even everyday tasks. Large screen laptops (15-17") are quite a bit heavier and so tend to act as replacements for desktops - ideal if you need a big screen but need to pack it away or transfer it between children's bedrooms. Tablet computers such as the iPad are great for portability but are hampered by the lack of a proper keyboard, which makes creating long documents a hassle.

With judicious purchasing and a bit of forward thinking, a new computer can easily last 4-5 years. Make sure the processor (the brains of the computer) can cope with the tasks you want to do now and for a few years in the future - an Intel i3 or i5 would be best. Check that the hard disk can be easily upgraded and ask about the total memory the computer can hold 4-8 GB of RAM is ideal.

Expert advice Simon Ellis has 15 years of professional IT experience. He and his wife, Emily, launched Bridus Computing in Blewbury, South Oxfordshire a year ago. Since then, they have helped numerous families with all manner of computing needs – from complete novices buying their first computer, to experienced users with tricky problems. One of the most popular services Bridus Computing offers is a comprehensive computer buying and setting up package.

For help with any computing issues, call Simon on 07818 411267 www.BridusComputing.com

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WHAT’S ON JULY 10 - 14 Jul THE END OF THE RAINBOW Pegasus Youth Theatre and guest community groups present sports themed performances.

For all ages.

Pegasus Theatre, Oxford www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150 11 Jul 10am & 11.30am TWO FOUR SIX EIGHT! A funny and charming show about numbers, using music, balloons and far too much wrapping paper.

Ages 4 – 7.

North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford www.thenorthwall.com 01865 319 450 12 Jul 9pm-11pm

GUIDED WALK: BATS AT RIVERSIDE MEADOWS in Crowmarsh, nr Wallingford. For all the family.

Booking essential.

Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham, Abingdon OX14 4QZ www.earthtrust.org.uk 01865 407792 13 Jul 7pm TWELFTH NIGHT Open air performance in front of the Manor House.

Cogges Heritage Trust, Cogges, Witney www.cogges.org.uk 01993 772602 13 Jul & 14 Jul DANCE CONNECTION SUMMER SHOWCASE Over 100 of Dance Connection’s most talented children lead you on a wacky and wonderful journey down their avenue of dance.

Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 14 Jul 1pm- 4pm FLOWER POWER Discover the fascinating flowers and join in craft activity to make a fabulous flower of your own.

University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 14 Jul BATTLE PROMS Evening picnic concert for all the family. Breathtaking spitfire fly-over, boldcavalry and infantrymen, and of course the thunderous cannons and fireworks!

Blenheim Palace www.battleproms.com 01432 355416 14 & 15 Jul BUG HUNTING WEEKEND Roves Farm www.rovesfarm.co.uk 01793 763939 15 Jul 11am &12 noon U5s, 1.30pm ages 5-8

CUSHION CONCERT FOR LITTLE ONES The harp's origins are said perhaps to be in the sound of a plucked hunter's bow-string or the strings of a loom.

Go with your children to find out more, play fun musical games, hear what the harp can do and listen to some beautiful music.

Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144

JULY 18 Jul – 16 Sep 10am – 6pm daily MILLETS MAIZE Get lost in a 10 acre Maize Maze themed ‘The Animal Games’. Split into 3 individual mazes and all with different games to play, there is a level suitable for all ages. Or test your navigational skills by moonlight on special ‘Torchlight Nights’, run on selected evenings throughout the Summer. Don’t forget your torch!

Millets Farm www.milletsfarmcentre.com 07826 132416 19 Jul 2 – 4pm BIG DIG Search the sandpit to uncover different textures and materials. For under 5s.

Ashmolean Museum www.ashmolean.org 01865 278000 20 Jul 7.45pm AN EVENING OF MAGIC, COMEDY AND VARIETY Fast-paced and engaging illusion show, performed by double act “Young and Strange”. Witness state-of-the-art stage illusions and intimatesleight-ofhand magic effects. For all the family.

Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames 01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk 19 - 28 Jul MESH OXFORD YOUTH ARTS INTERNATIONAL Mesh returns (following a successful inaugural year) featuring the energy, talent and creativity of teenagers from France, Germany, Russia, Croatia, The Netherlands, Thailand and Iraq. The world comes to Oxford to present their own dance and drama shows. During the week an interactive Grand Debate on Human Rights and Young People’s mental health will be headed by a panel of experts and young people. Mesh will end with a big finale event and street parade on the last day. Programme details on website.

Pegasus Theatre Oxford www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150 21 Jul 11am, 2pm & 4pm FIDDLESTICKS Tap your feet and listen to the beat. Fiddlesticks is the playful spirit of a violin who breaks free from his strings and leads us into a world of musical fantasy. A spellbinding tale of rhythmical twists and turns, with a lively blend of clowning, rod and shadow puppets, percussion and live music. Ages 4+ Oxford Playhouse and Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 21 Jul - 1 Aug ROBIN HOOD ADVENTURE Help Robin and his Merry Men down in Roves Forest.

Make a special Robin Hood hat or hobby horse.

Roves Farm www.rovesfarm.co.uk 01793 763939 21 Jul 2 - 4pm SEASIDE SCENES Spend some time exploring the museum's seaside corner and make a bright, colourful and sparkly seaside picture to take home. Family drop - in. Ages 3+ Banbury Museum www.cherwell.gov.uk/banburymuseum 01295 753752

JULY 21 Jul – 31 Aug ANGLO-SAXON & MEDIEVAL ACTIVITIES Celebrate the British Festival of Archaeology. Tours, story-telling and discovery throughout the day.

Ashmolean Museum www.ashmolean.org 01865 27800 21 Jul – 31 Aug SUMMER HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT Living history interpretation with daily costumed entertainment.

From 28 Jul - 12 Aug a ‘Big Screen’ will be showing this summer’s sports events in London with hospitality in the Pleasure Gardens during the day and evenings.

Blenheim Palace www.blenheimpalace.com 01993 811325 21 Jul – 27 Aug every weekend 10am-5.30pm

OXFORD CASTLE THROUGHOUT THE AGES Here’s your chance to experience a different time period every weekend this summer. Complete a series of activities, from re-enactments of historical events to a chance to try out Knight School.

Oxford Castle – Unlocked www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk 01865 260666 21 Jul– 3 Sep OLYMPIC TRAIL Compete in the Museums’ sporty games to gain points and a chance of earning your bronze, silver or gold place on the podium.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History 01865 272 950 www.oum.ox.ac.uk 22 Jul 2pm THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY Relive the delights of this most charming of tales, with a feast of first-class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun. Ages 4+ Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 22 Jul 2pm - 4pm KIDS LEARN CHINESE IN OXFORD Open session: Mandarin learning via lively format and fun activities Free, but booking advised, email chinese4oxkids@2dsim.com West Oxford Community Centre Oxford www.woca.org.uk 01865-245761 23 - 27 Jul 10am - 4pm HAMLET: THE PLAY’S THE THING At Magdalen College School. Create your own dynamic production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in just one week. Ages13 – 17 Oxford Playhouse, Oxford OX1 2LW www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 23 Jul - 30 Aug 10am - 4pm SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS Quads, MudBuggies, Archery, Art and more.

Ages 8-18 TRAX Motor Project, Red Barn Farm Oxford OX2 8JR 01865 243077

Continued on page 18

Win tickets to a family show at WIN Towersey Festival Towersey Festival in Thame (23–27 August) really is the best children’s festival on the scene – there’s lots for all ages to do, from painting, sticking and drawing, to singing, parachute games, baby reflexology, fun percussion and story-time sessions. There’s also great family theatre to enjoy, including a special family concert with nationally known performers Roy Bailey and John Kirkpatrick and a stunning dramatic show featuring storytelling and theatre from The Armagh Rhymers. On Friday 24 August, the family show is a production of The Way Back Home – based on the book by Oliver Jeffers.

We have a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to The Way Back Home to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us which town Towersey is one mile from, is it a) Thame, b) Oxford or c) Witney. Entries by 5 August please to Families Oxfordshire P.O. Box 167, Wantage OX12 8 ZJ For more information, visit www.towerseyfestival.com 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 JULY 24 Jul – 29 Aug 2pm-4pm every Tue & Wed

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES: BAGS OF FUN! Borrow a backpack full of games, puzzles, and real museum objects, and become a family of museum explorers!

Oxford University Museum of Natural History and PITT RIVERS MUSEUM, Oxford www.oum.ox.ac.uk 01865 272 950 24 Jul – 31 Aug 12 noon – 4pm ARTSPACE Drop-in activities based on the Flight and the Artistic Imagination exhibition. Make your own wings, a Jacob’s ladder toy, and draw your own flying machine.

Compton Verney www.comptonverney.org.uk 01926 645500 24 Jul & 2 Aug 10am-4pm SUPERHEROES Become a superhero for the day and save the Galaxy in this fast moving energetic physical workshop.

24 Jul Ages 5-7 & 2 Aug Ages 8-12 Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 24 Jul - 12 Aug 10am - 4pm MARVELLOUS MEDALS Mould and make your own uniquely shaped medal to keep and wear with pride. All ages.

Cornerstone Arts Centre Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 24 Jul & 26 Jul 2pm-4pm VICTORIAN SEASIDE ACTIVITIES Inspired by a trip to the seaside in Victorian times.

The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock www.museumsocc.org.uk 01993 811456 26 Jul 11.30am & 2pm THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a huge humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing sharks and penguins, icebergs and volcanoes. Ages 4+ Mill Arts Centre Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 27 Jul 12noon & 2pm ROCKET BLAST OFF Be a rocket scientist for the day. Design, make and launch your own rocket at this hands-on session. Ages 6+ Science Oxford Live www.scienceoxford.com 01865 728953 28 & 29 Jul BIRDS OF PREY SEE A VARIETY OF BIRDS OF PREY all of which are free flying. Cotswold Falconry will show you vultures, owls, falcons, eagles.

Cotswold Wildlife Park www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 01993 823006 30 Jul & 31 Jul 9am 4pm SUMMER CLUMPS CLUB Otdoor adventures and play. Have a go at shelter building, wild art, drama and games. Booking essential.

Ages 8-12 Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham, Abingdon OX14 4QZ www.earthtrust.org.uk 01865 407792

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JULY

AUGUST

30 Jul - 3 Aug SUMMER VILLAGE TASTER WORKSHOPS Pick and mix what and how much you do. Every day you can choose between two and four different arts activities from craft and street dance to drama and puppetry. Book for a morning, an afternoon, a whole day or a week. Ages 6-12.

Pegasus Theatre, Oxford www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150 30 Jul 10am-3pm STOPMOGO ANIMATION WORKSHOP Three day sports-themed workshops to create gold medal winning stop-motion films. 8 - 15yrs St Margaret's Institute Oxford. www.smi-oxford.org.uk 01865 559882 31 Jul – 3 Aug SUMMER YOUTH DANCE SCHOOL Learn various styles of dance, leading to a choreographed performance on 3 Aug. Four days.

For age groups 5-7 & 8-16 Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 31 Jul - 2 Aug SUMMER SCI-ART SCHOOL Discover the chemistry of colour mixing, the geometry of illustration, the physics of rainbows, the biology of different animals,all while painting, sculpting and drawing. Three days. Age groups 5-7 & 8-14 Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk

6 Aug -10 Aug SUMMER VILLAGE MUSICAL THEATRE - WONKA Here’s your chance to create a unique musical based on “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”. Family and friends get to see the show. Course runs from 10am to 4pm daily (until 5pm Thu) Ages 11-19 Pegasus Theatre, Oxford www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150 6 Aug - 10 Aug 10am - 4pm SOMEWHERE OUT THERE Through drama games, improvisation and imagination, we’ll travel to the planets of the solar system and dream up different worlds in galaxies far, far away.

Ages 8 – 12 Oxford Playhouse, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305 305 7 Aug 1pm - 4pm THE GIANTS Find out about the world's biggest trees by making a scale model.

University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 8 Aug 10.30am - 4.30pm AMAZING ANIMATION Play with plasticine or paper in this animation workshop to create a short film. Ages 9-13 Cornerstone Arts Centre Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 9 Aug 2pm THE WIZARD OF CASTLE MAGIC Things will never be the same again when the Wizard’s nephew, Mickey, and an invisible cat called Catastrophe, arrive at Castle Magic. (Workshop for ages 7-12 at 11am) Ages 5 - 11 Mill Arts Centre Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 13 Aug -15 Aug WHEELS ON THE BUS Climb aboard Buster the big red bus and meet all of his friends as they embark on a magical, fun-packed adventure.

Various show times.

Oxford Playhouse, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 13 – 17 Aug 10am-5pm ATOMISED – THE THEATRE OF EVERYTHING! at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Science Oxford Live. An exciting week of discovery and theatre making at ISIS, Oxfordshire’s internationally renowned particle science research centre. Ages 15-19 Oxford Playhouse, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com/#participation 01865 305 305 Science Oxford Live www.scienceoxford.com 01865 728953 13 - 17 Aug CARRY ON LAUGHING What is it that makes people laugh? A week long exploration of comedy; combining storytelling, pratfalls and a healthy amount of good old monkeying around. Ages 11-15 Oxford Playhouse, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 13 Aug 10.30am - 12.30pm POTTERY DECORATING WORKSHOP A favourite play or character will be the inspiration for decorating an item of pottery. Ages 5 – 7 The Theatre, Chipping Norton www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 01608 642350 14 Aug 10am-3.30pm INSPIRING DRAMA SUMMER FILM Ages 8-18 St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, Oxford and in Woodstock from 20-24 Aug. Inspiring Drama 01865 596780 14 Aug – 17 Aug YOUNGSTAR TV HOLIDAY FILM COURSE Have fun, act in a film, attend a 'Hollywood' premiere at a local cinema. Course starting in Abingdon and across Oxfordshire. Ages 8-18 Youngstar TV Acting Schools 07967 968826 or 023 80 477717 14 Aug 1pm - 4pm IS SPEED IMPORTANT? Find the Arboretum's fastest and slowest growers and see how you measure up.

University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 14 Aug 10.30am - 1pm JAZZ MUSIC WORKSHOP Join Mr Myles for a Jazzy session of songs, movement and more… At the end of the workshop, the children will share their new-found musical expertise with family and friends. Ages 5 – 7 The Theatre, Chipping Norton www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 01608 642350

AUGUST 1 Aug 11.30am THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF Children enter the world of the story from the start as they sit either side of the stream and are involved in the action throughout. Ages 3 - 6 Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 1 Aug 2pm FIDDLESTICKS Meet a violin with legs, one foot bare, one in a boot and tuning keys for toes. It’s a violin with eyes that follow you around the room, a fingerboard that curls above its head and a smile as wide as its body. Ages 4+ Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 3, 10, 17, 24 Aug 1pm-3pm MODERN ART TROLLEY: SUMMER HOLIDAY SPECIAL Free, just drop in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Modern Art Oxford www.modernartoxford.org.uk 01865 722733 3 – 5 Aug BLENHEIM PALACE JOUSTING TOURNAMENT Brave knights meet on the South Lawn and visitors can enjoy their exploits along with activities including archery and falconry displays.

Blenheim Palace www.blenheimpalace.com 01993 811325 4 Aug 2pm THE ORCHESTRA OF ST JOHN'S BRASS QUINTET The fabulous brass quintet from the Orchestra of St John's will create a wonderful concert in the town square outside Cornerstone for all to enjoy.

Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 4 & 11 Aug WILD NIGHTS AT THE PARK Talks by the animal keepers and feeding of some of the animals.

Watch the sunset with the rhinos. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cotswold Wildlife Park www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 01993 823006 4 Aug 2pm WHAT IS AN ASTROLABE? Discover the beauty of the astrolabe, make one and find out how it works and what it was used for. Ages 9+.

Museum of the History of Science www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 01865 277280 6 Aug - 10 Aug 10am - 5pm ATOMISED – THE THEATRE OF EVERYTHING! at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Science Oxford Live. An exciting week of discovery and theatre making at ISIS, Oxfordshire’s internationally renowned particle science research centre. Ages 11 - 14.

Oxford Playhouse, Oxford www.oxfordplayhouse.com/#participation 01865 305 305 Science Oxford Live www.scienceoxford.com 01865 728953

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 AUGUST

AUGUST

15 Aug 6pm THE SWORD IN THE STONE Take a merry romp through the magical and mysterious world of Merlin the Magician in a musical adaptation of ‘The Sword In The Stone’. Cambridge Touring Theatre make their debut at Waterperry Gardens in a show which is suitable for families aged 3 to 93! No seating is provided so take your own picnic chairs or rugs. The performance runs for about 2 hours including an interval and gates open at 5pm for picnics in the garden.

Waterperry Gardens www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 01844 337264 16 Aug 10.30am to 3.30pm GAME ON! Everyone is welcome to join a fun-packed celebration of Oxford’s sporting history. Try on an unusual sporting outfit, listen to an intriguing sporting tale, create a simple sporting craft and maybe even learn how to fix your bike!

Museum of Oxford & Town Hall, Oxford www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk 01865 252819 or 01865 252118 16 Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm GLOBE MAKING WORKSHOP Decorate the sports-themed globe! Stick, print and paint your own designs whilst you discover Oxford’s sporting heroes.The globe will then go on display at a special exhibition at the Museum of the History of Science in October. Part of Game On! Family Day. Museum of Oxford & Town Hall, Oxford www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk 01865 252819 or 01865 252118 16 Aug 2 - 4pm LITTLE RED TRACTOR Make a mini tractor and farm yard to drive it around in.

The Oxfordshire Museum www.museumsocc.org.uk 01993 811456 18 & 19 Aug 10am-5pm HOUSE OF CARDS FAMILY EVENT A two day workshop inspired by the Christie’s House of Cards outdoor sculpture exhibition.

You are invited to put on your creative hat and make something memorable. No need to book.

Waddesdon Manor www.waddesdon.org.uk 01296-653226.

18 & 19 Aug BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE A Festival of Cycling: including the Brompton World Championship, 20k Time Trial, 60/100mile Sportives, Pink Ribbonride and Family Rides.

Blenheim Palace www.bikeblenheimpalace.com 0845 900 2189 20 Aug 10am - 4pm YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL A day of dynamic and creative dance, show off your moves in this workshop. Ages 5-7 Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 21 Aug 1pm - 4pm HIS-TREE Which trees live the longest? Add to the timeline and see how your life compares.

University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 21 Aug 10am & 11am ORANGE HAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Enjoy the holidays with Peggotty the Hen and her other puppet friends as they embark on an interactive performance. The workshop includes wellknown children’s songs for plenty of fun interaction, as well as originally composed action songs, puppetry and stories. 6 months – 5 years The Theatre, Chipping Norton www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 01608 642350 21 Aug10am - 4pm SHERLOCK WHO? A sense of mystery, imagination and fun! Enthusiasm is all you need to join in with this drama workshop. With Meg Harper 8-12 years Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 23 Aug – 24 Aug 1pm - 4pm SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: MUSEUM MASQUERADES Discover the museum’s beautiful masks and become a Japanese Noh theatre performer or a Haida dancer.

Pitt Rivers Museum www.prm.ox.ac.uk 01865 270927 and OUMNH 25 - 27 Aug SCARECROW FESTIVAL Find out what our scarecrows have been up to and have a go at making your own bird scarer.

Cogges Heritage Trust, Cogges, Witney www.cogges.org.uk 01993 772602

27 Aug 11am – 4pm ALL ABOARD! Make a boat that floats and experience a Grand Tour-style shopping trip around the galleries.

Ashmolean Museum www.ashmolean.org 01865 27800 28 Aug 1pm - 4pm THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF TREES Discover the strange, the unique and the special: could you design any better?

University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 28 Aug 10am - 4pm YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL A day of dynamic and creative dance, show off your moves in this workshop. Ages 8-12 Mill Arts Centre, Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050 29 Aug - 1 Sep WEST SIDE STORY RicNic Oxford is a unique social enterprise. The shows are directed, produced and performed entirely by 16-19 year-olds.

Various show times.

Pegasus Theatre, Oxford www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150 www.ricnic.org.uk 29 Aug 12noon & 2pm K’NEX MARS ROVERS What would a rover need to explore the surface of Mars? Our friendly staff will guide you through the skills needed to construct a Mars rover using the construction toy K’Nex. Ages 8+ Science Oxford Live www.scienceoxford.com 01865 728953 30, 31 Aug & 1 Sep 2pm MADMAN MAGELLAN Maps, globes, instruments and activities to discover early voyages of exploration that influences cosmographers. Ages 7-13.

Museum Of The History Of Science www.mhs.ox.ac 01865 2777280 30 Aug 10am-4pm FOSSILS, ROCKS, MINERALS & DINOSAURS Meet The Oxford Geology Trust and enjoy a whole range of exciting dinosaur activities.

The Oxfordshire Museum www.museumsocc.org.uk 01993 811456

SEPTEMBER 2 Sep FARINGDON FOLLY OPEN DAY This unusual 100ft tower is Faringdon's icon and the last major folly to be built in England. It sits on Folly Hill, within a charming 4 acre, circular woodland pine and broadleaf trees, some more than 200 years old. Check out the fantastic views over 5 counties.

Faringdon Folly Tower www.faringdonfolly.org.uk Postcode SN7 7AQ House number 1 (for satnav users) 3 & 4 Sep (dates TBC) ST GILES FAIR Oxford's traditional street fair Experience a wide variety of attractions, some large, some small.

Oxford City Council 01865 249811 8 & 9 Sep OPEN DOORS at Oxford A chance to discover and enjoy some of the city’s most interesting buildings and spaces, little known corners and unusual places.

With over 125 venues taking part this year, many for the first time, there is something to interest and inspire everyone. www.oxfordopendoors.org.uk 8 Sep OPEN DOORS BUS RIDES Take a free bus ride through Oxford, stopping near some of the participating attractions. For a timetable of services to be operated, visit this website nearer the time.

The Oxford Bus Museum www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 01993 883617 9 Sep 2.30pm THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY Relive the delights of this most charming of tales, with a feast of first-class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun. Ages 4+ Mill Arts Centre Banbury www.themillartscentre.co.uk 01295 252050

Send your diary dates for September - October by Friday 10 August 2012 to editor@familiesox.co.uk

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LUCA & MAYA MAKE BOATS TO RACE

Copyright Families Oxfordshire July 2012. 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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JULY / AUGUST 2012