Families Oxfordshire Issue 69 September/ October 2015

Issue 69 - September/ October 2015

Issue

69

FREE T

ak e

®

a c opy

Oxfordshire

Back-to-school issue

Starting school advice Independent school open days Local clubs & classes guide Mums in business What's on half term & Halloween

Rye St Antony is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18 (and boys 3-11). Established in 1930 as a lay Catholic foundation, the school is situated in a beautiful 12-acre location overlooking the city of Oxford.

Open Day Istockphoto.com

Wednesday 16 September 2015 10.00am – 1.00pm Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY

01865 762802

enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk | www.ryestantony.co.uk

FamMag_180-85L.indd 1

Big enough to challenge: small enough to care 28/07/2015 16:47

Families Oxfordshire - useful information for parents of 0 - 12's in Oxon.

Find us online at familiesoxfordshire.co.uk Oxfordshire Magazine September/ October 2015

Become a Chorister with The Choir of Magdalen College Oxford Oxford, Abingdon and Thame E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01865 408037

ABINGDON on Monday mornings SUMMERTOWN on Monday mornings THAME on Tuesday mornings HEADINGTON on Wednesday mornings NORTH OXFORD on Thursday mornings NORTH OXFORD on Friday mornings

B

eing a Chorister with Magdalen College Choir will bring your son many musical and academic advantages, and will give him the chance to be part of Oxford’s greatest traditions, including the ancient May Day celebrations from Magdalen’s Great Tower.

P

rofessor Daniel Hyde is inviting applications for 2016 Choristerships this September for boys aged 6 to 8 years old. For more information on auditions, please contact choir@magd.ox.ac.uk or phone 01865 286701.

Tuition centres now open in Summertown and Botley

2

September/ October 2015

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine Editor: Ema Murphy 01993 815966 - 07733 228 038 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

In this issue...

3

News & views

6

Starting School advice

Next issue: Nov/ Dec 2015 Booking deadline: 2 Oct 2015 Copy deadline: 9 Oct 2015 36,000 readers per issue

8

Independent School open days

10

Clubs & classes directory

11

Mums in business

Printed by Warners Design: RC Design & Marketing / 07789882467

12

Halloween

13

What's on

BOOK NOW to be included in our November/ December issue Call 01993 815966 for more details.

Winner of the Families give-away competition Mr Sam Pete, of Ascot-UnderWychwood. A grey dream sheep is on it's way to you!

Disclaimer: Families Oxfordshire Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents.

News & views Can you take on a £170 challenge?

CLIC Sargent gives families £170 once a child is diagnosed with cancer, to stop unexpected costs becoming a problem. So because September is Cancer Awareness Month, CLIC is asking people to raise money to support cancer patients. Get baking for friends, family and work mates or why not become a ‘life shaver’ at the Big Buzz event and shave or cut your hair off?! Sign up at www.clicsargent.org.uk/ccam to get your free pack on 08451 212 492.

Magdalen Choir

Magdalen College Choir offers boys aged 7-12 the opportunity to make music to a professional standard. Generous bursaries are available towards fees at Magdalen College

September/ October 2015

School. The choir tours, records and gives concerts regularly, here and abroad. Being a chorister provides an unparalleled musical education, and former choristers go on to careers in all walks of life. Find out more at: choir@magd.ox.ac.uk

Classical singing course for children in Oxford

On 21-22 December The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School will hold a two day singing course, at Worcester College, offering children from 7-13 a unique opportunity to learn and perform classical music, with a dedicated team of singers and voice coaches. To book your child on to this wonderful two-day experience, email

wickhamsamantha@yahoo.com and visit www. theoxfordandcambridgesingingschool.co.uk for more details!

Oxford Boasts Biology Teacher of the Year

Dr Paul Weeks from Oxford High School has be given the 2015 Secondary School Biology Teacher of the Year Award, by The Society of Biology. Dr Weeks received his award at The Royal Institution in July. Chair of the judging panel, Beverley Goodger MSB, said: “Paul is an inspirational teacher with a passion for Biology and exceptional commitment to the subject and his students.”

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, said: “Excellent teachers have a profound and positive effect on their students’ learning; widening their students’ knowledge and skills base, increasing their selfconfidence and raising their aspirations.”

Oxfordshire Magazine 3 3

News & views

Winner at Woodstock carnival

Big congratulations to 10 year old Charlie Dore from Witney, for winning a family ticket to Crocodiles of the World, at the 2015 Woodstock Carnival! He entered ‘guess the name of the crocodile’ with the name ‘Charles’ which was correct! What a perfect name for a crocodile!

Busy Parents Fight Fatigue

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality Capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality Capsules is packed with the unique Ginseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve temporary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically proven to enhance mental and physical performance. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, and never give up. (Licensed medicine) For temporary periods of fatigue. Always read the label.

Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members,

Ruth Nuttall School of Dance

Children’s ballet, tap and freestyle dance classes classes are held at the Recreation Hall in Long Hanborough,Witney

children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England. Discover how your child can benefit from membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Music School Open Day

Matrix in Sutton Courtenay is holding an open day for the Yamaha Music School on Sunday 11th October. With music courses designed for children aged 3 and 7. At the open day, children and parents will have chance to try a class, and parents of 3 year olds can attend an information session.

Book in advance. Matrix also hosts art, ballet, fitness, instrumental and vocal lessons. On 13 Sept, Russian quartet Karavai, are playing to play at the music school at 2.30pm. www.matrixmusicschool.co.uk/

Sign Up For Humphrey’s Pyjama Week!

Children throughout Oxfordshire and beyond are being asked to don their pyjamas to help raise money for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury.

Humphrey’s Pyjama Week returns from 5-9 October 2015 and nurseries, playgroups, primary schools and mother and toddler groups can all get involved. For a voluntary donation of £2, everyone can wear their favourite PJs for a day during the week and organise other events! To sign up visit: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey

Rush Fever hits High Wycombe

High Wycombe is bracing itself for the opening of the shiny new indoor trampoline park, Rush. Indoor trampoline parks finally reached UK shores in 2014 and have rapidly become

popular - offering a fresh and new alternative for fun and entertainment, fitness and sports training for the whole family! Bounce away on wall-to-wall interconnected trampolines, try open jump, dodgeball, foam pit, freestyle and tumble coaching, fitness classes, birthday parties, toddler sessions and much more.

Beat the Rush and book your tickets online by going to www.rushuk.com or join in the chat on their facebook page, (www.facebook. com/rushuktrampolinepark) or on twitter (@ RushUK).

WIN

a family ticket to the Rush VIP Launch Party!

Rush Trampoline Parks opening in November has one family ticket to give away for the VIP Launch Party. See spectacular performances, stunts and acts from British trampolinists, gymnasts, parkour free stylists and be the first to bounce at this amazing playground!

To win visit www.familieschiltern/competitions Ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children aged 5 and over.

Rush Trampoline Park is located on Coronation Road, High Wycombe. For more information visit www.rushuk.com Closing date for competition entries is October 7th 2015

Labels4Kids

Labels4Kids has started a great range of personalised gifts for Christmas or birthdays from Disney, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and Mattel for your kids! Have your child’s name and the names of their friends written into a story, such as Frozen or Spongebob. They stock everything from Ninja Turtles to Disney Princess, books, clocks and nametags. Allow 3 weeks for delivery, as they are custom made to your personal requirements. Go to www. labels4kids.com/personalised-gift-range/ disney-marvel-nickelodeon.html to see more.

07824 313526 ruthnuttall29@hotmail.com Ruth Nuttall School of Dance First two lessons are free

4 4 September/ October 2015

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

News views News & &views

Local Mum Makes Tots Food Fun!

Claire Fogarty from Stonesfield has launched a new website, www.taster-tots.com/ to make food fun for toddlers. Claire, mum to an 8 month old and a 3 year old, felt there was a gap in the market, for sharing thoughts and ideas about food for children of this age. “While raising my two children, I’ve found plenty of information about feeding and food for babies, but not very much for toddlers.

Through Taster Tots, our aim is to get children together and involved in food, which is when they are often more likely to experiment and to try new things and to have fun doing so.”

Visit the website for recipe ideas and more, plus a chance to share your experiences!

The Boys are Back!

Abingdon Prep returns to a recently refurbished and very smart looking school with much anticipation for the term ahead. On Saturday 10 October they welcome visitors to an open morning, for a lovely opportunity to see the school ‘at work’.Take a tour, talk to boys and staff and meet the Headmaster, who will be speaking to prospective parents at 11.30am. www.abingdon.org.uk

85th Anniversary for local school

Rye St Antony has undertaken some major developments in its 85th anniversary year – a £2.5m building programme and from September 2015, in response to demand from parents, extension of its provision for boys up to the age of 11.”By enabling boys to complete their primary years here, we offer continuity,” said Headteacher, Alison Jones. “Rye is proud to maintain its reputation for providing a first-class education in terms of academic achievements and the development of team skills and leadership skills.”

Theatre Arts Schools

Stagecoach

TM

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts.

Stagecoach offers the ideal balance of training, performing and, of course, fun! Top quality training in drama, singing and dance to inspire creativity and develop young talent age 4-18. Skills for the stage – skills for life!

Stagecoach Schools Oxford 01869 278600 e-mail: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk Abingdon 01865 390970 e-mail: abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk Thame 01865 763767 email: thame@stagecoach.co.uk Henley, High Wycombe & Marlow 01494 533203 email: henley@stagecoach.co.uk email: highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk New Wednesday school opening in Thame!

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Hypnotherapy helps

A local practice for parents and children, Spires Hypnotherapy, has been set-up

by Hristina Bakardjieva, an experienced hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.

Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a variety of problems, ranging from issues with anxiety, habits such as nail biting and problems often experienced by children, such as anxiety at school, homework struggles and low selfesteem. Hristina uses Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, with often only three or four sessions being necessary to resolve the problem. Her caring and effective approach means she has excellent results with her clients.

To book your free consultation contact Hristina on 07837 281 693 or email: oshypnotherapy@yahoo.co.uk, or visit the website www.oxfordspireshypnotherapy.co.uk

Fill summer gaps with a private tutor

As kids get back to school in September, parents are anxious about the learning loss over the summer holidays especially in Maths and English.

Lotus Tutors which is Oxford's family owned private tutoring company, are happy to help you and cover these gaps.

Visit their website www.lotustutors.com for more information and to book your FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION today.

Call 01993 815 966 to advertise with us September/ October 2015

Oxfordshire Magazine

5

Starting School Advice: Been there, done that!

Ten mistakes that parents make when they’re new to school life, By Liat Hughes-Joshi Mums and dads of older children share their top tips on what they would have told themselves to avoid problems when they were new to the school run.

inwardly fuming at her smugness. Do not participate in her FBI-style interrogations about whether your child has done grade 42 piano or is taking their platinum swimming badge yet.

Complaining to the teacher based on what your child told you happened…only it didn’t…

If all else fails, adopt a vacant look and mutter “the reading scheme – don’t understand it”, or change the subject quickly – the weather, last night’s Eastenders, anything but school.

You take what your child has said as gospel, march into see the teacher, only to fall flat on your (red with embarrassment) face when you discover your little one has gotcompletelythe wrong end of the stick.

Even the most switched on, truthful child can mishear or misunderstand sometimes.

Stay open-minded and communicate to the teacher that you appreciate what you’ve been told might not be what actually occurred!

Sweating the small stuff An interest in how your child is doing is healthy but getting overly-wrapped up with the minutiae of reading levels is less so. Who could tackle the hardest spellings at the age of five will not go on their CV, after all.

Emma, mum to Jamie, 12, and Lucy, 9, puts it “I realise now that who was sitting on which table or reading which books wasn’t anywhere near as important as I thought it was then. If your child is progressing and enjoying school, try not to worry.”

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with ‘Competitive Mum’ (there’s one in every class…) is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of hers, she’ll hate you for it. If hers has one up on yours, you’ll end up

Not helping at school…or doing so for the wrong reasons Volunteering for the Parent Teacher Association is an ideal way to make friends and feel that you’re a part of the school community. You might also be able to assist in class as a volunteer - just don’t do it to snoop on who gets up to what in there.

Freaking out about friendship fallouts Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten.

Even little ones who were fine with full-time nursery can have the stuffing knocked out of them by starting school. With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids (and teachers!) are exhausted.

Provide a shoulder to cry on and offer reassuring advice. You could also arrange playdates with other classmates to build bonds.

Cath, recalls how daughter Ava, 7, fell out with her best friend: ‘I was ready to storm around to her house. Then I realised they change best friends every day. It wasn’t a big deal for her. “

Focusing on whether they know their letters before they start but not worrying about getting their coat or shoes on

Tackling other parents about problems between the children Some little horror has been merciless to your child and your protective instincts are kicking in. But do not head over to give the other mum what for. She could have a different version of events and you’re unlikely to change her mind about who said or did what to whom.

There’s also scope for a parental fall-out that will endure long after the kids make up. Cue an awkward few years at the school gate…

Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to be able to have the daily chat with staff you might have been used to at nursery or with a childminder.

There could be 30 children in the class - if every parent asked for that ‘quick five minute catch up’ on a daily basis, ‘Miss’ would be there for 2.5 hours.

Sangeeta, mum to Maya, 6, says: “there’s an element of ‘no news is good news’. If they’re struggling or misbehaving, the teacher will tell

September/ October 2015

Expecting your child to be chatty and delighted to see you at 3pm

Alison, mum of Jack, 7, advises: “I wanted to catch up with him but he used to be so grouchy. Don’t sign up for any after-school activities initially. Lots of early nights helped, too. Oh, and always have a snack waiting for them – he still comes out starving every day”.

If the situation’s serious, raise it with the teacher and let them sort things out.

6

you. You get used to not knowing so much about what they do.”

Ask a reception teacher what they would like their new charges to be able to do and it probably won’t be about letters or counting.

What they would like is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings.

Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance!

There’s a black hole in every primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost items back, add their name to everything. And be very wary when your child asks if they can take their favourite teddy/ toy into show the other children, as there’s a chance it will never be seen again.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and '‎How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Sun 11 Oct Thu 15 Oct Sat 17 Oct Sat 24 Oct Wed 28/Thu 29 Oct Thu 29 Oct Thu 29/Fri 30 Oct

Grass My Father & Other Superheroes Kapa Haka Tales Hurricane Boy Coraline Film Make-up Masterclass Thrilling Taster Days

Creative fun for all the family from 11 - 30 October www.pegasustheatre.org.uk/show-type/family-show

www.familyartsfestival.com

Hounds Hampers Treats for special dogs!

Quality products Ensure your hounds get the best Tested by dogs, for dogs Individual products also available to purchase

www.houndshampers.com

En

ter

Fa disc 15% mi ou lie nt s r fo 15 ea r at de the rs ch e

FA M

ck

ou

t

Top brands include: ü Kong ü Gor-rope ü Animology ü Stagler ü Natures Menu

OPEN MORNING Saturday 10 October, 9.30 am–12 noon.

Infant & Nursery School, boys and girls aged 3–7 Junior School, girls aged 7–11 Senior School, girls aged 11–16 Situated in Moulsford, on the A329 between Wallingford & Streatley admissions@cranfordhouse.net or 01491 651218

Oxfordshire Magazine

September/ October 2015 55346 Pharmaton UK AD 87mm x 130mm AW.indd 1

7

08/07/2014 12:44

AUTUMN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS 2015 Oxford High School Oxford, OX2 6XA Girls, 4-8 01865 559888 / Oxfordhigh.gdst.net Junior: Thurs 1 Oct: 9.30am-11am Senior: Fri 2 Oct: 4.30pm-7.30pm Junior: Tues 3 Nov* Seniors ‘Meet the Head’: Wed 4 Nov, 9.45am-11.45am Year 7 Admissions: Registration required, Sat 14 November Junior: Wed 2 Dec* (check website for timings) Rye St Antony Oxford, OX3 OBY Boys 3-8 & girls 3-18 01865 762802/ Ryestantony.co.uk Wed 16 Sept: 10am-12.30pm Magdalen College School Oxford, OX4 1DZ Boys 7-18 & girls Sixth Form 01865 276000/ Mscoxford.org Sat 19 Sept: 9.30am-12noon Ferndale Preparatory School Faringdon, SN7 7JF Boys & girls 3-11 01367 240618/ Ferndaleschool.co.uk Sat 19 Sept: 10am-12noon Christchurch Cathedral School Oxford, OX1 1QW Boys & girls, Nursery, Pre-Prep, boys 4-6 Prep, boys 7-13 01865 242561 / Cccs.org.uk Sat 3 Oct Our Lady’s Abingdon Abingdon, OX14 3PS, Boys & girls 3-18 01235 524658/ Olab.org.uk Sixth Form: Mon 21 Sept 7pm Whole School Sat 10 Oct 10am-12.30pm Cokethorpe School Witney, OX29 7PU Boys & girls 4-18 01993 703921/ Cokethorpe.org.uk Sat 26 Sept: 9.30am-12noon Abingdon Preparatory School Frilford, OX13 5NX Boys 4-13 & girls 4-7 01865 391570/ Abingdon.org.uk/prep Sat 10 Oct, 10am-12 noon (Tours @ 11.30am) Cranford House Moulsford, OX10 9HT Boys 4-13 & girls 2-16 Cranfordhouse.net Sat 10 Oct: 9.30am-12 noon The Manor Preparatory School Abingdon, OX13 6LN Boys 2-7 & girls 2-11 01235 858462/ Manorprep.org Sat 10 Oct: 10am-12.30pm Dragon School Oxford, OX2 6SS Boys & girls 4-13 8

8 September/ October 2015

01865 315405/ Dragonschool.org Please contact school for details Radley Oxford, OX14 2HR Boys, 13-18 Foundation awards 11+ & 13+ 01235 543174/ Radley.org.uk Entry & assessment details online The Kings School Witney, OX29 6TA Boys & girls 4-18 01993 778463/ Tkswitney.org.uk Sat 3 Oct, 10.30am - 12.30pm Principal talk at 11am Chandlings School Oxford, OX1 5ND Girls & boys 2-11 01865 730771/ Chandlings.org.uk Thurs 1 Oct: 9am-11am The Unicorn School Abingdon, OX14 1AA Boys & girls, 6-14, Specialist Education 01235 530222/ Unicorndyslexia.co.uk Tues 6 Oct, Thurs 26 Nov & Tues 9 Feb 16 D’Overbroek’s College Oxford, OX2 6JX Girls & boys, 11-18 01865 310000/ Doverbroeks.com Sat 10 Oct: Online reservations Headington Preparatory School Oxford, OX3 7TD Girls, 3-11 01865 759100/ Headington.org register online Prep: Sat 26 Sept: 10am-12noon Prep: Thurs 12 Nov: 10am-12noon Early Years: Wed 18 Nov: 10am-11.30am New College School Oxford, OX1 3UA Boys, 4-13 01865 285560/ Newcollegeschool.org Sat 7 Nov: 10am-12noon

Good News; More kids than ever are reading for pleasure Former Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman has said she is “delighted” at figures released by the National Literacy Trust that show that increasing numbers of UK schoolchildren are choosing to read in their spare time and are developing a love of books as a result. The Trust asked 32,000 eight to 18 year olds about their reading habits; favourites mentioned included The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. 40% of the kids questioned thought reading was “cool”, while only 10% said they did not enjoy it. Favourite books included: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney

Gangsta Granny David Walliams

The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins

Alex Rider Anthony Horowitz

Twilight Stephanie Meyer

How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell

Harry Potter JK Rowling

Divergent Veronica Roth

Oxford Spires Hypnotherapy Ho are me v ava isits ilab le

Sibford School Banbury, OX15 5QL Boys & girls 3-18 01295 781200/ Sibfordschool.org Senior: Thurs 24 Sept: From 8.00pm Early Years: Wed 30 Sept: 2pm-3.30pm Whole School: Mon 12 Oct: From 9.45am Summer Fields School Oxford, OX3 9UW 01865 459204/ Summerfields.com Girls & boys 2-16 8+ Entry: Sat 26 Sept General: Sat 10 Oct St Helen & St Katherine Abingdon, OX14 1BE Girls, 9-18 01235 520173/ Shsk.org.uk Sat 3 Oct: 10am-12noon All details are correct at time of printing. Please check each school prior to visiting.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy using practical, strategies to help people make positive changes

A natural way to treat many emotional, nervous or psychological problems in adults and children

Including learning problems, academic performance, anxiety, anger, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, homework struggles, thumb sucking, and fear of the dark For your free initial consultation contact: Tina Bakardjieva, Clinical hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist Call 07837281693 Email: oshypnotherapy@yahoo.co.uk

www.oxfordspireshypnotherapy.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Award-winning tuition Maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Oxford 01527 910 222 www.explorelearning.co.uk

30th - 31st OCTOBER IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS!

w w w. w a t e r c r e s s l i n e . c o. u k Call 01993 815 966 to advertise with us September/ October 2015

Oxfordshire Magazine

9

ses Clas & s club ties vi acti

LOCAL CLUBS n CLASSES AUTUMN 2015

At Families we want to provide you with up-to-date local clubs and classes for your children. Here are just some of those near you. Don’t forget to drop us a line, with any great classes you know about. If you do make contact with any of these classes, remember to say where you saw them.

SWIMMING Dippers & Divers 01235 763328 www.dippersanddivers.co.uk Weekly classes for babies and beginners in Abingdon, Harwell and Wolvercote.

Little Monkey’s Gym n Swim 07855 324417 janebrooksgymandswim.com With Jane Brooks (ASA Swimming teacher) in various locations in Oxfordshire. For non-swimmers to advanced. Weekly and holiday courses.

Oxford Swim School 01865 864537 www.oxfordswimschool.co.uk Intensive week courses and more, using a positive and caring approach, assisting children ages 4-13 in learning to swim. At Oxford High School, Summertown.

Water Babies 01869 325499 www.waterbabies.co.uk Teaching babies to swim in various locations in Oxford core skills from birth upwards.

Puddleducks 01666 577377 www.puddleducks.com For babies and pre-school upwards. In Abingdon, Didcot and Oxford.

DANCE McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy 07971 035 797 www.marionflanagon.co.uk Irish dancing for children three upwards plus adults in Oxford, Abingdon and Bicester.

Betty Bloom Dance 07785 232 862 www.bettybloomdance.co.uk Classes for Tango, Salsa, the Charleston and a wide variety of other styles of dance, traditional and modern, offering world dance styles and performance-oriented programmes. Ages 2-15, termtime and holidays.

10

September/ October 2015

Ruth Nuttall School of Dance 07824 313526, Find us on FB ruthnuttall29@hotmail.com For children who love dance, with the first two lessons free. Fun, creative, physical and great for building confidence. Ballet, Tap and Freestyle dance lessons in Long Hanborough, Witney.

Fully qualified, insured and experienced teacher.

Flair Dance Studio 01993 813373 www.flairdancestudio.co.uk Freestyle disco and street dance classes in Oxford, Woodstock, Witney and Bicester for all ages and abilities.

Whitestar Performers 07717 837 706 whitestaryogaanddance.co.uk

A range of dance, yoga and acting classes for adults and children. Mini Stars Dance & Yoga for ages 3-6, Acting for 7-12’s, yoga for adults and pregnancy, 1:1’s and more. In Kidlington and now also at a new yoga studio in Begbroke.

The Jill Stew School of Dance 01993 772464 www.jillstew.co.uk Classes in Witney for 3 upwards in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Drama and Musical.

SPORTS Kiddikicks 01296 290204 www.midbucks.kiddikicks. co.uk/timetable ®

Super fun football and skills for boys and girls aged 18 months-7 years. Saturday classes held at Lord Williams Lower School, Thame. OX9 3NW.

Premier Tennis 0845 475 1147 www.premiertennis.co.uk Tennis coaching and camps for tots to teenagers and adults in Oxford at various locations.

Little Kickers 01235 859 250 www.littlekickers.co.uk Football classes for kids aged 18 months-7 years. Held in Oxford, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage.

BABY & TOTS Nature Tots 01235 862024 sceec@bbowt.org.uk For pre-school tots to interact with nature through outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft in Sutton Courtenay.

Baby College 01865 436920 www.babycollegeoxford.co.uk Fun parent and baby development classes held in Botley and Witney.

Baby massage and yoga classes.

Tiny Tigers Education 01235 364371 www.tinytigerseducation.co.uk Exciting karate based motor skills development for ages 2-6 to improve emotional and physical intelligence.

MUSIC & SINGING Clockwork Music 07528 146891 www.clockworkmusic.co.uk

Independent weekly music classes in Oxford, Thame, Abingdon, Headington and Kennington, for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers - taken in four separate age groups. Age specific curriculum is written and delivered by qualified, experienced music teachers, with high quality musical instruments and interactive and sensory props. Call to arrange your free trial session!

Monkey Music Oxford 01865 408037 www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/ oxford

Award winning classes for babies and young children. At various venues including two new ones in Summertown & Headington.

Others in North Oxford, Abingdon and Thame. Now available five days a week term time. Go online to book your complimentary class!

Matrix Music School & Arts Centre 01235 847264 www.matrixmusicschool.co.uk The Yamaha Music School at Matrix offers group music courses for beginners aged 3-7 years. The curriculum includes singing, piano/ keyboard playing, reading/ writing, music appreciation and more at various levels. Also at Matrix: art, ballet, fitness and instrumental lessons.

My Sound My Self – Musicianship 07545 122 869 www.mysoundmyself.com Educational and fun singing and musicianship classes, in Kodály specialisation, for ages 3 upwards. Music therapy and mindfulness training. Small classes.

Salt Box Music Co. 01993 704207 www.saltboxmusic.co.uk Fun & educational weekly group music for 0- 4 year old’s. Global percussion, puppets & props and nstruments used from all over the world. East Oxford, Witney, Botley and Carterton. Free taster sessions.

BirdSong Music 01865 559649 www.birdsongmusic.co.uk Classes for babies, toddlers and young children with a philosophy based on learning about music while having fun. In Summertown and Wolvercote.

MARTIAL ARTS Oxfordshire Taekwon-do & Little Puma’s 07831 950 850 www.oxfordshiretkd.co.uk Taekwon-do for all ages. Classes in Didcot, Wantage and Grove.

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Aikido for children 07773 982719 www.shudokan-oxford.co.uk Children’s classes in a powerful martial art and method of selfprotection. Classes held off the Abingdon Road and Brookes University Centre for Sport.

PERFORMANCE Stagecoach Theatre Arts 01869 278600 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ oxfordshire Where children are taught how to sing, dance and act on stage and beyond. See your child gain confidence, rise to the challenge and build essential life skills with fun! Weekly, plus holiday workshops. Classes held in Oxford, Abingdon, Thame, Henley, High Wycombe & Marlow.

Perform 0845 400 1276 www.perform.org.uk/venues/ areas/Oxford For 4-12 year olds, Perform uses a unique mix of drama, dance and singing formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Small classes, held in Jericho, Botley, Abingdon.

LANGUAGES Coyotes ELE www.spanishcoyotes.com Spanish lessons for ages 4-6.

South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford OX1 4RP. Clockwork French 07528 146891 french@clockworkmusic.co.uk Toddler and pre-school French music. Original and traditional songs, games and rhymes. The curriculum was developed with the help of a French educational consultant. Adults and children alike love it! Weekly classes at 11.45am on Wednesdays at Barefoot Books. Free trial session.

YOGA Mum-Baby Yoga 07719 716 273 www.harmonyoftheheart.co.uk Pregnancy yoga for drop-in or bookings at Crowmarsh Pavilion, Wallingford.

Tatty Bumpkin Family Yoga 07772 966039 www.tattybumpkin.com/ seoxfordshire

Little Monkeys Gym 01865 841409 janebrooksgymandswim.com Little Monkeys Gym teaches preschool gymnastics to children who can walk upwards.

Kally Peigne, founding director of Betty Bloom Dance, lives with two teenage girls in Blewbury. She has a background in marketing communications and branding.

Kally’s now in her second year of business, teaching over 150 children across Oxford and South Oxfordshire. As a dancing school it’s growing fast and is now looking to take on teachers and expand into other areas of the county.

Betty Bloom Dance was a natural culmination of life events!

After her divorce 10 years ago, Kally took up social dancing as a way of meeting people and keeping active, and she’s never looked back. However the idea of the business only really crystalised a couple of years ago and since then it’s had a vibrant energy of its own.

Kally’s advice to other mothers wanting to start up a business would be to absolutely just do it! Although she totally understands how hard it can be to get started, when life is so busy with children, but it’s so worth it. Here are a few more of her tips:

GYMNASTICS Abingdon Gymnastics Club 01865 340992 www.abingdongymclub.co.uk For tots and pre-school upwards, holiday classes for a wide range of gymnastic abilities.

Mums in Business

1.

Yoga full of fun for all the family.

Join Tatty Bumpkin as she wakes up on Wobble Farm, crawls through the magical Giggle Tree into a new yoga adventure, meeting her animal friends along the way, leaving you stretched and relaxed.

Postures adapted for different ages/experience. Sessions held at The Manor Prep School, Faringdon Road, Shippon, OX13 6LN. Every 2nd Saturday from 12th September. Please check online for details.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Set aside some time every-day – even if only an hour – to work on the business. Go to the library or a quiet coffee shop where you won’t be distracted Surround yourself with people who are doing the same thing or have done something similar – you will get loads of support. It can be lonely slogging it alone Be prepared for failures along the way – mistakes may be uncomfortable but totally invaluable and will help you grow Perseverence is key. So many people give up along the way, or find excuses. Be the one of the few who succeed through sheer determination.

If there is one prominent key to success, it’s this: having a passion for what you do. Never work for the money – work because you love it and can really offer value. A business run with passion sets itself on a much higher plane and is much more fulfilling.

Find out more at www.bettybloomdance.co.uk fo

r a 019 Ca fr 93 ll ee 81 tr 3 3 ia l s 73 es si on

Hatha Yoga classes for Adults at St Thomas More School Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 7:30-9pm Children’s Dance & Drama classes at St Thomas More School 3-12 Years Thursdays 4:30pm-6pm Kidlington Baptist Church Hall, Kidlington Gentle Yoga Thursdays 9:30-10:30am

White Star Yoga & Wellbeing Studio in Begbroke Opening Mid September

Call 07717 837 706 www.whitestaryogaanddance.co.uk

Call 01993 815 966 to advertise with us September/ October 2015

Dance lessons in Oxford & surrounding areas for children of all ages and abilities.

Opportunities to enter competitions, or to simply enjoy freestyle disco and commercial dancing taught by professionals.

Classes held in Bicester, Cowley, Witney & Woodstock

www.flairdancestudio.co.uk Oxfordshire Magazine

11

Halloween

© National Trust

Trick or Treat Etiquette

It’s Halloween on 31 October! So If you and your children are going trick or treating for the first time, here are a few guidelines.

What Age Can Children Start?

There’s no minimum age! Many parents enjoy dressing up, whilst others take babies along in prams with older siblings.

What Are the Rules?

Only approach homes that have a visible “invitation” – whether it’s a pumpkin, lantern or other Halloween decorations displayed. Or you may decide to knock only on doors of friends and neighbours that you have pre-warned of the visit!

What if my Children Don’t Like the Treat?

Make sure your children are briefed to say “please” and “thank you” in addition to “trick or treat,” plus they should try to be appreciative of any treat they are given.

What’s the Trick All About?

The word "trick" refers to the "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. These days it is uncommon to have raw egg splattered over your driveway by pranksters, but it’s safest not to answer the door to raucous groups of older teenagers, or if you suspect your visitors are not well-intentioned. If you are asked for a “trick,” what should you do? One harmless but funny idea is to get the homeowner to close their eyes and put their hand in a witch’s hat or toy cauldron filled with a gooey mess or plastic spiders, rubbery worms and insects.

Watch out for Bats – they really aren’t so scary!

At Families we want to create interest in local wildlife and what better time to do this than at Halloween! Dr Merryl Parle-Gelling, Director at Spires Ecology Ltd. and Chair to the Oxfordshire Mammal Group, tells us why bats in-particular, are especially worth taking a proper look at.

When was the last time you looked up into the sky, just as it’s getting dark, and saw a small bat flittering around above your head? Were you aware that this small creature is protecting you as day turns to dusk, eating thousands of midges and mosquitoes every night which in turn stops them (the midges) from eating you? What stories might you tell your children, or have others told you about these strange nocturnal animals? That they get stuck in your hair, and suck your blood? How much do you think might actually be true?

In the UK we currently have 18 different species of bat, many of which can be found across Oxfordshire. Varying in size from the pipistrelle bat, the most common uninvited guest at family garden events weighing only around 5g, to the much larger noctule bat of up to 40g, bats represent a mysterious world which is seldom encountered and rarely heard by humans. All bats communicate by echolocation, sending out high frequency shouts which bounce off objects and allow the bats to ‘see’ in the dark at a pitch much higher than most humans can hear – but head out on a bat walk with a local expert at dusk and you can listen in to this secretive world!

There are a number of wildlife-related events across the county which are suitable for the whole family. To find out more about bats, and other British mammals, check out the Oxfordshire Mammal Group, dedicated to increasing awareness of local wild animals. Or go along to the next event, promising outdoor family fun, at the Wild Wood Day at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Centre on on Sunday 20th September. www.oxonmammals.org.uk Twitter @oxonmammals FB oxonmammalgroup

for boys and girls 18 months - 7 years Classes being run on:

Saturdays Lord Williams Lower School Thame OX9 3NW For class times visit

midbucks.kiddikicks.co.uk /timetable

01296 290204

Call Email midbucks@kiddikicks.co.uk

free trial sessions – get in touch for details

12

September/ October 2015

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

We’re looking for boys with great potential Our Foundation Awards can provide up to 100% of the fees for boys who are currently in state education.

Candidates should show strong academic potential and, ideally, be keen contributors to music, art, drama or sport. Radley is a leading boys’ boarding school set in beautiful grounds just 4 miles south of Oxford.

Awards are open for boys at 11+ or 13+. If your son shows great potential and would enjoy boarding school life, we’d love to hear from you.

Entry and assessment details can be found online. radley.org.uk 01235 543174 33815-RC-Found-Families-Oxon-Sept-Oct-AW.indd 1

23/07/2015 16:03

Oxfordshire’s only Catholic, co-educational independent day school, for girls and boys aged 3-18 www.olab.org.uk  Small class sizes  Outstanding pastoral care  Nursery to Sixth Form on one site  Excellent GCSE & A Level results

Sixth Open Evening:4th Monday 21st September, 7.00pm Open Form Morning: Saturday October Open Morning: Saturday 10th October

For further information call us on 01235 524658 or email office@olab.org.uk Radley Road · Abingdon-on-Thames · Oxfordshire · OX14 3PS Families Oxfordshire half page Sep14.indd September/ October 2015

1

7/11/2014 1:56:22 PM 13 Oxfordshire Magazine

What's on

What's on in September & October For a comprehensive list of what’s on at each venue please refer to the websites. We can only include a small number of events, space depending.

Families cannot be responsible for any changes of dates or other details.

DAIRY DATES 4-6 Sept BunkFest 2015

Wallingford, OX10 0EF www.bunkfest.co.uk On the banks of the Thames, BunkFest is a free-access community festival providing a unique, family friendly celebration of music, dance and much more!

5 Sept Pitt Stops

Pitt Rivers Museum Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW www.prm.ox.ac.uk Fun ways to explore the Museum and discover more about the exciting collections. Make something super to take home. All ages. 1-4pm

6 Sept Free family friendly fun

Pitt Rivers Museum Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW www.prm.ox.ac.uk Visit Pitt Rivers Museum and Oxford University Museum of Natural History for a relaxing afternoon.

Activity backpacks, sorting boxes, trails, colouring sheets, story corner and craft activities. All ages. 2pm4pm

6 Sept Guided nature walk

Ewelme Watercress Beds Nature Reserve, Oxon, OX10 6HQ www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org Guided walks with knowledgeable guides through nature reserve. Only guide dogs allowed. Free parking.

2pm-5pm / Adults £3, children free.

7-8 Sept St Giles' Fair

Queen's Street, Oxford, OX1 1AB www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/ decVanilla/StGilesFair.htm The annual Oxford fair has been around for as long as most of us can remember! Great fun for all the family. 12noon-11pm

12 Sept Heritage Day at Waddesdon

Waddesdon Manor Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk Take advantage of free admission to the park and gardens at this Heritage Open Day. 10am-5pm

12 Sept Oddly

Burton Taylor Studio 11 Beaumont Street, OX1 2LW www.oxfordplayhouse.com Meet Lostlet, Strangelet and Oddlet: three unusual creatures pondering very big questions. Ages 3-8.11am & 2pm / £8 / £6

13 Sept Sing-a-Long-a-Frozen

New Theatre Oxford George Street, OX1 2AG www.atgtickets.com A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along too! With a live host guiding you through this interactive screening. Ages 5+ 11am & 3pm

13 Sept Karavai - Russian Quartet

17-20 Sept Blenheim Horse Trials

Blenheim Palace Woodstock, OX20 1PP www.blenheimhorse.co.uk The 25th annual Blenheim International Horse Trials. Attracting the world's best riders and thousands of spectators from Oxon and beyond. A great day-out.

17 Sept Ocean Commotion

Oxford University Museum of Natural History Parks Road, OX1 3PW www.oum.ox.ac.uk Step into the underwater world and touch real ocean objects. Make a marine scene to take home. Under 5's.Drop-in. 10.30am-12.30pm/ 2pm-4pm

19 Sept Bows and Arrows

Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH www.oum.ox.ac.uk Seek out Archers from around the world and make your own bow and arrow or sword! All ages. 1pm-4pm

Matrix Music School 15-17 The Nursery, Sutton Courtenay, OX14 4UA This quartet of talented balalaika player’s hail from Perm, Oxford's twin town in Russia, promising an entertaining concert for children along with explanations about their instruments. Free entry with retiring collection.

19 Sept Loop-the-Loop Drawing

16 Sept Oxford Sling Meet

Waterperry Gardens Nr Wheatley, OX33 1JZ www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/ Visit the gardens to see the famous herbaceous border in all its late summer glory, with Michaelmas Daisies (Asters). Normal Admission applies.

Barefoot Books 294 Banbury Road, Summertown, OX2 7ED www.barefootbooks.com Are you a baby-wearer or interested in slings? Oxford Sling Meet welcomes you to a relaxed gathering at the Storytellers Café.

Modern Art Oxford 30 Pembroke Street, OX1 1BP www.modernartoxford.org.uk A free drawing workshop as part of The Big Draw 2015 for all ages.

2pm-4pm

19-20 Sept Michaelmas Daisy Weekend

19-20 Sept You’re Getting Warmer

Oxford Playhouse 11 Beaumont Street, OX1 2LW www.oxfordplayhouse.com A thrilling outdoor adventure for families, using a mobile phone…!

Located at Worcester College, OX1 2H. For ages 7+. Every 15 minutes from 10am until 4pm. Each show 45-60 mins. / £20 for a group of 5 (each must include at least 1 adult.)

19-20 Sept Working Heavy Horses

COAM Gorelands Lane, Bucks, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk Watch heavy horses demonstrate ploughing and harrowing, Collection of rebuilt, historic, local structures plus working traditional farm and event programme.

20 Sept Wild Woods Day

BBOWT Sutton Courtenay, Nr Abingdon, OX14 4TE www.bbowt.org.uk Join in with a wonderful woodland spectacular with local wildlife groups offering games, crafts, activities and live animals. Fun activities to get the whole family excited about nature.

Drop in. 10am – 3pm

23 Sept Make Some Music

University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, OX1 4AZ www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk Get noisy with a collection of instruments that are all made from plants! 10.30am-12.30pm. Under 5’s. Free with admission.

24-27 Sept Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Music & Film

Blenheim Palace Woodstock, OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com An array of talks, debates, dinners

Holiday courses for children aged 7–13 who love to sing.

A unique opportunity to learn and perform classical music with a dedicated team of singers and voice coaches.

21st–22nd December

21st–22nd December

Worcester College Oxford OX1 2HB

St Catharine’s College Cambridge CB2 1RL

email wickhamsamantha@yahoo.com www.theoxfordandcambridgesingingschool.co.uk 14 September/ October 2015

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

What's on and entertainment as part of this unrivalled literature, film and music festival.

26 Sept Chicken Licken

The North Wall South Parade, OX2 7JN www.thenorthwall.com A baby chick is born and thinks the sky is falling down. On the way to tell the King, she meets Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky & Turkey Lurkey, but there's a shocking surprise! Ages 3+ 11am & 2pm £8 / £6

26 Sept Thame Food Festival

Thame Centre, Oxon, OX9 2BU www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk A fantastic one-day festival for every foodie around! Lots of food and drink stalls, celebrity chefs and more for a great day out. See entries and winners of the Thame Bake event.

9am-5pm

3 Oct Fun Palaces - Science Live

Burton Taylor Studio 11 Beaumont St, OX1 2LW www.scienceoxford.com Join the Science Oxford LIVE team for a sci-fi spectacular! Part of the national Fun Palaces scheme.

11.00am

6 Oct Curious Cubs

13-17 Oct Stomp

New Theatre George Street, OX1 2AG www.atgtickets.com Audiences have the chance to rediscover the magic of the one and only Stomp. Using everyday household items from paint cans and pipes to bin lids and brooms, 8 energetic performers fuse dance, percussion and comedy. Go online for times.

15 Oct My Father and Other Superheroes

Pegasus Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1DY www.pegasustheatre.org.uk A Family Arts Festival Event: The day Nick Makoha realised he was going to become a father, he also realised he had no idea how to be one… 7.30pm. Ages 8+ £13/£9/£6

16-17 Oct Ghost Hunts

Oxford Castle Unlocked, OX1 1AY www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk Aspiring ghost hunters can explore the austere confines of the 1000 year old castle prison overnight, on a Ghost Hunt experience during Ghost-Fest.

17 Oct Kapa Haka Tale

OUMNH Parks Road, OX1 3PW www.oum.ox.ac.uk Pick up an activity bag and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. Under 5's. Drop-in.

10.30am-12.30pm

Pegasus Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1DY www.pegasustheatre.org.uk A Family Arts Festival event: this show brings to life the enchanting New Zealand Māori folk tale Hinemoa and Tutanekai, using the native performing art kapa haka.

2pm & 6pm. Ages 7+

10 Oct Apple Day

17-18 Oct Harvest Festival

Cogges Manor Farm Witney, OX28 3LA www.cogges.org.uk/ Celebrating the apple with apple tasting, or try many varieties from the orchard. Take yours along to find out what they are! 11am-4pm.

COAM, Gorelands Lane Bucks, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk Experience a traditional Harvest festival at the museum.

Don’t’ forget to visit our website for a list of firework displays! www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

A free, fun family workshop with a Halloween theme. See the ‘Dance of Death’ wall paintings from Alderman Fletcher’s Oxford house and make your own dancing skeletons.10.30am-3.30pm

27 & 30 Oct Terrific Tuesday

HALF TERM & HALLOWEEN 17-31 Oct Pick your Own Pumpkin

Millets Farm Frilford, Nr Abingdon, OX13 5HB www.milletsfarmcentre.com PYO Pumpkins! A marquee, weighing scales and Pumpkin orange wheel-barrows to transport your load! Check online for dates.10.30am - 4.30pm

24 Oct Dr Death and the Medi-evil Medicine Show

Marlborough Enterprise Centre Shipton Road, Woodstock, OX20 1LP www.scienceoxford.com/live Sneezes, wheezes, sickness and diseases are never welcome but join the time-travelling ‘Dr Death’ Simon Watt to see if he can ‘cure’ you, in a fantastic family show with blood, guts, gore and a whole lot more! Ages 7+ 11:00am, 12noon & 2pm-3pm. £7 each or £25 per group of 5

Family Arts Takeover 2015

The North Wall South Parade, OX27 7JN www.thenorthwall.com This year’s contribution to the nationwide Family Arts Festival; inviting families of all ages and sizes to get involved all day long!

10.00am-8.00pm. Shows £5, workshops free!

24 Oct-1 Nov Halloween at Blenheim

Blenheim Palace Woodstock, OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com Join in in October for a host of Halloween trick or treats!

24 Oct Spooky Science 2015

Oxford Innovation Centre New Road, Oxford, OX1 1BY live@scienceoxford.com Join the family team for a scientifically spooky Halloween special! Create drinks that glow, ghosts and ghoulies dance and design a cup that screams! From 10.30am. Check online for details. £7 for 1 child + 1 adult. Additional tickets £7.

26 Oct Spooky Skeletons

Museum of Oxford Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, OX1 1BX www.oxford.gov.uk/museumofoxford

Call 01993October 815 9662015 to advertise with us September/

COAM Gorelands Lane, Bucks, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk Join in with lots of themed family crafts, games and activities at the fabulous open air museum and a special spooky night on 30 October, just a few miles away in Buckinghamshire.

27-29 Oct Haunted Habitats

BBOWT, Nr Abingdon, OX14 4TE sceec@bbowt.org.uk Discover more about the creepy, slimy, slithery things that make their home on the nature reserve. Have lots of fun with both indoor and outdoors. Dress for all weathers.

Ages 5+ 10am-3pm. £4 donation per child.

28-30 Oct Undergroundology

Oxford University Museum of Natural History Parks Road, OX1 3PW www.oum.ox.ac.uk A celebration of the world beneath our feet. Rocks, volcanoes and heroes of geology. Family friendly talk 3.30pm. Drop-in 1pm-4pm

30 Oct-1 Nov Trick or Treating

Oxford Castle Unlocked, OX1 1AY www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk A ghoulish line-up of inmates will be locked up in the old cells of Oxford’s former prison, to put the fun and frights into trick or treating! 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm & 7.30pm. £5.

CLASSIFIEDS Sales Support - Homebased

Oxfordshire Magazine 5 hours pw @ £10 ph Call Ema on 01993 815966 for more details.

Business opportunity for Motivated, enthusiastic, professionals 5-10 hours pw Earning potential £200-£1000 pcm Call 07733 228 038

High quality used cars family friendly dealer Call 07711 872 550 www.hopcroftsholtcars.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 15

“Is there anything they can’t do?”

Tatler Schools Guide 2015

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 19th September 9.30 am - 12 noon

For girls aged 4 to 18 years Entry at 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+

01865 318500 admissions@oxf.gdst.net www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net

www.mcsoxford.org

“Outstanding” in every category

Latest ISI Inspection Report

It’s not just our

high academic standards Abingdon Prep School Open Morning Saturday 10 October 10.00am – 12.00pm Tours followed by Headmaster’s address at 11.30am

Discover more at

abingdon.org.uk/prep 16 September/ Call 01993October 815 9662015 to advertise with us

OPEN DAY

Saturday 10 October 2015 10am-12.30pm For more details please contact: Mrs Karen Copson 01235 858462 admissions@manorprep.org Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6LN

www.manorprep.org

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk