Families Oxfordshire May-June 2016

Issue 73 - May/ June 2016

Issue

73

FREE T

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a c opy

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Oxfordshire Birthday party pizazz Education Focus Giveaways!

Being a stay-at-home Dad Spice up the Summer!

What's On

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.

Big enough to challenge: small enough to care

Visitors are welcome throughout the year. Please telephone the Registrar, Fern Williams, to make an appointment.

Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY 01865 762802 enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk | www.ryestantony.co.uk

DON'T MISS: JULY 2016 LAUNCH OF THE FAMILIES FANTASTIC NEW WEBSITE, DESTINED TO BE THE NO 1 RESOURCE FOR LOCAL FAMILIES! WWW.FAMILIESOXFORDSHIRE.CO.UK

May/ June 2016

Oxfordshire Magazine

Oxfordshire Magazine Editor: Ema Murphy 01993 815966 - 07733 228 038 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk Next issue: July/ August 2016 Booking deadline: 1 June Copy deadline: 5 June 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Warners Cover image © Next

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

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.

In this issue...

3 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14

What's New? Education Focus The Ultimate Homework Guide Birthday Party Pizzaz Parties kids will love Summer Fun Festivals Daddy Day Care What's on

We’re glad to announce this month’s prize giveaway winners are:

Lisa Moor from Cumnor, who wins the delightful Little Book of Woodland Birds Songs. Sarah Whitcombe from Witney, who wins the CBeebies presenter Andy Day’s Music CD for James Wheeler, aged 4! And finally to Suzanne Gubbins from Thame who is the lucky winner of a family ticket to the Abingdon Air Show on 1st May! Thanks to all who entered and do watch out for more giveaways in forthcoming issues.

㄀㠀㘀㔀 㔀㤀㔀㔀 㤀

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Competit ion Winners

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

What's new?

choose a day out with family over watching their favourite TV programmes. Good news for parents and attractions in Oxfordshire!

Throw your own street party to celebrate the Queen’s birthday!

Families are encouraged to organise their own street party in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday (which was on April 21) on June 11th.

Running alongside the ‘World’s Biggest Street Party’ on London’s Mall, Oakman Inns and Dr Rob Schafer have launched a website www. ourstreetparty.org, to help people organise their own events. If you are interested visit www.ourstreetparty.org where you can receive a free information pack or call 01442 332 603. More celebrations run from May 12-15 at Windsor Castle. Visit www.hmq90.co.uk to find out more.

Phone free zones at last Hurrah!

Beefeater are introducing a new kind of dining segregation - a 'No Phone Zone'. Launched on Mother's Day, the restaurant has taken the bold step to create 'phone free' areas in response to research outlining that top on the list of things most likely to cause an argument was 'constantly checking phones at the table', listed by 54% of respondents. Guests can now book a ‘No Phone Zone’ who will have to hand over their mobiles to staff 'as a deposit'! Local restaurants include the Mitre in St Aldates and The Longwall in Cowley.

Saturday morning cinema revival!

Movies 4 Kids at The Beacon, Wantage, is a family cinema morning full of family fun! With movies to suit all tastes, enjoy snacks and a coffee whilst the whole family has an onscreen adventure. What’s more, the entrance fee is a snip at just £3 per ticket! The Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians and other classics have proved a hit and the next showing on Sat 14 May is The Good Dinosaur (PG.) booking recommended. www.beaconwantage.co.uk/ cinema.

A ‘day out’ is what they really really want!

New research from Southeastern Railway, highlights what kids really think about days out with family, with the vast majority preferring days out to other activities like playing sport or watching TV. Three quarters (74%) of kid’s say they’d rather spend time with family than play computer games and 87% would

May/ June 2016

says: “Effective communication skills are the foundations upon which all other learning rests, so we want to make sure our children are given the tools they need to navigate their way through the rest of their lives successfully and happily.” For more information visit www. busybeeschildcare.co.uk.

Calling all Young Writers!

Do you know a young author? The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for the best short story of under 500 words based around this years’ theme of ‘The Mash-Up’.

The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris! The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore Learning, are now in their 8th year. This year’s judge is renowned author of the Charlie and Lola series of books, Lauren Child. To enter either pick up an entry form from your nearest Explore Learning centre (Sainsbury’s at Heyford Hill, Oxford) or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Families called to help save mammals Busy Bees response to Save the Children Report

To further children’s language and communication skills, Busy Bees childcare team, with nurseries in Bicester and Littlemore, has developed Babble to Chatter, for staff, designed to link theory to practice; the how and the why behind the development of language. It encourages staff and parents to seize every possible opportunity to support and encourage children, by providing practical activities and measurements that can be weaved into day-to-day nursery life.

Lisa Snell, director of early years at Busy Bees, who has been involved in the project

People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) annual Living with Mammals survey is calling for an army of volunteers to record the mammals they see and to submit this data to the PTES website.

Concerns come following data from 2015 that showed a decline in the number of sightings of wild rabbits. Families are invited to take part in the survey which ends on 31 June. Simply select a site close to home or work and spend a bit of time there each week and record what you see. Mammals can be found in gardens, recreational areas, cemeteries and brownfield sites, plus other green spaces close to buildings. Register online www.ptes.org/lwm

Oxfordshire Magazine

3

Local news

** WIN WIN WIN **

Oxford Remembers with a special service for families

Families from Oxfordshire and beyond who have suffered the pain of baby loss at any stage of pregnancy, birth or in infancy are invited to join a special service on Saturday 14 May 2016 at 2.30pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. The International ‘Saying Goodbye’ services help families pay tribute to their lost babies and provide an opportunity for people to say goodbye, as one of over 24 International services this year. The service will feature contemporary music, poetry and readings, mixed with acts of remembrance and time for reflection and is free to attend. For more information visit the Saying Goodbye website www.sayinggoodbye.org

READER GIVEAWAYS

Museums at Night

Now in its eighth year, the Museums at Night Festival held on 11-14 May offers families the chance to engage with history and culture in a unique and exciting way. During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK including Oxfordshire will open their doors to put on a diverse array of special night-time events. As part of the Festival, Pitt Rivers is holding May Late; AfterHours ticketed event on 13 May, 7pm-10pm, when visitors can enter the Museum and see the collections in a new light. Expect to experience soundscapes and interaction in this joint event with the Museum of Natural History.

Get strolling for Walk to School Week

Say goodbye to traffic jams and lack of parking spaces and walk to school as part of the annual Walk to School week, from 16th to 22nd May. Organised by Living Streets and part of National Walking Month in May, it challenges schools and their pupils to walk to school more during the week. This year’s theme is ‘Strider’s Walk in the Wild’ with the walking habits and natural environments of different animal species being explored each day. Tuesday 17th May is ‘Happy Shoesday’ and children and teachers can wear the shoes that make them the happiest and donate £1.

Money raised will go to Living Streets for work with schools, disability groups and local communities, and campaigning work to make UK streets safer for everyone. Interested schools should contact Living Streets on 020 7456 9794 or visit www.livingstreets.org.uk

Win some wellies for the Festival Season!

Scruffs is back!

TheWellyShop. com is giving away a pair of natural rubber kids’ wellies - Aigle Lollypop Children’s Wellies RRP: £24.99. To enter, pop to TheWellyShop.com and let us know 2 other brands of wellies they sell.

*** Win a wicked Outdoor Booma With a flight range of 15-20m and an advanced tri-blade design, this world famous boomerang offers a stable and accurate return flight – every time! Incredibly easy to throw and catch, it comes with full throwing instructions. Great for beginners and a challenge for pro’s who want to something easy and fun outdoors.

Cotswold Wildlife Park’s annual charity dog show Scruffs returns on Sat 14th May, when you can take your dog(s) to the Park and help raise money for Dogs for Good. The charity trains dogs that can offer freedom and independence to children and adults with physical disabilities and children with autism.

The Park is proud to be supporting this charity for the third year running. Registration for classes is compulsory at £2.00 per dog.

Just tell us what the flight range is for a chance to win one of two Booma’s.

All money raised will be donated to Dogs for Good. Normal gate entry applies for dog owners.

parents call 01993 815966 or email: editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Send your answers by 30 June to editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk or visit familiesoxfordshire.co.uk.

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Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

Your Local Families Team is Recruiting!

Work Opportunity with Families Online in Oxfordshire We are preparing to celebrate the launch of a fantastic new website this summer. Destined to become the number 1 resource for local families, www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 local sites across the UK. Like our magazines, the local sites in Oxfordshire are guaranteed to give users the very best ideas for spending time with their family locally.

We have a number of highly flexible, home-based work opportunities available for Area Managers to run our local sites.

As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and flexible role which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make money! There are no set up costs involved, you will be trained by industry experts and you will develop valuable new skills in the digital, print and social media marketing industry.

You Should Be: • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what's on locally for families • Interested in working flexibly from home at times that suit you • Online savvy and a regular user of Facebook and Twitter • Able to write great articles which capture the imagination of local families • Have good networking and communication skills, and confidence when speaking to customers/the public • A motivated self-starter who takes ownership and pride in your work Responsibilities • Posting daily online and on social media with great ideas for your readers • Populating and updating your site with useful and timely local content for families • Marketing and selling your site to local businesses and families • Building relationships with your clients and users and helping them get the most from your site To register your interest, please email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

!

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BOOK NOW

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

PUT ON A SHOW

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.

Find out more and start your child’s journey today

Top Junior youth theatre productions during the holidays Major performance opportunities at terrific venues throughout the county for age 4-19. Contact your local Stagecoach principal now as places are limited.

OXFORD 01869 278600 Maya Sprigg oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

BANBURY 01908 969467 Melissa Allen banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

ABINGDON 01865 390970 Julia Howson abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

THAME 01865 763767 Nicky Goodwin thame@stagecoach.co.uk

Theatre Arts Schools

Stagecoach

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Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

BANBURY 01908 969467 Melissa Allen banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

ABINGDON 01865 390970 Julia Howson abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

THAME 01865 763767 Nicky Goodwin thame@stagecoach.co.uk

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Oxfordshire Magazine

May/ June 2016 Stagecoach Families April 2016.indd 1

OXFORD 01869 278600 Maya Sprigg oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

14/4/2016 19:56

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Education Focus See Teaching in Action at Abingdon Prep

Abingdon Prep School offers an open morning with a difference. Unlike traditional open mornings where it can feel a bit staged and more of a showpiece, the School offers prospective parents the opportunity to see its teaching and learning well and truly in action. After an explanation of how phonics is taught at the school, parents get to see how the theory really does translate into practice as they sit in on three different lessons for pupils at different stages of their learning journey.

Though based on the Read Write Inc scheme, the teaching has been adapted to ensure that it engages the boys fully whether they are identifying 'chocolate chip words' (which part of the chocolate chip biscuit interests us most? Naturally it is the chocolate chips. Likewise in a sentence, the powerful verbs and interesting adjectives have a similar effect), punctuating a sentence using 'Kung Fu punctuation' or using their feet, noses or knees to write letters in the air. Boys chat to partners enthusiastically to ask and answer questions and there is an expectation that all will be actively involved in their learning.

The result is a range of vibrant, stimulating, engaging lessons where parents can see, first hand, the boys' enjoyment and progress.

Abingdon.org.uk

Cranford House Expansion

The chance to enjoy a Cranford House education is now open to more children than ever with the move to a fully co-educational Junior School for boys and girls aged 3-11, plus the addition of a Sixth Form to their all-girls’ Senior School. At the heart of the school is an emphasis on academic ambition within a non-selective environment, small class sizes ensuring individual attention, superb pastoral care and a genuinely inclusive spirit that encourages all to do their very best. Cranford House is very proud to be ranked 2nd nationally in The Times Parent Power League tables 2015, which means they are in the Top 50 Fee-paying Schools (with small or no sixth form). Cranfordhouse.net

Languages at OHS

Girls joining Reception at OHS don’t sit a formal academic assessment and join from diverse backgrounds and nursery settings, all at different stages for their age. It’s the specialist EYFS team’s role to ignite their passion for learning. At OHS, Mandarin and French are introduced at EYFS/KS1 and taught by native speakers with a play-based curriculum. With an eye to their transition to Senior School, more tailored Mandarin, French and Latin is introduced from Year Five. Attitudes to learning was rated exceptional in the recent ISI Inspection, demonstrating the impact that the OHS Early Years' specialists have had on those first steps at school.

Oxfordhigh.gdst.net

Charity Fun in the Colour Run!

All Rye St Antony pupils from Nursery to Year 13 took part in a Colour Run in aid of Sport Relief recently, held in the schools beautiful 12 acre grounds with pupils being doused in coloured powder paint as they took part in the race! Pupils from Years 1-6 did two laps of the course, whilst the older ones completed four. Nursery and Reception painted t-shirts and took part in their own fun and ‘painty’ obstacle course. Parents then joined the children for a very colourful tea on the lawn! Ryestantony.co.uk 6

Preschools – your need to know guide

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

More parents than ever send their children to preschool or nursery, thanks in part to free places for three and four-yearolds, and for some two-year-olds.

Preschools are about learning through play and their benefits can be significant, although there’s no obligation to sign up if you don’t think it will be right for your child.

So what are the upsides?

Beyond the obvious – a few hours of childcare – preschool is a great way to get your little one used to being separated from you or other carers. It could also help them becom-e familiar with an environment that’s more like school and some of the routines and behaviours expected there, such as sharing, listening and taking turns.

How much free childcare am I entitled to?

All three and four-year-olds in England receive 570 hours per year of free childcare. This can be in a preschool, nursery or with a registered childminder and is normally taken as 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, but there’s often flexibility on this.

How can I choose the right preschool for my child?

Speak to other local parents about their experiences and read Ofsted reports for the nurseries/ preschools you’re considering.

Really though, there’s no substitute for taking a proper look around, meeting staff and seeing what your own impressions are.

How many hours a week?

You don’t have to use up the full entitlement of 570 hours and could send your child for fewer if you think 15 hours a week is too much for them initially. Some parents find it works well to start off with just a couple of mornings weekly and build up to more (you will often be able to pay for further hours beyond the entitlement).

How can I get my child settled in?

Staff will be very aware that young children may need help getting used to a new place and people and so should have some sort of settling in procedure. If you’re especially concerned, speak to them and see what their advice is – you may even be able to stay with your child during the first few visits.

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).

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

Parents and Teachers concerned about Academy plans

The Ultimate Homework Guide

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

Help, yes, but don’t do it for them!

Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life.

However, it does bring benefits: helping you see what your children have been doing in class, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and reinforcing learning.

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You may also need to clarify what a question means or provide support if they’re stuck. But do remember it’s their homework not yours – if you’re having to do it all for them on a regular basis, it may be too difficult for your little one - discuss this with their teacher.

So how can you make homework run as smoothly as possible and avoid it becoming a chore for the whole family?

Incorporate homework into a routine

How much is too much?

Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm.

However you might both prefer homework to be completed at the earliest opportunity so they can go off and relax, or favour a spell of winding down after school – simply see what works for your child. If, like many primary schoolers, they only get one or two pieces of homework a week, it might be best to tackle it at the weekend when they’re not tired from school.

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much homework, again, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher. Additionally, if it’s taking what you feel is an inappropriate amount of time on a particular day, don’t be afraid to stop and write him or her a note along the lines of ‘X spent an hour doing this and we felt it was enough’.

The Government has announced that it plans to turn all schools into Academies, taking them out of local Education Department control.

Parents and teachers have expressed their concerns, which they say will be disastrous for education. The National Union of Teachers which represents staff at many schools across the UK, has organised protests across the country. The government says that it is making the change because Academies, which are not within local authority control, are able to raise standards as they are more autonomous and that heads have more powers to improve failing schools but critics have said that the move will have a devastating effect as there is no evidence that Academies perform better than other schools. It will remove the role of parent governors, who currently help decide school policy and will shift ownership of the schools to private companies who will be able to sell off the land if they wish. In 2012, ministers admitted that Academy school playing fields could be sold off without any checks.

Kids to get mini computers BBC to give each Year Seven child a mini machine. This year, every Year Seven child in the UK will get their own BBC Micro:bit. This tiny computer helps children begin to learn code and get used to technology from an early age. There are lots of different applications for this little gadget, from creating a digital watch and using it as a fitness aid to count your steps, to making games or controlling a music player. Around one million children will receive the Micro:bit from the BBC.

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www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk May/ June 2016

Oxfordshire Magazine

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It's

y Patritm e

Birthday Party Pizazz

How to make your parties age appropriate It’s difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties. It’s even more difficult to know how to change the format of the party as kids get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? For which age group would you book an entertainer?

And when do you move from a party to an outing?

When it comes to birthday parties, we’ve learnt over the years that a can-do attitude and great planning is what’s needed.

Try to ensure that you don’t give yourself too much of a nightmare. When they are young, you may want to restrict how many friends your child invites (though of course often we end up inviting the whole class, because that’s what everyone else does) and you’ll want to be sensible about how long it lasts; an hour is plenty for pre-schoolers and those in the first couple of years of Infant school.

Pre-school

With small children, the key is to keep things simple. It’s fine to have the party at home and you can get creative – why not try dressing up, a treasure hunt, face painting and simple games. If you choose pass the parcel, don’t feel you have to include a prize in every layer (though if you do, make sure each child gets one!) so why not return to the old-fashioned idea of a forfeit for each child – they could sing their favourite song or make animal sounds. Then you can have one prize at the end. When it’s time for tea, put out sandwiches and savoury food first, keeping the sweet treats out of sight until after they have eaten. Unless you love baking, do buy the cake as everyone will love it, especially when covered in birthday candles. At the party’s close, give each guest a small gift or 8

party bag with a piece of the cake in it. For the birthday child, it’s a good idea to put their presents to one side as guests bring them and open them after everyone has gone. You can even save some for the following days.

4-7 Years

An entertainer comes into their own with this age group as they will keep the kids amused and busy until it’s time for tea. If a professional entertainer is out of your price bracket, ask a friend or relative to take on the task and plan out some games and activities beforehand. There are other ideas you could choose if you want something more unusual; pony riding, a bouncy castle or in the summer a water party will be fun.

Pass the parcel remains a firm favourite for this age group but other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and a Piñata will be a hit.

8-11 Years

Often what a September-born child does for a birthday sets the precedent for the rest of the class, so be aware of what’s popular!

Book a hall or have it at home depending on your numbers and bravado, or you could find an active party at a local sports centre.

Perhaps they could all try trampolining or rock climbing. You might want to take them to a cinema showing, or visit a restaurant that will teach them to make pizza or chocolate shapes. How about a summer water party in the garden?

By Emma Oliver and The Flour Game (cut shards off the flour cake until the coin balanced on top falls. The person responsible retrieves it using only their mouth). Feed them on simple pizza and finish with a make-your-own ice cream sundae – you’ll need ice cream plus sauces and toppings.

Teen

As always with teenagers, it is all about communication. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Some will want to do what all their friends are doing, while others would like to do something entirely different.

Activities outdoors such as paint balling or Go Ape, the cinema, bowling and theatre can offer this.

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If you do have the party at home, some ideas for games for this age group include the Chocolate Game (roll a six, dress up in hat, scarf and gloves, eat the chocolate with a knife and fork, Chubby Bunnies (stuff one more marshmallow in each time and try saying that without actually eating them)

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

It's

Party

Lights, Camera, Action!

time

Why not combine a trip to the cinema with your child’s birthday party? A Beacon Movie and Pizza Party is a popular choice for a birthday treat, with VIP seating in the cinema or they can even arrange a private screening for mini movie buffs!

3 Parties kids love but you hate (and how to make them stress free)

By Sarah Butters

Sleepovers Let’s face it. They shouldn’t be called sleepovers. They should be called stay awake overs because you will sleep about as well as a meerkat balanced on a branch and the kids won’t sleep at all. However if you follow a few basic rules, you may survive. Keep the numbers low. As far as sleepovers go, more is defiantly not merrier but it is noisier. Keep them busy – I’ve heard tales of parents setting up night time obstacle courses to exhaust their pint sized house guests. Remove electrical devices at a reasonable hour and make sure you have a note of all parental contacts. As sure as night follows day someone will get homesick at about midnight and infect everyone. For those who do survive the overnight stay, arrange for an early collection. It gives you the day to remove Haribo from your beige carpet, and you’ll only have your own sleep deprived, sugar shocked child to deal with.

Tickets can be booked in person at Reception at The Beacon or via telephone on 01235 763456. No booking fees!

Have a Snappy Birthday Have you heard…Crocodiles of the World is where all the wild party animals go! We provide a snappy birthday party package including juvenile crocodile handling, reptile handling and even the chance for the birthday boy or girl to feed a croc! This truly unique experience also includes admission to the zoo and all exhibits. We recommend you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Call 01993 846353, email info@crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk or visit www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk

Swimming Most mums are reluctant to strip off to a swimsuit when the sun is shining and the sangria’s flowing. So the thought of doing it in front of your school gate ‘chums’ while at the local pool is unthinkable. However a swimming party is always a popular choice. Avoid hosting a swimming party for younger children – wait until your child and their friends are fairly competent swimmers, thus removing the need for parental submersion. Seek out a pool that offers an inflatable soft play area – you’ll find these at many council run pools – and you’re guaranteed a splashing time. Many such pools have a low rate room for hire so you can follow the wet fun with a homemade party tea to keep costs down.

Art Don’t try this at home. No seriously. This is one to hire a hall for and call in the experts. Arty parties are fab fun but frankly terrifying if you have a home that you’re proud of. The idea of a dozen Reception children attempting to find the toilet, while their hands are coated in a mixture of purple paint and glitter is enough to make your reach for a lunchtime Sauvignon Blanc. We have some super local providers who can save you the stress of a pre-school redecoration of your home. Try your local pottery café, or a nearby art class and put off the wine till tea time!

May/ June 2016

Oxfordshire Magazine

9

Summer Holidays Try Hoburne Parks for a family Holiday!

Every year thousands of people enjoy park holidays in the UK, for an enjoyable, comfortable, fun-filled experience for all the family.

You might also like to know that Hoburne are investing a massive £6 million in all of their parks in 2016. With these changes, they’re confident it will make all of their getaways even more memorable and enchanting.

Improvements include new dining areas, additional and extended accommodation, new-look entertainment and leisure complexes and free Wi-Fi across all seven parks, located in Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Visit www.hoburne.com for more holiday and short break ideas.

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What’s safe and what is best to avoid 1.

Avoid destinations where malaria is endemic These include India, Africa and parts of South America. If you do have to travel to a country where malaria is common, talk to your GP first. Try to avoid countries where you will need vaccinations – although some are safe in pregnancy after 12 weeks, live vaccines are not

2.

Stay safe on the plane Pregnant women who fly are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be life threatening. Keep well hydrated, wear support stockings and get up and walk around at least once every hour to improve your circulation. Practise clenching your calf muscles by flexing your feet up and down 10 times every hour to boost circulation. Try to do this on any long car, bus or train journey too, as they also increase your risk of DVT. If you develop pain or swelling in your leg or have chest pains or shortness of breath after flying or a long journey seek urgent medical advice.

3.

Take a photocopy of your medical notes with you Just in case you go into labour prematurely, pack your notes – they contain valuable information that will be needed by your healthcare professionals. It’s also important to know your blood group in case of an emergency.

4.

Take care in the sun You’re more prone to dehydration when you’re pregnant because of an increase in blood volume, so make sure you drink lots of water and keep your feet up to stop your ankles swelling. Don’t forget to wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or above, a long sleeved t-shirt and a wide brimmed hat, and keep out of the sun at the hottest times of the day between 12pm and 3pm.

5.

Check that your airline will let you fly Air travel can usually be undertaken until the 36th week of pregnancy, but after 28 weeks most airlines need a letter from your GP saying you are fit to fly. If you’ve had any health problems check with your GP that it’s all right for you to fly. Make sure that your travel insurance is valid for pregnancy and that it covers a newborn in case the baby arrives early.

6.

Avoid mosquito repellents containing DEET Look for a natural alternative such as citronella oil, wear protective clothing and use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.

Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

OFFER CLOSES 12 JUNE 2016

10

Travelling in pregnancy

13/4/16, 11:49

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

Festivals are fun

By Sally J. Hall

Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a breeze

Introducing your children to all kinds of music can be a great way to give them a lifelong love of everything from folk to classical. Many festivals have plenty to do for the whole family including food, activities, arts, comedy and more and the choice seems to be growing. For festivals in Oxfordshire in coming months, see our latest what’s on pages. With some careful planning and by packing a few essentials, you’ll all have a great time…

Where to stay

If you have (and know how to put up) a tent, this can be the most costeffective way of attending a festival, as ticket prices can be high. Check the tent before you go, to ensure it has all its poles and pins. A good ground sheet is a must, as are camp beds or self-inflating air beds. A playpen is great for babies and small children to sleep in at night and play in the day.

Alternatively, other options, from pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees may be provided. Take a look at the festival’s website to see what’s suitable. If you can’t face roughing it, book a local hotel or bed & breakfast.

You’ll have a bolthole should the weather turn nasty and somewhere to wash properly!

Site Map

Take time to orient yourself around the site, find where your favourite bands will be and most importantly, check out where the loos and showers are. These can get very busy and there are often long queues. For small kids, take a travel potty, as kids often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly.

Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too.

Pushchairs can be tricky to use if the ground is muddy. Carriers are more portable and take up less space. With small kids, try to camp in the family or quiet areas so that you won’t all be kept awake by people coming back to their tents (in all conditions) through the small hours.

• •

• • • • • • •

Waterproofs and wellies, comfy shoes Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up sponge bag you can take to the shower.

Toothbrushes and paste Lots of changes of clothing Warm jumpers and socks Sun screen and hats A baby carrier Torch and batteries Phone and charger Ear defenders

•

• • • • • •

Packing List

Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes Insect repellent First aid kit Comfy clothes Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery Camera Small backpacks for all, with a change of clothes, loo paper, wipes and snack in each, plus drinks.

Setting up

Car parks can be quite a way from camps, so try to ensure that all gear can be put into a couple of backpacks for you and your partner to carry – and still have a hand free for the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon to transport your stuff, which you can then use to pull the kids around in.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

What to eat

There are usually lots of food stalls but bear in mind they can be pricey.

If you want to do your own cooking, invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot meals are best, like soups, stews, rice or pasta, Freeze some home made meals, then just before you leave, put them in a cool box together with drinks and milk. Take lots of snacks too, in case cooking or queuing for meals takes longer than you think!

Safety

Festival highlight Cheltenham Music Festival 1-17 July

Don’t take valuables and keep things you can’t leave behind, such as phone, keys, your purse and credit cards, with you in a day pack all day.

Never leave them in your tent.

Cheltenham Music Festival is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy live music together. War Horse author Michael Morpurgo joins musicians for his story of friendship and family, truth and secrets in The Mozart Question (music by Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart), while author and illustrator James Mayhew (Katie stories, Ella Bella Ballerina) tells some Shakespeare stories and paints live to Shakespearean music by Mendelssohn and Prokofiev. There’s also puppetry and physical theatre from Box Tale Soup as they tumble into A Midsummer Night’s Dream with music by Purcell, as well as free music in the gardens. (Various venues).

Fancy dress

Box Office:01242 850270 or cheltenhamfestivals.com/music

Kids should have your name (not theirs) and number on them in case they get separated. Write it on their arm, or buy luggage tags and attach them to their clothes and bags. Talk to them about how to behave should they get lost. Make sure your phone is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.

Dress your kids in bright clothes so you can spot them and take a photo of them each morning, so if they go wandering, you can remember how they were dressed and show others.

Many festivals now have a fancy dress parade as part of the fun, so take costumes. Some things can be made on-site at a craft stall. Face paints are great to pack, as are glow sticks and bubbles.

May/ June 2016

Oxfordshire Magazine

11

Daddy day care

Mr Daddy Day Care – what’s it like being a stay at home dad?

additional challenges as I have had to get used to dealing with girls’ Having had a few similar “I do the overhaircare and, certainly with experiences I learned a trick. my eldest, had to talk about Whenever I meet a healthcare, whelming majority of issues such as menstruation. education or childcare housework. Cooking is professional, I tell them within probably 50/50. My wife I may not be best qualified works very long hours so I the first few seconds that I to deal with such things, but have to be hands on with am the one who looks after as a stay at home dad, I just the kids and that my wife housework.” have to get on and do it! works full time. When I do this, it tends to get any awkwardness If I were to be totally honest, one out of the way and I find am treated of the biggest issues I have to deal with appropriately. It’s when Idon’tdo this, I is isolation. Support networks and social find things can go wrong and I get accused of networks for people with children, especially “babysitting” my own kids (a comment I hear young children, are almost exclusively set up from time to time). for mums.

I became a stay at home dad in 2011. It For me personally, it’s possibly not the happened for purely practical reasons. biggest issue. I’m reasonably confident and We’d had Helen in nursery full time for a sociable and I have many friends who are short while and we no longer felt this was mums and many who are dads. As a dad appropriate. I wasn’t particularly happy in in my position, however, I think it definitely my job and my wife had the better career takes that bit longer until women feel prospects. It made sense for me to leave the comfortable and happy to approach and rat race and stay at home and that’s what I’ve speak to you socially. I certainly know of been doing ever since. other stay at home dads who have struggled with this.

At the time we only had the one daughter.

In the past I have had some horrendous Needless to say we’ve had one more since John Adams is a stay at home dad experiences. I once took Elizabeth to then! and dad blogger. He is married with have some inoculations and the nurse two young daughters. He’s also just started physically looking round the room I started a blog about my experiences in late before asking where my wife was. It was 2012 called http://dadbloguk.com. At first it written his first book ‘A modern father an odd question; is a man not capable of was simply a hobby. Over time, and to my (…and dad blogger)’. Here he tells booking and accompanying his child to an great surprise, more and more people started Families magazine what it’s like to be appointment at the doctor’s surgery? reading and commenting on the blog and so Mr Daddy Day Care. it has become a cottage industry I fit around When it came to registering my family and I eventually decided to write a I’m often asked what it’s like to Elizabeth’s birth, my wife stayed book. be a stay at home dad. I like “My wife does at home and I took our newto think a mum would answer sometimes wish she born with me to the registrar’s It’s called ‘A modern father (…and dad in exactly the same way. My were around more, but office. I appreciate the registrar blogger)’. At 60 pages long it’s a very easy life is busy and demanding. she will freely admit she probably meant this as a read and it’s been written in a style that you It also incredibly rewarding is happy to let me run the backhanded compliment, but can dip in and dip out of as you please. It as I watch my children grow household as she thinks she told me I was “brave” for focuses on my experiences as a stay at and develop knowing I’ve I am better at it (...yes going out on my own with my home parent but I couldn’t resist writing just helped them along the way. daughter. To her it may have been a little bit about being a dad blogger. It’s really)" a compliment, to me it was actually available from Amazon in both paperback I have the two daughters. Helen quite offensive. It basically suggested I (£2.75) and Kindle formats (99p). is six and Elizabeth is two. Of course didn’t have the knowledge to look after her. having daughters presents me with a few

Father’s Day

Father's Day this year is on Sunday 19 June and is a day that commemorates fatherhood and appreciates all fathers and father-figures (including grandfathers, great-grandfathers, stepfathers, and foster fathers).

The History of Father's Day 2016 dates back to 1910 in America, where 27-year-old Sonora Dodd proposed it as a way to honour the man (a civil war veteran William Jackson Smart) who raised her and her five siblings alone after her mom died in childbirth. Dodd was at a church thinking about how grateful she was for her father when she had the idea for Father's Day, which would mirror Mother's Day but be celebrated in June, her dad's birthday month.

Traditionally, families gather to celebrate the father figures in their lives. Father's Day is a relatively modern holiday so different families have a range of traditions who either celebrate it, or who don’t! We think it’s important to show Father’s just how much they’re appreciated, so why not do something to tell them they’re really thought of, on their special day!

12

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

Spice up the Summer!

Teach Me Tennis Teach Me Tennis are running their popular holiday camps again over May half term at Peppard Tennis Club near Henley and at a new second venue; Phyllis Court Club in Henley. Their tennis camps are a great way for children to spend the holidays; outside, on court, being active and learning new skills! They have a maximum of six players per coach to ensure quality and learning and the camps are suitable for children aged 4+.

Book spaces in advance at www.teachmetennis.co.uk or call 01491 728081 to avoid disappointment!

Betty Bloom Dance Betty Bloom Dance run holiday workshops over Oxfordshire at amazing venues, providing a creative and relaxed setting for children (5 – 16’s) to learn a variety of dance skills and have fun! Dance styles range from Charleston to Bollywood to Irish Dancing, dance competitions and "create a routine”. Betty Bloom has something for everyone!

Email bettybloomdance@gmail.com for further information.

Super Camps The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind. Super Camps, gives children the opportunity to do just that, with a range of camps and courses to suit everyone, at venues in Radley, Burford, Banbury, Chipping Norton, Headington and North Oxford. What’s more, Super Camps received yet another 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2016. Camps run from 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14.

Visit www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 467300 for more information

Stagecoach There are many ways to celebrate the influence and inspiration that Shakespeare gave the world, 400 years ago and the stage is set this Summer for masterful performances by Oxfordshire youngsters.

Summer workshops held by Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools feature singing, dance and drama, musical theatre. Choose from Legally Blonde or ‘Esmerelda and the Cowardly Dragon for the juniors, up to age 10 at the prestige ‘Theatre at Headington’. For those outside the city, there is ‘Pirates Versus Mermaids’, Annie Kids or Fame Jnr. The standards are high and there is fun to be had by all. Many courses also provide childcare to help busy parents. Book soon – these shows are popular and places are snapped up fast!

Oxford, Legally Blonde, Esmerelda and the Cowardly Dragon Principal: Maya Sprigg, Call 01869 278600. Thame Pirates Versus Mermaids, Principal: Nicky Goodwin, Call 01865 763767. Abingdon Annie Kids, Principal Julia Howson, Call 01865 390970. Banbury Fame Jnr, Principal Melissa Allen, Call 01908 969467

May/ June 2016

THE UK’S NO.1

FROM

£30 PER DAY

HOLIDAY FUN! MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 6PM

WITH ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 4 - 14

01235 467300 • WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK

Art in Action Celebrating its 40th year, Art in Action on 14-17 July will involve 100’s of artists, crafters, performers and musicians who gather to demonstrate their skills and to show their work. Taking place at Waterperry Gardens, anyone with a remote interest in art is invited - to watch the potter pot, the painter paint, the jewellers create and the sculptors sculpt!

You can even have a go at something yourself! The event is supporting the urology cancer charity Ucare, based in the Churchill Hospital. There’s so much to see and do for all the family, with activities for children, theatrical performances and even a story-telling tent!

10% entry discount

Book activities online at www.artinaction.org.uk.

Receive 10% discount by booking before 12th June.

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY MUSIC SERVICE

With Music and the Arts Oxford & Wallingford

Monday 25 July - Thursday 28 July 2016 9.15am - 3.45pm

North Hinksey

Monday 22 August - Thursday 25 August 2016 9.15am - 3.45pm Suitable for children with some musical experience currently in Years 3-7 Come and make new friends and join in a variety of musical and arts activities For a form and more information

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/music 01865 816990 Follow us on:

music.service@oxfordshire.gov.uk

facebook.com/oxonmusicservice

twitter@MusicOxon

Oxfordshire Magazine 13

What's On DIARY DATES 1 May-30 Jun Happy Birthday Mr Burningham!

The Story Museum 42 Pembroke Street, OX1 1BP www.storymuseum.org.uk The Story Museum is getting ready for a very special party as it celebrates the birthday of one of the UK’s best-loved illustrators.

8 May Nearly New Sale SS Philip and James' Primary School Navigation Way, OX2 6AB A great opportunity to buy and sell children's clothing (0-11yrs), equipment, books, bikes, toys, games and more. Tel 07876 453 284 gvejones@hotmail.com. 1pm3pm. £1 per adult

7 May A Little Look At…Hats Pitt Rivers Museum Parks Road, OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk An active, hands-on exploration telling the tales of objects in the Museum. Under 5's. Drop-in.

10.30am and 11.30am.

12 May Cell - From Science Oxford Live The Old Fire Station George Street, OX1 2AQ scienceoxford.com The award winning show CELL After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Ted goes on the trip of a lifetime.

7 May Coggs Craft Day Cogges Manor Farm Witney, OX28 3LA cogges.org.uk With over 30 stalls held in the 17th Century barns, selling a host of different crafts and handmade gifts from the local area. Usual entry fees apply. £1 per person. 10am-4pm.

13 May Cartoons at Night Time Wallingford Museum 52 High Street, OX10 0DB wallingfordmuseum.org.uk This year's 'Night at the Museum' for children with include a fun cartoon exhibition. 6pm - 9pm. Booking advised.

7 May & 4 Jun Pitt Stops Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford, OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk Fun ways to explore the Museum and discover more about the exciting collections. Make something super to take home. Suitable for all ages - on the first Saturday of the month. 1pm-4pm 8 May Bats at Wallingford Castle Meadows, Earth Trust Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ earthtrust.org.uk A local expert will lead a walk at dusk to find out about the wonderful winged mammals. Book on 01865 407792. 8.15pm-10pm £5/ £2 child

Sculpture workshops 8 plus, holidays, weekends

Call 01865 391502, OX13

Your guide to family eve nts this May & Jun e

Visit our w ebsite for m ore what’s on in 2016 familiesoxf ordshire.co .uk

14 May Saying Goodbye Service Christ Church Cathedral St Aldate's, OX1 1DP sayinggoodbye.org Families who have suffered the pain of baby loss at any stage of pregnancy, birth or in infancy are invited to join a special service. Free to attend, at 2.30pm.

21 May The ‘Riverside Stomp’ Wallingford, OX10 0EF www.hdh.org.uk Take part in a brand new event for Helen & Douglas House – the ‘Riverside Stomp,’ a fantastic walking challenge along the beautiful Thames Path. Go online for details.

14 May Scruffs Dog Show Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Burford, OX18 4JP cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk The park’s annual charity dog show Scruffs returns! Take your dog(s) and raise money for Dogs for Good.

Normal admission applies.

14 May Sing-a-Long-a-Frozen New Theatre Oxford, OX1 2AG www.atgtickets.com A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along during the film. Introduced by a live host. Ages 5+ 3.30pm.

14 May The Good Dinosaur (PG) The Beacon, Wantage OX12 9BX beaconwantage.co.uk Saturday morning cinema returns, with a Pixar animation about a world where dinosaurs never went extinct.

'The Good Dinosaur' imagines an Earth where dinosaurs never died out and now co-exist with humans.

11am. £3 each

15 May Sensory Walk Earth Trust Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ earthtrust.org.uk Escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and immerse yourself in a hands-on nature sensory experience, including identifying birdsong, silent walking and photography, and blindfolded tasting. Take a camera! Book on 01865 407792. £12. 2pm-4pm.

14 May Into the West Pegasus Theatre Magdalen Road, OX4 1DY pegasustheatre.org.uk She came from the land under the sea. A place where it is always summer, and no-one grows old.

Imagine trying to keep her on the 14th floor of a Dublin tower block.

Now imagine the police are after you, and your only escape is to ride into the west… Ages 7 + 3.30pm, 7pm. £13/ £9/£6.

20 May Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales The Beacon, Wantage OX12 9BX beaconwantage.co.uk Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles. Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed!

www.BeatriceHoffman.co.uk/ workshops

22 May Curious Cornerstone Didcot, OX11 7NE cornerstone-arts.org A magical world of theatre for underthrees. Cake making gets messy in this perfect introduction to theatre, guaranteeing giggles galore for the very young and the curiously inquisitive. £6.

24-25 May Light Show Cornerstone cornerstone-arts.org The magical production of theatre company Oily Cart, which specialises in interactive plays for 3-11 year old's with profound and multiple learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum.

A magical paper palace awaits, where the sensory delights of nature unfold, performed to live music.

11am, 2pm / £10.

28-30 May Blenheim Palace Food Festival Woodstock OX20 1PP blenheimpalace.com The British Food Festival’s back to Blenheim Palace for the second time.

29 May Shakespeare Untold Cornerstone Didcot, OX11 7NE cornerstone-arts.org This family-friendly double bill comes from London's Shakespeare’s Globe. In Romeo Untold, the story of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet and Shakespeare's goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’s piemaker.

Ages 5+ 2pm / £14, £12, £10/£40

Monday 30 May to Wednesday 1 June

GRUFFALOS, LADYBIRDS AND OTHER BEASTS

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

Saturdays

Join legendary children’s author Julia Donaldson for an evening of song and stories.

A rare chance to enjoy your favourite tales, performed live by the bestselling writer.

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

midbucks.kiddikicks.co.uk /timetable

Tickets £13 (discounts £11) Age guideline 4+

01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 14

01296 290204

Call Email midbucks@kiddikicks.co.uk

free trial sessions – get in touch for details

Don't miss: July 2016 launch of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...

30 May – 1 Jun Gruffalos, Ladybirds & Other Beasts Oxford Playhouse OX1 2LW oxfordplayhouse.com British author Julia Donaldson brings this enchanting show to Oxford. See her stories and songs acted out with oodles of charm by a cast of five, including guitar-playing husband Malcolm. Ages 4+ 11am, 2.30pm / £13/£11

31 May – 1 Jun Ugly Bug Ball Oxford University Museum of Natural History OX1 3PW oum.ox.ac.uk Get dressed up and join in for a dance. With even more insect fun and bug bopping at the Story Museum. In partnership with Story Museum. 1-4pm.

3-4 Jun Jungle Book Oxford Playhouse OX1 2LW oxfordplayhouse.com Kipling’s classic tale comes crashing into the 21st century, with Metta Theatre’s spectacular new production, featuring breath taking street dance and circus. Ages 8+ 2pm, 7pm / £19/£17/£14/£11.

4 Jun A Little Look At… Dinosaurs Oxford University Museum of Natural History OX1 3PW oum.ox.ac.uk An active, hands-on exploration telling the tales of objects in the Museum. For Under 5s. Drop-in.

10.30am & 11.30am 4 Jun The Never Ending Story (U) The Beacon Wantage, OX12 9BX beaconwantage.co.uk A classic children's film from 1984. A troubled boy dives into a wonderous fantasy world through the pages of a book, The NeverEnding Story. But will Bastian believe soon enough to save Fantasia from "The Nothing"?

11am. Just £3 each.

4 Jun Oxford Pride Oxford City Centre OX1 1AB oxford-pride.org.uk/pride-2016 A festival in celebration of lesbian and gay life in Oxfordshire.

Promoting awareness of LGBT issues by providing information, education and entertainment.

5 Jun Funday Sunday - Baby Boogie Pegasus Theatre Magdalen Road, OX4 1DY pegasustheatre.org.uk Toddlers and grown-ups get on the dance-floor and let the music take you away. Try the dance workshop before the disco, with free activities in the cafe! Under 5's. 11.30am & 2.30pm 5 Jun Open Farm Sunday LEAF Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LG openfarmsunday.org The farming industry's national open day with numerous events from farm walks through to full open days in Oxon. Go online to find out where your nearest farm is open to visitors.

May/ June 2016

11 Jun ABBA Mania New Theatre Oxford, OX1 2AG atgtickets.com Now it’s your chance to thank ABBA for the music! Featuring a special concert presentation, which celebrates the music of ABBA in a respectful and enjoyable way, 7.30pm

7-12 June 2016

Box Office 01242 850270 cheltenhamfestivals.com #cheltscifest

12 Jun Her Majesty's Birthday Celebration Blenheim Palace Woodstock, OX20 1PP blenheimpalace.com Join in the celebrations at Great Court for Blenheim's 'street party' to commemorate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

17-19 Jun Blenheim Flower Show Blenheim Palace Flower show returns for its fourth year for three days that celebrate the very best of gardening, packed with inspiration and colour. 10am-5.30pm 17 Jun Herding Hemmingway's Cats Blackwell's Bookshop 51 Broad Street, OX1 3BQ bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/ We’ve all heard of genes – they make your eyes blue, hair curly or nose straight. But how do they actually work and why do siblings look so different when they share much of their genetic makeup?

Booking advised. 7pm.

18-19 Jun Feast Weekend Waddesdon Manor Aylesbury, HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk A weekend festival of food, drink and entertainment! 10am-5pm.

Normal admission applies.

Hands-on science for all ages.

Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/science Charity No 251765. Illustration by Michelle Thompson

and one musician that unravels the story of a wayward, fragile and misunderstood boy who lives on his wits and untamed imagination. A brilliant and brave play celebrating all things ‘wild’ with fabulous music.

Ages 8+ 1pm, 4pm

30 Jun – 2 Jul LazyTown Live New Theatre, OX1 2AG atgtickets.com A non-stop highly interactive and energetic show, jam packed with singing, dancing, spectacular acrobatics and music, featuring original tracks from the hit TV show.

2 Jul Eynsham’s 70th Carnival & Craft Fair OX29 4BS eynshamcarnival.com Carnival day’s when people throng the streets and local venues, watching Morris dancing and waiting for the fast n furious Shirt Race!

See the parade (bands, floats and fancy dress) for a truly fun family day-out. There’s a fete, dare devils, live music, great food, animals, robots and dancing and more! 12 noon - 6pm.

20 Jun – 13 Aug Oxford Shakespeare Festival Oxford Castle Unlocked 44-46 New Road, OX1 1AY oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk/ Delighted to be playing host to the Oxford Shakespeare Festival, 8 weeks of scintillating outdoor theatre performed with the historic Castle as its backdrop. £15/£13 24-25 Jun Wind in the Willows Oxford Playhouse 11 Beaumont Street, OX1 2LW oxfordplayhouse.com Spring is in the air and Mole, fed up with cleaning, emerges from his hole to discover the magical world of the river. Alongside his new friends Ratty, Badger and Toad, he embarks on marvellous adventures. 6+ 2pm, 7pm / £18/£14 25 Jun Incredible Insects Oxford University Museum of Natural History Parks Road, OX1 3PW oum.ox.ac.uk Insects are on the loose! Join members of the museum in Cornmarket Street, as part of the Oxfordshire Science Festival.

Suitable for all. See website for details. Drop-in.

25 Jun Wild!

Pegasus Magdalen Road, OX4 1DY pegasustheatre.org.uk A fantastic new play with one actor

Oxfordshire Magazine 15

ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL

Excellence in Independent Education

Excellence In Independent Education

“Exceptional

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

”

abingdon.org.uk/prep

Limited places available for September •Co-educational Nursery & Junior School (3-11) •All girls Senior School (11-18) •Excellent in all categories ISI Report 2014 Contact our Registrar Mrs Alison Young on 01491 651 218 or admissions@cranfordhouse.net Cranford House School, Moulsford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9HT

www.cranfordhouse.net

Junior School Open House Wednesday 8 June 2016 9:30am to 11:00am Looking for a place for September 2016? Some places still available.

Register Now! 01865 318500 admissions@oxf.gdst.net www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net

16

miss: July 2016 launch Call 01993 815Don't 966 to advertise with us of the new Families website! Set to be the No 1 resource for local families...