Families Oxfordshire November-December 2014

November/December 2014 Oxfordshire Magazine www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

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November/December 2014 - www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire - useful information for parents of 0 - 12's in Oxon. Find us online at familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

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Christmas gift guide

Baby on a budget

How to encourage good

behaviour

What's on in November &

December

November/December 2014 Oxfordshire Magazine www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk2

Please contact the Registrar, Fern Saxton 01865 762802, for further information.

Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY [email protected] | www.ryestantony.co.uk

Bursaries are available for girls entering Year 3 and above

The Rye bursary programme is designed for pupils entering Year 3 and above from a low income background.

The programme exists to help highly motivated pupils who may not be able to achieve their academic potential

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Independent Catholic boarding and day school for 400 girls aged 3-18 (and day boys aged 3-8)

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Editor: Ema Murphy01993 815966 - 07733 228 [email protected]

Next issue: January/February 2015Booking deadline: 1 December 2014Copy deadline: 7 December 2014 36,000 readers per issue. Printed by Warners. Designed by Rebecca Carr

Confident, happy & motivated learning

For more information please contact our Director of Admissions Mrs Jean Simmons on 01491 651 218 or [email protected].

www.cranfordhouse.net Telephone: 01491 651218An independent school, boys from 2 - 7, girls from 2-16

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JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN WEEK 3 – 7 NOVEMBER

Come and see our Junior School (Ages 5-11) at work and play any day between 9am and 3pm. No booking necessary.“Limited availability for entry into Year 3 in 2015”

In this issue...

Oxfordshire Magazine

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Local news

Reflexology for babies

Baby on a budget

How to....encourage good behaviour

Christmas gift guide

Where’s Santa & local toy shops

What's on

Competition Winner

To win a family ticket for four to Dare to Sea on Friday 7 November is Julia Birchenough of Eynsham. The winning answer is Juggling!

Well done and watch out for more competitions and giveaways in forthcoming issues.

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OxfordshireWe are looking for distributors in Oxford.If you have a few hours to spare every two months during term time and would like to earn some extra money, please contact us for more details. You must have a polite manner and be able to carry and have your own transport.

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News & views

News & views

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Save 20% on stylish kids clothing

Mon Petit Oscar is an online business, run by local mum of two Emma Cooper of Abingdon. Specialising in children’s clothing from France, Italy and Spain, its wonderful new autumn range includes classic cashmere from Love in Kyo, trendy cotton clothing from Emile et Ida and party pieces from Wolf & Rita. Families’ readers can receive their 20% discount by using the code XMAS20. Take advantage of this at www.monpetitoscar.com

New soft play barn & cafe-bar now open

Children can enjoy up to two hours of fun in The Soft Play Barn, at the Hilltop Garden Centre, on the B4022 between Charlbury and Witney, in Ramsden. For just £2.50 per child for Season Card Members and free to join, Hilltop will donate 50p from every entry to the Greenfingers Charity. Why not visit for a scrumptious lunch including home-made pizza, cakes, snacks, and drinks hot, cold and shaken! Visit the website for details on a range of other family events this Christmas including children’s party packages!(Image: Harry Block aged 5 years old)

The box your kids will love

The fantastic new FlatBox-LunchBox will revolutionise your child’s packed lunch. Not only is this new lunch box fully machine washable, it has two layers of insulation to keep food cold for longer and unzips to become a placemat, keeping food free from dirty surfaces. Available in 9 different colours. From £19.25, www.theniceststuff.com

Get sewing

Make a change from fast fashion and create timeless clothes for girls and boys with gorgeous new book Sew Adorable. Choose from special occasion outfits, hardwearing winter coats and cosy pyjamas – there are over 20 different projects in the book helping you sew practical and long-lasting clothes, including hats, romper suits and bibs and even great ideas for dressing up clothes. £14.99, www.thegmcgroup.com

Check out mumswarehouse.com for a fabulous range of gifts this Christmas. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook and enter a free prize draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on the site, by visiting www.mumswarehouse.com

New online shopping bazaar just launched!

South Oxfordshire mum’s Jacqui Seymour and Sarah Ingram, are combining their expertise in business and parenting to launch a brilliant new website Mums Warehouse. With an emphasis on supporting mums who work for themselves, Mums Warehouse offers a place to showcase their products and provides small, often cottage industry businesses with a good online presence. Each seller is hand-picked by Jacqui and Sarah, whose mission it is to bring hundreds of high quality products from local craft fairs and markets, in to one online bazaar!


Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts.

Stagecoach offers the ideal balance of learning, 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 SchoolsOXFORD 01869 278600Maya Sprigg email: [email protected]

ABINGDON 01865 390970Julia Howson email: [email protected]

BANBURY 01908 969467Melissa Allen email: [email protected]

THAME 01865 763767Nicky Goodwin email: [email protected]

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Limitedplaces - book now!

News and Views

Abingdon Prep SchoolYear 3 assessment, Saturday 15 November

It’s not just ourhigh academic standards

abingdon.org.uk/prep

Charity spectacular ‘Looking for Elvis’

Families is proud to announce the 2015 Stagecoach Charity Spectacular when 380 children, all members of Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools in Oxford, is raising money for local charities on 8th March 2015 at The New Theatre in Oxford. Follow the story of an alien who bears an uncanny resemblance to Elvis, hunted by an evil megalomaniac in search of world domination. Not to be missed, the show will be filled with colour and music and suitable for all the family. www.stagecoach.co.uk/oxford

In need of Xmas gift ideas?

Junior Keeper Experience - A unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at Cotswold Wildlife Park and discover what a Keeper does during

their day and feed a range of animals. £120 per child (7-16 years). Advanced booking required online. One boy said it was: “The best day of my life, so far!” George Turner, aged 10.

Or why not adopt a Meerkat or another animal, as there are 260 different species to choose from! Adopting helps contribute towards the cost of keeping and feeding and supports the Park’s conservation and breeding programmes and costs: £50.00.

Get all your baking things from Oxford’s best cake shop!

The Cake Shop located in Oxford’s Covered Market and the market town of Banbury, offers a fantastic selection of great tasting Christmas cakes now available in store or online.The Cake Shop stocks all the decorating equipment and materials you will need to make your own cakes, including icing, marzipan, boards, ribbon, tools as well as their own handmade decorations. Why not pay a visit to either shops, for other Christmas goodies such as

stollen, marzipan fruits, gluten free hampers, gingerbread houses and trains, confectionary and lots more treats! For more cake ideas and information visit www.the-cake-shop.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

New runaround rascals in Bicester

Let your children have fun at a new soft play session for 0-5 year olds, which opens on Monday 1st December at St Edburgs Church Hall, Bicester 9.30-11.30am. Launch day is FREE and offers a great opportunity for little ones try the bouncy castle, ball pool, soft play shapes and more! Call Jen on 07922392243, or email [email protected]


Get into film

Explore the power of film with Into Film Festival 2014. Taking place 4-21 November, this three-week festival is packed with free screenings and workshops for ages 5-19, with highlights including

exclusive premieres and previews of new feature films, workshops and special events.

Book now at www.intofilm.org/festival

Positive birth movement grows

Now for some good news: the positive birth is gaining huge popularity! Set up less than 2 years ago by mum Milli Hill, the movement has rapidly grown and boasts over 150 groups in the UK, with hundreds more worldwide. Free to attend, the groups are a place for all pregnant women, to share experiences, thoughts and feelings about childbirth.

Go to www.positivebirthmovement.org to find a group near you.

Adoption overhaul

Across the UK over 6,000 children are waiting to find an adoptive family, but for 1 in 4 it is likely to remain only a dream. And for every year a child waits their chances of being adopted reduce by 20%. This year’s National Adoption Week, taking place 2-9 November, hopes to change that so that every child waiting in care finds somewhere they can feel safe and loved. Since its launch in 1997 National Adoption Week has gone from strength to strength, reaching people across the UK who want to know more about adoption. The National Adoption Week website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents. National Adoption Week is particularly relevant this year as new rules have just been introduced to speed up the adoption system and ensure more children get a stable loving home without delay. Building on the successes of 2013, which saw a record 15% increase in adoptions, the changes announced for 2014 will give adopters a much more active role in finding children they might be suitable to adopt. ‘We’ve seen promising progress in the last 12 months – a significant rise in adoptions and a huge increase in the number of adopters,’ said Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who has 2 adopted brothers. Research published by the Department for Education shows that over 4 million people in the UK are likely to consider adopting at some point in the future, yet up and down the country there are still thousands of children waiting for new homes.

Find out more about adoption atwww.first4adoption.org.uk www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk

News & viewsNews & views

A secret getaway without the travelling

Hidden in Oxfordshire’s peaceful countryside sits the Manor at Weston-

on-the-Green; a luxury hotel offering fine dining experiences and a host of other events providing the perfect place for entertainment and relaxation this Christmas. If hubby, (or wifey!) wants to treat you to something special, but you just can’t think what to suggest, why not plan a weekend getaway or some fine dining, cooked by Executive Head Chef Larry Jayasekara, a finalist in this year’s National Chef of the Year competition. There are even cookery courses for enthusiasts. Party nights are also held at the Manor starting in November. So whether it’s a relaxing break you’re looking for or somewhere to spend an occasion, this is the place to visit. Children are of course welcome, with spacious gardens to browse and an outdoor pool in the summer for the family to enjoy. www.themanorweston.com

Stamp out bullying

National Anti-Bullying Week takes place 17-21 November, with this year’s theme of Let’s Stop Bullying Together. The Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops and short films on how to survive bullying. Why not take part in their Anti-Bullying Competition, for a chance to win £300? Visit www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

Open day success at Ferndale House Preparatory School

Ferndale House Preparatory School in Faringdon; a fully independent school for boys and girls from 2½ to 11 had a successful open day recently. It is a non-selective school providing high standards of academic achievement through small class sizes, specialist subject teaching and a wide-ranging curriculum enrichment programme. Ferndale House is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel secure, confident and inspired to develop their individual talents. If you'd still like the chance to visit, please email [email protected] or call 01367 240618 to arrange a suitable time.


Radley Road · Abingdon-on-Thames · Oxfordshire · OX14 3PS

OLA is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18. We offer small class sizes, outstanding pastoral care and a wide range of academic and extra-curricular activities, ensuring our pupils are confident, engaged and excited about their next steps in life.

For further information, call 01235 523147 (Junior School) or 01235 524658 (Senior School), or visit www.olab.org.uk

Whole school open morning: Wednesday 19 November

Year 2 taster mornings: Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 November

Families Oxfordshire half page Nov 14.indd 1 10/9/2014 2:32:32 PM

All babies cry, and some cry a lot; and this can be distressing and on occasions frustrating for all concerned. Sometimes it is easy to work out why babies are crying, for example hunger, dirty nappy, wind or if they are tired, however sometimes there appears to be no apparent reason and nothing seems to soothe them. But an unpublished study from Denmark suggests that some simple reflexology moves on the feet of your baby may help reduce those screaming fits.

Reflexology for babies uses massage strokes over areas of the feet and only requires gentle pressure; lie the baby down, face up, make this a fun time with lots of smiles, or you could even sing nursery rhymes to you baby as you work on their feet.

Try and do these moves for 5 minutes every day when your baby is calm. Work on one foot at a time, use one hand to hold each foot, one at a time and the other one to make the following actions:

1. On the bottom of each foot use your thumb to make circular movements,

working in a clockwise direction in the middle of foot – this mimics the direction the digestive system works in the body.

2. Repeat the same move over the heel area.

3. Use your thumb to gently push up from the base of each toe, up to the very tops of the toe.

4. Place your thumb in the centre of the foot and gently press in and hold for about 10 seconds.

These moves can also be carried out in the same manner on the hands.

During a screaming fit, try picking your baby up and placing on your shoulder, use one hand to support the baby and

the other hand to perform the reflexology moves described on both hands and feet.Having a newborn baby also can take its toll on you as a parent, so why not try some reflexology yourself; it is particularly beneficial in giving you ‘me time’ after the birth of your baby and can offer many benefits to you, aiming to optimise your health, aid relaxation, de-stress and improves the quality of sleep in post-natal women.

The Association of Reflexologists has an excellent website full of useful information, including a ‘find a reflexologist’ service, where you can put in your postcode and find a well-trained and insured reflexologist local to you. There are also interactive foot and hand maps and videos of real client’s experiences should you wish to find out more at www.aor.org.uk or to find a reflexologist near you. Oxford therapists:www.room4healing.co.ukwww.holistictherapistoxford.co.ukwww.wellbeingtreatments.co.ukwww.oxford-reflexology.co.uk

Reflexology to sooth crying babiesby Sally Earlam FMAR. BSc. RN. PGCE. Association of Reflexologists – Maternity Specialist.

Family Health


Baby on a budgetHaving a baby is a costly business, and it’s not unusual for parents to spend thousands of pounds on kit before their baby even arrives. But the truth is, babies need very little stuff and what they do need you can almost always borrow from friends or buy second-hand.

Golden rules for buying on a budget

• you’ll need to invest in some necessities before your baby arrives, but you don’t need everything yet. Tell the world you’re pregnant you’ll be amazed at what hand-me-downs come your way

• prepare a gift list, or exchange unwanted gifts for something useful

• hit eBay with a vengeance. Baby clothes and equipment often come in bundles, which are far cheaper than bidding for individual items

• only buy new if there is a safety issue involved. You can buy almost everything second-hand and as most baby gear is used for such a short period of time, things will be in surprisingly good nick. Look out for NCT sales, and if you live in a baby-centric area your local charity shop will be packed with prams, cots and highchairs

• if your friends have children why not organise your own swapping event?

• join recycling forum Freecycle or other swapping-buying-selling websites such as Nappy Valley or Gumtree

• if you must buy new, go budget. Budget brands have to pass the same safety tests as the expensive ones and are often made by the same companies. Many supermarkets sell stylish baby clothes at a great price, and Ikea have brilliant nursery furniture. If you can't live without the expensive brands, go straight to the sale rail

• buy in bulk whenever you see a good offer (especially nappies!)

• Sleeping.Go for a cot-bed from the

start and make it cosier by rolling up blankets to block off one end, or decorate a basic cot with stencils to make it look like a designer one. While cots can be bought second-hand, current guidelines on preventing SIDS suggest that babies should sleep on new clean mattresses. Baby sleeping bags are great but pricey so buy them second-hand or from the supermarket. Many mums think baby monitors are unnecessary but if you do want one the £20 basic model is just as good as the all-singing, all-dancing variety

• Out-and-about. Easily the most expensive piece of kit is a buggy, so look for decent models on a recycling site. Or go for a cheap one that folds up and is light-weight. Maclaren buggies still allow a newborn to lie flat

• Carrying. Invest in a second-hand sling for as little as £10, or borrow one – an unbelievable number of mums buy slings brand new and never use them. www.slingmeet.co.uk organisesmeet-ups across the UK for mums to test-drive different slings

• Driving. Car seats CAN be bought second-hand but make sure you are confident that the seat has not been in an accident. Go for a convertible model that lasts from birth to 4 years

Feeding and changing

Apart from a pram, cot and car seat, babies need very little - nappies, a few babygros (in neutral colours), a blanket, cardigan and hat. Don’t buy any other baby clothes – you’ll receive enough gifts when they’re born.

Save money by breastfeeding - bottle-feeding costs over £500 a year and that’s just the formula! If you do bottle-feed, save money by not investing in a steriliser and using boiling-water instead. You don’t need a bottle warmer either – use hot water or even better, get your baby used to room-temperature feeds. You don’t need a highchair yet, and hopefully someone will lend you one by the time you do.

Whichever side you're on in the debate about green washable nappies, there's no doubt they work out cheaper - as long as you don't wash them at 90 degrees or tumble-dry. It can cost up to £1000 to keep a baby in disposable nappies until they are potty-trained, whereas using reusable nappies costs only a few hundred pounds for baby number one and even less when siblings come along. If you choose to use disposables buy the supermarket value ones, or stock up on premium brands when they’re on offer. If you go eco, buy in bulk from websites such as naturebotts.co.uk.

Parenting

By Joanna Parry

Families’ top tips to save cash

• while some parents are happy to delve deep to pay for private antenatal classes, there’s no link between the amount you spend and the ease of your baby’s birth. Take up the offer of free NHS classes and you can join the NCT coffee mornings once your baby arrives

• instead of a live-in nanny, recruit Granny if you can. Set up a babysitting circle so you never have to fork out on a sitter

• your local library offers more than just books. Many have toy libraries, free music classes for babies, and play areas as well as book corners

• avoid yummy-mummy clubs and expensive music classes and search out free drop-in baby

groups, which often include music sessions. Many sports centres have classes for tiny ones, too. And rediscover your local park – it can be just as fun and costs nothing

• indoor play centres can be expensive but some café’s and shops have soft-play areas for the price of a mere latte!

• never, ever waste your money on such things as wipes warmers, nappy disposal bins, baby swings, walkers, door bouncers, Bumbos, baby-weighing scales, bottle warmers, pram parasols or shopping trolley covers

Useful websiteswww.baby.shop.ebay.co.uk

www.freecycle.orgwww.nct.org.uk/branches/events/

nearly-new-saleswww.maternityexchange.co.uk


Parenting

Picture the scene. You’re at the supermarket and you’ve refused your child something that they want, causing them to freak out and scream loudly. You react by shouting back at them. Before long the situation is out of hand, with both of you at full-volume and people staring.

All kids will have a tantrum at some point, some simple steps can help to avoid this behaviour or at least lessen it. Trying a bit of distraction when the anger starts to build up - telling a joke, pulling a silly face - can be really effective.

If it's too late for humour, then take a deep breath and a mental step back. Is their behaviour really unreasonable? Can you just ignore it and carry on with your shopping? Maybe you have a spare few minutes to put the trolley aside and take them out of the situation? It could be either out of that aisle or maybe even out of the supermarket, where you can both calm down.

Positive parenting

This approach may seem like pie-in-the-sky when faced with a screaming three year old, but it’s never too early to try what the NSPCC calls ‘positive parenting’. If you show love and affection to your child and praise them when they are behaving well, they will associate getting attention with good behaviour.

Active ignoring is encouraged, while physical punishments like smacking should be off limits: “Smacking or biting back gives a very confusing message – that it is OK to use force or to hit physically when you are angry or to make a point.”

So when you feel like you’re at the end of your tether, try to stay calm. After all, a toddler having a tantrum in the supermarket is one thing, but a screaming adult in the frozen food aisle? Not a good look…

Here are some hints from leading Clinical Psychologist, Professor Tanya Byron, on how to smooth out behavioural problems, and get the best from your child.

Be positive

"One of the biggest mistakes we make as parents is to leave our children alone and say nothing to them when they're

behaving nicely.

“Ignore the behaviour you don't want. Instead, emphasise the positive with cuddles, kisses, and praise, and tell them all the things they need to hear in order for them to understand they will get attention for doing things nicely."

Distraction

"As soon as you feel the temper rising, distract them onto something else: a funny song, story, or 'did you see that green squirrel with orange stripes just fly past the window?'"

Ignoring

"Ignoring gives the message that the behaviour gets no reward and if you use this technique alongside praising every lovely behaviour, your children will get a very powerful message."

Time out

"First ask your child to stop misbehaving. If that doesn't work, ask again, but more firmly. This gives the child two chances to change his or her behaviour, and if they do, you praise them.

If they refuse to stop the behaviour, or if the tantrum escalates, you go for Time Out. Take your child firmly but with no attention to a safe place where you can leave them for a period of one minute for each year of their life (i.e. three minutes

for a three-year-old) up to a maximum of five minutes. You should not talk to your child through the door or give them any other form of attention during the Time Out period.

Once the Time Out period is over, explain to your child why they were Timed Out and then move on and praise them at the first opportunity.”

Tantrums

“Tantrums happen to all parents. They do not mean you are a bad parent. You can try to prevent them with praise and sticker charts. If that fails, you can try to distract the tantrums away. But once started, the best way to stop them is to ignore them. Remember: distract, ignore, but do not punish."

Rewards

"At home, a sticker chart is a great way of encouraging good behaviour. Each time your child is good, give them a sticker. Naughty behaviour gets a 'sad face'. Points mean prizes - enough stickers get them a treat."

Positive example

"It's straightforward but it works - your children will copy you. Swear and they will swear, smack and they will smack. Lead by example."

Professor Byron’s new book The Skeleton Cupboard, is out now, published by Pan Macmillan.

www.panmacmillan.com/book/tanyabyron/theskeletoncupboard. Helpful Websites:www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advicewww.youngminds.org.uk www.nhs.uk

By Hannah Hunter

How to....encourage good behaviour


Christmas Gift GuideIt can be a tricky time choosing gifts so here are a few ideas to get you started, for a range of ages. All these toys should be available from your local toy shops, unless otherwise stated. If not just ask them.

Fisher-Price laugh & learn vacuum

Push the vacuum along to hear over 30 songs and phrases, press three light-up shape buttons and toggle the on/off switch to activate more. Featuring Smart Stages™ technol-ogy, where you can select the stage that's best for your child. Suitable for 12 months upwards. RRP 24.99

First Sewing Kit Stegosaurus

Britain’s best loved craft brand Buttonbag has a brilliant selection of craft kits de-signed to bring out the creative side in everyone, boy or girl. Buttonbag is a Brit-ish craft brand with a loyal following of fans. All kits are priced between £10 and £20 and contain an assortment of beau-tiful and contemporary fabrics, wools

and trimmings. RRP £11.95 Ages 4 plus. www.buttonbag.co.uk

Can’t go wrong with Tractor Ted

For your Tractor Ted fans, the long-sleeved pyjama top has a happy Tractor Ted face while the long-legged trousers come with a Tractor Ted print, (pyjamas £18). Tractor Ted DVDs (£8.99) and books (£4.99) cover big machines, looking after animals, the seasons and where our food comes from etc. www.tractorted.co.uk

For aspiring astronauts

The devil is in the detail with the HAPE Discovery Spaceship. Complete with aliens and astronauts, this charming wooden spaceship and lift-off rocket provide fuel for imaginative explorations into any galaxy. Perfect pre-schooler present. RRP: £99.99. For 8 years plus.

The BabyZoo Sleeptrainer

To help children learn when it’s morning and an acceptable time to get up, Momo and Mumbo will open their eyes at a time set by mum and dad, but close them again if the snooze option is chosen. Both analogue and digital clock, jungle sounds are optional! RRP: £32.00 Age 3 years plus.

© Matalan


Roll with it!

This winter, check out the new Rollers, a new range of wheeled toys for children aged 2 and up. There are two Rollers in the range, the R1 and R2, both innovatively designed so that parents get two products for the price of one, as they convert from a seated wheeled toy to a scooter and help develop a child’s balance and core motor skills. The R1 is three-wheeled and converts from a sit-on trike to a tri-scooter, while the R2 is two-wheeled and transforms from a balance bike to an in-line scooter. The seat can be easily removed as a child’s confidence grows and they can learn to scoot solo. Sounds fab! Available at Argos from £34.99.

The Toy Animal Company

Animals have all the attributes you can ask for when it comes to nurturing our little ones, they provide the spring board for loving and learning from interaction to sounds to count-ing and role play. This family-run business has a great range of animal toys and the best full

time toy testers and advisors, their little boys. All topped off with a range of gorgeous, soft, touch and feel fabrics to choose from. £49.95 Ages 2 years plus. www.thetoyanimalcompany.com

BRIO Osby horse

Timeless toy brand BRIO celebrates their 130th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, they’ve released its classic pull along horse, the first ever toy it produced and an abiding addition to any toddlers’ stocking this festive season. RRP: £16.99. From 4 years upwards.

Bizzy Bitz

Tremendous developmental and educational benefits, no wonder it has won multiple awards. Create impressive model master-pieces with the easy-to-follow instructions or let your imagination run free and build your own amazing creations. The brightly coloured, versatile pieces give endless op-portunities to experiment and explore a world of creative possibilities. Guaranteed to keep your children busy!

Boxes suitable for children from 3-11 plus. From £5 to £50. www.bizzy-bitz.com

Galt sensational sequins

Anything that promotes children’s creativity should be top of your shopping list. These craft kits are de-signed to help young chil-dren with their hand-eye coordination and cognitive development. Create decorative pictures to hang on their bedroom wall. RRP from £5.99, available at www.galttoys.com-From 6 yrs.

Personalised Puzzle

Personalised presents are such a unique gift. They will also be a cherished memorabilia for generations to come. Also personalised bags, stationery, stickers and much more. Free ship code: JOY from www.Tinyme.co.uk. This offer ends 4th January 2015. £50.

Christmas 2014


Christmas 2014

Where's Santa this Christmas?

Nottcutts Garden Centre8 - 24 DecemberGood Girls and Boys can visit Santa’s Grotto this Christmas or even have breakfast or tea with him! A personal visit to Santa in his own winter wonderland, including a special gift for good boys and girls. One ticket per child (max 2 accompanying adults per child). Book early and online. www.notcutts.co.uk

Bicester Avenue Garden Centre9 November through all of December Visit an amazing grotto with special features like 3D festive film starring Rocket the Reindeer and enchanting stories that will transport your child into a magical wonderland! Call 01306 886 989 to book. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/bicester

Yarnton NurseriesSee Santa arrive by helicopter at 2pm on 22 November! Enjoy live music, a children’s entertainer and family fun. Or have supper with Santa on Wednesday 3 December. www.yarntonnurseries.co.uk

Oxford Bus Museum13 – 14 DecemberCost: Adults £4.50. Children (aged 3-15) £2.50. Family £10. Extra to visit Santa. Visit Father Christmas in his bus grotto and receive a Christmas present.www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

Millets FarmFrom 15 November11.30am. Cost: £9.99 child £4.49 adult. Enter Santa’s magical wonderland and let the fun begin for a 45 minute grotto experience! www.milletsfarmcentre.com

Didcot RailwayFrom 29 November. Just weekends.Have a fun day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and visit Santa in his grotto too. Includes a gift for children. £12 for adults and children under 16. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Hilltop Garden Centre29 Nov-23 DecSee Santa's Reindeer before they leave for their magical journey around the world! Visit Santa in his grotto. Every weekend from 6th Dec, plus 22, 23 & 24 Dec at 11am-3pm

Boswell's Ltd1-4 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 8RJ01865 241244www.boswells-online.co.uk

Hoyles Traditional Games & Puzzles71 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BA01865 203244www.hoylesonline.com

The Nursery Shop22 Stern Street, Abingdon OX14 3JP01235 520476www.thenurseryshop.com

Bicester Toys & Thorntons66-68 Sheep Street, Bicester OX26 6JW01869 323946www.toymaster.co.uk

Giles Toys & cycles1 Alvescot Road, Carterton OX18 3JL01993 842396www.gilescycles.com

Toys-UK162-164 Broadway, Didcot OX11 8RJ01235 759450www.toys-uk.co.uk

Bagatelle Toys63 Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BA01491 576559www.bagetelletoys.com

Wiggler70 High Street, Banbury OX16 5JG01295 271329 www.wiggler.co.uk

Pettits of Wallingford46-50 St. Mary’s Street, OX10 0EY01491 835253www.pettitsofwallingford.co.uk Dentons Toy & cycles1 High Street, Witney OX28 6HW01993 704979www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk

Teddy Bears99 High Street, Witney OX28 6HY01993 706616www.teddybears.co.uk

Wallys Toy Shop96-97 High Street, Thames OX9 3EH01844 261947www.wallystoys.co.uk

We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate. However we cannot be held responsible for any unintentional errors.

Independent Toy & Bike Shops


5 December 2014 to 4 January 2015Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RETICKETS FROM £5 - £18Booking 01865 812 150www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

U18

tickets

£6!

forages

7+

by Mike Kenny

A frozen Christmas adventure

Christmas Theatre & Panto’s

Megson Family Folk Show9 NovemberCornerstone, DidcotOrganic, Interactive & Fun Folk Concerts for Big & Little Music Connoisseurs by folk duo Megson, who blend their infectious mix of vocals and lush harmonies into a gentle, interactive concert for pre-school children. £8, £6. Ages 0+. 2:00pmwww.cornerstone-arts.org.uk

The Magic Porridge Pot16 NovemberCornerstone, DidcotA trio of traditional and tasty tales to tantalize and tease. First, the magic pot which won’t stop producing porridge.Then the tale about the scrummiest stone in the world. And finally a walking, talking Gingerbread Man, just asking to be munched! Served up with pop-up sets, original music and beautiful puppets. Age 3+. £8, £6. 2:00pmwww.cornerstone-arts.org.uk

Princess and the Pea21 NovemberPegasus TheatreMike Kenny’s enchanting new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s much loved children’s tale The Princess and the Pea, is a fantastical new adaptation, Mike Kenny and the inventive tutti frutti team create a funny, original, beautiful retelling of the much loved and familiar tale. Ages 7+ and adults. www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

I’ve Seen Santa23 NovemberKenton Theatre, Henley-on-ThamesIt’s Christmas Eve and Little Bear can’t wait to see Santa! Suddenly he hears glug glug glug, there’s someone downstairs. Will he really get to see Santa? Ages 3-7+ lots of fun and Santa actually appears! Under 3’s free if sitting on adults lap. £9, family £30.www.kentontheatre.co.uk

Hansel and Gretel7 DecemberCornerstone, Didcot2:00pmThe perfect tale for little ones who will grow up to be fearless, it’s the delicious story of a tango dancing witch and her irresistible recipe for an edible house. Like a roaring fire on a wintry night, Red Earth’s playful production crackles with warmth, wit and wonder. www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus15 Dec-24 Dec Cornerstone, DidcotBased on the book by L Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, this exciting story follows the early life of Santa Claus from being adopted by the wood-nymphs, to making and delivering the very first toys. How did he find his original reindeer Glossie and Flossie and more. Ages 3-7. £12, £9, £35.

Peter Pan Pantomime19-28 DecKenton Theatre, Henley-on-ThamesJoin Peter on his thrilling adventure with Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Smee, Tiger Lily and more, charmed by the energy of the Lost Boys and thrilled by the antics of the Pirate Band. Adults £20, children £12, family £56. www.kentontheatre.co.uk

What's on in November & December

Beauty and the Beast 5 Dec-18 Jan 2015The Oxford PlayhouseBeauty and the Beast gets a magical makeover, in this wonderful retelling of the classic tale, bursting with songs, slapstick and plenty of panto mischief, when heroine, Beauty, takes a wrong turn in the forest she is trapped by a dastardly beast: can she discover the heart of a monster? With daring stunts, fairies, monsters, witches and true love, there’s something for everyone in this brilliant festive fun. Everyone aged 5 to 105 will all fall in love with this beautiful Pantomime. It’d be beastly to miss it! www.oxfordplayhouse.com

The Snow Queen5 Dec-4 Jan 2015Pegasus TheatreHave a blizzard of fun this Christmas. Brave Gerda must go to the ends of the earth to save Kai from an icy fate in The Snow Queen’s palace in this classic Hans Andersen story.A fast-moving, inventive show with comedy, excitement and fun. Ages 7+ and adults. www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

What's on©

Mon

soon


Visit our websitewww.mumswarehouse.com

To enter our free prize draw(full competition rules and conditions are on the website)

A new and exciting marketplace, filled with fabulous gifts chosen by mums!

Friday 5 December 2014 to Sunday 18 January 2015

Beauty and the BeastAn Oxford Playhouse Pantomime Written and directed by Peter Duncan

When Beauty is taken prisoner by a dastardly Beast, she discovers there’s more to this monster than meets the eye... but will she get to the heart of his secret in time to save the day?

Book now for this beautiful, magical makeover of a classic tale - it’d be truly beastly to miss it!

Tickets: From £14.50

01865 305305www.oxfordplayhouse.com

The Wind in the Willows 5 Dec-10 Jan 2015By Creation Theatre at The North Wall Arts CentreToad hasn’t been seen since the most recent of his escapades backfired, Badger doesn’t react well to visitors in the winter and Ratty and Mole have tucked themselves away eating sardines and telling tales of sunnier days. How will we drive the wild-wooders back where they belong? Check online for times.From £13.50-£30.00

The Ballard of Rudy10-31 DecemberMill Arts Centre, BanburyThe Ballad of Rudy is a groovy original show for kids aged 3+ and family. Funny, warm and with a big heart this show features live jazz, original songs and lots of imagination. Sing the blues with a Polar Bear, jam with the Puffins and beat-‐box with an Arctic Fox. www.themillartscentre.co.uk

Festive Fairs & Markets

Festive Fair12 NovemberMill Arts Centre, Banbury4pm-9pm. The Mill Arts Centre Banbury Festive Fair, brochure and Banbury's Got Talent launch. Seasonal cheer, a craft fair in the theatre and creative activities for little ones. Free Entry. www.themillartscentre.co.uk

Didcot Christmas Street Fair 15-16 NovCivic Hall, Didcot10.30 -4pm. Craft Fair and Bake Off by Lou Hatter and Christine Wallace, contestants in the last series is with great judges and prizes. Looking for new entrants. Call 0777 1967633 www.didcotchristmasbakeoff.co.uk to apply

Craft and Gift Fair16 November Memorial Hall, Shrivenham, Faringdon11am. A wide variety of craft and gift stalls offering woodcraft, quilting, toys, handbags and more. Refreshments plus donations made to The Meningitis Trust. Email [email protected].

Christmas Food & Gift Market15/16 Nov & 13/14 DecWaterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley10.30am-4pm. See artists and craftspeople with gorgeous gift ideas and festive food and drink, or buy a Waterperry-grown Christmas tree and hand-made decorations. Garden entrance applies.

SPCC Christmas Gift Fair18 NovemberPhyllis Court Club, Henley on Thames10am. See a huge selection of stalls or visit the website for more details of all the stallholders. £5 donation to NSPCC, in the elegant riverside ballroom and Finlay Suite. www.henleynspcc.moberlys.mobi/wp/christmas-fair/

Sobell Christmas Gift Fair22 November Radley College, Nr Abingdon, OX14 2HR10am-5pm. Visit over 60 stalls selling food, gifts, jewellery, home wares, accessories and much more in the refectory at Radley College. Admission prices apply. www.sobellhospicecharity.org.uk

Living Crafts for Christmas20-23 NovBlenheim PalaceA unique shopping experience, now in its twelfth year, is the highlight of the festive season at the Palace, where 150 designer-makers will be selling Christmas gifts and products. www.blenheimpalace.com

A Night of a Thousand Candles29 NovemberWoodstock, centre6pm-7pm. Turn on of the town’s Christmas illuminations with music, candles, mulled wine and chestnuts and join in with local school children sing carols.

Christmas Extravaganza29 NovemberAbingdon10am. One of Abingdon's major fundraising events of the year to enjoy a great family day out, a chance to do some local Christmas shopping with fireworks to round it all off! Face painting, Punch & Judy, a farmyard, various food stalls, a craft fair, music and much more FREE family entertainment!

Benson Christmas Street Fayre3 DecemberBenson5pm. Visit Benson High Street where shops and gift stalls will be open, with singing from local choirs and music from Roke and Benson Band. Hot food and drinks plus a Santa’s visit from 5.15pm-6pm. Join in the festive spirit of Benson. Contact 07799 381535.

Santa Convention5 DecemberThame Centre4pm. See Xmas switch-on with a difference at the Santa Convention at the High Street for an evening of festive fun. Meet three of Santa’s reindeer or hitch a ride on the miniature stream railway. Live talent on stage, craft, gift and food stalls. www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk

Please always check with the venue before attending any events listed in case details

have changed since we went to press.

14

What's on


swimming classes for

bumps, babies and beyond

across Oxfordshire

Find a class near you...facebook.com/[email protected] 663814 www.swimkidz.co.uk

Free Happy Nappy when you book a course

07545 122 869www.mysoundmyself.com

My Sound My Self Offers engaging Kodály musicianship classes for children in Oxford. Small groups. Music therapy sessions are

also available.

Christmas Bazaar6 DecemberHigh Street Methodist Church, Witney10 - 2pm. Stalls including craft, books, china & glass, toys, bric-a-brac, cakes galore, Santa, live entertainment, refreshments & children's activities. All proceeds to Charity. FREE.

Christmas Carols6,7,13 & 14 DecBlenheim PalaceBletchingdon Silver band will be playing winter carols at intervals in the afternoon on 6th/7th December. Local school choirs will also be singing in the Long Library or Great Hall.www.blenheimpalace.com

Oxford Christmas Market 11-21 Dec Broad St, OxfordEnjoy the Christmas market consisting of decorated stalls offering a wonderful selection of Christmas gifts and treats. Enjoy local choirs and bands performing throughout.

Other activities

Earth Trust7 NovemberExhibition & Auction at Fison BarnRaise funds for the Earth Trust and choose from 90 pieces of artwork by professional and amateur artists, including original pieces from Ken Howard RA and contemporary artist Kurt Jackson, Marcus Hodge, Valerie Petts, Ken Messer and Jane Hanson.

Nearly New Sale22 NovemberThe Regal Centre, Wallingford2.30-4pm . The Treehouse Nearly New sale for ages 4-12’s of clothes, toys, equipment and good quality adult's clothing too. Contact [email protected] to register as a seller and receive 75% of the item's selling price.

Faringdon & District NCT Sale 28 November Faringdon Corn ExchangeGood quality baby and children’s toys and equipment for sale from 8:15pm-9:00pm (8:00pm entry for NCT members and heavily pregnant ladies). £1. Volunteers welcome and get first pick of the bargains. Visit:www.nct.org.uk/faringdon

Pitt Rivers MuseumUntil 8 Feb 2015A Well-Documented Life: James Arthur Harley (1873–1943). Antiguan-born Harley was one of the first to take the University of Oxford’s Diploma in Anthropology in 1908. See his personal archive that illustrates his life and work as a student, a curate, and a politician. Access through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW. FREE.www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Reindeer Trail15 Nov-30 DecWaterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley10am-4pm. Help Rudolph find his eight friends who are lost all in the gardens and find your Christmas treat. £2 per child. Garden entrance fee applies.

Oxfordshire Christmas Art Weekend22-23 Nov11am-6pm. More than 100 venues will re-open their doors and invite you in for some inspired Christmas shopping! Visit the website to download the Christmas venues list. www.artweeks.org

Christmas Fun6-13 DecemberRiver & Rowing Museum, Henley on ThamesCreative Christmas crafts: tree-top angels, shiny stars, fir-cone figures and running reindeer! Book early to join in the festive fun for 4 - 11 years olds. £8.50. Or help decorate Toad Hall and celebrate the festive season with presents, songs on 13 Nov. £3 per child (for present) plus normal Museum admission.www.rrm.co.uk

Festive Fun Run for a Great Claus!14 DecemberFor Helen & Douglas House Take part in Oxford’s popular 2 mile ‘Santas on the Run’ to raise money the children’s and young adults’ hospice. Suitable for all ages. Adults entry £17, children 5-12 years £12 and you get a FREE Santa suit. Under 5’s free. Enter at www.helenanddouglas.org.uk. Email [email protected] or call 01865 799150.

Fireworks

Music & Fireworks7 NovemberFernham Farm, Faringdon6pm. Fabulous Fireworks and children's display (low noise fireworks) at 18:30. Refreshments and FREE parking. Funny hat competition with the winner starting the firework display. Tickets from Fernham Farm (opposite Uffington turn at edge of Fernham village).

Cokethorpe Fireworks Extravaganza7 NovemberCokethorpe School, Witney7pm. A great family night out with spectacular fireworks, food, drinks and a small fairground. £5 per person or £15 for groups of five. Purchase from Junior and Senior School Offices in advance or on the gate for an evening of fun for all the family! Call 01993 892338

South Park Fireworks8 November4pm-9pm. Large annual fireworks and bonfire display by Oxford Round Table. Visit www.oxfordfireworks.co.uk.

Thame Fireworks8 NovemberLord William’s Lower School, Thame5.30pm. Discounted tickets in advance from Thame primary schools and Thame town hall or on the gate. www.thameschoolsfireworks.co.uk/ for prices.

Fireworks to Music8 NovemberPine Lodge, Little Milton, Thame6.30pm. Enjoy fireworks to music Refreshments include hot food and bar from 6pm. Tickets from Little Milton post office or on the door. Adult £5, child/OAP £3, family £15.

Fireworks Display8 NovemberLeafield Playing Field, Leafield6.30pm. Fireworks plus a bbq, live music and pre-school popcorn. Proceeds going to MIND in memory of Zak Harper. £4 adults, £1 children. Contact Jo Williams on 01993 878062.

15


“Outstanding”in every category ISI Inspection Report 2014

For more details please contact: Mrs Karen Copson 01235 858462 [email protected] Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6LN

www.manorprep.org

Please note, children should be supervised at all times. All information correct at time of going to print. *We are unable to take bookings for Santa’s Grotto. Whilst the Grotto is FREE, donations to our chosen charities are gratefully received. **Prices start from £2.50 per child for Seasons Card

Members. Join Seasons Card for FREE in-store.

On the B4022, between Charlbury & Witney Witney Road, Ramsden, Oxon, OX7 3AS Tel: 01993 868403 www.hilltopgc.co.ukOpen 9 - 5.30 Mon - Sat, 10.30 - 4.30 Sun

WHAT’S ON AT HILLTOP GARDEN CENTRE

Our Christmas Department is now openWe have a wonderful selection of Christmas decorations, real and artificial trees, gift ideas and more! Your perfect Christmas starts here…

Santa’s ReindeerSaturday 29th November – Tuesday 23rd DecemberCome and see Santa’s Reindeer before they leave for their magical journey around the world! FREE

Santa’s Grotto*

Every weekend from 6th December, 11am-3pm, PLUS 22nd, 23rd, 11am-3pm & 24th December, 11am-1pmBring along your wish list and see Santa in his grotto. Each child will receive a sticker set. FREE

The Soft Play Barn & Café-BarPrices from £2.50 per child** for 2 hours play.

Christmas Menu available

from December! For more

information, please visit our

website

SANTA SPECIALSS E E S A N TA O N

A S T E A M T R A I N !

Advance

booking only!

Enjoy the magic of a one hour steam train ride as Santa visits you at your seat with a gift for every child.

SANTA SPECIALS 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-24 DECEMBER

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK CLICKETY CLICK TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

Call 01993 815 966 to advertise with us

Documents

Families Oxfordshire November-December 2014