Dear Reader,
Tis the season to be merry, or so they say! For busy parents already juggling work, school, and a household, the thought of probably the biggest event of the year on the children’s calendar only weeks away can be overwhelming, especially when trying to squeeze in school plays, Christmas fairs, carol services, Christmas social events and Christmas shopping. To help with some of the planning this Christmas we have plenty of events listed in this issue and some great gift ideas too. Remember to take time for yourself this Christmas we deserve a break at Christmas too!
Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire William Butler Yeats Wise words!
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OXFORD PLAYHOUSE IS GEARING UP FOR A MAGICAL JOURNEY TO LONDON TOWN IN THIS YEAR’S PANTO ADVENTURE OF DICK WHITTINGTON!
Proper crafty Liam Rattagher and his dodgy brother Noel are conjuring up a masterplan to take over the world by making everything bland! Can our hero Dick Whittington put a stop to the baddies’ schemes and make Britannia cool again? Find out in this year’s show, full of laughter, mischief, and plenty of panto sparkle. Brought to you by the brilliant team who created Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk.
We’re giving you the chance to win a family ticket (4 people) for any off-peak performance of the Oxford Playhouse pantomime Dick Whittington. It’s the purrrrfect festive treat!
To enter, please visit our Facebook page @familiesoxfordshiremag where you will find the terms and conditions. Please like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck!
Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk
Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
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An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime
News & Views
Winter Wilderness and letters to Santa with Avery Row
Make this Christmas truly magical with Avery Rows Christmas 2025 collection. From personalised stockings, advent calendars and present sacks to adorable baby Christmas sleepsuits, festive pyjamas, and table linens. Create treasured family traditions with beautiful heirloom pieces. Lovingly designed in two themes - Winter Wilderness and Letters to Santa alongside their beloved kitchen and table linens range. All made with organic cotton, organic dyes and recycled materials. Children's Christmas Flannel PyjamasWinter Ski, Green Trim £36.00. www.avery-row.com
NEW DIGITAL CENTRE TO TACKLE ONLINE CONSPIRACIES IN SCHOOLS
A new centre has been launched by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) to help schools tackle online misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories. Funded by the Pears Foundation, the initiative aims to give teachers and school leaders the tools to support children navigating today’s complex digital world.
The programme offers training, practical classroom resources, online learning modules, and public engagement campaigns to strengthen media literacy and critical thinking among students. Pip Sanderson, NIoT’s Director of Teacher Development, said the centre will help teachers guide children safely online.
NIoT Chief Executive Melanie Renowden emphasized that young people are increasingly exposed to false information and that schools play a key role in protecting them. The centre was shaped by feedback from teachers who say they urgently need support. Its goal is to build a generation of digitally savvy, critical thinkers.
Royal Mail Letter to Santa
All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Wednesday 10th December.
Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.
More info at www.royalmail.com/christmas/ letters-to-santa
MERRY LITTLE CHEESEBOARD
Not sure what to get loved ones for Christmas this year? Why not try sending a hamper, always so gratefully received this time of year. Top Hampers have themed Hampers with something for everyone, or you can choose from one of the traditional Christmas hampers: The Merry Little Cheeseboard is a festive treat made for cheese lovers and the Christmas Gardening Hamper has everything a garden enthusiast might want for Christmas.
Merry Little Cheeseboard £70.00 Christmas Gardening Hamper £165.00 www.tophampers.com
BareUK Laser Hair removal
Looking for a unique Christmas gift idea for a loved one or to yourself?
Plucking, shaving, threading and waxing takes up a lot of time, not to mention the pain factor. Imagine not having to continually worry about removing the hair from your legs, underarms, bikini line and other areas of the body – it’s a wonderful thought, isn’t it? With a handful of hair removal treatments at Bare UK, this thought can become a reality.
This is not your usual laser hair experience. The beauty of the service is you will only see one clinician throughout your laser journey.
BareUK was one of the first laser clinics in central Oxford, and Julie has been providing laser treatment consistently for 14 years.
With extensive experience, knowledge and cutting-edge laser technology she knows how to get the very best results on all areas of the body. If you are still not sure check out their reviews.
www.bareuk.co.uk
Anti-Bullying Week 2025 –A Power for Good
Anti-Bullying Week runs from 10 to 14 November this year, with the theme ‘Power for Good’.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance chose this theme following consultation with teachers and pupils who wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt caused by bullying.
The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate our uniqueness.
Following the success of the campaign in 2024, when eighty percent of schools marked the week, therefore reaching over 7.5 million children and young people, Anti-Bullying Week seeks to empower children to use their Power of Good to speak out, support others and build a world where kindness wins. More info: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Snap, Shoot and Print in Seconds
The Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 has 48MP Photos, HD Video and Instant Printing in One Creative Powerhouse. Photography meets creativity in a fun, user-friendly format designed specifically for kids aged 7+. Whether capturing adventures, decorating prints, or recording videos with friends, this deluxe camera makes self-expression instant, easy and exciting. Amazon £69.99
Premature babies to receive new injection against winter virus
Thousands of premature babies across the UK will receive a new longacting antibody injection called nirsevimab to protect them against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common winter illness that can cause serious lung infections and even be fatal.
While most infants typically gain protection through maternal vaccination late in pregnancy, babies born before 32 weeks remain particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Starting in late September, the NHS began offering a dose of the antibody drug nirsevimab to around 9,000 at-risk babies and young children nationwide.
NHS clinicians describe the rollout as providing a “protective bubble” for these infants as colder months approach.
RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation among young children, especially those born prematurely. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications and ease pressure on hospitals during the winter season.
EE Launches Safer Smartphone Plans for
Under 18s
EE has become the first major UK mobile network to introduce smartphone plans specifically designed for children and teenagers.
The new “Safer SIMs” plans include built-in content filters, scam protection, and controlled data gifting, helping parents stay confident about their child’s online safety.
Starting from just £7 per month, the plans come in three tiers—
Protected, Guided, and Trusted—offering age-appropriate data limits and speeds for different stages of a youngster’s digital life.
To support families, EE is offering 30-minute safety appointments at more than 400 stores in partnership with Internet Matters, helping parents learn how to guide their children online.
In addition, EE has launched “The P.H.O.N.E Chat”, an engaging resource designed to help parents have open, informed conversations with their children about responsible smartphone use.
According to EE, the aim is to make smartphone ownership safer, more manageable and stress-free for families navigating the digital world.
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The Importance of Imagination
Einstein held that imagination is more important than knowledge: “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” It’s hard to disagree. Imagination is the highest form of thought, and almost divine in its reach. With enough imagination, we could identify and solve all of our problems. With enough imagination, we would never have to work again—or, at least, not for money. With enough imagination, we could win over, or defeat, anyone we wanted to. But our imagination is so poor that we haven’t even imagined what it would be like to have that kind of imagination.
Most children begin to develop pretend play at around 15 months of age. What are children doing when they pretend play? And why are they so absorbed in works of imagination? When I was 7 years old, I would devour book after book and plead with my parents for those not already in the bookcase. By playing out scenarios and extending themselves beyond their limited experience, children seek to make sense of the world and find their place within it. This meaning-making is full of emotion—joy, excitement, awe—and finds an echo in every subsequent act of creation.
Think back to your favourite teacher at school: for me, a French teacher who wept silently as he read to the class from a novel by Marguerite Duras. The teachers whom we hold dear to our hearts, who changed the course of our lives, are not those who assiduously taught us the most facts, or fastidiously covered every bulleted point on the syllabus, but those who moved and inspired us, those who fired up our imagination and opened us up to ourselves and to the world. Despite its importance to the individual and society, our system of education leaves very little place for imagination. Our schools and universities and wider society are often forced to prioritise knowing over thinking, and equate thinking with reasoning, and reasoning with logic. This has done, and continues to do, untold harm. Instead of digging ourselves in deeper, we need to make more time and space for thinking, and we need to rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition such as imagination, inspiration, and emotion that can support, supplement, or supplant reason and return us to wholeness.
In recent years, I’ve been trying to recover the bright and vivid imagination that I left behind in primary school. For that, I’ve been doing just three things, all of them very simple to explain:
By Dr Neel Burton
• Being aware of the importance of imagination.
• Making time for sleep and idleness.
• Taking inspiration from the natural world.
How might that translate to you and your children? Don’t skimp on sleep. Don’t fill every hour of the day with scheduled activities. Make time for idleness, for daydreaming, and long walks in nature. Above all, don’t worry about ‘wasting time.’ While we are idling, in bed, in the bath, on the bus, our unconscious mind is busy assimilating and processing disparate pieces of information, and making all sorts of novel connections and projections. Time is a very strange thing, and not at all linear: sometimes, the best way of using it is to ‘waste’ it.
Here are 12 tips for nurturing imagination in your children:
1. Allow for unscheduled down-time, even for ‘boredom.’
2. Discourage passive TVs, tablets, and other electronics.
3. Encourage reading, make sure there are plenty of ageappropriate books around.
4. Encourage story-telling and writing.
5. Encourage pretend play, even if it gets messy!
6. Spend time in botanical gardens, zoos, art museums, science museums, natural history museums…
7. Spend a lot of time outdoors.
8. Travel to different places: forest, beach, mountains, abroad.
9. Encourage contact with different people and cultures.
10. Encourage thought-provoking questions, and ask some yourself.
11. Try not to impose pre-conceived notions, especially preconceived notions of what it means to be successful.
12. Allow your children to follow their enthusiasms, however eccentric, impractical, or disruptive they may seem. You never know where they may lead!
Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, out now, priced £12.99. To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com
What’s On
Things
to do, places to go and fun to be had
for kids of all ages in
Oxfordshire
Indoor Mini Golf
WHEN: Every Day
WHERE: The Light Cinema, Banbury
Transport yourself to 10 cult classic films whilst you navigate the exciting mini-golf course. Jaws, The Joker, Darth Vadar and a T-Rex are just a few of the villains you will have to face whilst you compete against your group. 6+ Prices from £6 banbury.thelight.co.uk
Boutique Bowling
WHEN: Every day
WHERE: The Light Cinema, Banbury
10 lanes of boutique bowling. It’s about time bowling had a makeover. The10 fully accessible and state-of-the-art lanes make for the perfect place to have a date night or even a family get together! banbury.thelight.co.uk
Illuminated Evenings
WHEN: Running until 16 Nov
WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Go along any Friday, Saturday or Sunday to stroll through the glowing gardens and see your favourite Fairytale Farm scenes lit up in a magical style. See the park come to life after dark. Cost includes supper, £14.99 & £15.99. www.fairytalefarm.co.uk
Christmas Craft & Gift Market
WHEN: 12 - 15 Nov, 10.00am – 4.00pm
WHERE: Millets Farm Centre, Abingdon
The perfect opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping! With over 30 artisan stallholders, you will find a range of beautiful items including jewellery, candles, homeware, artworks and more. www.milletsfarmcentre.com
FUN FAMILY DAYS
WHEN: Every Saturday, 10.00am-12.00pm, 12.30pm-2.30pm, or 3.00pm-5.00pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Curious kids can get hands-on in the amazing Exploration Zone, or spot wildlife outdoors with Explorer Backpacks. Go on a woodland Pumpkin Trail (8 Nov). Experiment at the pop-up Live Lab (from 8 Nov). See what’s on and book ahead. www.scienceoxford.com
Christmas at Blenheim
WHEN: 14 Nov 25 - 3 Jan 26
WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Go on an after-dark walk in the Illuminated Trail, have an adventure at The Palace of Oz, search for the perfect gift at the Christmas Market, do The Great Skate, and much more. www.blenheimpalace.com
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
WHEN: Sat 15 Nov
WHERE: The Story Museum
Join David and his magical, musical Jukebox as he takes you on a hilarious trip, where wolves roam the school corridors and teddy bears dance the night away. Tickets £10. Age 2+. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Nature Club: Owl Detectives
WHEN: Sat 15 Nov, 10.00am11.30am, 12.30pm-2.00pm, or 3.00pm-4.30pm WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
A day of pellets & prey! Investigate these amazing owls, dissect their pellets to see what they have been eating and make an owl mobile to take home. Woo-hoo! £15 fee includes child & adult. Age 5 – 9. www.scienceoxford.com
Panto 2025: Dick Whittington
WHEN: 21 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
This year’s panto promises to be a charming adventure full of laughter, mischief, magic and plenty of panto sparkle. The crafty Liam Rattagher and his brother Noel are creating an evil masterplan. Can hero Dick Whittington save the day? www.oxfordplayhouse.com
November & December Christmas Markets
WHEN: Sat 22 - Sun 23 Nov; Sat 6 – Sun 7 Dec
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Oxford
Get into the Christmas spirit at Waterperry’s Christmas Markets! Go along to the Art and Craft Stalls with gorgeous handmade gifts and tasty treats. There will also be Christmas shopping and festive events for the children. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Meet real reindeer
WHEN: 22-23 Nov
11.30am-2.30pm
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens
For one weekend only, you’ll have the opportunity to meet real live reindeer! Get up close and take photosof these beautiful creatures as knowledgeable handlers tell you all about them.
Adults £11.50 Under 16s FREE www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Hands-on History!
WHEN: 22 Nov; 13, 22 & 29 Dec 11.00am – 3.00pm
WHERE: Museum of Oxford
The Museum will help you to touch, feel and handle objects ranging from Saxon finds to Fisher Price phones! You’ll also get to learn about the stories behind the objects. www.museumofoxford.org
Christmas Market in the Barns
WHEN: 29 - 30 Nov, 10.00am - 4.00pm
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm
Get the sparkly season started at Cogges! Go and see the two barns and a farmyard full of artisan crafts, gifts and homewares for gifts with a difference. www.cogges.org.uk
Tales of the Tower
WHEN: 29 Nov - 23 Dec, 10.45am – 1.15pm WHERE: Oxford Castle and Museum
See 1,000 years of history with a brand new 40-minute guided tour. Focus on the oldest and darkest corners of this venue… with a seasonal twist!
Cost: £12; £11; £7. Age 5+. www.oxfordcastleandprison. co.uk
Oxford Botanic Garden, Christmas Fair 2025
WHEN: 6 & 7 Dec
WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
The stalls will include artisan gifts, handmade crafts, festive treats ad locally produce food items. Experience the live musical performances, garden trails and Christmas grotto, along with festive crafts. www.obga.ox.ac.uk
The Party & Craft Barn
WHEN: Open every weekend in December, plus Mon 22 & Tues 23 December, 10.00am-5.00pm WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm
Kids will be able to burn off energy and boogie away to festive tunes at a Christmas Disco and take part in a whole host of exciting Christmas Craft Activities in Cogges’ Party and Craft Barn. Normal admission price applies. www.cogges.org.uk
Supermarket Scrooge
WHEN: 10 – 24 Dec
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Forget shopping listsSupermarket Scrooge, is your festive must have! Puppets, songs, and heaps of Christmas sparkle at Pegasus Theatre. From Wild Boor ideas. Tickets £14/12/10 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk/ show-listing
Event cinema:
The Nutcracker
WHEN: 10 Dec 7:15pm, 14 Dec 2:00pm WHERE: The Light Banbury Discover the enchantment of ballet from the best seat in the house with this festive screening for the whole family. The Royal Ballet’s performance of this Christmas classic combines the thrill of the fairytale with spectacular dancing. www.banbury.thelight.co.uk/ eventcinema
Science Club: Light Up Festive Cards
WHEN: Sat 13 Dec, 10.00am –4.30pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Electrify your art and make festively bright glow up cards to light up the winter holidays. Learn about circuits and electricity to make and decorate an interactive light-up card to take home or give to BFFs, family or your favourite pets! www.scienceoxford.com
BUILD A SNOWMAN
WHEN: 20 - 22 Dec, 11:00–12:00pm; 1.00-2.00pm; 2:30–3:30pm
WHERE: Millets Farm Centre, Abingdon
Join Santa’s Elves for this extra-special, informal festive workshop to build a snowman plush cuddly toy. Then join in the interactive story and a jolly good sing song too!
www.milletsfarmcentre.com
A Present for Jack
WHEN: 20 - 30 Dec WHERE: The Woodshed at The Story Museum A live interactive show packed with festive sparkle, magical storytelling and songs. A seasonal treat that will have the whole family singing along and having Fee Fi Fo Fun! www.storymuseum.org.uk
Father Christmas and his Reindeer IN OXFORDSHIRE
Christmas at Cogges: Meet Santa
WHEN: 6 - 23 Dec, 10.00am – 5.00pm
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
Christmas Fairytale 2025
WHEN: 22 Nov - 24 Dec
WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Step into a magically Christmassy world of festive enchantment as Fairytale Farm is transformed into a glittering wonderland. See the twinkling lights, hear the heartwarming stories and meet Santa in his cosy Grotto.
This year’s Christmas Fairytale is inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Embrace the atmosphere as you stroll through the cobbled streets of Victorian London and watch the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge unfold. Discover new additions such as Tom’s Toy Shop – where every child receives a special Christmas gift.
Running weekends from 22 November to 7 December, then daily from 8 December right through to Christmas Eve. Book tickets early £9.99 -£21.99. www.fairytalefarm.co.uk
Children and their families will love visiting Santa in his workshop in the Manor House at Cogges Farm this December. Take a look around Santa’s magical world before meeting the man himself and receiving a gift. Afterwards, you can enjoy seasonal refreshments and festive cheer in the cosy Manor House kitchen.
Separate Meet Santa tickets need to be purchased for children alongside normal admission to Cogges Manor Farm. Season Ticket Holders only need to purchase a Meet Santa Ticket.
‘Meet Santa’ will be available every weekend in December 10am-5pm plus Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December. There is limited availability, so do make sure you book well in advance.
www.cogges.org.uk
Where’s Father Christmas?
WHEN: Wed 3 – Sun 28 Dec
WHERE: Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse Theatre
Introduce your little ones to the magic of theatre this Christmas! Join the elves as they wrap gifts as fast as they can. They have more presents than ever to deliver this year! They’re nearly ready for the big day, but where has Father Christmas got to? Will he be back in time to deliver the presents?
Find Santa’s Reindeer
WHEN: Sat 22 Nov - Wed 24 Dec
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens
Join Waterperry Gardens for a magical festive adventure, and help Santa find his missing reindeer. They have wandered off and are hiding throughout the beautiful gardens! Follow the enchanting trail, enjoy the sparkling decorations, and see if you can spot all of Santa’s special helpers before Christmas Eve. Remember to wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear, and bring your holiday spirit along for a fun family outing. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but no pre-booking is required—just go along and join the festive fun! Admission is £4.50 per child, and every little helper will receive a special prize at the end. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Join Santa in his wrapping room for stories, songs and activities. Maybe you’ll meet Father Christmas himself... if you can find him! From the team that created last year’s sell out show Hurry Up Father Christmas! comes this delightful, interactive, festive adventure. Tickets: Adults £16/£20; Child £12/£16. For children aged 3 to 6. www.oxfordplayhouse.com
I WANT FOR
Stockists
1. The Problem Solver Kit £142 www.lovevery.com
2. Cuddle + Kind Briar Bunny £76.95 www.skyrockets.co.uk
3. Superhero Dress Up Set £45.00 www.avery-row.com
4. Little Dutch Baking Set £32.00 www.fredaandbert.co.uk
5. Toniebox 2 £94.99 www.tonies.com
6. Vintage Green Trike £149 www.banwood.co.uk
7. Rattan original Luggy £59.00 www.olliella.com
8. Little Sister Dancer Mouse £25.00 www.fredaandbert.co.uk
9. Peter Rabbit £29.99 www.warmies.co.uk
10. Barbarossa Pirate Ship £65.00 www.mulberrybush.co.uk
Families Education
Making Maths Fun at Home - with Mathnasium’s Hybrid Learning
Maths doesn’t have to stop when your child leaves the classroom - in fact, some of the best maths moments can happen right at home. Whether it’s counting cupcakes, planning a family trip, or comparing football scores, every day offers a chance to explore numbers in fun and meaningful ways.
At Mathnasium North Oxford, we are launching a new campaign promoting Mathnasium@home - our live, online learning option - and our Hybrid Learning model, which gives families the flexibility to choose between learning in-centre or at home.
Some children thrive in the lively, social energy of our Summertown centre, while others love the comfort and focus of learning from their own kitchen table. Our hybrid model lets families choose - or switch - at any time, ensuring learning fits smoothly into your routine. The experience is the same, the results are the sameonly the location changes.
With the new congestion charge in Oxford coming into force on 29 October 2025, there is never been a better time to explore flexible learning. Whether your child joins us online from home or visits the centre, they will receive the same high-quality, personalised
instruction using the proven Mathnasium Method™ that builds understanding, confidence, and a lifelong love for maths.
Apart from Mathnasium@home, here are a few simple ways to engage your children with maths:
1. TURN EVERYDAY MOMENTS INTO MATHS CHALLENGES.
Ask your child to estimate how long it takes to walk the dog, then time it and compare results. Or let them calculate discounts during online shopping. Real-world applications help children see how maths fits naturally into life.
2. COOK UP SOME FRACTIONS.
Baking together is a great hands-on way to explore fractions, measurements, and ratios. Double or halve a recipe and ask your child to adjust the ingredients - a tasty way to build number confidence!
3. PLAY GAMES WITH PURPOSE.
From board games that involve counting money to online puzzles that sharpen problem-solving, a little friendly competition keeps maths skills active and fun.
At Mathnasium North Oxford, doing maths at home or in the centre has the same effect - understanding grows, confidence rises, and success follows. Because with Mathnasium, the classroom can be right at home.
Contact us for a FREE ASSESSMENT in-centre or @home: 01865 123456
Email: northoxford@mathnasium.co.uk
Mathnasium offers flexible learning with Mathnasium@ home. Students can attend live, face-to-face maths sessions online or in-centre, receiving the same expert instruction and personalised learning plans. Families can switch easily between formats for convenient, consistent progress.
Book a free assessment today to get started!
What’s On
Things to do this Winter - drama, music & sport something for everyone in
Oxfordshire
A Christmas Catastrophe
WHEN & WHERE: Mon 22 Dec, Sonning Common Village Hall, 9.30am – 11.30am
Mon 22 Dec, Badgemore Primary, Henley on Thames, 2.00pm –4.00pm
Tues 23 Dec, Woodcote Village Hall, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Tues 23 Dec, Madley Park Hall, Witney, 9.30am – 11.30am
Join a two hour festively themed creative adventure with 1000’s of LEGO bricks, Minifigures and LEGO components. Age 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
Art Classes
WHEN: Daily
WHERE: art-K, Oxford art-K’s Children’s Art Course helps them explore 2D and 3D mediums to cover a wide range of techniques. Participants will do clay tile projects, watercolours, inks and much more. www.art-k.co.uk
Gymnastics Classes
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Carterton Gymnastics Club CIC at Carterton, Oxfordshire Carterton prides itself on offering the opportunity to children of any ability to reach their full gymnastic potential. As your child progresses they can earn certificates and have a chance to compete in championships, competitions and events. www.cartertongym.co.uk
Gymnastics Classes
WHEN: Daily
WHERE: NOX Gymnastics Club, Witney
Classes offered for different ages and abilities. Classes include Parent and toddler Group, Stay and Play, Young Beginners, Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Additional Needs Club, Parkour/Freestyle, Tumbling and more.
www.noxgymnastics.com
The Legend of the Lost Dragon
WHEN & WHERE:
Mon 29 Dec, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Cholsey Pavilion Tues 30 Dec, 9.30am – 11.30am, The Heights Primary, Caversham
An ancient map hidden in a treasure chest shows the path to a lost dragon. Join a two hour LEGO filled adventure full of wonder and hope with 1000’s of LEGO bricks, Minifigures and LEGO components. Age 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
Music Lessons
WHEN: Mondays - Saturdays WHERE: Oxfordshire Music School in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Wantage and Witney
A variety of musical opportunities on offer including 1-to-1 guitar, bass and drum lessons, Kids’ Guitar Club, Teens’ Guitar Club, Band Buddies and Band Sessions. Adult classes offered too.
www.oxfordshiremusicschool. co.uk
Rugby Skills Camps
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Chinnor Rugby Club, Thame
Weekly classes include: Junior Rugby, U6-18 Wednesdays and Sundays; Touch Rugby, all welcome on Fridays, 7.00pm – 8.30pm; Walking Rugby, all welcome on Fridays 7.00pm –8.00pm; SEND Rugby, Sundays 10.00am – 11.00am. www.chinnor-rfc.com
Saturday Hoops Football
WHEN: Saturdays 9am to 10am, term time only
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
Suitable from beginner upwards, these sessions are fun, active and perfect for young footballers of all levels. For boys and girls aged 4 – 8 years. www.ignitesportuk.com
Tennis Lessons
WHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
WHERE: Oxfordshire Tennis in Goring Tennis Club, Cranford School
Sessions are designed to enable children to develop tennis skills at their own pace. The Monday After-School Tennis Club provides a fun session for children of years 1 – 6.
www.oxfordshiretennis.co.uk
Wildcat Girls Football with Ignite Sport
WHEN: Saturdays 9am to 10am, term time only
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
Suitable from beginner upwards, these sessions are fun, active and perfect as an introduction to football or for those wanting some extra training each week. For girls aged 5 - 11 years. Pre booking essential! www.ignitesportuk.com
MATHS TUITION
WHEN: Monday – Thursday, 3.30pm – 7.00pm & Saturdays 10.00am –2.00pm
WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, North Oxford By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 – 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. 01865 655968
