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November / December 2010 • Issue 40
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The useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenage
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news & views WRITING COMPETITION LAUNCHED AT UNICORN SCHOOL
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his issue is packed to the brim with useful articles, Christmas gift ideas and things to do this winter.
The health features have been written by real mums who speak from experience. As always, the folk at Mostly Books have come up with a great bunch of books, which could make great gifts. We also have a whole section on gifts from one of the finest toy shops in the world - Hamleys! See page 14 for a fantastic opportunity to win £250 worth of Hamley’s vouchers. We have two more competitions on the back page instead of the normal one. And finally, as always, for easy satnavigation, we’ve included postcodes for all the venues mentioned in the Out & About section. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. Felice - Editor
this issue 2 NEWS & VIEWS - need-to-know info 6 HEALTH - nutrition, eczema and yoga 9 RELAXATION - yoga 11 PHOTOGRAPHY - the art of 12 BOOKS - great christmas ideas 13 BABY - call for better postnatal care 14 CHRISTMAS - gift guide and more 17 OUT & ABOUT - what’s on in oxon COMPETITIONS - a christmas treat - there are no less than 3 competitions in this issue. 2 on the back page and one on page 14.
Families Readers’ Panel We contact members of the Panel from time to time to ask their opinion and/or recommendations on a range of subjects from parenting to products and services. The information is used anonymously in this magazine only. In return, members of the Panel are entered into a draw for a book token from Mostly Books in Abingdon. To join email: editor@familiesox.co.uk
Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo OBE, has launched a very special children’s writing competition at The Unicorn School in Abingdon in association with Walkers Books Ltd and RM plc. The Unicorn School, which specialises in helping children with specific learning difficulties, will in 2011 be celebrating its 20th Anniversary. To mark this event, Michael Morpurgo launched a children’s writing competition open to all children who receive learning support at school. The competition, called “BE INSPIRED …”, invites children aged between 6 and 13 to write a short story about someone or something that has encouraged them to achieve more than they thought possible. The competition details will be sent to the head of special needs in every school in each county in the UK. An entry form and full competition entry details can be downloaded from www.unicorndyslexia.co.uk. The closing date is 31 March 2011. Winners will be announced in May 2011 and will be invited to a very special ‘Garden Party’ and prize giving ceremony at The Unicorn to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. The Unicorn School serves children from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. The Unicorn School www.unicorndyslexia.co.uk 01235 530222
Slow Down Now by Joanna Parry Kids Say Slow Down is the theme of Road Safety Week 2010, taking place 22-28 November. The charity Brake, the organisers of the event, urge you to take part and help stop the many accidents on our roads. Go to www.roadsafetyweek.org for ideas on how to get involved and campaign for slower speeds. Speed is the number one killer on our roads and the faster vehicles go, the less time they have to react and the harder they hit, causing numerous head and spinal injuries, lost limbs and deaths of children. In built-up areas traffic must travel at no faster than 20mph; it must go even slower outside schools and homes, so if traffic travels faster than this in your community go on, take part in the campaign and stop the menace of speeding drivers. www.roadsafetyweek.org
Get a taste for life by Joanna Parry Take your children on a food adventure with a new pre-school programme from Organix. Nursery children are being invited to discover healthy food with the launch of Taste for Life, a new pre-school education programme launched in nurseries this month across the UK. Taste for Life is a fun and interactive way of introducing fruit and vegetables to children, helping them to explore and enjoy good food from a young age and develop healthier eating habits for life. Based on a concept by Lucy Thomas, founder of the Mange Tout programme, Taste for Life is designed to encourage children to have fun discovering food and exploring the origin, shape, colour, texture and smell of fruit and vegetables. Register your nursery at www.tasteforlifenursery.com
PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ tel : 01235 206657 www.familiesox.co.uk email: editor@familiesox.co.uk editor: Felice Vermeulen published six times a year NEXT ISSUE: JAN / FEB 2011
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FAMILIES NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
Ear, nose and throat problems sorted at the Manor Hospital Ear, nose and throat problems are very common in young children. Hearing loss often follows a cold, and can be caused by conditions such as "glue ear". The hearing loss can last for many months in young children, and often impairs children's speech and language development. In older
children it can be a cause of poor school performance. Large tonsils can cause frequent tonsillitis or obstructed breathing at night. This can disrupt a child's concentration and well being. A blocked nose caused by enlarged adenoids or rhinitis (allergies in the nose) can lead to mouth breathing and nasal discharge. These conditions can be quickly and easily assessed in a new clinic at the Manor
Hospital, Oxford. Your child can have a hearing test by a paediatric audiologist, and if necessary see a children's ear nose and throat doctor for a full assessment. This can usually happen on the same day, and you will be given the results immediately. If treatment is necessary, then The Manor Hospital is able to arrange timely and effective treatment. Manor Hospital Oxford, 01865 307531
GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS Stagecoach youngsters are getting ready for a Christmas performance of ‘The Toys In The Attic’, based on a short story written by principal Maya Sprigg about forgotten toys. The students, age 4+, will be presenting their work at the end of term in a Christmas performance for parents and friends. Pictured here are young performers William Bush and JJ Bannister-Parker, both aged 6, in rehearsal for the show. “Training is important” says principal Maya Sprigg, “but so is performance. It’s a chance for the students to put what they learn in the classroom into a performance context.” In past years, older and younger students alike have had the opportunity to perform in a variety of different shows, which have been written specially for them. Stagecoach offers down-to-earth quality training for four to eighteen year-olds in the disciplines of dance, drama and singing in a very safe and happy environment. Offering the right mix of training and performance opportunities, and taught by top professionals, the skills learnt by the students raise confidence as well as ability. Stagecoach hold weekly classes in Headington and North Oxford and exciting holiday performance courses in the spring and summer holidays. Stagecoach Oxford 01869 278600 email oxford@stagecoach.co.uk
OXFORD LAWYER RUNS NY MARATHON FOR LOCAL DISABLED CHILDREN CHARITY Lawyer Nikki Poole, a partner at Oxfordshire based Hedges Solicitors, is set to run the New York marathon for Footsteps Foundation. Nikki who has lived in Oxford for 20 years started running only 18 months ago. Despite being physically fit, she is shocked by the preparation: “I am running 30 to 40 plus kms a week and can’t believe how gruelling it is on my body! I wake up most mornings with every muscle in my body screaming at me! I am feeling totally motivated though because I just keep thinking of all those children at the Footsteps Centre that I will be helping to learn to walk and be independent!” Pip Hoyer Millar, of Footsteps Foundation says: “We are thrilled that Nikki is running for Footsteps Foundation. Every step she takes in the marathon will go towards helping a child take their first footstep.” To sponsor Nikki go to: www.justgiving.com/nikki-nyc-marathon
How Can I Help You? Ever thought of owning your own business - one that's professional, simple, hugely rewarding and fun? Are you ambitious, self-motivated and enjoy helping others? This could be for you! The catch?Hard work & determination! The rewards? The chance to build your own successful home-based business with an income for life. To find out more please call
Michele Poynter on 01865 882405 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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news & views Journey of prehistoric discovery at Science Oxford Since ‘Science Oxford Live’ first opened in October 2005 it has been enthusing visitors, young and old alike, about the wonders of science. The 5th anniversary celebrations will culminate with an evening of prehistoric discovery at Science Oxford Live’s 2010 Christmas Lecture. The lecture will be given by Dr Paul Barrett, the London Natural History Museum’s dinosaur researcher. He will take families on a journey of prehistoric discovery as he unearths some of the weird and wonderful creatures that roamed Britain hundreds of millions of years ago. Don’t miss this chance to find out what it’s like to have one of the best jobs in the world! Suitable for 7+ www.scienceoxfordlive.com 01865 810000
Beaute in Oxfordshire Cannelle is a growing collection of beauty salons in Oxfordshire delivering a fusion of beauty treatments in French style. France Baudet, owner of Cannelle, says: “ In France beauty is taken very seriously and being a beautician is a reputable profession. It is just a part of life, for women and increasingly for men, to visit the salon regularly.” Baudet has very strong links with beauty schools in France. The salons in Oxfordshire have seen a steady increase in turnover over the last 10 years and have a firmly established clientele who return on average two to three times a month. Cannelle is now being launched as an exclusive franchise in selected areas across the UK. Cannelle Oxford, Summertown 01865 511960 Canelle at LA Fitness, Oxford 01865 792244 Cannelle Henley 01491 575905 www.cannellebeaute.com
AK15 Stageschool Karen King, recently started her AK15 Stageschool for children aged 4 and up in Hendred near Wantage. AK15 fuses performance, media and youth culture to include disciplines such as music and dance theatre, film, hip- hop and breakdance. By discarding the boundaries of the traditional stage school and introducing a cutting edge approach to arts training, raw talent is unleashed to create original and exciting material. Karen also teaches privately as a choreographer and vocal coach. AK15 Stageschool 07832 287850 www.AK15.co.uk
COMPETITION WINNERS Winners PEGASUS THEATRE family tickets Ms Hazel Stratford Witney Sue Roberts Beckley Oxford WINNERS ORGANISED MUM WEEKLY PLANNERS Ms Liz Puffett Oxford Ms Tania Delohery-Duffy Oxford Ms Jo Cook Witney Ms C. Collier Culham Ms Tracy Green Thame
Half price family portraits Karen Bellcourt is a highly experienced portrait photographer and local mum of three. Her natural warmth and informal style help her to establish a good rapport with her subjects, and she aims to promote a happy, relaxed atmosphere during photo sessions. After a short break due to the arrival of her third child, Karen has now returned to her professional career with a fantastic special offer of half price sittings. Karen's love of children and animals contributes to her success with family portraits. www.kbphotography.co.uk 01235 201007 or 07771 915495
CONGRATULATIONS!
NOTICEBOARD 13 Nov 10 - 12.30pm Whole school open morning Abingdon School 01865 391570 www.abingdon.org.uk 16 Feb 2 - 3.30pm - Open afternoon Rye St Antony 01865 762802 www.ryestantony.co.uk
Saz loves water babies! Starting a business is a dream for one in ten mums, according to a survey by BT Business. Local mum Saz Sunthareswaran is no exception. When she first took her baby daughter along to swimming lessons at twelve weeks, little did she know that within the year, not only would she be a fully qualified instructor herself, but also the proud owner of Water Babies in Oxford. “I’m a trained physiotherapist, but just knew that this was what I really wanted to do,” says Saz. “Deep down I found myself hoping that I might one day have my own franchise, so this really is a dream come true.” What she wasn’t expecting when she took the helm in 2008 with 166 tiny clients was that two years later, she’d be mum to two more daughters while still running a hugely successful business. Today, she and her team teach 868 babies and children across Oxfordshire every week. “The last two years have been incredibly busy,” Saz continues. “I’m very lucky to have the support of such an amazing team. Water Babies has literally rocketed, and with three children under four, life is hectic right now – but I wouldn’t have it any other way!” 01869 325499 www.waterbabies.co.uk
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FAMILIES NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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HEALTH
Food for thought NEW INSIGHT INTO THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD EARLY NUTRITION
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ost parents are keen to give their children the best start in life and recognise that this involves providing a solid nutritional foundation. We are much more knowledgeable than our parents were about what food is good for us and what isn’t, thanks to a constant stream of television programmes and articles in the press devoted to the topic. Yet the proliferation of fast food outlets and supermarket shelves stacked high with processed, pre-packaged convenience meals has led to a general deterioration in nutritional standards and the health of the nation in the same period. Rising levels of obesity among children herald epidemic statistics for diabetes, heart disease, dementia and other diseases in the upcoming generation and for years to come. Current research is now starting to reveal that what we eat affects not only future physical health, but also behaviour and mental functioning. The Nutrimenthe Project is a European Commission funded study carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists from 19 research centres mainly in Europe. It aims to improve our understanding of how the diet
of pregnant women, infants and children affects mental performance. In so doing, it seeks to be instrumental in developing clear and consistent dietary recommendations, helping to reduce much of the ambiguity or inconsistency confounding our ability to assimilate health messages in the media. At the recent Nutrimenthe Open Forum in York, showcasing work from the project, Jayne Evans, Director of Nutrimenthe’s partner, Beta Technology, said: “It is too early for any definitive results at this stage, but it is clear from the research so far that food intake, especially by mothers during pregnancy, is important to foetal brain development.“
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by Cathy Youd
Folic Acid Advice has long been to take folic acid, supplements from the moment you intend to conceive until 3 months into pregnancy, to prevent neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida. Nutrimenthe’s research has found that not taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy is also associated with behavioural and emotional problems in children aged 18 months. The natural form of folic acid, folate, found in leafy green vegetables, brown rice and fortified bread and breakfast cereals, has been found to have a direct effect on foetal brain growth and development – a finding which indicates potential for some very exciting future results.
Oily Fish Eating oily fish, particularly salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel or herring, is already recommended for providing Omega 3 fatty acids, thought to protect against heart disease, ameliorate inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and slow the progression of mild dementia. Nutrimenthe partners, the University of Bristol, reported observational evidence that eating fish in pregnancy and during breast feeding is beneficial to child development., in particular verbal IQ. However, researchers acknowledged that the child’s diet may also have an effect on observed behaviour. It is thought that this may be due to the Omega 3 fatty acid, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in oily fish. Research into a possible connection between levels of DHA in mothers and their child’s subsequent mental performance is ongoing. Nutrimenthe is a 5-year project, part of the 7th EC Framework Programme 2007– 2013, a multi-billion euro investment into a number of areas of research including health, whose sheer size and scope should enable it to provide definitive verdicts on many of the uncertainties surrounding our health perceptions today.
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CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY DIET* Eating for two? Diet in pregnancy: We once thought pregnancy gave us license to overeat, to ensure sufficient nourishment for you and baby. Times have changed. That’s not to say that you should not assiduously review your diet, and pregnancy is certainly no time to try to lose weight. Rather, eating for two, these days, means ensuring you are consuming what’s best for you and best for baby. As in so many things, it is quality rather than quantity. A healthy pregnancy requires all the food groups impressed upon us as being essential in any balanced diet: » Fruit and vegetables, whether fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced: a minimum 5 portions a day. Consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will provide the vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants important for health. » Starchy foods: bread, pasta, rice (preferably whole wheat or grain) and potatoes. Both these two food groups are good sources of fibre which helps to prevent constipation – a common problem in pregnancy. Leafy green vegetables, as well as brown rice and fortified bread and breakfast cereals are also a good natural source of folate (see opposite page). » Protein-rich foods: lean meat, chicken, fish (at least two servings a week, including one of oily fish such as herring, mackerel, fresh tuna or salmon,) eggs and pulses such as beans or lentils. As well as protein, these foods are good sources of iron, which can often be depleted in pregnancy. Eating or drinking food containing vitamin C such as fruit or vegetables, or fruit juice with iron-rich meals can assist in the absorption of iron. » Dairy foods including milk, cheese, yoghurt. As well as being good sources of protein, these foods provide essential calcium for the growth of strong bones and teeth.
Foods to avoid in pregnancy:
» Raw or partially cooked eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella, a form of food poisoning. » Undercooked meat, which may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning . This is especially important with poultry and products made from minced meat such as sausages and burgers. Cook until steaming hot and no pink flesh remains. Always wash hands after handling raw meat, and keep it separate from other foods. » Liver, which has high levels of vitamin A. Some vitamin A is required, but too much in pregnancy can cause malformations in unborn babies. For the same reason, don’t take supplements of vitamin A, or fish liver oil capsules at this time. » Certain fish: shark, swordfish, and marlin. Limit tuna to no more than two steaks a week weighing about 170g raw, or 140g cooked, or no more than four medium-sized cans of tuna a week, with a drained weight of about 140g per can. These fish can contain pollutants such as mercury, which could affect the development of your baby’s nervous system. » Raw shellfish, which can contain bacteria and viruses that are particularly unpleasant in pregnancy.
After weaning: dietary restrictions for infants and young children:
» Some cheeses such as Camembert, Brie or Chevre (goat’s cheese) and others with a similar white rind, or blue cheeses, which are made with a mould which can contain Listeria, a bacterium harmful to unborn babies.
» Don’t add salt to food as a young baby’s kidneys can’t cope with it. Check prepared foods for sodium content; babies under a year should have less than 1g of salt per day (under 0.4g of sodium).
» Meat and vegetable pâtés which may contain Listeria.
» Add sugar only when really necessary. Sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay.
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» Don’t give honey, even for easing coughs, until your baby is about a year old. It can occasionally contain bacteria which produce toxins in babies’ intestines causing infant botulism, a very serious illness. » Avoid food labeled low fat or low calorie and high fibre foods. Babies grow fast and need lots of calories and nutritionally dense foods, rather than bulky high-fibre food. Fat provides energy and fat-soluble vitamins not otherwise available to them. » When they are a year old and can tolerate cows milk, babies should be given full-fat milk. Semi-skimmed milk should not be given to babies under 2 years and skimmed milk is not suitable for children under 5 years. » Don’t give whole nuts, including peanuts, to children under 5, as they could cause choking. When giving your child peanuts for the first time, check for any signs of allergy such as difficulty breathing, blotchy skin, runny nose or upset tummy. In the case of suspected allergic reaction, seek urgent medical advice. » Avoid giving any shark, swordfish or marlin, which may contain mercury, and avoid raw shellfish to reduce the risk of food poisoning. » Don’t give raw or lightly cooked eggs to babies to avoid the risk of Salmonella.
USEFUL LINKS www.eatwell.gov.uk www.nutrimenthe.eu http://tinyurl.com/bbc-information www.metabolic-programming.org *Dietary information provided by the Food Standards Agency.
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HEALTH
Living with Eczema by Honey Denne s I write, my husband and I are in the happy position of having three healthy children, two with manageable eczema. But it hasn’t always been so easy.
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We have found that most medical doctors have a slightly different approach also and it is best not to confuse the issue with too many "specialists". So where do you begin?
Our eldest child, now 10, has had eczema since she was about 6 months old. At first I noticed her making an odd sound in her cot - she had been rubbing her wrist on the sheet and by the morning had rubbed some skin off. The area was too large for a plaster and wasn’t bleeding but it did look sore. I took her to the doctor who diagnosed atopic eczema, gave me an emollient and some mild steroid cream.
Your GP is a good place to start. And the National Eczema Society has some very useful information on its website. Some eczematous conditions may be brought on by allergies and if simply taking your child off diary or wheat does the trick then all you have to do is avoid those foods and Bob’s your uncle! You can have a simple pin prick test to check for food allergies, or you could simply eliminate the foods you suspect may be troubling them. However, this did not seem to work for my baby. No deletion from her diet seemed to eradicate
Weeks and months passed and the little patch of dry red skin on her wrist came and went. She was otherwise well and a very happy little baby. This was the beginning of my discovery about this surprisingly common skin condition. Eczema is a non contagious, dry skin condition which is usually itchy. The skin contains less oils and moisture, is less able to retain moisture and as a result is not effective as a protective barrier around the body, allowing bacteria to enter. It differs from person to person, has many variations and it is most common amongst children. In the months after that initial diagnosis we tried a few treatments recommended by friends and family: calendula cream, no dairy products, soya milk only etc... If your child has eczema you may find that people do have a lot to say about it. Everyone means well and wants to help. And everyone has a different theory on its cause and a different treatment to “cure” it. Which can make life awfully difficult if you are trying to steer your way through a maze of possible paths. I have been recommended every kind of holistic treatment imaginable from homeopathy to Chinese tea to Salt Cave Therapy.
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Keeping the skin hydrated with emollients seems to be the most consistent piece of advice we have received... the problem. Her eczema came and went in a cyclical manner it seemed, irrespective of what she ate. And the calendula cream just didn’t work either. I confess I did not pursue the Salt Cave Therapy! There are so many complimentary treatments on offer but realistically you cannot try every treatment out there. Some require many many sessions and can cost a great deal of money. Some GPs may be willing to refer you to a homeopathic clinic or hospital if that is the route you choose. If you prefer a more conventional path, the good news is that you can manage eczema by keeping the skin hydrated with emollients and, if necessary, steroid creams. Keeping the skin hydrated with emollients seems to be the most consistent piece of advice we have received from the many
doctors we have encountered over the years. Not using soaps and bubble baths to wash will also help to retain the oils in the skin so it is less likely to break down. Also only wearing cotton next to the skin and keeping cool can help, especially at night. (Eczematous children can suffer from disturbed sleep due to itching and scratching which is often exacerbated by being too hot). So we went on for several happy years. The eczema came in small patches, we treated it with emollients, occasionally a mild steroid cream, it went. And it would be gone for considerable periods, sometimes months. Then when she was about 5 or 6 the periods between occurrences became more frequent, until she was 8 when they became angry flareups rather than odd patches, were almost constant, becoming very troublesome and widespread. In fact, by the age of 9 her condition had become chronic and she got constant infections, which made her feel very ill and was a constant source of worry to us all. Having moved house since her first diagnosis we now have a wonderful GP who referred her to Great Ormond Street Hospital. GOSH have been fantastic at helping us find the right treatment to control the eczema. Our daughter is now back to her happy sunny self again. Our situation became chronic but thankfully is unlikely to happen to most children with eczema. Everyone’s experience of dealing with eczema will be different not least because there are many different types of eczema and many “treatments” out there. But with the right support and approach, living with eczema need not be a nightmare. National Eczema Society (includes useful links to other websites) www.eczema.org 0800 089 1122 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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RELAXATION Relaxing with yoga
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hildren are being brought up in a world of noise and busyness. Busy parents, school pressures, additional after school activities, computer games and fast moving TV can all add to their stress levels. School tests, falling out with friends, arguments between parents, feeling overwhelmed by homework and being bullied or teased can add to the stress as they learn how to deal with the outside world. These stresses can cause a range of physical disorders such as sleeping problems, stomach aches, bed wetting, headaches, muscular pains as well as mental and emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, nervousness and temper tantrums. Fortunately, more and more schools are now adopting non-competitive activities such as circus skills (juggling) and yoga.
Yoga is an activity that can help counter the pressures, at school or at home. When children learn simple relaxation techniques, they can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease. Learning yoga from an early age encourages body awareness and appreciation of their surroundings. The exercises enhance flexibility, strength and coordination. They also improve concentration and sense of calmness. Children of all shapes, sizes, abilities and ages can benefit from the exercises. Most of the poses have animal names and shapes which can capture the imagination of even the youngest of children. They can imitate the movement and sounds of the animals and imagine the qualities of that animal. For example, when they adopt the lion pose, they can feel strong and courageous, while
in the tortoise poise, feel quiet and still inside their mind as well as their body. Just a few minutes a day can help young children feel calm and focussed and ready to face their day. It can also help children's concentration and listening skills as they feel quiet and able to listen and assimilate information, so giving them better problemsolving abilities. Creativity and imagination is also improved as children are encouraged to take their minds away from their current situations and take themselves on imaginary journeys. Children’s self-esteem and a feeling of self worth will be developed as they start to see their strengths and qualities in the quiet. Relaxation can help children sleep as it decreases muscle tension, slows the rate of breathing and reduces blood pressure.
Relaxation techniques Breathing Exercise
Visualisation
Children can lie on their back and put their hands on their stomachs. They concentrate on breathing in and out slowly as they focus on the rise and fall of their tummy.
Children close their eyes and imagine they are floating on a cloud, lying on a boat and floating down the river, or lying in warm sunshine and feeling the warmth in their body.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Children lie on their backs on a comfortable sofa. Starting at the feet, they squeeze and relax each limb. As they move up through the body slowly, they will feel calm and relaxed.
Affirmations Get them to repeat the words "I am calm and quiet, I am calm and quiet', and slowly, as they repeat, they feel more calm and quiet and relaxed. Kindly provided by Relax Kids
Relaxation & Concentration skills in Oxfordshire The first Relax Kids Shop recently opened in Woodstock, 3 Market Place, OX20 1SY, www.relaxkids.com 01993 810811
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
Tom Makin from EclipseArts offers circus skills parties, workshops and classes www.oxfordcircusschool.co.uk or www.eclipsearts.com 07770568311 YOGABUGS www.yogabugs.com 0845 8630696
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PARENTING The Fear of Fear in your Child Today’s children have more opportunities and more possibilities than ever before. So how do we as parents keep them safe and give them the confidence to take advantage of all these chances? Here Claire Goldie shares her views.
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o have a well-rounded, active and happy child is the goal of most of the parents who come to me and often their main comment is that they feel their child lacks self-confidence. There are a multitude of classes to help with this, aimed from babies upwards with music, ballet, soccer, gym, drama and the list goes on. These encourage learning through group activity and help build friendships and social skills from an early age. These classes, whilst having a great effect on the majority of children, should not replace free play and having enough time for outside activities, which allow the child to develop their imagination and help them understand how they can create their own entertainment. When looking back to the recent past, children have always developed along very similar lines, and in dealing with young children, the first seven years are spent acting ‘in imprint’ – essentially behaving like a sponge to absorb every single piece of information that comes their way. From the ages of seven to fourteen they start to distinguish that information through opinion and will start to gain ‘heroes and heroines’ who will shape their personality development further. However it is those first seven years that will have the most marked effect upon their personality. So this, I believe, is the reason why parents today have such a strong desire to help shape their children - done with all the best intentions.
Children are still learning to walk, talk, cycle and rebel at the same ages as they did in our parents’ time, but we now have excellent additional tools to help develop their emotional intelligence too. I would like to ask however whether we are forgetting the most significant factor in all these new tools – the role of the parent as the only truly real example in their development.
the value of money and savings. In short, we need to be careful that we use our own lives as good examples to our children without trying to portray a ridiculously unattainable nirvana of behaviour, that can only lead to feelings of failure in the future. The majority of clients that visit me, are parents and there are a few key elements that always surface. Guilt, loss of identity, resentment and fear are the main ones but by far the biggest issues stem from loss of self-confidence and whilst this is a sad state of affairs, it is easy to see from where it stems. Every parenting book or article is quick to suggest better parenting systems. This makes me ask – how did parents use to raise children? Obviously there have always been areas for improvement but at what point did it become such a skilled occupation rather than just part of being a family?
It goes without saying that we know how important parenting is to the happiness and growth of the child. However I think it is possible that we have now taken this too far and removed the flawed human element in some cases. We are careful to make sure our children don’t see their parents arguing – yet how will they learn how to make up with their partners in the future? We need to show evidence of how we do not always get what we want in this credit card environment to help teach them
Within therapy I keep coming back to the main issues – how can we expect our children to have self-confidence when we demonstrate fear on a daily basis to them? How can we expect them to develop their own sense of self-worth when they see their parents listening to every expert and not their own natural, parental instincts? How can we watch them grow into valuable, giving and whole people when we have sacrificed our own identity in order to be the ‘perfect parent’ ? Luckily there are a great many parents who have raised wonderful children and in trying to seek out the magic solution to this. They keep giving me the same answer: Your children will be what they will, you will do your best and, only when you realise that you were doing it okay all along do you find you’re actually happy too!
Clare runs a coaching and therapy practice from her home in Brighthampton, Oxfordshire. She has been a counsellor in CBT for 12 years and specialises in selfconfidence development and removing fears. 07766 406011 www.palmae.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Theartofgoodphotography
To make prints you could use an online printing company. These are really easy to use and offer pretty good prints at very reasonable prices. This leads us on to making your own prints. You do not need a computer, expensive printer and software like Photoshop to make prints. You could just take your memory card to a photo shop and they’ll do your prints for you just like you used to do with a roll of film. If you want to play with your pictures on a computer then by all means get a decent printer (a photo quality one can be bought for about £100 these days) and print some yourself. However, getting a lab to make your prints for you means you don’t have to worry about maintenance and consumables for the printer and you can concentrate on being a photographer. Award winning local photographer Ian Taylor has been creating memorable portraits for over 12 years. He says: “You only get better at doing something by doing it, so snap away, learn from what you do and carry that knowledge forward. There are some photographs you may want done professionally. For those moments it’s important you pick a photographer who is professionally trained so you can be confident of the quality and service for which you are paying.”
The following are some useful hints and tips that Ian has put tog ether for Families Oxfordshire readers. The y should help to improve your own photog raphic skills: 1. Never say ‘smile’! The number one rule! You’ll invariably get the infamous ‘camera smile’ – that forced, unnatural expression that doesn’t look anythin g like a normal smile. If you want someon e to smile, do something funny. 2. Mean and moody pho tos work well too, especially in B&W or sep ia. Turn the flash off and stand your subjec t next to a window for a lovely soft light. 3. Make sure the backgr ound is as uncluttered as possible. Focus attention on your subject. 4. Try not to have things like streetlights or flagpoles growing out of your subjects head. 5. When photographing young children get down to their level. This way they don’t have to tilt their head to look at you which can lead to squinting and some rather odd expressions. 6. If you want to concen trate the photograph on a person use the zoom on the camera to fill the fra me with their face/body. (If there isn’t a zoom physically move closer to your sub ject). This eliminates anything distra cting in the background and concentra tes the attention on the subject. 7. Shoot lots of pictures. See what works and remember it and see what doesn’t work and remember not to do it again!
All photographs by Ian Taylor www.itphoto.co.uk
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he majority of us now have simple digital cameras and computers that can store thousands of pictures. This is great but don’t forget about your favourites and leave them on the hard drive, unseen for years! It’s always a good idea to catalogue your images and there’s lots of renaming software so you can give all the pictures a memorable name to make them easier to find again. Keep all the pictures from each separate event in a separate folder, don’t just lump them all in together. Make a folder within the original folder so you can keep your favourites there, then you can easily show off just the edited highlights.
Ian’s particular expertise is in working with under 5’s. He has been doing a lot of work in nurseries and pre-schools. He has very kindly provided some tips to help you get going. Ian Taylor is a regional and national award winning photographer and an associate member of the British Institute of Professional Photography. He is available for family portraits and commercial photographic work. He can be contacted on 01869 340078, 07899 860001 or via his website at www.itphoto.co.uk. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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DANCE BOOKS MARK THORNTON FROM MOSTLY BOOKS UNWRAPS BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS
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e might be biased, but what could be better to unwrap on Christmas morning than a book? At Mostly Books, we’ve been beavering away to uncover some of the wonderful books published for Christmas – here are a few of the staff favourites so far…
For pre-schoolers, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (the writing team behind the Gruffalo) have done it again with Zog (Scholastic, £10.99, HB). He is the keenest of young dragons in Madam Dragon’s class, but when he goes off to practice what he’s learned, he keeps getting into all kinds of trouble. There’s a subtle lesson in following your dreams here, and some unconventional career’s advice to boot! Two lovely gift books have got us all ahhing in the shop. Libby Hamilton’s retelling of The Wizard Of Oz (Templar, £14.99, HB) is complete with the most amazing pop-ups and sound effects. Starting with a tornado (cue whoosing wind effects
and Toto barking), and leading to a scary climax with the laughing wizard, this is a book to share with the Dorothy fan in your family. And Emma Calder’s Paper Angels (Bloomsbury, £7.99, HB) is a clever twist on a craft book that tells the story of the six paper angels that you then cut out and make. For older readers, look out for the new Rick Riordan book Heroes of Olympus (Penguin, £12.99. HB). A thrilling new book from the author of Percy Jackson, we have all new demigods – and we think it’s as good as his earlier books! Luka and the Fire of Life (Jonathan Cape, £12.99, HB) is a new children’s book by Salman Rushdie. It is a modern fable rich with imagination and tension.
Facing the family One of the worst aspects of modern life is that we, as parents, do not always put down our phones, Blackberries and iPads when we talk to our children. This teaches them something. First, that we care more about our phones and screens than we do about them and second, that it is OK to be on a screen all the time. At least, that's what Richard Watson, author of a new book, Future Minds claims. His main argument is that we need more time to develop deep thinking. We need downtime for our natural creativity to emerge and we need to switch the phones off, to re-build family life.
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When Luka's father falls into a deep sleep, Luka must find a way to save his life. Rushing down the stairs one morning, he side-steps into an alternate, magical world which bears similarities to his own computer games. Along the way he encounters mythical and traditional Gods as well as modern fictional heroes (from Dr Who to Sherlock Holmes). The power of words and storytelling are the foundations of this fantastical world. Finally Angel (Usborne, £7.99, PB) is one of our books of the year. Author LA Weatherly has created an utterly compelling, good versus evil tale which, at its heart, is a good old fashioned love story. In it, Willow is a girl who knows she's different, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars...she can see into people’s lives and know their future. But then the mysterious Alex arrives on the scene – and things will never be the same again. Angels are the new vampires!
By David Shaw
“My absolute critical point”, Richard says, “is the fact that we have created this stuff which is fabulous on one level, but it has the potential to destroy the things which we value the most and that is human relationships and our sense of self.”
Advice from the author ~ Switch off mobiles and spend time with your family, at home and on holiday. ~ If you have something to say, say it face to face, not by text or email. ~ Remove TV sets games consoles and computers from childrens' bedrooms. Future Minds, by Richard Watson, 224 pp is published by Nicholas Brealey Publishing ISBN: 9781857885491 RRP 12.99 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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BABY Call for better postnatal care
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shocking recent report out by National Childbirth Trust (NCT), shows new mums are left unprepared and unsupported by the NHS after they’ve had a baby and calls on the NHS to improve postnatal care in the UK. Many women feel their needs aren’t being met, leaving them feeling confused, abandoned and let down. The report ‘Postnatal Care – a Cinderella story?’ examines women’s experiences of NHS maternity services and is based on a survey of 1260 first time mums. The findings show many mums are being let down just when they need services most. Many of those surveyed said they felt helpless, isolated and abandoned by the care they received in hospital and made frequent references to seeing different midwives at each contact, receiving conflicting advice particularly in relation to feeding, staff shortages, insensitivity and even rudeness from healthcare staff. Of mums surveyed, 42% thought there were only ‘sometimes’ or ‘never’ enough midwives to help them in hospital, as opposed to ‘always’ or ‘mostly’ enough. Furthermore, 57% didn’t get all the emotional support they needed in hospital within the first 24 hours. In addition, mums who had had operative births (forceps, ventouse or caesarean) had the greatest gaps in care, which is worrying since their needs are the greatest. Postnatal care in a birth centre or after a birth at home, however, was more positively perceived.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
The survey shows that the emotional support, physical care and information given to first-time mums are also sadly lacking – less than half (41%) had all the emotional support they needed in the first 24 hours, 56% said they got all the physical care they needed and only 45% received all the information and advice they needed. Plus, despite guidance from NICE to say all women should have a personalised postnatal care plan, 96% were not involved in a plan. Anne Fox, Head of Campaigns and Public Policy, NCT said; “It’s clear postnatal care urgently needs improvement - our report paints a dreadful, shocking picture of care in the UK – we’re letting women and their babies down. Evidence shows that supporting women and babies at this vital time can have a major impact on future health and learning. Our report recommends NHS trusts and boards need to listen to what local women tell them about the services provided and set objectives for improving postnatal care, agree practical strategies and monitor their progress.”
Anne Fox continues, “Many of the problems these women highlight seem to be due to staff shortages or lack of visits once they had left hospital – and this issue needs to be addressed if the quality of postnatal care is to be improved, particularly for vulnerable women. Being a new mum should be a positive experience and support for mums in those early days and months is vital. Action is needed to improve postnatal care in the UK and we’re calling on every health service to work to improve the support provided and end the situation whereby postnatal care is the Cinderella service.” In order to ensure that women receive high quality, safe, effective postnatal care that meets their individual needs and their babies, NCT has set out ten steps for all four country governments and local NHS services to put into practice including implementing the NICE postnatal care guidelines and ensuring every woman has a co-ordinating health professional responsible for ensuring she has the right care, at the right time, and a personalised postnatal care plan. The report was designed to replicate aspects of the NCT postnatal care survey carried out in 1999-2000 in order to capture the current state of postnatal care today and to help shape further policy development. It shows there has been very limited improvements in postnatal care and possibly an overall decline in the extent to which woman-centred quality standards are being met. To download a copy of the report ‘Postnatal Care – a Cinderella story?’ visit www.nct.org.uk/cinderella For further local help: www.independentmidwives.org.uk www.doula.org.uk
After the birth, most women had a visit from a midwife, health visitor or maternity support worker, with most women receiving a visit three or four times. The majority of women (71%) wanted to see the same midwife throughout their care, but 51% ended up seeing three or more different midwives after discharge from a maternity unit or birth at home.
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CHRISTMAS
i l i m e e d i s u a Gi f t G F The nights have drawn in, there’s a magical feel to the chill in the air and there’s more than one kind of wrapping-up on everyone’s mind. It can only mean one thing... Christmas is on its way! Whether that fills you with ho, ho, ho’s or Scrooge-like groans, we hope this fun-filled guide to all things festive, by Holly WadsworthHill, will help make this year a Christmas to remember... It’s the thought that counts...
R
ecent economic difficulties have triggered a new dawn of consumerism. Many of us are now concentrating on quality purchases that will stand the test of time. Nostalgia has unveiled tradition as the new vogue and whilst the latest crazes and popular characters certainly have their place, children are arguably more demanding and harder to please than ever before. There’s a reason why some of the old favourites are resurfacing and proving
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their worth to a new generation of inquisitive minds. Children like to be entertained but they thrive on interaction, they will happily watch but they learn quicker from doing, they benefit from competition but they enjoy team work. Classic toys are all this and much more and they really do have timeless appeal. With that in mind this year, why not focus on something they will love this Christmas, but will treasure for many more to come...
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CHRISTMAS Stuck on the basics or searching for finishing touches? Take inspiration from the world’s most famous toy store this year. Hamleys was established by Cornishman, William Hamley, in London, in 1760. Today it remains the world’s most wonderful toy shop, synonymous with theatre, magic and entertainment; add a mince pie or two and you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas! Baby’s first Christmas
It’s all about quality time...
Latest additions may be slightly oblivious to the seasonal chaos but you’ll remember their first Christmas forever and will be keen to make it extra special. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a keepsake or something they can cherish for years to come.
‘Tis the season to spend with your loved ones: keep things merry with fun and games for the whole family.
663336 – My First Dolly £19
463497 – Alphabet Blocks £17
My First Dolly will be loved by all. She is so squeezably soft that little arms will adore snuggling up to her. Dressed beautifully, she has wild hair that little hands will love to touch and tug!
Painted with bright colours, clear letters and imaginative illustrations these wooden blocks can help little children when learning letters, colours and much more besides.
T is for trouble and toddlers! Busy little hands are into all things naughty as well as nice, so classic toys should be at the top of the list. The educational benefits and development of imagination and play skills from these toys are extensive but cleverly masked behind the colour, fun and excitement that toddlers crave.
780114 – Teaching Clock £14 Hamleys colourful Fun to Learn Teaching Clock helps teach time, number and letter recognition, as well as developing motor and problem solving skills through play. (made from fsc wood)
778498 – Wooden London Bus £32.50 The wheels on the bus go round and round! The top of this traditional big red bus opens to reveal 24 little wooden passengers and one cheerful driver. Great for developing hand to eye coordination. (made from fsc wood)
For older children Boys and girls of all ages need to be kept busy and love fun and games that they can really get stuck into. If they can burn off some energy, create mess and make some noise, they’ll be in their element!
780585 – Wooden Garage £65
157982 – Jet Plane Set £55
This brightly coloured traditional garage has three levels, multi-storey graphics and realistic features throughout. There are loads of games and adventures to be had..
The Playmobil Jet Plane Set is great for developing thinking processes and encouraging creative play. The sky is the limit!
For role play and creativity, let them indulge in imagination with everything from dressing-up costumes, role-play sets and arts and crafts.
92429 – Dolly Tea Set £10
783969 – My Balleria Doll £12
Time for tea anyone? This enchanting Hamleys tea set comes in a cute carry case, so it's perfect for taking to friends’ houses and keeps everything safe and tidy when your little ones aren't busy entertaining.
My Little Ballerina Doll is so pretty, soft and cuddly, she’s perfect for hugs! From the Sweet Peas collection, this doll is great for encouraging imagination and nurturing role-play skills.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
681346 – Games Chest £60 Enjoy a gaming adventure with this classic wooden gaming chest. Open the sliding drawers to reveal a smorgasbord of fun with 10 of the world's greatest games! Includes chess, mancala, backgammon, solitaire, tic-tac-toe and lots more to keep the very young and most experienced young-at-heart entertained!
Checklist Assuming you’ve got the obvious, like the turkey and tree under control, this checklist covers the trimmings! Must-have ingredients for the perfect Christmas: Sellotape – Yes, you probably did already buy some but no, it won’t be where you left it and it’s not likely to be enough. Batteries of all shapes and sizes – No one wants a room full of redundant, lifeless toys on Christmas morning.
Carrot, mince pie and a tipple for Santa and his merry team of reindeer – They’ll need it after months of preparation and expense. Breakfast – Toast doesn’t cut it on Christmas morning, stock up on their favourites and don’t forget some strong coffee beans for the bleary eyed adults. Pen and paper to hand – Father Christmas may be the hero of the hour but don’t forget to note down family and friends who’ve also treated the little ones in preparation for the writing of... Thank-you notes Try making your own from discarded wrapping paper – a great way to wind them down after all that excitement! Post-party clean up ammunition Your house will probably be broken within 10 minutes of children waking up on Christmas morning. Put it back together again with a hefty supply of recycling bags etc.
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CHRISTMAS
LOCAL TOY TREASURE COVES Post codes provided for sleigh drivers’ sat navs! ABINGDON
CHIPPING NORTON
OXFORD (contd.)
Toys-UK
Wiggler
Hoyles
18 Bury Street Abingdon OX14 3QT 01235-531842 www.toys-uk.co.uk
27 High Street Chipping Norton OX7 5AD 01608 644986 www.wiggler.co.uk
72 High Street Oxford OX1 4BA 01865 203244 www.hoylesonline.com
DIDCOT
THAME
BANBURY
Toys-UK
Trinder Bros Ltd
162-164 Broadway Didcot OX11 8RJ 01235-759450 www.toys-uk.co.uk
2-4 Broad Street Banbury OX16 5BN 01295 262546
Wiggler 70 High Street Banbury OX16 5JG 01295 271329 www.wiggler.co.uk
BICESTER Bicester Toys 66-68 Sheep Street Bicester OX26 6JW 01869 323946
BRACKLEY Ptolemy Toys Ltd. 50A High Street Brackley NN13 7DS 01280 843000 www.ptolemytoys.co.uk
Bagatelle Toys 63 Bell Street Henley-On-Thames RG9 1UP 01491 576559 www.bagatelletoys.com
MORETON in MARSH The Toy Shop High Street Moreton in Marsh GL56 0AD 01608 650756
OXFORD Boswell’s Ltd 1 - 4 Broad Street Oxford OX1 3AG 01865 241244 www.boswells-online.co.uk
CARTERTON
Hawkin's Bazaar
Giles Toys and Cycles
Hawkins Bazaar Unit 11, The Westgate Shopping Centre Oxford OX1 1NU 0844 573 4522 www.hawkin.com
1 Alvescot Road Carterton OX18 3JL 01993 842396 www.gilescycles.com
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HENLEY-ON-THAMES
The Spinning Top 11 Friday Court, North Street Thame OX9 3GA 01844 358166
WALLINGFORD Kev's Toy Shop 21c St Mary's Street, Wallingford, OX10 0EW 01491 825136
Pettits of Wallingford Ltd. 46-50 St. Marys Street Wallingford, OX10 0EY 01491 835253
WITNEY Dentons Toys 1 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HW 01993 704979
We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate and up-to-date. However, we cannot be held responsible for any unintentional errors. Please call the shop to verify details.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
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OUT & ABOUT Christmas Light Night in Oxford Friday 26 November, 4.00pm – 11.00pm Following the success of the Christmas in Oxford programme in 2009, Oxford Inspires, Oxford City Council and the University of Oxford have announced that once again they’ll be organising a magical celebration for Oxford’s Christmas Light Switch On. The event promises to welcome Christmas to
Photograph by Dorret Oosterhoff
Lantern Procession start and finish at Bonn Square 6.15pm – 6.45pm INevents kicks off the revelry with a spectacular lantern procession. Local school children will parade their amazing lanterns – which will be based on the theme of ‘wheels’ and made out of recycled bicycles and plastic bottles. The procession will wind its way through the city streets. Phil Kline’s Un-silent Night Promenade 8.15pm – 9.00pm (meet at 8.00pm at Radcliffe Square) Oxford Contemporary Music invites you to bring your portable stereos to join Oxford’s first Unsilent Night promenade. Join in with composer Phil Kline’s free outdoor sound sculpture, recorded on cassettes, CDs and mp3s and played through a roving swarm of ghetto blasters and other audio devices. Broad Street Stage 4.00pm – 10.00pm Well known Oxford choirs, acapella groups, dancers and BBC DJs will take to the stage in Broad Street to help celebrate Christmas in Oxford. University of Oxford: Ashmolean Museum 6.00pm – 10.00pm To mark the Ashmolean’s first anniversary since its official reopening, the museum is inviting all to come along and explore the galleries after hours, eat a slice of cake and to join in for a chorus of happy birthday.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
Oxford city centre with a magical evening of processions, lights, dance, art, live music and street performance. Oxford’s Castle, Town Hall, theatres and museums will also open their doors to the public for one-off late night viewings of their exhibitions and displays enhanced by special performances.
University of Oxford: Bodleian Library 6.30pm – 8.00pm Visit the Bodleian Library and explore one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Oxford at night. Local choirs will also be on hand to entertain visitors. University of Oxford: Museum of Natural History & Pitt Rivers Museum 6.00pm – 10.00pm Experience a magical evening of light and darkness, music and movement and festive refreshments. University of Oxford: Museum of the History of Science 7.00pm to 11.00pm During this evening dedicated to spectroscopy, come and find out just what it is that stars are made of, see an exhibition of meteors and create your own personal ‘spectrum’.
Museum of Oxford 5.00pm – 8.00pm Join in with traditional children’s games, family arts and crafts and find out what made a ‘Make Do and Mend’ Christmas during World War Two from staff in period costume. Oxford Town Hall 4.30pm – 10.00pm Visit the Town Hall to see Santa’s special grotto, take part in children’s activities and workshops and sample some mulled wine and mince pies, all to the accompaniment of a festive marching band. For more detailed information on Christmas Light Night activities nearer the time, visit www.oxfordinspires.org
Oxford Castle 5.00pm – 10.00pm Visit the traditional German Market, Christmas Grotto and Children’s Winter Wonderland, before embarking on a spooky lamplight tour of the castle. Oxford Playhouse 4.30pm – 11.00pm Bring your under 10’s to some festive storytelling at the Playhouse. Afterwards, why not see a show, enjoy a special cocktail and hear some brilliant live jazz?
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OUT & ABOUT FAMILY
KENTON THEATRE
25 Station Road Didcot OX11 7NE 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 21 Nov 2pm TWINKLE TWONKLE Every evening Ella gazes at the stars through her telescope, but one night her little brother Ryan wishes on a star, extends the telescope all the way and starts climbing up it. Stella follows him and discovers Pegasus, a cow jumping over the moon, the Great Bear, Little Bear and a medium-sized bear too! Ages 4+ 12 Dec 2pm ARABIAN NIGHTS Tales from the Queen of all storytellers, the incredible, mesmerizing Sheherazade. Genies, camels, flying carpets, and suspicious neer-do-wells, welcome to the wonderful world of the Arabian Nights. Puppetry, storytelling, masks and atmospheric music. Ages 4+. 15 Dec – 19 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Is Beauty too snooty to feast with the beast? Have you heard about the beast? They say he’s so ugly that when he looks in the mirror even his own reflection gets a shock! He’s cheesy, sneezy, wheezy, and he’s heading this way. This adaptation of Perrault’s classic fairy tale is show is chock full of fantastic original music, audience participation, fast paced storytelling and all our favourite characters. 21 Dec 5pm A CHRISTMAS CAROL Scrooge is a terrible miser – but he can’t be all bad, he’s got the capacity to change after all. The ghosts are a little scary – but not too frightening! Scrooge’s nephew Fred laughs all the way through the tale – and Tiny Tim survives! Ages 7+
New Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP 01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk 28 Nov 3pm HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG A charming musical about the magic of family and the importance of a nice warm hug. 23 Dec – 26 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Psst... Yes you!... Have you heard about the Beast? They say his breath pongs like a five year-old brussel sprout and that he's so hairy, he has to comb his teeth. And he's headed this way... 9 Jan 2pm & 7.30 pm CINDERELLA A new production of the classic ballet tells everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story. Join Cinderella on her adventure of daring magic, handsome princess, glass slippers, and see if she can find her ‘happy ever after’…
Creation Theatre’s Rapunzel
CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE
Spiceball Park, Banbury OX16 5QE 01295 252050 www.themillartscentre.co.uk 5 Dec 6pm LITTLE MERMAID Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale is brought to life in a unique style, fusing physical theatre, circus, music and film. Beautiful, poignant, funny and full of fishy fun, this production is a brand new version of this beloved classic, suitable for the whole family. Ages 5+ 20 Dec 7pm ALICE IN WONDERLAND Oxfordshire Theatre Company with Pegasus Theatre present this well-known Oxford based tale inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel. Ages 6+ 12 Jan – 23 Jan PINOCCHIO A splendidly funny rendition of the story about the definitive cheeky boy, Pinocchio. This is gutsy, laugh-aminute slapstick comedy at its best, appealing to all ages. The magical story of a little wooden puppet who, following a wish, comes to life as a real boy. Pinocchio is about the joys of childhood and the challenges of growing up in a world of uncertainties.
NEW THEATRE & OFS STUDIO
CREATION THEATRE at MINI Plant Oxford The Mirror Tent, Gate 7, MINI Plant Oxford OX4 6NL 01865 766266 www.creationtheatre.co.uk 26 Nov – 15 Jan RAPUNZEL OR THE MAGIC PIG Rapunzel or The Magic Pig is about a mother who loves too much, a prince hated by his jealous brother and a Magic Pig.
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MILL ARTS CENTRE
George Street, OX1 2AG 0870 606 3500 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 7 Dec – 2 Jan THE SOUND OF MUSIC Connie Fisher returns as Maria. Starring alongside Connie are two of the UK's favourite stage performers; Michael Praed as Captain von Trapp and Marilyn Hill Smith as Mother Abbess. This lavish and critically acclaimed production tells the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike. 6 – 9 Jan PETER PAN ON ICE The Russian Ice Stars return bringing their magic to the theatre with a spectacular, glittering adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s famous story, Peter Pan. Peter Pan on Ice tells the story of the little boy who never grew up and his exciting adventures on the island of Neverland with Wendy Darling, her brothers, Tinkerbell, Peter’s gang of Lost Boys and their enemy, the fearsome Captain Hook.
OXFORD PLAYHOUSE & BT STUDIO 11-12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 3 Dec – 16 Jan CINDERELLA Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters. The handsome prince is looking for a bride. Will true love take its course (assisted by our heroine's Fairy Godmother and the broken-hearted Buttons)? Can Cinders compete with her sisters to win the heart of the kingdom's most eligible bachelor? And, who knew getting your feet measured could be so important?
PEGASUS THEATRE Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE 01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 25 – 27 Nov ALICE IN WONDERLAND From the tranquillity of a sunny Oxford riverbank, an inquisitive Alice leads audiences down the rabbit hole into a mysterious wonderland of the imagination. Discover curious creatures, puzzling people and unravel marvellous mathematical in a world where nothing is quite as it seems, but everything is just as it is, you never know who’ll pop up next in wonderland… 4 Dec 2pm & 7pm CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Oxford’s hip hop and street dance masters Messy Jam tear up the floor with an evening of mesmerising moves to inspire and refresh young and old alike. 15 – 18 Dec THE NATIVITY The appearance of an angel begins a dangerous journey with kings, shepherds, mothers and soldiers. Based on The Second Shepherd’s Play and the famous Medieval Mystery cycle, this new production will revisit the terror and beauty of the Christmas story.
THE THEATRE 2 Spring Street Chipping Norton OX7 5NL 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 23 Nov - 8 Jan BEAUTY AND THE BEAST In the achingly beautiful landscape of a snowbound rural France, a tale is told of dancing ghosts and talking clocks, magical roses and mystical mirrors, beguiling beauties and beastly jokes. And a talking French Poodle!
We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate and up-to-date. However, please call venues to confirm.
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OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 1 Nov – 29 Nov 10.30am – 11.45am MESSY ART &
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
17 Nov - 24 Dec WADDESDON DECORATED FOR
2 Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT WALLINGFORD.
PLAY
CHRISTMAS
Pegasus Theatre Oxford OX41RE www.pegasus.org.uk 01865 812150 Be inspired and creative in playing and learning together. £12.50 for 5 week course (or £3 drop-in) includes coffee and cake. 3 Nov - 1 Dec 10.30am – 11.15am SINGING THE WORLD Singing and stories from around the world to share and join in. £12.50 for 5 week course (£3.00 for drop-in) includes coffee and cake. 11 & 12 Nov SANTA IN HIS GROTTO BUS Oxford Bus Museum/Morris Motors Experience Long Hanborough, Witney OX29 8LA www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 01993 883617 Chat to Santa and his Elves and receive a gift. 13 Nov – 12 Dec GULLIVER’S TRAVELS: A FAIRYTALE
3 Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT CHIPPING NORTON
19 Nov WADDESDON CHRISTMAS FLOODLIT
3 Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT THAME
CHRISTMAS Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com 0800 8496500 A truly magical time when Jonathan Swift’s classical fairytale Gulliver’s Travels will be brought to life at Blenheim Palace. 13 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA'S MAGICAL WONDERLAND
GROTTO Millets Farm Centre, Frilford Nr Abingdon OX13 5HB www.milletsfarmcentre.com 01865 392200 Enter Santa's Magical wonderland grotto at Millets Farm this Christmas and enjoy a Christmas fairytale read by Santa himself! 14 Nov CUSHION CONCERT: PIANO Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, St Hilda’s College, Oxford, OX4 1DY www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp 01865 276 821 9.30am, 10.30am & 3pm for U5s 11.30am Ages 5+ 14 Nov STIR UP SUNDAY Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP www.blenheimpalace.com 0800 8496500 Families can take their turn to stir the big pudding and make a special wish.
OPENING Waddesdon Manor, Nr Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk 01296 653226 20 Nov 12noon–4pm LIGHTENING STRIKES Ages 7+. Museum of the History of Science Oxford OX1 3AZ www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 01865 277280 21 Nov 2pm – 4pm FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN OU Museum of Natural History Oxford, OX1 3PW www.museums.ox.ac.uk/families 01865 282456 23 Nov CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT KIDLINGTON www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 25 Nov DIDCOT CHRISTMAS STREET FAIR www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 26 Nov CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON AT WITNEY www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 26 Nov – 22 Dec 10am - 6pm CHRISTMAS GROTTO
AND CHILDREN’S WINTER WONDERLAND Oxford Castle OX1 1AY www.oxfordcastle.com 01865 201657 27 Nov FARINGDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 27 Nov A NIGHT OF 900 CANDLES IN WOODSTOCK www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 27 & 28 Nov 10-5pm SANTA'S GROTTO AT OXFORD
TOWN HALL OX1 1BX www.oxford.gov.uk 01865 252195 28 Nov 12 noon - U5s, 1.30pm - 5-8 year olds
CUSHION CONCERTS FOR LITTLE ONES - THE PIANO Cornerstone Arts Centre Didcot OX11 7NE www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 01235 515144 28 Nov 2pm – 4pm FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN OU Museum of Natural History Oxford see 21 Nov 30 Nov CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON &
FIREWORKS AT ABINGDON www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm
3 Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT HENLEY ON THAMES 3 Dec CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT CARTERTON 3 Dec DICKENSIAN EVENING AT WANTAGE
www.otcn.co.uk/xmas_lights.htm 4,11,18 Dec SANTA CRUISE Hobbs of Henley, Henley On Thames RG9 1AZ www.hobbsofhenley.com 01491 572035 4,11 & 18 Dec SANTA'S CHRISTMAS CRUISE Oxford River Cruises OX2 6HJ www.oxfordrivercruises.com 0845 2269396 5 Dec 10am and 11am CUSHION CONCERT: CHRISTMAS BRASS for all ages, with a special visitor! Jacqueline du Pré Music Building - see 14 Nov 9 Dec CHRISTMAS LECTURE: DISCOVERING THE
DINOSAURS Science Oxford OX4 1BD www.scienceoxfordlive.com 01865 810000 11 Dec POLAR ADVENTURE TRAIL OU Museum of Natural History Oxford, OX1 3PW 01865 282456 www.museums.ox.ac.uk/families 11 Dec – 12 Dec 10.30am – 4.30pm SANTA WEEKEND Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough OX29 8LA www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 01993 883617 15 Dec – 23 Dec SUPERCAMPS @ RADLEY COLLEGE, ABINGDON 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk 16 Dec 7.30pm CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sheldonian Theatre www.oxfordphil.com 01865 305 305 19 Dec 2.30pm – 4pm 4 LUCKY DIP DISCO Modern Art Oxford (MAO) OX1 1BP www.modernartoxford.org.uk 01865 813 800
20 DEC – 23 DEC SUPERCAMPS @ HEADINGTON SCHOOL, OXFORD See 15 Dec for details
Send your diary dates for January / February by Friday 10 December 2010 to editor@familiesox.co.uk
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competitions WIN a FREE children’s party* at Oxfordshire’s newest play centre To enter simply answer this question
The Treehouse play centre has recently opened in Didcot and to celebrate the launch they are offering you a chance to win a free birthday party for your child and upto 15 friends. The party package as seen at www.thetreehouseplaycentre.co.uk includes FREE entrance for upto 16 children. You have exclusive use of the party room for upto 2 hours with free WIFI, receive free squash, colouring placemats and bizzi activity party bags for each child. You also have the option to bring your own food. This is the perfect location for children’s parties.
What is the name of the resident mascot at the new Treehouse ? Send your entry by e-mail to editor@familiesox.co.uk or by post to: Families Oxfordshire TREEHOUSE Competition, PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ Closing date is: 17 Dec 2010 and DON’T FORGET, as always, to send us your name, address and telephone number Your details will not be used for any purpose other than this competition. Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website.
*party date is subject to availability
01235 819320 www.thetreehouseplaycentre.co.uk
No correspondence will be entered into.
MASCOT CHIPPER AND FRIENDS AT THE OPENING
Entries open to Oxfordshire residents only.
Win family tickets* to Beauty and the Beast at Cornerstone To enter simply answer this question Is the Beast
A - Cheeky? B - Ugly? C - Handsome? Send your entry by e-mail to editor@familiesox.co.uk or by post to: Families Oxfordshire CORNERSTONE Competition, PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ Closing date is: 3 Dec 2010 and DON’T FORGET, as always, to send us your name, address and telephone number Your details will not be used for any purpose other than this competition. Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website. No correspondence will be entered into. Entries open to Oxfordshire residents only.
15-19 December
Make a date to visit Didcot's Cornerstone this Christmas for Beauty and the Beast. Is Beauty too snooty to feast with the beast? Have you heard about the beast? They say he’s so ugly that when he looks in the mirror even his own reflection gets a shock! A brand new adaptation of Perrault’s classic fairy tale, this show is full of fantastic original music, audience participation, fast paced storytelling and all our favourite characters. A perfect Christmas treat for the whole family! *Win family tickets worth £35 (at least one child under 16 in a party of four) to the opening performance on Wednesday 15 December at 7pm. www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144
Copyright Families Oxfordshire November 2010. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner's own risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Oxfordshire is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine but publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.
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