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Primary Times Oxfordshire May 16

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What’s On Where for families and schools<br />

www.primarytimes.net<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

Parenting • Education • Days Out • News & Reviews<br />

MAY HALF TERM №101<br />

<strong>16</strong> <strong>May</strong> – 3 July 20<strong>16</strong>


Dear Reader<br />

Welcome to our <strong>May</strong> Half Term issue.<br />

With the weather hotting up and <strong>May</strong> half term looming we are<br />

delighted to offer you lots of wonderful activities and events to keep<br />

your children busy over the coming weeks and during the holiday<br />

week. Many of our WOW listings are either free or very low cost.<br />

Now is a great time to start planning for the half term and long<br />

summer holidays – for working parents the summer holidays need to<br />

be meticulously planned. We offer a number of options to help with<br />

those plans in School Holiday Camps and Activities feature.<br />

We also tackle the debate concerning the current state of the health<br />

of the average UK family and introduce downloadable activities from<br />

Tesco where you and your children can have fun learning about food.<br />

Regular features in this issue also include Box Office – lots of family<br />

favourites to choose from. Competitions in this issue include a family<br />

ticket worth £600 to Vitality SportFest 20<strong>16</strong> and to family Sunday at<br />

Henley Festival – see page 21 for further details.<br />

We hope you enjoy this issue and if you have any news to celebrate,<br />

children to praise or school events to include in our Summer issue,<br />

please email marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk by 10th June.<br />

Best wishes<br />

Marion, Marie, Carol & Charlotte<br />

Contents<br />

Inside this issue...<br />

Calling all<br />

families<br />

and teachers!<br />

Remember to send in<br />

your news for our news<br />

pages – we would love<br />

to hear from you!<br />

Don’t forget<br />

to visit us<br />

online at<br />

www.primarytimes.net<br />

/oxfordshire<br />

4 News & Views<br />

6 WOW<br />

8 Schools Holiday Camps<br />

& Activities<br />

18 Bookstore<br />

20 Box Office<br />

21 Competitions<br />

contents<br />

The <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Team<br />

Editor:<br />

Marion McAdam<br />

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />

Sales:<br />

Marie McArthur<br />

ptoxon@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />

TEL: 01491 411848<br />

Production:<br />

Carol George<br />

production@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />

Design:<br />

Charlotte Morgan<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> in <strong>Oxfordshire</strong>,<br />

Schools Publishing Limited,<br />

St James’s House, 118 Greys Road,<br />

Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1QW.<br />

TEL: 01491 411848<br />

FAX: 01491 4114<strong>16</strong><br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire<br />

...the UK’s biggest,<br />

free ‘what’s on’<br />

magazine for parents!<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> in<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong> distributes<br />

over 40,00 copies<br />

seven times a year, and is<br />

part of a national network<br />

distributing more than 2.7<br />

million copies in 61 regions<br />

across the UK and Ireland.<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in <strong>Oxfordshire</strong>. It aims<br />

to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give<br />

teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in<br />

the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also<br />

undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the<br />

best interests of young children. <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> would like to thank all the schools in <strong>Oxfordshire</strong> for their assistance in<br />

distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who<br />

have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you<br />

can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with <strong>Primary</strong><br />

<strong>Times</strong> or with the relevant contributor. <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under<br />

franchise licences throughout Britain.<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 3


news & views<br />

News & Views<br />

Do you have news that might interest other parents or teachers? We’d love to hear about it!<br />

Email marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />

Saturday 4th June 20<strong>16</strong> –<br />

Rainbow Run in Oxford<br />

Take Part in Oxford’s third Rainbow Run at<br />

Cutteslowe Park at 11am to raise money for Helen &<br />

Douglas House. This 3km fun run, where you will<br />

be showered with powder paint from head to toe<br />

and all colours of the rainbow, is suitable for all<br />

ages, individuals and families. Entry fees are £12 for<br />

children 13 and under and £17.50 for anyone aged<br />

over 14. Places are limited so sign up today by<br />

emailing www.hdh.org.uk<br />

More than 90 per cent get<br />

first choice primary school<br />

More than 91 per cent (91.51) of <strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

children due to start primary school in September<br />

have been offered a place at their first-preference<br />

school.<br />

The figure is up by 3.47 percentage points<br />

compared with 2015 and means the county<br />

council’s admissions team has once again been<br />

able to grant the wishes of the overwhelming<br />

majority of families.<br />

In total 98.05 per cent of families have been<br />

offered a place at one of their preferred schools,<br />

with just 148 out of 7,600 (1.93 per cent) offered a<br />

place at their nearest alternative school.<br />

Any family which has not received a firstpreference<br />

offer has the option to appeal, and<br />

also to remain on ‘continued interest’ lists for their<br />

preferred school, in the event that spaces become<br />

available between now and September.<br />

Youngsters feel<br />

the Samba beat<br />

SEEDS FROM SPACE!<br />

Chadlington <strong>Primary</strong> School were thrilled to take<br />

part in the RHS Rocket Science Experiment which<br />

started in mid April and is one of many innovative<br />

projects the school is involved with. Rocket seeds<br />

from RHS Wisley were launched into space last year<br />

from Kazakhstan and have spent many months on<br />

Astronaut Inspires at<br />

Abingdon School<br />

Have you ever wanted to hear first-hand what<br />

it’s like to survive a collision in space or to<br />

repair the Hubble Telescope whilst orbiting the<br />

Earth? Michael Foale, former NASA astronaut<br />

and the first UK born citizen to perform a<br />

spacewalk, answered these and other questions<br />

in conversation with Oxford University physicist<br />

Frank Close, OBE at Abingdon School. The<br />

event, which was organised by Abingdon<br />

School and ISSET, the International Space School<br />

Educational Trust, thrilled the audience of all<br />

age groups. Prior to the evening event, the<br />

Abingdon Science Partnership, which promotes<br />

science in the local community, had arranged<br />

for Michael to speak to pupils from local schools<br />

including Fitzharrys and Larkmead about his<br />

experience and to give advice about careers in<br />

space.<br />

British-American astrophysicist Michael<br />

Foale, PhD, CBE, is a veteran of six Space Shuttle<br />

missions and extended missions on both Mir<br />

The sounds of the Brazilian carnival echoed<br />

around Sibford School in <strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

recently when pupils in Years 5 & 6<br />

demonstrated their newly-found skills as<br />

Sambistas.<br />

Cyro Zuzi, of London-based Bish Bash Bosh,<br />

conducted two workshops demonstrating the<br />

art of samba reggae, a style of samba from<br />

the north-east of Brazil.<br />

The youngsters then put their new art to<br />

the test by performing a short concert.<br />

Rachel Bee, Junior School Music Teacher,<br />

said: “Not only were the workshops great<br />

fun but they were also excellent for coordination,<br />

watching and listening skills and<br />

encouraging team work … each individual<br />

instrument plays a simple rhythm but their<br />

combined sound was terrific.”<br />

board the International Space Station at zero<br />

gravity with Major Tim Peake. Once the cargo<br />

arrived back on Earth, the pupils of Chadlington<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> School were given one hundred precious<br />

seeds in two packets, one blue and one red -<br />

nobody knows which have been in space! The<br />

whole idea of the experiment is to see whether<br />

being in space at zero gravity or even the G-force<br />

from the launch and journey will affect the<br />

growth of the Rocket. The pupils of Mrs Gardner<br />

in Dragons class have already made some<br />

exciting predictions for BBC Oxford and will<br />

spend the next six weeks diligently turning the<br />

trays, watering the seedlings and taking<br />

measurements. Their findings will be put into a<br />

national database together with other schools<br />

and Tim Peake will announce which seed packet<br />

will have been to space - blue or red! The seed<br />

trays and equipment were kindly donated by<br />

Chadlington Kitchen Garden.<br />

and the International Space Station. He holds<br />

the cumulative-time-in-space record for a UK<br />

born citizen, 374 days, 11 hours, 19 minutes<br />

including four space walks totalling 22 hours<br />

and 44 minutes.<br />

9th July – Save the Date<br />

Back by popular demand, the Benson Village<br />

Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday<br />

9th July 20<strong>16</strong> from 12 – 3.00pm, on the<br />

playing fields, Oxford Road, OX10 6LX.<br />

Free entertainment, games, local crafters,<br />

inflatable obstacle course and bouncy<br />

castle, sports challenges, local butcher<br />

BBQ, licensed bar, ice cream, popcorn<br />

and the Roke and Benson Band. For more<br />

information www.bensonfayre.org.uk<br />

and finally…<br />

We received a lovely joke that was slightly<br />

too long to include in Loopy Library but<br />

thought it was so good that we wanted to<br />

share it with you anyway!<br />

KNOCK, KNOCK<br />

Who’s there?<br />

Cowsgo<br />

Cowsgo who?<br />

No they don’t, cowsgo MOO!<br />

Kindly submitted by Daisy, aged 7,<br />

from Abingdon.<br />

4<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Love Your Clothes by Knowing<br />

Your Care Labels #InsideOut<br />

Discovering your clothes have shrunk in the wash is something we<br />

can all relate to. According to the Love Your Clothes campaign,<br />

31% of us are no longer wearing clothes from our wardrobes<br />

because we’ve washed, dried or ironed them incorrectly.<br />

In fact, 39 million items of clothes have not been worn in the past<br />

year because we’ve not followed the care label.<br />

Only 9% of UK adults can identify more than half of the<br />

25 common care symbols that regularly appear on the labels<br />

in our clothes.<br />

To help people get to know their labels, Love Your Clothes has<br />

teamed up with leading fabric care brand Ariel. Test what you<br />

know by visiting www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/care-labels and<br />

taking their quick three minute challenge. You can also download<br />

a FREE arty care labels guide poster to frame and hang in your<br />

laundry room.<br />

While the symbols on care labels might look like secret coding,<br />

they’re actually the key to making our clothes last longer. Following<br />

them prevents clothes from being thrown away and potentially<br />

heading to landfill.<br />

Love Your Clothes encourages us all to change the way we buy,<br />

care for and dispose of our clothing to help reduce the impact of<br />

clothing on the environment. Visit www.loveyourclothes.org.uk<br />

for tips and advice on how to get the best out of your clothes.<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 5


what’s on where<br />

9-2-3 Jobs is a boutique<br />

recruitment agency specialising<br />

in flexible work. Their<br />

candidates include mums<br />

returning to work following a<br />

career break as well as others<br />

simply seeking a better worklife<br />

balance. Founded by an<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong> mum-of-3, they’re<br />

always open to new candidates<br />

as well as businesses looking to<br />

tap into this highly skilled pool<br />

of talent! www.923jobs.com<br />

Helen@923jobs.com<br />

Tower Crafts<br />

Tower Crafts have released<br />

a new range of sun hats<br />

hand made in carefully<br />

selected fabrics. They<br />

are available with school<br />

gingham and designed to<br />

complement the school<br />

uniform with style. It’s hard<br />

not to look cute in these<br />

hats, there are more details<br />

on the facebook page:<br />

www.facebook.com/<br />

TowerCrafts.<br />

WOW!<br />

What’s on where...<br />

We check listings carefully but event<br />

details and prices may be subject to change.<br />

Please always check with the venue.<br />

21 <strong>May</strong><br />

Swishwiffling Storytelling<br />

Workshop<br />

Join us to learn terrific storytelling techniques<br />

at this dyslexia-friendly event. In groups,<br />

we’ll devise a silly story using pictures and<br />

props, and end with a performance. Booking<br />

essential. Sessions at 12 & 2pm. Suitable for<br />

ages 6+. Cost £3 per person. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

A Strings Celebration<br />

String players from schools across<br />

Northamptonshire and Stowe join in a<br />

massed celebration of string music and<br />

performance in a collaboration event<br />

between Stowe School and Northamptonshire<br />

Music and Performing Arts Trust. A celebration<br />

concert rounds off a day of fun-filled music<br />

workshops for pupils. Cost £3. T: 01280<br />

818002 www.stowehouse.org Stowe<br />

House, MK18 5EH<br />

Family Day<br />

For children with a disability, their family and<br />

friends. 10am-3.30pm. Booking essential.<br />

T: 01844 338380 www.thomley.org.uk<br />

Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

Science Saturday<br />

Investigate real natural history specimens<br />

with real live scientists. Suitable for ages 8+.<br />

2-4pm. T: 01865 272950<br />

www.oum.ox.ac.uk Museum of Natural<br />

History, OX1 3PW<br />

Riverside Stomp<br />

A fantastic walking challenge along the<br />

beautiful Thames Path to raise fund for Helen<br />

and Douglas House. Walkers can stomp<br />

22 miles from Wallingford or 8 miles from<br />

Abingdon, finishing in Oxford. T: 01865<br />

799150 www.hdh.org.uk Helen and Douglas<br />

House, OX4 1RW<br />

22 <strong>May</strong><br />

Wondercrump Word Hunt<br />

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke takes you on a<br />

delightful trail. Head around the galleries and<br />

have some fun with word play. 11am-5pm. Free<br />

with admission. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Steam Train Rides<br />

Ride behind a full-size steam engine.<br />

T: 01296 655720 www.bucksrailcentre.org<br />

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, HP22 4BY<br />

28 <strong>May</strong><br />

Trunchpots<br />

Listen to hilariously terrifying descriptions<br />

of Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress we<br />

love to hate. Then get your own back in this<br />

wondercrump pottery class by making your own<br />

pot in the shape of Miss Trunchbull. Booking<br />

essential. Sessions at 11.30am, 12.30, 2 & 3pm.<br />

Suitable for ages 5+. Cost £3 per person.<br />

T: 01494 892192 www.roalddahl.com The<br />

Roald Dahl Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

History and Nature Ride<br />

Discover the local history and the lineside flora<br />

and fauna in an hour-long railcar trip. Up to 2<br />

accompanied children can travel for a pound.<br />

T: 01844 353535 www.chinnorrailway.co.uk<br />

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, OX39 4ER<br />

Quiet Day<br />

For children with a disability, their family<br />

and friends. Spaces limited to 35 so booking<br />

essential. T: 01844 338380<br />

www.thomley.org.uk Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

Science Saturday<br />

Investigate real natural history specimens<br />

with real live scientists. Suitable for ages 8+.<br />

2-4pm. T: 01865 272950 www.oum.ox.ac.uk<br />

Museum of Natural History, OX1 3PW<br />

Craft Activity<br />

Drop in hands-on craft activities for ages 5<br />

to 7 years. 11am-1pm. Free event, donations<br />

welcome. T: 01494 792549<br />

www.cheshammuseum.org.uk<br />

Chesham Museum, HP5 1HG<br />

28 – 29 <strong>May</strong><br />

Common People<br />

A family friendly festival organised by<br />

the makers of Bestival. From pop stars to<br />

underground legends, theatre and spoken word<br />

to our the Kids Area and some special Oxford<br />

touches. Tickets available for individual days or<br />

whole weekend. www.commonpeople.net<br />

South Park, 75 Hill Top Road, Oxford, OX4<br />

28 – 30 <strong>May</strong><br />

Food Festival<br />

This year’s enhanced festival will feature more<br />

demonstrations, more local producers and more<br />

tastings, with a fantastic range of food, drink and<br />

activities for the whole family to enjoy. There<br />

will also be children’s entertainment such as a<br />

6<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


oaming storyteller, garden games, face painting<br />

and vintage rides. 10am-5pm. T: 01993 810 518<br />

www.blenheimpalace.com Blenheim Palace,<br />

OX20 1PP<br />

Gala Days<br />

Diesel Gala and Real Ale Festival. T: 01235<br />

817200 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk<br />

Didcot Railway Centre, OX11 7NJ<br />

28 <strong>May</strong> – 5 June<br />

Moulding Madness<br />

Kids can learn all about conservation in a<br />

new way. Help to restore Hughenden’s library<br />

ceiling by creating new plaster mouldings from<br />

plaster of paris and decorate them gothic style.<br />

10am-3pm. Cost £3 per child. Normal admission<br />

applies. T: 01494 755573<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden<br />

HP14 4LA<br />

Gnometastic<br />

Hunt the naughty gnomes around the Gardens<br />

and collect a prize when you have found them<br />

all. Cost £2 per child. T: 01844 339226<br />

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk Waterperry<br />

Gardens, Nr Wheatley, OX33 1JZ<br />

Dig for Victory Trail<br />

Explore the gardens and learn more about the<br />

dig for victory campaign. See what has been<br />

planted to keep the nation fed this year then<br />

collect your prize. Cost £2 per trail. Normal<br />

admission charges apply. T: 0844 249 1895<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Upton House and<br />

Gardens, OX15 6HT<br />

John Lawson’s Circus<br />

The circus is back in town with an entirely human<br />

cast, new acts and routines. Performances daily<br />

at 11am, 1 & 3pm. Tickets £6.99 per person.<br />

T: 01865 391311 www.milletsfarmcentre.com<br />

Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, Nr<br />

Abingdon, OX13 5HB<br />

Make and Take<br />

A week of craft activities inspired by the<br />

collections at Stowe House. T: 01280 818002<br />

www.stowehouse.org Stowe House, MK18 5EH<br />

Family Trail<br />

Can you collect like a Stowe owner? Try this<br />

self led trail and follow the clues to discover its<br />

unique collections. T: 01280 818002<br />

www.stowehouse.org Stowe House, MK18 5EH<br />

29 <strong>May</strong><br />

Crackling Chalkboards<br />

Listen to Matilda’s revenge on Miss Trunchbull<br />

from the dramatic scene from the story. Then<br />

take yourself back to Miss Honey’s classroom<br />

and decorate your very own chalkboard.<br />

Booking essential. Sessions at 11.30am, 12.30, 2<br />

& 3pm. Suitable for ages 6+. Cost £3 per person.<br />

T: 01494 892192 www.roalddahl.com<br />

The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High St, Great<br />

Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

29 – 30 <strong>May</strong><br />

Roman Gladiators<br />

Watch provincial gladiators in action as a team<br />

of criminals, barbarians and other prisoners of<br />

war, disgraced soldiers and thrill seekers fight<br />

for the entertainment of the crowds and the<br />

Emperor. T: 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk<br />

Chiltern Open Air Museum, HP8 4AB<br />

Beattie Bash<br />

Come and see two sister locomotives running<br />

together for the first time in several years.<br />

T: 01296 655720 www.bucksrailcentre.org<br />

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, HP22 4BY<br />

29 <strong>May</strong> – 3 June<br />

Reptile Week<br />

Learn more about reptiles and insects close-up<br />

with reptile expert Safari Stu. Stu will provide<br />

an educational and fun experience in which<br />

visitors will be able to learn about, see and<br />

even hold a variety of animals, including: a<br />

chameleon, snakes, lizards, tarantulas and<br />

stick insects. All included in the admission<br />

price. 10am-5pm. T: 01525 852954<br />

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Mead Open<br />

Farm, LU7 9JH<br />

30 <strong>May</strong><br />

Bogtrotter Money Banks<br />

Listen to storytelling from the crackling<br />

chapter in Matilda, in which Miss Trunchbull<br />

makes Bruce Bogtrotter eat an entire cake.<br />

Then decorate a yummy-looking money<br />

bank with ceramic paints, so you can save<br />

your pennies for your own enormous cake.<br />

Sessions at 11am, 12, 1, 2, 3 & 4pm. Suitable<br />

for ages 6+. Cost £3.50 per person. T: 01494<br />

892192 www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Bank Holiday Monday Open Day<br />

A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits<br />

relating to farming and country life. www.<br />

pitstonemuseum.co.uk Pitstone Green<br />

Museum, LU7 9EY<br />

Meet the Beekeepers<br />

Meet the Hughenden beekeepers and learn<br />

all about the fascinating honey giving<br />

creatures. There is also a bee themed trail<br />

for the kids to follow. 11am-4pm. Free with<br />

admission. T: 01494 755573<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden<br />

Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA<br />

Community Day: Half Term Fun<br />

For all children with or without a disability.<br />

10am-3.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01844<br />

338380 www.thomley.org.uk Thomley,<br />

HP18 9JZ<br />

Up, Up and Away!<br />

Find out more about the Oxford pastry chef<br />

and inventor who was the first Englishman<br />

to fly a Hot Air Balloon. See a relic from the<br />

Balloon Mania of the Georgian period in the<br />

collection and gave a go at crafting your very<br />

own balloon. Free drop in 10.30am-3.30pm.<br />

T: 01865 252334 www.oxford.gov.uk<br />

Museum of Oxford, OX1 1BX<br />

Tuckers’ Feast Day with Whitney<br />

Music Festival<br />

Join this traditional Witney feast held to<br />

celebrate the master weavers of the local<br />

blanket factories. A family fun day with the<br />

Witney Music Festival, showcasing the best<br />

local talent and beyond.11am-5pm. T: 01993<br />

772602 www.cogges.org.uk Cogges Manor<br />

Farm, OX28 3LA<br />

Bank Holiday Monday<br />

Free vintage bus rides to Witney. Buses<br />

depart 11.30am then every hour until<br />

3.30pm. T: 01993 883 617<br />

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk<br />

Oxford Bus Museum, Hanborough Railway<br />

StationOX29 8LA<br />

30 <strong>May</strong> – 5 June<br />

Half Term Activities<br />

Activities including gallery trails, word<br />

searches, drawing and colouring and hands-on<br />

instruments. 2-5pm. T: 01865 276139<br />

www.bate.ox.ac.uk The Bate Collection of<br />

Musical Instruments OX1 1DB<br />

what’s on where<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 7


school holiday<br />

camps & activities<br />

Karting thrills<br />

Specialising in unique indoor<br />

birthday parties and operating<br />

from 30 indoor venues across<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong> Go-Kart Party is<br />

completely safe for children<br />

between four and ten years of<br />

age. The track has an inflatable<br />

boundary so children are<br />

surrounded by a cushion of air.<br />

The speed of the karts is set<br />

according to the age and ability of<br />

the children, they have a remote<br />

control cut off system controlled<br />

by the operator and there are<br />

party programmes for each<br />

different age group. The party<br />

lasts between one and one and a<br />

half hours and can accommodate<br />

up to 30 children. Children’s<br />

driving skills improve over the<br />

duration of the party as they get<br />

different challenges to complete.<br />

For further information, call Julio<br />

on 07841 053154, 01865<br />

775653 or visit:<br />

www.gokart-party.co.uk<br />

Ignite Sport<br />

UK<br />

Our School Holiday Sports<br />

Courses have been running<br />

for <strong>16</strong> years! Our coaching<br />

team hold an enhanced DBS<br />

& are trained in first aid &<br />

safeguarding.<br />

Children aged 4-12 can enjoy<br />

learning new skills, making new<br />

friends, developing techniques<br />

and playing fun games and<br />

matches in a safe environment.<br />

www.ignitesportuk.com<br />

Abingdon Gym<br />

Club Fun Days<br />

Come and check us out!<br />

Abingdon Gym Club in<br />

Berinsfield hosts Fun Days 3<br />

days a week over <strong>May</strong> half term<br />

and August. The Fun Days<br />

involve games and gymnastic<br />

activities in our large facility<br />

for children aged 5 and up.<br />

Children need to bring lunch and<br />

drinks and the day runs 10am<br />

-4pm costing £27.50 with multi<br />

booking discounts. Ideal for<br />

children new to gymnastics or<br />

wanting to stay active. Half term<br />

dates are: 31st <strong>May</strong>; 1st June and<br />

2nd June. Please book through<br />

reception from 25th April for half<br />

term dates and from 27th June<br />

for August dates.<br />

01865 340992<br />

www.abingdongymclub.co.uk<br />

8<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


GO BEANIES<br />

SUMMER HOLIDAY<br />

CAMPS (BEALE<br />

PARK & HENLEY)<br />

Go Beanies is an activity day<br />

camp with something for every<br />

5-12 year old with more than 100<br />

fun-filled activities to keep your<br />

child entertained all holiday, they<br />

have designed an exciting range<br />

of activities aimed at developing<br />

your child’s confidence through<br />

the creative arts, sports & play.<br />

Visit www.gobeanies.org or call<br />

01189 84<strong>16</strong>84. Open weekdays<br />

from 25th July to 2nd September.<br />

ANDY TAYLOR<br />

GOLF<br />

Andy Taylor Golf provides a fun,<br />

safe learning environment for<br />

young people to experience and<br />

develop golf. The use of games<br />

ensures that while children put<br />

into practice technical skills,<br />

they are not weighed down with<br />

technique only. Coaching is ideal<br />

for children at various ages,<br />

players are grouped according<br />

to where they are in their own<br />

golfing and personal journey.<br />

We have a proven track record<br />

of developing young people from<br />

beginners to National squad<br />

players.<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 9


school holiday<br />

camps & activities<br />

Fairplay<br />

Tennis<br />

Come And Enjoy Fun<br />

Holiday Tennis in Oxford.<br />

Ages 7-15yrs, <strong>Times</strong> 08:30/45<br />

to 1pm Monday to Friday on dates<br />

advertised. Develop stronger<br />

technique, understand and<br />

improve your tactical game, enjoy<br />

fun competitions. Win trophies,<br />

medals and prizes. Download a<br />

camp flyer to book your place<br />

now! www.fairplaytennis.com<br />

Or contact the coach Seth Dixon<br />

direct on 07793 747372 LTA<br />

(licensed). USPTA/RPT qualified.<br />

The Soldiers of<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

Museum<br />

The Soldiers of <strong>Oxfordshire</strong> –<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong>’s newest child-friendly<br />

museum – is expanding its ever<br />

popular Kids Club to include a<br />

day-camp on Friday 3rd June for<br />

boys and girls aged 6-9 years.<br />

Our Half Term theme is ‘All over<br />

the world!’ full of games, crafts<br />

and technical challenges with<br />

an international flavour. If you’ve<br />

never been to us before, this is the<br />

perfect opportunity for your child<br />

to enjoy a fun-packed, educational<br />

day in a modern museum in<br />

the beautiful surroundings of<br />

Woodstock. Six hours at our Kids<br />

Club day-camp costs only £30 per<br />

child. Places are limited, so please<br />

book ahead on 01993 810211 or<br />

email education@sofo.org.uk We<br />

look forward to seeing you soon!<br />

A wild learning<br />

experience<br />

If you’re looking for somewhere<br />

different to take the family, or<br />

perhaps you’re a teacher looking<br />

to inspire your class – look no<br />

further than Crocodiles of the<br />

World in Brize Norton. Crocodiles<br />

can teach us so much about the<br />

world; they have been around for<br />

a very long time after all! Here at<br />

the UK’s only Crocodile Zoo we’re<br />

dedicated to crocodile conservation<br />

and passionate about<br />

sharing our knowledge<br />

with you. So snap up<br />

this unique opportunity<br />

to see, touch and<br />

learn about crocodiles<br />

in a fun, safe and stimulating<br />

environment.Crocodiles of the<br />

World is open daily, 10am-5pm<br />

www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk<br />

10<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Active<br />

Education<br />

Busy working parents can heave<br />

a sigh of relief as Ultimate Activity<br />

Camps are running their outstanding<br />

holiday activity programmes in the<br />

area for children aged 4-14 years!<br />

With over 25 years’ experience of<br />

running first-class holiday camps,<br />

Ultimate Activity Camps offer the<br />

opportunity for children to have<br />

fun, meet friends and learn new<br />

skills during the school holidays.<br />

To start your child’s holiday<br />

adventure, visit their website;<br />

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk<br />

which explains everything about<br />

their locations, dates, activities<br />

and special offers or call them on:<br />

0844 870 7077.<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 11


school holiday camps & activities<br />

Healthy Family<br />

(In association with Public Health England)<br />

Dr Justin Varney,<br />

Interim Deputy<br />

Director for Health<br />

and Wellbeing<br />

(Healthy People)<br />

from Public Health<br />

England, gives us<br />

an insight into the<br />

current state of the health of<br />

the average UK family.<br />

The state of the<br />

nation’s health<br />

Obesity, poor diet and physical<br />

activity are three of the biggest<br />

problems to affect the health of<br />

families in England. They are<br />

directly responsible for many of<br />

the preventable conditions such as<br />

type two diabetes, heart disease,<br />

stroke and kidney disease that are<br />

impacting on people’s lives and<br />

causing early death.<br />

Around 40% of ill health in this<br />

country could be prevented by<br />

people leading a healthy lifestyle,<br />

including eating a balanced diet<br />

and being regularly active to<br />

improve the quality and length of<br />

our lives. We know that choices<br />

made about diet and exercise at<br />

every age can make a difference<br />

to health in both the short and<br />

long term. Fundamentally it’s<br />

never too late to make a change.<br />

Supporting individuals and<br />

families to make a healthy choice<br />

is at the heart of Public Health<br />

England’s (PHE) mission.<br />

Obesity<br />

Obesity and being overweight<br />

is a complex problem and is<br />

one of the biggest health issues<br />

facing families in England today.<br />

People rarely become overweight<br />

overnight; obesity is the result of<br />

bad choices made repeatedly over<br />

time, the extra sugar cube in the<br />

daily cup of tea, the treat cakes<br />

that become everyday habits, the<br />

sugary drink that undoes all the<br />

hard work from the swimming<br />

pool, the sofa day that becomes<br />

supper in front of the TV every<br />

night. These everyday habits can<br />

lead to piling on the pounds and<br />

it’s this gradual weight gain that<br />

makes it so hard for families and<br />

parents particularly to step in<br />

early. There is no single ‘silver<br />

bullet’ solution to tackling obesity.<br />

Today 1 in 4 people in England<br />

are obese and over a third (37%)<br />

are overweight. We know that<br />

almost one in ten 4-5 year olds<br />

are obese (9.5%) and by age<br />

10-11 this doubles to nearly one<br />

in five (19.1%). Obese children<br />

are more likely to experience<br />

bullying, low self-esteem, anxiety,<br />

depression and have a higher risk<br />

of developing type 2 diabetes and<br />

heart disease as adults.<br />

Many of us who struggle<br />

with weight issues know that<br />

getting back to a healthy weight<br />

is a journey that takes time and<br />

continued support from family and<br />

friends. Families working together<br />

to make healthier choices is a<br />

great way to help anyone deal<br />

with weight issues, whatever their<br />

age, and make it fun and part of<br />

everyday life.<br />

Simple steps to improve the<br />

family diet and get everyone more<br />

active every day will help the<br />

whole family achieve and maintain<br />

a healthy weight.<br />

Diet<br />

Tackling our high sugar<br />

consumption is an area of<br />

particular focus for PHE. The<br />

Scientific Advisory Committee on<br />

Nutrition (SACN), an independent<br />

expert body, has looked at the<br />

link between sugar consumption<br />

and a range of health issues,<br />

and found that too much sugar<br />

is detrimental for health. It now<br />

recommends that no more than<br />

5% of our daily calories should<br />

come from sugar, down from the<br />

previous recommendation of 10%.<br />

The government has adopted<br />

this as official dietary guidance<br />

which now means adults are<br />

now consuming over double the<br />

amount of sugar, and children<br />

and teenagers almost three times<br />

as much.<br />

The latest statistics from the<br />

National Diet and Nutrition<br />

Survey (NDNS) showed that<br />

sugary drinks are the largest<br />

contributor to sugar intake in<br />

teenagers. Twenty nine percent<br />

of the sugar in teenagers’ diets<br />

comes from sugary drinks (<strong>16</strong>%<br />

for younger children 4 to 10<br />

years), one in three five-year olds<br />

have tooth decay.<br />

Parents and carers can help<br />

their children achieve and<br />

maintain a healthier weight by<br />

following a balanced diet as<br />

shown in the eat well plate,<br />

choosing ‘me sized’ meals,<br />

avoiding sugary drinks and snacks<br />

high in sugar, salt or fat. Too<br />

much fat or sugar contributes<br />

towards excess calorie intake,<br />

which overtime can lead to<br />

weight gain.<br />

12<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Physical Activity<br />

As well as helping to maintain a<br />

healthier weight, being physically<br />

active encourages healthy<br />

development of bones and muscles,<br />

it improves concentration and<br />

learning, develops confidence<br />

and improves sleep. But most<br />

importantly it makes you feel good<br />

and is fun!<br />

In 2011, the UK Chief Medical<br />

Officers launched guidelines for<br />

physical activity, Start Active, Stay<br />

Active. These outline the quantity<br />

and types of physical activity<br />

necessary for good health at<br />

different ages.<br />

These guidelines encourage<br />

physical activity from birth,<br />

particularly through floor-based play<br />

and water-based activities in safe<br />

environments. For pre-school aged<br />

children who are capable of walking<br />

unaided, at least 180 minutes<br />

(3 hours) of physical activity is<br />

recommended spread throughout<br />

the day. Anything from running<br />

or skipping to playing with balls<br />

counts, so it is easiest to mix it up.<br />

For children and young people<br />

aged 5-18 years, at least 60<br />

minutes of at least ‘moderate’ to<br />

physical activity (i.e. makes you<br />

breathe faster and feel warmer)<br />

is recommended every day. On at<br />

least three days a week children<br />

should do activities to strengthen<br />

muscles and bone, such as<br />

climbing in the park.<br />

All children and young people<br />

should minimise the amount of<br />

time spent being ‘sedentary’<br />

(sitting or being restrained) for<br />

extended periods, except time<br />

spent sleeping.<br />

The most recent statistics show<br />

that we are far from meeting these<br />

recommendations:<br />

• At ages 2-4 years only<br />

one in ten children meet<br />

the guidelines (boys 9%,<br />

girls 10%). There is a high<br />

proportion of ‘low levels’ of<br />

activity in this age group<br />

• For 5-15 year olds only two<br />

in ten meet the guidelines<br />

(boys 21%, girls <strong>16</strong>%)<br />

• Physical activity is<br />

declining amongst<br />

children and young people;<br />

between 2008 and<br />

2012 the number of boys<br />

achieving the guidance<br />

fell from 28% to 19% and<br />

girls from 19% to <strong>16</strong>%<br />

Sedentary behaviour has been<br />

identified as an area of particular<br />

concern, with around four in<br />

ten children aged 5-15 years<br />

physically inactive (boys 39%,<br />

girls 45%). For all age groups<br />

and sexes, levels of sedentary<br />

time are higher at weekends<br />

compared to weekdays.<br />

• On weekdays, fewer than<br />

1 in 10 children under 10<br />

are sedentary for six hours<br />

or more. The proportion of<br />

children aged 13-15 years<br />

is much higher, at 1 in 4 for<br />

boys and 1 in <strong>16</strong> for girls<br />

• At weekends, there is<br />

a steady increase from<br />

the youngest age group<br />

(around 1 in 10 to the<br />

oldest (43% of boys and<br />

37% of girls)<br />

Sedentary behaviour habits<br />

appear to be formed in early<br />

childhood and develop during<br />

adolescence and into adulthood<br />

with screen time, including TV<br />

and internet viewing the biggest<br />

contributor.<br />

When we talk with families<br />

about becoming more active,<br />

it’s great to see how families<br />

really view this as fun family<br />

time. Whether it’s about walking<br />

the kids to school on the way<br />

to work, or having family time<br />

in the park at the weekend with<br />

a football, going to a local tea<br />

dance with granddad or granny,<br />

being active everyday should<br />

be fun and about spending time<br />

with family and friends.<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 13


school holiday<br />

camps & activities<br />

Full Circle<br />

Sports<br />

Make friends, learn new skills and<br />

have fun! Children age 5 to 13<br />

years can participate in indoor and<br />

outdoor activities. For each activity,<br />

children are in small groups<br />

according to age and ability and<br />

led by qualified and enthusiastic<br />

coaches.<br />

Activities include: Trampolining,<br />

Climbing Wall,<br />

Martial Arts,<br />

Cycling, Zumba,<br />

Hockey, Football,<br />

Basketball, Cricket, Rounders,<br />

Tennis, Badminton, Tag Rugby,<br />

Dance Workshops, Arts & Crafts<br />

and much more!<br />

Time: 9.30 to 4.30pm (extra time<br />

of 8.30am to 5.30pm available -<br />

charges apply). Venue: Wallingford<br />

School Leisure Centre (OX10<br />

8HH). £32 per day (sibling and full<br />

week discounts available) OFSTED<br />

registered and Childcare Vouchers<br />

accepted. For more details or to<br />

reserve your places - Email:<br />

sam@fullcirclesports.co.uk or<br />

call: 07751 231 090<br />

www.fullcirclesports.co.uk<br />

14<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Vine House Studios<br />

Birdland<br />

Make friends with penguins for<br />

Penguin Week this <strong>May</strong> Half Term<br />

at Birdland Park & Gardens, 28<br />

<strong>May</strong> – 5 June. Keepers will be<br />

putting your penguin know-how to<br />

the test with a special quiz, plus<br />

enter the competition to be in with<br />

a chance to feed the penguins.<br />

Discover the colony of King<br />

Penguins and comical Humboldts.<br />

Watch Keepers feed the two<br />

species of Penguins at Birdland<br />

their nutritious fish supper at 11am.<br />

Fairytale Farm<br />

Have a magical time at the rapidly<br />

expanding<br />

Fairytale<br />

Farm near<br />

Chipping<br />

Norton this<br />

half term,<br />

with loads<br />

of new<br />

attractions to see. New animal<br />

arrivals include baby bunnies and<br />

chickens, and a new miniature<br />

goat called Thumbelina. You can<br />

play giant skittles in the picnic<br />

area while mum and dad have a<br />

coffee, and enjoy a whole host of<br />

new interactive features around the<br />

Farm; press the buttons and find<br />

out what happens! Even our famous<br />

Mouse Town has been upgraded<br />

with new lighting and sound. And<br />

parents can take a stroll through<br />

our colourful new Enchanted Walk<br />

gardens.<br />

The Family<br />

Saver Card is<br />

here!<br />

Children eat FREE at your<br />

favourite restaurants. Children go<br />

FREE at your favourite attractions.<br />

Discounted days out and more…<br />

So get set for the school holidays<br />

and the whole year!<br />

Annual membership is £39.97.<br />

Use code PTDIS and get your<br />

card for only £29.97 saving<br />

£10.00<br />

Call free on 0800 6899174<br />

Email info@familysavercard.com<br />

Find out more on<br />

www.familysavercard.com<br />

31 <strong>May</strong><br />

Magical Moments with Korky Paul<br />

Speedy sketching and spell binding storytelling.<br />

Experience an energetic workshop, full of wit,<br />

enthusiasm and lots of audience participation.<br />

Sessions at 11am, 12, 1.30 & 2.30pm. Suitable<br />

for ages 4+. Cost £3 per person. T: 01494<br />

892192 www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Bonanza Block-printing!<br />

Create your own block-prints using a range of<br />

materials.. T: 01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk<br />

River and Rowing Museum, RG9 1BF<br />

Family Day: Half Term<br />

For children with a disability, their family and<br />

friends. 10am-3.30pm. Booking essential.<br />

T: 01844 338380 www.thomley.org.uk<br />

Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

A World Of Trees<br />

Join in with some crafts inspired by the<br />

collection of trees from around the world.<br />

1-4pm. T: 01865 343501<br />

www.harcourt-arboretum.ox.ac.uk<br />

Harcourt Arboretum, OX44 9PX<br />

Super Suitcases<br />

Make a super cardboard suitcase that is just<br />

perfect for teddy’s clothes. Suitable for ages<br />

4+. 2-4pm. Cost £3 per child. T: 01295 753752<br />

www.banburymuseum.org Banbury<br />

Museum, OX<strong>16</strong> 2PQ<br />

Lend a Hand<br />

Activity inspired by Woodstock’s glove making<br />

past. Cost £2 per person. 2-4pm. T: 01993<br />

811456 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk The<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong> Museum, OX20 1SN<br />

Half Term Clay Sculpture<br />

Make a marble run that you can play with for<br />

years to come and maybe even hand on to your<br />

own children and grandchildren. Decorate your<br />

creation with colourful glazes, and it will be<br />

taken away and professionally fired for you to<br />

collect. Tickets £17.50 for 1 adult and 1 child.<br />

Booking essential. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.<br />

T: 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org<br />

Cornerstone Arts Centre, OX11 7NE<br />

Nick Cope Family Music<br />

Come along for a unique family fun<br />

entertainment music show. Sessions at 1.30 &<br />

3.30pm. Tickets £4 per person. T: 01865 391311<br />

www.milletsfarmcentre.com Millets Farm<br />

Centre, OX13 5HB<br />

Children’s Workshop: Wildlife<br />

Photograph<br />

Bring your digital camera, learn from our<br />

expert and practice your wildlife photography<br />

skills on our fun and photogenic nature reserve.<br />

Best photo of the day will win a prize. Cost<br />

£10 per child. For children aged 7+. 10am-<br />

3pm. Booking essential. T: 01235 862024<br />

www.bbowt.org.uk Sutton Courtenay<br />

Environmental Education Centre, OX14 4TE<br />

Lost and Found Treasure at Stowe<br />

Explore the treasures at Stowe House. Make<br />

your own treasure map and treasure box. Free<br />

sessions but booking essential. 11am-12.30pm.<br />

T: 01280 818002 www.stowehouse.org<br />

Stowe House, MK18 5EH<br />

Billy’s Band Family Concert<br />

Billy takes children on a musical adventure with<br />

help from four members of Billy’s Band - there’s<br />

lots of singing, dancing and even a spot of<br />

conducting for anyone who wants to have a go.<br />

Free with admission. Sessions at 2 & 4pm. T:<br />

01280 818002 www.stowehouse.org Stowe<br />

House, MK18 5EH<br />

31 <strong>May</strong> – 1 June<br />

Ugly Bug Ball<br />

Will you be the weirdest and most wonderful bug<br />

of all? Get dressed up and join us for a dance.<br />

1-4pm. T: 01865 272950 www.oum.ox.ac.uk<br />

Museum of Natural History, OX1 3P<br />

Fit for a Queen<br />

Free kids craft workshop. Help us celebrate<br />

Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday this year by<br />

joining us in our workshop making tiaras, crowns<br />

and mini sceptres of your own. 10.30am-3pm.<br />

T: 01235 523703 www.abingdon.gov.uk<br />

Abingdon County Hall Museum, OX14 3HG<br />

31 <strong>May</strong> – 3 June<br />

Half Term Fun<br />

Drop in activity sessions throughout half term.<br />

10am-2pm. T: 01993 772602<br />

www.cogges.org.uk Cogges Manor Farm,<br />

OX28 3LA<br />

31 <strong>May</strong> – 1 Aug<br />

Round the World Trail<br />

Find out about trees from around the world and<br />

discover what the Arboretum is doing to protect<br />

them. T: 01865 343501<br />

www.harcourt-arboretum.ox.ac.uk<br />

Harcourt Arboretum, OX44 9PX<br />

1 June<br />

Telling Tales with Sandra Agard<br />

Enjoy some stories inspired by themes from<br />

Matilda, including tricks, magic and friendship.<br />

Sessions at 11am, 1 & 3pm. Suitable for<br />

ages 5+. Cost £3 per person. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Wild Wednesday: Kings and<br />

Queens<br />

Take a royal jaunt around the grounds and make<br />

your very own crown. Suitable for ages 4-11<br />

years. Cost £2 per child. 11am-3pm.<br />

T: 0<strong>16</strong>28 605069 www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />

Cliveden, SL6 0JA<br />

Wild Wednesday: Bug Hunt<br />

Uncover Stowe’s hidden world of creepycrawlies.<br />

Borrow a magnifying glass to spy<br />

under logs and see what you can spot. Take<br />

home your own creepy-crawly guide and 50<br />

Things scrapbook. 10.30am-12pm. Free with<br />

admission, booing essential. T: 0844 249 1895<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Stowe Landscape<br />

Gardens, MK18 5EQ<br />

Green Your Garden<br />

Come and celebrate Oxford Festival of Nature<br />

and Low Carbon Oxford Week. Find out how<br />

“green” the Garden is, and how we encourage<br />

biodiversity. Suggested donation £1 for<br />

materials. 11am-1pm. T: 01865 286690<br />

www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk Oxford<br />

Botanic Gardens, OX1 4DU<br />

Fabulous Fossils<br />

Activities include dinosaur and prehistoric<br />

creature mask making and a ‘dig’ where you<br />

can find and keep a fossil. A chance to bring in<br />

your own fossil and mineral finds for an expert<br />

opinion, or simply come along to see and touch<br />

ancient fossils from <strong>Oxfordshire</strong>. Sessions at<br />

11am-12.30pm & 1-3pm. Cost £2.50 per child for<br />

craft activities. T: 01295 753752<br />

www.banburymuseum.org Banbury<br />

Museum, OX<strong>16</strong> 2PQ<br />

what’s on where<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 15


what’s on where<br />

Holidays – learning and laughing<br />

With the long Summer holidays ahead of us, all busy parents face<br />

the dilemma of keeping little ones occupied and if we are lucky,<br />

learning as well. Stagecoach’s <strong>Oxfordshire</strong> centres have the answer!<br />

There are many activity based<br />

child care options, but one which<br />

they are bound to enjoy – and<br />

learn too – is from staging a<br />

performance. Stagecoach runs<br />

holiday programmes throughout<br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong> for a variety of age<br />

groups, from beginners classes;<br />

age 4+ to advanced courses for<br />

seasoned older teens. All are staged under the watchful eye of the<br />

local principal and some even have a professional theatre stage.<br />

These popular courses are a must<br />

for busy mums and will be the<br />

talking point of the holidays. Call<br />

your local Stagecoach now as<br />

places are limited!<br />

www.stagecoach.co.uk<br />

Summer Holiday Shows<br />

Oxford 01869 278600 Senior/<br />

Advanced: Legally Blonde, Junior:<br />

Esmerelda and the Cowardly Dragon<br />

Abingdon 01865 390970 Senior: Flashdance, Junior: Annie Kids<br />

Henley, High Wycombe & Marlow 01494 533203 Advanced:<br />

Razzle, Dazzle, Broadway, Senior: Make a Musical in a Week, Beauty<br />

and the Beast, Junior: Jungle Jive<br />

Thame 01865 763767 Senior: Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr, Junior:<br />

Pirates Versus Mermaids<br />

Banbury 01908 969467 Fame Jr<br />

Photos: Monty Smith<br />

Step lays foundations for future learning<br />

Some of you may remember sitting in a classroom and as the teacher<br />

talked found yourself losing concentration. You scanned the room only<br />

to see your classmates seemingly engrossed in the lesson. Panic set in.<br />

You tried to re-engage with what was being said just as an instruction<br />

was given. You whispered to your friend, “What do I need to do?” and<br />

promptly got told off.<br />

This experience is indicative of someone with processing and working<br />

memory issues. Over time, this can become isolating and stressful, not<br />

to mention affect academic results, confidence and self-esteem. It can<br />

also lead to behavioural problems.<br />

This is where STEP comes in. STEP aims to help children who are<br />

struggling to concentrate or can’t stop fidgeting, to unlock their<br />

academic potential through personalised physical exercises that focus<br />

on balance, eye tracking and coordination. Delivered in an integrated<br />

way, the exercises are designed to enhance the performance of the<br />

cerebellum, the area of the brain responsible for automating tasks, thus<br />

laying the foundation for future learning.<br />

STEP is passionate about helping children who are underachieving and<br />

is actively engaged in discussions with the education sectors in the UK<br />

and US about the role STEP could play in supporting these individuals.<br />

Additionally, STEP has just concluded a 12 month UK Pilot Study to<br />

empirically evidence the impacts it can have. These results can be<br />

found on www.steptoday.com<br />

Woodland Adventure<br />

An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your<br />

detective skills to discover our secret destination<br />

where we will explore, build and play. 10am-<br />

12pm. Suggested donation £4 per child. T: 01865<br />

407792 www.earthtrust.org.uk Earth Trust,<br />

OX14 4QZ<br />

Wildlife Wednesday<br />

Explore the reserve, learn about local wildlife<br />

and have lots of outdoor fun. 2-4pm. Suggested<br />

donation £2 per child. T: 01865 407792 www.<br />

earthtrust.org.uk Earth Trust, OX14 3NG<br />

Bath Bombs Away!<br />

Make something amazing for your bath! 2-4pm<br />

Drop-in for ages 5-10 years. Up to 4 kids free<br />

with paying adult. T: 01993 810211<br />

www.sofo.org.uk Soldiers of <strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

Museum, OX20 1SN<br />

1 – 2 June<br />

Meet the Pharaoh<br />

Discover the story of Pharaoh Taharqa and his<br />

life in Ancient Egypt, and make a pop-up shrine<br />

and statue. 1-4pm. T: 01865 278000<br />

www.ashmolean.org The Ashmolean, OX1 2PH<br />

2 June<br />

My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish<br />

Find out what you need to be an evil scientist,<br />

what to do if you pet gets zombiefied and how<br />

Mo and her brother once brought back their<br />

goldfish from the brink of death. Sessions at<br />

11.30am, 1 & 3pm. Suitable for ages 4+. Cost £3<br />

per person. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Up, Up and Away!<br />

Find out more about the Oxford pastry chef and<br />

inventor who was the first Englishman to fly<br />

a Hot Air Balloon. See a relic from the Balloon<br />

Mania of the Georgian period in the collection<br />

and gave a go at crafting your very own balloon.<br />

Free drop in 10.30am-3.30pm. T: 01865 252334<br />

www.oxford.gov.uk Museum of Oxford,<br />

OX1 1BX<br />

Explorer Backpacks<br />

Borrow a backpack full of activities and become<br />

a family of museum explorers. 2-4pm. T: 01865<br />

270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Pitt Rivers<br />

Museum, OX1 3PP<br />

Amazing Art<br />

Come and be inspired by the ‘British Life’<br />

exhibition and make a very special ‘art in a box’.<br />

Suitable for ages 4+. 2-4pm. Cost £3 per child. T:<br />

01295 753752<br />

www.banburymuseum.org Banbury<br />

Museum, OX<strong>16</strong> 2PQ<br />

Picture Perfect<br />

Look at paintings in the museum collection<br />

then make your own art work to take home.<br />

Cost £2 per person. 2-4pm. T: 01993 811456<br />

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk The <strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

MuseumOX20 1SN<br />

Clowning Workshop<br />

Join award-winning physical comedian<br />

Richard Jones of Electric Cabaret, on an<br />

adventure into playfulness. Blending<br />

them together in a fun workshop, you will<br />

explore silent clowning, comic characters<br />

and a little bit of mime. The workshop<br />

culminates in an onstage ‘sharing’ of the<br />

skills learned. Sessions at 10am-12.30pm<br />

for ages 5-7 years; session at 1.30-4pm for<br />

ages 8-12 years. T: 0<strong>16</strong>08 642350<br />

www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk The<br />

Theatre Chipping Norton OX7 5NL<br />

2 – 3 June<br />

Ahoy There!<br />

Discover early voyages of exploration<br />

with maps, globes, and hands-on navigational<br />

instruments. Suitable for<br />

ages 7+. 1-4pm. T: 01865 277280<br />

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Museum of the<br />

History of Science, OX1 3AZ<br />

3 June<br />

Proghopping Pencil<br />

Boxes<br />

Listen to tales from Miss Honey’s Classroom,<br />

and then decorate a classy wooden pencil<br />

box to be the envy of your school mates.<br />

Sessions at 11am, 12, 1, 2 & 4pm. Suitable<br />

for ages 6+. Cost £3 per person. T: 01494<br />

892192 www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Family Day: Half Term<br />

For children with a disability, their family<br />

and friends. 10am-3.30pm. Booking essential.<br />

T: 01844 338380<br />

www.thomley.org.uk Thomley,<br />

HP18 9JZ<br />

All Over the World<br />

Kids Club day-camp with games, crafts<br />

and technical challenges with an international<br />

flavour. 10am–4pm. Suitable for children aged<br />

6-9 years. Booking essential. T: 01993 810211<br />

www.sofo.org.uk Soldiers of <strong>Oxfordshire</strong><br />

Museum, OX20 1SN<br />

4 June<br />

Parrot Magnets<br />

Listen to storytelling from Matilda, in which<br />

Matilda tricks her parents by pretending a<br />

parrot up the chimney is making the voice<br />

of a robber! Then create your own colourful<br />

parroty pet to stick on your fridge. Sessions at<br />

12.15, 1.15, 2.15 & 3.15pm. Suitable for ages 6+.<br />

Cost £2 per person. T: 01494 892192 www.<br />

roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl Museum,<br />

HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Community Day: Half Term Fun<br />

For all children with or without a disability.<br />

10am-3.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01844<br />

338380 www.thomley.org.uk Thomley,<br />

HP18 9JZ<br />

Wild Fair<br />

Celebrate Oxford’s biodiversity with crafts,<br />

conservationists and family friendly talks.<br />

In partnership with BBOWT and Festival of<br />

Nature. 10am-4pm. T: 01865 272950<br />

www.oum.ox.ac.uk Museum of Natural<br />

History, OX1 3PW<br />

The Princess and The Frog<br />

Activities<br />

Activity session before the performance<br />

on stage. Sessions at 1 & 3pm. Cost £4 per<br />

child. T: 01295 279002<br />

www.themillartscentre.co.uk<br />

The Mill Arts Centre, OX<strong>16</strong> 5QE<br />

Fun in the Park<br />

Family fun day followed by the evening concert<br />

event, Music in the Park. From 11am. www.<br />

abingdon.gov.uk Abbey Meadows, OX14 3JE<br />

4 – 5 June<br />

Celebrate 60 years of the<br />

National Trust<br />

Find your hair rollers; get practicing the jive<br />

and re-live the 1950s as Claydon celebrates.<br />

Join in celebrations with a live band and family<br />

games on the terrace. 11am-4pm. Free with<br />

<strong>16</strong><br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


what’s on where<br />

Clifton Hampden & Burcot<br />

villages and school fete<br />

4 June 20<strong>16</strong> – 1pm-5pm Clifton Hampden Recreation Ground<br />

Clifton Hampden School will combine with Clifton Hampden & Burcot<br />

villages this year for a Summer Fete. In celebration of the Queen’s 90th<br />

Birthday, there will be a Vintage Britain theme with events, stalls and<br />

competitions representing the different decades of the Queen’s life.<br />

Highlights will include a fancy dress competition; tug of war; bouncy<br />

castle; face painting; retro stalls; children’s events and games and<br />

competitions for all ages. Cakes, plants and bric-a-brac will be available to<br />

purchase together with a great choice of refreshments including a vintage<br />

tea room; beer tent, BBQ, sweets and ice creams. £1 entry for adults,<br />

under <strong>16</strong>s free.<br />

Live music in the evening from Radio Days Big Band and Taylormade, plus<br />

a pig roast and beer tent. 6pm-late. Evening entry: £10 Adults, £5 children<br />

(including food). Tickets available from Clifton Hampden Post Office.<br />

Oxford & Cambridge Singing School,<br />

25-29th July, Merton College, Oxford<br />

The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School is back for another course,<br />

this time at Merton College, Oxford from 25-29th July (inclusive). The<br />

courses are designed for children aged 7-13 who want to learn about<br />

music in a fun and relaxed environment. Our Christmas course was<br />

sold out, so it’s worth booking your place early to avoid disappointment.<br />

Music repertoire changes each course, as the courses focus on a<br />

different composer or theme; this summer we will be featuring music<br />

by ‘the Father of English Music’, Henry Purcell. Children learn about<br />

classical music through whole group singing, music history, music<br />

theory (in the form of games, quizzes etc,) singing lessons in small<br />

groups and much more!<br />

For more information on our courses, or to book a space, please see<br />

www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk<br />

admission. T: 01296 730349<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Claydon House,<br />

MK18 2EY<br />

Ferret Madness<br />

Ferret racing, working ferret demonstration and<br />

care workshops. Free with admission. T: 01865<br />

391311 www.milletsfarmcentre.com<br />

Millets Farm Centre, OX13 5HB<br />

Miniature Traction Engine Rally<br />

A gathering of up to 25 Miniature Engines on<br />

show and parading round the site. There will<br />

be full size train rides as well as the Miniature<br />

Railway. T: 01296 655720<br />

www.bucksrailcentre.org Buckinghamshire<br />

Railway Centre, HP22 4BY<br />

5 June<br />

Miss Honey’s Yoga<br />

Relax your mind with this harmonising<br />

half-hour. Yoga teacher Kimberly will lead you<br />

through some peaceful poses with a Roald<br />

Dahl twist. Sessions at 10.30, 11.30am, 1, 2, 3<br />

& 4pm. Booking recommended. Cost £3 per<br />

person. Suitable for children and adults.<br />

T: 01494 892192 www.roalddahl.com The<br />

Roald Dahl Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Transport Rally<br />

Exhibits include a wide selection of buses,<br />

coaches and commercial vehicles; Miniature<br />

Railway rides and Dakota flypast. Park at<br />

the railway station where there will be free<br />

vintage bus rides to the site. T: 01235 817200<br />

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org Didcot Town<br />

Football Club, OX11 7GA<br />

Summer Birds<br />

Learn about the summer migrating birds you<br />

can see and their habitats. Cost £5 adults, £2<br />

children. Booking essential. 10am-12pm.<br />

T: 01865 407792 www.earthtrust.org.uk<br />

Earth Trust, OX14 3NG<br />

Summer Picnic<br />

Summery activities and foody fun for all the<br />

family. 11am-4pm. Cost £5 adults, £2 children.<br />

T: 01865 407792 www.earthtrust.org.uk<br />

Earth Trust, OX14 4QZ<br />

Open Day<br />

Free vintage bus rides departing at 12.15<br />

& 2.45pm. T: 01993 883 617<br />

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk<br />

Oxford Bus Museum, OX29 8LA<br />

7 June<br />

Claydon’s Characters<br />

Join members of the Claydon team to discover<br />

more about the characters that helped to<br />

shape Claydon into the house it is today. 10-<br />

11am. Cost £4 per person. Normal admission<br />

charges apply. T: 01296 730349<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Claydon<br />

House, MK18 2EY<br />

9 – 13 June<br />

Gifford’s Circus<br />

The theme of this year’s show is The Painted<br />

Wagon; featuring the Giffords Circus gang:<br />

cowgirl Lilian Konyot, Madame Nancy Trotter-<br />

Landry, rodeo rider Dan Fortt, jugglers Bibi and<br />

Bichu, El Gifford (STILL WANTED) and funny man<br />

Tweedy the clown. A wild west extravaganza<br />

of eye-catching acrobatics and aerialists from<br />

far and distant lands, dancing horses, bounty<br />

hunting, and gold panning all to the beat of<br />

the “Dodge City” Giffords Circus saloon band.<br />

T: 0845 4597469 www.giffordscircus.com<br />

Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PP<br />

10 June<br />

Night Time Safari<br />

Discover what amazing animals come out<br />

at night at Sutton Courtenay Environmental<br />

Education Centre. Learn how to use bat<br />

detectors to hear bats hunting overhead,<br />

lamps to spot newts and frogs in the ponds,<br />

help our nature reserve team check the<br />

small mammal traps and look at moth traps<br />

to see how we monitor and survey these<br />

amazing insects. Suitable for ages 7+.<br />

7.30-10.30pm. Cost £4 donation. Booking<br />

essential. T: 01235 862024<br />

www.bbowt.org.uk Sutton Courtenay<br />

Environmental Education Centre, OX14 4TE<br />

11 June<br />

Village Visit Day<br />

Free museum entry for residents with a HP<br />

postcode. 11am-5pm. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Family Day<br />

For children with a disability, their family<br />

and friends. 10am-3.30pm. Booking<br />

essential. T: 01844 338380<br />

www.thomley.org.uk Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

Is There a Doctor in the<br />

House<br />

Discover the art of medicine through<br />

objects, stories and activities. Suitable for<br />

ages 9+. 2-4pm. T: 01865 277280<br />

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Museum of the History<br />

of Science, OX1 3AZ<br />

Ashventure! Ancient Rome<br />

Join the gallery adventure and explore<br />

some Roman objects. With activities,<br />

object handling, games and stories. Sessions<br />

at 2.30-3pm & 3.30-4pm. Suitable for ages<br />

4-11 years. T: 01865 278000<br />

www.ashmolean.org The Ashmolean,<br />

OX1 2PH<br />

11 – 12 June<br />

Medieval Life<br />

Discover various aspects of life in 15th<br />

century England. What did people wear,<br />

what was it like to wear a knight’s helmet,<br />

what did people eat….and are you brave<br />

enough to investigate a Medieval loo?<br />

T: 01494 871117<br />

www.coam.org.uk Chiltern Open Air<br />

Museum, HP8 4AB<br />

Millets Summer Farm Fete<br />

In addition to the arena shows, there<br />

will be tractor rides, bouncy castle,<br />

trampolines, facepainting, storytelling and<br />

a great selection of side stalls, including<br />

refreshments. 11am-4pm.T: 01865 391311<br />

www.milletsfarmcentre.com<br />

Millets Farm Centre, OX13 5HB<br />

12 June<br />

Sunshine Trail<br />

Come and hunt for all things yellow around<br />

the Museum, Roald Dahl’s favourite colour.<br />

11am-5pm. Free with admission. T: 01494<br />

892192 www.roalddahl.com The Roald<br />

Dahl Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Open Day<br />

A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits<br />

relating to farming and country life.<br />

www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk Pitstone<br />

Green Museum, LU7 9EY


what’s on where<br />

Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th<br />

Birthday Celebration<br />

Enjoy watching the nation’s celebrations<br />

on the big screen with a live link to the Mall<br />

in London. Experience live brass bands and<br />

cricket matches, and shake hands with Winston<br />

Churchill through the afternoon. T: 01993 810<br />

518 www.blenheimpalace.com Blenheim<br />

Palace, OX20 1PP<br />

12 June – 10 July<br />

on form <strong>16</strong><br />

The impressive biennial exhibition of<br />

sculpture in stone. This is the only exhibition<br />

of its kind in the UK, celebrating stone and<br />

all the possibilities it offers to contemporary<br />

artists and their sculptural practice. All works<br />

are for sale. T: 01993 824319<br />

www.onformsculpture.co.uk Asthall<br />

Manor, OX18 4HW<br />

14 June<br />

Claydon’s Characters<br />

Join members of the Claydon team to<br />

discover more about the characters that<br />

helped to shape Claydon into the house it is<br />

today. 10-11am. Cost £4 per person. Normal<br />

admission charges apply. T: 01296 730349<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Claydon House,<br />

MK18 2EY<br />

17 – 19 June<br />

Flower Show<br />

This wonderful three-day show celebrates<br />

the very best of gardening in the UK and is<br />

packed with inspiration and colour. 10am-<br />

5pm. www.blenheimflowershow.co.uk<br />

Blenheim Palace OX20 1PP<br />

18 June<br />

Sparkly Chocolate Decorating<br />

Join Kate, Head Chef at Café Twit, to decorate<br />

a chocolate bar to give to your Dad on Father’s<br />

Day. Sessions at 11.30am, 1, 2.30 & 3.45pm.<br />

Suitable for all ages. Cost £4 per person.<br />

T: 01494 892192 www.roalddahl.com The<br />

Roald Dahl Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Fantastic Pheasant Hunt<br />

Look for pheasants around the Museum just<br />

like Danny and his Dad. Find out lots of fun<br />

facts along the way. 11am-5pm. Free with<br />

admission. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Meet the Beekeepers<br />

Meet the Hughenden beekeepers and learn all<br />

about the fascinating honey giving creatures.<br />

There is also a bee themed trail for the kids<br />

to follow. 11am-4pm. Free with admission.<br />

T: 01494 755573 www.nationaltrust.<br />

org.uk/hughenden Hughenden Manor,<br />

HP14 4LA<br />

Buckingham Fire Service Fun<br />

Day<br />

Meet members of the Buckingham Fire<br />

Service and join them for a day of fun and<br />

games on the terrace. Take part in the house<br />

trail and see the fire engine up close. 11am-<br />

4pm. Free with admission. T: 01296 730349<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Claydon<br />

HouseMK18 2EY<br />

Family Day<br />

For children with a disability, their family and<br />

friends. 10am-3.30pm. Booking essential.<br />

T: 01844 338380 www.thomley.org.uk<br />

Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

Wallingford Carnival<br />

Arena events, carnival procession, live music<br />

and stalls. T: 01491 836240<br />

www.wallingfordcarnival.org.uk<br />

Wallingford, OX10<br />

18 – 19 June<br />

Vintage Transport Weekend<br />

Come along to celebrate Father’s Day weekend<br />

with a fascinating display of vintage vehicles<br />

and music on the terrace. 11am-4pm. T: 0844<br />

249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />

Upton House and Gardens, OX15 6HT<br />

19 June<br />

Superhero Dad<br />

Celebrate Fathers’ Day with this wondercrump<br />

hour with the creators of Superhero Dad,<br />

Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger. Booking<br />

recommended. Sessions at 1 & 3pm. Suitable<br />

for ages 5+. Cost £3 per person. T: 01494<br />

892192 www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Working Heavy Horse Show<br />

Come and see a range of traditional working<br />

heavy horses at the annual show. Watch<br />

spectacular arena events and parades and<br />

enjoy demonstrations of traditional farm work<br />

such as hay making (weather dependent),<br />

horse logging and cultivation in the Museum’s<br />

fields. T: 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk<br />

Chiltern Open Air Museum, HP8 4AB<br />

Father’s Day Den Building<br />

Kids can team up with their fathers to see who<br />

can make the best den with the ranger. All<br />

tickets £5. Booking essential. T: 01494 755573<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden<br />

Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA<br />

Father’s Day<br />

Bring Dad along for free. With beer tasting<br />

from midday. Free event. T: 0<strong>16</strong>28 605069<br />

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Cliveden,<br />

Taplow, SL6 0JA<br />

Father’s Day<br />

The farmyard will be packed full of wonderful<br />

vintage and classic motorbikes, cars, working<br />

steam engines, and traditional farm machinery<br />

and tractors. From 10am-2pm the farm will<br />

also be running the popular junkyard farmyard<br />

sessions to make your own model tractors to<br />

take home. Den building and live music will<br />

also be on offer. 10am-4pm. T: 01993 772602<br />

www.cogges.org.uk Cogges Manor Farm, ,<br />

OX28 3LA<br />

Father’s Day<br />

Free entry for dads with a paying child. Visit by<br />

Morris Register, vintage cars. Free vintage bus<br />

rides departing at 12.15 & 2.45pm. T: 01993 883<br />

617 www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk Oxford<br />

Bus Museum, Hanborough Railway Station,<br />

OX29 8LA<br />

Claydon’s Characters<br />

Join members of the Claydon team to discover<br />

more about the characters that helped to shape<br />

Claydon into the house it is today. 10-11am.<br />

Cost £4 per person. Normal admission charges<br />

apply. T: 01296 730349 www.nationaltrust.<br />

org.uk Claydon House, MK18 2EY<br />

25 June<br />

Craft Activity<br />

Drop in hands-on craft activities for ages 5<br />

to 7 years. 11am-1pm. Free event, donations<br />

welcome. T: 01494 792549<br />

www.cheshammuseum.org.uk Chesham<br />

Museum, HP5 1HG<br />

18<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Quiet Day<br />

For children with a disability, their family<br />

and friends. Spaces limited to 35 so booking<br />

essential. T: 01844 338380<br />

www.thomley.org.uk Thomley, HP18 9JZ<br />

Didcot Sewage Treatment<br />

Works Open Day<br />

See behind the scenes at Didcot Sewage<br />

Treatment Works. Find out how the vital<br />

resource of water is kept flowing and the waste<br />

water from your home is cleaned. 10am-3pm.<br />

Free event but booking is essential. Suitable for<br />

ages 7+. T: 01865 407792<br />

www.earthtrust.org.uk Didcot Sewage<br />

Treatment Works, Basil Hill Road, OX11 7H<br />

Abingdon Food & Drink Festival<br />

Over one hundred stalls offering local food<br />

and drink products, cooking demonstrations<br />

by leading chefs, freshly cooked hot food with<br />

places to relax and enjoy live folk music and a<br />

fun fair. 10am-4pm.<br />

www.abingdonfoodfestival.org.uk Rye<br />

Farm Meadow, OX14 3HY<br />

Summer Fete<br />

A fantastic family event with plenty for<br />

everyone to enjoy. Crafts, kids games, Go Karts,<br />

Tractor Rides, Hog Roast, Wellie Wagging,<br />

Silent Auction and Live Music. 11am-2pm.<br />

www.kidmoreendpreschool.co.uk<br />

Kidmore End Pre-School, RG4 9BB<br />

Children’s Carving Workshop<br />

All tools and materials provided. A wonderful<br />

chance for some hands-on experience of stone<br />

carving. Cost £15. Suitable for ages 8-12 years.<br />

Booking essential. T: 01993 824319<br />

www.onformsculpture.co.uk Asthall<br />

Manor, OX18 4HW<br />

26 June<br />

Awesome Aeroplane Trail<br />

Hunt for the aeroplanes around the Museum to<br />

find out about Roald Dahl’s flying days during<br />

the Second World War, and how his experiences<br />

inspired his writing life. 11am-5pm. Free with<br />

admission. T: 01494 892192<br />

www.roalddahl.com The Roald Dahl<br />

Museum, HP<strong>16</strong> 0AL<br />

Vintage Vehicles Rally<br />

A meeting of old and unusual road vehicles.<br />

Extra trains will also be running on the railway.<br />

T: 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk<br />

Leighton Buzzard Railway, LU7 4TN<br />

Wallingford Festival of Cycling<br />

A whole day of cycling events both on road<br />

and off in and around Wallingford; for Elite<br />

riders and novices alike. Racing, demonstrations,<br />

mountain bike rides, sportives and town centre<br />

criterium races.<br />

www.wallingfordfestivalofcycling.co.uk<br />

Wallingford, OX10<br />

2 July<br />

Alice’s Discoveries<br />

Find out about cameras and early photography.<br />

Experiment with cyanotypes, and discover<br />

Alice’s objects in the Museum. Suitable for ages<br />

7+. 1-4pm. T: 01865 277280<br />

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Museum of the History of<br />

Science, OX1 3AZ<br />

Ashventure! Wonderland<br />

Join the Wonderland themed gallery adventure.<br />

With activities, object handling, games and<br />

stories. Sessions at 2.30-3pm & 3.30-4pm.<br />

Suitable for ages 4-11 years. T: 01865 278000<br />

www.ashmolean.org The Ashmolean, OX1 2PH<br />

Alice’s Animals<br />

Explore the museum that inspired the book<br />

with performances and activities. T: 01865<br />

272950 www.oum.ox.ac.uk Museum of<br />

Natural History, OX1 3PW<br />

Children’s Carving<br />

Workshop<br />

All tools and materials provided. A wonderful<br />

chance for some hands-on experience of<br />

stone carving. Cost £15. Suitable for ages<br />

8-12 years. Booking essential. T: 01993<br />

824319 www.onformsculpture.co.uk<br />

Asthall Manor OX18 4HW<br />

2 – 3 July<br />

Blackwell’s First Children’s<br />

Book Festival<br />

An exciting new event to the Millets<br />

calendar. Located in a marquee structure by<br />

the Farm Animals. T: 01865 391311<br />

www.milletsfarmcentre.com Millets<br />

Farm Centre, OX13 5HB<br />

40th Anniversary<br />

Celebrations<br />

Come along and celebrate 40 years since the<br />

Museum was incorporated. Dress up in 70s<br />

clothes and try out traditional 70s games.<br />

T: 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk<br />

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park,<br />

HP8 4AB<br />

3 July<br />

Open Day<br />

Free vintage bus rides departing at 12.15 &<br />

2.45pm. T: 01993 883 617<br />

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk Oxford<br />

Bus Museum, OX29 8LA<br />

9 July<br />

Community Day<br />

For all children with or without a disability.<br />

10am-3.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01844<br />

338380 www.thomley.org.uk Thomley,<br />

HP18 9JZ<br />

Globe Makers<br />

Explore the museum’s collection of globes and<br />

make your own pocket globe. Suitable for ages<br />

9+. 2-4pm. Cost £2 for materials. T: 01865<br />

277280 www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Museum of the<br />

History of Science, OX1 3AZ<br />

Family Fun Day<br />

A fantastic family day out in support of the<br />

Against Breast Cancer Charity. 10am-4pm.<br />

T: 01865 391311<br />

www.milletsfarmcentre.com<br />

Millets Farm Centre, OX13 5HB<br />

10 July<br />

Open Day<br />

A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits<br />

relating to farming and country life.<br />

www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk Pitstone<br />

Green Museum, LU7 9EY<br />

Three Spires Challenge<br />

Fun runs for children aged 4-10 years or 5k<br />

Fun Run for ages 11+. There will also be a Half<br />

Marathon Run, Half Marathon Walk and 10k<br />

Run, so there’s something for everyone. All<br />

finishers get a medal and goody bag, and any<br />

profit from the event goes to local charities and<br />

community projects. Online entry required.<br />

www.adderburyrunningclub.co.uk Lucy<br />

Plackett Playing Field Round Close Road,<br />

Adderbury, OX17 3EE<br />

what’s on where<br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 19


BOX OFFICE<br />

office<br />

Your family theatre guide...<br />

Arlington Arts Centre<br />

RG14 3BQ<br />

Box Office: 0<strong>16</strong>35 244246<br />

www.arlingtonarts.co.uk<br />

1 June<br />

Letters Through Your Door<br />

A fun and exciting stage event packed full of<br />

catchy and toe tapping numbers that features<br />

original songs as well drawing on traditional<br />

children’s tunes from across the world.<br />

Cornerstone Arts<br />

Centre<br />

OX11 7NE<br />

Box Office: 01235 515144<br />

www.cornerstone-arts.org<br />

22 <strong>May</strong><br />

Curious<br />

Cake making gets messy in this perfect<br />

introduction to theatre, guaranteeing giggles<br />

galore for the very young and the curiously<br />

inquisitive.<br />

26 <strong>May</strong><br />

Old Mother Hubbard<br />

Join Old Mother Hubbard as she clatters about<br />

her kitchen hanging out the washing and<br />

making breakfast with her dancing dog Oscar<br />

at her side. Their little world of friendship and<br />

harmony is interrupted by the squeaking of a<br />

little mouse in the cupboard and the fleeting<br />

appearance of a mysterious furry paw. Both are<br />

thrilled when they get an invitation to a party<br />

but who sent it and why is it in the deep dark<br />

woods? Beautifully crafted glove puppets, folk<br />

music and enchanting storytelling combine in<br />

this interactive slapstick comedy.<br />

North Wall Arts Centre<br />

OX2 7JN<br />

Box Office: 01865 319450<br />

www.thenorthwall.com<br />

<strong>16</strong> June<br />

There’s No Way of Knowing<br />

November 12th, 1990. Roald Dahl is set to leave<br />

his home for the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford,<br />

never to return. Tired and in discomfort, he<br />

enters his writing hut for the last time. That is to<br />

retrieve the beginning of his latest story. Only to<br />

discover it’s vanished! And then there’s a knock<br />

at the door… In this tale, celebrating the 100th<br />

year of one of Britain’s most celebrated writers<br />

for children, we watch the relationship between<br />

writer and story unfold. Full of songs, humour<br />

and a magical poignancy, There’s No Way of<br />

Knowing is a play for all ages performed by the<br />

children of SS Philip and James <strong>Primary</strong> School.<br />

3.30pm & 6.30pm<br />

Oxford Playhouse<br />

OX1 2LW<br />

Box Office: 01865 305 305<br />

www.oxfordplayhouse.com<br />

30 <strong>May</strong><br />

Gruffalos, Ladybirds & Other Beasts<br />

Join Julia Donaldson for Jack and the Flumflum<br />

Tree, What the Ladybird Heard, A Squash and a<br />

Squeeze, Zog and of course, The Gruffalo. Made<br />

all the more magical by a set that transforms<br />

from library to ship, tropical island to deep dark<br />

wood<br />

3 – 4 June<br />

Jungle Book<br />

Mowgli is finding her way in the urban jungle.<br />

With a beat-boxing bin man Baloo, graffiti artist<br />

Bagheera and a skateboarding wolf crew, this<br />

heart-warming coming of age story featuring<br />

breathtaking street dance and circus will astonish<br />

and amaze.<br />

24 – 25 June<br />

The Wind in the Willows<br />

Spring is in the air and Mole, fed up with<br />

cleaning, emerges from his hole to discover the<br />

magical world of the river. Alongside his new<br />

friends Ratty, Badger and Toad, he embarks on<br />

marvellous adventures. From life on the open<br />

road to the final Great Battle of Toad Hall, this is a<br />

time that Mole will never forget.<br />

Pegasus Theatre<br />

OX4 1RE<br />

Box Office: 01865 812 150<br />

www.pegasustheatre.org.uk<br />

31 <strong>May</strong><br />

Inside Out (U)<br />

11am. The Disney/Pixar blockbuster follows<br />

young Riley who is uprooted from her home in<br />

the Midwest to a new life in San Francisco. It’s<br />

up to Emotion HQ’s Anger, Fear, Disgust, Sadness<br />

and Joy to help her adjust in the rollercoaster of<br />

feelings she goes through before happiness and<br />

balance are restored. Tickets £3.<br />

1 – 3 June<br />

Make a Play in Three Days - Sea<br />

Stories<br />

9.30am-3.30pm. Create your very own show<br />

with the Pegasus team of professionals, inspired<br />

by a treasure trove of stories from the sea. Share<br />

it with friends and family on Friday. For ages 8-14<br />

years living in postcodes OX1 – OX4. £60, £45<br />

concessions.<br />

4 June<br />

Bug Banquet<br />

1pm and 4pm. Join the Science Oxford LIVE team<br />

looking at the future of food: and taste test some<br />

of their favourite bug recipes, make a delicious<br />

insect snack and make a bug friendly seed bomb.<br />

£9, £6 concessions.<br />

5 June<br />

Baby Boogie<br />

Toddlers and grown up grab some space on<br />

the dance floor and let the music take you<br />

away! Try the dance workshop before the<br />

disco or take a break in the café chill-out<br />

zone with free activities. Workshops 1.30am,<br />

1.30pm; £7. Disco 11.30am, 2.30pm: £5.<br />

The Beacon<br />

OX12 9BX<br />

Box Office: 01235 763456<br />

www.beaconwantage.co.uk<br />

20 <strong>May</strong><br />

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales<br />

Under the sea, out on the farm and into the<br />

jungle, these terrific tales are woven together<br />

with live music, puppetry and a whole host<br />

of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson<br />

and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler,<br />

Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in<br />

Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky<br />

moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are<br />

guaranteed!<br />

The Kenton Theatre<br />

RG9 2BP<br />

Box Office: 01491 575698<br />

www.kentontheatre.co.uk<br />

1 June<br />

Pesky Pirates - a Hip Hop<br />

Adventure<br />

These cheeky pirates love playing, dancing<br />

and having fun. They would love to have<br />

some fun with you too so come along and<br />

help them find their treasure! Sometimes<br />

they like to play tricks on each other and can<br />

be a little mean. Can you help them be better<br />

friends and be kind, while having fun at the<br />

same time?<br />

The Mill Arts Centre<br />

OX<strong>16</strong> 5QE<br />

Box Office: 01295 279002<br />

www.themillartscentre.co.uk<br />

28 <strong>May</strong><br />

Card Ninja<br />

Javier Jarquin, Card Ninja, possesses<br />

extraordinary skills which demonstrate more<br />

than just sleight of hand. Combining comedy<br />

and magic, these tricks reach another level,<br />

and are unlike anything you’ve seen before.<br />

4 June<br />

The Princess and The Frog<br />

Once upon a time there was a beautiful<br />

princess. She loved playing with her golden<br />

ball but one day she drops it in the pond.<br />

When a very friendly and very bouncy frog<br />

offers to retrieve it in exchange for her<br />

friendship, she is far from keen... But in<br />

the end the princess must agree to be his<br />

friend just to get her ball back. Slowly their<br />

friendship grows and the princess is<br />

rewarded in true fairy-tale style. This<br />

beautiful original ballet by Let’s All Dance<br />

combines all the ingredients to charm<br />

audiences young and old.<br />

18 June<br />

The Railway Children<br />

In this polished musical interpretation of one<br />

of the best-loved children’s books of all time,<br />

join Bobbie, Phyllis, Peter and their new friend<br />

Perks as they rebuild their lives in Yorkshire<br />

following their father’s imprisonment. Witness<br />

how the Railway takes on special significance in<br />

the children’s adventures as they discover the<br />

truth behind the family being torn apart<br />

The Old Fire Station<br />

OX1 2AQ<br />

Box Office: 01865 305305<br />

www.oldfirestation.org.uk<br />

26 <strong>May</strong><br />

Dinosaur Park<br />

Welcome to the unlikely setting of Lyme Regis<br />

Community Centre, where the Park Family<br />

embark on a journey to a misty past. When<br />

things go wrong, family feuds are faced with the<br />

rapturous roar of DIY dinosaurs.<br />

3 June<br />

The Princess and The Frog<br />

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess.<br />

She loved playing with her golden ball but<br />

one day she drops it in the pond. When a very<br />

friendly and very bouncy frog offers to retrieve<br />

it in exchange for her friendship, she is far<br />

from keen... But in the end the princess must<br />

agree to be his friend just to get her ball back.<br />

Slowly their friendship grows and the princess is<br />

rewarded in true fairy-tale style. This beautiful<br />

original ballet by Let’s All Dance combines all<br />

the ingredients to charm audiences young<br />

and old<br />

4 June<br />

Express Yourself<br />

A stunning showcase of ballet, tap, jazz,<br />

contemporary and musical theatre performed<br />

by some of the most talented upcoming stars<br />

from across <strong>Oxfordshire</strong>.<br />

The Theatre Chipping<br />

Norton<br />

OX7 5NL<br />

Box Office: 0<strong>16</strong>08 642350<br />

www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk<br />

19 <strong>May</strong><br />

The Girl Who Fell in Love with the<br />

Moon<br />

A patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement<br />

and live music stitched together with The<br />

Human Zoo’s explosive visual imagination.<br />

5 June<br />

Ballet Central<br />

Ballet Central 20<strong>16</strong> features a sparkling<br />

programme of ballet, neoclassical,<br />

contemporary and narrative dance. The<br />

company’s young and dynamic dancers<br />

will showcase their talent with a diverse<br />

performance of newly commissioned works and<br />

celebrated revivals.<br />

20<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


COMPETITIONS<br />

WIN!<br />

WIN!<br />

a family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) worth<br />

£600 to Vitality SportFest 20<strong>16</strong>!<br />

30th and 31st July<br />

Vitality SportFest is the ultimate family sports festival of<br />

entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from worldclass<br />

sporting legends. Taking place at the Wormsley Estate in<br />

Buckinghamshire, this is the must do festival ticket for sport-mad<br />

families this summer.<br />

The Family ticket includes a range of fun activities for the whole family<br />

see www.sport-fest.co.uk for more information or follow on facebook:<br />

SportFest or Twitter @sportfest20<strong>16</strong>:<br />

*terms and conditions on <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> website<br />

Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire/competitions<br />

or see www.facebook.com/PTOxon<br />

Closing Date: 4 JULY 20<strong>16</strong><br />

Family<br />

Sunday<br />

Henley Festival are giving away a family<br />

ticket (up to 5 people, 1 must be under<br />

<strong>16</strong>) for their Family Sunday on Sunday<br />

10th July 20<strong>16</strong>, featuring an array<br />

of children’s entertainers, musicians,<br />

comedians, magicians and street<br />

entertainers that will make memories to last a lifetime.<br />

Highlights include the multi-award winning comedian Jay Foreman<br />

performing his charmingly sickable songs, explosive experiments from<br />

Britain’s most dangerous scientist Science Blast, as well interactive soundmixing<br />

from beatboxer Shlomo.<br />

KAPW: 2FACED DANCE will see three of planet Earth’s greatest<br />

superheroes battle head to head for the title of ‘Most Supreme Superhero…<br />

Ever’, Samuel Prior will trick audiences with his unique style of magic,<br />

Upswing will showcase their awe-inspiring circus acrobatics, and Henley’s<br />

very own lighthouse keeper will invite everyone to The Little Lighthouse,<br />

showing animated films of his adventures and entertaining families all day<br />

with anecdotes and comic stories. Also performing on Family Sunday will be<br />

outstanding all-female brass quartet Bella Trumba.<br />

From watching a mad scientist electrocute audience members and cheering<br />

on their favourite superheroes, to hearing the adventures of an old seadog,<br />

there’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages while parents can relax in the<br />

stunning festival grounds.<br />

For more information on Henley Festival 20<strong>16</strong> Family Sunday visit:<br />

http://www.henley-festival.co.uk<br />

Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire/competitions<br />

www.facebook.com/PTOxon<br />

Closing Date: 19 JuNE 20<strong>16</strong><br />

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 21


22<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> MAY HALF TERM Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Who earns a living by<br />

driving his customers<br />

away?<br />

A taxi driver!<br />

Annabel, aged 8<br />

What did the hat say<br />

to the scarf?<br />

You hang on and I’ll<br />

go ahead!<br />

Ewan, aged 8<br />

What do you call a<br />

bear with no teeth?<br />

A gummy bear!<br />

As’ad, aged 10<br />

What do you call a<br />

donkey with 3 legs?<br />

A wonkey!<br />

Helena, aged 9<br />

Send jokes to:<br />

<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />

<strong>Oxfordshire</strong>,<br />

Schools Publishing Limited,<br />

St James’s House, 118 Greys<br />

Road, Henley on Thames,<br />

Oxon RG9 1QW

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