Primary Times Oxfordshire May 2017

45,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

Oxfordshire 

MAY ISSUE N o 108 

15 May – 2 July 2017

The Maths Factor is way more 

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the practice is where a child gets to try out their new skills and 

knowledge 

There are also fun games, certificates, clubs and the 30 day 

challenge where children can earn a real medal in the post! We are 

adding things to the site all the time to help keep your child motivated 

and engaged. 

8 out of 10 parents see an improvement in their child’s confidence 

within 3 months! 

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You can try The Maths Factor for 

just £4.99 for the 1st month (RRP 

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Dear Reader 

Welcome to our May half term issue, the number 1 What’s on 

Guide for family fun in Oxfordshire. 

The weather seems to be improving and warming up nicely, 

although there are many gardeners amongst us who are doing a 

little bit of a rain dance as I write. I hope the rain does fall, but not 

during the half term holiday which will soon be upon us! 

In this issue we are delighted to bring you lots of wonderful 

events and activities to help you keep your children busy during 

half term and beyond – many of them are either free or low cost. 

Don’t forget to check our website for more fun things to do or if 

you are going to visit a different county this holiday and would 

like to see What’s On, www.primarytimes.net. 

May half term is always a tricky school holiday for some families, 

particularly for working parents who prefer not to take extended 

leave so close to the summer holidays. We offer suggestions that 

will be a big hit with your kids, from holiday activity camps to fun 

days out, whatever the weather. 

Our regular Box Office features some family favourites to choose 

from – a trip to the theatre is always such a treat whatever your 

age. Our Competitions are on page 20 with some fabulous prizes 

up for grabs. 

We hope you enjoy this issue and have a happy and fun filled time 

with our help over the coming weeks. 

With very best wishes 

Marion, Marie, Carol & Charlotte 

Contents 

Inside this issue... 

Calling all 

families 

and teachers! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget 

to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.net 

/oxfordshire 

4 News & Views 

6 WOW 

10 Follow up on Easter 

Holiday Edit – It’s Official 

12 School Holiday Fun 

18 POLLI:NATION 

20 Competitions 

21 Loopy Library 

22 Box Office 

contents 

The Primary Times Team 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Marie McArthur 

ptoxon@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

TEL: 01491 411848 

Production: 

Carol George 

production@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Charlotte Morgan 

Primary Times in Oxfordshire, 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Primary Times Magazine Group 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road, Henley on Thames 

Oxfordshire RG9 1HG 

TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire 

...the UK’s biggest, 

free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! 

Primary Times in 

Oxfordshire distributes 

over 45,000 copies 

seven times a year, and is 

part of a national network 

distributing more than 2.7 

million copies in 59 regions 

across the UK and Ireland. 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Oxfordshire. It aims 

to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under 

franchise licences throughout Britain. 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | MAY Issue Primary Times 3

news & views 

News & Views 

Do you have news to celebrate? We’d love to hear! 

Email marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

The Manor Preparatory School in Abingdon 

has once again wowed the judges of Young 

Art Oxford with their greatest success yet! 

Out of over 3000 entries from Oxfordshire 

Schools, 17 pieces of art by Manor pupils were 

chosen to go into an auspicious exhibition of 

around 400 works at The Ashmolean Museum 

in May 2017. Erin Ferguson, age 10, was been 

awarded 3rd place in the whole competition, 

with a further five Manor pieces being 

commended and two highly commended. 

The theme of ‘The World We Live In’ provoked 

thoughtful and interesting responses, giving 

everyone an insight into how our children see 

the world today. 

Congratulations to all the children who 

participated in the competition. 

This is a great colourful 

event for all the family, 

where you start off 

wearing white and get 

showered with all the 

colours of the rainbow 

while you walk, run, 

roll or stroll with 

family and friends 

through this lovely 3km course at Cutteslowe 

Park in Oxford. 

It’s less about speed and more about families 

Oxford Rainbow Run - 24th June 

enjoying a colourful day getting covered 

from head to toe with powdered paint in aid 

of a very good cause; Helen & Douglas House 

helping local terminally ill children and young 

adults. This great event mirrors the ethos of the 

charity celebrating have fun and living life to 

the full. 

JACKfm will be there playing some funky 

tunes and the Rainbow Run starts at 11 am with 

a great warm-up before you set off and get 

covered in paint. To sign-up visit 

www.hdh.org.uk or call 01865 799150. 

Children at Sibford Gower Primary School get 

stuck in on World Book Day! 

For the Children at Sibford Gower Endowed Primary School, World Book Day this year 

provided a great reason to celebrate, as the whole school, including teachers, dressed 

up as characters from their favourite books. 

Unicorn Dad Cycles 70 

Miles for School 

Unicorn School Dad Dr Peter Davis is cycling 70 

Miles in the Islip Big Bike Ride to raise funds for 

his son’s school. In Peter’s words: 

“The Unicorn School has done such a 

tremendous job with Ollie’s education over the 

past 3 years, that seeking to raise some money 

for the school is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ 

and to help support what is a wonderful haven 

for dyslexic and dyspraxic kids.” 

To donate £10 via Just Giving please text 

“UNIC25 £10” to 70070 

Thank you Peter! 

4 

Primary Times MAY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire

Chadlington Primary School in Chipping Norton are turning 

their hall into a gallery for the weekend of 20th/21st May 

for Artweek. Every school child will have artwork on display 

including selected exhibits from the recent Young Art Oxford 

competition at the Ashmolean Museum. A silent auction of all 

the artworks will take place over the weekend providing the 

school with the opportunity to raise essential funds. The annual 

fundraising FOCS walk will be taking place on Saturday 20th 

May from 10am as well - all welcome and there will be plenty 

of refreshments over the weekend. For more information about 

these events call the school on 01608 676366 


what’s on where 

WOW! 

What’s on where... 

We check listings carefully but event 

details and prices may be subject to change. 

Please always check with the venue. 

Until 31 May 

Family Explorers: We’re going 

on a Bug Hunt! 

Stowe Landscape Gardens, MK18 5EH 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

10am Will you dare to peek under a log? Are you 

brave enough to hold a scary beast? Can you set 

up your very own snail race? Pick up our creepycrawly 

guide for tips and pictures of things you 

might find. Free with admission. T: 01280 817 156 

Until 4 June 

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co 

River and Rowing Museum, RG9 1BF 

www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Children’s classics the Clangers, 

Bagpuss and Noggin the Nog come vividly to 

life in this unique exhibition. Visitors can try 

animating the characters and learn to speak 

Clanger! T: 01491 415600 

19 May 

A Night at the Museum 

Wallingford Museum, OX10 0DB 

www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk 

6pm Experience the museum in the dark! 

T: 01491 651127 

Museums at Night : All About 

Art 

Abingdon County Hall, OX14 3HG 

www.abingdon.gov.uk 

7pm A evening that will include family craft 

activities, a late night opening of local artist 

Catriona Brodribb’s Printmaking exhibition, 

and adult art workshops alongside our historic 

displays. Free admission. T: 01235 523703 

19 – 20 May 

The Night Shift 

Bletchley Park The Mansion, MK3 6EB 

www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

5pm Explore the grounds, Codebreaking Huts, 

and Mansion House as the daylight fades; just 

as workers would have done during World War 

2. There will be the option to join one of our 

special guided tours which will give you a deeper 

insight into the history of the Park and add to the 

atmosphere of the evening. T: 01908 640404 


Maker Club: Micro 

Controllers 

The Discovery Zone, OX1 1BY 

www.scienceoxford.com 

2pm What can you make with a BBC Micro:Bit? 

From a robotic arm to an interactive badge, they 

will explore the mechanics, tools and software 

with which to make their imagination a reality. 

Suitable for ages 9-12 years. Cost £10. Booking 

essential, booking fee applies. 

T: 01865 810000 

Enchanted Museum 

Chiltern Open Air Museum, HP8 4AB 

www.coam.org.uk 

4pm Families can enjoy spending the evening 

exploring the Museum’s historic buildings lit up 

by candle, lantern and firelight, taking a magical 

walk through the woods and trying their hands 

at fairytale crafts and activities. 

T: 01494 871117 

Science Saturdays 

Museum of Natural History, OX1 3PW 

www.oum.ox.ac.uk 

2pm Meet scientists to investigate real natural 

history specimens from the collection. Suitable 

for ages 8+. T: 01865 272 950 

Ashventure Ancient Egypt: 

Life and Death 

Ashmolean, OX1 2PH 

www.ashmolean.org 

2pm and 3.15pm Join the regular gallery 

Ashventures with stories, gallery hunts, games, 

object handling and crafts. Suitable for ages 4+. 

T: 01865 278000 

Make a Magical Votive 

Museum of the History of Science, 

OX1 3AZ 

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 

2pm Join artist Anna Dumitriu to make a 

magical votive offering inspired by your 

experiences of medicine and the exhibition 

‘Back from the Dead’. Add your piece to an 

exciting new art installation. 

T: 01865 277280 

Museums at Night : Minstrels 

in the Galleries 



7pm An evening of live performances 

throughout all four levels of the museum. 

T:01235 523703 

6 




Ignite 

Sport UK 

Our School Holiday Sports 

Courses have been running 

for 16 years! Our coaching 

team hold an enhanced DBS 

& are trained in first aid & 

safeguarding. 

Children aged 4-12 can enjoy 

learning new skills, making new 

friends, developing techniques 

and playing fun games and 

matches in a safe environment. 

www.ignitesportuk.com 

Oxford Mela 

Rose Hill Community Centre, OX4 4HF 

www.oxford.gov.uk 

12pm A free festival for all the family organised 

by the Oxford Hindu Temple and Community 

Centre Project. T: 01865 749597 

Bat Walk 

Earth Trust Centre, OX14 4QZ 

www.earthtrust.org.uk 

8.30pm Join us for a guided walk to the Clumps 

and Little Wittenham Wood, with the addition 

of bat detectors to find out more about these 

marvellous mammals. Cost £6 adults, £3 

children. Booking essential. T: 01865 407792 

Opening of the Washpool 

Churchill & Sarsden Heritage Centre, 

OX7 6NA 

www.churchillheritage.org.uk 

12pm To celebrate the opening of the Washpool 

there will be a demonstration using local sheep. 

T: 01608 658603 


Fantabulous Family Photo 

Frames 

Roald Dahl Museum, HP16 0AL 

www.roalddahl.com 

11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm This is 

a description of the event for inclusion in 

event listings. Roald Dahl kept lots of special 

pictures on the wall of his Writing Hut. Find 

out more about what decorates his walls and 

then make your own swishwiffling picture 

frame to put your own special photos in. Cost 

£3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

History & Nature Ride 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, 

OX39 4ER 

www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 

10.30am Discover local history and the lineside 

flora and fauna in an hour-long railcar trip. 

T: 01844 353535 


Dappers and Flappers: Family 

Jazz Dancing 

Upton House and Gardens, OX15 6HT 


11.30am Stretch and shake by bringing your kids 

along to Dappers and Flappers where the dance 

teachers will show your family how to do some 

real 1920s dancing together. T: 01295 670266 

Artweek 

Chadlington Primary School, OX7 3LY 

www.chadlington.oxon.sch.uk 

10am The Primary School are turning their 

hall into a gallery for the weekend. Every school 

child will have artwork on display including 

selected exhibits from the recent Young Art 

Oxford competition at the Ashmolean Museum. 

A silent auction of all the artworks will take place 

over the weekend providing the school with the 

opportunity to raise essential funds. 

T: 01608 676366 


A Taste of Dahl 

Cogges Manor Farm, OX28 3LA 

www.cogges.org.uk 

3pm Featuring extracts from Dahl’s books, A 

Taste of Dahl explores the writer’s early life 

and influences, his style of writing, and how 

he created some of his best known characters. 

Tickets £5 per person. T: 01993 772602 

Open Day 

Faringdon Folly Tower and 

Woodland Folly Path, SN7 7AQ 

www.faringdonfolly.org.uk 

11am Climb the Tower and see fantastic views 

over 5 counties. Find out about the history of 

the Tower and Folly Hill and spend time in the 

woodland. Adults £3, under 11s free. T: 0845 

475 8386 

Natural History on the 

Evenlode 

Combe Mill Blenheim Palace Sawmills, 

OX29 8ET 

www.combemill.org 

10am All machinery working under steam power. 

T: 01993 358694 

Super Sundays 

Stewart Hall, OX10 0RT 

www.arthausclub.co.uk 

10am Prepare to get Messy! Painting and Craft 

activities for ages 5-13 years. Cost £8 per child. 

T: 07040 909 920 

Quiet Day 

Thomley, HP18 9JZ 

www.thomley.org.uk 

10am The theme is woodland animals. Games, 

activities and workshops. Booking essential. 

T: 01844 338380 


Museum of Natural History, 

OX1 3PW 


2pm Meet scientists to investigate real 

natural history specimens from the collection. 

Suitable for ages 8+. 

T: 01865 272 950 

Bonn Twinning 

Anniversary 

Museum of Oxford, OX1 1BX 


1pm Find out about the history of twinning, 

discover the stories behind the coat of arms 

of both cities and design your own twinning 

badge. T: 01865 252334 

Creative Computing Club - 

Micro:Net 

The Discovery Zone, Oxford, OX1 1BY 


10am & 12.30pm Create your very own 

mini internet – or micro:net – using 

the micro:bit’s radio to send and receive 

“emergency broadcasts” sent to all. Have a 

go at sending secret messages to another 

radio operator across the room. Suitable for 

ages 9-12 years. Cost £8. Booking essential, 

booking fee applies. T: 01865 810000 

Nick Cope’s Songbook 

The Story Museum, OX1 1BP 

www.storymuseum.org 

10.30am Monkeys, bears, socks and mud! 

Nick Cope sings about everything children 

are REALLY interested in. Cost £5 per person. 

Booking essential. T: 01865 305305 


Book Art 

Claydon House, MK18 2EY 


12pm Get creative and learn how to create 

hedgehogs and other beautiful pieces of art 

from old books. Cost £2.50 per piece of art. 

T: 01296 730349 

8 


WHAT’S ON WHERE 

Dappers and Flappers: 

Family Jazz Dancing 



11.30am Stretch and shake by bringing your 

kids along to Dappers and Flappers where the 

dance teachers will show your family how to do 

some real 1920s dancing together. 

T: 01295 670266 

Duxford Air Festival 

IWM Duxford, CB22 4QR 

www.iwm.org.uk 

9am Experience the thrills in the sky above, 

and enjoy the fun on the showground below 

at the Spring Bank Holiday Duxford Air 

Festival. 

Common People 

South Park, OX4 

www.commonpeople.net 

10am A family friendly festival organised 

by the makers of Bestival. From pop stars to 

underground legends, theatre and spoken word 

to our the Kids Area and some special Oxford 

touches. Tickets available for individual days or 

whole weekend. 

27 May – 4 June 

Lemur Week 

Cotswold Wildlife Park, OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

10am As Lemurs are now one of the most 

threatened groups of mammals on the planet 

we are hosting a week of fun activities and 

keeper talks to help raise awareness and funds 

for Lemur Conservation in Madagascar. 

T: 01993 823 006 

Knights and Princesses 

Week 

Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX 

www.oddsfarm.co.uk 

10am Celebrate the opening of the new Fort 

with shows, crafts and much more! 

T: 01628 520 188 

Gnometastic 

Waterperry Gardens, OX33 1JZ 

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 

Help the gnomes in the gardens who have 

forgotten their names. Find all eight gnomes 

and their names to claim your prize in the garden 

shop. Cost £2 per child. T: 01844 339254 


Boggling Building Science 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Get hands-on 

with us as we investigate how places are built. 

We’ll be making bridges, building towers and 

creating places for both human beans as well as 

animals. Cost £2 per person. Suitable for ages 

4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Teddy’s Train ride 

Bucks Railway Centre, HP22 4BY 

www.bucksrailcentre.org 

10.30am Children with a Teddy go free! T: 01296 

655720 

Classic Car Rally 


OX39 4ER 


10.30am Come and ride the trains and see a wide 

selection of classic and vintage cars on display. 

T: 01844 353535 

Board Games and 

Medieval Medicine 

Museum of the History of Science, 

OX1 3AZ 


2pm Join us in road-testing novel board 

games and discover medicine in the medieval 

Islamic world. Suitable for ages 7+. 

T: 01865 277280 

Young Farmer’s County 

Show 



10am There will be main ring attractions, 

rural craft demonstrations, trade and food 

stands, a farm animal corner and a fun dog 

show for all the family to enjoy. 

T: 01865 407792 


Roman Gladiators 



10am Watch provincial gladiators in action 

as a team of criminals, barbarians and 

other prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers 

and thrill seekers fight for the entertainment 

of the crowds and the Emperor. 

T: 01494 871117 

Teddy Bear’s Bank 

Holiday 

Leighton Buzzard Railway, LU7 4TN 

www.buzzrail.co.uk 

10.30am Fun with bears, and accompanied 

children who bring their bears for a ride will 

travel free. T: 01525 373888 


Swishwiffling 

Storytelling Walk 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Join Chip 

Colquhoun on a family storytelling walk 

around Roald Dahl’s home village, and up to 

Angling Spring Wood. There will be plenty of 

swashboggling stories including local folklore 

and stories told to Roald Dahl by his mother 

when he was a chiddler. Cost £3 per person. 

Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Open Day 

Pitstone Green Museum, LU7 9EY 

www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk 

11am A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits 

relating to farming and country life. 

Bus Rally 



10.30am Annual heritage bus rally. 

T: 01296 655720 

Witney Music Festival 

Cogges Manor Farm, OX28 3LA 

www.cogges.org.uk 

11am A fantastic day of brilliant bands and top 

local musicians. Tickets £6.50 adults, £4.50 

children. T: 01993 772602 

Bank Holiday Open Day 

Oxford Bus Museum, OX29 8LA 

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 

10.20am Free vintage bus rides. 

T: 01993 883 617 


10 




What’s In Your Secret 

Collection 



11.30am, 1pm and 3pm Find out about Roald 

Dahl’s special objects and unlock the secret 

powers of special things in this workshop using 

music, drama and imagination. Why not bring 

your own special object to share? Cost £3 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Loads of Lava 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Create a flaming papier mache volcano 

and fiery scraper board picture. Learn about 

Mount Vesuvius and have a close up look of 

Ancient Roman artefacts. Suitable for ages 4-7 

years. Cost £8.50. Booking essential. 

T: 01491 415600 

Terrific Tuesday 



11am Find out about the creatures that live 

on our site and chat to the RSPB. Come and 

discover what we have growing in our allotment. 

Listen to spring stories and have-a-go at 

planting some sunflower seeds. Travel along the 

springtime trail and see what you can discover. 

Make sugar paste ladybirds and enjoy spring 

themed craft activities. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 871117 

Puppet Making 

Cornerstone Arts Centre, OX11 7NE 

www.cornerstone-arts.org 

10.30am Come and learn two new puppetry 

techniques in a fun workshop which will include 

time for story making and a performance. Cost 

£25. Booking essential. T: 01235 515144 

Family Open Afternoon 

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, OX20 1SN 

www.sofo.org.uk 

2pm Make something special and take it home. 

T: 01993 810211 

Hey Little Bird 

Sutton Courtenay Environmental 

Education Centre, OX14 4TE 

www.bbowt.org.uk 

10am and 1pm A workshop where children can 

make their own puppet. Suitable for ages 2-7 

years. Cost £4 per child. T: 01235 862024 


We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 



1pm Help us catch a big one, or two! Join us in 

welcoming our new bears to the Museum and 

take part in fun bear inspired activities and 

crafts. T: 01865 272 950 

Animal Antics 



10am Join the animal parade in this crafty 

workshop. T: 01235 523703 


Half Term Events 

The Bate Collection of Musical 

Instruments, OX1 1DB www.bate.ox.ac.uk 

2pm Half Term activities Including gallery trails, 

word searches, drawing and colouring and 

hands-on the instruments. T: 01865 276139 


Upton Adventure Packs 



11am Entertain the family whilst exploring 

the outdoor spaces. There are spotting sheets, 

activities and tools to use to help you explore and 

play in the grounds. T: 01295 670266 


Fantabulous Family Photo 

Frames 



11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Roald 

Dahl kept lots of special pictures on the wall 

of his Writing Hut. Find out more about what 

decorates his walls and then make your own 

swishwiffling picture frame to put your own 

special photos in. Cost £3 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Wild Wednesday: We’re Going 

on a Bug Hunt! 

Stowe Landscape Gardens, MK18 5EH 


10.30am Uncover Stowe’s hidden world of 

creepy-crawlies. Borrow a magnifying glass to 

spy under logs and see what you can spot. Cost 

£2 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 0844 249 1895 

Nature in Your Garden 

Botanic Gardens, OX1 4AZ 

www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 

11am Use the garden as inspiration for 

fantastic artwork to take home. 

T: 01865 286690 

Adventures with the 

Ice Dragon 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Create a dragon puppet and make it 

come to life. Suitable for ages 7-11 years. Cost 

£8.50. Booking essential. T: 01491 415600 

Wild Wednesday 

Thrupp Lake, OX14 3NG 


2pm Come out and play and learn about your 

local wildlife. T: 01865 407792 

Woodland Adventure 



10am Use your detective skills to discover our 

secret destination where we will explore, build 

and play! Activities will be aimed at the 5-8yrs 

age group but younger/older siblings are also 

welcome to join in. Suggested donation £4 per 

child. T: 01865 407792 

1 June 

Colour Lab 



11am & 2pm Join the Science Oxford team for 

a playful exploration of the science of colour. 

After investigating how colours mix, looking at 

both light and paint, your child will be able to 

experiment and create their own colourful art to 

take home. Suitable for ages 5-9 years. Cost £7 

adults, £5 children. 


CAMP WILDERNESS 

We believe that summer 

camp is a rite of passage for 

all children, which is why we 

make ours extra special. Set 

in safari-style tented camps 

in the middle of Cornbury 

Park in Oxfordshire, Camp Wilderness offers exciting back-to-nature 

experiences, for children aged 6-15. By day, we’ll be combining 

traditional bushcraft like fire-lighting, shelter-building and archery, 

with fun woodland games and learning about our natural environment. 

It truly is an adventure like no other, where children can make new 

friends and create memories that last for a lifetime. 

With over 5,000 acres of private woodland, this magical spot 

offers a true back-to-nature experience in the wild. Here, our camps 

will run for all 6 weeks of the summer holidays, and we have 3-Day, 

5-Day and 5-Day Advanced camps available, with prices starting from 

£237. Head to www.campwilderness.co.uk or call us on 03332 

004469 to book now. 

Take a look at what 

Cotswold Wildlife 

Park have got 

planned ... 

May 27th - June 4th 2017: 

Lemur Week 

Cotswold Wildlife Park is 

currently celebrating the birth of 

one of its most iconic and rare 

Lemur species – the Crowned Sifaka (Propithecus coronatus) 

and as Lemurs are now one of the most threatened groups of 

mammals on the planet they are hosting a week of fun activities 

and keeper talks to help raise awareness and funds for Lemur 

Conservation in Madagascar. 

School Holida 

Wild Keeper Experiences at the UK’s 

Only Crocodile Zoo 

Your loved ones will definitely thank you for a wild 

encounter at Crocodiles of the World. Our keeper 

experiences range from half-day junior (age 6+) and adult 

croc keeper experiences, a VIP experience or Meet the 

Meerkats (for age 5 +). These wild encounters enable you 

to get closer to the animals, learn fascinating facts, help 

with feeds and experience a taste of life at the zoo! For more information 

and to book online visit our website 

www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk/keeperexperiences 

Fairytale Farm 

There are loads of new attractions at 

Fairytale Farm for 2017. Try out our 

brand new interactive features along the 

Enchanted Walk; press a button and find 

out what happens, and then smell the 

flowers in our new gardens. Have your 

picture taken by our Giant’s Camera and 

post your photo on Facebook or send it to 

yourself by email, then marvel at our new dancing water fountains. 

We have revamped our unique Mouse Town, so experience the 

family of mice in a whole new light as they explore our beautifully 

crafted model village. See some new animals in ‘Alfie & Friends’ 

our animal zone. You will love our new rare breed pigs who look 

like sheep with their curly coats! 

BIRDLAND 

Throughout May Half Term Birdland Park & 

Gardens are celebrating all things Penguin! 

Birdland is home to the only breeding group 

of King Penguins in the UK as well as a 

huddle of comical Humboldts. Learn lots of 

fascinating facts whilst watching the daily 

Penguin feeds at 11am and 2:30pm. Penguin 

Week is a p p p perfect day out for all the 

family to enjoy. 

Ultimate Activity 

Camps come to 

Oxford, Abingdon and 

Wallingford! 

Children will have the most fun 

during the summer holidays as 

Ultimate Activity Camps are 

running their outstanding holiday 

childcare programmes in Oxford, 

Abingdon and Wallingford for 

children aged 4-14 years! 

Ultimate Activity Camps offer the opportunity for children to have fun, meet friends 

and try a brilliant array of exciting activities during the school holidays. From swimming, 

zorbing and tennis to archery, art and fencing, there are over 40 games, sports or creative 

activities giving children a new experience every day. 

They also run adventurous story-led Ultimate Survival programmes at some locations 

which also offers an optional Camp Out each week! 

Book by 13th June for £20 off a week (now £179), or £4 off a day (now £39). 

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0330 111 7077 (local rate). 

Oxfordshire Science Festival - 

16-21 June 

Come to the Oxfordshire Science Festival and 

touch clouds, build stars, dance the Universe or 

watch a contagious cabaret. Free family events in 

Oxford from 16-21 June on astronomy and atoms 

to X-rays and zebra fish. 

Delve into dozens of activities in the 

Explorazone over the weekend 18-19 June 

(12-5pm.) All ages can discover the world of 

exosomes, microscopic factories and optical 

illusions. 

Make-your-own solar mobile phone charger, 

hear like an insect, crack cyber security, test 

drive the future’s electric cars and find out what 

stuff is by exploring quantum field theory. Did you 

think that science was hard? Think again. The 

programme is out in May with events for all. Visit 

www.oxscifest.com. 

12 


y 

Park 

FunStonor 

RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM 

This half term, dress up like a Viking and head over to the River & Rowing 

Museum in Henley to the land of the Norsemen! 

On Thursday 1 June, the Museum will be hosting a fun packed family 

day - A Viking Quest from 10.30am – 4pm. Children can discover 

how the Vikings lived, ate and travelled, be part of a giant longboat, 

make Viking music and decorate a brooch. There will also be a series 

of children’s creative workshops running during the week, including 

Adventures with an Ice Dragon and Volcano: Loads of Lava! Older 

children can enjoy a screen printing and mixed media workshop with the 

Museum’s art expert, full details on all events 

can be found online at: rrm.co.uk or by calling 

01491 415600. There is a last chance to enjoy 

the gorgeously nostalgic Clangers, Bagpuss & 

Co exhibition, featuring the original Bagpuss 

and the Clangers, closing on 4 June. Located by 

the river in Henley, with free parking and a great 

café, the Museum makes a fun family day out! 

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN – AND VERY DRAMATIC! 

We are lucky to have so many wonderful outlets for creativity in 

Oxfordshire – harness all that while learning valuable life skills 

too, creating a musical in just a week. With long summer holidays 

approaching, it’s a bright and sunny way to use 

drama as a learning experience. 

Stagecoach holiday shows and workshops 

offer youngsters the chance to stage a full 

musical with costume, lights and all the dazzle 

you would expect of junior youth theatre – from 

the age of only 4! The holidays are sure to buzz 

amongst an array of exciting venues and shows 

including ‘Merlin and the Unicorn’, ‘In Your 

Dreams’, ‘A Dalmatian Tale’, ‘Singin’ In The Rain 

Jr’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Aladdin Kids’ and many others to 

choose from this Summer. Contact your local 

Stagecoach centre now as places are limited! 

Oxford 01869 278600, Banbury 0808 

208 5134, Abingdon 01865 390970, Thame/Watlington 

01865 763767, Henley/High Wycombe 01494 533203, 

Faringdon 01367 240663 

Andy Taylor Golf provides a fun, safe learning environment for 

young people to experience and develop golf. The use of games ensures 

that while children put into practice technical skills, they are not weighed 

down with technique only. The coaching is ideal for children at various 

ages from 6 upwards, the players are grouped accordingly to where they 

are in their own golfing and personal journey. 

We have a high emphasis on young people learning social aspects of 

sport and etiquette as well as the physical sport itself. The benefits of 

this are the young people are engaged in the game of golf and from there 

they learn the finer points to get better to improve 

themselves, this develops their self-motivation. 

We have a proven track record of developing 

young people from beginners, two of the assistant 

coaches now with the program were former pupils, 

to National squad players. 

Within these principles of delivery, we create 

learning opportunities for the young people to 

discover, with guidance, their correct technical 

points of the game, including putting, chipping and 

driving. 

William and Ailsa Stonor were keen to ensure that 

Stonor Park continues to be a destination for the 

whole family to enjoy, creating somewhere that is 

safe and engaging for the youngsters. 

Timber Play, were invited to create a 

stimulating and fun environment for all children 

up to the age of 15, located on the edge of 

woodland, the wooden and steel structures are 

designed to embrace the grassed landscape, 

and as new saplings take root and grow this truly 

becomes a wooded wonderland. 

For the younger children, the play area has a raised play house and 

slide surrounded by soft sand, leading to the water pump where children 

can divert water through channels and water wheels. Plus see-saw, 

wobble dish, rocking fallow and swings are close by. 

Further into the woods older children will see the wooden climbing 

structure that leads to a rope climbing forest, connecting to a tree house 

with slide and 50 metre zip wire and tunnels adding to their fun. 

Lots of seating has been created close by, the Pit Stop café is close 

by too, offering coffee, drinks and artisan snacks for the whole family. 

Bathrooms and baby changing facilities are adjacent to the café. 

THE OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE SINGING SCHOOL, 26- 

28th July 2017, MERTON COLLEGE, OXFORD 

With summer approaching, we are looking forward to some more 

exciting music-making with The Oxford and Cambridge Singing 

school. This summer we are exploring the music of the Romantic 

era. In particular, Schubert and Mendelssohn; and we welcome 

any child between the ages of 7-13 who loves to sing, whatever 

their previous experience. Repertoire includes such classics as 

Schubert’s Ave Maria and Mendelssohn’s ‘O for the Wings of a 

Dove’, as well as more light-hearted works and there is plenty in 

the varied course structure for any enthusiastic young musicians 

to get stuck into. We run regular courses during the holidays 

in Oxford, Cambridge and London. As one parent put it... “My 

son loved every moment of (the course) and now I can’t stop him 

singing!” For more information on all courses, please look at 

www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk or call 07867 778326 

Waterperry Gardens The gnomes are out and about at 

Waterperry Gardens again for half term fun (27th May – 4th June). Find 

the eight gnomes who have forgotten their names around the gardens 

and claim a prize from the Teashop. The May break is surely one of the 

most beautiful times of year in the gardens and so a complete treat for 

adults as well as children. After a 

look around the Gift Barn, Gallery, 

Museum & Garden Shop there is 

also the Children’s Play Area to 

have fun on. Don’t forget all the 

child friendly theatre productions & 

operas on at Waterperry over the 

summer season too. 

SUPERCAMPS 

Super Camps’ fabulous new Multi-Activity programme allows children 

to get involved in some great new activities. As well as taking part in 

the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and 

vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted 

noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun 

and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and 

learning environment”. 

The Early Years programme just for 4 to 5 year olds ensures learning 

and development within a fun environment. The 6 to 9-year-old crews 

can explore new activities and take on new challenges such as The 

Avengers School of Archery, Super Camps Driving School and Motor 

Mania. Our 10 to 12 year olds can come together in their very own 

common room as well as spend more time tackling activities in depth. 

Camps run throughout the school summer holidays. Save 15% with 

code PRIMARY15. 



Crackling Clay Treasures 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Make your 

own special collection of treasures. You’ll find 

out more about the wonderful things that Roald 

Dahl kept close to him before choosing your own 

treasures to make in clay. Cost £3 per person. 

Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Young Musicians Music 

Workshop 



9am Celebrating and playing music of the 

1920s, the day also involves a guided tour 

and craft activities. Open to young musician 

grade 1-5. Attendee should be available for the 

performance date on Sunday 4th June as well as 

the workshop date. Booking essential. 

T: 01295 670266 

Family Open Morning 

The Mill Arts Centre, OX16 5QE 

www.themillartscentre.co.uk 

10am Spend the morning with our creative team 

experiencing the wonderful range of children’s 

activities we offer at The Mill. Cost £6 per child. 

T: 01295 279002 

A Viking Quest 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Dress up as a Viking and journey to the 

land of the Norsemen! Live like a Viking for the 

day, and create your own legendary story. Free 

with admission. T: 01491 415600 

Doormice and Jellyfish: What 

the Romans Ate! 

Museum of Oxford, OX1 1BX 


10.30am Find out more about Roman life – what 

they enjoyed eating, what they wore and what 

they did when they came to the outlying areas 

of Oxford. Taste some foods eaten in Roman 

times; handle real Roman pottery found close 

to Oxford; have a go at putting on a toga and 

make your own ‘baked doormouse’ with paint 

and playdough. There will also be a free Roman 

cartoon for each child from The Phoenix Comic 

(whilst stocks last!). T: 01865 252334 

1 – 2 June 

Ahoy There! 

Museum of the History of Science, OX1 3AZ 


2pm Discover early voyages of exploration 

with maps, globes, and hands-on navigational 

instruments. Suitable for ages 7+. 

T: 01865 277280 

Around the World in Two 

Days! 

Oxford Playhouse, OX1 2PH 

www.oxfordplayhouse.com 

9.30am Using physical theatre and storytelling 

techniques your child will recreate Phileas’s 

action adventure, with a few twists of their own, 

visiting France, Egypt, India, Japan and America 

– will they return to Oxford in time…? Suitable 

for ages 8-11 years. T: 01865 305305 

2 June 

The Building Boy with Ross 

Montgomery 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Go on a magical journey 

with The Building Boy. When a little boy makes 

a model of his Grandma out of her old building 

materials, she sweeps him away on a thrilling 

adventure. Join author Ross Montgomery for 

storytelling and lots of interactive fun. Cost 

£3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

Amazing Animation Future 

Daze 

Cornerstone Arts Centre, OX11 7NE 


10.30am come and take part in this new and 

exciting workshop where you become the 

designers of the future… Come and learn to 

make stop frame animations using plasticine, 

cut-out, cartoons, or models and bring the future 

to LIFE on screen for all to see. Suitable for ages 

8-13. Cost £35. T: 01235 515144 

Holiday Kids Club 

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, OX20 1SN 

www.sofo.org.uk 

10am Brilliant Birds! Did you know our feathered 

friends are related to dinosaurs? Cost £8 per 

child. T: 01993 810211 

2 – 3 June 

Do You Believe in Magic 

Pitt Rivers Museum, OX1 3PP 

www.prm.ox.ac.uk 

1pm From fossilised squid to potatoes, the 

Museum has lots of objects that are believed to 

be magical. Make your own lucky charm bracelet 

or a witch in a bottle. T: 01865 270927 

3 June 

Terrific Twits Garden 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved 

gardens, especially his own. He included a 

particularly icky one in The Twits. Join us to make 

your own miniature gruncious Twit garden full 

of scary and disgusterous things. Cost £3 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Festival of Nature 



10am Celebrate Oxfordshire’s biodiversity with 

crafts, conservationists and family friendly talks. 

In partnership with BBOWT. T: 01865 272 950 

Fun in the Park 

Abbey Gardens, OX14 3JD 


11am A day of fun, entertainment and live music 

for all the family to enjoy. 

The Bad Bunnies’ Magic Show 



2pm Join Mini and the odd Bad Bunny to find 

out about the history of magic and to make your 

own magic mini-book. Suitable for ages 5+. Cost 

£7/£5. T: 01865 305305 

Print Your Own Book Cover 



2pm & 4pm Go back in time, put your pens away 

and discover the art of printing by hand. Learn 

how the first books were printed, create your 

14 



own book cover using lino cuts and have a go at 

printing using a printing press. Suitable for ages 

8+. Cost £10/£8. Booking essential. 

T: 01865 305305 

Salford Fete and Fun Dog 

Show 

Salford, OX7 5YW 

12pm Fun dog classes and children’s races, stalls 

and live music. T: 01608 644456 

3 – 4 June 

1940’s Vintage Weekend 



9.30am Come along to Bletchley Park and have 

yourself a fabulous time at our forties weekend! 

This two day event, featuring 1940’s Swing Band 

The Bevin Boys, vintage salon and pop-up shop, 

and vintage market place, will be great fun for all 

the family. T: 01908 640404 

Miniature Traction Engine 

Rally 



10.30am Live entertainment and specialist 

steampunk traders, who can help with outfits, 

accoutrements, and accessories if visitors want 

to join in and get into the spirit of the event! 

T: 01296 655720 

Free Railway Open Days 


OX39 4ER 


10.30am Unique opportunity to see behind the 

scenes. Special timetable will apply. 

T: 01844 353535 

4 June 

MGs in the Park 

Cotswold Wildlife Park, OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

10am Annual MG Owners Club meet attracting 

over 600 MGs. T: 01993 823 006 

Dahl’s Door Hanger 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm No one was allowed 

inside Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut! Find out more 

and then make a door hanger either to keep 

people away from Roald’s hut or your own 

special space. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for 

ages 4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Transport Rally 

Didcot Railway Centre, OX11 7NJ 

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

10.30am A wide selection of buses, coaches and 

commercial vehicles and miniature railway rides. 

T: 01235 817200 

Forest School Fun 



10am Come and explore the woods nearby the 

Earth Trust Centre and get creative in the great 

outdoors. Suggested donation £4 per child. 

T: 01865 407792 

Open Day 

Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland Folly 

Path, SN7 7AQ 





woodland. Adults £3, under 11s free. 

T: 0845 475 8386 

Littleworth Family Fun Day 

and Dog Show 

Littleworth Playing Field, SN7 8ED 

1pm Fun Dog show with rosettes and prizes to be 

won. Bouncy Castle, stalls, BBQ and music. Entry 

£1, under 12s free. T: 01367 241328 

10 June 






for ages 8+. T: 01865 272 950 

Thame Carnival 2017 

Southern Road Recreation Ground Thame, 

OX9 2EP www.thame.net 

12pm The Parade starts at Elms Park at 12 noon 

followed by a Fete from 1pm at the recreation 

ground. 

Ramsden Fête and Companion 

Dog Show 

Wynter’s Close, OX7 3AU 

www.ramsdenvillage.co.uk 

1pm A traditional event with a modern twist. 

For children there is a small fairground, water 

splash, bouncy castles, coconut shy, try-your 

strength plus many more games. Games for 

old and young include tug-of-war and egg 

throwing. T: 01993 868764 

10 – 11 June 

Steam, comic & Culture 

Festival 



10.30am Please see website for full details. 

T: 01525 373888 

11 June 

Open Day 





Midsummer Fair 

Sulgrave Manor, OX17 2SD 

www.sulgravemanor.org.uk 

11am Please see website for full details. 

T: 01295 760205 

14 June 

Bat Walk 



8.30pm Join us for a guided walk to the Clumps 

and Little Wittenham Wood, with the addition 

of bat detectors to find out more about these 

marvellous mammals. Cost £6 adults, £3 


16 June 

Bats of the Clumps 



7pm Take a peek into the mysterious world of 

these amazing animals... Meet some bats and 

enjoy an informative talk by Dave Endacott 

from Oxfordshire Bat Group. Cost £8 adults, £4 




17 June 

House of Wisdom 



12pm A festival of science and medicine in the 

early Islamic world with talks, activities, board 

games and more. T: 01865 277280 






for ages 8+. T: 01865 272 950 

Wallingford Carnival 

Market Place, OX10 0EH 

www.wallingford.co.uk 

10am Annual carnival held in the town centre. 

18 June 

Squiffing Speedy Science 

Roald Dahl Museum 81-83 High St, Great 

Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 0AL 


12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved all 

sorts of transport! Explore with us how different 

forms of transport move and how far or fast 

we can make them go in this hands-on family 

workshop. Cost £2 per person. Suitable for ages 

4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Heavy Horse Show 



10am Watch spectacular arena events and 

parades and enjoy demonstrations of traditional 

farm work. Meet a variety of working horses. 

T: 01494 871117 

Father’s Day BBQ 



12pm Dads and their families can enjoy a 

traditional barbecue whilst listening to the 

vintage sound of 1940s Swing Band, The Bevin 

Boys. Swing Dance MK will also be on hand to 

demonstrate some 1940s dance moves to create 

a lively and vintage atmosphere. 

T: 01908 640404 

Father’s Day 



10.30am Steam train rides on the Main 

Demonstration Line. T: 01235 817200 

Commercial Vehicle Rally 



10.30am Up to 60 historic vehicles will be on 

display. Steam trains will be offering unlimited 

free rides and the miniature ride-on steam trains 

will be running too. T: 01296 655720 



OX39 4ER 


10.30am Dad travels free with any accompanied 

ticket holder. Sunday Cream Teas will also be 

available for the perfect treat. T: 01844 353535 




10.30am Treat Dad to a free ride with a steam 

engine driver. T: 01525 373888 

Family Concert 

Holywell Music Room, OX1 3SD 

www.bate.ox.ac.uk 

3pm Performance by students from Gosford Hill 

School. Adult tickets £10. T: 01865 276139 


Oxford Bus Museum Long Hanborough, 

OX29 8LA www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 

12.15pm & 2.45pm Free vintage bus rides. 

T: 01993 883 617 


Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, 

GL56 9QB 

www.batsarb.co.uk 

10am There’s free entry to the arboretum for all 

Dads on their special day. T: 01386 701441 

Open Day 

Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland Folly 

Path, SN7 7AQ 






T: 0845 475 8386 

Barn Engines, Horticultural 

Machinery & Tractors 

Combe Mill Blenheim Palace Sawmills, 

OX29 8ET www.combemill.org 

10am All machinery working under steam power. 

T: 01993 358694 

24 June 

Roald Dahl’s War 



12pm, 1pm and 3pm To celebrate 

National Armed Forces Day, join former 

RAF pilot Graham Laurie for some free 

family talks to learn about Roald Dahl’s 

time in the RAF during the Second World 

War. Free event, booking essential. 

Recommended for ages 8+. 

T: 01494 892192 

Abingdon Food & Drink 

Festival 

Rye Farm Meadow, OX14 3HY 

www.abingdonfoodfestival.org.uk 

10am Abingdon’s premier Food Festival 

with cookery demonstrations, food stalls, 

children’s workshops & entertainment, 

live music and picnic area. 

Nick Cope’s Songbook 



10.30am Monkeys, bears, socks and mud! 

Nick Cope sings about everything 

children are REALLY interested in. Cost £5 

per person. Booking essential. 

T: 01865 305305 

The Rainbow Run 

Cutteslowe Park, OX2 8ES 

www.hdh.org.uk 

11am A colourful, crazy 3km fun run for 

all the family where you will be showered 

with paint all the colours of the rainbow. 

Online registration required. In aid of 

Helen & Douglas House. T: 01865 799150 

Radley College 

At Radley we offer an environment for boys to grow in selfconfidence, 

thrive academically, and make the most of the many 

opportunities we offer. We pride ourselves on the pursuit of 

excellence and on encouraging boys to develop their talents and 

discover new interests. Radley defines itself by its caring community 

where all are passionate about what they do, and dedicated to it. 

A Radley education is about independent thought and learning with 

enthusiasm. It is about cultural awareness and the benefits of team 

sport. It is about academic ambition. It is about learning to live with 

others; it is about preparation for the world beyond its gates. Above 

all, it is about the core values that will underpin success in all its 

forms throughout a Radleian’s life: as leaders, as citizens, as human 

beings. 

Radley has Awards that can be worth up to 100% of the fees for 

talented boys at 11+ or 13+. We welcome applications for boys 

currently attending a maintained school who excel academically or at 

music, sport, art or drama. Radley will provide financial support for 

two years at a Prep school before continuing to Radley at 13 years of 

age. 

To find out more please contact Admissions on 01235 543 174 or 

visit www.radley.org.uk/11-13-Bursaries. 

16 


Brain4Maths 

Brain4Maths is a project run by University of 

Oxford’s scientists, which aims to reveal how 

the brain supports maths in children and young 

adults. The study involves a brain scan using an 

MRI scanner to collect brain images and a session 

involving a series of puzzles. We are currently 

recruiting children aged 6, 10 and 14, and A-level 

students. Children receive a voucher and a Brain Art 

certificate to say thank you for taking part. Parents 

will also be compensated for their time. 

To know more contact Laura at 

brain4maths@gmail.com or 07464 755 010. 

CUREC REF: MS-IDREC-C2-2015-016 


18 


24 – 25 June 

Star Tugs Weekend 



10.30am Trains in operations all weekend. 

T: 01235 817200 

Jacques Family Croquet 

Weekend 

Chastleton House, GL56 0SU 


12.30pm A weekend of garden games for all the 

family. Free with admission. T: 01608 674981 

25 June 

Vintage Vehicles Rally 



10.30am Please see website for full details. 

T: 01525 373888 

Board Games and Medieval 

Medicine 



2pm Join us in road-testing novel board games 

and discover medicine in the medieval Islamic 

world. Suitable for ages 7+. T: 01865 277280 

1 July 

Alice Day 

Botanic Gardens, OX1 4AZ 

www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 

1pm Part of the Oxford-wide celebration of Alice 

Day events. T: 01865 286690 

Games in Wonderland 



12pm Play Alice in Wonderland themed games 

and create your own flamingo croquet game. 

T: 01865 272 950 

Alice’s Puzzles 



2pm Follow the trail, solve the riddle, and 

discover Alice’s objects in the Museum. Suitable 

for ages 6+. T: 01865 277280 

Eynsham Carnival 

Eynsham, OX29 4HG 

www.eynshamcarnival.com 

12pm A parade follows the traditional madcap 

Shirt race around the centre of the village 

ending at the South playing field on Oxford 

road. Fantastic acts, stalls and a craft fair along 

with a bar, tug of war and lots of family friendly 

activities make for a great day out. 

T: 01865 880550 

2 July 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Cars 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm When Roald Dahl 

wrote the script for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he 

invented a marvellous flying car! Find out more 

and create your own crazy vehicle in our junk 

modelling workshop Cost £3 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Meet Paddington Bear 



10.30am Special timetable applies, 

appearances throughout the day. 

T: 01525 373888 

Cowley Road Carnival 

Cowley Road, OX4 

www.cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk 

12pm The festivities will kick off at 11 am 

when the Cowley Road will burst into song and 

dance with hundreds of performances taking 

place from the Plain all the way up to 

the Magdalen Road. 

Summer Picnic 



11am Help celebrate the Earth Trust’s 35th 

birthday and this year’s Summer Festival. 

T: 01865 407792 

Open Day 

Oxford Bus Museum, OX29 8LA 

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 

12.15pm & 2.45pm Free vintage bus rides. 

T: 01993 883 617 

Open Day 

Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland 

Folly Path, SN7 7AQ 






T: 0845 475 8386 

8 – 9 July 

Sharpe’s Rifles 



10am Meet Napoleonic soldiers and find out 

about the life of a Rifleman in Wellington’s 

army. Visit the living history encampment and 

learn how the soldiers’ families lived. 

T: 01494 871117 

9 July 

Open Day 





Teddy Bear’s Picnic 



10.30am Free admission for children with 

Teddy Bears. Competitions, activities and 

crafts. T: 01235 817200 

Three Spires Challenge 

Lucy Plackett Playing Field, OX17 3EE 

www.adderburyrunningclub.co.uk 

9am Celebrate the 10th annual Three 

Spires Challenge with some new events for 

4-14 year olds. There are fun runs, a 5K run 

and the new Junior Half Marathon Challenge. 

Online registration required. 


competitions 

win! 

PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 

To enter these competitions and more, please go to... 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire/competitions 

or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesoxfordshire 

Unless otherwise stated . Closing dates may vary 

WIN! a Family 

Pass to Henley 

Festival 

Henley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous boutique festival, returns to its 

spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames from 5th – 9th 

July 2017. Not just for grownups, Sunday at Henley festival is Family Sunday, 

with a fantastic line-up for kids and families. 

Henley Festival is giving away one Family Pass* to its Family Sunday, which 

promises an array of family friendly music, comedy, visual and performance 

art that will make memories to last a lifetime. 

Families and young visitors can enjoy and interact with Matthew Bourne’s 

New Adventures dance workshop; comedy from former Britain’s Got Talent 

contestant Bruce Airhead; outdoor theatre in a greenhouse with The Little 

Gardener; a mini musical adventure with Tommy Foggo – Superhero, and 

much more, while parents can relax in the stunning festival grounds. 

For your chance to win simply enter using the contact details displayed at the 

top of this page. 

For more information on the Henley Festival 2017 Family Sunday programme 

please visit:http://henley-festival.co.uk/2017-programme/family-sunday 

Closing date: 25th June 2017 

*A Family Pass includes 5 places at Family Sunday (max. 4 x adults & at least 

1 x child under the age of 16). 

WIN! a Free Week on a Super Camps 

Multi-Activity course 

Super Camps is the UK’s No.1 for childcare during the school holidays with 75 

camps around the country dedicated to entertaining and educating children 

over the summer holidays. 

Having consistently entertained children while reassuring parents at their 

activity camps for over 20 years, they’re available at fantastic and convenient 

locations. Each camp offers age appropriate activities to maximise fun 

and develop skills. Activities include swimming, quad biking, archery tag, 

bouncy castles and much more. Not to mention, they’re all run by a team 

of specialized and trained staff to maximise fun as well as the safety and 

wellbeing of each child. 

Super Camps is giving one lucky parent a free week on the Multi-Activity 

course worth up to £210. To enter, simply head to 

www.supercamps.co.uk/win and enter your details. 

Closing date 30 June 2017 

WIN! a family 

day ticket to visit 

Chiltern Open Air 

Museum 

Enjoy a full day of family fun and adventure where there are lots of exciting 

things to see and do every day. 

Explore over 30 rescued historic buildings with a free ‘I Spy’ sheet, or visit 

the bird hide on the Woodland walk, play historic children’s games or spend 

time in the adventure playground; hear the well spirits talk, chat with the 

animals, dress up in a WWI uniform and try on some Victorian accessories to 

take some great selfies. 

To enter, simply answer the following question: 

What date is the Museum’s Ragged Victorians event? 

a) 29th – 30th July b) 5th – 6th August c) 12th – 13th August 

Closing Date – 30th June 2017 

*Prize is for a family day ticket for up to 2 adults and 3 children. 

*Not valid for Enchanted Museum or Halloween Spectacular events 

*Valid for admission only and cannot be used against membership, group 

bookings, experience days or birthday parties. 

*Prize valid until 3rd December 2017. 

WIN! a free ticket for two adults and 

two children at Stonor play park 

Wonder Woods the new adventure play park at Stonor would like to offer a 

free ticket for two adults and two children to come along and have some fun. 

We are really excited to announce the introduction of the Timber Play Tower 

with two slides. The play area offers games from water pumps see-saw to 

wobble dish and swings. For the older children wooden climbing structures, 

leading to a rope climbing forest with a 50 metre zip wire and tunnels. 

All located close to our visitor centre with drinks and facilities plus lots of 

seating close by. 

What is the name of the new adventure play park at Stoner? 

Wonder ……. a) World b) Woods c)Wild 

Closing date: 7th July 

Does not apply to bank holidays and subject to availability. 

Valid to end October. 

20 


What flies 

without wings? 

Time! 

Ehsan 

Why did the teacher 

wear sunglasses? 

Because his class 

was so bright! 

Annabel, aged 8 

What do you call cheese 

that isn’t yours? 

Nacho cheese! 

As’ad, aged 10 

What did one wall say 

to the other wall? 

I’ll meet you in the 

corner! 

Oliver, aged 9 

Send jokes to: 

Primary Times 

Oxfordshire 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A Thamesview 

Industrial Estate, Newtown 

Road, Henley on Thames 

RG9 1HG

BOX OFFICE 

office 

Your family theatre guide... 

BT Studio 

OX1 2LW Box Office: 01865 305305 


24 June 

The Paper Moon 

11am Meet the two inhabitants of the 

small paper-y town of Blank Page as they 

draw and fold and rip their way on an 

adventure. Join Tiny Light as they explore a 

crinkly, scrunchy paper world and take you 

on a journey over a paper sea. 

2 July 

Aleena’s Garden 

10.30am An interactive adventure through 

the seasons, with lights, colour, touch, 

original music and simple signing. 

8 July 

Kid Carpet 

11am and 2pm This lively, interactive and 

entertaining show contains a unique mix of 

live music, performance, comedy, animation 

and ping pong balls. 

Cornerstone Arts 

Centre 

OX11 7NE T: 01235 515144 



Sponge 

11am and 2pm Follow a dad and daughter 

as they take you on a journey through springy 

environments, fascinating in shape, texture 

and touch. You also get to meet the leggy 

character Splegs, who needs a bit of help 

walking. 

4 June 

Marty Macdonald’s Toy 

Machine 

2pm Everyone at Marty MacDonald’s 

Farm is delighted with the special delivery 

that’s arrived – the Toy Machine that makes 

all of the toys in the world! But then they 

realise that Crafty the Crow has been up to 

mischief and it shouldn’t really be there at 

all… Worse still, the machine has stopped 

working, so they need to fix it before the 

Toymaker comes to get it back! 

10 June 

Jo Harman 

7.30pm Award winning vocalist covering soul 

and blues. 

18 June 

The Three Musketeers 

11am and 2pm Chaos, mayhem and 

stupidity reign supreme as the Three Half 

Pints swish their swords, buff their boots 

and flourish their feathers in their most 

ridiculous adventure yet. 

25 June 

The Girl and the Giraffe 

11am and 2pm One day whilst Girl is playing in 

her garden, she spots something peculiar on 

the other side of the fence. Climbing up as high 

as she can to get a better view, she is surprised 

when she comes face to face with... Giraffe! 

Charming puppetry, an enchanting soundscape 

and beautiful storytelling combine in this 

sensitive show about wellbeing and friendship, 

told from a child’s perspective. 

Kennington Village 

Centre 

OX1 5PG T: 01865 739025 

www.kenningtonads.org.uk 

23 – 25 June 

The Wizard of Oz 

A tornado sends the farmhouse occupied by 

Dorothy Gale on an impromptu flight to the 

land of Oz, where she encounters Munchkins, 

witches, a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion in her 

quest to find the Wizard of Oz and return to her 

home in Kansas. 

New Theatre Oxford 

OX1 2AG T: 0844 871 3020 

www.atgtickets.com 


Sister Act 

Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris 

Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a 

surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. 

Under protective custody she is hidden in the 

one place she won’t be found – a Convent! 

Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious 

watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps 

her fellow sisters find their voices as she 

unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling 

tribute to the universal power of friendship, 

sisterhood and music. 

4 June 

Sing-a-Long-a Frozen 

2pm A full screening of Disney’s FROZEN, 

with lyrics on screen to help you sing along 

during the film. Two Singalonga Princesses 

will guide you through this interactive 

screening, showing you how to use your 

free prop bag, warming up your singing 

voices and teaching you some dance moves. 

Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music 

7pm A screening of the classic Julie 

Andrews film musical in glorious, fullscreen 

Technicolor, complete with lyric 

subtitles so that the whole audience can 

sing along. 

23 – 25 June 

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 

Join our intrepid adventurers on their 

quest to find a bear; as they wade through 

the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the 

splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, 

squelchy mud! 

North Wall Arts 

Centre 

OX2 7JN T: 01865 319450 

www.thenorthwall.com 


Runed! 

3.45pm and 6.30pm King Vortigern is 

having a torrid old time of it. Not only are 

the Jutes arriving from the west, but he’s 

already under attack from the Picts and 

Scots of the north. Can he hatch a sneaky 

plan to save his kingdom? Or will the 

beautiful Rowena throw an axe into the 

works? With songs, strange ancient letters 

and, yes, a giant red squirrel, Runed! is a 

comic play for all ages. 


Higgledy Piggledy Pie 

11am and 2pm When the king asks for 

a higgledy piggledy pie for his supper 

the royal chefs are thrown into a spin, 

especially when they find the cupboard 

is bare! The chefs are helped by their 

vegetapals to collect the special nursery 

rhyme ingredients. How many rhymes will 

it take to make a higgledy piggledy pie, 

and will it be ready before the dish runs 

away with the spoon? 

Old Fire Station 

Theatre 

OX1 2AQ T: 01865 305305 


24 June 

Dr Zeiffal, Dr Zeigal and The Hippo That 

Can Never Be Caught 

12pm Calling all hippo expert enthusiasts! 

Award-winning family comedy that will have 

kids storming the stage. Join Dr Zeiffal on the 

hunt for the hippo that can never be caught! 

25 June 

Me and My Bee 

3pm Climate change is massive. Bees aren’t. 

Plant the seed for change. A new family 

comedy from multi award-winning ThisEgg 

about saving the world. 

2 July 

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch 

12pm Packed with live music, audience 

participation, and all the sights and sounds of 

the sea, Ronda Armitage’s much loved story 

will be brought to life. 

Oxford Playhouse 

OX1 2LW T: 01865 305 305 


1 – 2 June 

Room On The Broom 

Join the Witch and her cat on their mission 

to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, 

musical adaptation of the classic picture book. 

Pegasus Theatre 

OX4 1RE T: 01865 812150 

www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 

2 June 

Something Else 

1pm and 3.30pm The much-loved story of 

a small creature who lives his life always 

trying to fit in but never does, because he’s 

Something Else. Then one day a stranger 

turns up who wants to be friends… But does 

Something Else want to know someone who’s 

not like him? 

9 June 

Suspension 

7.30pm Join DugOut Adult Community Dance 

for an evening of surprises, exploring the 

possibilities found at the very edge, in the 

instants between rising and falling, between 

holding tight and letting go. 

10 June 

Puppets Go Wild: Hey Little Bird 

2pm and 4pm Join Emma in her fancy hat 

shop as she tells the touching tale of a freshly 

hatched bird and his search to find his mum. 

It’s hard to know who you really are with 

so many different types of birds out there! 

Innovative puppetry, with birds made out of 

hats, songs, music and lots of ways to join in – 

perfect for the fledgling theatre goer! 

17 June 

Morgan and West 

6pm Time travelling magicians Morgan & West 

present a jaw dropping, heart stopping, brain 

busting, opinion adjusting, death defying, 

mind frying, spirit lifting, paradigm shifting, 

outlook changing, furniture rearranging magic 

extravaganza! 

22 


23 June 

Rufus Longbottom and the Space Rabbit 

6pm When Space Rabbit’s planet is destroyed 

by a meteorite she and her family escape in the 

nick of time. A blast separates her space pod 

from the others, sending her hurtling towards 

Earth, where she lands outside the Tandaria 

Carehome, frightened and alone. Inside is Rufus 

Longbottom, an old gentleman desperate for 

one last adventure. He sees a pulsing light 

outside the sitting room window, goes to 

investigate and so begins a journey in which 

the unlikely pair go to the ends of the earth to 

find a family. 

1 July 

Freya: A Viking Saga 

2pm and 4pm Freya, a Viking girl and friend 

of the gods, is in a bit of a pickle. She is about 

to become a giant’s dinner! Freya must use 

all her wits to escape old Gorm’s cooking pot 

and prove that friendship is “stronger than the 

strength of a giant and more powerful than 

the magic of a god.” The rivalry between the 

Norse gods and the Frost Giants is brought 

humorously to life in this colourful re-telling 

of two famous Viking myths and Freya’s own 

saga. 

The Mill Arts Centre 

OX16 5QE Box Office: 01295 279002 

www.themillartscentre.co.uk 


Cinderella 

2.30pm and 7.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet is 

proud to present the classic tale of Cinderella, 

one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy 

tales of all time. A mistreated young girl, a 

glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters 

and a handsome prince combine to make the 

perfect piece of story-telling. 


Big Howard’s LOL-tastic Yukfest For Kids 

and Well-Trained Adults 

11am This hour of fun features stand-up, 

interactive digital animation, sound effects, 

jokes and lots, and lots and lots of clever 

nonsense. 

10 June 

Teddy Bear’s Picnic 

11.30am and 2pm Let’s All Dance is back with 

this delightful treat for very young audiences. 

Combining classical ballet, physical theatre, 

gorgeous visuals and crystal-clear storytelling, 

this fresh, innovative dance 

company pitches another 

production perfectly to engage 

and enthral all children, 

including those with special 

needs. 

15 July 

Granny’s Game 

2pm Exploring while stuck at 

Gran’s, two children discover 

a most mysterious game – 

they’ll get more than they 

bargained for when they start 

to roll the dice! Join Julia and 

John as they play Granny’s 

Game, where a trip around the 

board becomes a globetrotting 

adventure! 

The Theatre 

Chipping Norton 

OX7 5NL Box Office: 01608 642350 

www.chippingnortontheatre.com 

10 June 

Peter Pan: Recorded Captured Live 

2pm When Peter Pan loses his shadow, Wendy 

helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited 

to Neverland, where Tinker Bell and the vengeful 

Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and 

make-believe ensues. 

16 June 

The Pirates of Penzance 

7.45pm A swashbuckling farce of brilliant 

humour and razor-sharp wit, this wonderfully 

jolly romp is complete with brave(ish) pirates, a 

completely dotty Major-General, his beautiful 

unwed daughters and a bumbling bunch of 

hopeless but hilarious policemen. 

28 June 

Macbeth 

4pm and 7pm Dormer House School present 

their production of Macbeth. 

4 – 5 July 

Window On The World 

6.30pm Chadlington School present their 

production of Window On The World. 

6 July 

The Keymaster 

6pm Middle Barton School present their 

production of The Keymaster. 

Waterperry Gardens 

OX33 1JZ www.operaanywhere.com 

7 July 

The Pirates of Penzance 

6pm An unfortunate case of mishearing initiates 

the plot for The Pirates of Penzance, resulting in a 

dramatic change of direction for Frederic who sets 

course to become a pirate rather than a ‘pilot’! 

The twists and turns of this classic operetta unfold 

with ingenious characters, sublime lyrics and 

some of the best-known songs in opera! 

8 July 

HMS Pinafore 

6pm This is a tale of mismatched love across 

different social classes. Josephine is the captain’s 

daughter and has fallen for lowly sailor Ralph. 

Yet her father has other ideas – he has promised 

her to Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the 

Admiralty. Will love prevail? Climb aboard to find 

out and enjoy a feast of fun along the way.

Primary Times Oxfordshire May 2017

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