Raring2go! Banbury Bicester Burford: Cotswolds

WHAT’S ON
P 8, 12, 18 & 24
GO GREEN THIS
SPRING P16 & 17
GO GREEN
THIS SPRING
IT’S COMPETITION
TIME ON P30 & 31
WIN
WIN
WIN
BANBURY, BICESTER AND BURFORD
royal shakespeare theatre
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
8 NOVEMBER 2019 – 8 MARCH 2020
BOOKING NOW OPEN
CHILDREN GO HALF PRICE!*
RSC.ORG.UK
*terms and conditions apply
The Boy in the Dress is supported by RSC Production Circle members Elizabeth Boissevain
and Andrew Jeffreys, Charles Holloway, Ms Teresa Tsai and Kathleen J. Yoh
The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE AND H.J. HEINZ II CHARITABLE TRUST
MAGAZINE & WEBSITE
THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2019

Raring2go! WELCOME
Welcome to Spring
and the latest edition of your
local Raring2go! magazine.
I was just enjoying the lovely warmer days
when those cold, windy days gave me a bit of
a shock again! Still, the Robin is busy building
his nest (not in the best of places!) and the
Bluetit is busily going in and out of the nest
box so Spring is definitely in the air!
It’s a packed magazine this time with crafts
and puzzles, competitions and articles, and of
course places to go as well!
On pages 8, 12 and 18 and 24 the bumper
what’s on guide is bursting with ideas for
family days out over Easter and ½ term. Don’t
forget our online events calendar where you
can find even more places to go and things to
do which is constantly being updated…… and
if you know of anything that’s not on there, let
me know and I’ll get it popped on!
It‘s time to take action and Go Green this
Spring 16 and 17.
It’s National Shoe Fitting week in April so
head on over to Page 25 for some useful
advice.
On pages 30 and 31, there are some great
competitions to enter: get those entries in
NOW! #beinittowinit!!
And if there’s not enough in the magazine to
keep you going, there’s even more online,
including some great vouchers and offers for
days out at Merlin attractions and members
discount for Thorpe Park. So don’t forget to
get signed up as a member, post-haste!
Do you receive a monthly newsletter from us?
If not then just click the link on the website
and we will do the rest! Our newsletters
are also full of events all happening near
you, which you may need reminding about
between magazines! They have vouchers,
offers and competitions too – some
exclusively to the newsletter! Well, what are
you waiting for?! Get signed up quickly, as
you’re missing out!
2
Copyright © 2019 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of
this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic,
including photocopying and recording, or by any
information storage & retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for
permission or further information should be addressed
to the publishers. All information in this magazine is
published in good faith and cannot be reproduced
without prior written permission. Whilst the publisher
makes every effort to ensure that the businesses
featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we
do not guarantee the services and products from any
businesses featured.
We can be found over on our #raring2gohour
on Twitter from 8 pm on Thursday evenings with
our weekly shout out of attractions and news!
Have a lovely Easter and May holidays and
don’t forget to let our advertisers know you saw
them in Raring2go!
Best wishes,
Shirley
Editor of Raring2go!
Banbury Bicester and Burford
Covering the North Cotswold & Cherwell regions.
T: 07931029029
E: banburybicesterburford@raring2go.co.uk
www.raring2go.co.uk/banbury-bicester-burford
www.facebook.com/Raring2goBanburyBicesterBurford
www.twitter.com/R2gBanbury
http://www.pinterest.co.uk/raring2goBanbury
www.instagram.com/raring2go.banbury
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! ACTIVITIES
The Ultimate
Birthday Party Venue
for Kids & Adults
Book
today!
PAY AND PLAY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
the new WIBIT AquaVenture | High Ropes Adventure | kayaks | paddle-boards | pedalos
mini-port boats | water walkers | crazy golf | Canadian Canoes | and more...
book park admission online
www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com
Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF | Tel: 01286 868096
For
5-11
year olds
EGGCELLENT
HOLIDAY
CHILDCARE
FOR YO
UR KIDS
THIS SPRING
MON 8 th
APR 2019
THUR 18 th
APR 2019
TUE 28 th
MAY
2019
FRI 31 st
MAY
2019
Ofsted Registered ✔
Full wraparound available ✔
Paediatric first aid trained ✔
Enhanced DBS checked ✔
Multi-Spor rt
ts and Dance
at Wykham Park
Academy,
Banbury
t: 01608 508 018
e: banbury@onsidecoaching.co.uk
Book online at www.onsidecoaching.co.uk
3

Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
FORGE MILL NEEDLE MUSEUM
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONSITIONS
ANCIENT WISDOM
11 April - 28 April
So much of our knowledge that we use in everyday
life is based on the wisdom of the ancients: this
is a fun hands on exhibition for all the family that
explores many of these ancient principles. Have a
go at building an Aqueduct, locking a door with a
Roman key and write your name in hieroglyphics.
EASTER EGG HUNT
19 & 20 April • 10am - 4pm
£2 each eggsplorer
ROMAN INVASION!
28 April • 11am - 4pm
• Meet fully armoured Romans in their camp
• Watch live combat
• Find out about everyday Roman life
FARM DAY
2 June • 11am – 4pm
• Meet cute cuddly animals
• Bouncy castle
01527 62509
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY
www.forgemill.org.uk
REMEMBERING THE 40s
19 May • 11am - 4pm
• 1940s military vehicles
• Displays on: wartime
fashions, rationing &
memorabilia
• Austin Ten cars
• Costumed characters
• Soundtrack by Indigo
and the Violettes
Visit forgemill.org.uk for more details
4
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
5

Raring2go! ACTIVITIES
Families invited to take
on UK’s biggest cycling,
walking and scooting
school challenge
6
British television and radio present
nter
Angellica Bell backs Sustrans Big Pedal
2019
This year’s competition will see school
ols
across the UK close their streets to cars in a
bid to reduce air pollution and congestion.
Families are being invited to take up the Big Pedal 2019
– the UK’s largest cycling, walking and scooting challenge
for schools.
This year’s competition is backed by Angellica Bell, British
television, radio presenter and cycling advocate, who
took on the ‘Tour de Celeb’ in 2016 where she found her
love for cycling.
Organised by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans,
the competition will run from Monday 25 March to Friday
5 April and will encourage young people from across the
UK to travel by bike, foot or scooter for their journey to
and from school.
During the 10 days, participating primary and secondary
schools will compete with one another to make the most
journeys by bike, foot or scooter.
To coincide with this year’s event, dozens of schools
outside the school gates to motor vehicles. This is to limit
creating an environment in which cycling and walking is
safe, convenient and enjoyable.
New research shows four in ten children are breathing
toxic air at school, leaving pupils at an increased risk
of developing lifelong conditions including asthma[i].
Walking and cycling can play a key role in improving air
quality outside the school gates while helping to boost
children’s activity levels.
Angellica Bell, who is backing the campaign, said: “I’m
delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Pedal. It’s
a fantastic way to encourage more children to cycle,
walk or scoot– doing wonders for their health and the
environment around them.
“I ho
ope as many schools as possible sign upfor the
challenge and inspire children and families across the UK
to get on their feet, scooter of bike for their journey to
school.”
Xavier Brice, CEO at Sustrans, said: “The Big Pedal may
only run for two weeks but can leave a lasting effect on
the way children travel to school by showing parents
what’s possible and how easy it can be to leave the car at
home for a few extra journeys a week.
be closing surrounding streets to cars for this year’s Big
and better than 2018 and demonstrate how people
prioritised streets can create a much more pleasant and
safer environment for children and parents to travel.”
The theme of this year’s Big Pedal is ‘Travelling around
the body’, with pupils tracking their progress on a wall
chart, learning about the human body and how active
This year’s competition aims to build on the success of
2018 which saw over 1,300 schools register to take part,
with teachers, parents, siblings and pupils making more
than a million journeys to school by bike or scooter.
In addition, participants travelled almost 2.4 million miles
– that is nearly 96 trips around the world – and saved
1179.2 kilo grams of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from being
emitted into the atmosphere. With 60,538 gallons of fuel
not being used on the school run, parents also saved
over £330,000 on fuel.
The Big Pedal 2019 is open to individual classes as well
as whole schools, with hundreds of thousands of pupils
expected to take part.
For schools unable to take part in the main challenge
there is also a one-day version, which can include cycling,
walking and scooting activities during the school day as
well as on the journey to school.
Schools and classes will be entered into daily prize draws
for rewards, including scooters, if more than 15% of a
school cycle, walk or scoot on each day of the challenge.
Ask your child’s school to sign up to Sustrans Big Pedal
2019. For more information visit www.bigpedal.org.uk
Follow us: Twitter @sustrans #BigPedal
Facebook https://en-gb.facebook.com/Sustrans
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
LEARN TO SWIM WITH THE UK’S LEADING PROVIDER
Now is the perfect time for your kids to learn to swim, so that they are ready to
show off their skills during the holidays.
Everyone Active’s award-winning swimming lessons are the best way to boost
water confidence and learn an essential life skill.
Classes are available throughout the week for kids aged from just four months old.
Join swimming lessons and receive 20% off swimwear in-centre (valid for 14 days
after 1st lesson. Full price items only).
LET’S GET
SWIMMING THIS SUMMER
Cotswold Leisure - Cirencester
01285 654057
Cotswold Leisure - Bourton
01451 824024
Cotswold Leisure - Chipping Campden
01386 841595
Everyone Active manages these facilities in
partnership with Cotswold District Council.
everyoneactive.com facebook.com/everyoneactive @everyoneactive
7

Raring2go! WHATS ON
Spring 2019 What’s On?
Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
Open all year round, every Friday, Saturday,
Sunday & Monday 10am to 4pm (closed
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays).
Entry is completely free! Oxhill. CV35 0RP.
www.redwings.org.uk
Everyone Active, Cotswold Leisure:
Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BD. Chipping
Campden, GL55 6HU. Cirencester, GL7
1US: Swimming Lessons. These intensive
short courses run during the school holiday
period and are designed to help your children
develop their skills in a short space of time.
They are open to everyone including those
already on the swimming lesson programme.
www.everyoneactive.com
31st March: Bridge House Theatre and 20th
– 21st April: mac Birmingham
David Baddiel’s ANiMALCOLM: A vibrant,
energetic and gloriously funny new musical
comedy combining physical theatre, puppetry
and outstanding storytelling style to bring
David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully
comic story to the stage.
www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
& www.macbirmingham.co.uk
Mon 1st – Tues 30th April.
Cotswold Wildlife Park: CotsWild Explorers.
The new ‘CotsWild Explorer’ activity trail
launches in April for children aged 6-11 years
old. The Egg themed trail pack (available
from the gift shop) comes with a pop badge,
lanyard and a pencil, for £2.50 per pack with
10% going to Penguin conservation.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Sat 6th April - Mon 22nd April
Fairytale Farm: Our unique Easter event is
back along with loads of new attractions
for you to see throughout the Easter holidays.
Various activities are running right through
8
the entire Easter holidays. See our beautiful
new interactive Easter display, Mother
Goose’s Garden Party, where you can meet
the animated Mother Goose and her friends.
There is a chance for everyone to pet our
adorable rabbits and guinea pigs (you won’t
want to put them down!). There will be free
egg-shaped cookies to decorate inside the
Beanstalk Cafe, an opportunity to colour our
Easter pictures in the Play Room and visitors
can create an Easter lamb in our craft corner.
www.fairytalefarm.co.uk
Sat 6th April.
Woodstock 1 Farmers Market. 8:30am –
1pm. Outside the Town Hall. OX20 1SL.
www.tvfm.org.uk
Sat 6th April 2019 - Tue 30th April 2019
Banbury Museum: Easter Trail and Spring
Trail. Follow the trail around the museum
looking high and low to find all the clues! Best
for 2 – 7 year olds. £2 per child. Available
every day 10am – 4pm. Pay on the day.
Sat 6th – Sun 7th April.
Birmingham REP: Bing Live! Calling all
Bingsters! Bing and his friends are coming
to The REP in the first ever Bing stage show!
Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they learn
how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up
and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there
to help, but in this magical world of makebelieve
things don’t always go according to
plan… www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Sat 6th April – Sun 28th April.
British Motor Museum: Mini Madness. You
can follow the Mini Trail, join a family tour with
Mini factory costumed characters, and even
design your own Mini in the air-drying clay
workshops! Visit over the Easter Weekend
19th – 22nd April and you can enjoy a
traditional Easter Egg hunt with a bit of a Mini
twist! Collect eggs around the Museum to
claim your Mini Egg reward.
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
Easter Mini Madness
6 – 28 April
Themed family activities celebrating
60 years of Mini.
• Museum Trails
• Family Tours
• Make a Mini!
• Sit in cars
See website for more details
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Oxhill Visitor Centre
A fun,
free family
day out!
Free entry!
Dog
friendly!
MINI
EASTER
EGG HUNT
19-22 Apr
J12 M40 . Gaydon
Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ
Follow the brown
tourist signs
Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at
Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP
Open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033
9

Raring2go! WHATS ON
1.any items beginning
with the following letters?
M
S
A
10
Answers:
2. HOW MANY CAN YOU FIND?
Shooting stars?
Rockets?
Aliens?
3. Draw a line through the item
raring2go.co.uk
2. Shooting stars: 4 - Rockets: 6 - Aliens: 2 - 3. The shoe

Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
royal shakespeare theatre
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
8 NOVEMBER 2019 – 8 MARCH 2020
5 - 17 YEARS OLD?
LEARN TO DRIVE
WITH YOUNG DRIVER!
as seen on
TV
BUILDS CONFIDENCE
TEACHES
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
BOOKING NOW OPEN
CHILDREN GO HALF PRICE!*
RSC.ORG.UK *terms and conditions apply
The Boy in the Dress is supported by RSC Production Circle members
Elizabeth Boissevain and Andrew Jeffreys, Charles Holloway, Ms Teresa Tsai and Kathleen J. Yoh
The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE AND H.J. HEINZ II CHARITABLE TRUST
REDUCES ACCIDENTS
Gift vouchers and birthday parties available
Book now at www.youngdriver.com
or call 0844 371 9010
Visit Eastnor
Discounted
tickets
available
online
#EasteratEastnor
Eastnor
EGGsplorers
Treasure Hunt
Fri 19 th – Mon 22 nd April
Our legendary Easter Treasure Hunt
around the castle and grounds!
Chocolate for everyone who takes part,
and a chance to win an enormous
Easter Egg!
#EastnorChilliFest
It’s hotting up...
Now in its 8 th year!
Sun 5 th – Mon 6 th May
All things chilli to try and buy!
Live music, bars, hot food, children’s
cookery school, Chilli Eating Competition,
and cooking demonstrations.
(Pre-booking is highly recommended as tickets are limited.
Please see our website for details)
#VintageEastnor
Eastnor Steam
& Vintage
Sun 26 th – Mon 27 th May
A nostalgic family fun day! Line up of
steam engines, vintage cars, tea tent,
giant garden games, model steam
engine rides, vintage carousel,
chair swing and more!
Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RL
eastnorcastle.com EastnorCastle @eastnorcastle @eastnor_castle
11

Raring2go! WHATS ON
Spring 2019 What’s On?
Sat 6th April – Sun 28th April.
Cotswold Farm Park: Easter
Eggstravaganza. We’ll be skipping and
jumping into the spirit of spring with an
egg hunt around the Park with a prize for
every child. There will also be craft activities
and a puppet show to entertain the little
ones, as well as all of the usual Farm Park
fun – stroking bunnies and holding chicks,
bottle feeding the lambs twice daily and the
opportunity to feed those greedy goats!
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Sat 6th – Sun 28th April.
All Things Wild: Wings of the World. Wings
Workshop – children will learn all about how
birds fly, the different bird calls etc. Meet the
Chicks. Bird Watching – have a go at bird
watching in our Wild Meadow. Wild Wings
arts and crafts. www.allthingswild.co.uk
Sat 6th – Sun 28th April.
National Trust Upton House and Gardens:
outdoor Easter fun this Easter. Follow the
foot prints through our Woodland Walk to
see what wildlife you can find hiding along
the trail. There are plenty of birds and other
creatures to be found along the Spring walk
too. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-houseand-gardens
Sun 7th April.
Oxford Bus and Morris Museum. Bus Rides
for museum visitors. 11.30am & 2.30pm.
www.oxfordbusmuseum.org
Sun 7th, Mon 8th, Sun 15th, Mon 16th
April. Banbury Museum: Brick Jam. Kids
can come and let their imagination run
wild playing with our collection of LEGO® &
DUPLO® bricks. Parents can have a coffee,
take a breather and watch a mess build that
they won’t have to clear up! This is a very
popular event and places are limited so
please book in advance to guarantee your
play. £3 per child.
12
Mon 8th April – Sun 28th April & Sat 25th
May – Sun 2nd June. Stratford Butterfly
Farm: Meet the Mini-Beasts. Take part
in popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling
sessions at 11.30am and 2.20pm with
opportunities to hold creatures such as a giant
African millipede, African land snail and a
variety of stick insects. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Mon 8th April – Thurs 18th April.
Onside Coaching: Holiday childcare at
Wykham Park Academy, Banbury. OX16 9HY.
Multisport and Dance courses.
www.onsidecoaching.co.uk/banbury/home
Tues 9th April - Wed 10th April.
Oxford Playhouse, Main Stage: In the
Willows. An explosive new British musical…
Mole’s first day in ‘The Willows’. Her
classmates look a bit scary. Surely Mr Badger
will look out for her, as streetwise Rattie, rich
kid Toad and cheeky Otter teach her the ways
of The Riverbank. But when Toad gets locked
up for joyriding, the Weasel Clan break into
his (lily)pad. It’s now only a matter of time
before Chief Weasel reveals Mole’s dark
secret... This classic story is brought leaping
into the 21st century in this fresh new musical
for all the family. www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Thurs 11th April. Stow Farmers’ Market:
Market Square, Stow-on-the-Wold. GL54 1AF.
9am - 1pm. www.fresh-n-local.co.uk/trader/stow
Fri 12th April - Sat 13th April.
Oxford Playhouse, Main Stage: Dinosaur
Wold Live. Back by popular demand for
a spectacular Easter Holiday treat, dare
to experience the dangers and delights
of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome
interactive show for all the family. Grab your
compass and join our intrepid explorer across
unchartered territories to discover a prehistoric
world of astonishing (and remarkably
life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive
creatures, including every child’s favourite
flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex,
a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and
Segnosaurus! www.oxfordplayhouse.com
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK
WHERE WILL
YOUR VISIT
TAKE YOU?
EASTER
13 - 28
APRIL
FROM:
TREATS & TRAILS!
At Blists Hill Victorian Town
10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS
IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
TO:
SPRINGY TAILS!
Easter Make & Take
fun at Enginuity
13

Raring2go! PYJAMARAMA
Jump into your PJs with BookTrust
on Friday 7th June 2019
UK’s largest reading charity launches new nationwide fundraising campaign
BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity has announced the launch of its new
nationwide mass participation fundraising campaign, Pyjamarama. The campaign aims to get
children across the country in their pyjamas to raise funds for the reading charity.
BookTrust want children across the nation to ditch their normal clothes and rock their pyjamas
for the day and have enlisted the help of some of the nation’s best loved book characters
including Matilda, Horrid Henry, Tracy Beaker and Ben and Holly (*see notes to editors for
more details). On Friday 7th June, everyone is encouraged to put on their PJs and donate £1
to BookTrust so that no child misses out on the magic of the bedtime story. To sign up for your
free Pyjamarama fundraising pack, whether you are an individual, school or nursery visit www.
booktrust.org.uk/Pyjamarama
All monies raised will go towards funding BookTrust’s work in supporting more families. With
£25 BookTrust could provide 15 pre-school children living in women’s refuge centres with their
own book pack. Children who don’t have access to books and stories in the early years start
school a year behind their peers, a gap that widens as they get older.
Diana Gerald, CEO, BookTrust said: “We want to make sure that no child misses out on the life
changing benefits of a bedtime story. We hope that children across the country will join their
favourite characters in wearing pyjamas for the
day and bring in £1 so that we can reach families
who so desperately need our support. Wearing
pyjamas all day is a wonderful way to show support
for reading, and importantly, it’s incredibly easy for
school, nurseries, children and busy parents!”
14
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! BOOK REVIEW
15

Raring2go! ARTICLE
.Reuse!
16 raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! ARTICLE
9.CelebrateEarth Day!
Earth Day takes place worldwide
this year on April 22 with the aim
of raising awareness of animals
facing extinction due to human
activity. Our big cats, including
tigers, leopards, and cheetahs are
in critical decline, and many will
become extinct in the next decade. Get kids
involved: See endangered species at your
local
organisations use funds to
conserve endangered species in the wild.
17

Raring2go! WHATS ON
Spring 2019 What’s On?
Friday 12th April.
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum: Crack
Open Easter. Drop the kids off for two and a
half hours packed with games, outdoor fun,
crafts and quizzes for boys and girls. Some
sessions include ‘kitchen science’, sneak
peeks behind the scenes or a wartime twist!
Each time there’s a new theme inspired by
history, the seasons, or wildlife. For kids ages
6 -9 years. No parents! £8 per child. 10am to
12.30pm. www.sofo.org.uk
Sat 13th – Sun 28th April.
West Midland Safari Park: Easter
Eggstravaganza. There will be a whole host
of extra Easter activities for the whole family
included in the standard admission price.
Help the Easter Bunny follow the trail of
gigantic Easter eggs around the park and earn
a chocolatey treat. Keep an eye out for on-site
competitions and join in an Easter themed
craft club for children. www.wmsp.co.uk
Sat 13th April – Mon 15th April.
NEC Birmingham: Kidtropolis, the UK’s Best
Kids Event, which completely sold out in
2018 is packed full of live entertainment, toys,
games, characters and family brands, there’s
something for all the family at Kidtropolis. You
won’t find this much variety of fun under one
roof, anywhere else in the UK. With a 200ft
long MEGA inflatable labyrinth assault course
confirmed for this year along with the Baby
Shark mini live show and TV Royalty Sam &
Mark (as seen on CBBC’s Big Friday Wind-Up
and Copycats) will be hosting their live show
jam packed with jokes and games, fun and
laughs for all the family on 13th and 14th.
www.kidtropolis.co.uk
Sat 13th April – Sun 28th April.
Hatton Adventure World: Spring
Spectacular. With lots of new baby animals,
Easter egg hunts, children’s shows, tractor
18
rides and plenty more family fun you’ll have
an eggsellent Easter! www.hattonworld.com
Sat 13th April – Sun 28th April.
Shakespeare’s Family Homes: Easter
Activities. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace
and add your origami swan to our collection
as we aim to fill the Birthplace with as many
paper birds as possible to mark the 455th
birthday of William Shakespeare.
Dream up your own stories and legends, write
a message in a bottle and design your own
dream island. Dig for your dinner at Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage and discover how nature’s
helpers such as worms and ladybirds help
things grow.
Decorate your own Easter egg at Mary
Arden’s Farm. Find each of the mice that are
hiding throughout Hall’s Croft.
From 19th – 22nd April, the Reverend
Francis Gastrell returns to Shakespeare’s
New Place to contest the verdict of visitors,
who last year judged him to be a villain for
knocking down New Place in 1759. Become a
member of the jury at the trial, presided over
by our guides, as this much maligned man
of the cloth defends himself against these
accusations. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Sat 13th April – Sun 28th April.
Thinktank Museum – Dino Egg Hunt. The
dinosaurs are back and they have left their
eggs hidden around the museum. Help track
them down and mark them off on your trail
sheet to win a prize!
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
Sun 14th April – Sun 29th May.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum:
Tree Climbing. The Great Big Tree Climbing
Company believe that recreational tree
climbing is not just for kids, it’s for people of
all ages (as long as you are older than 6!) and
fitness levels.
www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
Davina McCall Q&A
Da
ap
Aw
last year. She lives in East Sussex with her three children.
When did you or your family realise you had that
'special something' which would make you a gifted TV
Presenter?
Not sure what that means but I don’t think anybody in my
family thinks I’m special at all. Only that I’m a mummy and
very embarrassing when I dance or sing.
W
what was?
I always wanted to be a pianist, but I wouldn’t practice. I
also wanted to be a singer or just to work in the music
industry.
Have your children shown any inclination to following
you into a career in front of the camera or is it still too
early?
They are all lovely confident kids. I’m hugely proud, but it's
a bit early to see where they'll end up yet!!
You are a busy Mum to three children, a television
presenter and you know a thing or two about keeping
None of it’s hard really, tiring sometimes, but I consider
myself so lucky that I have a job I really enjoy which also
affords me big chunks of time that I can spend with my
children. So I try never to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Describe a typical day in your house from waking up to
last thing at night.
I’m up at 6.30am, out of the house by 7.50am on the school
run, I come home, work out and then either do work or try
and catch up with friends. Then it's back to school for 3pm
and swimming or matches, then home for tea, homework, a
bit of TV
, bathtime, bedtime then I collapse and might
watch a movie.
d
or alive who would it be and what would
say to them?
Princess Diana, and I'd tell her we miss her.
,
what three items would you take with
you?
A piano, my iPhone (for photos and music)
and tea. I’m assuming my family are
there too!
Describe a favourite family day out when you were a
child?
I used to ride a lot, so every weekend I was at the stables.
Do you know the words to the Lazytown theme tune
or any Hi-5 song?
I know them both off by heart, in fact I probably know
every single Hi 5 song from the original line up... verbatim!
How do you relax?
In my bath full of neon green Badedas bubble bath.
Which of your many achievements in your business and
personal life are you proudest of?
Giving birth to my children and being a quite ok mummy.
Do you enjoy cooking and do you make the birthday
cakes at your children’s birthday parties?
I love cooking and always make the kid’s birthday cakes.
There have been some horrors but every year they get
better.
what would it be?
Relax. All your baby needs is love and I’m sure you have
lots to give.
children are bilingual?
They do learn French but they are not bilingual. It is my
second language and I’ve never spoken in French with
them. I'd love them to eventually be bilingual though.
t
..............easier the more videos you do or is it hard to
keep up with the different ways of exercising
...................?
..................... We are always developing on what we have
......................already done so each subsequent edition just
happens organically.
w
Davina Power Box and Tone is available now
on DVD and Digital Download.
19

Raring2go! WHATS ON
THE
LITERATURE
1 Who had an encounter with the three bears?
2 In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, what
is Charlie’s surname?
HISTORY AND POLITICS
3 Which liner sank on her maiden voyage in 1912?
4 In which country in ancient times was
people when they died?
ENTERTAINMENT
5 What sort of animal is Basil Brush?
6 Wolverine is the leader of which band of
superheroes?
SCIENCE AND NATURE
7 How many ounces are there in a pound?
8 Which jet-black bird has lived in the Tower
of London for centuries?
SPORT AND LEISURE
9 What is the name of Manchester United’s
home ground?
10 What colour jersey is won by the leader in
the Tour de France?
GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL
11 Which desert covers much of
northern Africa?
12 Kabul is the capital city of which country?
Answers at
the bottom
of the page.
No cheating.
20
ANSWERS: 1: Goldilocks - 2: Bucket - 3: RMS Titanic - 4: Egypt
5: A fox - 6: The X-Men - 7: Sixteen- 8: The Raven
9: Old Trafford- 10: Yellow - 11: The Sahara - 12: Afghanistan
raring2go.co.uk

Baked
Chicken Strips
of 2019… Spring
is in the ea
ir and
we
al
l
lov
ove t
his
ti
me of yea
ear rw
when
every
ery
ythi
ng
starts
ts to
bl
ossom
om
and
we al
ll
l
ook
ok
the
ye
ar!
I’
ve
cho
sen
this
rec
ipe
as the
pro
ble
lem mthes
ese ed
ays
with
bou
ght
ch
ick
en
str
ips
or nugge
ts is that you’
re not su
re
wha
t’s in
th
em…
wit
hin 30
mi
ns and they
hav
ave so much
are a brilliant snack or additioni
to the
lunch box.
Raring2go! PARTIES
INGREDIENTS
ground almonds
powder (1 tsp of each)
nugget sizes
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 190°C. (180°C fan)
breadcrumbs in a bowl
Beat the 2 eggs in a shallow dish.
dust off the excess and coat with the egg
and then the breadcrumbs.
Place onto a parchment lined tray and
bake for 15-20 minutes until golden
brown and the chicken is cooked inside.
Serve with salad and homemade oven
baked chips. (Can also be made using
strips of cod instead of chicken)
Cooking meat to the correct temperature
is so important. If you haven’t already
thermometer. You can get them for less
than £10 from Amazon. Before serving
make sure the meat is at the correct
temperature (min 75°C for chicken.)
Hope you and the children enjoy my
my next recipe for the Summer edition!
Our resident Chef Katie Cooper was inspired to cook by watching the
Katie what she loves to eat and prepare… ‘it’s got to be simple quality
food, not complicated, just good traditional dishes’.
We hope you love them as much as we do!
21

Raring2go! TUITION
22
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! ACTIVITIES
AWARD-WINNING
MATHS AND
ENGLISH TUITION
Preparing them for the moments that matter
Make progress Get exam ready Create a fearless future
FREE TRIAL
SESSION!
0330 124 3806 | explorelearning.co.uk
Cheltenham · Gloucester · Oxford · Centres nationwide
Rated ‘Excellent’
23

Raring2go! WHATS ON
Spring 2019 What’s On?
Mon 15th April & Tues 16th April.
Chocolate Genie: Easter chocolate
workshop. Involves making three items & gift
wrapping to add that professional touch. 2pm
on Monday & 10am on Tuesday. Children age
7-13. www.chocolategenie.co.uk
Mon 15th April – Fri 19th April.
All Things Wild: Hawks of Steele. Back
by popular demand, the fantastic Hawks of
Steele Falconry will be back this Easter. Enjoy
their amazing display and get close to their
birds of prey. Displays are on at selected times
during the day. www.allthingswild.co.uk
Wed 17th. Banbury Museum: Upcycled Art.
Have fun with the kids and let their creativity
lead the way. Lead by a local artist, drop in
and see what you can make from her box of
scrap materials. There’ll be suggestions of
things you can make, but anything goes! £4
per child. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wed 17th – Sat 20th Apr.
Oxford Playhouse, BT Studio: Muckers.
Paloma has always mucked about with Pijon.
Life is fun and funny and a little bit loopy. Until
all of a sudden, Paloma comes face to face
with a blinding light named Big Luce. Paloma
doesn’t understand what she’s done wrong
but Big Luce just won’t leave her be. Paloma
and Pijon are catapulted into a strange
new world where they begin their surreal
adventure, determined to find out what Big
Luce is all about. For ages 5+
www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Fri 19th April. Soldiers of Oxfordshire
Museum: Spring into Action. Drop the kids
off for two and a half hours packed with
games, outdoor fun, crafts and quizzes for
boys and girls. Some sessions include ‘kitchen
science’, sneak peeks behind the scenes or a
wartime twist! Each time there’s a new theme
inspired by history, the seasons, or wildlife.
For kids ages 6 -9 years. No parents! £8 per
child. 10am to 12.30pm. www.sofo.org.uk
24
Fri 19th April – Mon 22nd April.
All Things Wild: Easter Egg Hunt.
www.allthingswild.co.uk
Thurs 18th, Fri 19th & Sun 21st April.
Sulgrave Manor: Spring-tastic Activities.
Get creative this Easter with activities for the
whole family to enjoy! Or explore the gardens
whilst hunting for the mischievous bunny’s
trail. 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies
plus £2 per child for activities.
Fri 19th April – Mon 22nd April.
Fairytale Farm: Easter Weekend. Visitors
can explore our Giant Rabbit Burrow and
meet the Easter Bunny, who will tell an Easter
story; every child will receive a full size Easter
egg. We also have a Golden Egg Hunt,
running throughout the Easter Weekend. The
Easter Bunny has hidden six golden eggs
somewhere on our Enchanted Walk trail - find
their location and win a chocolate prize. With
the exception of meeting the Easter Bunny, all
activities are completely free. A visit to meet
the Easter Bunny is £3.75 per child, including
Bunny Tale and Easter Egg. (Standard farm
admission charges apply) www.fairytalefarm.co.uk
Fri 19th April – Mon 22nd April.
NEC Birmingham: Insomnia 64. The UK’s
biggest gaming festival. Love video games?
Visitors can try out the latest games from
publishers to indies developers or take
themselves back in time to and get hands
on with some retro games. So much to do,
this truly is a calendar date for Easter 2019.
Insomnia is a celebration of gaming culture
perfect for fans of any age.
www.insomniagamingfestival.com
Fri 19th April – Sun 28th April.
Compton Verney: Easter Trail. Search for
hidden eggs around the park, inspired by
the hand decorated eggs in the Marx-Lambert
collection. Once completed, collect your
chocolatey reward. £3 per trail available to
purchase from the Welcome Centre.
www.comptonverney.org.uk
raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! ARTICLE
SUPPORTED BY THE CHILDREN’S FOOT HEALTH REGISTER
NATIONAL SHOE
FITTING WEEK 2019
FRIDAY APRIL 12 TH 2019
Most parents sigh when it comes to ‘back-to-school’
because buying uniforms and footwear isn’t cheap,
particularly if you have several children, or they are
at different schools. What parents may not realise is
that cheaply made clothing will not damage their
child’s h
could.
Feet are an important part of the body but greatly
misunderstood. Leonardo Da Vinci said, “the human
foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”
and he was right. Neglecting foot health is like
neglecting eyesight and teeth, there can be instant pain
or discomfort, but more likely the problems may present
themselves some years later. A child’s foot is soft and
malleable and very young children cannot communicate
discomfort. Pain can also be overlooked if they are the
shoes they want! From a few pieces of cartilage in
infancy, developing into 26 bones in adolescence, fully
hardening (ossifying) around the age of 15-16, damage
may take place which at best can misshapen their feet,
and at worst can lead to serious health and mobility
issues, particularly for a diabetic.
Adjustable fastenings, leather uppers and natural leather
or cotton linings are best for growing, active feet.
However, some schools unfortunately insist on plimsol or
trainer wearing all day, rather than traditional school
shoes. Referred to as ‘soft constructions’ in the
footwear industry, these are not designed,manufactured
or advertised to be worn all day, simply for occasional or
sporting purposes. Without gentle support feet can
become flaccid, allowing them to flatten and spread (like
an elephant’s foot), putting strain on their arches.
Slip-on plimsols need to be fitted snugly or they create a
‘slip, trip and grip’ effect. Children claw their toes to
hold them on, but if fitted tightly they can cramp toes.
Claw/hammer toes and bunions could start to develop,
which are difficult and painful to fit in maturity. The thick
synthetic padding in trainers also allow hot little feet to
sweat, making an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and
fungal infections like athlete’s foot and verrucae’s etc.
Mushrooms are a fungus and they thrive in dark, damp,
warm conditions.
Regularly look at your children’s feet. Keep them clean
and nails trimmed. Replace socks when you replace
shoes. Professional measuring and fitting take time, skill
and knowledge no two pairs fit the same! A podiatrist
will always advise on foot health issues. Fit feet keep
you mobile, so do look after them at any age –
particularly growing kids!
The Society of Shoe Fitters is a charity reliant on
donations. They provide footwear and fitting courses to
healthcare and retail professionals, and advice and
leaflets to the general public.
The Children’s Foot Health Register represents shoe
shops that are dedicated to looking after the health of
standard of shoe fitting for young, growing feet. To
comprehensive training for staff
Less than a th
measurement
f
ate guage is only the st
establishing th
differently and
shoe, the brand, the mat
method.
you to a GP or
in later life.
Professional Shoe Fitting
so foot
le of
refer
e
Local retailers listed on the Children's Foot Register:
Groovy2shoes: Stow on the Wold
Charles Clinkard: Banbury and Witney.
George Lewis Footwear: Cheltenham
is
25

Raring2go! MONEY
TOP TIPS FOR TINY TYCOONS
If you haven’t heard about the Fiver
Challenge, be prepared to see your kids
develop a whole new set of skills whilst
having fun! Promoted by Young Enterprise,
the Fiver Challenge allows junior school pupils
across the UK to see how much money they
can make from £5 by setting up their own
awareness.
However, any of us that have been in business
know that it isn’t as simple as coming up with
an idea and watching the pounds roll in. Here
are my top tips for any budding Bransons:
Focus on what you can add to the business,
rather than what you can sell
a parent, one of the best bits of advice I can
give is to think about what skills you can bring
to the challenge. Activities like washing cars or
mowing lawns have very little cost; meaning
that you have more money left over from your
£5 to put back into the business. On the other
hand, buying pens to sell to other pupils at a
school fete means that you will be very limited,
as your customers won’t want to pay more than
they can get the pens for at the local shop.
26
Watch every penny that you spend
It mig
ight
sou
nd boring, but even the biggest
businesses do this! Make sure that you only
spend what you absolutely have to. Whilst you
might prefer the more expensive red bucket to
for the same price, and persuade a friend to
help you out with the washing!
Think about how you can spread the word
If no-one knows about your business, then
no-one will give you their money. Make sure
that you ask your teacher if the school can help
you promote your business. Also, think about
whether you can ask local shops if you can put
a poster up in their window, and if your family
have any friends that might be interested in
your business and what you are doing.
The most important thing…
ENJOY IT! Running a business can be hard
work but it’s great fun – enjoy every moment
of it!
Author of The Startup Coach &
The Franchising Handbook.
www.carlreader.com
www.twitter.com/CarlReader
www.facebook.com/CarlReader
raring2go.co.uk

Pocket Money
Made Simple
Raring2go! MONEY
But the truth is that it doesn’t matter what your own
money management skills are like – use that as a
motivation to teach your children a different way.
It all starts with pocket money. With a few simple
strategies to follow, you’ll soon be showing your
children things which they’ll take with them through
to adult life.
Setting the right amount
It’s not for me to tell you how much pocket money to
pay. But what I do suggest is: link it to their age. That
way it grows as they grow, at their pace.
The easiest way is to pay an amount per month
based on their age. My wife and I pay £2 pocket
money per month for each year of our children’s age;
our daughter is 11, so she gets £22 per month, and
our son is 13 and gets £26 per month.
The amount isn’t important, but linking it to their
age makes pocket money simple for you and your
children.
Needs vs wants
It’s important that children learn the value of money
and how far it goes. The easiest way to do this is that
you buy their needs, and they buy their wants.
Needs would include things like school trips, uniform,
holidays and so on, while ‘wants’ covers everything
else – when my daughter asks for the third time in a
week if she can get some glue to make slime, or my
son asks about a new Xbox game, those fall into their
wants!
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t treat your children
whenever you want to, that’s your prerogative as a
parent: this system simply restricts their spending so
they can learn to manage their money themselves.
Earning and learning
We all have to learn that money doesn’t come for
free. By linking pocket money to the completion
of chores like tidying up or taking out the bins, you
can easily instil the importance of hard work to your
children and its impact on what we earn. It only took
one lower payment after tasks were skipped for our
children to learn that lesson!
Making pocket money dependent on tasks teaches
them that it’s their money, they’ve earned it and are
entitled to it. They feel good, it’s different than when
we’re simply given things.
Sometimes it’s dark, cold or raining when the bins
need to go out, but afterwards my children stand with
pride: they’ve earned their money and get to spend
it on what they want.
more information on how to make better money decisions for
yourself and your children at
27

Raring2go! ARE YOU RARING2GO!
28 raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! TOP TIPS
WIN AN ESCAPE WITH FOREST HOLIDAYS
Simply enter here https://raring2go.co.uk/competitions/win-a-forest-holidays-escape
SAVE 5% WITH FOREST HOLIDAYS
The forest makes for a beautiful escape for the family. Perfect
for reconnecting with nature, and spending quality time
together as a family. Create unforgettable memories on your
forest adventure.
Simply enter RARING2GO at www.forestholidays.co.uk to save
5% when you book and take your holiday by 31 December 2019.
The 5% discount can be taken during school holidays and Bank holidays and can be taken across
s
all of our cabin types.
SAVE
5%
12 Top
SATS TIPS
for Parents
1. Give your child a special
study area, somewhere
quiet, well lit & warm.
2. Stop your child working at
least an hour before bed.
3. Make sure they get plenty
of sleep, fresh air &
exercise.
4. Check they drink plenty of
water & eat well.
5. Keep it calm & low key
– if you are calm & relaxed
your child will be.
6. “I can!” Think & talk
positively - encourage
them to be confident.
Listen to their worries and
fears – offer plenty of
reassurance & hugs.
7. Practice makes perfect -
past papers are available
free on-line.
8. If you find your child is
struggling ask for help.
9. Make it real & fun –
practice mental maths
during your day to day
activities & use everyday
examples, set little
challenges for each other.
10. Little & Often is best -
10-15 minute study
sessions, then a short
break.
11. Make a plan & have goals
- remember to include
time for fun stuff too.
12. Plan a treat - something to
look forward to after SATs.
29

Raring2go! COMPETITIONS
Explore Learning
WIN
A trip to Disneyland Paris
£500 of books for your school
PLUS a school visit from Alesha Dixon
Award-winning maths
and English tuition
Writing competition
for children aged 4-14
Judged by Alesha Dixon
ENTER TODAY
explorelearning.co.uk/writersawards
Deadline: 5 th May 2019
10 - 17 YEARS OLD?
NEWCASTLE RACE
REDUCES ACCIDENTS
BUILDS CONFIDENCE
as seen on
TV
TEACHES
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Gift vouchers and birthday parties available
Gift vouchers and birthday parties available
Book now at www.youngdriver.com
or call 0844 371 9010
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Railway
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
is the perfect place for children to spend
the day. There are lots of things to do in
addition to the special events happening
through the year.
It’s a full day out! Throughout the year, we
run at least two different trains every day.
This means children can delight in the thrill
of a heritage steam train and on the same
day travel - perhaps sitting behind the
driver - in one of our 1960’s diesel rail cars.
Two different experiences - all for the price
of one rover ticket.
ENTER ONLINE AT
www.raring2go.co.uk/banbury-bicesterburford/competitions
to be in with a
chance to win a family ticket on the GWR
Steam train
30 raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! COMPETITIONS
Win a family
ticket to visit the
Britishish Moto
tor
Museumum & and
an Easter Egg
Join us for some
‘Mini Madness’ this Easter
holidays. You can follow low the Mini Trail, join
a family
tour with
our very own Mini
factory
costumed characters, and even
design your
own Mini in our air-drying clay workshops!
Visit over the Easter
Weekend eken
19th – 22nd
April and you can enjoy
a traditional tiona Easter
Egg hunt with a
bit of a Mini twist! Collect
eggs around the Museum to claim your Mini
Egg reward.
ENTER ONLINE AT
www.raring2go.co.uk/banbury-bicesterbicester-er-
burford/competitions ompetitions to be in nwith a chance
to win a family ticket to visit the Museum
and
an Easter Egg. Just tell us how many eggs
you can see in this car!
A CRAC
ACKING EASTER
IN STORE AT SAFARI
PARK…
Staff at West Midland Safari
Park are gearing up for
their annual Easter event.
The two-week- long Easter
Eggstravaganza g event will
include a
whole host
of
exciting activities, especially ecially for families.
Ginormous, brightly coloured eggs will be
popping ping up all over the Park and there will
be an Eggsplorer’s Trail to help find some
of the
missing eggs. There will also be an
exclusive competition, where e guests will
needed to find the final egg and upload a
picture
of themselves elve
with it to Facebook.
The animals will
certainly not
be left out
either, with Easter enrichment being made
as a special treat. Papier-mâché eggs will
be created and filled with food for some of
the carnivores, where as some of the smaller
omnivores, such as the
meerkats, will l be treated
to some actual eggs, gs, which
they will l have to hunt for in
their enclosures.
West Midland Safari Park is
open daily from
16 February
2019. Easter Eggstravaga
aganza
is included in the standard d
admission charge of £24.00
for adults, £19.00 for children aged 3-15 and
£22.00 for concessions. ns. Admission
includes
a Free Return Ticket. Adventure Theme Park
rides are
charged extra.
Further information ion and tickets are availabl
ble
from the
Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk w.wmsp
or
by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more
on the Safari Park’s official ia Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/WestMidSafw.facebo
om/WestM afari
ENTER ER ONLINE AT:
www.raring2go.co.uk/banbury-bicestw.ra
ring2go sterburford/competitions
to be in with a cha
hance
to win one of 4
family day tickets.
31

www.raring2go.co.uk/banbury-bicester-burford