[dropcap type =”circle”]P[/dropcap]arents can secure an active half term for their children from this week, as half term hub booking lines are now open.
Run by Cherwell District Council, the activity programmes are a key fixture for lots of the district’s young people, providing a healthy blend of sports, arts, crafts and games. Booking opened this morning (Monday January 23) for sessions running during the week beginning Monday, 13 February.
Demand for the activity sessions reached an all-time high last year and the council is urging people to book early to avoid disappointment. The hubs will take place in Banbury and Bicester.
Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell’s deputy leader, said: “The district’s school children are just getting used to being back at school after Christmas, but it’s not too soon to start looking forward to a happy half term holiday.
“It’s important to stay active and social at every stage of life, and the hubs are a great way to get children off the sofa and into the company of friends.
“Parents who may be out at work over half term can rest assured that their children are having fun while being looked after by DBS-checked staff. Because of the huge demand for the hubs throughout 2016, I am encouraging residents to book at the earliest opportunity so they don’t miss out.”
The packed programme includes a different guest activity every day. They include dancing, dodgeball, tennis, archery and cricket. There will be daily activities to develop team participation, creativity, agility and coordination.
Cherwell invites qualified coaches from local sports clubs to lead many of the sessions. This gives the children a point of contact to help them continue their favourite activities after half term is over.
All sessions are led by DBS (formerly CRB) checked staff. Lunch breaks are supervised but not catered.
Children may attend from 8.45am to 3pm for £14.95, or from 8.45am to 5pm for £18.95. This works out at just over £2.25 per hour.
For more information or to book call 01295 221803.
For details about the hubs, including the timetable of activities visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/holidayactivities
Half term fun at Blenheim
Head to Blenheim Palace this February Half Term, from 11-19 February, to enjoy new immersive activities, meet incredible insects, explore exciting exhibitions and discover the great outdoors.
New for 2017, Blenheim Palace is hosting Lords & Ladies Workshops, 11-19 February. As the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough the Oxfordshire Stately Home is the perfect place for children to learn all about the history of aristocracy, what would have been expected in their lessons and for them to dress up and have fun. Learn how to bow, curtesy, dress and dance, as well as practise etiquette lessons. Children can make music using historic instruments, play historic games including blind man’s bluff and checkers, and dress up as a Lord or Lady themselves with wigs, hats, cloaks, eyebrows, and makeup. The whole workshop will provide an exciting insight into life as a Lord or Lady of a Great House.
Meet incredible insects as Blenheim Palace’s iconic Butterfly House re-opens on 11 February with dozens of exotic butterflies from all over the world. The hatchery opens twice daily to release the newest additions. A family of Zebra Finches also live here.
Explore the great outdoors in Blenheim Palace’s family-friendly Pleasure Gardens. Discover the giant ‘Marlborough’ hedge maze – the world’s second largest symbolic hedge maze, enjoy the Adventure Playground and ride the Miniature Train too.
For older children and history enthusiasts head inside Blenheim Palace to see the new Passion for Fashion Exhibition, 11 February – 23 April. Displayed throughout the State Rooms, this exciting new exhibition will take a look at the clothes, underclothes, shoes and accessories which would have been worn by some of the more colourful characters in the Palace’s 300-year history – as well as considering the part that arsenic, lead, mercury and mousetraps played in the styles of the day.
As well as the many examples of adults’ and children’s items dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, the exhibition will celebrate the Palace’s on-going relationship with the House of Dior – from the early catwalk shows of the 1950s right up to the launch of their Cruise collection which took place in the Palace in May 2016.
What: February Half Term at Blenheim Palace
When: 11 February – 19 February
Why Visit: Enjoy new immersive activities, meet incredible insects, explore exciting exhibitions and discover the great outdoors at Blenheim Palace.
Admission: Park and Gardens Ticket Adult £14.90, Child £6.90, Family £39.90
Website: blenheimpalace.com
