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Original poster

New to this - what's on in Oxford?

16 replies

LooseyC · 02/02/2008 16:01

Hi - I'm a first time mum with a 7 week old and am starting to venture out in search of things to do in Oxford... mainly for the future I guess when he is interested in more than sleep and milk (not sure when that will be!) Any good ideas?

I have been along to a couple of local mum and baby groups in town but was thinking more of some activities..

OP posts:

Yorky · 02/02/2008 20:31

Hi Loosey C, where in Oxford are you?
What kind of activities are you looking for? - swimming, signing, music, gym? there are loads to choose from
We moved to nr Witney a week before Christmas and are still finding things to do, DS turned 1 last week. Mums and baby groups are good at the mo as you get to talk and drink tea!
Happy to meet up if you like, although your DC will make me broody - doesn't take much!

Original poster

LooseyC · 03/02/2008 17:15

I'm in central Oxford, pretty good for most things - though as don't have a car am just starting to get the hang of bus + pram! (Many people in Oxford have been hit on the ankles by my learner driving recently..)

Active stuff is probably what I should be doing (too much cake with that tea), music sounds good too (not so much the signing) so I'd be keen to hear what's around and what you more experienced mums thought about it!

OP posts:

Yorky · 03/02/2008 19:14

I know there is a wheelie workout group which meets at university parks on Monday if you want an antidote to the cakes, we go to sing and sign at that time though. For music search jojingles, monkey music, salt box, music with mummy. I think baby college also does some listening to classical music for tinies

Original poster

LooseyC · 04/02/2008 12:03

Cool - found the workout thing, thanks. Looks good so will try and motivate myself..

Thanks for the other hints too, will have a look at the music (classical? Well it is Oxford!!). I know I'm going to feel a bit awkward if I have to join in though!

OP posts:

Catz · 12/02/2008 19:23

Loosey, not sure whether you're still checking this. Loads of stuff on in Oxford (I'm in Oxford with 7 mth old). Baby college (I know, I know the name is pants but people enjoy it), swimming, music groups (Busy bees does a baby group in Headington and Cumnor), massage classes etc. Big Scream at the Phoenix is also good though not active - show ordinary films but it's just for parents with babies, nice to relax and get to see (though not always hear!) the latest films .
Loads more, CAT me if you'd like any details.

Original poster

LooseyC · 14/02/2008 15:45

Hi, thanks Catz, have been to the Big Scream, it's brilliant. Heard mixed reviews of the baby college - what did you think?

Where is a good place to go swimming?

By the way the wheelie workout thing has stopped running as there weren't enough Mums, but they will re-start if they get 6 people interested (costs £5). I know 2 others who would like a go so anyone else please let me know!

OP posts:

Catz · 14/02/2008 22:55

Hi Loosey,
I only went to Baby College once when dd was about the age of your lo. I found it a bit too much at that age as it was lots of intense activities constantly changing and she just got tired and cried. I did think about rejoining this term but it clashed with other things. Most people I know who go quite like it. Like most of these things it's nothing you couldn't do yourself but it's nice to meet others.

On swimming I do babyswimming.co.uk in a little school in Abingdon - it's fantastic a small group, good teacher and warm pool. I think they have other places nearer Oxford. The other one that people do is waterbabies, they have sessions at the four pillars hotel on the Abingdon Road whcih may be better if you don't drive. Then I think there are drop in sessions at the main pools e.g. Temple Cowley if yo udon't want a course as such.

Going back to work on Mondays soon so unfortunately the workout thing won't work for us.

Original poster

LooseyC · 23/02/2008 22:54

Thanks for that. Started mother and baby pilates so that might be enough exercise for the moment anyway!

OP posts:

kw13 · 05/03/2008 22:02

I can definitely recommend the Rhyme time stuff at the Westgate Library (actually at any local library). I think it's Mondays or Wednesdays (sorry, can't remember). It's great to remember nursery rhymes, lots of singing, and movements to do with your baby - and it's free! You might even be able to get a book out yourself. Also free is Rainbow House in New Inn Hall Street - Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays 11-2 - just by the church. It's a kind of play environment that also has good cheap food and good changing facilities etc. Good place to meet other parents.

used2bthin · 13/03/2008 18:25

LooseyC have you found any good mum and baby groups? I have recently moved back to Oxford and not found that much in my area so thinking of trying some more central ones. St Andrews on tues or wed mornings is often good, any others you have found to be good?

oxfordmcboing · 13/03/2008 21:28

Hi just wanted to add that i think st andrews playgroup is tues morning and wed afternoons...perhaps wed mornings too....but def tues/morn wed/afternoon

used2bthin · 13/03/2008 21:56

Ah yes you are right oxfordmcboing, I think there may be a younger babies session in the morning not sure but think it goes on till 1.45 or similar. Used to go to the wed one when I was a nanny but have so far only taken DD to the tues one, it's a good group though.

Yorky · 14/03/2008 23:11

There is an Oxford mumsnet meetup in central Oxford next Tuesday lunchtime (18th) exact child friendly venue to be decided. There is talk of a documentary about mumsnet and possibly filming but I think the more the merrier and if we meet enough people could maybe start a regular meeting?

used2bthin · 15/03/2008 08:33

I'd love to do a meet up but really not keen on being filmed so will keep an eye on this thread(and others) for the next meet up. A regular meet up would be great. If you want somewhere the children can run around thats indoors I can recommend Jambinos at the kassam stadium.

Original poster

LooseyC · 21/03/2008 14:51

Hi there used2bethin - just to say I go to 2 other groups for young babies -

Thurs morning at Grandpont school, small friendly group (advertised as a breastfeeding cafe but I'm bottle feeding now and made just as welcome, and still given free homemade cake!)

I also do Hilary's music on Friday at 11am at the West Oxford Centre on Botley Road, and there is an ad hoc Mums group after which is really nice.. and the pilates in Osney is Friday lunchtime and recommended too...

Anyone done monkey music? I've got an enrolement form but thought it seemed quite pricey.

And - I'd be keen to do a meet up too sometime - saw this one too late!

OP posts:

used2bthin · 23/03/2008 21:10

Hi LooseyC thanks for letting me know about the groups you do, I may look into what else goes on at Grandpont(think DD may be too old for baby cafe). Haven't done monkey music but know people that do and they both like it although it sounds as if its more structured/formal than the one I do with DD which is an independant one run by a mum.

I am definately up for a meet up soon too lets do it! I wonder how the other one went, anyone?

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