Milton Mum Matters
December 2023
Season greetings to one and all,
As the sun is setting earlier and earlier, we are reminded that we are almost at the end of another year. Where has the year gone? Time is warped around children, I think it is because you are reminded of time passing in a way that you forget when they are not around!
'What are we going to do today?'
A question on every carer’s list on these cold, wet and dark days. I must put my hands up here as I don't have many tips or tricks. However, ahead of the festivities (and also for when they have passed) here are a few things to consider:
- Now is a great time to get out all of the toys and books that you have around the house and consider whether they are still fit for purpose. You know that, despite best efforts, there will soon be (or there may already be) more to add to the toy box and maybe even the book case. This is a great chance to pass something on, take some to charity or even use some of those items that are no longer needed to pull together a shoe box for those less fortunate. There are other ways to pass on/sell on too - the local hand me on page (on Facebook), Olio, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted.
- Playdoh tends to stay in an opaque box in our house for a reason, because it becomes interesting again as soon as it gets brought out of the box. I'm not the best at pulling off stubborn playdoh engrained in jumpers - and suggestions on Google don't always work - but hey, it'll keep them out of trouble for 30 seconds! This isn't one for everyone, but playdoh is pretty universal - so get creative!
- Treasure trails work great in the torch light!
- Hot chocolate can be a great incentive to get our 3yo out for a walk - wrap up the kids and pack a thermos with a few small cups and some marshmallows (the mini ones, that is!).
- There's always time to bake cookies. There is no 'faff' in cookies, you mix, you cook and you can eat them in pretty short succession. You can also halve any mix you make to freeze for another day. Win-win.
- Just add water! Whether that's indoors or out.
- What yearly passes have you used this year and which will you use again next year? We have a few, some places shut most of the winter months whereas others are open every day of the year so it is worth looking what you might be able to do over the holidays. If you aren't using any, perhaps now is a good time to stop them. On the flip side, if you think there is somewhere you are heading to often enough to warrant getting a yearly pass then perhaps these could be added to present ideas for other family members.
- Dens - think sheets, cushions and torches and then stories/snacks - sometimes when you really need to use up some of their 'creative energy' this is a great way to do just that as it get the kids moving and thinking creatively - with some calm at the end of it all too!
New Year Intentions… I like to call them intentions, I suspect because I am pretty useless at 'resolving' anything! In 2023 I set myself three main intentions, one of which was to drink 2L of water a day. It's not happened, although it probably should have. This is just a wee reminder to all that we live busy lives and not to scold yourself - I'll try again next year! Also, if you really want something then put a reminder in front of you daily - it takes 30 days to create/break a habit.
In September 2024 our first born will start school and forever put us onto the Mon - Fri list. Until that happens, we will continue to use our 'extra' days with the children to the best of our ability. One of my intentions for 2024 will be to have themed weeks with the boys - nothing fancy, I just often have too many ideas in my head, or none. I am hopeful a theme may limit the Google search results and give me something to focus my efforts into. Thinking up ideas and actioning them on top of the day to day tasks is often difficult to manage. I hope to do better with that next year. I'll report back. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you all - any ideas welcome!
Lastly, a thanks... This year in the village we have been lucky to have had a summer fete, two quiz nights, the duck race, fireworks and the Coronation lunch - amongst other events. I would like to say a big thank you to all of those who have helped pull those events together. There are others in our village that do a lot for other residents and who help run other services/events vital to village life such as the churches, the pub, the mechanics, the manor and the brewery (apologies to the many more I have missed!). For all of those that help in one way or another - whether volunteers, businesses or workers as well as those who are simply neighbourly - thank you for your time, your goodwill and your patience.
The world has changed a lot this past year, so it is especially appreciated when someone goes out of their way. Thank you to you all.
Until next time, Fern
November 2023
And just like that, it was November... The mornings are now laden with frosty grass and warm dinners can be smelt around the village if you take a stroll shortly before 5pm.
For this month’s edition I wanted it to be all about the village. We are so lucky to have so much available on our doorstep this month. There really is something for everyone!
31 October – For anyone that gets the chance to read this before Halloween, I wanted to note that The Old Stables shop has several sizes of pumpkin available to buy at very reasonable price. Please do support local and go and take a look. Just remember your cash!
3 November – There will be a clothes swap at the school from 3pm until 6pm – men’s, women’s and children’s clothes can be swapped. Take the opportunity before Christmas to have a clear out and go and support the school whilst having a bite to eat.
4 November - You will have seen the fireworks adverts in the village, and we’ve included an ad in the magazine as a reminder. MICE and a team of volunteers will be pulling off yet another fantastic display. Please do support the village tradition and, if you can, join in on the guy competition. We did it last year and we had a great time pulling it together over a few weeks (pictures above).
4/11/18/25 November – Home fixtures for Milton United FC.
9/23 November and 7 December – Tea and a chat/craft event held in the community space, a great opportunity for us to all to get to know each other or catch up – crafting is not obligatory!
12 November – Act of Remembrance at the war memorial. All welcome.
17/18 November – The local artist Debbie Sutcliffe is running an event in the village. She is also showcasing Sarah Keogh’s artwork on this date. She will be selling pieces that are perfect to gift. Please lookout for further details within this edition.
25 November - Milton Craft and Jigsaw Fair at the Church from 1pm-5pm.
30 November – Christmas Market at Milton Park 10am - 3pm, with over 30 stalls!
We understand that there will also be a Christmas Fayre at the Marriott.
I am sure we’ll be at a few events. Come and say hello? You’ll see me ‘babywearing’ Rufus – who will probably be pointing at something intently whilst making a loud ‘NANA’ sound. We’re not easily missed these days... Over and out!
October 2023
As the nights start to close in and 'the 'C' word' creeps up on us, I thought I would cover something slightly different this month.
Milton Post Office
You can grab for yourself some of the greatest customer service I have received over the past few years by visiting between 8am and 5:15pm, Monday through Friday.
They provide the standard Post Office services, including:
• In-store mail/parcels - sending via Royal Mail and Parcelforce (last post 4:45pm)
• 'Click&Drop postage drop off point - for postage purchased online (you can do this via the PO website)
• Cash deposits/withdrawal - including personal and business banking for many high street banks including NatWest, Barclays, HSBC
• Foreign currency services - for example EUROs and sending via MoneyGram/Western Union
• Paying bills - such as gas/electric/water/council tax
• Vehicle tax
Alongside these, Zaeem provides the following extras at a great price:
• Cards/candles/wrapping paper
• Various packaging materials
• Dry cleaning/basic repair services (this can take up to two weeks depending on when you drop off, it is best to drop off on a Tuesday and you can collect from the following Friday)
He is also an 'Amazon hub', so you can get an Amazon delivery sent to the store or send returns from there (via Royal Mail or via the 'hub' option i.e. no packaging or label is required).
As a thank you to Zaeem (for those of you who don't know, he runs the PO), I thought I would give it my best shot at persuading you all to use the store... so here's my story.
We moved here in April 2019. We married in the July and found out we were expecting the same day. My poor husband! William arrived just as Covid hit. The days quickly became long and ridden with fear.
Zaeem quickly became a familiar face during this lonely period. Always greeted us with a smile and, unknowingly, he was probably the only person who really saw William in those first few months - we didn’t have ‘bubbles’ then.
Whilst I am sure he wondered why I was seemingly always sending nappies (we used reusables), he always, as he does with everyone, served us with such precision and speed! He is always a good listener, but during that period I was particularly grateful for the cheery face and, frankly, the interaction.
Without Covid I would not have had the same understanding as I do now of the importance of his job. Not only is he someone who provides a service to the village, he is also a superhero - keeping tabs on many of our residents, giving us somewhere safe to withdraw our money from and also giving many someone to talk to on a regular basis. He is the real 'hub' in our community, and for that I thank him.
If we don’t use these services then we may lose them - and more importantly, him! So, my plea to you today, please do ‘shop local’ and go and catch a glimpse of the smile that many villagers talk about.
Until next time,
Fern
Note from the Editor: My husband is not a keen walker. However, any time he needs to go to the Post Office he positively skips out of the house because he has so much fun with Zaeem. Zaeem, if you are reading this, thank you for spotting the camouflaged man!
September 2023
Firstly, a quick update. The two baby/toddler 'walk and talk' events in July went ahead as planned. These were set up to gauge whether there may be sufficient interest in starting a baby/toddler group in the village. Despite lots of interest, unfortunately the turnout was not sufficient to take the idea any further.
Days out
With a rather wet few weeks now behind us, I am glad to say we were able to have a few days out that were further afield. Here are a couple of things we've done over the summer around an hour's drive from home.
Legoland
A rather expensive day out (we paid £33, each - excluding the babe in arms) but worth every penny for something special! We told the 3YO we were going the day before and he was very excited. Luckily, we were not let down by the weather. We got there for 10:10 after an hour's drive and left well after the last rides at 6pm! That was after a last-minute dash to pull together any remaining snacks we had as we knew that both boys wouldn't last the journey home. You'll be pleased to know that the queue to leave was not as bad as we had been warned - it only took us about 10 minutes to get out although I think we may have been helped a little by where we parked. As there are many different parts of the park, including rides, shows, models (including trains... obviously!) and the opportunity to build a creation, we were on the go all day. I've been in term time previously and it certainly was much busier for the school holidays, but there was also more to do - some entertainment and not just endless queues!
Website - https://www.legoland.co.uk/
Transport - Easiest by car, you can get a train and bus but it is likely to eat heavily into your time
Amenities - Parking (fee payable), food and drinks on site or bring your own picnic, full baby change facilities, accessibility passes (if applied for beforehand)
Cost - Varies depending on dates/season etc, although there are often offers on and it's always cheaper to buy tickets in advance
Age range - 0-8
Perfect for - A sunny day especially as there is a splash park open over the summer.
Paulton's Park
Another longer trip on a Saturday morning, we got to the park in around 1hr15m. We spent the whole day there, from 10am until 6pm closing. The Peppa Pig World area was very busy with long wait times but it was much quieter around the rest of the park with no queues on a number of the rides. We also found a pub that is only a 5 minute drive away for dinner (with decent gluten free choices) and they served our food within minutes (reheated...but none the less tasty)! A long but enjoyable day. Again, there were various 'sections' of the park to explore, but here there are also some animals to see and peaceful gardens to explore as well as a splash park (separate to the muddy puddles in Peppa Pig World).
Website - https://paultonspark.co.uk/
Transport - By car
Amenities - Parking (free), food and drinks on site or bring your own picnic, full baby change facilities, accessibility passes (if applied for beforehand)
Cost - Typically £41.75 per person over 1m (there do not appear to be many offers) with plenty to entertain the little ones who get in for free
Age range - 0-12
Perfect for - families catering for a range of ages as there is a great mix of smaller and bigger rides
July / August 2023
Further to last month's edition, here are some further free (or almost free) days out slightly further afield.
Steventon
Level Crossing, Playground & Fairy Doors - With many dogs in the village, I am sure everyone has plenty of walks up their sleeves. However, the walk that starts from behind the metal gate (on the right as you head towards Milton Park, literally just before where the High Street meets Park Drive) is only really accessible now that the weather isn't so wet. If you walk down the path, you can walk alongside the railway line (hence why we walk it) and get a great view of the trains. We often then head on into Steventon (more on that below). Picture below to assist with finding said path (see orange highlighted arrow).
We also often take the path round the back of the Manor where the duck race is held (Mill Lane) and cross over the footbridge (waving at the lorries as we go) and head into Steventon along The Causeway (turn right after you head down the bridge's steps and just keep walking and you'll get to it). After you cross their High Street and continue down towards the North Star pub, there is a playground on the right-hand side just before the next road crossing (between The Causeway and St Michael's Way), then you can either continue up The Causeway past the school or turn left onto Stocks Lane to find level crossings where we often pass the time watching trains rumble past (including in the car on a rainy day! - See https://www.realtraintimes.co.uk's detailed search function and type in 'Steventon' to find out the times they will pass). If you wanted to venture a little further, then we would typically continue up The Causeway past the level crossing and turn left onto Mill Street (where you'll often see ducks in the stream) and follow that up into Steventon Copse where there are some fairy doors.
Fruit Picking, Ice Cream & The Farm - It is also worth noting that if you were happy to venture further round and incur some cost then you will be able to do fruit picking at Q Gardens Farm Shop, or you could just go and grab some homemade ice cream from there (you can go up through the Copse and along the fields). There is also The Old Farm Shop where there is a play area and you can see the animals (this is free).
Drayton
Duck Pond - In Sutton Wick Lane there is a little pond where you can go and see the ducks (and occasionally some exotic looking chickens). If you follow the little path on the right behind the pond you will get to the Millenium Green - a lovely spot for a picnic. We often drive there as we have yet to find a path to get across on - does anyone know of any?
Please do let me know if there are others!
June 2023
Based on the forecast for the next few weeks, I am hoping you are reading this in the warm sunshine!
Conscious that we should have a few 'good' days weather wise, I thought I would try and give you all a few ideas for free (or nearly free) days out that start from the village.
Treasure Trail - I often find at this time of year that it is difficult to get the little ones down 'on time' due to the light, or they are up at the crack of dawn because of it (or both!). We started 'treasure trails' in the village to get us up and out on colder days but they have also come into their own on lighter evenings where we have a little spare energy to burn off.
It is rather simple, yet effective! I draw up a map of part of the village (e.g. I often do around our house on the High Street, the park and Pembroke Lane but you could go to/from anywhere) and add points where there will be clues or treasure (for the 3YO, it can be very simple - he isn't really following the map). I then carry said clues/treasure in my pocket and slyly pop them out near to where I have made marks on the map. This is very versatile as you can make it up as you go along or you can put a bit more effort in (if you have time!) and add detailed instructions etc. Also, if you have an older child, you could get them to draw the map for you. I have made up various stories to go with the map (and I am not the most creative person!) and that is typically how we have got the 3YO's buy in for an evening stroll (as it turns out, he's not that into chocolate coins - who could have guessed!)!
To give you an idea, when we had snow but it wasn't quite enough to make a snow man (much to the 3YO's disappointment, hence why we had to get out!) , we went to find parts of a snowman. I had three large marshmallows, some smarties for buttons, breadsticks for arms/legs (these were all wrapped up before being placed) and then an icing pen at the end to use as glue and add his/her face. Upon returning home we then made the snowman alongside a hot chocolate. It took 5 minutes of preparation, kept us out for 30 minutes and meant that once we got home, he had an activity to do where he was happy to sit down and have some quite time before we attempted bed time. Win, win.
Pooh Sticks - If you don't want to venture too far, and assuming we have had some rain, we sometimes play Pooh sticks in the stream up Mill Lane (where the ducks go from), as there is a small bridge (it is concrete and at floor level) around half way up the track.
Pigs in Willow Lane - Noting that I have no idea when they are around, there are often some pigs in the field behind the houses on Willow Lane. Worth a go if you're really stuck, as long as you remember your excuses in case of no pigs - 'they must be on their holidays today, we'll come back next week'. Picture below to assist with finding said field (see orange highlighted area). There are also often horses and sheep in other fields in the village.
The Squire Barrett Playing Field - At this time of year we find that playing in the playground and/or basketball court at the end of the day is another great way to burn off a little energy whilst it is still light outside. We often take the scooter and/or football (to play basketball with...!) and sometimes I will also pull out the chalks if we need something a little different to do. To change things up a bit more, sometimes we play hide and seek in the little 'woodland' section and, when the grass allows, we sometimes take a rounders set too. We'd be happy to play a game anytime!
Paved Path - The paved path that cuts across the fields between Milton Park (at the back of Exscientia, per Google maps) and Sutton Road (opposite 'Beast Automotive Detailing', again, per Google maps) is a great way to allow little ones some freedom on a bike/scooter without having to worry about bumps or cars.
Sutton Courtney
New Sutton Courtney Playground - After a significant renovation, the Sutton Courtney playground by the football club is a great idea for a morning out in the sunshine. The link below provides some details on what they have there now but we also take a scooter/football with us and, on occasion, a picnic.
Website - Recreation Ground - Sutton Courtenay Parish Council (suttoncourtenay-pc.gov.uk)
Transport - from the Plum Pudding it is a 30-minute walk, 5-minute drive with free parking or you could also try taking the 33 bus which runs once an hour
Amenities - Parking
Cost - Free
Age range - 0-12
Perfect for - A sunny day, especially if you could stop by the pub on the way home for a well-deserved drink (they have plenty of tables outside)!
Whilst I have not been myself, I am reliably informed that there is a lovely little 'Nature Tots' group in the Environmental Education Centre in Sutton Courtney. More details, including costs, can be found here: Events | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk). Thank you Ann for the recommendation, I hope to see some of you there sometime.
Next month I will try and provide some more ideas that aren't too far from home.
Please do let me know if there are others!
Milton Mum Matters - May 2023
This month we will see many events around the King’s Coronation and May half term. In Milton we are holding a ‘street party’ of our own on the Sunday after The Coronation - please see the MICE advert for further details.
Didcot Railway Centre
This month I thought I’d tell you a little about our love of the railway centre as a neighbour, who has lived in the village far longer than us, said they have never been!
Wikipedia describes Didcot Railway Centre as ‘a railway museum and preservation engineering site in Didcot, Oxfordshire, England. The site was formerly a Great Western Railway engine shed and locomotive stabling point.’. I think I’d like to add a little flavour…
We first went to the railway centre with a red letters day voucher for ‘tea and trains’ - what more could I ask for? Something for small and something for me …they even cater for (some!) dietary requirements with their cakes (they will often have at least one vegan / gluten free or vegan and gluten free cake).
Armed with our tea ‘voucher’ from the ticket office, we headed onto the ‘main line’ platform (this is the longer stretch of track, there is also a second line they run passenger trains on and we call this the branch line) for our first ride… little did we know this would be the first of many more days out that would start this way.
Over the course of the day we went on to experience almost everything else they have to offer there (a second train running on the branch line, the hands on signal room (there is also a signal panel available to try out on certain days), a number of sheds with rolling stock and stock that is under renovation, the shop, the cafe, the outdoor play area, the museum and the garden railway (not often on, but a lovely set up). There is also a bomb shelter!
Whilst there is a lot of information to read, I don’t often get the chance to read it (my knowledge is instead mainly based off Google searches in the evenings after we have been and seen/noticed something new…!). I am sure that the boards dotted around the place will only help bring the place to life - not that you really need them to - the trains will mesmerise most!
Since our first visit, we have become members of The Great Western Society and have visited many times over. Sometimes just for an hour or two on a rainy day and sometimes we still manage a whole day out there despite having been there many times!
As well as their cafe, they have a number of picnic tables (located mainly by the outdoor play area) where you can have a picnic lunch.
Whilst some of the centre is looking a little tired, there is plenty of renovation going on. They have just moved the ticket office which I understand will shortly allow for them to create step free access to the centre. They are also getting closer to rebuilding a station that volunteers took up in the 70s. There are many new touches too, such as the audio on the footplate of a locomotive you can enter. I also understand further improvement such as new toilets are due.
We really enjoy going to the centre. Everyone is helpful, friendly and, of course, they all know a lot about the trains. There is always something new going on and it’s a lovely sight to see so much ‘stock’ being restored too.
The opening times vary based on the season but typically they are open for ‘discovery’ days (no trains running) on Wednesdays and Saturdays/Sundays and then ‘diesel’/‘steam’ days are held on certain weekends/holiday days. Please see their website for further information.
Summary
Website - https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Transport - take the 33 bus from opposite the pub to Didcot Parkway station or park in one of the station car parks
Cost - varies a lot subject to which day you attend but starts at £8 each (under 3s are free) or join ‘The Great Western Society’ for £56 a year as a family of three (2 adults and 1 child - other single/ family tickets are also available) with no additional fees for special events other than Christmas.
Amenities - food and drinks on site or bring your own picnic, full baby change facilities
Suggested age range - 2 - 100+!
Perfect for - any railway enthusiast, a sunny day with a picnic or special occasions (such as Paddington visiting on the 1st of May).
Milton Mum Matters - April 2023
When we had our 5 day check with number 2 at the Wantage community hospital, it was at an awkward time for our first born and so we decided to spend a few hours in Wantage ahead of our appointment. That is when we found this little gem…
The website explains that there are ‘galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region’, but my take was slightly different. We found:
◾ An old fashioned working till (with a fantastic ‘ding’) in a shop scene
◾ A hook the duck set up upstairs
◾ A digital magnifying glass (also upstairs) which can be used to look at things such as yarn up close
◾ Some colouring in and dress up
◾ A large screen with lots of buttons to press, some light up the Vale map and some start videos giving the history of the Vale
◾ Some hands on bits including bricks to construct a wall, drawers to open and explore and also a mini model railway (complete with buttons to press!)
◾ A title winning F1 car suspended on the wall
With all that, there’s more than enough to keep my three year old amused for a few hours and lots to learn about. The cafe is delightful and was easily able to answer my questions regarding dietary requirements (GF/EF/DF/SF!). They even had dairy free spread available. It was also very reasonably priced.
The museum is open Monday - Saturday 9:45am - 3:45pm and the cafe follows similar hours.
Website - https://valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk
Transport - parking <5 minute walk away with the first hour free. It could also be accessed by a bus from Milton Park (X36 via Steventon or X32 via Didcot) to Wantage town centre from where it would be a c.5 minute walk
Cost - free, suggested donation £5
Amenities - cafe on site, full baby change facilities
Suggested age range - 2 - 100+!
Perfect for - rainy weekday mornings/afternoons
Easter Holidays
With the Easter holidays coming up, there are many events on in surrounding villages.
For example, Drayton will be running a Safari themed scarecrow trail from the 3rd until 16th of April. Whilst details haven’t yet been revealed, normally maps are available from the shop for £1 and funds go to the Friends of Drayton School Association.
Abingdon are also running events including a FREE craft sessions on 5 and 12 April in the County Hall Museum Basement. Keep an eye out on local Facebook pages for more details.
Whilst the official lambing weekend events have passed, The Old Farm Shop at Milton Hill would still be happy to see visitors. Entry is free with donations welcomed. There’s the shop, a play area and a number of animals to see. Check out their website below and get your boots on! http://www.theoldfarmshop.co.uk/