We are excited to welcome you to our 2022 Family Weekend Conference! This fun event is a great place to meet and share experiences, as well as attend talks and workshops to learn about Fragile X and practical strategies to help in day-to-day life. This year sessions will include: medication and trials with Dr Andrew Stanfield; managing anxiety with Dr Hayley Crawford; fathers and Fragile X; 'Freedom to Thrive' project - setting up an inclusive community.

An agenda for the weekend is in the FAQs below. In addition to our programme of talks and workshops about Fragile X, Thomley has organised a range of indoor and outdoor activities for our members, around the site. You are welcome to join in with as many (or as few) of these as you wish throughout your time at Thomley. The schedule of activities is also in the FAQs below.

(Please note that, for reasons beyond our control, we may need to alter the programme).

One of our family members explains why Thomley is special to them:

"Thomley is a special place for our family.  We'll often ask the kids "What do you want to do today?" They'll reply with, "Go to Thomley!" It is no wonder as it is filled with fun and exciting things to do. Each room is another adventure with lots of activities. From quiet calm corners to outdoor train rides and excellent ball pits. From an open field full of fun stuff to a music room jam packed with instruments. It has something for all interests and preferences. We're already counting down the days and can't wait to meet up with other members and swap stories and share similar experiences."

Note: spaces are limited and this event is likely to fill up quickly, so make sure to book soon if you wish to join us. We may need to run a waiting list.

FAQs

Who is the event aimed at?

Our aim is that this is an event for the whole family. The Thomley Centre is a fantastic, safe and accessible venue for people of all abilities (to learn more about their facilities visit: www.thomley.org.uk). In addition, there will be a range of accessible activities at Thomley, which you can sign up for on the day, aimed at children and adults with Fragile X syndrome.  Find out more about the facilities at Thomley.

How much does it cost?

The event is offered free of charge to our members.

Although we receive no Government funding and rely totally on voluntary donations, we do not charge a fee for booking or attendance, making the entire event free of charge. This is because we believe that our Family Weekend Conference should be available to everyone with no financial barriers.

However, as a small charity with a national reach, voluntary donation support is key to the very work that we do; to enable us to run future events such as this as well as provide our other services for individuals and families living with Fragile X syndrome. If you do wish to include a voluntary donation, this would be very much appreciated: please follow this link to the donations page of our website www.fragilex.org.uk/donate. If you are eligible for Gift Aid, please do tick this box on the form, as if you are a UK tax payer you will be able to increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to yourself.

Do I need to attend both days?

No. There are new talks on both days but it's entirely up to you and you are welcome to join us for all or part of the weekend. It's also a fabulous opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends. To attend the whole weekend make sure to select tickets for both days for all members of your party. 

What is the agenda for the weekend?

The draft agenda (subject to change) for the weekend is as below. In addition to the talks below, there will be a range of activities available at the Thomley centre, including some activities bookable on the day (such as cookery, trampoline and soft play).

Saturday 18 June

11.00 Arrival and Registration

11.45 Welcome and Introduction (Pete Richardson, Managing Director, Fragile X Society)

12 noon Lunch and Annual General Meeting

A buffet lunch will be available in the café, or you’re welcome to bring your own picnic or packed lunch if you prefer. Join us for our AGM and celebration of our year. The agenda and further papers for the AGM are available here.

13.15 Fragile X and medication (Dr Andy Stanfield, Clinical Director, Patrick Wild Centre)

14.00 Research Update on Behaviour and Emotion in Fragile X Syndrome (Dr Hayley Crawford, University of Warwick)

15.15 Having Fragile X (Katherine Zwink, Director, Fragile X Society)

16.30 Barbecue

Join us for a barbecue – all welcome!

19.00 Close

Sunday 19 June

10.00 Arrival and Registration

10.15 Freedom to Thrive (Tally Nothey)

11.00 Fathers and Fragile X (Mark Smith, Director, Fragile X Society)

12.15 Lunch and close (Lunch is available to purchase from the cafe, which offers a range of reasonably-priced options)

* Please note the agenda is subject to change *

What are the activities on offer over the weekend?

In addition to our programme of talks and workshops about Fragile X, above, Thomley has organised a range of indoor and outdoor activities for our members, around the site. You are welcome to join in with as many (or as few) of these as you wish throughout your time at Thomley. There will also be some activities which are bookable on the day, such as cookery and sensory room. The schedule of activities is as follows:

Saturday 18 June

Art Activities: Sensory bottles, Junk Modelling and Colouring Pages

10.30am - Giant Bubbles

11.00am - Football

11.30am - Skittles

12 noon - Parachute Games

12.30pm - Garden Games

1.00pm - Yoga

1.30pm - 3pm - Lionel the Land Train

3.30pm - Water Fun

Sunday 19 June

Art Activities - Small World Sensory, Card Making, Themed Art and Colouring

Bubble Machine

Foot Golf

Parachute Shapes

Summer Sports

Silent Disco

*Please note that the scheduled activities are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. *

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The easiest way to get to the Thomley Centre is by car. There is plenty of free parking available.

Where can I stay?

There are several hotels nearby:

The Ramada Oxford at the Welcome Break Services Area (M40) and the Travelodge Oxford Wheatley are both 4-5 miles and a 10-15 minutes drive from the Thomley Centre. Doubletree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, 15/20 minutes by car. Travelodge Thame, approx. 20 minutes by car.

New this year, Thomley have three Glamping Pods, which are bookable for our Family Weekend. The cost is £140 per night. Please contact Thomley direct if you are interested in this option.

In addition, the Thomley Centre can offer camping to a limited number of attendees. The camping rate is £10 per person per night. If you are interested in learning more then please contact Joe (joe@thomley.org.uk). Final numbers for camping need to be confirmed no later than 31 May.

Can I bring guests?

There are a limited number of spaces at the event and we are anticipating that it will be very popular. Therefore, please do let us know if you'd like to bring guests along.

Will my children be supervised?

Please note that the Fragile X Society and Thomley staff and volunteers are not responsible for the supervision of children. You remain responsible for your children at all times whilst on site.

The Thomley Centre is bursting with activities such as Lionel the train, taking the children around the centre, organised archery and football, sensory room, construction room, zip wire and climbing frame, cycle track, trampoline, soft play room, giant bubbles, glitter tattoos, face painting, cooking and much more. Please note that the activities available are subject to change. Thomley will remain locked at all times and is fully secure, so parents can rest assured that although their children are their responsibility they will not have to follow them throughout site at all times.

What should I bring into the event?

Much of the Thomley Centre is outdoors and although our event is in June, the British weather is always unpredictable, so be prepared; umbrellas, sunscreen etc!

Is there food available on site?

A buffet lunch will be available in the cafe on Saturday, or you're welcome to bring a picnic/packed lunch if you prefer.

There will also be an optional BBQ on the Saturday evening, also at no charge to our members, which we hope will be a great opportunity for people to spend time together and share experiences.  Please do let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements.

What if I'm unable to attend after booking?

We appreciate that people's circumstances do change. If you are unable to join us, please do let us know on info@fragilex.org.uk

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact the Fragile X Society on 01371 875100 between 9am and 5pm Tuesday - Thursday, or on info@fragilex.org.uk