Families Hertfordshire Jul-Aug 2011

FREE

Issue No. 39 July/August 2011

Over 100 Summery things to do!

Competitions & Offers!

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk

Summer Special

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

Regular Cleaning the way you want it done Typically from £11.75 per hour

Book Now!!

01727 238 980

http://st albans.dom estique.co .uk

Free Oven Clean worth £49.5 0

2

From your Editor…

In this issue:

Don’t you just love that ‘summer holiday on the way’ feeling? Whether you dread or desire it, we’ve here to help with our summer special and our bumper ‘What’s On’ listing with over 100 Summery things to do. For even more, plus the theatre listings, go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

News & Views: 4 Competitions & Offers: 6 Family Matters: 8 Herts Little Stars: 9 Education: 10 Summer Special: 12 What’s On: 15

This issue we introduce a new feature: Little Stars. This will make an occasional appearance and is intended to give Herts kids a chance to shine. We kick-off with Poppy Young who is a budding radio presenter and entrepreneur. If you know a Little Star who would like to share their ‘sparkle’ please do let us know.

Whatever the weather has in store, there’s a great summer ahead. So, enjoy it and we’ll be returning in September with our Schools & Clubs & Classes features and more besides.

See you soon, Shelley

Next Issue: Sept/Oct - Schools Feature & Clubs and Classes Copy deadline for Sept/Oct: 22nd July

Where are we? Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected children’s shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Get in touch to request copies for your venue.

Don’t miss a copy. Families Herts by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email for a subscription form.

Image courtesy of F&F at Tesco Myaah wears Dress set from £10 by F&F 0800 505555 www.tesco.com/clothing

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

My Little Wrapper

Regular Cleaning the way you want it done Typically from £11.75 per hour

Personalised chocolate bars

For every occasion

Contact Graham Blyth

01923 710900 or 0771 325 1266

Book Now!!

01727 238 980

http://st albans.dom estique.co .uk

Free Oven Clean worth £49.5 0

jgblyth@aol.com www.mylittlewrapper.co.uk

Outstanding Montessori in Harpenden

www.artisans.uk.com 07787 535135 or 07795 510130 “A beautiful place for my child to start his education” a current parent

Say you saw it in

3

News & Views Mediation for divorcing couples Mediation has become the first-tier approach to sorting out disputes between divorcing couples, under new measures that came into force in England and Wales this spring.

Ministers hope the measures will dramatically reduce the burden of divorcing couples on already overworked family courts, and also that they will reduce the emotional and financial cost for couples who are splitting up – many who do end up in court say later that their battle wasn’t worth putting themselves through, and that mediation would have been a better way. Under the new rules, any couple wanting to use the courts will have to undergo a compulsory mediation session costing up to £140 – and only if mediation is found to be unworkable will they be allowed to proceed to court.

For more information go to www.nfm.org.uk/home

Fun and Arty Sessions & Parties for kids aged 4 up

Monkey Music Swings into Hitchin Monkey Music is delighted to announce that it will be launching new classes in Hitchin from September 2011. To get the ball rolling they are offering some FREE taster sessions for children and parents.

“I can’t wait to introduce Hitchin children and parents to the magic of music,” says Nina Davis, Franchise Manager for Harpenden and Hitchin. “As well as having a wonderful effect on children, Monkey Music has a fantastic social element creating friendships which can last for years," says Nina. So, take your own little monkey for a free taster session on any of these open days: Monday 12th September, Wednesday 14th September and Friday 16th September.

Weekly Monkey Music classes last 30 minutes and will take place locally at Church House Hall on Monday mornings from 9.45am and Walsworth Road Baptist Church on Wednesday & Friday mornings from 9.30am.

Call Nina on 01582 620446 for more details and to book a complimentary class, or visit the Monkey Music website at www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Labels4kids Keeps Sticking Since winning ‘Internet Retailer of the Year’ First Prize in 2010, Labels4kids has continued its expansion with a website re-design, which includes an easier to use checkout.

“Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one”, says Ann-Maree Morrison, Company Director and a devoted fan of Families Magazines in the UK.

“We hope our customers enjoy receiving our occasional e-newsletters and that they will support our facebook, twitter and blog pages, including the parents' forum. We are interested in any topics that you would like to discuss and welcome suggestions for debates and new products”, says Ann-Maree.

For information or to join their facebook page or twitter feed go to labels4kids.com.

Annette 07890 575 828 artskool08@aol.com

4

For inclusion in News & Views pages please ring 020 8428 6384 or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

Savvy Pupils Cut New Patron for Best Uniform Costs by 50% Parents of children at Springmead Primary School in Hillyfields, Welwyn Garden City, now have the option of buying iron-on school badges in a bid to reduce the cost of school uniforms.

Children on the school council wanted to help parents save money and decided to introduce an iron-on version of the school's badge which could be attached to jumpers and shirts bought at the supermarket.

Council member Ziggy Lyall (6) said, "It seemed a sensible thing to do. The supermarket jumpers are a lot cheaper but we wanted to keep our uniform different from other schools and make sure all children look exactly the same too!"

The council members, with the assistance of teacher Sharon Church, came up with a design and school administrator, Diane Cooper, found a supplier (ourschoolbadge.co.uk).

The new iron-on embroidered emblem will reduce the cost of the school's official logo'd uniform by at least 50%.

Head Teacher, Judith Sumner said, "We are very conscious that many families are on a tight budget and we're also very proud of the way in which the children have gone about making a positive and very practical contribution to the life of the school."

Any school wishing to find out more about how they can help parents save money too should visit www.ourschoolbadge.co.uk.

To contact Springmead Primary School go to www.springmead.herts.sch.uk.

‘Where has my little girl gone?’

From every angle, our daughters are bombarded by messages about looks and sexuality which they are too young to understand. Even primary school girls feel pressured to conform to a thin, ‘sexy’ ideal, leading to selfdestructive behaviour, ranging from eating disorders and selfharm to anxiety and low self-esteem.

A huge debate rages about why it’s happening and who’s to blame.

But headline-grabbing government plans to try and clamp down on the causes of early sexualisation only address part of the problem.

Written by Tanith Carey, herself the mother of two young girls as well as an awarding winning journalist, ‘Where has my little girl gone?’ is a hands-on guide that is packed full of insights, tips and expertise from psychologists and specialists. It is an essential and timely guide to safeguarding your daughter’s childhood - so she can grow into the healthy, confident woman she deserves to be.

‘Where has my little girl gone?’ is published by Lion Books (ISBN: 978 0 7459 5542 1).

RRP £7.99. www.tanithcarey.com

St Albans based theatre school Best Theatre Arts is delighted to announce that Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, has become a Patron.

"Best takes its pastoral care seriously and our adoption of The Children's Society as our chosen Bob Reitemeier charity is testament to this," says Best's co-founder Annette Holland.

"I am absolutely delighted to become Patron of Best Theatre Arts. Best is a fantastic organisation that … puts the needs and interests of children and young people at the heart of all that it does,” said Bob. "As we now have classes from 3 months old to adults, we truly cover the whole of childhood. We'll continue to raise funds for, and awareness of, The Children's Society at our public shows, our end-of-term gettogethers and our other exciting themed weeks,” says Annette Holland.

Best is now taking bookings for its summer courses for 4 to 6 and 6 to 16 year olds.

For more information go to www.besttheatrearts.com or call 01727 759634

Caterpillar Music Opens New Classes Due to popular demand Caterpillar Music (St Albans) are opening brand new drop-in classes at DJ’s Jungle Adventure, a soft play centre on St Albans Road, Sandridge. The 40 minute music sessions, suitable for under fives, will be held every Tuesday morning at 10.15am, starting 28 June.

Doors open at 10am and the admission price of £6 (£3 for additional siblings) will include the music session PLUS unlimited play in the soft play equipment afterwards.

Caterpillar Music focuses on learning in a fun way, featuring a different theme each week, a mixture of live and recorded music, old and new songs, plus an array of puppets and instruments to get really noisy with!

Caterpillar Music also hosts drop-in sessions every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at The Butterfly World Project, Chiswell Green, plus weekly sessions at Trestle Arts Base (Thursdays), and the Jubilee Centre (Mondays).

For more details call or email Anna on 01727 753413, anna.fryer@caterpillarmusic.com. www.caterpillarmusic.com

Say you saw it in

5

Competitions & Offers WIN a Family One Day Ticket to

Whipsnade Zoo!

Win an

Easy2Name Off to School Set Five lucky Families Herts readers can win an Easy2Name ‘Off to School’ set. Each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag in either red or blue.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Marks 80 Big Years Jules Verne might have gone around the world in 80 days, but ZSL Whipsnade Zoo can boast 80 years of experience of conserving animals from around the globe at its Bedfordshire home on top of the Chilterns.

The unique idea of creating a park where the animals could live in natural surroundings with plenty of space was the brain-child of Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell who was the Secretary of the Zoological Society of London.

Over the years Whipsnade has seen many changes and has become a leading light all over the world for animal conservation and breeding activities, as well as spearheading the preservation of native species.

Starting with just eight animals in 1931, today’s visitors can see more than 3,000 different animals. Visitors will also enjoy shows and interactive talks as well as getting closer to the animals in newer exhibits such as ‘In With The Lemurs’ and the popular ‘Elephantastic!’. Plus the perennial favourites: Sealion Splash and Birds of the World. Enjoy a BIG day out at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo! To find out more go to www.zsl.org

There are 3 family tickets to be won – a family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children. Closing date 31st August.

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk

Win a personal style consultation worth £200 With a record number of British women out of work and with the Government calling for women to start up businesses, Gail Morgan from Hemel Hempstead has designed a distance learning package that gives every woman who had something to say about the Royal Wedding frocks (and who didn’t?) the chance to put her fashion opinions into practice, learn a new skill and start a new business career as an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper.

The Study in Style Complete Foundation Course has been developed to give women the skills and confidence to start work in the exciting and fulfilling fashion industry. Because it is a modular DVD-based course it can be studied at your own pace in your own time and is perfect for mums at home who would like to start a new career or who want another income that can be structured around family life. For more information about Study in Style go to www.studyinstyletraining.com Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 31st August 2011

6

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk, Closing date: 14th August

10% Off and FREE P&P at www.polarnopyret.co.uk Polarn O. Pyret, Sweden’s leading baby and children’s wear brand with 15 UK outlets, is now online!

To celebrate, Families Herts readers can get 10% off and FREE P&P when shopping on line at www.polarnopyret.co.uk.

The clothes are smart, functional, bright, playful and durable. Over 30% of the range is organic and the brand prides itself on providing unisex colours that can be handed down easily.

Quality and function are the design cornerstones and letting children be children is the philosophy. From the softest organic cotton baby bodysuit to highly functional jackets, every detail is considered with family life in mind. Coats that children don’t mind wearing, adjustable waists in trousers, cuffs that roll down for growing room, baby grows that wash at 60˚, quality clothes that last and can be handed down or sold on.

To get your 10% discount quote FMHRTS11 at the checkout at www.polarnopyret.co.uk. This voucher code is valid from 23rd June until 1st September 2011(online only) and can be used during the sale.

Win a Family Day Ticket to Butterfly World Described as the South East’s “own Eden Project”, Butterfly World is in Phase III of development as the biggest butterfly experience in the world. Located near St Albans, this amazing project is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the butterfly species. Visit the beautiful interactive ‘experience’ gardens and a kaleidoscope of wildflower meadows; the Tropical Butterfly House filled with over 600 butterflies; the Insect Study Centre where you can learn about our native species; the Butterfly Breeding House where you can see the lifecycle of the butterfly unfold in front of you. See, touch and feel hissing cockroaches, African snails, ant colonies and giant stick insects amongst other amazing creepy crawlies.

Butterfly World is open seven days a week through the summer months. A wide range of fun activities are on offer through the summer holidays for those of all ages, from music events to nature, art and drama sessions for children. Please visit ‘What’s On’, at www. butterflyworldproject.com . An ideal venue for children’s parties, school trips, group visits.

To win one of five family tickets to Butterfly World Project Phase III (two adults, two children) go to www.familiesherts.co.uk to enter the competition.

Closing date: 28th July 2011

Say you saw it in

7

Family Matters

Death in the Family Death in the family is not a topic that we want to think about but, unfortunately, it does happen. And when it does it can affect the life of those left behind at all levels; emotional, spiritual, physical and practical. If the loss occurs within a young nuclear family (mother, father, son or daughter) the trauma can be greater still. Thankfully, St Albans & District Bereavement Network (SABN) is a service that works to help local families experiencing loss.

SABN supports bereaved adults, children, young people and their families in the St Albans and Harpenden area. They are a dedicated local community charity that has provided support and advice to over 2000 people since starting in 2003.

SABN’s comprehensive support services are offered without charge to all bereaved people living in the district, regardless of the nature of the bereavement and the length of time since the death. These include: • Telephone Helpline (01727 841841) • Support for bereaved children, young people and their families • Home Visiting Service – they have two visiting groups based in Harpenden • Counselling Service – This is currently based in St Albans but premises in Harpenden are a possibility.

• Advice and support for professionals in schools and health care. (They have

SABN Fund Raising Events 2011 Darren’s Dash Saturday, 24th September 2011 – 2-4pm A fun-filled family event with buggy races, stalls, cakes and much more!

Garden Fields School, St Albans

Quiz Night Saturday, 1st October 2011 - 7.30pm St Albans & St Stephens RC Church, Beaconsfield Road, St Albans Tickets £12.50 (£7 students) to include fish and chips

Wine Tasting Evening provided active support for bereaved children and advice for staff in several Harpenden schools recently).

The charity employs a small number of paid, part-time staff but the majority of their services are delivered by trained volunteers and so they are reliant on fundraising, donations and grants to fund their work.

New volunteers are always welcome to join the team. Currently SABN is particularly keen to hear from people who have experience of working with children and who would be interested in joining their Children’s Team.

All volunteers are offered quality training.

Contact the St Albans & District Bereavement Network for more details of their fundraising events or if you are interested in volunteering go to www.sabn.org.uk or call 01727 841914

Friday, 28 October 2011 - 8.00 – 10.30 pm Come along and meet a connoisseur of wines who advises wine merchants’ in the U.K. and abroad.

Tickets £10 to include wine tasting and cheese Take your own wine glasses (2 each per person)

2011 Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving Sunday, 20th November 2011 St Albans Cathedral For more about these events contact Chris Graham on 01727-841914 or email: christinegraham@sabn.org.uk.

A young mother describes how SABN is helping her through a traumatic episode in her life.

Sadly, my husband Darren died from Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy at the age of 30 when I was 9 weeks pregnant. Needing support to get through such a difficult time, I turned to St Albans Bereavement Network. They have provided me with regular counseling for almost a year.

My counsellor is brilliant. She is very understanding and really good at listening, especially at poignant moments like the birth of my son and the first anniversary of my husband’s death. She gives me strategies that I can use to cope with my grief and we have built up a strong rapport. It has been particularly lovely for my 6 month old son to meet her too!

I enjoy going to the sessions as she is someone impartial, not a family member or friend as I do not want to burden them too much. Without these regular sessions, provided free, I would not have been able to cope as well as I have done.

My son, my mother and I attended the recent Remembrance Service held at St Albans Cathedral. The service was so moving and we were amazed at how many people are dealing with losing someone they love.

It was a lovely, peaceful and well thought out service.

The hard work and time that St Albans Bereavement Network has dedicated to me has helped me through a traumatic experience and for that I am exceedingly grateful. I want other people who have also lost a loved one to be able to benefit as I have from SABN’s invaluable

8

services. To help support SABN I have organised a fund-raising fun family event called Darren’s Dash which will be held on 24th September 2011 between 2-4 pm at Garden Fields School in St Albans.

Please come along to support this event or you can donate at www.justgiving.com/Darrensbuggydash.

Herts Little Stars

Poppy at Jack FM trying for size.

ones

on Steve Folland’s headph

Meet a Budding Radio Presenter

P

oppy Young is a typical 11 year old who lives in Welwyn Garden City. She is also a huge fan of Jack FM (previously Hertbeat FM), the local radio station covering Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hertford, Ware, Letchworth, Hatfield and Hitchin. OK, you might say, not much different from lots of other 11 year olds, but you would be wrong.

Poppy loved listening to Jack FM so much that she decided to start her own ‘unofficial’ Jack FM Fan Club. Poppy’s store of dynamic energy coupled with an infectious enthusiasm means that when she gets a ‘bee’ in her bonnet there’s no stopping her! Poppy tells us how she achieved her goal…

1. When did you start listening to Jack FM? We used to listen to Hertbeat FM and they had our Duck, Daffodil, as their pet of the week. So my mum and I took some of Daffodil’s eggs to the radio station, and I met Steve Folland and Dawn Easby who showed me around the studio and were very lovely.

2. What is it about Jack FM that made you become such a big fan? I love the music that they play and they are local so I get to hear about where I live. The breakfast team are very funny and I like entering all of their competitions.

3. What gave you the idea of starting your Unofficial Jack FM fan club? I wanted all my friends and family to listen to Jack FM and then they would see just why I loved it as much as I do. I wanted all my friends and family to listen to Jack FM as well. So I decided to start my very own fan club.

4. How did you start your ‘unofficial’ fan club?

My dad told me that we needed to speak to the person in charge of Jack FM who is a Mr Wall in Nashville USA. Mr Wall said that it was a great idea but I don't think that he believed that I was really going to do it.

5. Do you have anyone to help with the day to day running of the club? My mum is my PA and my dad is my Technical Director but all of the family help. My older brothers help me with the emails, my sister helps me make badges and my little brother helps me post the items.

Poppy with Grant Shapps MP

6. How do people join and much does it cost?

You can join my JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club at unofficialjackfmfanclub@hotmail. co.uk. It is FREE, FREE, FREE! 7. What do new members get? When someone joins my JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club they get a FREE Membership badge and a FREE Membership card made by me.

8. How do you keep in touch with the members? Every month I design an emailed newsletter about Jack FM and what they are doing.

9. How many members does the club have currently? At the moment I have 105 members. (N.B: One of the newest members is Stevenage MP, Stephen Mcpartland. Plus, the editor of this very publication is also a proud member of the JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club!)

10. Does the fan club have a website or facebook page? Yes, we have a Facebook page called JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club.

11. How do you see the fan club developing in the future? I want it to grow and grow and get as many members as I can. I would love to get famous people to join and I might even introduce it to all the other Jack FMs and go worldwide.

12. What career do you want to follow when you grow up? I want to be a radio DJ, like Dawn Easby.

13. What other interests do you have? I don't have a lot of time for anything else but love looking after all of my animals.

14. Who are your favourite singers/bands?

I like Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, The Wanted, JLS and lots of other bands. I also like listening to the 80's music that Jack FM play until my dad starts singing!

If you know of a Little Star who would like to share their sparkle do get in touch.

Say you saw it in

“Sound advice for a sound night’s sleep for you and your baby” • Are you simply but overwhelmingly suffering from lack of sleep?

• Does your baby need feeding/settling through the night?

• Do you need help/support to sleep train your baby?

• Does your child have sleep problems?

Tel. 07947 885887 www.nightnannies.com

Music for under 5’s St Albans Come & participate in our unique blend of songs, rhymes, music & drama 07933 153054 abiticktock@yahoo.co.uk www.ticktockmusic.co.uk “Tick Tock is brilliant, the highlight of my children’s week”

9

Education

Can stress be helpful?

Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed, hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes within our brain cells, helping memories to be retained in a more productive and efficient manner.

The stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin actually cause changes in the way the genes inside neurons function, so enhancing their learning ability. Professor Hans Reul, neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, said that the findings of his research suggests that studying while feeling stressed could help increase the ability of students when learning.

"We often find that unpleasant memories are the ones that stay with us for the rest of our lives,” says Professor Reul. Dr Reul warned that while some stress can be good for retaining information, too much stress may well have the opposite effect. "When we are extremely stressed it is not possible to pick up any new

10

information," he adds. "The brain goes into an override mode and so the memory formation is not efficient.”

Changes to SEN Special educational needs statements will be replaced with a ‘health and care’ plan – and parents will be given a personal budget to spend on implementing it, under new government proposals. The aim is to give parents whose children have SEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it will reduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because they believe too many children are currently given SEN status.

The new plans are being piloted from September 2011, and will be introduced nationally next year. www.education.gov.uk/ childrenandyoungpeople/sen/a0075339/ sengreenpaper

As fees rise, pupil numbers dip Fewer children are being sent to independent schools after average fees have climbed above £13,000 for the first time. According to the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the number of children in private education fell this year, dropping for the second year in a row as fees rose faster than earnings increased. Information from the ISC shows the average parent will pay £13,179 in annual fees this year which is a 4.6 per cent increase on last year. With the economic climate and the Coalition’s cuts already forcing families to tighten their belts, this increase is making private education less and less affordable.

Private school pupils fell by 786 this year.

However, school leaders are insisting that the figures actually show a positive result for the private sector in the face of enormous pressure on family incomes. “ISC independent schools are showing remarkable resilience against a difficult economic background, reflecting the high quality of education that our schools offer to parents and the value for money that this represents,” says David Lyscom, ISC chief executive. He continued to say that the average fee rise was the second lowest since 1994 and that this showed independent schools were "very sensitive to the needs of parents and doing everything they can to keep fees to a minimum".

Grasshoppers Day Nursery

Loving, caring and quality childcare in a homely setting

Open: 7.30am - 6.30pm Leahoe Gardens, Hertford, SG13 8BY 01992 556680

www.grasshoppersdaynursery.co.uk Say you saw it in

11

Summer Special Fourteen simple but fabulous things to do this summer

By Joanna Moorhead

The sun is out, the school holidays are almost here.

What are you going to do – ideally without spending a fortune – in the lovely, long (we hope!) summer ahead?

Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for how to enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.

Choose a night when the sky is very clear, and there’s no moon. Before you go out, look online or at a book about the constellations, and choose a shape to look for that should be visible at the time of year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Look out for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re an amateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation to spot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work things out, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. Always magical.

1. Visit a pick-your-own farm

6. Go cycling

“That was the best day of my life,” says my daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip a couple of summers ago to a pick-your-own farm. She loved everything about it: choosing which farm to go to beforehand, looking online at what would be in season on our visit, running around picking strawberries when we got there, and making jam and puddings with her fruit when we got home afterwards. There are more than 600 pick-your-own farms across the UK; to find some in your area, see www. pickyourownfarms.org.uk/

Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres, and head for a spin through a local park, along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. If you’re not sure what routes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk . Or, if you really don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility of hiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, invest in a baby seat – my children loved nothing more, as toddlers, than the chance to ride across the common singing nursery rhymes on the front of my bike.

2. Organise a street party If you enjoyed your Royal Wedding street party – or if you looked on enviously at other people’s parties – why not throw one this summer? It’s a lovely way to spend a summer evening – and if you don’t want to go to the hassle of getting the council to close the road, and you’re lucky enough to have a park or green space nearby, you could always hold it there instead. Simply drop invitations through your neighbours’ doors, and organise a planning meeting.

3. Plant a veggie grow-bag You don’t need any more space than a window-box, or a tiny space in your yard, for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids will love deciding what to plant, sowing the seeds, remembering to water them and then charting their progress from seedling to stomach.

Potatoes are an ideal starter veg if you’re new to growing.

5. Stargaze!

7. Build a den Den-building courses abound (see www. forestry.gov.uk or google them), and taking your kids on a course can give them ideas for dens for the entire summer. But you don’t need a tutor: den-building is as natural as breathing to most kids. Look for spaces that are especially conducive to dens – woods, of course, are ideal. If you’re confined to the garden, find some props to get them started – a huge cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve not got one to hand, try asking a local builder or large store whether they have any packaging you could have.

12

8. Go wild swimming... ...or even, if your kids are tiny, wild paddling?

Nothing beats the fresh, cool, vibrant feel of wild water on your face or even just between your toes. Some of my happiest summer days as a mother have been spent picnicking, and paddling, and even swimming in the streams and brooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire. For ideas of where to go to find wild water near you, see www. wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re an abject townie who really can’t get to somewhere with a stream or river, make do with a lido instead – www.lidos.org

9. Try sand sculpture Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind?

Start with a flotsam and jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.

10. Organise a rounders match Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket). Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.

11. Row a boat Everyone has a park with a boating lake somewhere within striking distance, so why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Make sure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from the hire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end up going round and round? It’s all part of the fun).

4. Pitch a tent in the garden Whether your family are regular campers or not, there’s nothing to beat the excitement of a tent pitched in the garden. If you don’t have your own, borrow one from a friend who camps – not too big, ideally, and not too difficult to assemble. Once it’s up, encourage the children to decorate it with all they need for a long, lazy day in the garden – cushions, blankets, books, iPods. And of course, lunch and tea can be picnics under canvas!

Stockist: French Connection www.french connection.com 0844 557 3285

12. Go fishing

Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage

Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out

without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

13. Borrow a dog You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning. To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.

14. Fly your kite The sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s a breeze fluttering: and what could be more fun than watching your child’s kite playing on the gentle wind? Kites don’t always fly first time, of course – they take practice. But most homes have at least one kite forgotten in a cupboard – or you can make your own, using dowelling and paper and glue. If you’re really keen, there are even professionals who’ll give you kite-flying lessons in windy spots across the country – see www.kitevibe.com

Step outside and explore River Lee Country Park

Excellent quality Children’s Day Nursery combining traditional loving care with stimulating educational programme to provide a well-balanced environment for your child.

• Children from 6 weeks to 5 years old • Open 7.30am – 6.15 pm Monday to Friday • Full-time or part-time (51 weeks) • Pre-School educational curriculum • French and music classes • CCTV for all rooms and secure door entry system

recently classified good by Ofsted

For more details call 01442 266119 www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

Where better to enjoy the great outdoors than the 1000 acre River Lee Country Park? Stretching between Waltham Abbey in Essex and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire there’s an array of activities on offer such as white water rafting, cycling, leisurely walks, bird watching, picnicking and more…

If you’re looking for somewhere to let the kids go wild, why not visit Lee Valley Park Farms where they can go and meet the animals, explore the dairy farm, let off steam in the play areas and meet loveable meerkats, baby lambs and llamas?

If you fancy taking to the water, you can always explore the area on a leisurely boat trip on the River Lee. You can hire rowing boats, pedalos and canoes from Lee Valley Boat Centre in Broxbourne.

If you’re after some down time, then cycle or ramble through the Country Park while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There are miles of way-marked pathways, traffic-free routes, and unspoilt countryside teeming with wildlife.

Why not pack your bags and make a weekend of it? Pitch your tent, snuggle up in a family cabin or park your caravan at one of the two family friendly campsites.

For more information visit www.leevalleypark.org.uk or call 08456 770 600.

Say you saw it in

13

Summer Special

Summer Safety

Take part in a Wild Adventure

Water Wise

Electricity - The Unseen Danger

Summer is the time for fun in water and most kids love it but water safety must be in the forefront of every parents' mind when their children are around water even in the bath or in the garden at home.

You don’t need to be reckless to have fun in the water and a few simple considerations can prevent drowning. By remembering some basic tips, you can keep yourself and other people safe in the water: • Teach your family to wave and shout if they get into difficulty – practice this whilst treading water.

• Tell children not to enter the water if someone else is in danger.

• Throwing a buoyant aid, stick, towel or whatever is at hand is the safest way to rescue a conscious person • If you see someone in trouble stay calm and try shouting for help. If no-one comes and you can’t reach the person call 999

During warm summer days we want to encourage children to leave their computer games and enjoy outside play. All well and good, but, they must also be aware of (but not frightened of) dangers that may lurk unseen so that they can play outside with confidence.

One of those dangers is electricity.

UK Power Networks (previously EDF Energy Networks), is teaching children about the dangers of playing near electrical equipment.

The Power Up website (www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powerup) has a variety of interactive challenges for children aged from 7 to 14 and covers the hazards of playing near substations and overhead power lines, how high voltage electricity can jump gaps and be conducted through anything, including fishing rods and kites, with tragic consequences.

Sonya Keating, UK Power Networks education adviser, said: “Electricity is a vital part of our everyday lives when used safely, however we want children to understand the potential consequences of interfering with high voltage equipment.”

For detailed advice about water safety go to www.capt.org.uk and www.lifesavers.org.uk

Products available from Matalan: www.

matalan.co.uk

The website also provides information and useful resources for teachers and parents in line with the National Curriculum. The UK Power Networks education team speaks to 170,000 students a year and intends to reach a million students by 2012. School visits can be arranged through the website.

Wildchild’s ‘Escape from Wildchild Wood’ is an outdoor adventure day, which involves young people on a mission to find pieces of a missing code. Children will make new friends and gain a sense of achievement with various team challenges including abseiling the ‘tower of terror’, orienteering, and building a base camp in the woods. The finale is a final escape down a 70-metre zip-wire!

Wildchild’s Founder, Lynda Regan, said: “We know from research, that encouraging young people to take part in outdoor adventure gives them greater independence, confidence, self-esteem and builds better social and teamwork skills.”

Escape from Wildchild Wood will take place on the 3rd, 11th and 17th August at Phasels Wood Activity Centre, Kings Langley.

For more information or to book visit www.wildchildactivities.com or call 0845 3717099.

Conveyancing Solicitor I have my office based at home. I deal with all types of Conveyancing; sale, purchase, remortgage, etc.

I choose to have a small practice where I handle everything myself. I offer a personal touch with flexible contact hours. Clients feel at ease coming to my office where children can play with the toys.

Call me, Rachael Matthews, on

01494 758573

or email: Rachael@rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk www.rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk

Call me for a quote or visit our website and use our online quote facility.

14

Summer What's On Compiled by Tricia King

Go to www.familiesherts.co.uk for full listings including theatre and shows.

HOLIDAY SUMMER SCHOOLS & ACTIVITIES BEST THEATRE ARTS Summer Courses Venue: Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01442 866118 www.besttheatrearts.com First Class Holidays: Beauty and the Beast 25-29 Jul – 9.45am-12.30pm Toy Story 1-5 Aug – 9.45am-12.30pm Pinocchio 8-12 Aug – 9.45am-12.30pm Theatre based summer holiday camps for 4-6 year olds.

First week £125, extra week £105, sibling first week £105, sibling extra week £85 Holiday Academy: Transworld Express 25-29 Jul – 10am-4pm All aboard the World’s first global train ride, visiting all kinds of weird and wonderful places.

But there are some who would rather the fun was derailed... Ages 6-16 GleeCamp 1-5 Aug – 10am-4pm The fun at GleeCamp is threatened by the arrival of the Purists - a group dedicated to quiet and contemplation. Can they be won over before the Glee finals? Ages 6-16 Merlin and the Dragon Callers 8-12 Aug– 10am-4pm Merlin and the Court of King Arthur must overcome the scary tribe of the Dragon Callers to rescue Guinevere and defeat Morgana! Ages 6-16 Fees: First week £150, each extra week £125, sibling first week £125, sibling extra week £105 BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01707 270772/3; 01707 262023 (bookings) www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 25 Jul-2 Sep – 8.30am – 6pm (weekdays, except bank holidays Age: 4-12 Cost: Hatfield Resident - £12 per day / Non Hatfield Resident - £16 per day

CAMP GOSLING Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk 27 Jul-2 Sep – 9.15am-3.30pm £23.50/ day for members, £28.50/day for non members DRAMA LLAMAS Summer Sessions 10 Aug – 9.45am Batford Memorial Hall, Harpenden 12, 15 Aug – 9.45am Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans.

Interactive storytelling & drama for young children & babies To book call 07718828697 or 07867793407.

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

HATFIELD SWIM CENTRE Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB 01707 276276 www.finesseleisure.com/swimming-pool HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 25 Jul-31 Aug - 9.30am-12pm & 1-3.30pm.

Water sports & boating activities. Book a half or whole day. The programmes can change due to weather conditions. Booking essential. Age 9+ Membership required.

Cost: Half day - £15, Full day - £28 HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com HYT Summer Show-in-a-Week!

22-26 Aug Prepare and perform an production in 5 days.

Age 7-18.

Contact 01992 581677 or youththeatre@inspirationalarts.org.uk HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk Junior Sports Camps Check venue for dates.

Sport camps aimed for all abilities. Age: 5-17 Prices vary depending on Camp.

TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? £500 – £2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business life” Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry” You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life …

If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242

Say you saw it in

15

Summer What's On KOOL KIDZ CAMPS 08456032858 or 07966483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.uk Applecroft School, Applecroft Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZ 25-29 Jul, 1-5, 8-12 Aug – 9am-4pm St John Fisher School, Hazelmere Rd, St. Albans, AL4 9RW 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 Aug – 9am-4pm A fun and friendly OFSTED regulated camp with staff that are qualified in childcare and first aid and are CRB checked. Activities include Arts and Crafts, sports, Go karts, Bouncy Castle, Radio controlled cars and more.

Ages: 4-11 yrs Cost: £30 per day; extended sessions available at extra cost KZR MUSIC rock@kzrmusic.co.uk www.kzrmusic.co.uk 01442 863906 | 07970 172977 Bridgewater School, Berkhamsted Rock Sessions 4-5 Aug – 10am-4pm 31 Aug-1 Sep – 10am-4pm Kids learn to arrange, play, write and perform as a band in small groups. Ending with a gig for family and friends. Ages 11-17.

MONKEY MUSIC SUMMER CLASSES 6 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BU 10 August - 10am-10.45, 11am-11.45am Christchurch Hall, Watling Street, Radlett WD7 7JJ 13 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am Levertsock Green Village Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG 18 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am Fleetville Community Centre, Royal Road, St Albans AL1 4QL 22 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am All Saints Church Hall, Cross Oak Road, Berkhamsted HP4 3HY £8 per child (£7 per extra sibling).

To book call 01727 831687 PERFORM DRAMA WORKSHOPS 0845 400 4021 or 0207 255 9138 www.perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk Fleetville Junior School, 228 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW A Midsummer Night's Dream 1-5 Aug – 2.30-4.30pm A week of acting, dancing and singing as we inspire the children's creativity in our version of this Shakespearean tale. Ending with a show for family and friends. For ages 8-12.

Peter Pan 1-5 & 22-26 Aug – 10am-12pm With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, your child will

16

enjoy a fun-packed week making new friends and putting together a lively show. For ages 4-8.

Cost: £140 PLAY IN THE PARKS 01727 827667 mark.caldwell@leisureconnection. co.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk/ playintheparks www.activestalbans.com During school holidays - check above contact details for venues and times. Sports sessions, Arts and Crafts, Drama Workshops, and Creative Games. For 5–12 yr olds (All under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult) PLINSTONKIDS Plinston Hall, Broadway, Letchworth GC Herts, SG6 3NX 01462 672003 www.plinston.com During school holidays – 10am-3.30pm A wide variety of activities and sports to be enjoyed.

Cost: £12.50, additional charges for early starts and tea time sessions.

RHODES ARTS COMPLEX South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk Pop School 11 1-5 Aug – 10am-3pm Five day for ages 7 -16.

To reserve call 07841 990611.

Price: £95 for the 5 day course, includes 1 FREE show ticket Extra tickets available for £5.

Let's Get Animated 8-12 Aug – 10am-3pm A programme of activities, and performances for 8 -12 year olds.

Book via Box Office 01279 651746 Let's Dance!

8 Aug – 10am-3pm One day workshop in street, hip hop and contemporary dance.

Cost: £25 Storytelling, Acting and Directing 9-10 Aug – 10am-3pm Acting, directing and mask making involving storytelling.

Cost: £50 Professor Heard's Magic Lantern Show and Moving Picture Workshop 11 Aug – 10am-12pm & 2-4pm A performance in the main auditorium followed by a toy making workshop.

Cost: £4 for performance, £8 for performance and workshop Animation Workshop 12 Aug – 10am-3pm A cut-out animation session.

Children will create their own movie.

Cost: £25

For free listing in What's On call 020 8428 6384 or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

Say you saw it in

17

Summer What's On Blast! The Week Long Summer Theatre School 21-27 Aug – 10am Stage a show in 7 days. Ages 10-18. www.phoenixtheatreschools. co.uk or call 08456 800 640.

Cost: £100 (includes FREE T -shirt Performance 27 Aug, 8pm Tickets: £8 adults (£6 concs) STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLS www.stagecoach.co.uk Summer Workshops 25-29 Jul, 1-5 Aug - St Albans 01582 609762 8 -12 Aug – Chorleywood 020 7622 1009 8 -12 Aug - Hemel Hempstead 01442 875977 Performing arts schools for 4-16 yr olds. Classes in Harpenden, Welwyn-Hatfield, St Albans, Potters Bar, Watford and more.

THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk Summer Schools 8-12th Aug – 9.30am-12.30pm & 1-4pm Sessions for 8-11 yr olds in the morning and for 12-15 yr olds in the afternoon.

Cost: £100 TOP HAT STAGE SCHOOL 01727 812666 www.tophatstageschool.co.uk Join in the fun in Borehamwood, Welwyn & St.Albans with our production of Disney’s “Camp Rock” in the summer holidays. For ages 4-17.

Ark Theatre, Hertswood School, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood WD6 1TR 8-12 Aug – 10am-3pm (10am – 1pm for 4-5 yr olds) St Albans Girls School, Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans, AL3 6DB 15-19 Aug – 10am-3pm (10am-1pm for 4-5 yrs) Stanborough School Lemsford Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6YR 22-26th Aug – 10am-3pm (10am-1pm for 4-5 yrs) WILD CHILD ACTIVITIES 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Archery St Albans Girls School, St Albans 3, 23 Aug – 10am-12pm Haresfoot School, Berkhamsted 8 Aug – 1.30-3.30pm For ages 7-12. Cost: £18 Outdoor Adventure Day - Escape from Wildchild Wood Phasel’s Wood Activity Centre, Nr Hemel Hempstead 3, 11, 17 Aug – 10.30am-3.15pm Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to find a secret hidden

18

code. Build a base camp from which to plan your team tactics and strategy (A survival skill that may come in useful should your mission fail!) For ages 8-12, bring packed lunch and drinks.

Cost: £30 Wildwheels Beginner’s Skateboard School Beaumont School, St Albans 1-2, 15-16 Aug – 10am-12.30pm Haresfoot School, Berkhamsted 8 Aug – 10am-12.30pm You don’t need your own skateboard - we bring the equipment. For ages 7-12.

Cost: £24 Wild Fashion Designers St Albans Girls School, St Albans 4, 18 Aug – 10am-3pm Haresfoot School, Berkhamsted 10 Aug – 10am-3pm For ages 8-12.

Cost: £25 Wild Animation St Albans Girls School, St Albans 9, 22 Aug – 10am-3pm Haresfoot School, Berkhamsted 11 Aug – 10am-3pm For ages 8-12.

Cost: £30 WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com 27 Jul-2 Sep – 8am-6pm Leave the kids at Willows Farm Village for the ultimate Activity Day Camp! Loads of adventures, fun and variety. Run with Kids Play Childcare, Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTED registered.

Call 01908 209217 or visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com PLACES TO GO ADEYFIELD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Turner Hill, Adeyfield. Hemel Hempstead. HP2 4LD 01442 242852 paul.banks@dacorum.gov.uk Term Time: Mon-Fri 3.30-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm School Holidays: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, closed weekends and bank holidays Activities during school holiday fpr 6-12 years; under 6's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Free BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9 01462 420144 www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk Dancing for Fun 28 Jul – 10am-12pm Enjoy Maypole Dancing, English Country Dancing and Singing Games. Advance booking required. £3 to include light refreshments.

BUTTERFLY WORLD Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, AL2 3NY www.butterflyworldproject.com 01727 869203 Open daily 10am-6pm (Last entry one hour before closing) Tickets: Adult £7.50, Concs £6.50, Child £5.50, under 3’s free HERTFORD CASTLE Hertford, SG14 1HR 01992 552885 Great Expectations – Open Air Theatre 3 Jul – 2.30 & 6.30pm Bring along a chair, rug and picnic to this production of Great Expectations. For ages 12-112.

Tickets: £3; available from Hertford Tourist Information Centre, 10 Market Place, Hertford, SG14 1DF 01992 554322 Open Air Band Concert and Teddy Bears’ Picnic 17 Jul – 2.30-5pm Bring along a, rug, picnic and your teddy bear. Free Rock at the Castle 7 Aug – 12.30-7.30pm A showcase of local bands. Free Open Day at Hertford Castle 21 Aug – 12-5pm Come and find out the history of Hertford Castle and visit the dungeons! All ages. Free HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Activity Sessions Please note the latest entry to activity sessions is 3pm; drop in.

Cost: £1.50 Creepy Crawlies 2-3 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Make a bookworm bookmark and a bug mobile.

Gruesome Bodies 9-10 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Make a puppet of a gruesome character from history.

Trainiacs 16-17 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Using junk build your own train.

Fairy Tales 23-24 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Things to make and do, themed around your favourite fairy tale characters.

Tudor-tastic!

30-31 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Make a lavender pomander and a clay Tudor house.

Model Railway Day 18 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm See our famous model railway layouts!

FREE entry but donations are welcome. Just drop in.

Activity Dippers 4, 11, 25 Aug & 1 Sept – 10.30am-3.30pm Try our Activity Dipper Bags for 50p! Things to make.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QR 01223 835000 www.iwm.org.uk Funday Sundays IWM Duxford is offering fun activities each Sunday.

Flying Legends 9-10 Jul Classic aircraft show.

LANGLEYBURY FARM Langleybury Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 8RW 01923 270603 Open: School Holidays and Weekends 11am-5pm.

LOVE PARKS WEEK 23-31 July www.loveparksweek.org.uk Get Park Active 2011 Southern Country Park, Bishop’s Stortford 26 Jul – 2-4pm Children's play area and fitness treasure trails, free 'swingball' activities.

Cost: Free Meet the Animals of Pishiobury Park Pishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth 28 Jul – 1-3pm Cost: Free Highfield Fete Highfield Park, St Albans 23 Jul – 2-6pm Stalls, rides, music. www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk Entry: Free, Programme £1 Wildlife Watch Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Stanstead Abbots 30 Jul – 2-4pm Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Contact: www.waterscape.com/ features-and-articles/events Cost: Free MILL GREEN MUSEUM AND MILL Mill Green, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5PD 01707 271362 www.welhat.gov.uk/museum MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Sunday Stories Story Time for the Under 7s.

Millie's Marvellous Hat 24 Jul – 3-4pm Great stories and lots of fun trying on our costumes.

Lost and Found 21 Aug – 3-4pm Join us for some stories and activities. £1 (Free to members of St Albans Children’s Book Group) Summer Holiday Activities Fun and Games 25-28 Jul – 10.30am-12.30pm Creative activities. The Monday session is for 6-13 year olds, all other sessions are for 8-13 yr olds

Mystery and Magic 16-19 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm Creative activities. Tuesday session for 6-13 year olds, all other sessions for 8-13 yr olds Cost £5 (£4.50 for Museum Friends) Sessions should be booked and paid for in advance THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM & STORY CENTRE 81-83 High Street Great Missenden Bucks HP16 0AL 01494 892192 Tues-Fri – 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun – 11am-5pm Get creative with our free craft activities enjoy our story-telling sessions. Daily during school holidays. No need to book.

ROLLERCITY Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX Box Office: 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest Holiday Skate Sessions 25 Jul-2 Sep – 2.30-4.30pm All Ages Single admission £5.50 Family Ticket 20% off Skate hire £1.30 Spectator 50p (redeemable in the RollerCity Tuck Shop up to the value of 50p VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Amazing Archaeology 16 Jul – 1-4pm Identify Roman coins and other finds, badge making and coin stamping. Mostly free, small charge for coin stamping.

(Entry charge to the Museum for non residents applies) Roman Oil Lamp Making 27 Jul – 2-4.30pm Drop-in craft activity suitable for children over 3 years Cost £1 (Entry charge to the Museum for non residents applies) Living in Roman Times 20 Aug 10am-4.30pm Demonstrations of Roman metal working and medicine, health and hygiene.

Free (Museum entry charge for non residents applies) Making Roman Fridge Magnets 24 Aug – 2-4.30pm Drop-in craft activity suitable for children over 3 Cost £1 (Museum entry charge for non residents applies) FUN DAYS OUT BLETCHLEY PARK The Mansion Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org

Family Fun Wednesday 27 Jul, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Aug – 12-4pm Family days. Craft activities, guided tours, spy workshops, trails, quizzes and more.

CELTIC HARMONY CAMP Brickendon, nr Hertford www.celticharmony.org 01438 718543 Primitive Skills Festival 29 Aug – 10am-5pm Spend the day with archers, woodsmen, storytellers and warriors. Tickets: £7 in advance KNEBWORTH HOUSE Park and Gardens, Knebworth SG1 2AX 01438 810931 www.knebworthhouse.com Daily from 13 Jul thru Aug – 11am-5pm Visit the dinosaur trail and adventure playground.

Tickets: £8 LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE Station Road, Waltham Cross, Herts EN9 1AB www.leevalleypark.org.uk Try out White Water Rafting, Kayaking and Canoeing on the course that will be used during the 2012 Olympics for the canoe slalom events!

Contact venue for prices.

MEAD OPEN FARM Stanbridge Rd, Billington,Beds, LU7 9JH 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Open daily 10am -6.30pm Contact venue for times and prices.

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane Broxbourne EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Open every day (except Christmas Day) Entry: Adult £16, Child £11 (save £1 when booked online) SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth nr Royston, SG8 6PZ 01763 26 22 26 www.SheprethWildlifePark.co.uk Park Entrance: Adult £9.95, Child & Concs £7.95 STANDALONE FARM Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN. 01462 686775 www.standalonefarm.com 11am - 5pm daily Contact venue for prices.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Summer Spectacular 23 Jul-4 Sep – 10am-5.30pm Explore the A-maize-ing Maze and take part in Sports Day Races where children can test their balancing skills in the egg and spoon race and bouncing ability in the space hopper race.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Woburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407 www.woburn.co.uk/safari Open daily – 11am-5.30pm Drive through the park and enjoy unparalleled close encounters with some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. Woburn also incorporates an Abbey, Golf Course and Gardens.

Entry: Adult £12.95, Child £6.25 WOODSIDE ANIMAL FARM Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG 01582 841044 www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Contact venue for times and prices.

ZSL WHIPSNADE ZOO Dunstable, Beds, LU6 2LF 01582 872171 www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/ Open daily 10am-5.30pm Check online for prices on the day of your visit. Online booking discounts apply.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS CHILLI FESTIVAL Benington Lordship, Stevenage SG2 7BS (08701)261709 garden@beningtonlordship.co.uk 28-29 Aug – 10am-5pm Chilli products, Chilli plants, delicious cooking, speciality beers & refreshments. Free parking.

Adults: £5, 12-16's: £2.50, Under 12's: Free.

FLAMSTEAD SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2011 Flamstead is just off the A5, South of Luton and adjacent to Junction 9 of M1 www.flamstead-herts.co.uk 01462 684214 19 Aug – 12-5pm 20 Aug – 10am-6pm 21 Aug – 10.30am-5pm Come and see over 90 scarecrows and vote for your favourite one!

Also enjoy other activities in the village.

Voting Forms: £2, £5 for a family (max 4); Programmes: 50p

photography, teddy bears picnic and more. Field parking at AL3 6JB. No need to book. Free RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD Hitchin Priory, Hitchin www.rotw.org.uk 9-10 Jul Music from around the world.

Advance tickets £7 Adults, £3 for children. Free for 5 and unders.

STEVENAGE SUMMER SAFARI 16 Jul - 11am-4pm Petting zoo, puppet making, bouncy castle, games and a talent show. www.106jack.com SUMMER FAYRE Letchworth Free Church Hall Gernon Road, Letchworth 01462682106 2 Jul – 10-11.30am Fresh produce, bric-a-brac, toys, books and more.

Free admission and car parking.

SANDRIDGE SCHOOL FAIR Sandridge School, Sandridge nr St. Albans 10 Jul – 11am-2pm Chinese food, cream teas, bouncy castles, games, tombolas, raffle and more.

WARE FESTIVAL www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk 01920 460316 2 July This year’s theme is Science Fiction.

WILLIAN FAIR Willian Village Green, Willian 01462 683359 10 Jul – from 2pm Tug-of-war, games, music, teas in the village hall and BBQ.

Small Adosard Notice B Parties

Childcare

HEARTWOOD SUMMER FESTIVAL Heartwood Forest, Sandridge.

AL3 6JE www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ heartwood 27 Aug – 11am-3pm Willow weaving, sketching,

Say you saw it in

19

Printed by Warners Midlands Plc, Bourne, Lincs., PE10 9PH. Copyright Families Herts 2011. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Herts is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents or for any consequences.