The Herts magazine with the information young families want
FREE Issue No.34 Sept/Oct 2010
HOLD TIGHT! IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL
You name it We label it!
Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear
T: 01635 298326
How to choose an afterschool club All the best half-term and seasonal Out & About stuff
Front cover image courtesy of Marks and Spencer: www.marksandspencer.com
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WIN a ‘Let’s Go To School’ DVD WIN a Life Book diary
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Deadline for Nov/Dec: 5th October
From your Editor …
In this issue:
Where are we?
Hello again, I hope you feel refreshed and rested after the summer break. It’s good to go away but it’s always great to return again to the familiar surroundings of home; which is how I feel about bringing you another issue of Families Herts magazine. At this time of year, school and education is always back on the agenda. We focus on Mr Gove's hot topic; free schools and academies. Plus, if it is your little one’s first foray into school we offer sound advice on dealing with the first few weeks. Of course, with school comes ‘after’ school and our Clubs & Classes feature focuses on the benefits of after school activities. No sooner has school resumed then it’s time for half-term! As always we’ve got lots of half-term ideas on our Out & About pages – with even more online at www.familiesherts.co.uk.
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The Parent Business News & Views Back to School Feature
Free schools and academies: the New Big Idea Back to school – a terror or a treat? Schools Notice Board
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.
Until we meet again, enjoy the fruits of autumn.
Shelley
11 Competitions 11 Tilly in the Village 12 Clubs & Classes Feature
Out of School Clubs & Classes
17 Out & About M&S girls uniform bootleg trousers from £9; pure cotton unisex jumper from £2; bootleg knitted trousers from £5; pure cotton cardigan from £3.50
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. Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk Copy deadline for Nov/Dec: 5th October
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The Parent Business and then get very worried when letters from the Inland Revenue start arriving. We help by handling as much – or as little – of the financial workload as our clients need… so they can focus on what they’re best at – which is running their business.” Whilst still ‘small’, Lisa has gradually built Numerii’s client base and she now employs seven people and looks after 70 clients. All of which is just too much for her kitchen table!
The business celebrated their move to new offices in Rickmansworth by holding an Open Networking morning that was attended by over 50 Numerii clients, family, friends and associates. Lisa plans to make this a regular event where small businesses owners have the opportunity to meet each other and find out about Numerii’s approach. To find out more email lisa@numerii.co.uk or call 01923 888661
Numerii H erts mum Lisa Davis knows about ‘small’, as well as being the Mum of two young children she also runs her own ‘small’ accountancy business. While working as a freelance bookkeeper Lisa could see that the small businesses she came across would benefit from financial advice from a professional that really understood their needs. So, in 2003 Lisa set up Numerii. Lisa says, “Small business people are usually so busy doing the business and keeping going, that what they want is friendly, efficient service that thinks and works just like they do – that’s where Numerii comes in!” “Many small companies love their business, but hate tackling the financial side of it. As a result, they ignore it
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News & Views 3 Peaks Challenge
Three cheers to four Herts mums who successfully completed the 3 Peaks Challenge. These four intrepid ladies faced the challenge in a bid to raise funds for Home Start St Albans
City & District and also for Maple Primary School, St Albans. The 3 Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon. This amounts to walking 22 miles, an ascent of 3000 metres and, at least, 13 hours of walking time. The four novices completed the climb in less than 24 hours and, so far, have raised £1,300. They chose to support Home-Start because it’s a family orientated charity. One of the walkers, Emma Mackay, a Home Start volunteer, said: “When I had my three children my family was a long way away and it can be a lonely experience - that's what encouraged me to volunteer for Home Start.” All donations will be equally shared between Home-Start St Albans and Maple Primary School. Donations are still being accepted. Go to www.justgiving.com/3-peaks-girls. To find out more about Home-Start St Albans City & District, to volunteer or fund raise visit www.homestartstalbans.org.uk or call 01727 833810.
Don’t Let The Weather Stop Play! 20% off for Families Readers This autumn, Polarn O. Pyret launch a Fleece Jacket made entirely from 25 recycled plastic bottles! The smart soft fleece is water repellent, wind proof yet breathable and never bobbles. Perfect for autumn days out, and as a middle layer when the weather turns cold. Their desire to make the best children’s clothes in the world starts with the vision to let children be children, and their layers concept for coats and outerwear is unique. Water repellent, breathable yet windproof fleece jackets, perfect for September become a cosy middle layer under a waterproof coat in mid-winter. Find out more from the friendly PO.P staff in your local
store or check out the website www.polarnopyret.com.
Polarn O. Pyret are offering all Families readers a voucher to get 20% off at Polarn O. Pyret, the Swedish brand for babies and children. To download your PO.P voucher go to www.familiesherts.co.uk/polarn
Get On Your Bike For Charity
This September thousands of people will be taking up the challenge of organising their own Big Bike Ride for charity, and you could be one of them. The NSPCC is asking people to do something brilliant with their bike and raise money for their Child’s Voice Appeal. The Big Bike Ride is an opportunity for all to get out and have some fun. It’s really easy to get involved, simply sign up for your free organisers’ pack at www. bigbikeride.co.uk, set a date and distance and get on your bike. Your Big Bike Ride can be any type of challenge, from a lap of the local park to a muddy mountain bike trail. Ask your friends, family and colleagues to join you and get sponsored to raise money for the NSPCC. All money raised by this year’s Big Bike Ride will go to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, which aims to raise £50 million over three years to help transform its help lines to answer many more children’s cries for help. To register visit www.bigbikeride.co.uk or call 0845 130 3073.
“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 4
For inclusion in News & Views pages please ring 020 8428 6384
News & Views Support for dads Cracking Cakes Kathy Newport, a creative mother of three from Harpenden, has gone into the cake business. Having given up a successful career in the advertising industry because of the long commuting hours she decided to turn her love of baking into a business. Her business, Cracking Cakes, make celebration cakes and cupcakes. Celebration cakes are important for all type of occasions such as; birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, passing a driving test or any other milestone that deserves to be recognised. Cupcakes are proving to be popular too and these can be decorated with traditional royal icing, buttercream or fondant icing and the choice of embellishment is endless. To find out more call 07713 742420 www.crackingcakes.biz.
“It’s been a life changing experience,” says Wayne Rooney on becoming a dad, a sentiment felt by most new, and very proud dads. But after the initial excitement of finding out their partner is pregnant, many dads feel they don’t receive as much help and support as mums-to-be, and when the baby arrives and the lack of sleep and new responsibilities sets in, they often feel unprepared and left behind. To help make life easier for dads, the NCT is launching a new set of resources including online booklets and a DVD to help them adjust to their role and handle the major changes that fatherhood throws up. “NCT recognises men have different needs to women when it comes to being a parent,” says Belinda Phipps, NCT Chief Executive. “All too often the focus is on the mother but dads need help too.” Free online booklets have been written by dads for dads and cover topics such as understanding the different stages of pregnancy, changing lifestyles and relationships and juggling life as a parent. So if you’re a dad and would like to find out more or to join NCT’s online support group go to www.nct.org.uk/dads. The ‘Daddy Cool’ DVD at £4.99 can be ordered from the NCT shop by calling 0845 8100100 or www.nctshop.co.uk.
Calling all bookworms This year, the theme for Children’s Book Week is ‘books around the world’. From 4-10 October, Children’s Book Week 2010 will hold thousands of events across the country, celebrating inspiring books for children of primary school age. Bookshops and supermarkets across the country will host author and illustrator talks as well as book swaps. David’s Bookshop in Letchworth (01462 684631) will be hosting ‘Get Your Child to Read - help for parents and teachers of reluctant readers’ on 6th October 7.30pm. This event is in association with publisher Barrington Stoke, a company committed to children with dyslexia and those who struggle to learn to read. For free downloads of all of the Children’s Book Week pack contents and to find out more go to the Booktrust website www.childrensbookweek.org.uk or www.booktrust.org.uk
Safety standards toughened Christmas might be a way off, but as we approach early Christmas toy sales it is good to know that two new standards introduced by ISO (the International Organisation for Standardization) aim to reduce the risk of a child being injured by unsafe equipment or dangerous substances. Millions of toys have been recalled around the world because of hazardous levels of lead or cadmium, choking hazards, dangerous magnets and other safety concerns, but now ISO 8124, the cornerstone of the global toy safety network, is determined to ensure the safety of children and minimize potential toy hazards. Find out more at www.iso.org
Why you should register on Families Herts We now have a fantastic new website to accompany your favourite mag, packed with lots of ideas such as what’s on, childcare, clubs and classes, children’s parties, holidays, going green and more. And now, if you register to the website, you can enjoy a whole lot more. As busy mums or dads we don’t have time to surf around searching for information, but as a registered user on our site you’ll enjoy an automatic listing of contacts in your area, relating specifically to the article you’re reading. For example if you read an article on party entertainers, a list of them will appear at the bottom of that article, as if by magic! The results of any searches you make will be tailored to your locality. In addition to the world of information at your fingertips there are regular competitions with fab prizes on offer. What more can you ask? Register to our site today – it’s easy, it’s free and only takes seconds.
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Back to School Free schools and academies: the New Big Idea By Joanna Moorhead
Education, education, education. That was another government’s mantra – Tony Blair adopted it as his slogan in 1997 – but it could as easily fit the bill for the new Conservative/ Liberal Democrat coalition. Why so? Well, according to education secretary Michael Gove, major changes are afoot...and they’re the sort of changes that many parents have campaigned for over the last few years. In an age when an increasing number of mothers and fathers have questioned all sorts of issues around their children’s schools, Gove has a new message: do it yourself. ‘Free schools’ are the government’s Big New Idea, and here’s how the idea will work. First, you need a group of parents (plus maybe teachers, and other interested parties) who feel there’s a need for a brand new school in their area. Next, you need to gather your case – and get as many supporters as possible. You also need to put together evidence for why the school you’re planning is necessary – which may be, for example, that it’s providing a secondary school in an area that doesn’t already have one, and where a lot of children have to travel large distances to get to where they’re being educated. Or, you may want to set up a school with a particular faith bias. Alternatively, you may think that the existing schools in your area are too large, and that some children would benefit from a much smaller establishment. There’s an organisation called the New Schools Network whose job is to talk through whether plans for a new school are viable – their website is packed with useful advice on how to go about gathering the momentum, the documents, the funding and the premises you
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need to make a school happen. Setting up a new school, as the site says, isn’t easy – but the network aims “to make it as easy as possible” and promises that it will “shortly be publishing data on sites, budgeting, and detailed guides on the process of setting up a school from start to finish”. Despite the major cuts that lie ahead in public spending, Mr Gove has promised £50 million to cover start-up costs for free schools. And he’s also given his word that the current planning laws and building regulations, which conspire to make life difficult for parents’ groups trying to set up schools, will be reformed. The government believes that ‘free schools’ have the potential to raise achievement in areas where local authority-run schools aren’t providing a good education – and he points to the US for evidence that his scheme will work. There, he says that some of the most successful schools have been set up by groups backed by parents and teachers – and he’d like to see the same thing happen here. There’s a similar scheme, too, in Sweden, which again has seen the foundation of many successful schools. But the free schools scheme is only part of the new government’s plans for education. The other main policy concerns academies; shortly after being appointed education secretary, Mr Gove wrote to every primary, secondary and special school in England inviting them to apply for academy status. Academies, like free schools, are outside of local authority control and are funded by private organisations, or by central government. Earlier this summer, Mr Gove said seven in ten top secondary schools had expressed an interest in getting academy status – and he hoped that
Back to School 2010 Tesco clothing www.clothingattesco.com
the ones who did forge ahead with this would help drive academic standards higher, because it would give them more autonomy than they have at the moment. Parents and teachers have worried about academies being too exclusive, and discriminating about special needs pupils; but Mr Gove has promised that academies will be governed by admissions codes which will guarantee fair access to all, and safeguard the inclusive character of comprehensive schools. In all, the reforms Mr Gove is promising have the potential to provide the biggest shake-up in state education in a century, with parents in the vanguard. Watch this space! To find out more go to www.education.gov.uk and www.newschoolsnetwork.org
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Back to School What critics say… While Academies and Free Schools are being championed by the Government, they are not without their critics. Some say that Academies, Trusts and Free Schools pose a threat to democratically accountable local authority schools. They claim that public assets will be given to wealthy individuals or corporations to run schools and that this will create chaos in planning leading to financial waste and inequality in the overall provision of education.
… about Academies: Although the Government maintain that the system will help all pupils, some critics
warn that the changes risk fragmenting state education, with the most disadvantaged children being the losers. Ed Balls, the former Labour Education Secretary says “I think it will be very unfair and we will end up with a two-tier education system, the opposite of what the Academies programme was about”. The best performing schools are being targeted to become the first new Academies, but by doing this the best teachers and the extra money they would attract would be taken away from local authority schools as well as the money that local authorities hold centrally for support services. The intention for the original Academies was to give failing schools a boost. Although some of the data suggests it has not been wholly successful, the intent could be seen to be in the right direction, however, the new
Academies scheme will give more money to the schools that are already doing very well.
… about Free Schools: Some of the arguments raised against Free School are the same as those raised against the new style Academies. The Free School model reflects the system in place in Sweden but one study suggests that Swedish-style free schools may increase social divide by increasing racial and social segregation as middle-class parents pull their children out of comprehensives. The shadow education secretary, Ed Balls, says that Free Schools in England will increase segregation between social classes. To find out more about these points of view about Academies and Free Schools go to www.antiacademies.org.uk
Back to school – a terror or a treat? By Joanna Parry Whether your little one has started a new school or nursery or has just returned after the summer break, the first days back at school can be difficult. Starting school is a major milestone and whilst some kids rush into their new classroom, unfazed by new faces, for others it’s stressful and scary. And it’s not just the kids battling mixed emotions - we parents can suffer too. We’re reluctant to accept that our little ones are going ‘out into the world’ – they still look so tiny and their new uniforms dwarf them! It can be difficult to predict how you and your child will react to the first days and weeks of school but with the right approach this can be an enjoyable time. Even if the first day goes well it can still take time to settle in, as your child slowly realises that school is a permanent feature of their lives.
Useful websites: www.talkingtots.info www.speciallittleproducts.com www.activityvillage.co.uk
• encourage small talk: talk to your child about their day, but don't be surprised if you get little back. “What did you do at school today?” often gets the reply “nothing” or “I can’t remember.” Try asking specific questions: “who did you sit next to at lunch?”, “did you use the computer at school today?” You’ll get a much more positive response • homework adds pressure too. Give your child two choices of when to do it – they’ll feel empowered and be more cooperative. • Read to your child as much as you can - it builds up vocabulary, helps them perform better, it makes a good bedtime routine, it is also a very precious moment between parent and child • stick week-planners to the fridge to keep on top of school life. www. activityvillage.co.uk has printable rosettes, badges and medals that you can use as rewards, plus back to school games, activities, crafts and jigsaws • cut down TV time. TV is stimulating, say Relax Kids, and may cause sleep problems, especially if the TV is in the child's bedroom. On the other hand exercise and playing sports are great stress-busters. Let them run off their anxiety and they’ll sleep better too! • walk to school. It’s a great time to chat and catch up and it gives your child a chance to wake up properly, ensuring they are refreshed and ready for the day. Make sure you start this good habit on Day 1, and don’t turn back! • set a good regular routine with healthy meals and early nights, baths and even massages before bed. A new range of products called Aromagels combine aromatherapy with reflexology to aid sleep and restlessness. For these, plus tips to aid sleep visit www.speciallittleproducts.com Relax Kids have great CDs for children to help them either simply relax, or de-stress, see their range on www.relaxkids.com • why all the rush? Leave half an hour early and stop to play in the park. Make it fun: run, kick a ball, spot caterpillars, collect leaves, marvel at the changing seasons. Most children nowadays are nature deprived, incorporate nature in your routine.
or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk
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Back to School
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Deadline for Nov/Dec: 5th October
Back to School
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Back to School
School Notice Board Westbrook Hay Children Win National Writing Competition
The English department at Westbrook Hay School is thrilled to have four winners from their entries into the ‘Myths, Mysteries and Magic’ national writing competition run by Haileybury School. The winners were: Alice Ripper (First place Merit), Shri Lekkala ( First place Merit), Georgia Hurley (Second place Merit) and Alex Burgar (Second place Merit). On 1st July Alex, Alice, and Georgia attended a reception where they met famous author and poet, Nick Toczek, and received their awards. They also listened to a dramatic reading of ‘Peter Pan’ accompanied by the orchestra and then listened to a 200-strong choral performance by junior and prep school children of ‘The Dragon’s Cantata’, written by Nick Toczek. Shri Lekkala's award was collected by Alex Burgar as he could not be at the ceremony. The four winners, who had no adult assistance with their pieces and who all produced a very high calibre of writing, have made their teachers feel very proud. To find out more about Westbrook Hay School call 01442 256143 or visit www.westbrookhay.co.uk
Village School - Outstanding Teachers, parents and pupils from St Helen’s C of E Primary School in Wheathampstead are celebrating two glowing inspection reports, one from Ofsted and the other from the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools (SIAS). The inspection teams were impressed by the strong leadership of the school and the confidence and community of pupils, saying: “Extremely effective leadership and management have ensured outstanding outcomes for individuals and groups of learners. With very strong support from knowledgeable governors, the Head Teacher has established a school that demonstrates a commitment to developing each pupil’s self-esteem and maintaining high standards.” Andrew Emeny, Head Teacher of the school said: “It really is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teachers and governors here who work so hard to make St Helen’s School a great place to learn, grow and have fun. For more information call 01582 832106 or email admin@sthelens.herts.sch.uk
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The Ryde School
St Christopher School – a different school
St Christopher is an independent school with a difference. Its students attain outstanding results at GCSE and A level without competition or intense pressure. The informal nature of the school (all are called by their first names and there is no uniform) helps to create relationships based on trust, respect and co-operation. The recent inspection by ISI concluded: “The School meets its aim to help pupils develop curiosity, competence and judgment. In lessons and written work, they show a high level of understanding with no difference in standards between boys and girls. The pupils’ excellent behaviour contributes to the progress they make in their work.” The Montessori Nursery, for “rising 3s” and 4-year-olds, provides a wonderful environment for the youngest pupils to start their journey through childhood. The Junior School (ages 4 to 11) has a long tradition of excellent pastoral care and high expectations. The curriculum is challenging, stimulating and fun. The Senior School curriculum (ages 11 to 18) is designed to enable all children to achieve their best, both academically and in their personal development. A close and supportive environment makes for a rich and rewarding educational experience.
The Ryde School, Hatfield, is in the running for a national environment award – and the possibility of representing England in the European Business Awards for the Environment. The school has already beaten local businesses to win the Gold Green Apple Award for Hertfordshire, in recognition of their project to develop an eco-friendly school, and they now automatically progress to the national awards. For the past three years the school has run a major environmental programme involving the whole school community and the wide community. The school have adopted a number of environmental policies including lobbying the local traffic office for an extension to the Alban Way Cycle route, to encourage more children to cycle to school; a walking bus scheme to encourage children to walk, a scheme that has now been adopted by other schools. These efforts have resulted in a significant rise in the number of children and parents cycling and walking to school and the surrounding area has benefitted from reduced congestion. The school has an eco-committee made up of pupils, governors, teachers and parents and the children have suggested many ways of recycling and saving resources – such as recycling paper; switching off lights and taps; flushing loos and composting fruit and newspapers. If the school is successful at the national level, they will be invited to collect their award at the House of Commons in November.
For more information call 01462 650947 or call admissions@stchris.co.uk
For more information call 01707 267333 or visit www.ryde.herts.sch.uk
St Albans High School for Girls St Albans High School for Girls Primary, based in Wheathampstead, recently held their annual Independent Learning Week. This year’s theme was ‘The Great Outdoors’. The girls were guided to take this theme and to develop their own learning in individual ways. During the week, the beautiful grounds provided an unrivalled learning resource on the school’s doorstep! Each class spent some
time walking, sitting, reading or working in the garden. Some children devoted time to tending the vegetables that they are growing. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children were inspired by a walk in the woodland where they made memory sticks. The Year 5 children researched different geographical features of a variety of countries and produced their own books of information. In Year 1, the children sang songs about their experience working and playing outdoors. The Year 6 children covered many different areas but two highlights were making model volcanoes that erupted as well as making models from natural clay that they discovered in the grounds. On the final day the children came together and shared their learning; each year group proudly showed their teachers and fellow pupils, something they had achieved during the week. For more information call 01727 853800 or visit www.stahs.org.uk
Competitions WIN a 'Let’s Go To School' DVD Leap Frog's latest DVD has been created to calm the fears of youngsters as they begin school. It’s the day before their first day of school and Tad and Lily are nervous. Their magical ment rtain firefly, Edison, is there Ente e Hom Gate s © Lion . to help. Edison takes UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved the twins on a tour of
their new classroom where they discover the classroom is more nervous than they are! As well as learning to love school life they also find out about Reading, Counting, Days of the Week and Animal Families. This curriculum based DVD is ideal for preschool children. Plus, there is the added benefit of online support documents for parents to use. Let’s Go To School is fun, informative and accessible making it an easy way to help
WIN a Life Book diary Keep on top of family life throughout the school year with a fantastic Life Book diary from Organised Mum. This week-to-view diary starts in September 2010 and lasts for 16 months and incorporates a number of innovative features including tear out shopping lists and event stickers and plenty of space for diary entries, meal plans and budgets. There is also a portable address book which can be moved to next year’s diary and a handy pocket
for paperwork so you can keep all your lists, notes, plans and appointments in one place. The Life Book is available from www.organisedmum.co.uk for £12.99 together with a range of diary accessories including gorgeous zip-round covers and colourful page markers. Visit the website or call 0845 644 7507 for a brochure to see the full range of Organised Mum home stationery products.
your little one with transition to school. Let’s Go To School is released on 6th September. RRP: £9.99 For your chance to win one of six copies of 'Let’s Go To School'complete this sentence:
The name of the magical firefly is … To enter online go to www.familiesherts.co.uk and click on the ‘Herts Competitions’ tab. To enter by email send your answer to editor@familiesherts.co.uk with the subject line ‘Let's Go To School’. Closing date: 30th September
Organised Mum are offering 5 lucky Families Herts readers their very own Life Book diary. For your chance to be one of them answer this question:
How many months does an Organised Mum Life Book diary last for? To enter online go to www.familiesherts.co.uk and click on the ‘Herts Competitions’ tab. To enter by email send your answer to editor@familiesherts.co.uk with the subject line ‘Organised Mum’. Closing date: 30th September.
Competitions and Reader Offer Terms: Only one entry to each offer/competition per email address. The Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative. These terms and conditions are applicable to all the offers and competitions on these pages.
Tilly in the Village©
Tilly in the Village © is created by Cleo Harrington - founder and director of Art in the Village©. Art in the Village© is an arts company offering classes for children and Adults, Art Holidays and Art college application folio guidance. Check the website for more details: www.artinthevillage.co.uk or call 0779 290 5979.
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Clubs & Classes
Out of School Clubs and Classes By Robina Cowan
DEVELOPING INTERESTS outside the home is rich in rewards, from new social skills to those of the particular activity. If you’d like your child to join a local class but don’t know which one, let their interests guide you. There’s no point sending a painfully shy child to a drama class if they’ll be cowering in the corner when a good drum-bashing session or IT club would bring them out of themselves more effectively. If they babbled from an early age, they may find a second language comes easily; if they’re forever throwing themselves all over the sofa, consider a gym, swimming or dance class to focus their energies; if they’ve scribbled on the walls since an early age and can’t eat their fish fingers, carrots and peas until they’re carefully rearranged on the plate, consider art and craft or pottery classes, for example. Finally, find an activity your child will really enjoy. If their interest flags, or changes after giving it a good shot, don’t be afraid to look around for a new activity which might suit them better as they grow and develop. Read on to discover the many benefits of out of school activities.
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Perform Drama Classes www.perform.org.uk 0845 400 4000. Sessions held in Welwyn GC, Sawbridgeworth, Chorley wood, Rickmansworth.
Arts, Crafts and Cooking From the earliest age, children just love to make things. Admittedly they start by making a mess, but in time their painting, sticking, kneading and moulding start to take a pleasing, recognisable form. When clutching a big paintbrush, sticking pasta to a piece of card and squeezing play dough, children are developing motor skills which will later be fine-tuned to manage tasks such as writing and using cutlery effectively. Furthermore, the early attempts are stimulating many senses while introducing new techniques and textures. Little Cookies Age: 3 yrs to starting school. Parent and children have fun with food together. Each week there is a new theme which children will learn about through the cooking activity plus craft activities, stories and songs. 01727 839444 www.little-cookies.co.uk
Clubs & Classes
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Clubs & Classes
Wobbly Brushes: www.wobblybrushes.co.uk 01727 836909 / 845485
Wobbly Brushes Wobbly Brushes is an arts, crafts and messy play club. Children have fun whilst creating works of art in a stimulating, happy and secure setting. Parents are encouraged to help their child explore through creative play. Wobbly Brushes also nurtures the development of fine motor skills and concentration. www.wobblybrushes.co.uk 01727 836909 / 845485
Dance, Sports and Exercise Britons are among the fattest people in Europe - so much for the 2012 Olympic effect. Yet pass any school playground at break time and the majority of children are running around, for the sheer exhilaration of moving at speed (typically exercising their lungs too by screaming at the same time!). If your children are naturally active then they’re following their instincts, but those slumped in front of the television or computer could do with a nudge towards a regular activity they’ll come to look forward to. Aquababies Age: Birth – 4yrs Aquakiddies/Babies swimming courses run in 5 week blocks. This unique programme encourages the early development of baby's natural swimming skills as well as enhancing their general health. Babies progress into the Toddler class at age 12-13 months. Classes are also available for older children. 01273 833101 www.aquababies-uk.com
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Celtic Harmony Long Bow Archery Club Based at Celtic Harmony Camp, this club teaches how to shoot a wooden longbow (think Robin Hood etc) from qualified instructors. Prior to joining the club children (from age 7 yrs) or adults need to complete six hours tuition in the basics of the sport. This can be done by signing up for a two part Longbow Discovery Course (dates coming up soon are: 11, 18 Sept or 9, 16 October, 10am-1pm) £30 per morning. Once completed there’s the option of joining the club. Club sessions are run on weekends and take place in the woods and the archery field. 01438 718543 www.celticarchers.org Footsteps School of Dancing Established in 1996, the fully qualified Footsteps team teach Ballroom, Latin and Disco/freestyle to children from age 4 up and also to adults. Learn just for fun or enter the dancing exams which are held twice yearly. Classes are held afterschool and during holidays. New term starts Monday 6th September. 01462 673895 www.footstepsschoolofdancing.co.uk Little Kickers Introduces young children to the art of football. There are four levels: Little Kicks (18mths–2yrs 3mths), Junior Kickers (2yrs–3½yrs), Mighty Kickers (3½–5th birthday), Mega Kickers (5–7th birthday). Open to boys and girls of all abilities with the emphasis on learning by having fun. Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Stevenage, Hertford. 0208 581 4252 St Albans, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead & Harpenden. 01442 878 026 www.littlekickers.co.uk
Clubs & Classes Music A 2009 Booktrust survey found that almost two thirds of parents do not regularly sing or read nursery rhymes to their children because they did not believe they had any educational value. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that no matter the level of skill, music is one of the best ways to help early language development. Like speech, music has structure, rhythm and rules. It introduces new words and concepts through repetition, encourages turntaking, and helps children develop listening skills and attention spans. While some children can take to the violin or piano like ducks to water, it may be more rewarding to start in group singing, percussion and rhythm classes first to learn and appreciate the basics before taking on trickier instrument tuition. Even preschool music classes which include rhythmic singing and clapping songs are contributing so much more than a bit of weekly fun. Caterpillar Music A lively and happy music class for parent and child. Offers classes for 'Caterpillars' exclusively for babies and toddlers (0-18 mths) plus mixed classes for 'Butterflies' (0-4 yrs). Classes last 40 minutes and a new theme is introduced each week (e.g colours, the farm, the jungle, the weather). Live music and exciting props add interest and stimulation to young minds. 01727 753413 www.caterpillarmusic.com Monkey Music 3 months – 4 yrs. Monkey Music have recently received the award for the 'Best National Preschooler Development Activity from What's On 4 Little Ones. The classes use action songs, rhymes, music and movement, percussion and musical games to introduce music to very young children in a way that is stimulating and easily understood. St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Radlett, Bushey - 01727 831867 Harpenden - 0845 680 0248 www.monkeymusic.co.uk
High Notes Age: 6 months – 5 yrs. High Notes classes encourage the little ones - with their grown ups - to have fun making music with instruments, colourful props, singing and action songs. 01494 725408 www.highnotes.co.uk Tick Tock Music Age: 6 months-5 yrs. Tick Tock present a different performance each week and encourage their young audiences to participate in singing, actions, role-playing and song identification. Live keyboard accompanies the songs which are linked by amusing play acting scenes full of colourful costumes props and puppets. 07933 153054 www.ticktockmusic.co.uk
School Support & Languages As soon as children have a grasp of numbers and arithmetic, countless other tasks become easier. In almost every other subject and in many walks of life, arithmetic and maths are needed and a weakness in this area will hold your child back. Extra maths classes not only help improve a grasp of numbers, but help in confidence and add to children’s achievements long-term. Given that babies learn their mother tongue practically before anything else apart from motor skills, it makes sense that they can be introduced to a second language before it starts rolling into the school curriculum later in life.
Fun music sessions for babies & children
Puppets, instruments, songs & lots of surprises! Book your FREE trial class St Albans / Hatfield /Welwyn We also offer amazing parties! Tel no. 01727 753413 www.caterpillarmusic.com
Wobbly Brushes Arts, crafts and messy play club in St. Albans 01727 836909 Drop-in/pre-bookable classes available Come and join in the messy fun
www.wobblybrushes.co.uk
Barbara Jezewska's Home Education Service Offers a personalised learning service. Barbara has experience as a primary school teacher and is also an Arts Specialist. 01462 678259 bjez@hotmail.co.uk Kumon Kumon's unique approach to teaching English and maths enables children to develop their learning skills. Kumon aims to nurture confident, independent learners who will be able to face challenges in school and beyond. See Kumon advert for your nearest centre or visit www.kumon.co.uk
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Clubs & Classes raps all leading to an end of term presentation. Designed for 4–8yrs. Classes in Welwyn Garden City, Elstree, Sawbridgeworth, Brookmans Park, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Northwood, St Albans, Tring, Harpenden, Berkhamsted. Perform Plus is for 8–12 yrs and the theme will be A Christmas Carol. The ever increasing popularity of Perform Plus means sessions are now held in Harpenden, Goffs Oak and St Albans. Also, Mini Ps for 3 mths-3 yrs. Free trial session available. Call 0845 400 4000 www.perform.org.uk
Magikats: Call 01438 238288 www.magikats co.uk MagiKats At the weekly MagiKats workshops students, aged 4 to 16 work in small groups. Students work at their own level with materials that support their school work, and all work is in line with the National Curriculum. Sessions are planned to ensure each student gets the maximum benefit through a range of approaches. The structured workshops encourage students to focus and become totally absorbed, and concentrate not only on Maths & English, but also on the vital study skills that are needed across the curriculum. Call 01438 238288 www.magikats.co.uk
Theatre and Performing Arts Drama is a wonderful extension of the ‘let’s pretend’ games young children love to play. Classes open and extend children’s imagination through role play and characterisation. Working to a theme or play introduces literature, classic stories and make-believe worlds which come to life through speech, song and movement. Students explore empathy for their characters and classmates, and learn to work effectively in groups, growing in confidence as they learn to express themselves more fully. Before too long, students learn to speak clearly
in front of others and stand up tall when entering a room - attributes which will serve them well whatever their choice of career. Plus end of term performances offer the chance to showcase their new skills in front of an appreciative audience. Best Theatre Arts Age: 3 mths-3 Yrs (Best Beans) / 4-6 Yrs / 6-16 Yrs / 14-16 Yrs. Children will realise their individual potential and learn the value of team work. They develop confidence, self discipline and communication skills. Weekend schools and holiday courses. St Albans. 01442 866118. www.besttheatrearts.com Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Age: 3-18 Yrs. Children learn dance, drama and singing with specialist coaches, whilst gaining confidence and social skills. 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Perform Classes have separate sections, incorporating singing, dancing and acting, helping each individual child with their confidence, concentration and communication skills. The autumn term theme is the Wild West! Children will learn songs, dances and comic
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools Age: 4-16 Yrs. The skills to act, sing and dance are professionally taught in small classes and are designed to build confidence and develop communication. Every weekend during term– time. Some schools run holiday workshops. Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead 01442 875977 Chorleywood 020 7622 1009 St Albans 01582 609762 Harpenden 01525 717567 Hertford 0845 6036140 Stevenage & Letchworth 01462 811120 Welwyn-Hatfield 020 8441 5922 Potters Bar 01438 213854 www.stagecoach.co.uk Top Hat A part time theatre arts school for children aged 4-17 yrs. Top Hat offers an exciting environment where children are trained in dance, drama and singing. Top Hat is dedicated to developing performance skills as well as having fun and building self-confidence. Courses offered range from regular weekend schools in various locations, to Street Dance classes and even Parties. Call 01727 812666 www.tophatstageschool.co.uk Stagefrights Stagefrights Theatre covers all aspects of drama, including character development, basic theatre skills, improvisation and use of your imagination. Stagefrights believe drama is about having fun and gaining confidence and they encourage students of all ages to express and enjoy themselves through the medium of drama – all in a safe environment.
Older children’s programme now available, all levels, all ages!
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”
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Out & About We aim for accuracy but please check with the venue in case details have been changed. For the full listings go to www.familiesherts. co.uk and click on ‘What’s On’. Have fun!
THEATRE
How to Train Your Dragon 27 Oct – 2pm A young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons befriends a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed. Cert: PG Tickets £2.50 THEATRE
THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Peppa Pig’s Party Live On Stage 18 Sept - 1pm & 4pm 19 September - 10am & 1pm It’s Peppa Pig’s birthday. You can join in the fun for her perfect party. Brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks! Tickets: £14.50, £12.50 concs. BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson Room on the Broom 19 Sept – 1.30pm & 3.30pm 20 Sept – 10.30am & 1.30pm A daft dog, a bizarre bird and a friendly frog; one after the other, they all hop on the broom for a ride...but it’s not meant for five! Age 3+ Tickets: £10 Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas! 27 Oct - 11am CBeebies Presenter Andy Day brings his much loved humour to this high energy children’s comedy. Age 4-11 Tickets: £8.50 MALTINGS ARTS THEATRE The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3HL Box Office: 01727 844222 www.stalbans.gov.uk/mat FILM The Princess and the Frog 11th Sept – 2pm A fairy tale, set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans about a girl named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince. Cert: U Tickets £2.50 Remember Me 22nd Sept – 12pm A cinema treat for mums and their babies. A romantic drama focuses on the lives of two new lovers. Cert: 12A.Tickets £5.00 (£4.50) (Babies are free) The Back Up Plan 13 Oct – 12pm A cinema treat for mums and babies. A romantic comedy about a woman who conceives twins through artificial insemination, only to meet the man of her dreams on the very same day. Cert: 12A Tickets £5.00 (£4.50) (Babies are free)
Pip’s Wildlife Garden 25 Sept – 3pm Puppets, storytelling, songs and music. Go with Pip to the wild, glorious, overgrown jungle at the bottom of her garden. Age 3-6 Tickets £5.00 Piratephernalia! 30 Oct – 3pm A raucous, rambunctious, rousing, extravaganza of pirate fun! Dress up or go as you Aaaaar!! Tickets £5.00 THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE 01442 228091 www.oldtownhall.co.uk Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! 18 Sept – 2.30pm The friendly bus driver leaves us with one instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!”The Pigeon, however, is very clever and whines, pleads and sings to get his own way. Age 3+ Tickets: £6 / £4 Dacorum Card holders How The Koala Learnt To Hug 23 Oct - 2.30pm A tale about the magic of family and the importance of a nice warm hug. Age 6+ Tickets: £6/£4 Dacorum Card holders THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Rocks 25 Sept – 1pm & 3.30pm 26 Sept – 1pm & 3.30pm Join Fireman Sam as Pontypandy hosts its first music festival. Age 3-7 Tickets: £14, £12 (Under 16s), £44 (Family Ticket - 4 people) Andy & Mike’s Big Box of Bananas 2 Oct – 1pm CBeebies Presenter Andy Day brings his much loved humour to this high energy children’s comedy. Age 4-11 Tickets: £8, Family Ticket £30 (4 people)
Tom’s Midnight Garden 16 Oct – 11am & 2pm Tom and Hatty are children in need of companionship and both play in the garden. Age 5+ Tickets: £9
The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business. 31 Oct – 2pm & 3.30pm Follow Mole’s travels as he meets a variety of outlandish and amusing characters. Tickets: Adults £9 / Concs £7
RHODES ARTS COMPLEX South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk The Frog Princess 2 Oct – 2.30pm A farmer orders his 3 sons to find brides. Each prince must shoot an arrow into the air, and marry whoever finds it. Two perfect princesses return the arrows to the eldest two brothers. Unfortunately a frog finds the third brother’s arrow. Age 3-7 Tickets: £9.70/£7.50 concs The Giggle Hunters 17 Oct- 2.30pm A charity show in aid of The Laughter Specialists who bring laughter to children in hospitals, hospices, special needs centres and schools. Tickets: £7 Tom’s Midnight Garden 29 Oct – 2.30pm Tom and Hatty are children in need of companionship and both play in the garden. Age 3+ Tickets: £9.50/£7.50 concs
WYLLYOTTS CENTRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottscentre.co.uk Arabian Nights 3 Oct – 11am A journey through roasting deserts, scented markets and fish-filled seas, using puppets, masks, storytelling and music. Age 5+. Tickets: £5 Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas 30 Oct – 11am CBeebies Presenter Andy Day brings his much loved humour to this high energy children’s comedy. Age 4-11 Tickets: £8.50, £7.50 concs
TRESTLE ARTS BASE Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ 01727 850 950 admin@trestle.org.uk www.trestle.org.uk Arabian Nights - The Lost Tales of Sheherazade 26 Sept – 2pm & 4.30pm A journey through roasting deserts, scented markets and fish-filled seas, using puppets, masks, storytelling and music.
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HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN, 01707 270772/3 www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 25 Oct-29 Oct – 8.30am-6pm Sports, arts & crafts, games/ sports, cookery, party games, soft play, dancing, Wii. Age 4-7. Cost: Hatfield Resident: £12.80 per day / Non Hatfield Resident £16 per day. CAMP GOSLING Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk 25-29 Oct – 9.15am-3.30pm Tennis, gymnastics, football and trampolining. Junior Base Camp (4-7 yrs). Base Camp (8 - 10 yrs). Sports Camp (11 to 14 yrs). Junior Gym sessions (12–15 yrs). All day multi activity sessions.
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Out & About HOLIDAY PLINSTONKIDS Plinston Hall, Broadway, Letchworth GC. 01462 672003 www.plinstonlive.com 25-29 Oct . Main session – 10am-3.30pm; Early Bird and Tea-timers sessions available. Structured play with the emphasis on fun. Age 5-12. Prices vary according to sessions required. Please ring for details. HATFIELD LEISURE CENTRE Travellers Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8TJ Tel: 01707 276276 25-29 Oct 9am – 5pm Play scheme during the school holidays. Rounders, dodge ball, gymnastics, football, trampolining, arts & crafts, dance, bouncy castle. (Activities vary daily). Age 8+ Please ring for prices. HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ, 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 9.30am-12noon/1-3.30pm 25 Oct-Climbing/Caving 26 Oct-Bushcraft/Bell Boating 27 Oct-Adventure Games/Kayaks 28 Oct-Sailing/Climbing 29 Oct-Caving/Climbing No experience necessary, membership required. Age 9-16 Cost: Half Day £12, Full Day £23 MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Half term Holiday Activities 25, 27-29 Oct - 10.30am-12.30pm Creative activities for kids. Tuesday session: 6-13 yr olds. All other sessions: 8-13 yr olds. Cost £5 (£4.50 for young friends). Book in advance. Sunday Stories 31 Oct – 3-4pm ‘Winnie Flies Again’. Age: under 7s. Cost: £1 PLAY IN THE PARKS 01727 827667 jane.roskilly@leisureconnection.co.uk Half Term Activities 25-29 Oct Please contact to confirm times and venues. Supervised play in a safe and stimulating environment at a park or open space. Age 5-12. Under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5’s may participate with the help of an adult. Free. Just turn up.
MUSEUMS BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS 01462 420144 admin@hitchinbritishschools.org.uk www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk Heritage Weekend 11- 12 Sept This year’s event will mark 200 years of education on the museum site.
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Please check with museum for times and prices. Sunday with the Family 26 Sept – 2.30pm- 4pm Experience a Victorian lesson. Lessons at 2:30 and 3:30pm. Be punctual and wash your hands thoroughly! Normal Museum entrance times and charges apply.
Corn Dolly School - Craft Taster Day 25 Sept – 10am-4pm With local craftswoman Jane Woolman, learn about the history of this ancient tradition. Make your own Corn Dolly. Booking essential, call 01707 271362. Age 12+, with parents. Cost: £20
HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 hertfordmuseum@btconnect.com www.hertfordmuseum.org Heritage Open Day - Bygone Shops in Hertford 11 Sept – 12-4pm Explore Hertford’s shops of the past through photos and reminiscences. Add your own memory! Free Toddler Tuesdays 14 Sept – Jolly Pirates 12 Oct – Autumn Colours Crafty activities, toys to play with, share a story! Book in advance. Children must be accompanied at all times. Cost: £1 per child From Pinky and Perky to Postman Pat: Children’s TV Characters from 1950 – 1990s 9 Oct – 31 Dec Visit the temporary exhibition of toys based on TV favourites from 50s-90s. Free 100 years of Guiding Display 23-28 Oct – 10.30am-3.30pm Find out all about the history of guiding. Children’s activities. Drop in. Admission Free, activities £1 per child The Big Draw Jigsaw 30 Oct – 10.30am-3.30pm Create a self portrait for inclusion in the Hertford Big Draw Jigsaw! Drop in. Cost: Free
VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Heritage Open Days 9-12 Sept Free entry all day Saturday, and after 2pm on Thurs., Fri. and Sun. Roman Food and Drink Demonstration 3 Oct – 2:30-4:30pm Cost: Free, but museum admission fee applies. Boudicca: Queen of the Iceni Tribe 27 October Meet the amazing queen and enjoy a storytelling session by Boudicca at 2:30 and 3:30pm. Cost: Free, but museum admission fee applies.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP3 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Big Bugs exhibition 26 July - 21 Nov – 10am-5pm Be amazed by the world’s most enormous insects and arachnids. Young visitors can creep and crawl through the Big Bugs exhibition on a gallery trail. Free Skeletons and Skulls 28 Oct – 10.15-11.15am A spooky hands on session to discover more about the creepy collection of animals - just in time for Halloween! Booking essential, through Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, 01442 851227. Cost: Child £2 MILL GREEN MUSEUM AND MILL Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD, 01707 271362 www.wellhat.gov.uk Open: Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays - 2pm – 5pm Milling days: Tues, Wed, Sun (call to confirm)
PLACES TO GO ASHRIDGE ESTATE Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1LX 01494 755557, 01442 851227 (visitor centre & box office) ashridge@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-ashridge Family Deer Walk 16 Oct – 8am Booking essential, ring visitor centre for tickets. Tickets: £5/Adult, £3/Child. BLETCHLEY PARK The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org Family Fun Wednesday 1 Sep – 12-4pm Enjoy spy workshops and lessons in sending Morse code. Interactive displays about the role of pigeons during WW2 and children’s guided tours. Age 4+ Contact venue for prices. Churchill Weekend 4-5 Sep – 10.30-5pm Displays & lectures connected with Winston Churchill and Bletchley Park. Contact Venue for prices. CELTIC HARMONY CAMP IRON AGE VILLAGE Brickendon Lane, Brickendon Nr. Hertford, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org Longbow Archery Discovery Courses 11 September, 9 October - 10am-1pm Learn how to shoot a Longbow from qualified instructors. Age: 7 yrs+ Tickets: £30. Go to www.celticarchers.org for more information. Winter Celebrations 24-30 October – 10am-5pm Spend the day with Celtic archers, storytellers and warriors. Try pumpkin carving and dare to visit the haunted forest! Tickets: £7 online, £9 at the door.
For free listing in Out and About call 020 8428 6384
Out & About Samhain Winter Festival 31 October – 10am-4pm Celebrate the Celtic New Year. Carve a pumpkin, make a broom or a wand and lots more! Tickets: £7 online. £9 at the door Winter Storytelling Evening 31 Oct – 4.30-5.10pm Stories of Pixies and Faeries for all ages. Tickets: £5 online 31 Oct – 6-8pm An evening of storytelling with a Halloween theme. Age: 8+ Tickets: £10 online Both events must be booked online in advance IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QR 01223 835 000 www.iwm.org.uk Tank Demonstrations & Tank Rides 26 Sept, 3 Oct – 2pm You must be at least 4 feet 2 inches (128 cm) or more. Tank rides from 2.30pm cost £5.00/ person/ ride. Museum admission applies: Children (0-15) FREE Adult (16+) £16.50 The Duxford Air Show 10 Oct The 65th birthday of the glorious B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B. Activities for all ages, including funfair rides, bungee trampolines, tank rides and demonstrations. Free child ticket with every adult ticket, and 10% discount, when booked in advance. HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Fireworks Display 5 Nov – Gates: 5pm, Bonfire: 7pm, Fireworks: 8pm Held in the park, there is plenty to do before and after the grand firework display. Cost: Adults £5, Child £3, Car £20, People carrier £25 KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth Park, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Jousting in the park 5 September The Spectacular Knights of Royal England offer medieval entertainment. Shows: 12.30pm / 2.30pm Classic Motorcycle Show 12 September Back by popular demand for a second show, everything for the bike enthusiast. Tickets (Inc. House): Adults £8 (£10.50), Children (4-16) £8 (£10), Family Ticket (4 persons) £28 (£37)
Pumpkin Trail & Treats 27-29 October – 12noon– 4.30pm. Pumpkin activities and the trick or treat pumpkin trail (goody bag prize on completion), meet the bats. At 4pm join a twilight - if you dare! Limited numbers booking essential 01438 810931. Tickets: Adults £2.50 / Children (2-16)£4.50, under 2s free. Lunch £4 per person. The house, park and playground will be closed. PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Open: 9.30-6pm See tigers, lions, monkeys, zebras, camels, penguins and more. Animal Spooktacular 23-31 October With Ghosties and Ghoulies Show daily on 28-31 October at 3pm. Tickets: Adults £16, Children £11. SC £11 (Book online and save £1 pp), Family Ticket: (2a & 2c) £50. Family Ticket (1a & 1c) £25 LANGLEYBURY FARM Langleybury Lane, Kings Langley, Herts, WD4 8RW 01923 270603 www.langleyburyfarm.org Open: School Holidays and Weekends 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £3, Child £1.50 Halloween Party 30 Oct – 6pm Contact venue for details. WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Open: 10am– 5.30pm Willows Pumpkin Festival 16-31 Oct Receive a free pumpkin from Willows Pumpkin Patch for every child admission. Enjoy a pumpkin carving area with prizes for the best pumpkin and Willows very own Pumpkin Olympics. Check online for prices on the day of your visit.
LOCAL EVENTS HERTFORD CASTLE Hertford,SG14 1HR 01992 552885 Beating Retreat and Scottish Country Dancing 5 September
or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk
Scottish dancing for all to enjoy. Castle open to the public. All ages. Free Castle Open Day 12 September Guided tours of the Castle. All ages. Free Castle Open Day 3 October Castle open to the public. Face painting and other children’s activities. All ages. Free SHENLEY PARK Radlett Lane, WD7 9DW 01923 852629 www.shenleypark.co.uk Apple Day 17 Oct – 12-5pm Adult £1.50, Children free
PARTIES Jacqu’in the box, 07948 371615
www.jacqinthebox.com. Fairytale, popstar, sport theme parties 0-9 years
Your local party ware supplier
0845 413 0533
www.partykingdomuk.co.uk
Kid’s Entertainer 01923 720040 www.auntiejulie.com
NCT NEARLY NEW SALES Baby equipment, including prams and cots, childrens clothes up to 10 years. Also maternity wear, all gently used. Cheshunt, Broxbourne & District Branch Wolsey Hall, Windmere Lane, Cheshunt 11 Sept – 11.15am-1pm (11am for members) Entry: £2; £1 after 11.30 Herts North Branch King Schott School, Stevenage Road nr Hitchin 18 Sept – 10.30am-12pm (10am for members) Entry: £1 St Albans & District Branch Nicholas Breakspear School, Colney Heath Lane, St Albans, AL4 0TT 19 Sept – 10.15-11.30am (10am for members) Entry:£1.50 Harpenden & District Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden 25 Sept 10am-12pm Entry: £1 Welwyn Garden City Branch Stanborough School, Lemsford Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6YR www.nctwgc.org.uk 3 Oct 12–2pm (11.30am for members) Entry: £1 or free with cake donation. Bishops Stortford Branch Bishops Park Community Centre (near Tesco) 3 Oct – 2.30-4pm (2.20 for members) Luton Branch Ascot Rooms, Co-op Club, Stockingstone Road, Luton 13 Nov 11am-12.30pm (10.45 for members)
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PANTO PREVIEW Aladdin 25 Nov - 1 Jan Watford Palace Theatre, Watford, 01923 225671 Cinderella 10 Dec - 31 Dec Broxbourne Civic Hall, Hoddesdon, 01992 441946 Jack and the Beanstalk 10 Dec – 1 Jan Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford, 01279 651746 7-31 Dec Watersmeet, Rickmansworth, 01923 711063 / 727387 Peter Pan 10 Dec – 2 Jan Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488 11 Dec – 9 Jan Wycombe Swan, Wycombe, 01494 512000 Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood 16 Dec – 19 Dec Eric Morecambe Theatre, Harpenden, 01582 762880 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates 21 Dec – 26 Dec Maltings Art Theatre, St Albans, 01727 844222 Sleeping Beauty 11 Dec – 2 Jan Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, 01707 645005 Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs 27 Nov – 23 Jan Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage, 08700 131030
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www.familiesherts.co.uk editor@familiesherts.co.uk 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk
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