Families Herts Jan-Feb 2011

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

FREE Issue No.36 Jan/Feb 2011

Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer www.marksandspencer.com

Nursery Special

BERKHAMSTED & HEMEL HEMPSTEAD CHORLEYWOOD ST ALBANS HARPENDEN HERTFORD

01442 875977 020 7622 1009 01582 609762 01525 717567 0845 6036140

STEVENAGE & LETCHWORTH POTTERS BAR

01462 811120 01438 213854

Next Issue Mar/Apr: Childcare

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From your Editor …

In this issue:

Where are we?

Hello readers,

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Competitions

Families Herts is back with the first issue of 2011! Can you believe where the time has gone?

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year break and are now ready to look forward to 2011 and all it holds.

This issue we get the ball rolling with our Nursery Feature which has lots of advice and information for you.

If you are already feeling a little jaded then our New Year, New Resolution article by Relax Kids will get you refocused.

As always, Out & About is choc-a-block full.

Do make sure you go online to www.familiesherts.co.uk for some great competitions and for more of everything.

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News & Views

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Nursery Feature:

Choosing a Nursery – Childcare and

Early Learning.

Nursery News

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.

Shelley

11 New Year, New Resolution

“I’m going to relax more…”

12 Out & About Cover image: Marks and Spencer Autumn/Winter 2010 Kidswear Knitted Dress and Hat from £20

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 March/April: 1st February

www.marksandspencer.com

Competitions

Childcare qualified Fully CRB Police checked First Aid Qualified

We provide traditional, sports, themed, disco’s and pedal go-karting parties Also available: face painting, catering, party bags, bouncy castle hire For more information please call Karen on

0845 603 2858 07966 483 508 www.koolkidzparties.co.uk

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Deadline for March/April: 1st February

Say you saw it in

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News & Views

News & Views

me&i, a range of gorgeous kids clothes from Sweden, is coming to the UK. The company was started in 2004 by two Swedish mums. The clothes represent Swedish design at its best – high quality, funky colours and cool prints that are very comfortable to wear.

Shopping for the kids is a laid back affair with me&i. A me&i representative will come to you and showcase the clothes so you and your friends can get a good look at the products in a comfortable environment.

Growing from the overwhelming success of Little Kickers soccer the Little Kickers SW Herts team have now launched Little Rugby classes in Harpenden & St Albans. With the same high quality coaching, venues and customer service – it’s the same people but a different ball!

The emphasis in both the rugby and the football classes is giving the children a positive introduction to sport. Little Rugby focuses on the child’s upper body control and co-ordination whilst Little Kickers focuses on the lower body.

The Little Rugby classes have already received great feedback and the children are thoroughly enjoying themselves whilst learning new skills.

For more information or to arrange a free trial session call 01442 878026 go to www.littlerugby.co.uk.

Debut for Debutots!

Make-believe play is crucial in helping to develop communication and literacy skills in young children. Research suggests that children who have good speaking and listening skills at an early age are better prepared for formal school and learn to read and write more easily.

Through Debutots' blend of interactive storytelling and dramatic play, imaginations soar, communication skills grow and creativity and confidence blossom. Debutots Early Years Drama has been specifically developed to link to both the EYFS and KS1 curriculum. Local mum, Claire Millins, has launched Debutots classes in Harpenden, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City

Les P’tizamis me&i are looking for people to join them as self-employed representatives. If you are thinking about returning to work or if you want a job that fits round family life, go to www.meandi.eu or call 07725 030 821 to find out more.

Perform in Harpenden Perform, just opened in Harpenden,uses a mix of drama, dance and singing designed to bring out every child’s potential. Focusing on The 4 Cs (Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration), Perform work with 8-12 year olds in small groups that ensure children get individual attention from experienced teachers. So, whilst having lots of fun, children are also developing their social skills. Classes in Harpenden will be on Tuesdays at Harpenden United Reformed Church, Vaughan Road at 4 pm and 5pm.

For a free trial session call 0845 400 1272 or visit www.perform.org.uk

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Les P’tizamis is a baby and toddler playgroup for children aged 0 to 4 and their parents. The playgroup is for bilingual families where French is spoken at home. The group shows children that it is not just their Mum or Dad speaking French. The playgroup has lots of toys and offers creative activities such as crafts, story time and nursery rhymes. The children are encouraged

The Nursery Exchange Set up by St Albans mum Natalie Lacon, The Nursery Exchange is a new website that lets parents buy and sell second hand maternity, baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment (up to age 10 years).

Buyers can make huge savings on essentials while sellers can clear their house of kit their children have outgrown, recouping some of the money they originally spent. There is no listing fee and sellers pay 9% commission once the item is sold so there’s no risk involved.

To become a buyer or seller register at www.thenurseryexchange.co.uk

Play for Arsenal!

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing football for Arsenal - now’s your chance!

Local charity, Hertfordshire Postnatal Illness Support (HPIS) have organised a charity match (Arsenal Ex-Professionals & Celebrities versus the HPIS Charity Select) and they are putting one team place up for auction. The lucky winner will play with the likes of ex-Arsenal stars Perry Groves, Chris Whyte, Andy Linigan and Ian Allinson as well as rubbing shoulders with a host of other sporting and TV celebrities.

Scheduled for Sunday 27th March all event proceeds will be shared between HPIS, Arsenal Charitable Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

It’ll be a fun family fun day out with a children’s penalty competition, a dad’s penalty shoot out and local football teams playing a mini six-a-side tournament. Plus, face painting, bouncy castles, a raffle, a tombola and tasty food and drink. Entry is £3 for adults before the day or £4 on the day.

Under 14s free. The winner will be the highest bidder (minimum bid £100).

Bidding starts at 12 noon on 21st February and closes on 13th March at 6pm. Email your bids to andrew-farley@sky.com.

For more details call Charlotte 01727 826627 or Sally 01707 262790.

e s FR tim E at E es

me&i Fashion

Complete Residential & Commercial Refurbishment Company Extensions, Loft Conversions, New Build, Decoration, Kitchens, Bathrooms and All Property Maintenance.

Tel: 01727 868844 Mob: 07915 088929 www.reshapeinteriors.co.uk

Manor gets a Makeover and Hemel Hempstead. So, whether you are a nursery, a school or are interested in parent/ child classes call Claire on 0800 612 7636 to find out more or to book your free trial.

to speak in French and all the activities are in French. Parents also meet outside the group and organise social events and celebrate French holidays such as Bastille Day! On 4th March, Les P’tizamis will celebrate their 4th anniversary in French style with cakes, raffles, and more….

The group meet every Friday during term time between 9.45am and 11.15am in Dagnall Street Baptist Church, Upper Dagnall Street, St Albans, AL3 5EE. To find out more visit www.ptizamis.com.

High Elms Manor, formerly known as Garston Manor, has recently been transformed with the help of Channel 4’s “Country House Rescue”. High Elms Manor is an elegant, 200 year old, grade 2 listed, Georgian property situated in Hertfordshire, on the outskirts of Watford. Surrounded by 21 acres of land it is a stunning location for weddings, conferences, meetings, team-building events and parties of all kinds. The Manor is also home to High Elms Manor Prep (see advert on pg7), a specialist Montessori school.

High Elms Manor is due to be featured on Channel 4’s “Country House Rescue” in early 2011.

For further information go to www.highelmsmanor.com.

Best Fund Raiser

A Quick Read on World Book Day 3rd March is World Book Day and all children’s centres, schools and breakfast clubs are being invited to bring parents and children together for Family Reading Breakfasts, the biggest family reading activity ever!

Reading contributes greatly to developing children’s literacy skills. Having parents or carers that read, and that read to their children often and from an early age has a positive impact on their learning and achievement. Encouraging a love for reading could have a real benefit for families.

Quick Reads are ideal for busy parents because they offer exciting, dramatic and funny stories.

They are inexpensive short books written by bestselling writers and celebrities.

To find out more contact your nearest children’s centre or school or visit www.quickreads.org.uk where you can order your own book pack.

For inclusion in News & Views pages please ring 020 8428 6384

Last Autumn, Best Theatre Arts held a Halloween Hullabaloo Bring-aFriend session and raised over £200 for The Children’s Society.

Best Principal Annette Holland said: “Our students brought friends along in scary fancy dress to all our classes. There were prizes for the most original costumes and great fun acting, singing and dancing was had by all!

The Spring term is Best’s ‘show’ term and exciting plans are afoot.

For more information call 01727 759634 or email bestarts@aol.com

or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

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Nursery Feature

Nursery Feature

Choosing a Nursery – Childcare and Early Learning

By Robina Cowan

C Fun, stimulating learning environment (birth - 5 years).

Fully qualified and dedicated staff delivering the EYFS. Secure sensory garden and rubberised play area.

Open 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri (8am-6pm available on request), 52 weeks of the year.

hildcare comes in a range of shapes and sizes, including willing relatives, nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs. Apart from you of course, do nurseries offer the best childcare? That depends on what would suit your child – and finding a good nursery. If your child would thrive on the constant stimulation of other children and adults they trust, using a wide range of toys and outdoor facilities then the answer is probably yes. Other advantages include year-round care and the experience of qualified staff, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time parents.

However, if your child is timid, doesn’t like competing for attention, prefers peace and quiet or isn’t ready for such a structured day, then don’t miss our next issue which will focus on nannies, childminders and other childcare options. For now, let’s look at nurseries.

35 West End, Ashwell.

Easy access from A505 and A1M. Call: 01462 742219

When and where to start

• Small, homely and very secure environments • Excellent ratio of qualified and experienced staff • Structured day and play based educational input • Registered for Gov’t funding for 3 & 4 year olds • Extensive and well-equipped gardens • Full year or school term-time calendars • Full or part-time care for 0 to 6 year olds • Separate Baby Unit with own gardens • Bilingual - French/English teaching • Parent & Toddler group Thursday mornings Easy access to A41, M1, M10 & M25 For information please telephone: 01442 879762 PlayPlus continues to meet the childcare needs of working parents and teachers. www.playpluskindergarten.co.uk

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Nurseries with the best reputations tend to be hot property, and baby units are more scarce than places for 2-5 year-olds, so start looking well ahead of the time you’ll need a place, and join a waiting list if necessary. Some mothers start while they are still pregnant; others wait until their child is a babe in arms and they have a better idea of what they need.

If you don’t know of any local nurseries, try our advertisers - they’re here because they want you to know about them. Otherwise, the Families Information Service can supply a list of registered childcarers in your area by phone on 0800 2346 346 and online at www.childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk.

Your child’s needs Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of the nurseries you are considering, go and look around and ask lots of questions to see if they would suit your child. Although all nurseries follow Ofsted government guidelines, there is room for interpretation in the way the childcare and learning are delivered. For example, private nurseries might serve organic, freshly cooked meals or include additional activities such as dancing, French and outings.

Consider issues such as your child’s daily routine (nap times, type of food provided etc), staff qualifications and experience, staff to child ratios and what the staff turnover is like.

Check that you are happy with the range of toys and equipment available, cleanliness of the premises, security, the policy on discipline and late collections. Ask to see the latest Ofsted report or read it online. Find out if there are any extra charges for nappies, meals, certain activities and the cost of the deposit to go on the waiting list. Factor in the time it will take you to travel to and from the nursery, probably during rush hour. After all this, the most important thing is to absorb the atmosphere and look at whether the children are relaxed and happy, and members of staff are responsive and caring.

Help with the costs

www.highelmsmanorschool.com enquiries@highelmsmanorschool.com Tel: 01923 681103

Nursery fees very greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered, but can be from around £100 to over £200 a week.

1. Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three and four year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

2. Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase.

At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

3. Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary. Parents can save up to £1000 a year by reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions.

To read an extended article go to www.familiesherts.co.uk/nursery

Say you saw it in

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Nursery Feature

Nursery Feature

Nursery News

Stepping Stone Preschool

– Find out what’s happening…

PlayPlus

Established in 1989, PlayPlus Kindergarten is set in a converted bungalow in the rural village of Bourne End. With excellent staff to child ratios (Baby Unit 1:2) we offer a loving, homely environment, with extensive, secure gardens for outdoor play and education.

Parents can choose between full year or school term time calendars, full or parttime sessions, allowing childcare and work commitments to fit neatly together particularly for teachers.

We aim to be ‘green’ and use washable nappies and also get the children involved in recycling.

The children are introduced to the care of animals with regular visits from the farm, nocturnal animals, reptiles and mini-beasts.

We support The Hospice of St. Francis with our Summer Fete and plant sales, raising £1,377 thanks to the hard work and generosity of staff, parents and children. The children also enjoyed our ‘spotty funday’ for Children in Need, raising over £130 through a cake sale, lucky dip and donations.

We also run a regular Parent & Toddler Group every Thursday morning. For more information or to arrange a visit call 01442 879762 or go to www.playpluskindergarten.co.uk

Northwood College’s innovative Early Years Centre ‘Good Thinking Habits’ at Northwood College start in the Nursery! Girls are encouraged to ask ‘big thinking questions’ about the world around them. The school’s bright, spacious and innovative Early Years Centre is the perfect environment for this. The classrooms boast white boards and computers with colour coded keyboards. In the library the girls can ask the ‘big questions’ and try to find some of the answers.

There is a strong emphasis on learning through play. The outdoor play areas are designed to promote physical development and encourage independent learning. The space is used in all weathers and the children have their own stock of wellington boots!

In Reception, the open plan classroom enables the children to develop their social and emotional skills, their language

and communication and fosters creative development. Here teaching is more structured with a greater emphasis on reading and writing.

The best way to experience Northwood’s Early Years Centre is to see it for yourself at one of their Spring Open events. (See ad on page 9 for dates). For more details call 01923 825446 or visit www.northwoodcollege.co.uk

Lynda MacPherson, Manager of Stepping Stone Pre-School, tells us why she is so enthusiastic about the new term: “New Year brings a new term and new opportunities for exploring and learning. With Santa just a memory it would be easy to feel uninspired but at Stepping Stone Pre-School it’s the opposite!

This term our focus is on cultural diversity.

We’ll be taking a look at how boys and girls from countries all over the world live their lives.

Our exciting outside space will be used to its fullest potential. Even in less than clement weather we are outside, wrapped against the elements, utilising the nature area, the learning huts and the cabin area under the climbing frame. We make footprints in the snow, find cobwebs in the web-catchers and explore the outside digging area.

The Pre-School offers extra curricula activities, at no additional charge, and these are linked to our learning plan. This term we will be experiencing ‘Music Train’, French language classes and Yoga which will all tie in with our theme. The children are also looking forward to sharing and celebrating the Chinese New Year when we will feast on rice and noodles and other yummy dishes.

We are fortunate to live in an amazing world and I for one look forward to embracing it with open arms as we enter 2011.

For more information call 01438 813070 or visit www.steppingstonepreschool.org.uk

Gentle Beginnings at the Rudolf Steiner School Families with young children from birth to three are welcome to visit the parent and child groups at the Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley. Our sessions offer the opportunity to relax, have a cup of tea and enjoy some peace in the warm, family-like atmosphere. Children enjoy purposeful play with natural toys in a safe, friendly environment. Sessions include a wholesome snack, seasonal songs and rhymes, outdoor time in our lovely spacious garden and a gentle puppet show at the end. We also offer a group for parents with babies from birth to twelve months.

Three to six year olds may attend our

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kindergarten, where children have time to grow and develop through gentle nurturing and support of their teacher. At the age of six, they may continue to the main school. The Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley is coeducational, fully comprehensive and welcomes boys and girls from all backgrounds, cultures and creeds.

Parent and Child Sessions: Mon 10.45am-1pm, Tues 1pm-3.15pm (£6), Tues, Wed and Thurs 9am-12am, (£7) Parent and Baby Group: Fri: 11.30am-1pm (£5) For details: www.rsskl.org or monilebon@gmail.com or ring Moni on 07989 572585

Deadline for March/April: 1st February

More information: For Hertfordshire nurseries listed by town go to www.hertsdirect.org.

Read more local childcare articles on our website www.familiesherts.co.uk.

For local nurseries and links to their Ofsted reports, go to www.findmyschool.co.uk The National Day Nurseries Association provides a lot of useful information including a free checklist to take on your visit, and contact details for NDNA member nurseries.

Visit www.ndna.org.uk/parents or call 01484 40 70 40.

The Preschool Alliance website has useful sections for parents and practitioners, including links to find local PLA childcare.

Go to www.pre-school.org.uk.

Say you saw it in

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Nursery Feature Busy at St Edmund’s Prep Christmas is a busy and very exciting time for every nursery and at St Edmund’s Prep nursery the ‘Cygnets’ had a very busy few weeks, find out what they got up to…

The autumn Open Afternoon saw the children hunting for acorns, conkers and fallen autumnal leaves and then making some beautiful leaf prints and crafts with all that they had found.

The afternoon finished with some food tasting of seasonal fruits and vegetables and, of course, a few games too.

Cygnets were very lucky as Father Christmas came to visit the children’s party with a sack full of goodies. They were also entertained by a brilliant magician who also had them dancing and singing. The term culminated in a wonderful nativity play called ‘Whoops-a -Daisy Angel’ with all the nursery children being fantastic little angels and singing beautifully.

To find out more about St Edmund’s Prep or to arrange a visit call 01920 824239 or visit www.stedmundscollege.org

Mount Carmel Kindergarten Tucked away in Sandpit Lane, St Albans is Mount Carmel Kindergarten which occupies a fairy tale Log Cabin surrounded by playing fields. It was built in 2000 when the growing nursery school needed bigger premises. Mount Carmel was set up in 1985 by Lucia and Franco Federici, who are parents of ten children themselves. Lucia believes that their continuing success is due to the importance she places on the children’s emotional security which is fundamental to successful learning.

“We want every child to absolutely love coming to nursery each day, and when I open the door I expect them to come running in.

When children love their first experience of school its stays with them for the rest of their lives and equips them with a positive outlook for future learning.”

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in Physical Education and Dance, where they develop and express themselves through dance, movement, balance and ball skills.

For more information call 01442 256143 or visit www.westbrookhay.co.uk

Are you about to abandon your New Year’s resolutions?

Well, don’t! We’ve got some encouraging advice from Relaxkids.com.

“I’m going to relax more…”

For more details call 01727 838480 or visit www.mountcarmelkindergarten.co.uk

Gloria’s Day Nursery

Westbrook Hay School Choosing a nursery for your child can be a difficult decision and at Westbrook Hay we introduce children to the whole school family which exists here. The children are taught in our new Lower School building which offers wonderful facilities in light spacious classrooms. This gives the younger children their all important introduction to the learning environment from the ages of “rising threes” to the conclusion of Year 1 at six years of age. The Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which encompasses the recommended targets for this age group as and provides a sound basis for future learning. From an early age the children are encouraged to take part in school productions including; whole school assemblies to parents, an annual dance display, a nativity and end of year production.

The children are taught by specialist teachers

New Year, New Resolution

Our nursery is trusted by parents to provide their children with a safe, happy, healthy and stimulating environment. Our fully trained staff have a deep rapport with the children in their care and offer a child-centred approach where children are encouraged to develop their creativity, individuality and self-confidence.

Key to the philosophy of our nursery is the need children have to feel a sense of security and belonging when they are away from their parents. We strive to ensure that all the children feel happy, relaxed and safe, and we encourage them to feel confident in co-operating and developing good relationships with the adults caring for them and with the other children in the group.

Each child is recognised and treated as an individual, within a framework of the highest ethical standards and equal opportunities. We work closely with parents to provide a level of care that meets the high standards you’d expect for your child.

For more information call 01462 742219

It’s a New Year and time to really think about those resolutions. We all plan to come up with strategies to try and improve our relationships, get into shape and stop bad habits that have been part of our lives for so long. And yet, especially after the Christmas and New Year break, the pace of life picks up again and it feels as if there isn’t any time to relax.

So, why isn’t relaxing a priority resolution? We think, “I should relax more” then immediately follow it with, “No, I can’t have that as a resolution – it is far too self-indulgent!” Why? We spend so much time worrying about other people in our lives that we forget to look after ourselves properly. Yes, the familiar ways of

chilling out – bubble baths, “me” time (you know the drill!) are all fine, but are they just a short term fix?

People often find it difficult to relax and for some ‘turning off’ takes a lot of effort indeed.

Increased relaxation time will help to decrease stress levels and allows everything else to fall into place, including sticking to all your other New Year resolutions.

Making very small changes in your living environment can make relaxing easier. You can easily set up a ‘chill out’ area in the corner of a room to which you can retire at the end of a long day. All you will need are a few throws and comfy cushions and you’ve created a relaxation space. The simpler The more relaxed we are the better – in our lives, the more calm because cluttered will and confident we all can be. surroundings only contribute to stress levels. It also means you don’t need to keep setting it up so you can just fall into relaxing whenever you need to. Why not create a relaxation area in your kids’ bedrooms that is similar to your own?

Giving them control over how they want it to look will also encourage them to take “time out” in it.

Neither does relaxing have to be done in solitude. There is absolutely no reason why you and your family, friends, partners cannot learn to relax together. Let’s face it – everyone needs to recharge their batteries, so why not make it a shared activity. Welcome others into Relax Kids create relaxation products for your relaxing space and you will children. For more information on their also learn about them in a new, products, their classes and exercises to try calmer light. with your family, visit www.relaxkids.com The more relaxed we are in our lives, the more calm and confident we all can be.

Say you saw it in

JAPANESE ABACUS MATHS For Children 4-12 Years Old

Any child can become a whizzkid with numbers, mental arithmetic and concentration.

Children start by learning to manipulate the abacus beads to perform calculations quickly and accurately, moving towards being able to perform the same calculations in their heads.

Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, St Albans

For FREE TRIAL CLASS, contact; Tel: 01442 800 808 Email: contact@abacusmaths.info Website: www.abacusmaths.info

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Out & About

Out & About

Compiled by Tricia King

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 THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 18 Jan – 1.30pm 19 Jan – 10.30am & 1.30pm We’re going to the theatre. We’re going to see A Bear Hunt. What a beautiful play!

We’re not scared.... Age 3+.

Tickets £10 Science Museum Live On Tour 22 Feb - 7pm 23 Feb - 2pm Experience spectacular science, dangerous demos and experiments as London’s Science Museum takes to the stage with a fantastic live show to blow your mind and challenge your brain. Age:7+ Tickets: £12.50, Family Ticket: £45 BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesden, EN11 8BE 01992 441946, www.broxbourne.gov.uk Fireman Sam Live – Pontypandy Rocks!

5 Feb – 1pm & 3.30pm The hero next door is back by popular demand.

Terraced seats and front stalls £14, rear stalls £12, family of 4 (2+2) £45. Babes in arms £5 The Gruffalo’s Child 21 Feb – 1.30pm 22 Feb – 10.30am & 1.30pm Swan Lake 27 Feb – 7.30pm Call the box office or book online: www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson CAMPUS WEST The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX, 01707 357117, www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest Theatre Jack 23 Feb – 2.30pm With a Celtic harp, Irish bodhrán and tabletop puppets Rod Burnett tells a story of triumph over gigantic adversity! Suitable for both primary school aged children (5 – 11) and adults.

Tickets: £8 Cinema: Despicable Me (PG) 8 Jan – 10am. 9 Jan – 10am Meet Gru, the Evil genius.

Alpha And Omega (U) 8 Jan – 12pm, 9 Jan – 12pm, 9 Jan – 3pm When two mismatched wolves are captured by rangers and sent to Idaho, the two old friends must find their way home.

Africa United (PG) 11 Jan – 8pm, 17 Jan – 8pm, 19 Jan – 2.30pm The extraordinary story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles (through seven countries) to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

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Ramona and Beezus (U) 12 Feb – 10am, 12 Feb – 12pm, 13 Feb – 10am A wholesome family comedy about the accident-prone Ramona and her older sister Beatrice, aka Beezus.

Megamind (PG) 19 Feb – 10am, 12pm. 20 Feb – 3pm.

21 Feb – 10am, 12pm It finally happens! Super-villain Megamind defeats his good-guy nemesis, Metro Man but what do you do when there’s no one left to fight?

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG) 20 Feb – 10am, 12.30pm 22 Feb – 10am, 3pm 23 Feb – 10am 26 Feb – 12pm, 3pm Lucy and Edmund and their cousin, Eustace return to Narnia.

Animals United (U) 22 Feb – 12.30pm. 26 Feb – 10am In Africa, Billy, the meerkat, and his best (and only) pal Socrates, the lion wait for the annual flood.

Toy Story 3 (U) 24 Feb – 3pm. 25 Feb – 12pm, 3pm The day that Andy heads off to college finally comes and Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang must cope with being dumped in a day-care centre.

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1LZ 08700 131030 Panto: Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs Until – 23 Jan Performance times vary, please enquire.

Tickets: £15-£21

Penguin 20 Feb The story of Ben and his penguin present friend.

Ages 3-7. Presented in the studio.

Family Ticket: £20 Alice in Wonderland 25 Feb From the tranquillity of a sunny Oxford river bank, an inquisitive Alice leads you down a rabbit hole into a mysterious world of the imagination. Age 8+. Family Ticket £35 Elmer the Elephant 26 Feb Elmer was different, Elmer was patchwork. This brand new show bursts to life with catchy songs and handcrafted puppets. Ages 3-7.

Family Ticket: £25 THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553, www.markettheatre.co.uk Panto: Cinderella 4 Dec-11 Jan Aimed specifically at those aged 3-8, this show is traditionally enjoyed by children of all ages!

Contact venue for times and prices.

The Royal Storyteller 29 Jan, 26 Feb – 2pm Her Majesty Queen of Everywhere takes time off to read you a story from the Magical Book of Ancient Tales. Age 3-7. Performed on the last Saturday of each month, there will be a different story each time. Tickets: £5.

HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD, 01582 767525 Brambleton Model Railway Exhibition 22 Jan – 10.30am - 5.30pm The 43rd Annual Brambleton Model Railway Club Exhibition will cater for both families and model railway enthusiasts alike. www.brambleton.co.uk Tickets: Adults £3.50, Children & Seniors £2.50 Cinderella 26 Jan 5pm. 27 Jan 7pm.

28 Jan 7pm. 29 Jan 2pm & 7pm Around 250 local children are involved across 5 performances, aged between 3 and 18. Their talent and enthusiasm is contagious: Tickets are only available on: 01582 840245 Tickets: Adults £8, Children £6

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE 01442 228091, www.oldtownhall.co.uk The Very Noisy Night 29 Jan – 1pm & 3.30pm An enchanting tale about a scared little mouse with a big imagination. Age 3+.

Tickets: £6 / £4 The Way Back Home 12 Feb – 2.30pm A boy finds a plane in his cupboard. He flies it so high that he gets stranded on the moon when his plane runs out of petrol. He’s lost and alone but then a passing Martian lands there too!

Together they find their way back home! Age 3+ Tickets: £6 / £4 Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Furry Tails 26 Feb – 2.30pm Find out what really happened to those three little pigs, to Goldilocks and to the three Billy Goats Gruff. All will be revealed in this beautiful puppet show. Age 3+.

Tickets: £6 / £4

HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.eastherts.gov.uk Lighter than Air 6 Feb Enter the deliciously whimsical world of balloon antics and make believe. These original sketches and comic silliness create a family show that tickles everyone’s sides! Age 3+ Magic Dave 13 Feb Be amazed at Magic Dave’s family magic show, you might even get the chance to be an assistant! Age 3+

THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk The Very Noisy Night 5 Feb – 2pm An enchanting tale about a scared little mouse with a big imagination.

Tickets: £7 Elmer the Elephant 21 Feb – 11am & 2pm Elmer was different, Elmer was patchwork. This brand new show bursts to life with catchy songs and handcrafted puppets. Ages 4-7.

Tickets: £7

For free listing in Out and About call 020 8428 6384

RHODES ARTS COMPLEX South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG. 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Andy and Mike’s Big Box Of Bananas 29 Jan – 11am, & 2.30pm Featuring Andy from CBeebies. A magical and mysterious box appears in Andy and Mike’s ‘fun pad’. Unable to open it, the boys take you on an exciting journey to find out what’s inside!

Ages 4-11. Tickets: £9.50/£7.50 concs Alice in Wonderland 15-20 Feb – various times Follow Alice and the White Rabbit through Wonderland, but watch out for the wicked Knave of Spades on the way! A guaranteed giggle. Tickets: £10/£7.50 concs, Family: £30 (2 adults and 2 children) The Chalk Giants 26 Feb – 2.30pm The Chalk Giants begins with the creation of Jack, a puppet drawn in chalk which magically comes to life, and the discovery of some magic chalk beans. At first, this appears to be the familiar tale of Jack and the Beanstalk but there is a twist to the tale! Ages 5+.

Tickets: £9.50/£7.50 concs TRESTLE ARTS BASE Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ 01727 850950, www.trestle.org.uk Peter and the Wolf 6 Feb – 2pm & 4pm Classical favourites plus folk songs and gypsy music. This is a spellbinding performance of Prokofiev’s musical tale. Age: 3+ Duration approx 45 mins.

Tickets: £8 Adults / £6 Concs / £25 Family WATERSMEET THEATRE High Street, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 1EH 01923 711063 Beauty and the Beast 24-25 Feb – 7.30pm. 26 Feb – 2.30pm & 7.30pm The occupants of the castle live under a spell which can only be broken if the Beast learns to love another and earn their love in return before the last petal of a magical rose falls. But can Belle really learn to love a Beast?

Tickets: £14 adults/£12 concs

WATFORD PALACE THEATRE 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ 01923 225671/235455 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk Why the Lion Danced 14 Jan – 11am Every thirteenth moon the dreaded monster Nian pays a visit to a village. The audience, cast in the role of villagers, must protect themselves – which animal can save them?

Age 5+ AFTER THE SHOW: join the performers to learn some Lion Dance steps and help scare away the monster. Free Scarecrow 5 Feb – 2.30pm In a furrowed field stands a lonely scarecrow.

He is confused and fed up. The cheeky birds just won’t go away! What can he do? Free arts and crafts activities for children post-show. Age 5+ Tickets: £6.50/ £5.50 concs

HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUBS & ACTIVITIES BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01707 270772/3, www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 21-25 Feb - 8.30am – 6pm Sports, Arts/Crafts, Cookery, Games, Funzone soft play area, dancing, and Wii console games.

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 21-25 Feb – 9.15am-3.30pm Multi activity sessions: Tennis, athletics, football, trampolining and more.

Junior Base Camp (4- 7 yrs), Base Camp (8-9 yrs), Sports Academy (10-15 yrs).

Early drop off and late pick up facility: 8am - 6pm at extra cost.

Daily: Members £22, Non Members £27; discounts for weekly bookings

or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

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COOK CAMP 07989 743 357 info@cookcamp.co.uk, www.cookcamp.co.uk 22 Feb - 10am-3pm 23 Feb - 10am-3pm 24 Feb - 10am-3pm Learn basic cooking skills, make your own lunch, bake delicious desserts. Games and a daily price draw. Pre-book a veggie or meat option. Camp takes place in Bushey. Age: 8yrs-14yrs Cost: £35 per day FROGMORE PAPER MILL The Paper Trail Frogmore Paper Mill & Visitor Centre Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RY 01442 234600, www.thepapertrail.org.uk 24-25 Feb - 10am-3pm Half Term Family Fun Two days of family fun with a sewing/textiles slant. Delivered by tutors from the Quilters Guild. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

FREE, but booking essential.

GOFF’S SPORTS AND ARTS CENTRE Goffs Lane, Cheshunt 01992 623345 Kidz Klub 21-25 Feb – 8.30am-5.30pm Come and enjoy your half term holiday with a wacky week of fun! Every day is different with great activities including sports, arts and crafts, drama, team games and more! Full day sessions only. Age: 5-12 Enquire for prices.

GRUNDY PARK LEISURE CENTRE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 623345 Badminton During school holidays – 10am-4pm Book a court and enjoy a game! Age: Under 16s Contact the centre for prices.

Swimming Lessons 21-25 Feb – 9.30-11.30am The holiday crash courses are for all ages.

Improve skills and gain confidence. 30 minute sessions. Age: 3+ Cost: Please contact the centre for prices

13

Out & About Fun Float Swims 22-25 Feb – 2.45-4.30pm These are great sessions with floats and fun.

Just turn up! All ages.

Cost: Please contact the centre for prices HATFIELD SWIM CENTRE Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB Tel: 01707 276276 Fun Sessions Sat and school holidays 1.30-3pm Fun sessions with inflatables and floats. £3.20. Ages 8-15 HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk Junior Sports Camps 21-25 Feb Hertfordshire Sports Village offer a wide variety of sport specific camps aimed at children of all ages and abilities. Fully qualified and highly experienced NGB coaches work with the children to develop the skills of their chosen sport in a fun and safe environment. Age: 5-17 Prices vary depending on Camp.

HODDESDON LIBRARY 98a High Street. Hoddesdon. County, Herts, EN11 8HD Out of this World Storytelling and Crafts 21 Feb – 2.30-4pm Based on ‘The Man on the Moon’ book, come along and listen to the great story and then make your own spaceman, rocket and alien crafts! All ages.

Contact Broxbourne Council on 01992 785555 (ext: 5908). Free HOLDBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE Longcroft Drive, Waltham Cross EN8 7QG 01992 785574 Let’s GO Play 22 Feb – 11am-3pm Activities may include face-painting, bouncy castle, sports with Nacro, den building with the Play Rangers, arts and crafts and activities with the local Children’s Centre. Just turn up!

Ages 3-12. Free THE JOHN WARNER SPORTS CENTRE Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 0QF 01992 445375 Kidz Klub 21-25 Feb – 8.30am-5.30pm Every day is different with great activities including sports, arts/crafts, drama, team games and more! Children’s meals are available from Strikers Café. Age: 5-12.

Please enquire for prices.

Swimming Lessons 21-25 Feb – 9.30-11.30am The holiday crash courses are for all ages.

Improve skills and gain confidence. 30 minute sessions. Age: 3+ Cost: contact the centre for prices

14

Out & About Fun Float Swims 21, 22, 24, 25 Feb – 12.30-2pm These are great sessions with floats and fun.

Just turn up! All ages.

Cost: Contact the centre for prices Football Skills Session 22 Feb – 11am-12pm Develop your football skill. Age: 3-6 Tots Trampolining Sessions 23, 24 Feb – 10-11am Learn some trampolining moves and try something different! Age: 3-5 Cost: Contact centre for prices Kidz Trampolining 23-24 Feb – 11.30am-1pm A 2 day course for any ability. Learn new skills or develop existing ones. Fully qualified coach.

Age: 6-12 Cost: Contact centre for prices KOOL KIDZ CAMPS St John Fisher School, Hazelmere Road, St. Albans, AL4 9RW 08456032858 or 07966483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.uk 21-25 Feb – 9am-4pm A fun and friendly OFSTED regulated camp with staff that are qualified in Childcare, first aid and who are CRB checked. Activities include Arts/ Crafts, sports, Go karts, Bouncy Castle, Radio controlled cars and more. Ages: 4-11 yrs Cost: £30 per day, except Wed, a special themed day, £35 MILL GREEN MUSEUM AND MILL Mill Green, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5PD 01707 271362, www.welhat.gov.uk/museum Mill Green Hunt for Clues 22-25 Feb A mystery hunt around the mill and gardens. Pick up a card at the front desk and see if you can follow the mystery trail.

Free Paint a Tile 22 Feb – 10am, 11.30am, & 2pm We have some super tiles in the museum’s collection to inspire you. Sessions last 1 hour. Age 3+ Booking essential.

Call Campus West Box Office on 01707 357117 or book online. £4 per child Fantastic Plastic 23 Feb – 10am, 11.30am, & 2pm What can you make from recycled plastic? Surprising and fun. Sessions last 1 hour.

Age 3+ Booking essential.

Call Campus West Box Office on 01707 357117 or book online. £4 per child More Than Just Pom Poms 24 Feb – 10.30-12.30 Fun craft activities to warm you up. Make bright pom poms, wind runners and more. Outside and inside so wrap up warmly. Age 3+ Drop in. £2 per child Lego Fun with Lego Technic 24 Feb – 2pm 25 Feb – 10.30am, 12pm For ages 8+. Booking essential, but pay on the day. £2 per child.

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340, www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Half Term Holiday Activities 21-24 Feb – 10.30am-12.30pm Varied and creative holiday activities based on the theme of ‘Medieval Mayhem’. The Monday session is for 6– 3 yr olds, all other sessions are for 8–13 yr olds. All sessions should be booked and paid for in advance either in person at the Museum of St Albans or by phone.

PLINSTONKIDS Plinston Hall, Broadway, Letchworth GC Herts, SG6 3NX 01462 672003 www.plinston.com 21-25 Feb – 10am-3.30pm Activities may include coach trips, walks, cinema and talent shows, quizzes, arts and crafts, competitions, sports/games, cookery, and special themed days.

Cost: Registration fee of £5, Main sessions: £12; additional charges for early starts and late finishes.

SHEREDES SENIOR SCHOOL Main Hall, Cock Lane, Hoddesdon, EN11 8JY 01992 785555 (ext: 5908) The Bubble Show 25 Feb – 10.30am (approx 30 min) for all ages 25 Feb – 3pm (approx 30 min) for children/ young people with special needs and siblings.

This amazing spectacle features bubbles of all sizes going all over the place… Find out the secret Science Museum bubble recipe, learn how certain materials can change the way others behave and step inside the famous human bubble. Free 3 Little Pigs 25 Feb – 11.30am approx 30 min) A fun show with storytelling and audience interaction to discover which material for building a house will keep the little pigs safe! All ages, particularly key stage 1. Free It Takes Guts 25 Feb – 2pm Follow the journey of your food into your mouth, through the acid bath in your stomach, along metres of pulsating guts, and then… out the other end! This show, featuring video footage of people’s insides, is a gross-out, squirm-inducing one, just what children love!

Age 6+ but may be suitable for some younger children. Free ST. MARYS C of E SCHOOL Churchfield, Cheshunt EN7 5FB 01992 785555 (ext: 5908) Science Boffin’s Crazy Science 23 Feb – 10am & 11am Show plus fun slime activity table available between 10-12.30. All ages. Free WILD CHILD ACTIVITIES Beaumont Secondary School, St Albans, 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Wheels Beginners Skateboard School 21 & 22 Feb – 10am-12.30pm For beginners and anyone who wants to learn new skills and tricks. All equipment provided £20 per session

PLACES TO GO FROGMORE PAPER MILL The Paper Trail Frogmore Paper Mill & Visitor Centre, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RY 01442 234600 www.thepapertrail.org.uk Drop-in Craft Activities 9 Jan - 11am-1pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Recycle your old Christmas Cards (bring your old cards in with you).

(Children must be accompanied by an adult). Drop in no need to book.

Cost: £3 per person per session for materials.

HEARTWOOD FOREST Sandridge. AL3 6JE www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ heartwood Community Tree Planting/Welly Wanging’ World Record Attempt 23 Jan Help the Woodland Trust plant thousands of trees at England’s largest new native woodland. The Trust will also be hosting a world record attempt for ‘welly wanging’.

All ages. Free HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Toddler Tuesdays at Hertford Museum Come along and take part in themed crafty activities, play with toys and share a story! ALL children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. £1 per child - please book in advance MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Fantastic Bicycles 9 Jan – 2-2.45pm, 3-3.45pm, 4-4.45pm Listen to the story of Mrs. Armitage and her incredible bicycle and then make your own embellished bicycle picture. Age: under 7s.

Cost: £1 Medieval Event 29 Jan – 1-5pm Meet some Medieval Knights and find out about their armour, training and fighting techniques.

Enjoy a demonstration, using model soldiers, of the fighting in Bernard’s Heath. Look at some real medieval artefacts. Make a brass rubbing and a medieval shield. Free

Sunday Stories 30 Jan – 3-4pm 27 Feb – 3-4pm Join us for some lovely stories and an activity. In association with St. Albans Children’s Book Group.

Age: under 7s. Cost: £1 Train Games 6 Feb – 2-4.30pm Make your own amazing train game complete with board, counters and dice. Age: under 11s. Cost: £1

Animals After School Find out about some incredible animals, then make something to take home. Drop in, most suitable for 5+ Who’s Eating Who? 6 Jan – 3.45-4.30pm Whales 10 Feb – 3.45-4.30pm Skeletons 10 Mar – 3.45-4.30pm Tickets £1.50

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP3 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Zippy Zebra 20 Jan – 10.15-10.45am & 2-2.30pm A chance for under 5s to make and stick stripes onto their own zebra friend made from card. Drop in.

Tickets £1.50 Under The Sea 15 Feb – 10.15-10.45am, 2-2.30pm Be inspired by The Thames Whale Story exhibition and make an underwater collage out of paper, then count how many different animals you can find. Drop in.

Tickets £1.50 Whales And Dolphins 21 & 22 Feb – 10.15am-12.15pm & 2-3pm Be inspired by the enormous Thames whale skeleton in Gallery 5 and make a 3D model of a whale or dolphin to take home.

Drop in, all ages. Tickets £1.50 Can You Handle It? 23 Feb – 10.15am-12.15pm, 2-3pm Discover the amazing specimens in the Museum’s handling collection, including a huge snake skin and a tiny turtle, and take the chance to get closer to the natural world.

Drop in, all ages. Free Snappy Crocs 24 Feb – 10.15am-12.15pm, 2-3pm Have a look at the massive crocodiles in Gallery 3 and then make and paint a snappy clothes peg crocodile. Drop in, all ages.

Tickets £1.50 A Whale Of A Time 25 Feb – 10.15am-12.15pm, 2-3pm Help us to make a life-size whale collage by adding your own paper cut out whale. From blue to killer and humpback to beluga, there are loads of species to choose from.

Drop in, all ages. Tickets £1.50 Monkey Business 15 Mar – 10.15-10.45am, 2-2.30pm Bring your little monkeys to the Museum to make a mischievous monkey mask. Drop in.

Tickets £1.50

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Boudicca: Queen of the Iceni Tribe 26 Feb – 2-4.30pm Come along and meet this amazing queen in the Museum galleries.

Story telling sessions by Boudicca at 2.30pm and 3.30 pm.

Cost £1.00 (Entry charge to the museum for non residents)

FUN DAYS OUT ROLLERCITY Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX Box Office: 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest Oz Sats - 10am–12 noon Beginners session. Family fun with games and obstacles to enjoy.

(Children must be with an adult) Boppin’ Stoppers Sats - 3–5pm Advance booking advised. For children 12 and under and accompanying adults.

Breeze Suns - 11.30am - 1.30pm For less confident skaters Sparks Suns - 2pm All welcome. Check with box office or online for prices.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans.

0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com February Frolics 19 – 27 Feb – Open: 10am– 5.30pm Willows Farm Village has lambs being born in their Lambing Marquee every day. Children can also learn all about them from Tuck the Shepherd who will be on hand to help with the lambing. Whilst at Willows, enjoy participating in Bo Peeps Lost Sheep hunt.

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Childcare

holiday activities

jobs

Deliverers Wanted

Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage.

If you live in any of these areas and have time to spare every other month, join our team of deliverers. Own car essential.

For more information and an application form call 020 8428 6384 or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk

Parties

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Jacqu’in the box, 07948 371615 www.jacqinthebox.com. Fairytale, popstar, sport theme parties 0-9 years 15

editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

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