Families Herts May-June 2011

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Issue No. 38 May/June 2011

Join the Party!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO WOBURN SAFARI PARK PLUS HALF-TERM HOLIDAY CLUBS FUN DAYS OUT LOCAL FAIRS & FESTIVALS

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

Building Skills for Life

ST ALBANS CHORLEYWOOD HARPENDEN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HERTFORD LETCHWORTH

01582 609762 020 7622 1009 01525 717567 01442 875977 0845 6036140 01462 811120

POTTERS BAR STEVENAGE WATFORD WELWYN-HATFIELD

01438 213854 01462 811120 01727 768738 020 8441 5922

Summer Workshops

St Albans: 25th - 29th July, 1st - 5th August Chorleywood: 8th - 12th August Hemel Hempstead: 8th - 12th August BOOKING NOW!

From your Editor…

In this issue:

It’s May already. Can you believe it? I can’t. Time just flies (that’s the downside) but, the upside is that May means our ever popular ‘Party Feature’ is back and full of hot tips on how to make your ‘do’ the best yet!

News & Views: 4 The Parent Business: 5 Party Feature: 6 Health: 10 Education: 11 Competitions: 12 What’s On: 14

The merry month of May also means summer has officially arrived. So, with warmer days and holidays in the offing we’ve got lots of events, workshops and days out ideas on pages 14 and 15 and even more on line at www. familiesherts.co.uk where you should click on the ‘What’s On’ tab

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

TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? £500 – £2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business life” Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry”

There’s so much to see and do…

Get active – discover miles of picturesque walking and cycling routes, or take to the water and navigate the river by rowing boat or pedalo.

Family fun – meet the animals at Lee Valley Park Farms, discover the dairy farm, let off steam in the play areas and look out for our new loveable Meerkats!

08456 770 600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk/rlcp

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July/August - Summer Camps and Activities

For Children 4-12 Years Old

Grasshoppers Day Nursery

Loving, caring and quality childcare in a homely setting

Relax – take time out and explore the historic Waltham Abbey Gardens, unwind with a picnic amongst picturesque surroundings or simply watch the abundance of wildlife go by.

Car parks available in Waltham Abbey and Broxbourne, visit our website for more details.

Next Issue:

JAPANESE ABACUS MATHS

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242

River Lee Country Park

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk Copy deadline for July/August: 3rd June

You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life …

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

Family fun in

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.

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

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”

Older children’s programme now available, all levels, all ages!

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

www.grasshoppersdaynursery.co.uk

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.

Outstanding Montessori in Harpenden

Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, St Albans

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

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

We’re having a ball!

Come and see what all the fun’s about.

Here’s another great idea we just had to run with! Approved rugby training for kids from 18 months to 7th birthday.

Little Rugby is a fun introduction to the sport and is noncontact, so is safe and friendly.

for information and availability

Approved football training for kids Berkhamsted, Harpenden, Hemel and St Albans from 18 months to 7th birthday.

We get a kick out of every class we call: 01442 878026 or email run, so whether you’re nurturing swhale@littlekickers.co.uk a future star or just want a Stevenage and Hatfield happier healthier child, why not sign up and have a ball with us! call: 07930 647813 or email mjassal@littlekickers.co.uk

Same People... www.littlerugby.co.uk

LK and LR SWhale and MJassal.indd 1

Say you saw it in

...Different Ball www.littlekickers.co.uk

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11/02/2011 08:22

News & Views Walk the Walk

Belles of the Ball The Kings Langley Belles, an ‘allgirls’ under 10 football team, are proud to have got through to the semi-finals of the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League having been the winners of an intense home match against rival team Hitchin.

M.A.D about Performing Arts!

Training takes place on Fridays from 6.30pm at Watford Leisure and home matches are played at Kings Langley Football Club on Saturday morning.

The team coach, Rob Hales, says “While winning is a bonus, our ethos is focused entirely on fun, developing skills and team work.” Any girl in school years 2 to 5 can apply to join.

Call Rob Hales on 07967 464122 or email rob.hales@uk.logicalis.com.

Kings Langley Belles is sponsored

by Abbots Bouncy Castles (www. bouncy-castle.com).

The Parent Business

M.A.D Skills Performing Arts School launches classes 10th September 2011.

The school is managed and run by Sarah Kydd, a professionally trained and qualified teacher and actress with over 10 years experience. Sarah graduated from The Central School of Speech and Drama and she currently teaches Drama, Theatre studies and Performing Arts to secondary school children and young adults. With her own 2 young children, Sarah is aware of the needs that children and teenagers have to express themselves in the creative arts, and aims to provide this opportunity through her new school.

M.A.D Skills is specifically tailored to develop performance skills with an original, alternative twist, strengthening performance technique and allowing a deeper understanding of the arts. M.A.D Skills provides classes in Music, Acting and Dance for 6 - 19 year olds in a safe, stimulating environment. Sarah also aims to provide classes for adults and, as the school grows, to start an afternoon school too. To find out more go to www. madskillsperformingarts.co.uk

During May, two national organisations (Walk England and Living Streets) are joining forces to launch the first National Walking Month.

Walking is the cheapest, simplest and one of the most effective forms of exercise that a person can do. Walking for just half an hour each morning can transform fitness levels, reduce stress and improve concentration levels. These benefits, however, remain unappreciated by many, with only 11% of commuters walking to work and a massive 43% of primary age children being driven to school.

Living Streets, will be encouraging people to walk with Walk to Work Week (9th – 13th May) and Walk to School Week (16th – 20th May). Go to www.livingstreets.org.uk for lots of useful ideas.

Walk England have special promotions on their www.Walk4Life.info site to get people walking. Simply enter a postcode and up comes a list of walks showing the distance and a map. Registered users can track their fitness levels and see how many miles they have covered.

Don’t sit down yet …. Because there’s also ‘Get walking day’ (14-15 May). The Ramblers Association is offering hundreds of free, short walks. From family-friendly trails to seaside strolls, there will be something for all ages and stages. To find your nearest Get Walking Day walk go to: www.ramblers.org.uk/getwalking

Grove House Hospice Midnight Walk This year’s charity walk takes place on 25th June and will start and finish at Westminster Lodge, St Albans. The walk will be started

by Janey Lee Grace from the Steve Wright in the Afternoon radio show. Janey champions living a healthy lifestyle and is author of the bestselling book ‘Imperfectly Natural Woman’.

There is the option to sign up for a 10 mile or 5 mile route and both walks will start at the earlier time of 10.30pm. The Midnight Walk is open to anyone over the age of 10 and the organisers are expecting that the earlier start time will encourage more mother and daughter, father and son teams to take part. To register for a place go to www.midnightwalk.org or call 01727 731002

All aboard the Train Walk 3rd - 6th June

Children with Autism

www.ramblers.org.uk/getwalking Photo by Tony Carney

Flutter By Butterfly World Now in Phase III of development, “London’s own Eden Project”, Butterfly World near St Albans is open now right through until September. Visit the Tropical Butterfly House filled with over 600 butterflies; Insect Study Centre where you can learn about our native species; Butterfly Breeding House where you can see the lifecycle of the butterfly unfold in front of you; new Bug World where you can see, touch and feel hissing cockroaches, African snails, leafcutter ant colonies and giant stick insects; natural play area with willow tunnels, sandpits and slides. Butterfly World is an ideal venue for, school trips and group visits and the Nectar House Café is great for children’s parties.

The attraction was voted “Best Days Out For The Family 2009” in The Independent, Sunday Mirror and Guardian for 2010.

For more information go to www.butterflyworldproject.com or call 01727 869203

‘Autism - A practical guide to improving your child's quality of life’ This useful book contains practical advice, support and encouragement for parents of children on the autism spectrum so that they can confidently tackle the problems they face and find solutions that will work for their child.

The authors are Jonathan and Polly Tommey, who's eldest son, Billy, was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of two. Today, Billy is a high-functioning teenager thanks to their determination to discover as much as possible about the condition. They show how it is possible to improve the quality of life for children with autism.

RRP £12.99

This fund raising initiative from the National Autistic Society (NAS) invites you to take part in a Train Walk, a family-friendly ‘Thomas & Friends™’ themed sponsored walk, to raise funds for people with autism. Money raised will help the NAS to support people with autism.

The right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people’s lives. So, get on board with family and friends. All you do is walk in a train-like formation around your favourite park or other location for a distance that suits the abilities of the participants. There are lots of Train Walks planned.

To find your nearest go to www.trainwalk.org.uk, where you can also register.

For information about autism go to www.autism. org.uk/youneedtoknow

Debutots – Imagination is Everything Claire Millins, a Hertfordshire mum, has started a business that brings drama and storytelling activities to children aged 6 months – 7 years.

Debutots is a unique blend of interactive storytelling and dramatic play where imaginations can soar, communication and skills can grow and creativity and confidence will gently blossom.

Are days with your kids a constant battle between their need for play and attention and your need to get through the household chores? Do you end the day feeling as if nothing has been done properly, either as a mum or otherwise? If so, Debutots will open up a whole new definition of play.

“Logic takes you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere” Einstein The basis of Debutots is learning through story, drama and play and the learning is for the parent AND the child. The classes are about getting you to play creatively with your child within the story world. If the story has grumpy monkeys, then swing about with grumpy faces together. It’s silly, it’s fun, it’s full of laughs, but most of all it’s your time, as mum or dad, to forget about all your other jobs and get down on the floor with your child and play with them.

Playing isn’t just about “playtime”; it’s about all the time.

So, Einstein was right, imagination does get you everywhere, and it also gets those logical ‘A to B’ things that, as parents, you have to do, done, with masses of fun.

To find out more and to book a free trial session call 0800 612 7636, or email claire@debutots.co.uk

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

Book Now!!

01727 238 980

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

Free Oven Clean worth £49.5 0

David Bellamy with Blue Morpho

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

Say you saw it in

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Party Feature house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards.

Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema.

TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time - you don’t want to be scratching around at the last minute and end up having to book ‘second best’.

Themed parties A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways. How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery or cookies, or print t-shirts to match the theme.

TIP: Take the theme throughout the party, print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.

Bright ideas for birthdays

by Robina Cowan DID SOMEONE SAY party? Yes, I’m afraid so. One thing’s as sure as eggs is eggs - your child WILL have another birthday in the next year. It’s Families to the rescue - we’ve put on our party hats to give down to earth advice to help ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year...

timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment.

TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into. Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.

Planning your party

Crowd control: entertainers

Take them out: venues

Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance.

While there are parents who think nothing of

It might feel less imaginative than an organised bunfight at yours, but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your

My Little Wrapper Personalised chocolate bars

For every occasion

Contact Graham Blyth

01923 710900 or 0771 325 1266 jgblyth@aol.com www.mylittlewrapper.co.uk

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Top party tips It’s all in the timing: For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle Keep the food simple and don’t over cater.

Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children may be vegetarian or have a food intolerance Sleepovers: come midnight, you’ll be regretting it... Planning ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www. familiesonline.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.

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

The Pony Zone

Rosettes, trophies, gifts & more!

Packages from only

£120

• Pony party packages from £120!

• Birthday rides from £30!

• Pony express - take a pony to a real show from £150!

• Low price per child, lots of fun • After-school and summer classes • Private & corporate events

www.pony-zone.co.uk Tel: 01438 358421 / 07894 428671

Ultimate fun on The CRESTA *W N E RUN! * !

Choose your ride for a 30 minute session, prices start at £9.50: Sledge * Zipfy (5yrs to Adult) Airboard * The (13yrs to Adult) Ringos * Rubber (4yrs to Adult)

Family passes available

ZIPFY SLEDGE

AIRBOARD

RUBBER RINGOS

To book, visit www.thesnowcentre.com or call 0845 258 9000 The Snow Centre, St. Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 9NH

Say you saw it in

FamiliesHertsQtrPageAd7_4_2011visual.indd 1

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8/4/11 10:54:44

Party Directory Adam Ants Parties

Caterpillar Music

Adam Ants has over 20 years’ experience in the party business and a reputation for creating memorable children’s parties. Adam Ants provide costumed entertainers for either one or two hours. Parties include music, dancing and games, magic tricks, balloon modelling and puppetry. For older children there are disco parties with games and prizes. Plus, they offer ‘Be My Bear’ parties where the children can make their very own soft toy and sports parties complete with medals and trophies. Also available: table and chair hire, face painters and more.

Call 020 8959 1045, email info@adamantsparties.co.uk or visit www.adamantsparties.co.uk

Caterpillar Music offer a combination of party games, action songs, instruments and puppets providing a special party where young children can join in as much as they want to. Parties last one hour and are facilitated by one of the Caterpillar Music team. There are instruments and puppets for every child to use and a present for the birthday child.

Call 01727 753413 or visit anna. fryer@caterpillarmusic.com

Andrew Burden’s Magic Show Andrew Burden is a highly experienced performer who specialises in Children’s magical entertainment. Party options include: a 1 hour Magical Fun Show, a 2 hour Full Party with games, dances and competitions plus Magical Fun Show. ‘Charlie’, Andrew’s live magical rabbit can also be part of the fun.

All Andrew's shows are covered by public liability insurance.

Call 01707 884498 or visit www.magicschool.org.uk/aburden

ArtsKool Kids Parties Artskool Kids design and deliver arty parties for ages 2-102! Parties can be hosted at home or in a hall. Choose a pre-designed party theme: Under the Sea, Ballet, Cars, Horses, Jungle Animals, Fairies, Eygyptians are just a few that are available. Or, Artskool Kids can design a bespoke party based on your own theme. Every child leaves with a piece of quality art. The cost includes free invite design, arty fun, music and Pass the ‘Arty’ Parcel with prizes. A 1 hour party costs £8 per child or 2 hours costs £12 per child.

Minimum booking of ten children for either option. Call 07890 575 828 or visit www.artskool–kids.com.

over for disco divas. Party food, bouncy castles, face painters and party bags also available. Call 0845 6032858 or visit www.koolkidzparties.co.uk

Little Cookies Little Cookies offer parties for 3-9 year olds where the children cook and eat their own party tea. Parties for those aged 10 plus involve the preparation and cooking of their very own lunch or dinner party. All the ingredients, utensils and know how is provided.

01727 839444 www.little-cookies.co.uk

Cinnamon Square

Mick Pye’s Soccer School

At it’s lovely Rickmansworth café Cinnamon Square offer baking parties for children of five years and up.

Children enjoy hands-on baking and fun experiments like discovering why and how bread rises. They also sell KiddieKraft baking kits which are a practical alternative to party bags.

The kits contain everything you need to make a range of cakes and cookies.

Personalised free and delivered nationally, £3.50 per kit. Contact 01923 778353 or www.cinnamonsquare.com

Mick Pye’s Soccer School parties can be varied to suit the needs of children of all ages. Parties last for 1½ hours or 2 hours with food (not provided) and cost is £5 per child including invitations. At the end of the party the Birthday child is presented with a certificate and a trophy. For an additional cost they will also provide certificates and medals for every guest – a great alternative to traditional party bags. Parties held in Letchworth, Hatfield or a venue of your choice. Call 07928914086 / 01462 484123 or email angelapye@sky.com or visit www.mickssoccerschool.co.uk

CookCamp CookCamp Parties are for kiddy-cooks aged 3-10yrs: invite your foodie friends for a pizza, cupcake and chocolate fountain party. It’s so easy: we provide the staff, protective plastic table coverings, disposable aprons, all utensils, ingredients as well as the containers to take food home. Better still we wash up and clear away our mess! Call 07989 743 357 or visit www.cookcamp.co.uk

Parties at Campus West

The Pony Zone

The Sound Cube

At Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, there’s a party option for you no matter what your age.

Why not try a Film Party for only £160? Choose a film from our Family programme and 25 children and 5 adults get seats for the show plus the use of a party room to decorate however you like! Or, what about a skate party? For less than £5 each, up to 60 people can have RollerCity all to themselves for two hours!

Skate Hire, staff and DJ are all included in the bargain price of £290 – and you can book online too: www,welhat.gov.uk/cw. Why not share the party with a friend and spread the cost?

The Pony Zone offers a selection of party packages including pony rides plus other activities. There are many benefits to involvement with horses and ponies, for people of all ages. Equine activities encourage physical activity and can help develop life skills such as decision making, communicating, problem solving, goal setting and empathy. Call 01438 358421 or 07894 428671 or email: debbiehogg@pony-zone.co.uk or visit www.pony-zone.co.uk

The Sound Cube offers two party options, one for between 9-16 guests, and one for up to 8 guests.

During the 2 hour party the group are recorded singing their chosen track in a professional recording studio by a sound engineer. All guests will receive a CD of the recording within a week of the party. A DVD mini-movie of the performance is also included (two for the larger groups and one for the smaller groups). Drinks and snacks are provided.

Take your own birthday cake.

Call 01923 222654 or visit www.thesoundcube.co.uk

Wildchild Parties Wildchild Parties are unusual and fun, with a choice of indoor or outdoor activities. There’s archery, climbing, skateboarding or off-road driving. You can go on a dinosaur hunt, share a topsecret assignment, or even take on the pirates and search for hidden treasure or become wild fashion designers. Parties are suitable for ages 6 to 16 years depending on the activity. Call 0845 3717099 or visit www.wildchildactivities.com

Perform Parties Perform Parties are high energy combining drama, dance and singing with fun games, stories and improvisations. Party leaders arrive with colourful costumes, props and music to create a fantasy land with themes for all ages from 1-12yrs, including Fairies & Elves, Mermaids and Pirates, Peppa Pig, Superheroes, Musical Madness, Mamma Mia and Dance Fantastic.

Call 0845 400 1272 or email www.performparties.org.uk

Wobbly Brushes

Starday

Kool Kidz Parties

Mini Medallists

Kool Kidz Parties offer parties for children aged 3 and up. They are CRB police checked and First Aid qualified.

Choose from: Traditional parties with musical games and parachute; Sports parties with team games; Themed parties; Disco Parties with music, lights, games, and karaoke; Glitz n’ Glam which is a disco with mini make

Mini Medallists provide sporty parties for children aged 4-11. Rather than put our own salesy spin on things here’s what one mother said about her son’s 6th birthday party: “As we were leaving the hall that evening, he proclaimed “Mum, that was the best birthday EVER!” The children were well supervised, entertained, and they loved the challenge and competition of the activities. The certificates and mini prize giving was a really nice touch, and the trophies gave them something to aim for.

Parties are tailored to each age group (start from age 7). The standard package is for 12 people (including host) but more can be added (max. 16). The party child chooses two songs from the song list. During the two hour party there is time to practice the chosen songs and then record them. All the guests are given a CD of the recording at the end of the party and the host gets a DVD too. Invitations are provided.

Tailor made packages are also offered. Call 07738 475246 or 01923 801635 or visit www.starday.co.uk

The Snow Centre At The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead you can throw a fantastic birthday party with a difference and let us do all the hard work! Why not have a ski, try snowboarding or whizz down the snow on a Rubber Ringo or Zipfy Sledge! After your activity it’s up to the party room for some well earned scrumptious party food. Call 0845 258 9000 or visit www.thesnowcentre.com/ childrens-parties

Wobbly Brushes will tailor the party to the host’s requirements.

You provide the venue and the food, and Wobbly Brushes will do the rest (including cleaning up the mess afterwards)! Any children’s themes can be catered for and a typical 45 minute party consists of 2 activities, homemade cake or biscuit to decorate, Wobbly Brushes balloon to take home, play dough, easels for painting, messy play such as sand/oatmeal/ shredded paper. Prices per child range from £7 per head up to £12.

Call 01727 836909 or visit www.wobblybrushes.co.uk

Cooking classes for pre-schoolers, free taster sessions available.

Parties available on request.

01727 839444 LittleCookiesfun@aol.com www.little-cookies.co.uk

Arts, Crafts and Messy Play

Classes every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday in St.Albans Parties from only £7 per child 01727 836909 wobblybrushes.co.uk

Andrew Burden

Children’s Entertainer Magic ★ Live rabbit ★ Games ★ Balloon modelling ★ CRB checked, fully insured. Est.25 yrs.

01707884498

www.magicschool.org.uk/aburden childrensmagic@hotmail.com

Fun music sessions for babies & children

Puppets, instruments, songs & lots of surprises!

We also offer amazing parties!

Book your FREE trial class anna.fryer@caterpillarmusic.com Tel no. 01727 753413 www.caterpillarmusic.com

A real benefit … was to meet you and talk through the plan of the party beforehand… and give my son the control of choosing the games and contributing idea.” Call 07989 434788 or visit www.mini-medallists.co.uk

My Little Wrapper With My Little Wrapper you can have your own personalised chocolate bars!

— Whatever the occasion we can make a wrapper for you. Your party bags will really stand out from the crowd.

Great for birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, birth announcements or for wedding favours with a difference.

Wow your party guests with their own chocolate bar. It’s fun. It’s stylish. It’s tasty. Call 01923 710900 or 0771 325 1266, email jgblyth@aol.com or go to www.mylittlewrapper.co.uk

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Fun and Arty Sessions & Parties for kids aged 4 up Annette 07890 575 828 artskool08@aol.com

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Health

Education

Healthy Teeth, Happy Smile The importance of good dental care for you and your child

Your baby’s teeth are starting to develop even before birth, so it’s never too early to start getting preventive dental health advice for you and your children. Dr David Bloom and Dr Jay Padayachy of Senova Dental Studios in central Watford explain.

Good dental care during pregnancy is not a luxury but a necessity – recent studies have shown a link between poor dental health during pregnancy and pre-term, low-weight babies. Pregnancy hormones can increase your gums’ tendency to bleed, which can lead to gum disease. However this can be easily prevented by taking simple precautions, such as regular visits to your dentist and hygienist ensuring good dental hygiene.

A baby’s teeth will start to appear at any time from 3 months, with all 20 milk teeth usually through by their second birthday. It’s never too early to start caring for their gums and teeth – clean with a soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of special baby toothpaste, which has a lower concentration of fluoride.

Although fluoride is responsible for a huge decrease in tooth decay, swallowing too much of it can lead to white flecks on the teeth (fluorosis). As a guide, baby toothpaste

Mick Pye’s Soccer School Children’s Birthday Parties

Saturday Club

throughout the year 10am - 12 Noon Boys & Girls 5-12 yrs Contact:

01462 484123 0792 891 4086 Email:

angelapye@sky.com

should be used up until 6 – by then children can generally spit better, ensuring they don’t swallow too much fluoride.

Milk and water are the best drinks for babies.

Once a toddler is eating solid food, your dental practice should educate both of you on the importance of reducing sugar in your diet and guidance on limiting the frequency and impact of sugar/plaque acid attacks. At Senova Dental Studios we educate parents and children on the best way to clean teeth (you would be amazed how many people brush incorrectly). It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean in-between your teeth. Electric toothbrushes make cleaning more fun and are also much more effective.

At about age 6, your child’s first permanent adult teeth will start to appear, the back molar teeth first and then the front teeth. The back molars have large deep grooves called fissures, which can be prone to early decay. This can be avoided by the application of fissure protection with ozone for new back teeth (the ozone gas kills the bacteria on the teeth and the fissure protection helps protect against plaque attack), and this can be followed up by a fissure sealants (plastic coatings that fill the fissures and protect teeth from dental plaque and acids).

Keeping baby teeth for as long as possible is important as early loss can create overcrowding of the mouth later on. We constantly monitor the position of the developing teeth to, hopefully, minimise the need for braces when children are older.

Should braces be required, timely intervention can dramatically reduce treatment times ensuring that they don’t need to be worn into the child’s mid teens. Lots of children enjoy playing sport and it is a great way to keep fit, but accidents will happen. To keep potential tooth damage to a minimum, it’s worth considering using sports mouthguards for any form of contact sport. These need to be changed yearly to take account of the new adult teeth erupting.

With correct and comprehensive dental education there’s no reason why your child should ever have a cavity in their teeth, ensuring visits are fun and stress-free for all involved. At Senova Dental Studios we are now treating our fifth generation of children and we can see that prevention is always better than cure.

Top tips for healthy teeth: 1. Avoid sugary snacks between meals.

2. Clean teeth or chew sugar-free gum (when old enough) after sugar intake to limit the plaque acid attack.

3. Make sure that, as well as brushing, your child cleans between their teeth with floss or Inter-dental brushes, once old enough.

4. Check the labels on foods for sugar – always check for hidden sugars, any ingredient with ‘ose’ is sugar-heavy.

5. When something sweet is eaten, try to eat it immediately after a meal when an acid attack will have occurred already from the rest of the meal.

6. Clean teeth before breakfast if the breakfast includes anything acidic like orange juice or grapefruit as these foods are acidic and brushing teeth immediately after may cause erosion.

7. Brush twice daily with a fluoride paste.

8. Spit, don’t rinse.

9. If you eat a lot of sugary snacks in the day, use a mouth rinse.

Further info Senova Dental Studios in Watford (opposite the Harlequin centre) specialise in taking a preventive approach to dental care. Children under 5 will be seen for free if one parent is a current patient. For older children, there’s a health plan which includes dental examinations and hygiene appointments, regular appointments with the dental health educator, necessary x-rays, fluoride treatments and fissure protection and sealants. Visits are fun and educational – children will watch a DVD and go home with their own goodie bag and star chart.

Insurance is included for worldwide accidents and emergencies and if, for some reason, fillings are required, the cost of this is also covered under the plan. To find out more call 01923 233600 or visit www.senovadental.com.

Useful websites www.dentalhealth.org.uk www.colgate.com www.lowcarbmegastore.com

Independent Day School for Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-5

WORKING OPEN MORNING Wednesday 18 May 2011 Come and see our Nursery and Infants at work and play Please telephone to book your place Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

T: 01442 240 333

An education for life...

F: 01442 269 981

We are an Independent Catholic Nursery and Prep School for girls and boys age 3-11 years. All faiths and denominations welcome Stunning 400 acre, rural setting Superb modern facilities Rated ‘Outstanding’ in Ofsted Inspection Caring and dedicated staff

Dyslexic?

Dyspraxic?

Additional Needs?

To find out more call: 01920 824247 www.stedmundscollege.org Registered Charity No: 311073

A school where your child can flourish.

Thrive instead of just survive.

opeN DAy: 5th MAy 2011 DURRANTS LANE BERKHAMSTED

FoR cHiLDREN AgED 5-16 bus service AvAiLAbLe

or call 01442 877060

Mount Carmel

Kindergarten Sandpit Lane, St Albans.

• Educating young children in St Albans for over twenty-five years.

• Unique log-cabin premises and wonderful garden.

• Links with private and state primary schools.

...because you’re only young once!

Half Term Soccer School

to visit contact Lucia Federici 01727 838480

1st, 2nd & 3rd June 10am-3pm

www.mountcarmelkindergarten.co.uk

www.mickssoccerschool.co.uk 10

See our website

www.eger-roth.co.uk

Say you saw it in

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Competitions WIN! WIN! WIN! To enter any of these competitons visit familiesherts.co.uk

Thomas & Friends™ The Lion of Sodor

Owl butterflies can have a wingspan of up to eight inches!

6 DVD's to be Won!

This new DVD contains four funfilled episodes and lots of special extras. Hop on board with Thomas as he learns the importance of listening to others in this lionhearted collection of tales from the tracks.

“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

Phase III Butterfly World Project 8th April–30th September 2011

When Thomas is told that he has to transport something called ‘The Lion of Sodor’ Thomas thinks that it is a real lion. When the other trains try to tell him that it is actually a statue, he is too excited to listen and gets his friends to help by giving the lion treacle, fish and straw. With the lion now in a real sticky mess will he be able to get it cleaned in time for its big unveiling?

For more information about the world of Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends visit www.thomasandfriends.com. ‘Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor’, Run time: 54 minutes, RRP £12.99 Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 30th June 2011

RIVERBANKS NURSERY SCHOOL Established in 1990 in Harpenden 1:4 adult to child ratio Riverbanks provides ‘outstanding’ & fun education and care, for children aged 2 to rising 5 shirley.hayman@riverbanks.co.uk

01582 461608

Summer

Holiday Club 25th Jul - 5th Aug Especially designed for 2 - 8 year olds.

Win a FREE week at Barracudas Summer Activity Day Camp!

Barracudas, the UK’s number 1 operator of Activity Day Camps, will be operating at 27 venues in 2011 in the South East. Operating for 19 years, Barracudas offers fun and exciting activities for children aged 4½ to 16 years during the Easter and summer holidays.

100+ activities will be available including motor sports, swimming, arts & crafts, tennis, circus skills, football, dance, drama, climbing wall and more! All Barracudas camps are registered with Ofsted. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm with the option to extend the hours from 8am to 6pm.

Hertfordshire camps are running from 25 July until 19 August at Hemel Hempstead (Abbot’s Hill School), Hertford (Haileybury School) and Welwyn (Sherrardswood School). For a FREE colour brochure and DVD visit www.barracudas.co.uk or call 0845 123 5299.

To win visit www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing Date: 30th June 2011 Terms & Conditions: Prize is one week between 25th July to 19th August 2011 at a Barracudas camp. Travel to and from the Barracudas camp is not included. The children must be aged between 4½ and 16 years.

One entry per family. The ‘week’ cannot be split across more than one child, or more than one week and cannot be used against an existing booking.

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WIN A Family Ticket for four to Woburn Safari Park Woburn Safari Park is a fantastic day out for families and animal lovers alike. A day packed with animal encounters and wonderful wildlife; you can visit with over 80 species of animals. Drive through the park and enjoy unparalleled close encounters with some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals.

Experience the thrill of being a windscreens width from white rhino, wolves, zebra and giraffe. There are plenty of talks and demonstrations from keepers so you can learn all about feeding habits, care and conservation.

In the Foot Safari you will meet the smaller animals with a choice of fantastic walk-through enclosures. Explore the Mammoth Play Ark, a gigantic indoor play area with super slides and ball pools galore. Choose from two fantastic restaurants and an extensive selection of gifts and toys in Junglies Gift Shop. Woburn Safari Park promises fantastic value for money for an all-inclusive price. For more information, visit www.woburn.co.uk/safari or call 01525 290407.

Visit the Tropical Butterfly House with over 600 butterflies; 27 acres of landscaped and individual designer gardens; gift shop, Nectar House Café and specialist plant sales area; plus educational events for young and old throughout the season.

Butterfly World Project Ltd Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane Chiswell Green, Herts, AL2 3NY Telephone: +44 (0) 1727 869 203 info@butterflyworldproject.com

“Best Days Out For The Family 2009/2010” Listed in The Independent, Sunday Mirror & The Guardian

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

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

recently classified good by Ofsted

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

There are 5 family tickets to be won a family ticket is for 4 people.

To enter visit www.familiesherts.co.uk Closing date: 30th June 2011

Say you saw it in

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What's On HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUBS BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01707 270772/3; 01707 262023 www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 31 May-3 Jun – 8.30am – 6pm Bouncy Castle, Badminton, Karaoke, Face Painting, Netball, Arts & crafts, Cooking, Football, Hatfield Kids Fun Zone. 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 31 May-3 Jun – 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.

Check venue for prices.

CUFFLEY CAMP OUTDOOR CENTRE EN6 4PR Half Term Activity Days 31 May-3 Jun – 9am-3pm Activities are age dependent but can include mountain biking, pond dipping, art activities, archery and the climbing wall. For children in years 1-9. £23 per day HATFIELD SWIM CENTRE Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB 01707 276276 www.finesseleisure.com/ swimming-pool HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 31 May-3 Jun - 9.30am-12pm & 1-3.30pm.

Choose from: Sailing, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Climbing, Raft Building, Bushcraft. Book a half or whole day. The programmes can change due to weather conditions.

Booking essential. Age 9+ Membership required.

Cost: Half day - £15, Full day - £28 HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU www. hertssportsvillage.co.uk Junior Sports Camps Check venue for dates.

A variety of sport specific camps aimed at children of all ages and abilities. Age: 5-17 Prices vary depending on Camp.

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KOOL KIDZ CAMPS 08456032858 or 07966483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.uk Applecroft School, Applecroft Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZ and St John Fisher School, Hazelmere Rd, St. Albans, AL4 9RW 31 May-3 Jun – 9am-4pm A fun and friendly OFSTED regulated camp with qualified CRB checked staff. Activities include Arts and Crafts, sports, Go karts, Bouncy Castle, Radio controlled cars and more. Ages: 4-11 yrs Cost: £30 per day; extended sessions available at extra cost MICK PYE’S SOCCER SCHOOL 01462 484123 / 0792 891 4086 angelapye@sky.com 1 - 3 June - 10am-3pm PERFORM DRAMA WORKSHOPS 0845 400 4021 or 0207 255 9138 www.perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk Mons: Rickmansworth Weds: Northwood, Berkhamsted, Radlett, Goffs Oak Thurs: Sawbridgeworth, Elstree Fri: St Albans Sat: Welwyn Garden City, Chorleywood, St Albans, Tring, Harpenden. Also holiday workshops. Age: 4-8 years.

Free Trial Session available.

PLAY IN THE PARKS 01727827667 mark.caldwell@leisureconnection.co.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk playintheparks

www.activestalbans.com During school holidays - check above contact details for venues and times. Play activities for 5–12 yr olds at a park or open space near you. Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama and Creative Games. (Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult) PLINSTONKIDS Plinston Hall, Broadway, Letchworth GC Herts, SG6 3NX 01462 672003 www.plinston.com 31 May-3Jun – 10am-3.30pm Activities are likely to include coach trips, walks, cinema and talent shows, quizzes, arts and crafts, competitions, sports and games, cookery, and special themed days.

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

WILD CHILD ACTIVITIES 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Beginners Skateboard School Beaumont School, St Albans 1-2 Jun – 10am-12.30pm Dive into the awesome world of Skateboarding. For beginners and anyone who wants to learn cool new tricks. We even bring the equipment. 7-12 yrs. £24

FUN DAYS OUT BLETCHLEY PARK The Mansion Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org Forties Family Festival 29-30 May – 10.30am-5pm With 1940’s re-enactors, military vehicles, music and more.

BUTTERFLY WORLD Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, AL2 3NY 01727 869 203 www.butterflyworldproject.com This season, in the tropical butterfly house, vistors will get close up and personal with over 600 tropical butterflies. Plus, enjoy acres of beautiful gardens.

Opening times: 10am-5pm until 25 June. 10am-6pm between 26 Jun until 31 Aug. Open seven days a week. Entry: Adults £7.50, Concs (over 60s/students with valid ID) £6.50, Children (3-16) £5.50, Under 3s FREE, Family (2 adults/2 children) £20. Group bookings and season tickets also available.

CELTIC HARMONY CAMP Brickendon, nr Hertford www.celticharmony.org 01438 718543 Beltane Summer Festival 2 May – 10am-5pm Experience a real Celtic Fire Festival. Music, face painting, storytelling, treasure hunts, Maypole dancing, archery tournament and the Beltane Fire Procession. £7 online or £9 at the door Family Storytelling & Picnic 4 Jun – 2-2pm Stories of fairies, pixies and friendly ghosts. Take a picnic. £7/person KNEBWORTH HOUSE Park and Gardens, Knebworth SG1 2AX 01438 810931 www.knebworthhouse.com Fathers Day in the Park 19 Jun – 10am-5pm Cars and Motorcycles in the Park.

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Open daily 10am -6.30pm Tractor & Trailer Rides, Sheep Races. All activities are included in the admission cost.

Contact venue for more info.

Open daily 10am-5.30pm Check online for prices on the day of your visit. Online booking discounts apply.

circus workshops, children’s sports and craft activities, ferret racing, welly wanging and more. All ages.

Free

FESTIVALS

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane Broxbourne EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Open every day except Christmas Get up close to the animals, including tigers, lions, monkeys, zebras, camels, penguins and more.

Plus lots of other attractions.

Entry: Adult £16, Child £11 (save £1 when booked online)

BOXMOOR CANAL FESTIVAL Canalside on Grand Union at Hemel Hempstead www. wendoverarmtrust.co.uk 28 May – from 12pm 29, 30 May – from 10am Canal boats, fairground, animals, craft fair, free children’s entertainment.

Admission: Adult £6, Child £3, Concs £4, Family £15 FREE PARKING.

SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth nr Royston, SG8 6PZ 01763 26 22 26 www.SheprethWildlifePark.co.uk ‘LOVE YOUR ZOO’ Week 30 May – 5 Jun Events with ‘RINGO the COATI’ and the Education Team.

Lemur Day 2 Jun – 12-4pm Lemur fun and games throughout the day.

Park Entrance: Adult £9.95, Child & Concs £7.95

CAZFEST Sworder’s Field, Bishops Stortford info@cazfest.com 2 Jul One day summer music event in memory of Caroline Johnstone (Caz). It aims to raise awareness of sudden cardiac deaths in youths and to raise funds for heart screening for young people in Bishops Stortford and beyond.

Advance Tickets £20.00 - Tickets on the day £25.00. Children 12 and under FREE (must be with ticket holding adult!)

HERTS COUNTY SHOW The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT www.hertsshow.com Tickets: 0844 850 2122 28-29 May – 9am-5.30pm Traditional county show with horses, cattle, sheep, birds of prey, poultry and rabbits. Once through the gate all of our children’s entertainment is FREE OF CHARGEincluding the Festival Circus & Simulator!

Tickets: Adult £15.50, Child £7, Family £38, Senior £13.50 (Book in advance and save 20%)

STANDALONE FARM Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN. 01462 686775 www.standalonefarm.com 11am - 5pm daily Set in 170 acres of farmland with animals large and small.

Contact venue for prices.

THE FAIR IN THE SQUARE Hitchin Town Square www. hitchinbritishschools.org.uk 01462 454198 18 Jun – from 9am Stalls include: cakes & preserves, bric-a-brac, books, plants, crafts, jewellery, tombola, etc.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans. 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Spring Special 28 May-5 Jun – 10am-5.30pm See the sheep having their coats shorn ready for the summer and watch the daily Dog Agility shows.

Plus, a fun programme with indoor and outdoor adventure play.

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

Contact venue for prices.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Woburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407 www.woburn.co.uk/safari Open daily – 10am-6pm Entry: Adult £19.95, Child £14.95, online discounts apply WOODSIDE ANIMAL FARM Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG 01582 841044 www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Contact venue for more info.

MEAD OPEN FARM Stanbridge Rd, Billington, Beds, LU7 9JH 01525 852 954

ZSL WHIPSNADE ZOO Dunstable, Beds, LU6 2LF 01582 872171 www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/

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

FAMILY FUN DAY Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Rosehill Hospital, Hitchin Road, Letchworth, SG6 3NA 01438 231728 / 01462 684214 www.letchworthcentre.com www.hertsmstherapy.org.uk 19 Jun – 10am-6pm Bring Dad to our Fun Day on Father’s Day. There’s archery, and lots of traditional sideshows. In aid of Herts MS Therapy Centre. Free FESTIVAL OF LIVING CRAFTS Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ www.livingcrafts.co.uk 0845 230 5176 5-8 May – 10am-5pm Papermaking, calligraphy, ceramic painting, origami and more. Demos, jazz and brass bands, traditional dance and storytelling.

Advance Tickets: Adult £8, Senior £7.50, Child £3.50, Family £22 HARPENDEN COMMON DISCOVERY DAY Harpenden Common 11 Jun – 10am-5pm Sheep shearing, falconry displays, laser clay shooting, a dog show,

LETCHWORTH CENTRE OPEN DAY Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Rosehill Hospital, Hitchin Road, Letchworth, SG6 3NA 01462 678804 www. letchworthcentre.com 12th Jun – 11am-4pm Try free treatments, classes and workshops and outdoor family activities. Part of ‘The Letchworth Festival’.

LETCHWORTH FESTIVAL www.letchworthfestival.org contact@letchworthfestival.org 01462 679977 10-26 June This years festival is likely to be just as exciting as 2010. See website for details of individual events.

RICKMANSWORTH FESTIVAL Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane, Rickmansworth 01923 778382, www.rwt.org.uk 21 May – 10.30am-10.30pm 22 May – 10.30am-5.30pm A fun event celebrating canal life and local community.

Free - donations welcome RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL 2011 The Green, next to the Jolly Fisherman, High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8 18 Jun – 1-5pm A fun filled day for all the family. Lots of different stalls, activities and performances.

Bring a picnic. All money raised is for community projects.

50p for a programme includes a raffle ticket.

THE STEVENAGE CARNIVAL www.stevenagecarnivalday.org email scdocarol@googlemail.com 26 June – 12noon – 7pm Returning after an 8 year absence!

The Parade starts at 12.30 pm from Primett Rd/High St and goes to Fairlands Valley Park South. Free Events at Park are 12 noon - 7pm.

Including several stages, dance area including public dancing, rides. Lots of kids' entertainment.

TEWIN FETE Lower Green and Village Hall, Tewin AL6 0JX 25 June – 2-5pm WARE FESTIVAL www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk 01920 460316 2 July This year’s theme is Science Fiction.

DIARY DATES CHILDREN’S FUN RUN - 1 MILE High Street, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7HH www.hbo-10k.org.uk 30 May – approx. 1pm Race starts when the 10k road race finishes at around 1pm and is free to enter. Part of the village festival weekend with entertainment, a fete, stalls, food. All the children get a medal.

Free parking.

DROP-IN COFFEE MORNING St Luke’s School, Crouch Hall Lane, Redbourn Herts AL3 7ET 9 May – 9.30-11.30am 6 Jun – 9.30-11.30am An informal drop in for ALL parents/carers who have children with ANY additional need, HEARTWOOD FOREST Sandridge. AL3 6JE www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/heartwood Bluebell Event 8 May – 11am-3pm See the gorgeous bluebells. There’s a self-guided trail with children’s activities along the way. Parking will be in a field off Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans, AL3 6JB. Follow the signs on the day. No need to book, just turn up.

HOWE DELL SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE SUMMER FETE The Runway, Hatfield, AL10 9AH 01707 263291 21 May – 1pm-4pm Lots of stalls, tombola, games, rides, refreshments, arena events.

Entry: 50p (children free)

members) Dunstable Branch Watling Lower School 4 Jun – 2.15pm (2pm for members) PRESTON GARDENS OPEN DAY Preston near Hitchin, SG4 7UF 01462 433859 29 May 1-5pm 14 gardens in this pretty village offer a variety of sizes, styles and planting with many interesting features. Stalls on the Green, Teas in the Village Hall and BBQ on the Green from 12pm.

Entry £3.50 (children free). Free parking.

SUMMER FAIR High Street, Waltham Cross EN8 7AN 4 Jun – 10am-2pm Craft, charity stalls and entertainment from local groups.

Held in the town centre and includes a street market.

Free WILLIAM RANSOM PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FETE Stuart Drive Hitchin, SG4 9QB 01462 624777 11 Jun – 11am-4pm Activities include: circus entertainer, bouncy castle, tombola, bowling alley, go-carts, BBQ, homemade cakes, second hand books, games, toys and white elephant, raffle.

Entry: Adult £1, children and OAPs are free

For theatre listings and lots more fun places to visit go to familiesherts.co.uk and click on the ‘What’s On’ tab.

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK EVENTS www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk 30 May-5 Jun Check the website for events near you.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALES Everything for children 0-5 years old including: clothing, equipment, toys, books, videos, maternity wear.

Watford District Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley, WD4 9HG 7 May – 2-3.30pm (1.45pm for

Say you saw it in

15

Fresh new stage school starting September 2011 Music, Acting and Dance for 6-19 year olds • Saturdays 10-1pm in Harpenden • Training in all three disciplines • Adult drama classes and DJ classes coming soon • Auditions for elite groups (no age limit)

Classes Cover: Street Dance, Contemporary Dance, Musical Theatre, Glee Choir, Physical Theatre, Script Work, Productions, Showcases.

Contact: 07773 713 131 info@madskillsperformingarts.co.uk www.madskillsperformingarts.co.uk

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

Call me, Rachael Matthews, on

01494 758573

Q C ua om lit y Pr pe W ic titi ork e ve

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

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

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

Printed by Warners Midlands Plc, Bourne, Lincs., PE10 9PH. Copyright Families Herts 2011. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Herts is part of a group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents or for any consequences.