Families Herts Jul-Aug 2012

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Issue No. 45 July/August 2012

Have a ball this summer!

Summer Special & What’s On with over 150 fun things to do!

5 brilliant

competitions AND LOADS MORE INSIDE!

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

From your Editor…

In this issue:

I love this time of year, it will soon be the end of term and the blissful weeks of summer will begin …. Oh dear, I must be day-dreaming!

News & Views: 4

What I meant to say was, I do love this time of year with the prospect of a summer break and all but I always feel a slight anxious edge about keeping the children occupied and how best to balance work with family commitments. If this is a state of mind that you can empathise with, I hope that the contents of the July/August issue will alleviate it a little. ‘Summer for Free - or less!’ gives some ideas for when you can’t splash the cash. ‘Summer camps explained’ does just that. Summer What’s On has something for everyone.

Competitions: 6

Shoe-shopping is a chore that has to be faced at some point during the break and we have some very sure footed advice from that household name ‘Start-rite’.

Education: 10

We also have an interesting article about dealing with sleep problems in younger children – so this might be one to read in the early hours!

Summer Special: 12

As always, we’ve got some great competitions on page 6, so be sure to enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk and click on the ‘competitions’ tab.

Your Child's Health: 7 Nurseries & Pre-Schools: 8

Summer What's On: 17 Next Issue: Schools & Clubs & Classes

Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, 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 shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Get in touch to request copies for your venue.

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

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

Interactive French classes for 3-11 year olds for bilingual children and non French speakers.

Lessons on Saturday mornings in St Albans.

All of our teachers are native French speakers.

www.lespetitsecoliers.co.uk lespetitsecoliers@hotmail.co.uk Christelle: 07866385732

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Front cover image details: Spot Print Swimsuit £9- £10 Stockist: Mothercare 0845 330 4030 www.mothercare.com

News & Views Little Monkeys Sing for Charity Monkey Music – the music group for preschool children – has recorded a special charity song to celebrate a summer of sport.

Performed by children, aged 7 to 9, and written especially for Monkey Music, the Anthem, ‘The Day is Here!’ tells the story of a running race.

Selling the charity song to the families and friends of Monkey Music’s children (or anyone who wants to support the cause) will raise funds for music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins.

Music therapists help people with a range of challenges including autism, depression, stroke, brain injury and learning difficulties.

‘The Day is Here’ can be purchased from www.monkeymusic.co.uk. For more information go to www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk For more about your local Monkey Music classes contact: Natasha Vallance (Harpenden & Hitchin), 01582 620446, harpenden. hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk

Tessa Osborn (St Albans, Hemel Hempstead & Berkhamsted), 01727 831867, stalbans. watford@monkeymusic.co.uk

Help for parents trying to balance work and childcare It can be difficult to know what working hours to do when you have a child, especially if you are returning to work after a period of leave. You will need to weigh up factors such as childcare costs, travel to work, earnings, and any other help you might get, for example, from tax credits.

Work-life balance charity 'Working Families' has launched a new web tool which will steer you through all the options on tax credits and childcare vouchers, and give you additional information to help you choose your best work pattern.

The new guide can be found at www.workingfamilies.org.uk.

Call the Working Families Helpline on 0800 013 0313 for one-to-one advice.

Knockout Challenge On Sunday 22nd July, St Albans based charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK (NACC), will be holding its annual ‘It’s A Knockout Challenge’ at the OA Sports Club, Woollam Playing Fields, Harpenden Road, St Albans.

The event is a great opportunity for friends and colleagues, clubs and schools to take part in a challenge with a difference. Extra points can be scored for those teams who wear fancy dress and winning teams receive coveted Knockout medals and glory!

The charity aims to raise awareness of

Crohn’s and Colitis, bowel conditions that affect 1 in 250 people in the UK (around 5000 people in Hertfordshire) and are together known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

There is no known cure for IBD which can have a devastating impact on education, work, social and family life. Diagnosis can sometimes take years, which is why the charity want people to be better informed.

To register your team of adults or children call Lesley Eames on 01727 734485 or visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/knockout

Les Petits Ecoliers Three enthusiastic French mums have recently taken over Les Petits Ecoliers, a school based in St Albans that teaches French to 3-11 year old children on Saturday mornings.

Younger learners develop oral skills through songs, games and activities, while older students practise reading, writing and grammar alongside French culture and history. Most importantly, children have fun while interacting with and speaking French to other children.

Their own children attend the school and have all found that the lessons and the social interaction in French have tremendously boosted their progress and confidence.

They are totally determined to keep the Saturday school going so that the wonderful things the school has achieved can continue.

All children who would like to start learning French or who want to reinforce the French already learned will be warmly welcomed.

Call Christelle 07866 385 732 or email lespetitsecoliers@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

are open for this new course, which offers a flexible training, perfect for anyone considering a change to a family-friendly career or looking to return to work after having a baby. With tutorials across the UK and study days hosted regionally, students

can complete the majority of their studies without travelling to Worcester. So, if you’re looking for a rewarding job you can fit around your family, becoming an NCT practitioner could be just the thing. www.nct.org.uk/nct-college

Start a Career with NCT Would you like to train as a practitioner with NCT? The University of Worcester and NCT have joined forces to provide university-accredited training for those wanting to support parents on their journey from pregnancy to parenthood. Admissions

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

Local Charity Wins the Mayor’s Pride Awards 2012 Recently, the team of volunteer mums from Hertfordshire Postnatal Illness Support (HPIS) attended The Mayor’s Pride Awards 2012 where they had been short listed for Local Hero 2012. To their delight, amazement and honour they won!

HPIS works with families across Hertfordshire offering email, telephone and group support. In 2011 the team were thrilled to be invited to create and facilitate an ongoing support group for mums in Thumbswood Mother and Baby Unit at the QEII hospital in Welwyn Garden City. This specialist service ensures mums are not separated from their babies when they need psychiatric support in a hospital setting.

HPIS dedicates the Local Hero Award 2012 to every woman who is suffering with postnatal illness. Their message is simple: ‘Don’t Give Up! You will get better and our charity is here for you every step of the way!’

For information or help go to www.postnatalillness.co.uk, or call 01727 826627 / 01727 823466

Mummy Bloggers x 2 Mummy Blogger No. 1: Letchworth Garden City Mum, Kate Ladd is celebrating reaching the finals of National Blog Awards. ‘Two Cats, Youngling and Me’ is in the running to be named the UK’s ‘Best MAD Family Life Parent blog’. Kate is one of five finalists in the ‘Best Family Life Blog’ category of the MAD Blog Awards 2012 beating more than 3,000 others.

Kate said: “It’s wonderful to know that people enjoy reading what I write, and I’m really excited to have reached the finals.”

Blog readers can vote at www.the-mads.com. Kate’s blog, can be found at www.makeshiftmummy.com. On Twitter kate is @MakeshiftMummy Mummy Blogger No. 2: Mediocre Mum (aka Chrissie Saunders from St Albans) has created a ‘slow cooker revival’ to help cash strapped young families.

“It might sound a bit seventies but it takes about as much energy to run a slow cooker as it does to use a light bulb, plus you can batch cook and freeze and use cheaper cuts of meat without losing the taste,” said Chrissie.

Chrissie has dedicated part of her blog to Slow Cooker Sunday where she posts tasty recipes to show what can be done with a slow cooker. You can share your slow cooker recipes on her blog too.

Slow Cooker Sunday can be found on www.mediocremum.com and on Twitter, using the hashtag #scsunday

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Competitions Win a pair of tickets to a Wildchild Outdoor Adventure Day

A Wildchild Outdoor Adventure Day is for the truly adventurous …

The mission: Find the secret code to escape from Wildchild Wood.

The challenge: Abseil down the Tower of Terror; complete the awesome Adventure Trail; build a den.

The goal: Complete the challenges to ‘earn’ a piece of the treasure map then use the map to find the secret code and escape from Wildchild Wood on the 70 metre zip wire!

The ‘Escape from Wildchild Wood’ Outdoor Adventure Days are ideal for kids aged from 7-12 years. They take place at The Phasels Wood Activity Centre on Thurs 26 July, Wed 1 Aug, Thurs 9 Aug, Wed 15 Aug from 10am-3.15pm. For more details visit www.wildchildactivities.com. Turn to page 20 for more Wildchild holiday activities Win one of two pairs of tickets for your child and a friend at www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date: 20th July

Win a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car with Club Membership!

The iconic Cozy Coupe from Little Tikes is Britains best-selling ‘car’. Over 130,000 were sold in the UK last year, compared to just over 96,000 Ford Fiestas. With so many ‘mini’ drivers, Little Tikes has launched the Cozy Coupe Club!

Membership is open to all Cozy Coupe owners, present or past, young or old(!) and each new member will be sent a Welcome Pack full of goodies! There's a one-off joining fee of £10 (£12 for outside the UK). Members will be the first to hear about special offers, and will receive exclusive discounts from Little Tikes all year round! Plus there's some great games on the Cozy Coupe Club website that will test little ones’ driving skills and road knowledge.

All new Cozy Coupes (RRP £54.99) come with a club application form, or you can apply online. For more info visit www.littletikes.co.uk/cozycoupeclub or call 01908 268480.

Win one of three Cozy Coupes with Club Memberships at www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date: 17th August

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Win a Family Day Ticket to Willows Farm Village Summer Spectacular Ensure your Summer is packed full of fun by visiting Willows Farm Village, near St Albans, during its Summer Spectacular event between the 21st July – 2nd September 2012.

Tristan the Runaway Tractor has helped to plant the maize seeds for Willows “A-maizeing Maze”. Families can enjoy finding their way out of the maize maze as well as helping to find the missing items Tristan left in the field.

As well as farmyard animals for children to hold and feed there are Fun Fair Rides, Inflatable Bouncy Haystacks, Panning for Gold and much more to keep families entertained.

The Willows Summer Sports Day Races will allow wannabe athletes the chance to showcase their sporting skills in daily egg and spoon, space hopper and sack races with a special certificate for the children taking part.

On cloudier days there's the indoor adventure play barn Woolly Jumpers and the ‘egg-citing’ Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge.

Willows Farm Village is offering six lucky Families Herts readers the chance to each win a Family Day Ticket (which admits four people) to visit during Summer Spectacular.

To find out more call 0870 129 9718 or visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com For your chance to win go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date: 20th July

Win an Aquabeat MP3 player with New Metanium Everyday Exercising with your baby can be a great way to get in shape, and listening to music can be just the motivator you need to get out there every day. New Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is giving away 2 purple Aquabeat MP3 players (RRP around £70) which can store 1000 of your favourite tracks. Plus, it’s waterproof so you can even use it while swimming. 5 runners up will receive a specially designed Metanium changing bag (RRP £30) – handy for all those everyday essentials.

New Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to help guard against nappy rash. It helps seal in the skin’s natural moisture keeping the skin soft,

smooth and supple.

Metanium Everyday contains no fragrance or lanolin, so is gentle enough to use at each nappy change.

Protection for your baby and motivation for you – Every day! www.metanium.co.uk For your chance to win this great prize go to www.familiesherts. co.uk.

Closing date: 31st August.

Win an Attach-a-Tag Labelling Kit Are you fed up with sewing, sticking or ironing on name labels? Attach-a-Tag offers a new twist on labelling kids’ clothes Attach-a-Tag is a labelling system which uses a ‘dolphin’ shaped applicator to attach a small button to clothing. Your child’s name is permanently etched onto the button and once it’s attached, it’s there until you choose to remove it (with the integral removal tool) and use it elsewhere.

The button fits in the top of the dolphin’s ‘mouth’, the retainer in the bottom. The gadget is pressed together like a stapler and a small handle is twisted.

Easy!

The button is attached either to the clothing label or seam of a garment. You could label anything soft really and they wash and tumble

dry perfectly as well as withstanding heat from an iron.

The buttons can be reused (but you will need to purchase new retainers). This makes them perfect for temporary labelling such as for school holidays, scout/guide camp etc.

Attach-a-Tag can be purchased online at www.attachatag.com and from good uniform shops.

To win a Attach-a-Tag kit go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

Closing date: 20th July

Your Child's Health

How is your Little One Sleeping?

By Pam Clark

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t doesn’t take long for the topic of sleep to come up in conversation with parents of young children. Some parents boast that their children go quietly off to sleep and they don’t hear a peep until morning, but many children do have trouble sleeping through the night during the pre-school years and beyond.

Studies show that up to 30% of babies have sleep problems and more than half of parents of young children would like to change their child’s sleep habits.

I understand from personal experience just how difficult it can be when you have a child who does not sleep well. As a Mum of two energetic young boys I know that a good night’s sleep is crucial for the mood, energy levels and health of my whole family. My first son, Thomas, was a great sleeper, so I thought I knew it all, but when my second son, James, arrived three years later, he had other ideas.

After nearly a year of broken sleep, a lot of frustration and tears for both of us, I was at my wit’s end when I stumbled upon the Sleep Sense™ programme, developed by sleep expert, Dana Obleman. It was practical, easy-to-follow advice which actually worked!

The programme transformed our lives in a matter of weeks, as James learnt to consistently sleep for 12 hours or more every night, which has continued ever since. The whole family benefited immediately from getting some decent sleep and I felt like a much better Mum, wife, friend and colleague as a result!

About the Author: Pam’s personal experience has led her to qualify as a Certified Sleep Sense™ Consultant and she now runs the Child Sleep Company. The comprehensive training and mentoring programme has given her the tools to be able to help other parents who are struggling to get their little one sleeping soundly.

To find our more or to book a consultation go to www.childsleepcompany.co.uk or call 01727 226567

Pam shares some tips on child sleep to help your family get on the right track: 1. Choose an early bedtime – around 7pm is ideal Early bedtimes help ensure that children do not become overtired, which not only makes it more difficult for them to fall asleep, but also results in more restless sleep during the night and early waking in the morning.

2. Put your child to sleep in the same place every night (and for naps where relevant) This will help your child feel secure and act as a cue for sleep, helping them to settle down more easily and have better quality sleep.

3. Create a predictable bedtime routine A bedtime routine is an excellent cue to your child that it is time to prepare for sleep. It should be around 30 minutes in length, have a consistent set of steps that you both enjoy and should end in your child’s bedroom.

4. Put your child to bed AWAKE This may seem difficult, but it’s actually the most important step! It’s only by letting your child fall asleep WITHOUT your help at bedtime, that they learn the independent sleep skills necessary to stay asleep all night.

5. If your child wakes during the night, wait a few minutes before intervening Most children make some noise during the night as they move between sleep cycles. If you rush in at the slightest noise, they will not learn how to fall back to sleep on their own.

6. Stick to a consistent daily schedule as much as possible Skipping naps and late bedtimes will affect the next 24-hour cycle as your child becomes increasingly over-tired. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that naps are not important, or that keeping your child up late will help them sleep longer at night.

Tired of being tired?

Concerns about your child’s sleep?

I’m Pam Clark and I can help.

With a customized sleep plan, your child’s sleep problem can be resolved within two weeks!

Contact me for your FREE 15 minute sleep evaluation on

01727 226567

info@childsleepcompany.co.uk

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Nurseries & Pre-Schools Reduce the stress of ‘back to school (and nursery)’

shoe-shopping!

Even though we are looking down the barrel of the summer holidays there is always that niggling voice in the back of your mind reminding you that ‘back to school’ shoe shopping in only just around the corner. Children’s shoe experts, Start-rite, have come up with their top tips on what to look for in children's everyday and back to school shoes and how to take the strain out of ‘back to school’ shoe-shopping.

The shoes For all day comfort you need to make sure your child is wearing shoes that properly fit their feet. Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities and there’s no such thing as an ‘average’ foot. Shoes which come in only one width actually fit less than a third of children so it’s important to choose shoes which are available in whole and half sizes and offers the greatest choice of width fittings.

Children’s feet grow in spurts so their footwear should be professionally checked for fit every six to eight weeks when they are toddling and every three to four months after that. Professional shoe-fitters provide free, no-obligation fit checks and will not recommend purchase of new shoes unless the child needs them.

Leather also conforms to the shape of the feet for maximum comfort, is hard wearing and easy to maintain. Start-rite uses only dyed-through leathers which keep their good looks even after scuffing. Shoe care is particularly important for shoes which are worn frequently. Regular cleaning and polishing actually helps to extend a shoe’s life as well as keeping them looking good.

For maximum comfort, durability and grip, choose shoes with a good tread pattern on the sole. Check that the sole flexes easily across the widest part of shoe (which contains the ball of the foot). The sole shouldn’t be too heavy and thickness should be in proportion with the shoe size and the child’s height.

Choose a shoe with an effective fastener across the instep so that your child doesn’t curl his toes to keep them on. Laces, buckles and velcro straps are best because they hold the feet securely and comfortably in the correct position in the shoe. Properly fitted slip-on shoes have to fit snugly to ensure they don’t fall off and this means they can’t incorporate growing room.

Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities...

Springfield Playgroup

A well established Pre-school and Playgroup with daily sessions available for children aged between 2yrs and 5yrs old • Intakes Jan, Sept, Easter • Places available now • High staff to child ratio • Outside play space

Special Offer – Free sessions after completion of two months.

Contact playgroup leader Samantha Pack on 07914 678 737 sphplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk www.springfieldplaygroup.co.uk Springfield House, 24 High St, Stevenage, SG1 3EJ

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You should choose shoes with built-in space around the toes to give feet room to grow, but never be tempted to buy shoes in a larger size than your child needs so that they can ‘grow into them’. This is a false economy because shoes which don’t fit properly do not wear as well and, more importantly, they can damage a child’s feet.

Choose leather footwear because it provides the healthiest environment for growing feet.

Children’s feet have as many sweat glands as an adult’s and we lose about an eggcup full of perspiration from our feet each day. Leather is breathable and allows vapour to escape through the surface of the shoe.

The shopping Don’t leave it until the last minute. Shops will be busier at the end of the school holidays and they may have sold out of your chosen style or size.

• If you are going to hit the shops go first thing in the morning. It will be quieter and that’s when your child is likely to be feeling freshest.

• Allow enough time – it takes around half an hour for a child to be professionally measured and fitted for shoes.

• For the best fit, take school socks with you for your child to wear when being fitted for shoes.

• If you can’t face the high street, why not try shopping online? Look for websites that offer expert advice and online tools to help you measure your child’s feet.

For more advice on children’s foot care and footwear needs visit startriteshoes.com.

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Education

Literacy Programmes Online Learning to read is an important skill for all children, Reading Eggs makes it an enjoyable experience too. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs are all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

The programs have been developed by a team of educational teachers, writers and developers. They focus on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success, supporting what children learn at school. They offer one-to-one lessons that allow children to progress at their own pace.

The Reading Eggs program includes 120 literacy lessons that take a child from foundation stage through to the end of key stage 1. In addition to the lessons there is 'Reading Eggs World' which caters for children who already know the basics of reading but who still have much to learn about reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension.

Children are able to choose their own adventure from a wide range of activities and places to go, including: The Story Factory (an introduction to creative writing): Driving Tests (test sight words, letters and sounds); Puzzle Park (word puzzles and word recognition); Skills Bank (spelling

lessons that go up to the end of Key Stage 1); storylands ( builds reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills) and The Arcade (arcade-style games used as motivational rewards).

With The Reading Eggspress program children are instantly involved and interested as they explore a complete world with a wide variety of learning and fun experiences. The range of activities motivates students to return regularly to complete lessons, compete against others, earn more rewards and improve their skills.

There are 4 areas of the Reading Eggspress world: The Library - has over 1000 e-books.

The Comprehension Gym - holds 200 interactive comprehension lessons over five broad levels from years 2 to years 6 with 40 lessons per year level.

The Stadium - tests skills in spelling, vocabulary, usage and grammar.

The Apartment and Mall - children can use their golden eggs to buy avatar clothes and apartment furniture. Within the apartment all of the trophies, medals and trading cards children have collected can be viewed and children can also complete a 100-level quest-style game to expand and refresh learning and earn more golden eggs.

Progress within the Reading Eggspress program is measured by the completion of targets. These are split over 4 levels and help to give children some guidance and structure for learning.

Both the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs have a comprehensive reporting system that tracks progress so that students and their parents can clearly see each child’s achievements.

Using promotional code UKS24HRT you can trial the programs for free for an extended period of 5 weeks.

Visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register your email address and once your account has been set up you can enter the code on your parent dashboard.

JAPANESE ABACUS MATHS For Children 4-11 Years Old • Maths for Right & Left Brain Development • Times Tables with imagination – even 5 year olds can learn all the 1-10 times tables.

• Master the foundation of +, -, x, ÷ using the abacus and its concepts.

• Develop finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

• Cognitive training with the use of the abacus (visual, auditory processing, attention, logic) Hemel Hempstead (Boxmoor), St Albans (Fleetville Community Centre)

For FREE TRIAL CLASS, contact; 01442 800 808 contact@abacusmaths.info www.abacusmaths.info

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Summer Special acres of room in which to wander. Most have playgrounds and some have paddling pools and sand pits. If you know your own local park well, ring the changes and go further afield to explore a new one. Take a picnic. www.hertsdirect.org has a complete list of Gardens and Parks in Hertfordshire.

Summer for Free - or less!

Although I would love to present a raft of activities that are all totally and utterly free, being realistic, it is true to say that the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch’, is, unfortunately, true. So, we have a mix of ideas and places; some are free and some may entail a small entry fee or require a limited cash injection!

Fun at home 1. Water painting: A bucket of water and a decorating brush is all that you need. Little ones can ‘paint’ on the patio, wall or fence.

2. A treasure hunt with clues around the house.

3. Have a water fight in the garden.

4. Have a Games Day: Challenge the kids to get through at least 10 board games, ping pong sessions etc.

5. A movie afternoon with popcorn and a DVD 6. Construct a tent with chairs and sheets (inside or outside).

7. Make an outdoor blackboard. Use some marine plywood and blackboard paint. Fix to house wall, fence or shed. Store chalks in a waterproof box, ready for use.

Fun at the Library Many libraries run Story and Rhyme times – these are free and suitable for babies and young children. Go to www.hertsdirect.org/ services/libraries/ . Click on your local library and follow the Rhyme Time ‘Signpost’ for a listing of days and times.

Every summer there is a national Summer Reading Challenge. For 2012 it is ‘Story Lab’. It runs in libraries throughout the summer holidays, with incentives, activities and events designed to create a real buzz around children’s reading. It is completely free of charge - and every child will receive a membership card or pack. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Fun at the Market Visiting a market, especially with children, is difficult to achieve without some expenditure.

You could see a market visit as an opportunity to teach some fiscal probity to your offspring; give each a limited amount so that they really have to consider before buying an item or you could give them a challenge i.e. find the

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cheapest toy car, or the best deal on their favourite fruit. You’ll have fun even without loads of cash to splash.

Go to www.enjoyhertfordshire.com and click on ‘market towns’. Where you will find a table of markets in Herts.

Fun at the Museum Local museums will have programmes of activities during the holidays and these can be free or may entail a small charge to cover materials for things such as craft activities.

Activities are often themed around current exhibitions or national or local events. See our What’s On pages for listings.

If you want to go further afield looking for somewhere you’ve not been before try one of the more ‘off the beaten track’ museums in London such as ‘The Wallace Collection’ this gem is tucked away about a 10 minute walk from Selfridges and admission is Free. Open daily from 10am - 5pm including Public Holidays.

For kids they have summer fun including: The Little Draw - Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages. Do the QR Code Treasure Hunt - Use your smartphone to hunt down QR codes hidden throughout the museum. Scan them and answer their questions to win a prize! www.wallacecollection.org Another unusual museum is the Wellcome Collection located not far from Euston Station.

For visitors aged 5–10, they offer a ‘Young Explorer Pack’. This pack contains all you will need to get to grips with the Permanent Collection and includes fun activities to complete in the galleries and at home. Be warned some of the exhibitions contain human remains. www.wellcomecollection.org Fun at Local Fairs and Fetes Going to your local school or church fete is not to be sneezed at. These are often free for children with a small charge for adults.

As with markets (above) you could give your children a set amount of cash for rides and stalls and ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’.

Fun at Parks & Playgrounds Locally we are lucky to have a plethora of enticing green spaces with lush grass and

Fun Bike Rides If your familiy’s bikes are gathering dust now is the time to dust them down and oil them up.

If you are not experienced cyclists you will want to ensure that you are cycling in a safe path and that the route is suitable for the age and ability of the youngest child.

Sustrans offer a free information pack to discover great places to cycle near you as well as a cycling with children booklet. They also have an online mapping program to find out where to walk and cycle from your home.

Just tap in your postcode and it shows you local walking and cycling routes as well as bus stops, train stations and connections to local destinations such as shops, schools and sports facilities. www.sustrans.org.uk Fun Walks The trick is getting them out for a walk without them realising. Here are some tips for a fun family walk: Make it an adventure: Don’t suggest ‘going for a walk’, make it an outing or adventure to somewhere like a park, a playground, woods or a pond; treat them to a picnic or take something to eat and drink along the way.

Take it nice and slow. Be prepared to go at their pace, stopping to play and look at things on the way, and to cut the walk short if they get tired. With regular walking children will build up their fitness just as an adult does but keep walks short until you know about their abilities.

Go prepared: Make sure they have comfortable clothes and shoes, and extra layers in case of rain or cold weather.

Let them bring a friend, team up with another family, or join a led walk that’s suitable for families.

Get Creative: Look out for animals, birds, trees, people, buildings, colours. Collect tree seeds, leaves, shells, and small stones. Take photographs along the way they can put in a walker’s diary; get them involved in planning and running the walks, perhaps plotting the route and map reading during the walk, take the dog - if you have one!

And finally …

Register at www.50things.org.uk. It has a list of 50 things kids should do before they are 11 ¾. Kids can log in and tick off the things as they do them. Take a look at the parents’ area for more details.

SAFETY FIRST: Remember to take hats and sun cream and something for bites and stings for any outdoor activities.

Out of this world ROBOTICS • after school clubs • birthday parties • summer camps from HG EDUCATION

call 0800 4118 999 www.hg-education.com

holiday activities available at your local Sportspace facility and our world class extreme sports facility XC.

Activities include: Tennis, Trampolining, Rock Climbing, Swimming Lessons, Scuba Diving, Pool Fun, Skateboarding, Caving, High Ropes and more!

Drop-in sessions, courses and clubs also available Log onto our websites now to find out more: www.sportspace.co.uk and www.thexc.co.uk

Visit www.familiesherts.co.uk

Telephone 01442 507100 and select your chosen centre from the options provided.

for competitions, news, articles and our local directories.

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Summer Special Super Camps Super Camps pride themselves on providing fun, action-packed and stimulating activity camps for children aged 4-14 years.

Their programme offers a balanced mix of sports and arts and crafts, from Clay Modelling and Art Explosion to Grand Prix Karts and Archery, ensuring that children are kept active, safe and happy whatever their age and interests. Staff are OFSTED registered and all staff are CRB cleared.

Flexible booking is key: book by the day or book full weeks. To help working parents they offer free extended hours (8am-6pm) it is also possible to pay with your Childcare Vouchers.

Super Camps even offer the option to change the dates you have already booked providing that they receive 7 days’ notice and that the new dates are in the same season.

For more information go online to www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 832222.

Take to the stage with Stagecoach

Build a Robot with Lego Robotics

Stagecoach Theatre Arts, well known for their weekend schools, also offer holiday camps. As soon as they arrive, the children will be caught up in a stimulating week of fun and hard but rewarding work.

These one week Summer Camps are packed full of singing, dancing and drama and Stagecoach provides an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can interact with each other in an atmosphere of warmth and creativity.

Stagecoach delivers quality performance arts training and also encourages each child to get the most out of their experience.

Each day includes classes in drama, dance and singing. Then everyone goes into rehearsals based around the weekly theme or a musical theatre show. No experience is needed, just bags of enthusiasm.

Local Summer Camps: St Albans: 01582 609762 stalbans@stagecoach.co.uk 8-17 years: 23rd-27th July and 30th July–3rd August 4-8 years: 24th–27th July and 31st July–3rd August Hemel Hempstead: 01442 875977 www.stagecoach.co.uk/hemelhempstead 6th-10th July Chorleywood: 020 7622 1009 www.stagecoach.co.uk/chorleywood 30th July – 3rd August

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These unique summer camps are great for Lego fans and budding engineers.

The day camps are based around weekly themes which spark children’s imaginations and provide a ‘project scenario’. Themes include: Lego Green City; Engineering meets Medicine; Simple Powered Machines; Engineering and the Food Chain; Lego NXT-G. Working around a theme, children will build their knowledge and create ‘out-of-this-world’ robotics. Participants can work at a variety of levels depending on their experience.

The five day camp, ‘RC Car Mayhem’, is for speed freaks. Children will build their own high speed remote control car from scratch. It’ll make ‘Top Gear’ look boring!

Robot Wars (3 day camp) is a must for fans of TVs ‘Robot Wars’. Strictly for children aged 12 and over, the machines used are not toys, they have metal parts and highvoltage batteries: these robots pack a punch.

Participants will build and learn to control a basic robot, build a robot wars ‘Demon’ and, on the final day, do battle!

Everyone will enjoy exciting sessions of Robot Wars which will be the grand finale each day. Plus, in a bid to get into the

Guinness Book of World Records, there is the ‘Build a Wall Challenge’; an attempt to build the longest and tallest Lego wall!

Lego camps run 16th July – 23rd August for children and young people aged 6-18 years.

To find out more call 0800 4118 999 or go to www.hg-education.com Families Herts readers can get a 10% discount on 2012 Summer Camps by using code FHERTS when booking.

HG Education and Robotics also offer Lego after school clubs and Lego parties.

London 2012 - The Celtic Way. Step back into the Iron Age and experience the Celtic Games.

Spend the day living as a Celt with the Archers, Warriors, Storytellers and Woodsmen. Shoot Longbow in the Hunting Zone, take part in Games of strength and accuracy from Caber Toss to Javelin, attempt the Obstacle course, enter the Relay Race, experience the Bushcraft Camp, explore the woodland trail. Then watch the Warrior Demo, the Owl Display and the Storywalk. The opening and closing ceremonies will both have a festival feel with live Music and Dance displays.

The Celtic Games, will run daily during the Olympics from 27th July until 12th August, at Celtic Harmony Camp the Iron Age settlement near Hertford. The Celtic Games has been awarded the 'Inspire Mark' by the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Join the e-news to claim your free VIP upgrade at celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543

Summer camps explained...

So you are thinking a camp might be a great way to keep the kids busy over the long summer break... but what are the differences and how do you know which one to choose? Let us break it down for you...

Residential or Day Camp?

Residential Camps are holidays where your child can stay during the holiday course, often further away from your home and sometimes including activities not available locally.

Day Camps are holidays at a local venue where you can take your child on a daily basis. Times may vary but they are usually around 8.30am – 4pm with additional costs for early starts and later finishes.

www.barracudas.co.uk What type of Camp would suit your child?

Multi activity holidays offer a selection of different activities every day, usually including a range of sports, creative or adventure activities – ideal for the child who does not want to attend a specialist course in a single activity.

Sports Coaching holidays offer specialist courses in a single activity such as football, basketball, tennis, cricket or golf Outdoor adventure holidays may involve one or more challenging activities such as abseiling, climbing, orienteering or zip wire. Centres offering this type of course may also offer watersports.

Creative arts holiday courses may involve arts & crafts, pottery, sculpture, etc.

Performing arts holiday courses may offer specialist or multi activity courses in activities such as dance, drama, mime, singing or behind the scenes stagecraft.

Computer / Technology courses may be specialist courses or part of a multi activity programme including activities such as computer games, web design, programming, design and technical production skills.

Horse riding holiday courses are available at specialist riding centres offering full or half day courses in riding and stable management Watersports centres offer holiday courses in single activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing as well as multi watersports courses offering taster sessions in a range of activities What location is best for you and your child?

Most camps offer a variety of locations. Residential camps may be in more rural locations or on the coast. Day camps are more likely to be local and are often based on school premises.

What age group would be best?

Do you want your child mixing with a variety of ages? Would you prefer they were all roughly the same age? Check with the camp provider to see how the children attending are grouped: age? ability? interest?

Lastly always see if you can talk to other kids and parents who have been on the camp, as always, the best form of testimonial is from those who have done it before you! See our What’s On section (pages 17-23) for local summer camps and classes.

Say you saw it in

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Summer Special Butterfly World

Follow the Yellow Brick Road ...

There are plenty of events at Butterfly World, St Albans this season here are two summer evening dates: Butterfly World Opera Evening: See the St Alban's Operatic Society. This is a return event after the previous successful summer performance. Saturday 14th July, 7.30pm.

Tickets at £15, (BW Members £13).

5 Star Swing: Pack up a picnic and enjoy a summer evening concert listening to some Jazz classics from the sound of Glenn Miller to Jools Holland. Friday 3rd August, 7.30pm.

Tickets £12, BW Members £10 Or just go on a daytime visit and marvel at the butterflies and the wonderful gardens.

To book or to find out more go to www.butterflyworldproject.com or call 01727 869203

Perform Drama Workshops are offering another of their Summer Experiences for 4-8 year olds. Children will travel along the Yellow Brick Road to meet, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. They will discover the Ruby Slippers, brave the Haunted Forest and explore the colourful world of their imaginations, joining Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Woodman and The Cowardly Lion for the adventure of a lifetime.

Sportspace

The summer holidays are suddenly upon us once again with schools breaking up and parents having the task of finding exciting things for the children to do for six long weeks! Sportspace and XC have plenty of activities running this summer holiday to help you out.

Sportspace in Berkhamsted will have a new ‘Ice Adventure’ large pool inflatable. The 17 metre inflatable is so much fun for kids as they navigate their way through penguins, igloos and polar bears to find the slide at the end. Sportspace, Tring, is home to the Olympian pool inflatable, and Sportspace, Hemel Hempstead, have a twin track enabling two people to race along! Other activities include swimming crash courses, sports camps and themed activity workshops.

For something a little different try Golf at Little Hay Golf Complex located in Bovingdon.

Junior Golf workshops are taking place throughout the summer holidays, so if the weather is nice it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the outside.

For those with an ‘extreme’ inclination then a visit to XC is a must! XC is an Extreme Sports Facility in Hemel Hempstead where activities include Skateboarding, BMX, Climbing, Caving and High ropes.

For more information go online to www.sportspace.co.uk or call 01442 507100

Perform’s energetic young team of actors, musicians and dancers will use original live music, dance and improvisation, to take the children on a trip that will fire their imaginations. On the last day, the children will share what they have done with their family and friends at a mini-performance.

The workshops dates are: 30th July – 3rd August and 20th – 24th August. In St Albans at Fleetville Junior School from 10am – 12noon To find our more go to www.perform.org.uk or call 0845 400 1272

Summer at The Little Gym The Little Gym in Harpenden is running summer camps throughout the summer holiday. Geared to the needs of children aged 3-8 years, they start on 24th July and end on 31st August. The camps run for three hours daily and each week has a different theme to stimulate your child’s imagination as well as get them moving. Dates and themes are:

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24th – 27th July (Super Heroes), 31st July -3rd August (imagination celebration), 7th – 10th August (Cars, Planes, Trucks & Trains), 14th -17th August (The Little Gym Olympics), 21st – 24th August (Hip-Hop Karate Chop!), 28th – 31st August (Secret Agent "Gyms Bond").

For more details call 01582 712423 or email harpenden@thelittlegym.co.uk

Summer What's On THEATRE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk Top Cat the Movie 21 July – 11am Ice Age: Continental Drift 15, 17 & 21 Aug – 5pm 18 Aug – 11am & 2pm Angelina Ballerina – The Musical 24 Aug 6pm. 25 Aug 11am, 2.30pm 26 Aug 2.30pm Angelina and friends think their dreams have come true to appear in their favourite TV show.

BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesden, EN11 8BE 01992 441946, www.broxbourne.gov.uk Diamond Jubilee Proms Concert 11 July – 7.30pm (6pm for picnics) East Herts Youth Orchestra and The Jubilee Choir. Indoor concert ends with firework display in the gardens.

Tickets £5 Hairy Maclary 9 Aug – 10.30am & 1pm Off went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy...

Adults £9, Children £7 Children’s Pet Show 14 Aug 1pm register smaller pets, 2pm judging of smaller pets 2pm register dogs, 3pm judging of dogs In the grounds of Bollescroft House. Bring your pet.

Tickets £1.50 per class entered or four classes for £5 Teddy Bears Picnic 23 Aug – 12-3pm Music, arts & crafts and competitions.

Ages 3-7 Tickets £4.75 in advance, £5.50 on the door.

Family £17, Under 2s free but still need a ticket.

CAMBRIDGE TOURING THEATRE The Sword in the Stone Shenley Park, Walled Garden Amphitheatre 01923 852629 www. cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk 24 July – 3pm: workshop at 1.30pm Woburn Abbey, Beds 01525 290333 www.woburn.co.uk/theatre 26 Aug – 3pm (workshop at 1.30pm) For 5-10 yrs who want to get even more involved - 45 minute workshops before most performances.

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1LZ 08700 131030 Wheels On The Bus 8 July – 11am & 1.30pm Family favourites.

Tickets: Adult £13, Child £1 The Sound of Music 16-25 Aug – various times The hills are alive. Prices vary.

HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX

01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest Fairy Tales of the Unexpected 16 Aug – 1pm & 3.30pm Interactive modern twist on classic fairy tales.

Ages 3-10 Tickets £10, £8 concs KNEBWORTH HOUSE Park and Garden, SG1 2AX, 01438 812661 The Twits 16 Aug – 6.30pm Outdoor production of Roald Dahl’s story.

Adults £13, Children £8

Side effects may include your sides hurting. £10 Adults, £8 Concs, £32 Family (max 2 adults) WATFORD PALACE THEATRE 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ 01923 225671, 01923 235455 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk Tales of Beatrix Potter 26 Aug – 3pm A ballet of charm and grace with Jemima PuddleDuck and friends. All ages. £15 (no concessions)

THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk info@markettheatre.co.uk Summer Schools 2012 13-17 Aug: 8-12 year olds 9.30am-12.30pm & 13-17 year olds 1.30-4.30pm Improvisation and workshops with performance on the last day. £100 Summer Fayre 26 Aug – 11am-5pm 11-12.30pm for 3-8 yrs: Face Painting, Bouncy Castle and Royal Storyteller at 12. Stalls and entertainment. £1 each THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk The Gruffalo 24 July – 1.30pm & 4.30pm 25 July – 10.30am & 1.30pm Mouse, friends and the Gruffalo, 3yrs+ and their grown-ups. £10 Five Day Musical Theatre Workshop 30 July-3 Aug – 9.30am-4.30pm (until 6pm on Thurs) Sing, dance and act. No previous experience needed; be prepared to work hard and take direction. Ages 8-16 yrs £145 for five days.

The Wizard of Castle Magic 7 Aug – 11am & 2pm Things will never be the same again when the Wizard’s nephew, and an invisible cat arrive.

Ages 5-11.

Tickets: £8, Family: £28 Five Day Musical Theatre Workshop 2 13-17 Aug – 9.30am-4.30pm (until 6pm on Thurs) Acting, singing and dance.

Ages 8-16 £145 for five days.

Milkshake!

21 Aug – 1pm & 3.30pm 22 Aug – 11am Amy from Milkshake! and some of the channel’s favourite characters. Ages 3-7 yrs £13, £11(under 16s), Family: £44 TRESTLE ARTS BASE Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids 8 July – 2.30pm

Say you saw it in

Face painting… Children really do notice the difference!

Award-winning, professional face & body painters who produce fast, beautiful and unique faces to WOW! the crowds at your next party!

Also: Glitter Tattoos, Airbrush Tattoos & Hair Braiding.

Don’t settle for second best – call Façade for quality, originality & experience.

Herts & neighbouring counties covered.

15% off midweek parties. Quote FH012

www.julieteve.co.uk www.facadebodyart.co.uk

01442 400786

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Summer What's On WYLLYOTTS THEATRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk -THEATRE Hairy Maclary 8 Aug – 1.30pm & 3.30pm Stage show and life size characters. Age 3+ £9, £7 child, family £28 Fairy Tales of the Unexpected 17 Aug – 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm Interactive singing, action, and custard pies.

Tickets: £6.50, family £24 -CINEMA Ice Age 4 – Continental Drift (U) 13-16 Aug – 1.30pm (2D) & 3.30pm (3D) Top Cat – The Movie (U) 20-22 Aug – 1.30pm (2D) & 3.30pm (3D)

HOLIDAY SUMMER SCHOOLS & ACTIVITIES ARTSHED ART CENTRE Ware 01920 466 446 Tues, Weds, & Thurs in the Summer Holidays Jewellery, paint, clay sculptures, decoupage. Contact for dates and times. £13.50 CATHEDRAL AND ABBEY CHURCH OF ST ALBAN Sumpter Yard St Albans AL1 1BY 01727 890280 www.stalbanscathedral.org Family Discovery Mornings Thursday mornings during August. Themed trails and crafts.

FREE. Ages 3-11 accompanied by an adult. Arrive before 12pm to complete the activities.

Beyond Borders 2 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm Family trail on the Olympic ideals of international friendship, respect and excellence.

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Design your own medal.

Make Your Mark 9 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm Ways, other than books, to record stories and events.

As Holey as Swiss Cheese 16 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm Discover holes big or little, empty or full, playing their part in the appearance of the Cathedral.

Trail and craft activity.

Look at Me! I’m Not Wearing That!

23 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm See unlikely clothes and costumes on figures around the Cathedral.

My Hero 30 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pm At the start of the Paralympics where inspirational people show courage and determination.

Famous role models in the Cathedral.

COURTYARD ARTS CENTRE Port Vale, Hertford, 01992 509596 admin@courtyardarts.org.uk www.courtyardarts.org.uk Art & Craft Workshops July & Aug Ages 5+, drawing, painting, photography, weaving, pottery, creative writing, From £8.

BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEME Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01727 270772/3; 01707 262023 Bookings www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk School Holidays– 8.30am-6pm Bouncy castle, badminton, karaoke, face painting, netball, arts & crafts, cooking, football, Hatfield Kids Funzone. Ages 4-12.

Hatfield Resident -£12/day, Non-Resident - £16/day CAMP GOSLING Gosling Sports Park,

Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk School holidays – 9am-3.30pm Multi activity sessions: Tennis, athletics, football, trampolining and more. Junior Base Camp (47yrs), Base Camp (8-9yrs), Sports Academy (10-15yrs). Early drop off and late pick up 8am - 6pm at extra cost.

Daily: Members £23.50, Non Members £28.50 DRAMA LLAMAS Summer sessions in St. Albans, Harpenden and Hatfield – Action packed storytelling and drama workshops where children stretch their imagination and learn without even knowing it!

St. Albans Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge 27 July – 9.45 – 10.30am (2-5 yrs & parents. Siblings welcome), 11am – 12.30pm (3 – 6 yrs child only class) Harpenden Trust Centre 3 August – 9.45am – 10.30am (2-5 yrs & parents. Siblings welcome), 11am – 12.30pm (3 – 6 yrs child only class.)

Hatfield Funzone 16 August – 9.45 – 10.45am (2-5 yrs & parents. Siblings welcome) Contact: Helen 07867 793 407 or info@dramallamas.co.uk. www.dramallamas.co.uk LETCHWORTH ARTS CENTRE 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW Summer Workshops 28 Aug-31 Aug – 10am-4pm Theatre and art workshops 6- 9 yrs. Harry Potter plus Roald Dahl’s stories for drama games, music, dance, creative arts & crafts and quizzes.

07973 818254, lou-d@ntlworld.com. www.boxoffrogstheatreschool.co.uk

£120 for 4 days or book daily £30 per day.

PERFORM 0845 400 1272 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Fleetville Junior School, St Albans 30 July-3 Aug & 20-24 Aug – 10am-12pm Children can rehearse and put on a production at the end of the week.

STAGECOACH Holiday Workshops.

All abilities interact with others in an atmosphere of warmth, creativity and development.

Experience not necessary.

St Albans 01582 609762, stalbans@stagecoach.co.uk 8-17 yrs: 23-27 July & 30 July-3 Aug 4-8 yrs: 24-27 July & 31 July-3 Aug Hemel Hempstead: 01442 875977, www.stagecoach. co.uk/hemelhempstead 6-10 Aug Chorleywood: 020 7622 1009 www. stagecoach.co.uk/chorleywood 30 Jul-3 Aug TICK TOCK St Albans Scout Hut, Chene Drive, off of Waverly Rd (follow signs for Oak Tree Manor care home) 25 July, 1, 8 & 15 Aug – 9.15 & 11am 1 child £6, Sibling 6 mths - 1 yr £2, Sibling over 1 yr £3.50 TOP HAT STAGE & SCREEN SCHOOL www.tophatstageschool.co.uk 01727 812666 Bugsy Malone

e r t a e h T s Kid

Broxbourne Civic Hall

Hairy Maclary

‘Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy’ Thursday 9 August, 10.30am and 1pm Adults £9, children £7

Andy and Mikes Tick Tock Time Machine

Andy Day, star of Andy’s Wild Adventures (CBeebies) and BAFTA nominated BBC presenter, stars alongside his comedy partner in a treat for the whole family.

Wednesday 31 October, 2pm All seats £9, Family of 4 £33

Room on the Broom

A spellbinding new adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo! Fasten your seatbelts for a rip-roaring ride on a truly magnificent broom!

Tuesday 23 October 1.30pm and 4pm Wednesday 24 October 10.30am and 1.30pm

All seats £10. Groups and Schools £8.50 for 10 tickets and get 1 free

01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson Broxbourne Civic Hall, EN11 8BE

Say you saw it in

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Summer What's On Summer School: Put on a show in a week. 4-17 yrs.

6-10 Aug Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar 13-17 Aug Sandpit Theatre, St Albans 20-23 Aug Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead 20-24 Aug Stanborough School, Welwyn Garden City WILD CHILD ACTIVITIES 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Archery STAGS, St Albans 25 July – 10am-12pm Beaumont School, St Albans 8 Aug – 10am-12pm Archery. Age 7-12 Escape from Wildchild Wood – Outdoor Adventure Day 26 July, 1 Aug, 9 Aug, 15 Aug – 10am-3.15pm Outdoor adventure. Age 7-12 Wild Wheels Skateboarding Beaumont School, St Albans 30, 31 July – 10am-12:30pm 13, 14 Aug – 10am-12:30pm For beginners and those who want to learn new skills and tricks. We bring the equipment.

Age 7-12 Wild Animation Beaumont School, St Albans 6 Aug – 10am-3pm STAGS, St Albans 13 Aug – 10am-3pm Make an animated film and explore model making, sound effects and pixilation. Age 8-12 Wild Multi-Activity Camp Beaumont School, St Albans 6, 7, 8 Aug – 8:30-5pm Multi-sports and Wild Outdoor Adventure. Age 7-12 Wild Fashion Design Beaumont School, St Albans 7 Aug – 10am-3pm Mood boards, fashion illustrations, fabrics and decorations to make something unique. Age 8-12

PLACES TO GO FOR A FUN DAY OUT ADEYFIELD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Turner Hill, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, AP2 4LD 01442 242852 paul.banks@dacorum.gov.uk Term time: Mon-Fri 3.30-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm School Holidays: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, closed weekends and bank holidays Arts & crafts, cooking, sports, table tennis. Outside: enclosed area with wooden play structures; football pitch; zip wire

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and nest swing. 6-12 yrs; under 6s accompanied by an adult.

Free ASHRIDGE ESTATE Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT, 01442 851227 Jubilee Trail until 15 Jul – 10am-4pm Seasonal Family Trail around the Ashridge Estate. Answer questions along the way and earn your reward! £1 BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PL, 01494 672919 www.bekonscot.com Open mid-Feb to end-Oct from 10am to 5pm daily.

GAMBADO STEVENAGE Roaring Meg Retail Park Stevenage, AG1 1XN 01438 745823 www.gambado.com Sun-Thurs – 9.30am-6pm Fri & Sat – 9.30am-9pm Indoor soft play centre.

Special activities at half term.

HAYES HILL FARM Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins, Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.leevalleypark.org.uk Visit the animals, tractor ride and visit the cows.

Prices vary, check online.

HEARTWOOD FOREST Sandridge heartwood@ woodlandtrust.org.uk woodlandtrust.org.uk/ heartwood Discover Summer Butterflies in Heartwood Forest 15 July – 10am An introduction to the butterflies of the forest. 2 mile walk. Meet in the new car park.

01727 857893.

HeARTwood Festival 25 Aug Make bird boxes, teddy bears picnic with Royal theme.

Photography Workshop, Guided Walks, Art through Scrap.

Free HERTFORD CASTLE Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR Open Air Theatre – A Midsummer Night’s Dream 8 July – 3pm Open air performance in the castle grounds. £5 a ticket Open Air Band Concert and Tours 22 July – 2.30-5pm Royston Town Band play in the grounds, Castle open for tours.

Free admission Rock at the Castle 5 Aug – 12.30-7.30pm Charity Rock Festival: local bands. bouncy castle, stalls.

Entry donation £2 to charity Castle Open Day 19 Aug – 12-4pm Open House at the Castle.

Children’s activities.

Free admission HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com The Olympics 24 July – 11 Aug To celebrate 60 years, and to coincide with the Olympics: exhibition of Members’ paintings, themed on the Olympics to buy.

LANGLEYBURY FARM Langleybury Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 8RW, 01923 270603 www.langleyburyfarm.org Open 11am-5pm Pets Corner and farm animals.

Play area, putting green,

teashop, gifts.

Free parking LEIGHTON BUZZARD STEAM RAILWAY Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TN 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK www.visitleevalley.org.uk Myddelton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9HG www.dot-productions.co.uk 01621 890 153 She Stoops to Conquer – Outdoor Theatre 14 July – 7-9pm Chaos, courtship and the dysfunctional family. £10 in advance, £12 on the door Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 OAR 020 8344 7230 visitleevalley.org.uk Star Track 23-27 July – 1-4pm Tuition in different sports Ages 8-12.

Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton Marsh, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Summer Skate Spectacular 2012 23 July-31 Aug – 12.30, 2 & 3.30pm Skate sessions. £5 per person incl skate hire Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Summer in the Saddle From 27 July Riding lessons in beautiful open spaces.

King George Sailing Club, Lea Valley Road, Chingford, Essex E4 7PX www.kgsc.org.uk

Sailing Club Open Day 28 July – 11am-4pm Dinghy sailing and windsurfing.

WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7NU 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk

01462 686775 www.standalonefarm.com Open ‘til 1 Nov – 10am-5pm Outdoor and indoor picnic and play areas.

Sheep, cows, goats and horses.

Disabled access.

Adults £5.40, Child/SC £4.40, Under 2s Free.

MEAD OPEN FARM Standbridge Road, Billington, Nr. Leighton Buzzard 01525 852954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Open daily 10am-6.30pm (last entry 5.30pm) Prices vary, see website for details.

STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE London Road, Luton LU1 4LX 01582 548600 www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com Browse the collections, play at the playground and explore the gardens.

Free.

ROLLERCITY Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswest OZ Sats – 10am-12pm 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 12 and under and accompanying adults.

Breeze Suns – 11.30am-1.30pm For less confident skaters Sparks Suns – 2pm All welcome.

Check with the box office or online for prices.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Open Daily from 10am-5.30pm Animals, adventure play, rides and shows.

RAF MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL, 020 8205 2266 london@rafmuseum.org, www.rafmuseum.org.uk Open daily. Free SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ Tiger Day 4 Aug – 12-4pm Celebrate the birthday of resident tiger Amba.

Events throughout the day.

Adults £10.50 Children/Concs £8.50 STANDALONE FARM Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN

HARPENDEN OUTDOOR PADDLING POOL Rothampsted Park, AL5 2HU 01582 460683 Open until September.

Call for times and prices.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Woburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407 www.woburn.co.uk/safari Open daily – 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm) Adult £19.99, Child £14.99 WOODSIDE FARM AND LEISURE PARK Slip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG 01582 841044 www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Mon-Sun – 9am-5.30pm Feed the animals, dig in the sand pit, tractor & fun fair rides.

Adults £6 , Children (2-16 yrs) £8, Under 2s FREE

SWIMMING/PADDLING POOLS CASSIOBURY PARK Watford. Entrance opposite Langley Way. Daily – 10am-7pm Three huge paddling pools. Refreshments, miniature railway, bouncy castle, playground. Toilets.

Free

Arts, Crafts & Messy Play for the under 5’s

DOODLY BUGS

Fun and lively term time and holiday sessions in Harpenden. Just call or email to book your place!

We host Children’s Parties too!

Contact Monica on 07710 889092 monica@doodleybugs.co.uk www.doodleybugs.co.uk

FAIRLANDS VALLEY PARK Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL Aqua Playground Daily – 11am-5pm New Aqua Playground, kiosk and toilets.

Say you saw it in

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Summer What's On HATFIELD SWIM CENTRE Lemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB Tel: 01707 276276 Fun Sessions Sat and school holidays 1.30-3pm Inflatables and floats. £3.20. Ages 8-15 HITCHIN SWIMMING CENTE Fishponds Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1HA 01462 441646 hitchin@stevenage-leisure.co.uk Daily 8am-6.30pm, until 9 Sept Indoor and outdoor pools.

HODDESDON OPEN AIR SWIMMING POOL High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 461592 Free parking.

Adults: £4.80 (peak), £3.90 (off-peak). Under 16s: £2.35 (p), £1.80 (o/p). Concs: £2.70 (p), £2.50 (o/p).

KING GEORGE RECREATION GROUND King George Avenue, Bushey, WD23 4NT 0208 207 7568, 0208 207 2277 Open daily until September.

Times: 11am-5pm.

Paddling pools, sandpit (under 8s) and playground. Free LETCHWORTH OUTDOOR POOL Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth 01462 684673 www.north-herts.gov.uk Open until 9 Sept Mon, Wed, Fri 7am-6.30pm, Tues & Thurs 8am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am-6pm Outdoor adult pool, grassed sunbathing, toddler pool with water feature.

TODDLER SPLASH PARK Verulamium Park, St Albans Open until September.

Mon-Fri 1-5pm; Sat & Sun 11am-5pm.

Toddler Splash Park with 12 water features. 12 yrs and under.

Free WARE LIDO SG12 0DE, 01920 460703 6 June- 2 Sept Now heated.

MUSEUMS BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS 01462 420144 admin@hitchinbritishschools.org.uk www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk Open for Public visits FebNov on Tues 10am-4pm, Sats

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10am-1pm & Suns 2-5pm. Extra opening on Weds 10am-4pm during the school summer holidays.

First Sunday of each month: Victorian lesson under the strict tutelage of the School-ma’am .

2.30 & 3.30pm.

Educating Teddy 1 July – 2.30-4.30pm Bring your bears for a Victorian Lesson. Normal Museum entrance times and charges.

15 Aug – 10.30am-2.30pm What was it like to be a Victorian Child?

Cost £4 per child. An adult must accompany children. Adults free.

Dancing for Fun 23 Aug – 10am-12pm Maypole Dancing & English Country Dancing for 6+. Singing games for younger ones.

Cost £3 per child includes light refreshments. An adult must accompany children. Adults free. Numbers limited: book in advance.

COUNTY MUSEUM & ROALD DAHL CHILDREN’S GALLERY Church Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2QP 01296 331441 Summer Games Sporting Life exhibition and celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics. Drop in. Under 12s accompanied by an adult.

Olympic Medals 24 July – 10am-12pm & 1-3pm Design your own medal and win.

Olympic Torches 25 July 10am-12pm & 1-3pm Create an Olympic torch.

Flags of the Olympics 26 July 10am-12pm & 1-3pm Make a flag to cheer on your team. Cost £2.50 per child.

HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Toddler Tuesdays Monkey Madness 17 July – 10.30am Themed craft activities, play with toys and share a story.

All children accompanied by an adult.

Ages 2-4. £1.50 per child including refreshments – book in advance Metropolitan Madness 24 –26 July Discover metropolitan ware – locally produced 17th century pottery. Make your own metropolitan ware ‘platter’ £1.50 per child, drop-in Animal Magic 28 July – 11am-4pm Mobile petting zoo. Free

Family Activities*: Get crafty all summer.

Animal Crackers 31 Jul-2 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Fossil Frenzy 7 Aug-9 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Explore the World in a Day 14 Aug-16 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm Super Sleuths 21 Aug-23 Aug –10.30am-3.30pm Summer Souvenirs 28 Aug-30 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pm All *Family Activities cost £1.50 per child, drop-in Keepsakes, Key rings and Kiss Me Quick – A History of Souvenirs 2 June-1 Sept – 10am-5pm Exhibition with Royal theme.

Souvenirs collected from holidays and travels. Tuesday-Saturday Free entry IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QR 01223 835000 www.iwm.org.uk Flying Legends Air Show 1 July The air show event in the aviation calendar.

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS 9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Olympic Torch Making 8 Jul – 2-4pm Make your own Olympic torch and hold it up as the real torch travels past. Ages 3-12. Free Summer Holiday Activities 24-27 Jul – 10.30am-4.30pm Creative Olympics theme craft activities. Tuesday ages 6-13; Other sessions ages 8-13.

28-31 Aug – 10.30am-4.30pm Crafts based on fantastic stories connected to London.

Tuesday ages 6-13; Other sessions ages 8-13.

Cost £5 (£4.50 for Young Friends). Book and pay in advance The Olympics 29 Jul – 3-4pm Olympic sports stories for under 7s.

Cost £1 (Free to members of St Albans Children’s Book Group on the production of a membership card) The 3 Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig 1 Aug – 2pm & 3pm Under 7s crafts, a different version of the story. Make your own house to charm any big bad pig. £1 Beware of the Bears 7 Aug – 2pm & 3pm Under 7s crafts: Funny sequel

to the Goldilocks story, create a fridge magnet. £1 Absolutely Too Small for School?

26 Aug – 3-4pm Beware of the Storybook Wolves.

Story time session for under 7s Cost £1 (Free to members of St Albans Children’s Book Group on the production of a membership card) Oi! Get Off Our Train 29 Aug – 2-4pm Under 7s crafts and story. Create a train packed with animals. £1 THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM AND STORY CENTRE 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL, 01494 892192 www.roalddahlmuseum.org Tues to Sun 10am-5pm VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Hands on Romans 14 Jul – 2-5pm Archaeological finds, artifacts, coin rubbing. Make a fridge magnet. Entry charge to Museum for non- residents. All children accompanied by an adult.

Fridge magnet making £1

FAIRS, FETES, & FESTIVALS ST PETER’S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL Church Lane, Mill End, Rickmansworth. Hertfordshire WD3 8HD Summer Fete 1 July – 12-3pm Bouncy castle, face-painting, tombolas, barbecue...

FREE, donations welcome.

GUSTARD WOOD & BLACKMORE END AL4 8LN Open Gardens 1 July – 10.30am-5pm 12 gardens in Gustard Wood/ Blackmore End. Music, treasure trails, wildlife groups and plants for sale. Fundraiser event for local schools: St Helen’s in Wheathampstead and St Albans Girls’. No dogs.

Tickets £5, under 18s free CAZFEST Sworders Field, Bishops Stortford, www.cazfest.com 7 July Headline acts and local bands. In memory of Caroline Johnstone

(Caz) a healthy 17 year old student, who died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition.

CAZFEST aims to generate awareness of heart risk in young people and promote the benefits of heart screening. £25 in advance, £30 on the day.

5-11 yrs £5, including free gift.

Under 5s free.

CHAMBERSBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL Hill Common, Hemel Hempstead Summer Fair 7 July – 12-3pm CHILLI FESTIVAL Benington Lordship, Stevenage SG2 7BS (08701)261709 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk 26-27 Aug – 10am-5pm Chilli products, Chilli plants, delicious cooking, speciality beers & refreshments.

Free parking.

Adults: £7.50, 12-16's: £2.50, Under 12's: Free.

FLAMSTEAD SCARECROW FESTIVAL Flamstead is just off the A5, South of Luton and adjacent to Junction 9 of M1 www.flamstead-herts.co.uk 01462 684214

17 Aug – 12-5pm 18 Aug – 10am-6pm 19 Aug – 10.30am-5pm Come and see over 90 scarecrows and vote for your favourite one! Also enjoy other activities in the village.

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

REDBOURN INFANT & NURSERY SCHOOL Long Cutt, Redbourn, 01582 792341 Strawberry Fayre 7 July Stalls, pony rides, bouncy castle, Grand Arena.

50p per adult, children free SPRINGFIELD PLAYGROUP & PRE-SCHOOL Springfield Community Centre, 24 High Street, Stevenage Old Town Summer Fair 14 July – 10am-4pm Refreshments, stalls, raffle, tombola.

HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk www.battleproms.com Battle Proms Concert 21 July Classical picnic proms with fireworks and Napoleonic cavalry.

LOLLIBOP 2012 www.lollibopfestival.co.uk Regent’s Park, London 17-19 Aug Hot names in kids entertainment, with surprises for adult. Street dance, hula hoop, beatbox workshop, and laser room. Pre-schoolers: mini disco, tiny play, little arts, yoga, teddy bears picnic and baby salsa.

WARM UP FOR THE OLYMPICS OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY www.london2012.com/torchrelay/route/ 8 July – various times Olympic torch passes through Letchworth, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead, on the way to Luton.

9 July – various times Torch leaves Luton and passes through Dunstable, Milton Keynes, and Aylesbury on the way to Oxford.

Carnival Crossroads East Bound Various venues, Luton, Beds, LU1 8 July – all day Luton’s International Carnival Parade; part of the Love Luton 2012 Festival; the last location of the Olympic Torch Relay before it leaves the East of England. Free CELTIC HARMONY CAMP The Iron Age Settlement, Brickendon Lane, Brickendon.

Hertfordshire SG13 8NY celticharmony.org 01438 718543 Olympic Torch Celebration 7 July – 10am-2pm Have a Go Archery. Step into Celtic Times and enjoy a walk around the woods, explore the Roundhouses, enjoy a cup of tea and cake in the Iron Age Barn.

Free entry. Book online.

Celtic Games Experience 27 Jul-12 Aug – 10am-5pm Iron Age experience. Live as a Celt with Archers, Warriors, Woodsmen and Storytellers.

Say you saw it in

Celtic Games: shoot Longbow, Bushcraft Camp, treasure hunt and games in the Arena.

Three shows: Warrior Demo, Owl Display and Storywalk.

Lunch under the Feasting Shelter with fresh food made from local produce. £15/person; online booking only

SMALL ADS PARTIES

Fun with Decopatch

Creative parties for ages 4 & over.

Decorate and take home fab keepsake.

All materials supplied.

Call Jennifer: 0770 3118 002 www.funwithdecopatch.co.uk

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