Families Herts Nov-Dec 2014

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Issue No. 59

Nov/Dec 2014

Oh yes it is …

Christmas!

• Where's Santa • Panto Fun & Frolics • Christmas Fairs & Festivals • Christmas Lights Switch Ons • Shop Local for Christmas • Ice Skating Rinks

5 Christmas Competitions Enter for your chance to win!

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

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From your Editor…

In this issue:

I don’t know why we are always so surprised when Christmas and the New Year rapidly approaches over the horizon, but we just are! So let’s accept the situation and move on.

To help with moving on, our piece from Sarah Hatch, ‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas’, is a must read before you are subsumed by Christmas preparations (or even during them), especially if you find yourself feeling overcome by the long list of tasks that you are faced with. It will help you to put the festive season in perspective.

Shopping, of course, is quite a hefty slice of Christmas preparations and our piece by Sal Jefford about the benefits of shopping locally for, at least some, of your Christmas essentials and gifts is timely. Doing some local shopping, particularly with independent retailers, will give a boost to the local economy and may well prove to be a habit that you want to continue.

The Christmas What’s On pages are bursting with lots of Christmassy things to do, but do go online to www.familiesherts.co.uk to find more as we will be adding events all the time.

Wishing you a stress free festive season with your family and friends.

Next Issue: Jan/Feb: Nurseries & Pre-Schools Copy deadline: 10th December

Shelley 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. Email or call to request copies for your venue.

News & Views: 4 Christmas Competitions: 6 The Do's and Don'ts of Christmas: 8 Christmas Shopping: 9 Christmas Fun: 10 Christmas What's On: 11

Cover image: Courtesy of ©benjaminalbiach / www.istockphoto.com

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

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News & Views Chatterbox Challenge 2015 The Chatterbox Challenge aims to help develop children’s communication skills by learning songs based on children’s surroundings. Children perform the themed songs at a sponsored performance in front of parents and carers. Every penny raised will help I CAN’s work with the one million children in the UK who struggle to communicate.

Chatterbox Challenge week is 9-15th February but groups can take part at any time.

Parents are asked to encourage their child’s

Jigsaw to franchise

Positive Birth Movement grows

nursery or playgroup to register at www. chatterboxchallenge.org.uk and to support their children to learn the songs at home.

Christmas Frost Fair at Hatfield House

Set up less than two years ago by mum and writer Milli Hill, The Positive Birth Movement now has over 150 groups in the UK. Groups are free to attend and are places for pregnant women to meet and share experiences, feelings and insights about childbirth. The groups aim to be a welcoming place to consider what you want from your childbirth experience and to learn about your rights and choices, and to challenge any fears you might have. Every woman deserves a positive birth, in which she feels she has freedom of choice, access to accurate information and control.

The classes usually have tea and cake on offer too! Go to www.positivebirthmovement.org for more information and to find a group near you.

Wear some natty head gear on March 27TH 2015 With 20 years and classes in 20 locations, Jigsaw founder, Nicola Lander is now starting to franchise her business. Nicola has found that running her business has really combined well with being a mum and explains that she has had, “the fulfilment of watching so many children grow and reach their full potential in their time at Jigsaw, I have a job that also allows me to be there when my own children need me... I am now looking forward to supporting and training new Jigsaw franchisees and helping them to achieve a good work/life balance." To find out more about franchises or Jigsaw classes for your child call Nicola on 020 8447 4530.

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Shop from a myriad of stalls selling a large and varied selection of gifts to suit all tastes and all ages. You will be spoilt for choice with so many wonderful items for family and home to choose from. There’s the opportunity to try a craft or two if you want to get hands on and make sure that the children don’t leave before visiting Santa. With mulled wine, refreshments and plenty of Christmas cheer it’s an event not to be missed.

Enter the competition to win an entry ticket to the Christmas Frost Fair on page 6.

For more information go to www.frostfair.co.uk

Brain Tumour Research, is asking families, children and schools to save the 27th March 2015, and to register for Wear A Hat Day. The involvement of families and school children in the campaign is poignant given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members or even their teachers. And in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer.

Register online at www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday and the fundraising materials (posters, leaflets, fridge magnets, pin badges, wristbands, quizzes and hat making instructions) will be available early 2015.

For more information email wearahatday@braintumourresearch.org or call 01296 733011.

Get to the top with Top Hat! Top Hat Stage School is looking for children aged 6-17 to take part in their annual auditions for scholarships to attend one of its seven stage schools for a year.

The auditions will 2013 Scholars be on Sunday 16 November at the Hatfield FORUM, part of the University of Hertfordshire. Previous Top Hat scholars have gone on to perform in major films and West End shows, such as Billy Elliot and The Lion King.

There will be eighteen places in three different age categories (6-8 years, 9-11 years and 12-17 years) available, each is worth £900, and there will also be a number of part-funded scholarships that will be awarded too.

Top Hat has schools in Hertford, Welwyn, Stevenage, Potters Bar, Harpenden and two in St Albans. The auditions will take place in a fun filled workshop that will cover dance, drama and singing. Expertise is not expected but enthusiasm is. Children can attend either of the free workshops: 10.30am-12.30pm or 1pm-3pm. The finalists will be judged by an independent panel, and the winners will take up their scholarships in January 2015.

For more information go to www. tophatstageschool.co.uk/ scholarships.htm

Stamp out bullying It’s National Anti-Bullying Week (17th-21th November) and the theme is Let’s Stop Bullying Together. The website (www. antibullyingweek.co.uk) has resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops and short films on how to survive bullying.

Why not take part in their AntiBullying Competition? Children can design a gadget, draw a picture, write a story, song or poem, take a photo, or shoot a film or documentary that depicts an anti-bullying message. There’s a chance to win up to £300 and the closing date is 12th December 2014.

National Anti-Bullying Week recommends ChildLine which offers support 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or www.childline.co.uk. Find out more about stopping bullying at www.antibullyingweek.co.uk. © stefanolunardi - Fotolia.com

HO, HO, HO – Santas Wanted!

Take part in The Hospice of St Francis Santa Dash and get into the Christmas spirit on Sunday 14 December at 10am in Hemel Hempstead.

The seventh annual Santa dash will see adults and children – and even pet dogs – donning Santa suits and ©ShootMeStudios running the 2.5 mile course around Hemel Hempstead in aid of The Hospice of St Francis. Entry fees are £15 for adults and £5 for children or £35 for a family with Santa outfits included. Participants are asked to raise as much as they can to help the Hospice raise the £4.7 million it needs annually.

To register or find out more visit www.stfrancis.org.uk/santadash or call 01442 869555.

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Christmas Competitions Win a copy of Guinness World Records 2015 and The Guinness World Records Gamers Edition 2015

Norman - Fastest 30m on a scooter by a dog

This year’s edition of the best-selling book of all time is extra special, as it marks the 60th

anniversary of Guinness World Records. This edition is crammed with amazing new records, with features on the past 60 years of recordbreaking and impressive 3D technology that enables you to bring records to life using the accompanying free app. Simply download the app, then point your mobile device to a page, and watch as the records come to life in stunning 3D! That’s not all; for keen gamers there’s also, The Guinness World Records Gamers Edition 2015. Although, much younger than its older sibling, the 8th edition is bursting with facts and trivia from the gaming world. Sections include; the top 50 games and “For the Win” with at-a-glance top tips to help improve your game play. The Gamers edition is on sale now (RRP: £9.99). World Records RRP: £20 To win one of three sets enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk Closing date: 30th November

Win a Season Ticket* to Lee Valley Park Farms Get in the festive mood and book to see Santa in his grotto at Lee Valley Park Farms.

The farm-tastic Santa event takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December and again from Saturday 20th until Tuesday 23rd December.

Visitors will also meet the festive reindeer and try their hand at all of the Christmas arts and craft activities on offer. In addition, there will be plenty of fun to be had in the Bundle Barn, indoor soft play centre and visitors can treat themselves to a tasty seasonal bite at The Orchard Café. *The season ticket to the farms is for one adult and one child and is worth £90. The winner will be eligible to book tickets to the Farm-tastic Santa event at the season ticket holders rate of £5, as well as getting free entry to the farms throughout the 2015 season which starts in February.

Book your Santa session at

www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms, email farms@ leevalleypark.org.uk or call 01992 892781.

Please note that the farms are open to visit even if you’ve not booked a slot to see Santa.

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk for a chance to win the Season Ticket.

Closing date 30th November.

Win a luxury long sleeved Tommy & Lottie T Shirt Tommy & Lottie is a British brand based in St Albans that offer luxurious, 100% soft cotton baby t shirts that are ethically and sustainably manufactured. All the t shirts are designed and screen printed in the UK. The designs have a British and nostalgic theme that appeal to all generations. They are certified Oeko-Tex® meaning that no harmful chemicals have been used in any part of the manufacturing process so are safe for baby’s delicate skin.

The Autumn/Winter collection features iconic British Woodland animals; these include Fox, Badger and Hedgehog and are available in long and short sleeves. A little acorn and oak leaf in corresponding colours adorns the back.

Each T shirt comes carefully wrapped in tissue paper and makes the perfect Christmas gift or addition to any baby’s wardrobe. Sizes start at 3 months and go up to 2 years.

Tommy & Lottie are offering FREE UK DELIVERY when ordering online (offer ends 15th Jan 2015, subject to availability and while stocks last). To see the full range and to purchase go to www.tommyandlottie.com For your chance to win one of three T shirts enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk Closing date: 30th November

Win a ticket to the Christmas Frost Fair at Hatfield House With up to two hundred stalls to browse, the Christmas Frost Fair is the place to shop for all your Christmas gifts. You are bound to find that one-off special piece from the many crafts people who will be selling their wares and demonstrating their skills. Items for sale include stunning jewellery, toys and accessories as well as items for the home. If you are looking for the perfect addition to your Christmas table head for the Fine Food Fair, where you can taste and test from an array of mouth-watering food and drink direct from the producers.

Of course, shopping can be tiring, and

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sustenance will be available at The Coach House Restaurant and The Coach House Marquee.

For those with a creative bent, try one of the craft workshops and children will not want to go home until they have met Santa!

This year’s fair is on 21st, 22nd and 23rd November and is open daily from 10am-5pm.

Entrance: Adults £5, accompanied children are free (15 years and under). To book and for more details go to www.frostfair.co.uk Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk for a chance to win one of ten entry tickets.

Closing date: 15th November.

Win a Family Ticket*

to See Cinderella

This season’s panto at The Radlett Centre is Cinderella directed by Victoria Ward of Upstage Productions. This will be a sparkling traditional pantomime based on the classic rags-to-riches fairy tale, with fabulous live music, hilarious comedy, dazzling costumes and loads of audience participation. Join in the fun, songs and laughter and follow Cinderella’s magical story with her lovable friend Buttons, her nasty ugly sisters, a handsome prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, mice... and, of course, a friendly Fairy Godmother!

A perfect Christmas treat for all the family. * The Family Ticket will be for two adults and two children and for the 4.30pm performance on the 22nd December.

Cinderella runs from 6th – 31st December at The Radlett Centre in Radlett. To find out more and to book go to www.radlettcentre.co.uk.

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk for your chance to win the family ticket to this festive treat.

Closing date: 7th December

Cast (L-R): Thomas Widdop; Gavin Ashbarry; Beccy Lane; Marc Kelly; Colleen Daley; Richard Carson; Michael Woolston-Thomas. Plus a chorus of thirty-two local children.

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Christmas Advice The do's and don’ts of a happy family Christmas

By Sarah Hatch

DON’T expect it to be perfect Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will over-cook the turkey, under cook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon Blanc because your mother-in-law has criticised your gravy.

But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming. Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that go well.

DO try and relax By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you. It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions Every family has it’s own way of celebrating.

Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to the local crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to you to create your traditions.

DO get out and about You are not under house arrest over the festive period. Don’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments. Get wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the children run off some steam.

DON’T expect your children to be angels They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. Rules and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear pretty quickly. Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem.

DO give out jobs A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your mother-in-law has a view about your Yorkshire

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Puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DON’T waste money Things are still tough so we won’t be able to give our children everything on their list. You can still enjoy the festivities: swap cards for an email including a festive photo; organise a secret Santa with a spending limit for the adults; or, suggest that you only buy for the family’s children. Remember that it’s not about the money you spend on each other, it’s about the time you spend with each other.

DO enjoy the preparation If you’re not careful, baking the cake, decorating the house and dressing the tree can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it become hard work. If your children want to help you – let them. You will all have some lovely Christmas memories. You won’t have a cake fit for Mary Berry and there’ll be precious few needles left on the tree. But, despite the imperfections, you’ll have happy children.

DO laugh!

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a right royal feast and take a minute to laugh. After all, when you strip away all the tinsel it’s about preparing one meal, on one day with decorations and a gift or two.

DON’T stress about the presents Before you beat yourself because the latest must have Christmas toy has totally sold out, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had? My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drunk the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. Your kids will remember the laughter and the love and when you wake up in January, so will you.

Happy Christmas!

Christmas Shopping Shop locally this Christmas and give more than just presents...

By Sal Jefford Christmas is upon us once again, and unless you are amazingly prepared and have bought all your presents already, there's shopping to be done!

The big retailers have been bombarding us for weeks, and you can rarely walk down the street or switch on the television without seeing adverts for this year's Christmas must-haves. But what about the small, local, independent retailers? The businesses which are owned and run by local people. Small retailers can get 'lost' in the hubbub of Christmas, when really it's a perfect time of year to use them.

Yes, the large supermarkets and online retailers can offer price savings, because they are big and they have bulk-buying power. But they don't offer low prices to save you money, they offer them to make more profit for themselves, by offering loss leaders, or by negotiating lower prices from their suppliers, who then haggle with the manufacturers, who end up making smaller profits themselves, sometimes even selling at a loss.

www.frostfair.co.uk

Small retailers can excel at providing – handmade goods and locally produced items, in-depth product knowledge and personalised advice, customer service, and a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. You may not get the lowest prices, but you do get excellent value for money.

Added to all of this, when you buy local you are making an important contribution to your local economy. Spending money with local businesses causes a ripple-effect, as those businesses in turn spend locally.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, noncommercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. This year's Small Business Saturday UK will take place on December 6th.

Shopping locally gives you: In-depth product knowledge and advice – small retailers often have in depth knowledge of the lines they stock, for example which clothing brands 'run large' and which are true to size.

Customer service – love the item but don't like the colour? Independent retailers are often happy to order in products in other colours or sizes for you.

A friendly shopping experience – local business owners frequently like to take the time to chat and get to know their customers, which enriches the experience Stronger community ties – shopping locally helps to create town centres which are more sustainable and vibrant where people feel part of the community. Local businesses may also support local causes.

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Christmas Fun Jigsaw Performing Arts at Christmas Puzzling about what to get your young performer? What about a place at Jigsaw Performing Arts School? Jigsaw provide inspiring classes for children from 3 years to 18 years. Bookings paid for in full before Christmas will be given a free t-shirt (Worth £10). Jigsaw can also send you a voucher that can be gift wrapped with the t-shirt. You'll be purchasing that special child, 11 weeks of performing arts fun! Visit www.jigsaw-arts. co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 to purchase an exciting and rewarding Christmas gift.

Goodnight Mister Tom Goodnight Mister Tom, is a story for all the family. Young William Beech is evacuated from London during the war and put into the care of Tom Oakley. It is here the boy finds more than just protection and Tom finds himself saved by young William. Celebrating the anniversary year of World War I, this heart-warming musical is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit. The show runs from 11th to 13th December at 7.30pm with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on 13th December.

Tickets cost £9 & £7 concs/child.

To book go to www.sandpittheatre.co.uk.

BASECAMP Berkhamsted BASECAMP's holiday programme will run over the Christmas break and February half term, and will be based at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep school’s Haresfoot campus (HP4 2SZ).

Children will be able to play in the enclosed wall garden, explore the new woodland trail, enjoy activities in the spacious sports hall plus participate in all the usual range of fun activities. Available on-site will be Mini BASECAMP for children aged three to five, and Multi Activity Camp for children aged five to 11. Extended hours are available from 7.30am until 6.30pm on all courses.

Visit the website for more information about the courses available and to make a booking: www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Harpenden Public Halls and Act One Pantomimes presents 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' starring Go!Go!Go!'s Steve Leeds, Tony Howes (Midsomer Murders, Emmerdale), BBC 3 Counties Radio's Ernie Almond, and local singing sensation, Sophie Massie, with supporting cast.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? From the moment the Wicked Queen hears the answer Snow White is in danger! See Snow White meet her handsome Prince, with the help of seven little friends. A panto packed with singing and dancing, a live band and plenty of corny jokes.

From 12th – 22nd December. For full details of dates and times and to book go to www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk or call 01582 767525.

Santa 'Claws' is Coming to Town Rye-Assic Adventure Park at Rye House Kart Raceway in Hoddesdon will be transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland on 13th and 14th December – with rides, games and a host of festive activities for children aged from one to ten. Young visitors will meet Santa ‘Claws’, who will pose for photos with them and present them with a small gift.

With the park decked out with glittering crystal trees, it is set to be a really festive event.

There will be festive food on offer – a lunchbox for children, traditional mince pies for adults – which can be washed down with warming hot chocolate or another drink in the Dinodrome.

Director and co-founder of Rye-Assic Adventure Park, Ryan Musk said: “Last year many families and businesses came to Rye House to celebrate Christmas and this year we are offering something completely new.

We will do our best to shorten the wait until Christmas Eve.” Sessions will be two and a half hours long and will run at 9.30am, 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm on each day. Advance booking online at www.rye-assic.co.uk is just £9.50 for children.

Adult go free making it an affordable family day out.

The facilities at Rye House Kart Raceway are also available for Christmas parties with go-karting and laser combat sessions offering fantastic fun for families, groups of friends and businesses.

Find out more and book at www.rye-house.co.uk or call 01992 460 895 ext 4.

Jack and the Beanstalk There will be comedy capers at the Broxbourne Civic Hall as Jack climbs a beanstalk, slays a giant, meets a golden egg laying hen, listens to music by harp, learns to milk a cow, falls in love and lives happily ever after!

Enjoy all the slapstick and the cast of magnificent characters, headed by Gardening Guru, Charlie Dimmock, as Fairy Organic and with plenty of silliness and magic from Fox Trott (Michael Otton, returning by popular demand), the delightful Dame Trott and the handsome hero, Jack, who just happens to be in love with Princess Amelia.

To find out more and to book go to www.broxbourne.gov.uk or call 01992 441946.

The Abbey Theatre If you are looking for something different then this production of Beauty and the Beast at The Abbey Theatre in St Albans is it. Visit an enchanted palace, meet an insect orchestra which lives in a box and watch a Thoughtsnatcher machine at work.

Written by Lucy Kirkwood and Katie Mitchell and originally produced at the National Theatre, this Christmas show is funny and moving, but also serves up a delicious dollop of scariness to keep the audience on their toes!

To book go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call 01727 857861

Beegu Crashes Down to Earth artsdepot presents the world premiere of Beegu, based on the best-selling children’s book by Alexis Deacon. Beegu runs from 3rd to 13th December.

When Beegu’s spaceship crashes down on a blue-green planet she emerges to discover a strange world before her. Join the friendly alien creature on an incredible intergalactic adventure as she tries to make sense of this curious place we call Earth. Will the trees be her friends? Will the rabbits talk to her? Will the Earth children let her join in their games?

Beegu brought to life by Dotted Line Theatre, in association with artsdepot. This delightful wordless show is full of music, song, puppetry and audience interaction. Children may meet Beegu after the show!

Also, at artsdepot is The Gruffalo’s Child from 10th December until 4th January.

For more information and to book go to www.artsdepot.co.uk or call 020 8369 5454.

Illustration © Alexis Deacon, 2003, published in the UK by Random House Children’s Publishers’

Christmas What's On Please check with venue before setting out in case details have changed.

PANTO & THEATRE FUN ABBEY THEATRE Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk Beauty and the Beast 19, 22, 29, 30 Dec - 7.30pm 20, 21, 27, 28 Dec - 2.30 & 5.30pm A breath taking re-telling of a traditional tale.

Tickets: £10.25-£12.25, Conc 10yrs and under £5.25, 11-15yrs £6.25

ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk 5-6 Dec, 10-16 Dec, 18-24 Dec, 26 Dec - 4 Jan

ARK THEATRE BOREHAMWOOD The Civic Car Park, Elstree Way WD6 1WA 020 8238 7288 www.thearktheatre.co.uk The Twelve Days of Christmas 17-21 Dec Based on the popular Christmas carol this sing-along musical looks at the meaning of Christmas through games, giggles and family fun.

Tickets: £12. Child / Conc £9.

Family £36

ARTS DEPOT 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner North, Finchley N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk The Night Before Christmas 29-30 Nov – 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm It’s the night before Christmas and Emily waits excitedly for the morning, in the corner a little mouse can’t understand why only humans get presents. So he sets off in search of Father Christmas to find out.

Beegu 3, 4, 6 Dec – 10.30am, 1.30pm When Beegu's spaceship crashes down on a blue-green planet she emerges to discover a strange world before her.

The Gruffalo's Child 10 Dec – 4 Jan – Twice daily, check for times

One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo's child ignores her father's warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist... does he?

BARN THEATRE Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST 01707 324300 www.barntheatre.co.uk A Christmas Carol 12-14 Dec, 19-24 Dec, 27-31 Dec A musical adaptation of Dickens' classic ghost story.

Tickets: £13.50

BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ whatson Jack and the Beanstalk 12-18 Dec, 20-24 Dec, 2-3 Jan A panto that is full of beans!

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Aladdin 28 Nov-14 Dec, 19-24 Dec, 26 Dec- 4 Jan, 7 Jan, 9-11 Jan A Christmas Carol 11-15 Nov - 7.45pm, Thurs, Sat - 2.30pm A new adaptation with music of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens Tickets: From £15.50

HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Every Fri, Sat, Sun from 12-14 Dec. Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 16-22 Dec. Singing and dancing, live band, beautiful costumes and corny jokes!

Tickets: From £10

HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Sleeping Beauty 20-24 Dec, 26-31 Dec, 2-3 Jan.

HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com

Cinderella and The Glass Slipper 6, 8-13 Dec, 15-21 Dec, 23-24 Dec, 26 Dec-1 Jan. A fairy-tale panto for families with children aged 3+.

Tickets: Various prices. Family from £56.

LETCHWORTH ARTS CENTRE 2, The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW 01462 670788 www.letchwortharts.org Santa in Love Fun 19 Dec - 11.30am; 1.30pm; 4.15pm A filled show with singalongs and lots of interaction followed by Santa meet and greet with presents & photo opportunities. Ages 2-5.

Tickets: £8.50, including present for every child

SANDPIT THEATRE Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans AL4 9NX 01727 370067 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Rapunzel and the Beanstalk 3-8 Dec. A fun-filled family pantomime starring the students from Top Hat Stage School aged 4-17 years. Each Top Hat school will perform their own unique show for one night. Tickets: £10, Conc £7 Goodnight Mister Tom 11-13 Dec. Sandringham School's version of this classic, touching musical about an artistically-gifted boy evacuated to the countryside during World War II. Tickets: £9, Conc £7

THE MARKET THEATRE Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk Hansel and Gretel 6 Dec - 3 Jan. Children's Christmas show.

Tickets: £10

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE 01442 228 091 toth.dacorum.gov.uk/families Jack and the Beanstalk 29 Nov - 2.30pm This classic fairy tale with– enormous shoes, tiny houses, and a big, leafy explosion! 3 yrs+.

Tickets: £5.50, Dacorum Card £4

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The Snow Queen 21-24 Dec. A participation musical based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale.

Tickets: £5.50, Dacorum Card £4

THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL, 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Cinderella 6-24 Dec, 26-31 Dec. Traditional pantomime based on the classic rags to riches fairytale. Tickets: From £16.50

THE RHODES ARTS COMPLEX & BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 651746, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Dick Whittington and his Magical Cat 13-14 Dec, 19-24 Dec, 26- 31 Dec, 2-3 Jan. Family pantomime adventure.

Tickets: £9-17.50

THE QUEEN MOTHER THEATRE Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP 01462 455166 www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk Peter Pan Thurs, Fri, Sat – 11-20 Dec. Performed by the Bancroft Players Amateur Dramatic Society. Tickets: £10. Conc £8

THE WESTON AUDITORIUM University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU 01707 281127 www.herts.ac.uk/artsandgalleries The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmassness 14 Dec Show: 11am, 2pm. Workshop: 10am, 12noon, 1pm, 3pm Family show celebrating everything Christmassy. Ages 5+.

Show: £10, Conc £8, Workshop: £4

WYLLYOTTS THEATRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast 12 Dec–4 Jan - 2pm & 5.30pm daily.

A Baddie wanting boos, Goodies with some gags, a heroine in hot water, but what has happened to the handsome Prince? Live music and rip-roaring adventure in true panto style.

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Christmas What's On WHERE’S SANTA ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 3AT, 020 8953 9602 www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Santa’s Grotto Sat & Sun 6-24 Dec - 11am -1pm This is a first for the Aldenham Country Park. Visit the Santa’s grotto area with arts and craft activities on offer too. Advance booking online required.

Tickets: £3 (+ farm entry price)

ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Visit Father Christmas 13, 14 & 20, 21 Dec Each 45 min session includes a visit with Father Christmas, a Christmas craft making session and a present. Booking essential.

Tickets: Adult £2.50, Child £6

HATFIELD FOREST Takeley, Bishop Stortford CM22 6NE, 01279 870678 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatfield-forest Father Christmas Trail 6-7, 13-14 Dec Follow the magical trail through the woods to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Booking essential. £6.50 per child + 5% booking fee (includes gift, craft & refreshment)

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

let off steam in the Bundle Barn.

Arts and crafts activities.

Booking required. First child £12.

Additional children £10.

LEE VALLEY BOATS Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne EN10 6QT. To book: 01992 462085, leevalleyboats.co.uk Santa Cruise 20-21 Dec - 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm Jump aboard for mulled wine, mince pies and carols on this one hour Christmas cruise. There’s a present for all the children from Santa too! (not suitable for under 2s).

Tickets: £8.50

RYE-ASSIC ADVENTURE PARK Rye House Kart Raceway, Rye Road Hoddesdon EN11 0EH 01992 460895 www.ryeassic.co.uk Rye-Assic Winter Wonderland 13-14 Dec – 9.30am-5pm Children’s rides, games, food and Santa ‘Claws’ himself!

Tickets: Book your session online for £9.50 per child. Adults Free.

SANTA TO YOUR DOOR A visit from Santa on Christmas eve or Christmas day. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two.

Call the Santa hotline on 0208 959 1045 or email info@ adamantsparties.co.uk

Knebworth SG3 6PY (Sat Nav: SG1 2AX) 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Sunday Lunch with Santa Sundays: 7-21 Dec - 12.303.30pm Two-course festive lunch with gift from Santa for each child. Booking essential.

Cost: Adult £24, Child (up to 13 yrs) £10

SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781, www. visitleevalley.org.uk/go/farms Farm-tastic Santa 13-14, 20-23 Dec – 10am- 3pm Pet the festive reindeer and farmyard friends. Book a slot to see Santa in his grotto.

Refreshments from the café and

Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Santa's Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun From 26 November to 24 December Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a golden key to enter

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Station Road, Shepreth, nr Royston SG8 6PZ 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Santa’s Grotto 6-7, 13-14, 20-24 Dec Father Christmas and his merry elves will spread the cheer and give out presents!

Tickets: £10 (proceeds to Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital)

his toy shop where children can pick their own present. Join in with the Nativity story, hop on the Festive Wood Ride, enter the Elve's House, see the reindeer plus Fun Fair Rides, undercover JCB Young Drivers Zone, Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn and Reindeer Hunt with prize for every child.

CHRISTMAS FAIRS, FESTIVALS & CAROLS APPLECROFT PRIMARY SCHOOL Applecroft Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6JZ www.applecroft.herts.sch.uk Winter Bazaar 15 Nov - 11am-2.30pm Craft stalls, children's games, Santa's grotto, refreshments.

Entry: £1. Children & Seniors free

ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Fair 7 Dec - 10am Fill yourself with festive cheer and your bags with festive goodies.

BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE, 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Christmas Fair 30 Nov - 11am-3.30pm Craft and gift stalls. Santa's grotto.

Entry: £1.50, Children and over 63s 70p

CRABTREE SCHOOL Crabtree Lane, Harpenden AL5 5PU Christmas Fayre 6 Dec - 11am-2pm Father Christmas, games and stalls including toys, books & cakes. Entry: Adult £1

HARPENDEN CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FARMERS MARKET Harpenden High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP www.harpenden.gov.uk/townevents 23 Nov - 12-6pm. Lights 5.30pm Market, stalls, fun fair, Santa's

grotto, stage acts and Christmas lights switch on. Free parking at the station car park from 12 noon.

HARRIET KELSALL BESPOKE JEWELLERY Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, 01462 790565 www.hkjewellery.co.uk Christmas Charity Event In aid of NSPCC. 29 Nov - 9.45am-5pm Jewellery making demonstrations by specialist goldsmiths. Children’s jewellery making sessions. Shop for something special in sterling silver, pearls, precious metals and gemstones. Festive drinks and nibbles.

HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Christmas Frost Fair 21-23 Nov – 10am-5pm Gifts, crafts and fine foods.

Lunches, refreshments. Drop in workshops, including Christmas decorating using fresh flowers.

Visit Santa before you go home.

Entry: £5. Accompanied children 15 or under free

HOBBS HILL WOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Peascroft Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8TX www.hobbshillwood.herts.sch. uk/pta Christmas Fair 29 Nov - 12.30-3pm Festive family fun including Santa's Grotto, crafts, stalls, games and refreshments. Free.

HOLY SAVIOUR CHURCH Radcliffe Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QG holysaviourhitchin.org.uk Christmas Tree Festival 12-14 Dec Around 50 trees are displayed, each decorated by an individual, school, family, local group or business to illustrate a theme of their choice. Live music. Lunches and teas.

KINGSHOTT SCHOOL Stevenage Road, Hitchin, SG4 7JX www.nct.org.uk/branches/hertsnorth NCT Nearly New Toy Sale 22 Nov - 10.30am-12noon (NCT members from 10am) Browse a great choice of nearly new toys.

Entry: £1 (in aid of NCT Charity)

Say you saw it in

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Christmas What's On KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth SG3 6PY (Sat Nav: SG1 2AX) 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Christmas Fair 14-16 Nov Craft and gift stalls, festive food and drink. Meet the reindeer and the barn owls and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto.

Entry: £5, Conc £4, 2-16 yrs £3

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL AL1 1BY 01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org Family Carol Concert 13 Dec – 2.15pm (3pm) With the St Albans Bach Choir.

Pre-concert entertainment for children from 2.15pm. Carols from 3pm.

Tickets: Adult £5, Child £1 if seat needed. Tickets only available on entry

ST FRANCIS CHURCH Church Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6HH www.stfranciswgc.org.uk Christmas Tree Festival 6, 7 Dec - Sat 12-6pm, Sun 12-5pm Over 60 trees, stalls, games, Santa's Grotto and refreshments.

Entry: £3. Accompanied children under 12 free

WIMPOLE ESTATE Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW 01223 206000, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

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Christmas Craft Fair 15 & 16 Nov – 10.30am-5pm Buy unusual presents from over 50 craft stalls. £4. Under 14s free

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHONS BATFORD CORNER Batford, Harpenden, AL5 5HL www.harpenden.gov.uk/townevents Batford Christmas Lights 30 Nov - 4.30pm. Lights switched on 5.30pm Fairground rides and stalls.

Games, live music and carols.

Fresh food. Try glass painting and face painting. Visit Santa!

SAWBRIDGEWORTH Bell Street, CM21 9AR www.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk/ Christmas Lights 28 Nov Get into the festive spirit!

LONDON COLNEY Chester Gibbons Green, St Albans, AL2 1HE www.londoncolney-pc.gov.uk Christmas LIghts 28 Nov - Christmas lights go from 6pm onwards Enjoy the festivities in London Colney.

HARPENDEN HIGH STREET Harpenden, AL5 2SP www.harpenden.gov.uk

Christmas Lights 23 Nov - 12-6pm. Lights go on at 5.30pm Harpenden Christmas Carnival Farmers market plus stalls, fun fair, Santa's grotto, stage acts and see the lights go on! Free parking at station car park from 12 noon.

HERTFORD TOWN CENTRE Parliament Square, Hertford, SG14 1EX, gohertford.co.uk Hertford Christmas Gala 28 Nov - 4.30-8.30pm See the lights go on, pet the reindeer and owls, live music and entertainment. Visit Santa's Grotto and browse the Christmas Market.

SOUTHDOWN SHOPPING AREA Harpenden, AL5 1PU www.harpenden.gov.uk/townevents Southdown Christmas Lights 28 Nov - Lights go on at 6pm Come along and enjoy live music and children's fairground rides. Pop into the Christmas Fair at the Methodist Church. The shops will be staying open late.

ST ALBANS St Peter's Street, AL3 5DJ www.enjoystalbans.com St Albans Christmas Lights 16 Nov - Lights to on at 5.30pm This annual event will include Pantomime stars, street entertainers, a children’s fun fair and Christmas market.

STEVENAGE Town Square, SG1 1BP www.stevenagetowncentre.co.uk Stevenage's Christmas Lights 27 Nov - 4-6.30pm The switch-on will feature a great line-up of Herts talent including: Roxy Searle, Max Keir, Gabz and The Warriorz Performing Arts Academy, plus Reese Robinson and up and coming band R3action

WHEATHAMPSTEAD High Street, AL4 8BB www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk Wheathampstead Lights Up 27 Nov See the Christmas lights go on and enjoy some family fun, including: Santa’s grotto, carol singing, mini merry go round and more.

ICE SKATING RINKS VAN HAGE GARDEN CENTRE Pepper Hill, Great Amwell, SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk 13 Nov-24 Dec, 26 Dec-5 Jan. Experience this real ice rink. The new ‘clear skies’ cover allows all weather skating. Plus heated marquee and café.

PLANET ICE Leisure World, Jarmans Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 0845 8725 799 www.planet-ice.co.uk/arena/

Hemel_Hempstead Ice Skating From 1 Nov Choose from a range of skating sessions and lessons, including some suitable for toddlers.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND London W2 2UH www. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com 21 Nov-4 Jan (excluding Xmas Day) – 10am-10pm Santa Land; rides; ice skating; Magical Ice Kingdom; Giant Wheel; Zippos Circus.

Free to enter. See website for prices/tickets for individual attractions

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 30 Oct-4 Jan (excluding Xmas Day) 1,000-square-metre ice rink.

From £12.65. Child from £8.80

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, London WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk/ ice-rink 11 Nov-11 Jan (excluding Xmas Day) Lessons also available – see website.

From £7.50

CHARITY RUNS

THINGS TO DO ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Trail 1 Nov-31 Dec - 10am-3pm Answer questions along the way and earn your reward!

Cost: Child £1

Berkhamsted BASECAMP 01442 358115 www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk Mini BASECAMP 15-19 Dec & 22-23 Dec For ages 3-5.

Multi Activity Camp 15-19 Dec & 22-23 Dec For ages 3-11.

The Christmas holiday camp will be held at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep school’s Haresfoot campus (HP4 2SZ). Extended hours option from 7.30am until 6.30pm on all courses. Contact for full details.

BOPPING BABIES DISCO Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD 01582 767525 www.boppingbabesdisco.co.uk 9 Nov Specifically for babies and toddlers (with carers of course!)

Cost: £5 per person. Family (2+2) £15. 12 months and under free

Santa Dash

FIRESIDE FESTIVAL

www.stfrancis.org.uk 14 Dec Two and a half mile course around Hemel Hempstead in aid of The Hospice of St Francis.

Arts and Heritage Centre, The Old Town Hall, High Street, Baldock, SG7 6AR www.firesidefestival.org 6-16 Nov A celebration of storytelling in all its forms: traditional; folk; puppetry; children's shows; short plays and modern documentary talks.

Santa Run santa.hatfieldrotary.org.uk 7 Dec Run, jog or walk around the course in Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City. In aid of Isabel Hospice and Herts Action on Disability. Santa Suits and Rudolph antlers supplied!

Jingle Bell Jog www.renniegrove.org 7 Dec This event is for Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Choose from the 5km course for ages 10 years plus or the 1.5km course for all ages. It’ll be antlers and flashing red noses for all!

Reindeer Run - 11am - £10 Jingle Bell Jog - 11.30am - £17

GOSLING SPORTS PARK Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk Go Kids Holiday Camp Mon, Tue from 22-30 Dec 9am-3.30pm (8am-6pm with extended hrs). 3 yrs: 9am-1pm Activities range from trampolining to skiing, badminton, dodgeball, golf, football, spinning & athletics.

Ages 3-16 Cost: £12-23 per session.

Extended hrs extra.

Parties

HEARTWOOD FOREST Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9DQ heartwoodforest.wordpress.com Tree Planting 16 Nov Every tree at Heartwood Forest is planted by a volunteer.

PLAY ALOUD Hitchin: 07903 336113 playaloudstandrews@hotmail. com Pirton: 07985 517911 playaloudpirton@hotmail.com Play Aloud offer after school childcare and are open daily 7.30am to 6.30pm.

They also provide care during school holidays and all children are welcome. They will be providing special activities during the Christmas holidays. Play Aloud have centres in Hitchin and Pirton and cater for children aged for 2 years up to 11 years.

Care costs £3.75 per hour plus sibling discounts.

SPORTSPACE 01442 507100 www.sportspace.co.uk Little Snowflakes and Tinsel Tots Christmas Parties 22 Dec – Hemel Hempstead 23 Dec - Berkhamsted Includes games, bouncy castle and festive art work. Ages 3-4 & 5-7.

Cost: £10.50. Members £8.60

ST ALBANS LITERARY FESTIVAL www.stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk 6-9 Nov Children’s festival events include: The Secret Art of Finding Stories 8 Nov - 3pm Liz Baddaley will introduce her novel ‘The Finding of Freddie Perkins’. Venue: The Maltings Arts Theatre Cost: £2 Children must be with a fee paying adult.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Other Stories...

8 Nov - 10.30am Readings by children's writer, Kirsten Lester. Songs, rhymes and colouring. Ages 6 & under (with adult). Drop-in.

Venue: St Albans Central Library See the Festival website for full listings.

STEVENAGE MUSEUM St George's Way, Stevenage, SG1 1XX, 01438 218881 www.stevenage.gov.uk Christmas Crackers 20 Dec - 11am-12noon, 2.303.30pm

Say you saw it in

Tutoring

Make your own crackers, cards and more.

TICK TOCK MUSIC www.ticktockmusic.co.uk Tick Tock Music is a fun music group for pre-school children.

3 Nov-15 Dec – 9.30am St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Road, Bricket Wood, St Albans, AL2 3PJ 5 Nov-17 Dec - 9.45am Thunder Base Scout Hut, Chene Drive, St Albans, AL3 5QP 6 Nov-18 Dec - 9.45am St Michael's Parish Church, St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SL Cost: £6 per session. Sibling discounts. Classes must be booked and paid for in advance.

Offering 2 trial sessions for the price of 1.

THE MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR, 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Festive Fun 7 Dec - 2-5pm Seasonal stories. Make Christmas decorations. Ages 3-11 (with adult).

Entry: £2 per child

TOP HAT STAGE SCHOOL 01727 812666 www.tophatstageschool.co.uk Scholarship Auditions 16 Nov Workshop 1: 10.30am-12.30pm Workshop 2: 1pm-3pm The scholarships are for three terms at one of the Top Hat Stage Schools. For children and young people with a desire to perform.

The workshop sessions are free and only one workshop need be attended. Contact for more details and to apply.

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Christmas What's On

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