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From your Editor…
In this issue:
Spring has sprung and it feels good to emerge from the depths of winter. We can look forward to more daylight, more sunshine and, at this time of year, more chocolate. Most of us love the stuff and, unfortunately, the adage ‘if a little is good it doesn’t mean a lot is better’ goes out of the window when I can smell the chocolate (my guilty but not so secret pleasure). So, let’s move swiftly on to what’s inside this issue. You won’t be surprised to learn that we have lots of useful information and ideas on things to do during the Easter school holiday, with listings of activity camps as well as one day events and attractions with more great ideas to be found on our website www.familiesonline.co.uk. Learning the multiplication tables can be a real chore for lots of children but memorising them gives a huge boost to self-confidence and will pay dividends in the future. If you want to support you child and help them tackle their times tables at home, you will want to read ‘How to teach your kids their times tables…easily’. Have a great family Easter break. I’m signing off … now where did I leave the chocolate bar?
News & Views: 4 Competition: 6 Education: 7 Easter & Spring Fun: 11 What’s On: 13 Next Issue: May/June Copy Deadline: 3rd April Image credit: © golyak
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.
Shelley Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk
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News & Views Forest School Success Fifteen children recently took part in a weekend Forest School at Norton Common in Letchworth. The free event encouraged the children to make bows and arrows from Hazel tree branches, beads from Elder trees and decorations from natural materials. The children aged between 5 and 12 years also roasted marshmallows on a fire and shot specially made targets with the bows and arrows they had made. Forest School was organised by North Hertfordshire District Council's (NHDCs), Park Ranger Tanya Dickson who taught the children a range of different skills using tools and materials found in a woodland environment. www.north-herts.gov.uk
Little Kickers Little Kicks is the newest age group recently introduced and is the perfect introduction to the fun world of Little Kickers. Children aged from 18 months to 27 months are introduced to the basics of football including dribbling, striking and goal scoring in a play-oriented yet structured format, using child-friendly but realistic football equipment. Each child is given the opportunity to work within their ability level but taught in a group environment. Classes also provide a fantastic opportunity for you to assist in your child’s early education, helping them develop physically as well as improving cognitive and social skills. Little Kickers also run Junior Kickers (2 – 3.5 years), Mighty Kickers (3.5 – 5 years) and Mega Kickers (5-7 years). Find out more at www.littlekickers.co.uk, email jlustigman@littlekickers.co.uk or call 020 8440 6195.
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The benefits of learning Mandarin Chinese
Funding for grassroots football
Gareth Southgate is backing Grow the Game
The Football Association (FA) are investing £1.5m into the Grow the Game scheme – a programme that increases participation at the lowest levels of the game. Delivered by the Football Foundation, Grow the Game awards grants of £1,500 to grassroots football clubs that wish to create new teams. Applications are being encouraged from: women and girls; male teams of Under14s-and-upwards and disabled teams. Grow the Game supports football’s diversity and is designed to be inclusive. Alex Scott, right-back for Arsenal Ladies and England Women, supports the scheme: “It’s great to see that one of the key targets of Grow the Game is to raise participation levels among women and girls. I know the funding will also help boys’ teams and disabled players and really demonstrates what an inclusive game football is.” Applications can be submitted until Wednesday 29 March. Find out more at www.footballfoundation. org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/.
UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important non-European language for their children to learn. French, Spanish and German were still the top languages of choice but a majority of parents saw value in learning Mandarin. More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey commissioned by the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) felt that the language would open their children’s minds to an “exciting and dynamic” culture. 51% also thought that learning Mandarin Chinese would boost their kids’ future career prospects.
Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, the Perform mix of drama, dance and singing brings out every child’s potential. Small classes ensure individual attention from experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. The Perform curriculum uses energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep imaginations buzzing. The summer term starts in April with two inspiring themes: Perform 4–7 year olds will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane. Children will be rodeo-riding through a spooky ghost town, dancing to the Hip Hop Hoedown and meeting Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux Tribe. Meanwhile, the 7–12s will be zooming into outer space with intergalactic hero, Robinson Crusoe, who has to save the Martian children from being eaten by the evil Commander Cannibal. Perform offers a no-obligation, FREE trial session. To find out more call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/try
Competition offers schools free travel to Lee Valley Regional Park To mark the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s 50th anniversary, its Youth and Schools service is inviting school children aged between 5 and 11 to visit the Nature and Wildlife pages on Lee Valley Regional Park’s website (www. visitleevalley.org.uk) to find out about the range of habitats and wildlife described and create a drawing, painting, collage or poem about the park’s thriving biodiversity. The winning entrants will secure free coach travel for their class and entire year group, to and from the regional park, to enjoy a fun and educational day in the great outdoors. The entries will be judged by the Youth and Schools team and the winners will be announced in late March. Primary schools and special needs groups must submit their entries by Monday 20 March 2017. Find out more at visitleevalley.org.uk/education
Community Grants North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) offers community grants of between £200 and £2000, to help get beneficial local community projects off the ground. If you run, or know someone that runs, a local voluntary or community group that needs financial help towards activities such as travel and transport, publicity and publications, equipment or emergency repairs, contact us to check your eligibility, support in completing your application and to seek other external funding routes”. Find out more at www.north-herts.gov.uk
The gender pay gap The gender pay gap has halved for women in their 20s over the past couple of decades but it widens again once they have kids, according to a new study. The research, from think tank the Resolution Foundation, found that women born between 1946 and 1965 faced a pay gap of 16% during their 20s. This fell to 9% for women born between 1966 and 1980 and to 5% for those born between 1981 and 2000. According to the report, women born between 1981 and 2000 can expect a 9% pay gap by the time they reach 30, which is little different from the previous generation. Laura Gardiner, senior policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said: "... while many millennial women haven't experienced much of a pay gap yet, most probably will once they reach their 30s, when they start having children."
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Competition
WIN
a Family Ticket to Paradise Wildlife Park
Looking for something Eggcellent to do with the family this Easter School Holidays? Hop over to Paradise Wildlife Park and get up-close to over 500 exotic wild animals including: tigers, white lions, penguins, meerkats, otters, red pandas and monkeys. Enjoy our #fabzoolus daily programme of animal shows, keeper talks and special Easter themed animal feeds. Whatever the weather we have it covered! Grab a coffee and sandwich in the Tumble Jungle while you watch the kids go wild in our indoor soft play. If the sun is shining, pack your swimmers and take a dip in our Paradise Lagoon. Make sure you experience our brand-new Penguin Falls and Outback Trail exhibits. For even more fun, meet the Easter Bunny and if you take part in our free Easter hunt around the Animal Park you will have the chance to win an exclusive family animal experience day!
Plus, lots more #fabzoolus activities: Face painting Easter crafts Fun and games with our show team on the Safari Stage Tiny chicks Farmyard fun
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Answer the question below for your chance to win one of 3 family tickets to Paradise Wildlife Park.
What Eggciting brand-new exhibits can you see this Easter holiday at Paradise Wildlife Park? • Penguin Falls & Outback Trail • Tiger Territory & Rainforest • Lorikeet Landing & Africa • Amazonia & Meerkat Mayhem
To enter email your answer to editor@familiesherts.co.uk with the subject line ‘Paradise’. Closing date: Sunday 26th March
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Education St Francis’ College
St. Francis’ College, Letchworth is a day and boarding school for girls aged between 3 – 18 years old. Girls aged 3 – 11 years old are pupils in the Prep Department and have their own dedicated area of the school, but are very much part of the whole St. Francis’ Community. St. Francis’ College is known for being warm and welcoming, where the staff are committed and dedicated to the well-being and intellectual development of all the girls here. It is our philosophy that every aspect of a child’s education matters. It is obviously important to get the basics right, so we start with a rigorous academic grounding in the core subjects: maths, English, science and a modern foreign language. The classroom teaching is supported by a wide ranging extra-curricular programme including art, music, drama, sport, Philosophy for Children and languages such as Russian, Chinese and Arabic. At the heart of Prep is its pupils. School Council, Digital Leaders and a Prep Leadership team meet regularly with the Head of Prep to voice their opinions about their lives at school. The Head of Prep regularly meets with parents to hear their opinions too. Please come and visit us to find out more about how we will help your daughter achieve her potential. Details of forthcoming Open Days can be found on www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk
Take the fear out of exams in 2017
We all know that the lead up to exam season can be a daunting time for child and parent. With phonics screening checks, teacher assessments, and SATs, you might often wonder how best to support your child. While there is no magic formula for exam success, there are many ways to help children feel prepared and confident about assessments. Start early by planning ahead. Revisiting a range of subject areas in manageable, weekly chunks can be much more beneficial
to supporting memory, skills, and confidence than ‘cramming’. Everyone learns and revises in their own way. Some children like visual representations and sticky notes around the house, whereas others will respond better to conversations and answering questions aloud. Find a learning style and timetable that works for your child and create a plan to suit this. Be sure to remain positive and praise them when you see them accomplish something great: hearing “you’ve done a fantastic job today!” will undoubtedly build their self-belief. At Explore Learning, we’re here to support the whole family from day one. We offer tailored maths and English tuition from expert staff, and exam preparation workshops and parent information evenings throughout the year so that everyone feels confident at home! For more advice and top tips, and to book your free trial session, visit our website: https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/ exam-preparation-how-to-support-your-child/
Lockers Park Pre-Prep:
Focus on Outdoor Play Lockers Park is a thriving day and boarding school for boys aged 7-13 with a co-educational Pre-Prep for ages 4-7. Set in 23 acres of woodland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, the school holds an excellent academic reputation, preparing pupils for top public and independent senior schools. The school believes that exploring the surrounding grounds and engaging in outdoor activities is intrinsic to good schooling, leading to increased concentration and success in academic lessons. This philosophy runs through the whole school and, in weekly Nature lessons, Pre-Prep pupils enjoy scavenger hunts, making woodland jewellery and bird watching. “A wonderful environment
where each child is treated as an individual and given the space to grow,” observes a Lockers Park parent. Visit www.lockerspark. herts.sch.uk for more information. Find out more at an Open Morning: Sat 18th March or Sat 13th May, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Girls at STAHS Prep enjoy the challenge of the outdoors St Albans High School Prep (STAHS Prep) has a forest school, with extensive grounds which allow the girls to enjoy being adventurous and explore the outdoors in a safe environment. For one term every academic year, girls at all levels spend a full lesson each week learning outdoors. Last term, girls in Year 6 wanted to create a roundhouse in their forest school session and spent a term moving it from planning to completion. Judy Rowe, Headmistress, said: “Being outdoors is good for wellbeing and self-confidence.” When complete, the roundhouse will provide shelter on wet days for the school’s forest school sessions, as well as for two toddler groups which run weekly for local families. Visit www.stahs.org.uk for more information
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The roundhouse in the grounds of St Albans High School Prep
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Education Abbot’s Hill School Abbot’s Hill is a happy, dynamic and thriving school offering an all-round education for girls aged 4-16 years. The Day Nursery & Pre-School caters for girls and boys from 6 months. Our historic campus offers modern facilities in a magnificent country setting on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. We have a strong record of academic success. Throughout the school, pupils are taught in small classes in which excellent teaching and personalised support ensure that everyone is inspired to exceed their potential. The broad curriculum is enhanced by a wide range of trips and activities. We pride ourselves on our pastoral care. In such a nurturing environment, pupils grow naturally in confidence, are happy to embrace new challenges and eagerly take on increasing responsibilities. Our happy and united community will give your child the opportunity to shine. To find out more call 01442 240333 or visit www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk
St Christopher School
Visitors to our school often remark on the calm, yet busy and focused feeling they experience here, and ask how we put in to place the right ingredients to ensure that children are relaxed, self-disciplined and successful. Being able to relax and manage stress is a genuine priority for everyone but it can be difficult to do when exams are looming. We find that, rather than cutting down on extracurricular activities to cram for exams, it’s important to make time for sport, music and art. Whether our students take part in swimming, yoga and pottery or rock climbing, archery and jazz band, it’s finding something that gets them moving and focused positively
that makes a difference. Our Junior School and Early Years’ children all enjoy weekly Forest School sessions – building bases, using the mud kitchen and learning outdoor skills. The fresh air and sense of purpose mean that they come inside and settle quickly to reading, writing, maths and topic work. Above all, we’ve found that the key to promoting concentration most effectively can be found in our core principal of treating students as individuals – feeling valued, respected and listened to is surely what makes us all calmer, happier and more purposeful, and is something we hold dear. www.stchris.co.uk
How to teach your kids their times tables…easily Getting to grips with maths is vital for children if they are to succeed at school. The thing that can turn children off learning their times tables is the practise. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest. Here are some top tips to help you.
What should they know? If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out an equation like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when tackling harder arithmetic. Currently, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.
How can you help them know it? Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house so that they are taking it in without realising it.
Start with the twos Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.
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Apply it to real life Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it. For instance, at the supermarket ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three apples instead of two.
Find out what works best for your child If your child learns best using visual aids, then go down that route. If listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available on the iPad or computer. Keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake, you are on hand to explain how and encourage them to try again.
Pick out the patterns Picking up on patterns makes learning easier. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number goes down: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90.
Don’t bring your own feelings into it Teaching methods have changed a lot since us parents were learning our times tables. Your
children are probably learning in a completely different way now. A book like Maths for Mums and Dads could help if you are feeling outside of our comfort zone when you’re topping up the teaching at home.
Build their confidence Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it playful. Encourage your children and praise them for trying. Show them how far they have come and this should spur them on to keep improving.
Easter & Spring Fun
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Easter & Spring Fun Hatfield Park Farm Enjoy a spring visit to Hatfield Park Farm, walk amongst the paddocks and watch the animals graze in a natural setting. Children can play in the sand pits, bounce around on the tractor tyres, and climb up and over the wooden tractor whilst you relax in the spring sunshine. To complete the visit there are also free regular tractor rides around the farm, weather permitting. On Easter weekend (Sat 15th – Monday 17th April) there will be lots of activities including bonnet making and bunny hunts taking place on the farm. Throughout March and April, the sheep and goats will be lambing and a visit to the lambing marquee is a must! Please visit www. hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk for all the latest news and events.
Put a Spring in Your Step with Drama, Singing and Dance Spring is in the air, which means a new school term lies just around the corner… the ideal opportunity for your Little One to discover drama, singing and dance for the very first time. There was a sense of excitement in the air last term at Jigsaw Arts. Children across London and the Home Counties took part in 11 fun-filled weeks of performing arts classes. Alongside this, children from Jigsaw’s agency have been involved in exciting work on film and TV, and the Youth Theatre are getting ready for their upcoming performances at the Oxford House Theatre, London. One thing is for certain: if you’re looking for an enjoyable extra-curricular activity for your child this spring, then look no further than the performing arts. Visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information, or call 0208 4474530 to book a two week trial.
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Make Berkhamsted your BASECAMP this Easter BASECAMP at Berkhamsted School offers activity day camps for children aged 3-16 years and aims to make every school holiday fun. Various camps are available, from multiactivity sessions to a selection of specific sporting camps, including cricket with the Andrew Flintoff Academy. Plus, there’s MiniBASECAMP for children from 3-5 years, with specific activities suited to little ones. BASECAMP is available every school holiday and offers a wrap-around care option from 7.30am until 6.30pm. Find out more at www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk or call 01442 358115.
The SandPit Theatre celebrates Science Week! This year, to celebrate British Science week 2017 (10th-19th March), we have an exciting schedule of events with sparkles, bangs and lots of experiments! We have our annual Chemistry Show on the Tuesday, an evening of demonstration with lots of exciting whizzing and flashing experiments for little ones – free of charge! On Thursday we then have the wonderful Last Baguette Theatre Company in for ‘Whats The Matter? A Quantam Comedy’. This fantastically silly show about a very intelligent subject comes fresh from the British Science festival, for ages 8-108. It follows scientist Smithy on a journey through his own experiment into the subatomic world, after an unexplained cat theft from a physics laboratory leaves questions to be answered! Please see www.sandpittheatre.co.uk for more information, or to book tickets.
Your next adventure starts at Stanborough Park Holiday Club Stanborough Park, in Welwyn Garden City, has 126 acres of picturesque parkland. This Green Flag award winning park boasts two lakes, a river, a nature reserve and an multi activity centre. Together they provide a unique setting for a wide range of activities including water sports, bush craft and recreational activities as well as this popular holiday club. The holiday club offers days full of water sports tuition, team challenges and unique sports. Instructors are trained and certified by national governing bodies (Royal Yachting Association, British Canoe, Grand National Archery Society), are first aid qualified and always ready for fun! The centre also offers sailing, kayaking and powerboating for youth and adults, who can try taster sessions in all the water sports activities. Plus, there are great party packages such as raft building and paddle boarding. For a fun family day out there’s pay and play north side activities that include a children’s play area, rowing boats, pedalos and bouncy castles. To find out more call 01707 276276 or email stanboroughpark@finesseleisure.com
Best Theatre Arts This Easter holiday at Sandringham School, Best will be welcoming young people aged 6 to 16 to its 'Academy of Rock' where new teachers, new students and old style rock are clashing. Is there a style of music that can unite the school harmoniously? Can rock, rap and RN'B rule or have things gone a dubstep too far? It's up to the students to come up with the story and we'll present it to parents and friends on the last day. Meanwhile, in our First Class for rising 4 to 6 year olds, we'll be flying high with Peter Pan and his friends - pirates, fairies, lost boys and crocodiles! Best’s holiday courses are always tremendously popular due to their unique approach which gives all the students loads of opportunities to contribute and shape the week. There’s more information on the Best website (besttheatrearts.com) or call 01727 759634 (bestarts@aol.com)
What's On We aim for accuracy but please remember to check the venue’s website or call them before you set out in case details have changed. Visit www.familiesonline.co.uk for more ideas.
Theatre HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com
The Very Hungry Caterpillar 24-25 Mar - Fri 1.30, 3.30pm. Sat 11.30am, 1.30pm/ This show features four Eric Carle stories: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse; Mister Seahorse; The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Cost: £13. Family £48
The Elves and The Shoemaker 5 Apr – 1pm, 4pm Enjoy lots of hilarity and a little bit of real magic! Age 4+ Cost: £11. Family £42
Vienna Festival Ballet: Cinderella 8 Apr - 5pm Classical dance and a touch of pantomime. Age 5+ Cost: £19. Concs £17. Family £68
The Amazing Bubble Man 15 Apr - 11.30am, 2pm With bubbles of all shapes and sizes The Amazing Bubble Man really will amaze you! Suitable for all ages. Cost: £11. Family £42
Champions of Magic Tour 2017 22 Apr - 7.45pm A spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Age 7+. Cost: £23. Concs £18. Family £78
Tales from The Trees
WYLLYOTTS THEATRE
30 Apr - 11.30am, 1.30pm Meet Craig, the Forest Ranger in this tangle of puppetry, storytelling, music and comedy. Ages 5+. Cost: £9
Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Doomwatch Castle
Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01727 370067 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
1-2 Apr - Sat 7.30pm; Sun 2.30pm Emily’s given the virtual reality game, Doomwatch Castle. With Doomwatch helmets on, Emily Is transported to the world of Doomwatch Castle. Tickets: £20. Concs £15
Big Book Tall Tales
The Little Mermaid
THE SANDPIT THEATRE
5 Mar - 2pm A story that takes place in a forgotten tattered library, Help the Rainbow Caretaker find the story! Cost: £6. Concs £4
Don’t Dribble on the Dragon 12 Mar – 2pm Musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family. Cost: £8. Concs £6
Chemistry Show 14 Mar - 6pm An evening of loud noises, flashing lights and lots of mess! Hold onto your hats and enjoy this explosive showcase of Science. Book online.
What’s the Matter? A Quantum Comedy 15 Mar - 6pm A sci-fi adventure through the strange world of quantum physics. An unexplained cat theft from a physics laboratory leads scientist Smithy on a journey through his own experiment. A silly show about a very intelligent subject! Ages 8-108. Cost: £8. Concs £6
Oklahoma! 25 Mar - 2.30pm, 6.30pm Performed by West Herts Youth Music Theatre. Cost: £9. Concs £7
08 Apr – 1pm, 3.30pm Follow the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Cost: £10
Easter Events ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LX 01494 755557 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate
Easter Crafts 3-7 Apr - 10am to 4pm Make and decorate your own Easter craft. Cost: £2 per child
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk
Easter crafts, make an Easter treat, join the Easter egg hunt, meet costumed re-enactors in the Museum’s historic buildings. Lots of family games. Standard admission: £10.50. Conc £9.50. 4-16 yrs £6.50. Under 4 yrs free. Family tickets available. Special event prices may vary.
HARPENDEN COMMON St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT, www.harpenden.gov.uk
Easter Funfair 13-17 Apr - 6-10pm
KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth Park, Knebworth, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com
Easter Trail 14-15 Apr Complete the Easter Trail around the Garden to claim a reward. Normal admission applies, £1 for trail sheet
Medieval Jousting 16-17 Apr Knights on warhorses gallop across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. The knights demonstrate their skills in hand to hand combat. After the jousting, you can meet the knights and find out more about jousting and pose for photos. At 12.30pm and 2.30pm visitors can try archery with The
Easter Treats 14-17 Apr 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) Bring the family to take part in some
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What's On Green Dragon Bowmen (small charge for 6 arrows - weather dependent). Included in Park and Gardens admission ticket. Book online in advance to save 10%
ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY 01992 707370 www.royalgunpowdermills.com £10.50. Concs £9. Child £8.50. Under 3s free. Family tickets available
Spring into Easter: School Holiday Fun! 1-17 Apr Make and launch rockets, screenprint T-shirts, make bunny ears, have a go at the tennis ball cannon, get crafty with chalkboard eggs, explore the science behind bouncy eggs and make Easter cards. Plus, on 16th & 17th, indoor petting zone with pygmy goats & ducklings.
ST FRANCIS’ CHURCH Church Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6QJ 01707 694191 www.stfranciswgc.org.uk
Messy Church - Lent 2 Apr - 4-5.30pm Activities, interactive stories, songs and a home cooked meal for all. Session will be tailored for two groups: Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Email: nikkiclarestfranciswgc@outlook. com to book a space. Cost: £3 for 2 adults & 1 child. 50p per additional child. Includes snack & meal
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Easter Eggstravaganza
All About Me Easter Holiday Club 7, 12, 13 Apr - 10am-3pm Five hours of hands on experimenting and fun science. Find out what makes us individuals. Investigate fingerprinting, DNA and more. Ages 5-12. Cost: £32 per child (siblings booking together £28 each)
GROOVE IS IN THE HEART CLUBBING WITH THE KIDS Woodside Hall, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP 07941 219714 clubbingwiththekids@gmail.com 15 Apr - 2-4pm An afternoon of Easter-themed fun for families with children aged 0-9. Classic club anthems, plus children's craft activities, chill out room, refreshments, treats, games, face paint, competitions. Advance booking required. Cost: Adult £3. Child £5. Baby/ Non-walker Free
HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 hertfordmuseum.org
Bonkers About Botany! 4-6, 11-13 Apr - Drop in 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Different activities each week. Take part in crafts inspired by the Museum's knot garden and natural history collection. Cost: £1.50 per child. Free spaces available for families on lower income, visit website for details
LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk
1-17 Apr - 10am-5.30pm (Last entry 4.30pm) Choc-o-bloc family fun with the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg and Bunny Hunts, shows, adventure play & farmyard fun.
Family Fun
Holiday Activities
Make a Spring Flower Bower
4, 11 Apr - 12-3pm Fun crafts for the school holidays. Drop in
Make an Easter Bunny Mask 4 Apr
11 Apr Cost: £1.50 per child
FAB SCIENCE
MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUM
St Joseph's in the Park, St Mary's Lane, Hertingfordbury, Hertford, SG14 2LX 07799 624777 www.fabscience.co.uk
Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun
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Easter Holiday Activities 4-6 & 11 Apr Session times: 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm
HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE
4 April
231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com
Make an Easter Hat
Easter Activities
5 April
3-13 Apr Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, archery, climbing, fencing, bush craft, caving, raft building. No experience necessary. Book for a half day, full day or multi-activity week. No experience necessary. 9.30am-12noon, 1-3.30pm or full day Cost: £15 per session or £100120 for the week
Make an Easter Gift Bag
Clay 6 April
Art & Craft with Grain 11 April Ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3.50 per child per session
XC SKATE PARK Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 01442 507193 / 01442 507100 www.thexc.co.uk
Extreme Sports The XC, extreme sports facility, is for kids who want to be active. The venue has a skate park, a 14m climbing wall, an organic indoor caving system plus bouldering and a challenging high ropes course, all under cover. Contact the venue for times and prices of sessions.
Easter Holiday Camps BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Berkhamsted School, Doctor's Common Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 3DW 01442 358115, www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk 3-13 Apr Multi-activity camps and specialist courses for the Easter holidays, see website for full details. Ages 3+. Booking required.
BEST THEATRE ARTS Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans. AL4 9NX. 01727 759634 www.besttheatrearts.com
Easter Holiday Courses 10-13 Apr Act, sing and dance your way through fun themed courses! The 4-6 age group will fly with Peter Pan and the 6-16 year olds will enjoy Academy of Rock. No experience necessary.
KOOL KIDZ CAMPS Sandridge School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9EB 0845 603 2858 koolkidzgroup.co.uk 10-13 Apr A fun multi activity camp. Including: art, sport, cooking, pedal go-karts bouncy castles and more. The friendly staff are DBS checked and first aid qualified. Book by the week, day or half day. Extended days available. Age 4-12.
PERFORM Fleetville Junior School, St Albans AL1 4LW 0207 255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/ wonderland
Alice in Wonderland holiday courses 12 Apr - 10am –3pm Tumble into Wonderland with Perform this Easter holiday. Children will be tumbling down the rabbit hole into the magical and topsy-turvy world of Wonderland this Easter. Perform’s friendly team of actors, singers and dancers will be with your child every step of the way as they enjoy a thrilling threeday singing, dancing and drama adventure. Things get ‘curiouser and curiouser’ thanks to tea with The Mad Hatter, a game of imaginary flamingo croquet, and an amusing chat with The Cheshire Cat. The course ends with a mini-musical, complete with costumes, for family and friends to enjoy. Ages 4-7 year. Cost: £60 (1 day), 25% discount for siblings and reductions for groups.
RE:PLAY HOLIDAY CLUB
BARCLAY PARK
St Albans 07913 323608 replay5905@ntlworld.com 3–13 Apr - 8.15am- 6.15pm Activities to suit all ages: arts & crafts, team games, sports, imaginative areas, den building, competitions, outings and workshops. A wide range of toys and equipment indoors. Book half, full or extended days. Experienced, qualified and fully vetted staff. Advance booking required. Age 4-11 yrs. Re:Play also provide breakfast & after school clubs to 5 St Albans schools.
Park View, Hoddesdon, EN11 8PX www.broxbourne.gov.uk Easter Egg Hunt 15 Apr – 12noon-3pm Easter family fun. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt in the park with lots of hidden clues and treasures. Cost: £2 per child
STAGECOACH HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Birchwood High School, Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5BD 01279 905670 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ bishopsstortford 3-7 Apr A week of fun and frolics based on 'Helping Humpty Dumpty' or 'Fame Jr'.
SUPER CAMPS www.supercamps.co.uk Multi activity camps offering sports, crafts and activities. 3-7 Apr At St Francis' College, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3PJ 3-7 Apr, 10-13 Apr At Westbrook Hay Prep School, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RF 3-7 Apr At Heath Mount School, Woodhall Park, Watton-at-Stone, Hertford, SG14 3NG 3-7 Apr, 10-13 Apr The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth, WD3 4HF
Easter Egg Hunts ASHRIDGE ESTATE Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LX, 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 10-13 Apr - 10am-4pm Hop along to Ashridge this Easter for the annual Cadbury egg hunt. Get your kids out of the house, wrapped up warm and ready for some chocolate hunting! Cost: £3 per child
CEDARS PARK Theobalds Lane, Waltham Cross, EN8 8RH. www.broxbourne.gov.uk
Let’s Go Play Easter Extravaganza 8 Apr - 2noon-3pm Egg hunt, arts & crafts and more. All profits go to the Friends of Cedars Park. Cost: £1.50 each child for the hunt, payable on the day
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Funday
15 Apr - 11am-4pm Follow the trails around the museum to claim your chocolate prize!
15 Apr Easter egg hunt in the Priory grounds for under 8s from 1.303.30pm Egg decorating competition in Fletcher’s Lea. Age up to 16 years. Prizes for the winning entries in each age group. Judging and prize giving at 3.15pm.
WARE PRIORY Priory Street, Ware, SG12 0DE 01920 460316 www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk
HIGHFIELD PARK Charters Health Club, 59 Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0DB 01727 847242 www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk
Easter Bunny Hunt 5 Apr - 10.30am-2.30pm Starts from West Lodge. Find the wooden animals leading to the bunny and Easter egg prizes. Colouring competition. Take a picnic. Last entry 2pm Entry: £3 per child
LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk
Easter Weekend at the Farms 14-17 Apr – 10am-5pm Meet the new baby animal arrivals this season. Plus, egg hunt, Easter Bunny & other Easter-inspired activities. Normal admission applies
LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB 03000 030 616 www.visitleevalley.org.uk
Easter Egg Hunt 16 Apr – 2pm Free
LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk
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What's On:Easter Holiday Camps
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