Summer Special

FREEIssue No. 39

July/August 2011

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

Over 100 Summery things to do! Competitions & Offers!

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk

2

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Contact Graham Blyth 01923 710900 or 0771 325 1266

jgblyth@aol.com www.mylittlewrapper.co.uk

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

Don’t miss a copy. Families Herts by post forjust £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

From your Edi tor…Don’t you just love that ‘summer holiday on the way’ feeling? Whether you dread or desire it, we’ve here to help with our summer special and our bumper ‘What’s On’ listing with over 100 Summery things to do. For even more, plus the theatre listings, go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.

This issue we introduce a new feature: Little Stars. This will make an occasional appearance and is intended to give Herts kids a chance to shine. We kick-off with Poppy Young who is a budding radio presenter and entrepreneur. If you know a Little Star who would like to share their ‘sparkle’ please do let us know.

Whatever the weather has in store, there’s a great summer ahead. So, enjoy it and we’ll be returning in September with our Schools & Clubs & Classes features and more besides.

See you soon, Shelley

In this issue:

News & Views: 4

Competitions & Offers: 6

Family Matters: 8

Herts Little Stars: 9

Education: 10

Summer Special: 12

What’s On: 15

Next Issue: Sept/Oct - Schools

Feature & Clubs and Classes

Copy deadline for Sept/Oct: 22nd July

Image courtesy of F&F at TescoMyaah wears Dress set from £10 by F&F 0800 505555 www.tesco.com/clothing

Say you saw it in

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www.artisans.uk.com 07787 535135 or 07795 510130

Outstanding Montessoriin Harpenden

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

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

News & Views

“I can’t wait to introduce Hitchin children and parents to the magic of music,” says Nina Davis, Franchise Manager for Harpenden and Hitchin. “As well as having a wonderful effect on children, Monkey Music has a fantastic social element creating friendships which can last for years," says Nina. So, take your own little monkey for a free taster session on any of these open days: Monday 12th September, Wednesday 14th September and Friday 16th September.

Weekly Monkey Music classes last 30 minutes and will take place locally at Church House Hall on Monday mornings from 9.45am and Walsworth Road Baptist Church on Wednesday & Friday mornings from 9.30am.

Call Nina on 01582 620446 for more details and to book a complimentary class, or visit the Monkey Music website at www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Monkey Music Swings into HitchinMonkey Music is delighted to announce that it will be launching new classes in Hitchin from September 2011. To get the ball rolling they are offering some FREE taster sessions for children and parents.

Mediation for divorcing couples Mediation has become the first-tier approach to sorting out disputes between divorcing couples, under new measures that came into force in England and Wales this spring. Ministers hope the measures will dramatically reduce the burden of divorcing couples on already overworked family courts, and also that they will reduce the emotional and financial cost for couples who are splitting up – many who do end up in court say later that their battle wasn’t worth putting themselves through, and that mediation would have been a better way. Under the new rules, any couple wanting to use the courts will have to undergo a compulsory mediation session costing up to £140 – and only if mediation is found to be unworkable will they be allowed to proceed to court.

For more information go to www.nfm.org.uk/home

Labels4kids Keeps StickingSince winning ‘Internet Retailer of the Year’ First Prize in 2010, Labels4kids has continued its expansion with a website re-design, which includes an easier to use checkout. “Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one”, says Ann-Maree Morrison, Company Director and a devoted fan of Families Magazines in the UK.

“We hope our customers enjoy receiving our occasional e-newsletters and that they will support our facebook, twitter and blog pages, including the parents' forum. We are interested in any topics that you would like to discuss and welcome suggestions for debates and new products”, says Ann-Maree.

For information or to join their facebook page or twitter feed go to labels4kids.com.

5Say you saw it inSay you saw it in

Savvy Pupils Cut Uniform Costs by 50%Parents of children at Springmead Primary School in Hillyfields, Welwyn Garden City, now have the option of buying iron-on school badges in a bid to reduce the cost of school uniforms.

Children on the school council wanted to help parents save money and decided to introduce an iron-on version of the school's badge which could be attached to jumpers and shirts bought at the supermarket. Council member Ziggy Lyall (6) said, "It seemed a sensible thing to do. The supermarket jumpers are

Caterpillar Music Opens New ClassesDue to popular demand Caterpillar Music (St Albans) are opening brand new drop-in classes at DJ’s Jungle Adventure, a soft play centre on St Albans Road, Sandridge. The 40 minute music sessions, suitable for under fives, will be held every Tuesday morning at 10.15am, starting 28 June. Doors open at 10am and the admission price of £6 (£3 for additional siblings) will include the music session PLUS unlimited play in the soft play equipment afterwards.

Caterpillar Music focuses on learning in a fun way, featuring a different theme each week, a mixture of live and recorded music, old and new songs, plus an array of puppets and instruments to get really noisy with!

‘Where has my little girl gone?’ From every angle, our daughters are bombarded by messages about looks and sexuality which they are too young to understand. Even primary school girls feel pressured to conform to a thin, ‘sexy’ ideal, leading to self-destructive behaviour, ranging from eating disorders and self-harm to anxiety and low self-esteem.

A huge debate rages about why it’s happening and who’s to blame. But headline-grabbing government plans to try and clamp down on the causes of early sexualisation only address part of the problem.

Written by Tanith Carey, herself the mother of two young girls as well as an awarding winning journalist, ‘Where has my little girl gone?’ is a hands-on guide that is packed full of insights, tips and expertise from psychologists and specialists. It is an essential and timely guide to safeguarding your daughter’s childhood - so she can grow into the healthy, confident woman she deserves to be.

‘Where has my little girl gone?’ is published by Lion Books (ISBN: 978 0 7459 5542 1). RRP £7.99. www.tanithcarey.com

St Albans based theatre school Best Theatre Arts is delighted to announce that Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, has become a Patron. "Best takes its pastoral care seriously and our adoption of The Children's Society as our chosen charity is testament to this," says Best's co-founder Annette Holland.

New Patron for Best

"I am absolutely delighted to become Patron of Best Theatre Arts. Best is a fantastic organisation that … puts the needs and interests of children and young people at the heart of all that it does,” said Bob.

"As we now have classes from 3 months old to adults, we truly cover the whole of childhood. We'll continue to raise funds for, and awareness of, The Children's Society at our public shows, our end-of-term get-togethers and our other exciting themed weeks,” says Annette Holland. Best is now taking bookings for its summer courses for 4 to 6 and 6 to 16 year olds. For more information go to www.besttheatrearts.com or call 01727 759634

Caterpillar Music also hosts drop-in sessions every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at The Butterfly World Project, Chiswell Green, plus weekly sessions at Trestle Arts Base (Thursdays), and the Jubilee Centre (Mondays). For more details call or email Anna on 01727 753413, anna.fryer@caterpillarmusic.com. www.caterpillarmusic.com

a lot cheaper but we wanted to keep our uniform different from other schools and make sure all children look exactly the same too!"

The council members, with the assistance of teacher Sharon Church, came up with a design and school administrator, Diane Cooper, found a supplier (ourschoolbadge.co.uk).

The new iron-on embroidered emblem will reduce the cost of the school's official logo'd uniform by at least 50%.

Head Teacher, Judith Sumner said, "We are very conscious that many families are on a tight budget and we're also very proud of the way in which the children have gone about making a positive and very practical contribution to the life of the school."

Any school wishing to find out more about how they can help parents save money too should visit www.ourschoolbadge.co.uk. To contact Springmead Primary School go to www.springmead.herts.sch.uk.

Bob Reitemeier

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Competitions & Offers

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.comEnter at www.familiesherts.co.uk, Closing date: 14th August

WIN a Family One Day Ticket to

Whipsnade Zoo!Win an

Easy2Name Off to School Set

Win a personal style consultation worth £200With a record number of British women out of work and with the Government calling for women to start up businesses, Gail Morgan from Hemel Hempstead has designed a distance learning package that gives every woman who had something to say about the Royal Wedding frocks (and who didn’t?) the chance to put her fashion opinions into practice, learn a new skill and start a new business career as an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper.

The Study in Style Complete Foundation Course has been developed to give women the skills and confidence to start work in the exciting and fulfilling fashion industry. Because it is a modular DVD-based course it can be studied at your own pace in your own time and is perfect for mums at home who would like to start a new career or who want another income that can be structured around family life. For more information about Study in Style go to www.studyinstyletraining.com

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 31st August 2011

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Marks 80 Big Years

Jules Verne might have gone around the world in 80 days, but ZSL Whipsnade Zoo can boast 80 years of experience of conserving animals from around the globe at its Bedfordshire home on top of the Chilterns.

The unique idea of creating a park where the animals could live in natural surroundings with plenty of space was the brain-child of Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell who was the Secretary of the Zoological Society of London.

Over the years Whipsnade has seen many changes and has become a leading light all over the world for animal conservation and breeding activities, as well as spearheading the preservation of native species.

Five lucky Families Herts readers can win an Easy2Name ‘Off to School’ set. Each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag in either red or blue.

Starting with just eight animals in 1931, today’s visitors can see more than 3,000 different animals. Visitors will also enjoy shows and interactive talks as well as getting closer to the animals in newer exhibits such as ‘In With The Lemurs’ and the popular ‘Elephantastic!’. Plus the perennial favourites: Sealion Splash and Birds of the World. Enjoy a BIG day out at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo! To find out more go to www.zsl.org

There are 3 family tickets to be won – a family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children. Closing date 31st August. Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk

Described as the South East’s “own Eden Project”, Butterfly World is in Phase III of development as the biggest butterfly experience in the world. Located near St Albans, this amazing project is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the butterfly species. Visit the beautiful interactive ‘experience’ gardens and a kaleidoscope of wildflower meadows; the Tropical Butterfly House filled with over 600 butterflies; the Insect Study Centre where you can learn about our native species; the Butterfly Breeding House where you can see the lifecycle of the butterfly unfold in front of you. See, touch and feel hissing cockroaches, African snails, ant colonies and giant stick insects amongst other amazing creepy crawlies.

Butterfly World is open seven days a week through the summer months. A wide range of fun activities are on offer through the summer holidays for those of all ages, from music events to nature, art and drama sessions for children. Please visit ‘What’s On’, at www.

butterflyworldproject.com . An ideal venue for children’s parties, school trips, group visits.

To win one of five family tickets to Butterfly World Project Phase III (two adults, two children) go to www.familiesherts.co.uk to enter the competition. Closing date: 28th July 2011

7Say you saw it in

10% Off and FREE P&P at www.polarnopyret.co.ukPolarn O. Pyret, Sweden’s leading baby and children’s wear brand with 15 UK outlets, is now online! To celebrate, Families Herts readers can get 10% off and FREE P&P when shopping on line at www.polarnopyret.co.uk.

Win a Family Day Ticket to Butterfly World

The clothes are smart, functional, bright, playful and durable. Over 30% of the range is organic and the brand prides itself on providing unisex colours that can be handed down easily.

Quality and function are the design cornerstones and letting children be children is the philosophy. From the softest organic cotton baby bodysuit to highly functional jackets, every detail is considered with family life in mind. Coats that children don’t mind wearing, adjustable waists in trousers, cuffs that roll down for growing room, baby grows that wash at 60 ,̊ quality clothes that last and can be handed down or sold on.

To get your 10% discount quote FMHRTS11 at the checkout at www.polarnopyret.co.uk. This voucher code is valid from 23rd June until 1st September 2011(online only) and can be used during the sale.

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Family Matters

Death in the family is not a topic that we want to think about but, unfortunately, it does happen. And when it does it can affect the life of those left behind at all levels; emotional, spiritual, physical and practical. If the loss occurs within a young nuclear family (mother, father, son or daughter) the trauma can be greater still. Thankfully, St Albans & District Bereavement Network (SABN) is a service that works to help local families experiencing loss.

SABN supports bereaved adults, children, young people and their families in the St Albans and Harpenden area. They are a dedicated local community charity that has provided support and advice to over 2000 people since starting in 2003.

SABN’s comprehensive support services are offered without charge to all bereaved people living in the district, regardless of the nature of the bereavement and the length of time since the death. These include:• TelephoneHelpline(01727841841)

• Supportforbereavedchildren,youngpeople and their families

• HomeVisitingService–theyhavetwovisiting groups based in Harpenden

• CounsellingService–Thisiscurrentlybased in St Albans but premises in Harpenden are a possibility.

• Adviceandsupportforprofessionalsin schools and health care. (They have

Death in the Family

A young mother describes how SABN is helping her through a traumatic episode in her life.

Sadly, my husband Darren died from Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy at the age of 30 when I was 9 weeks pregnant. Needing support to get through such a difficult time, I turned to St Albans Bereavement Network. They have provided me with regular counseling for almost a year.

My counsellor is brilliant. She is very understanding and really good at listening, especially at poignant moments like the birth of my son and the first anniversary of my husband’s death. She gives me strategies that I can use to cope with my grief and we have built up a strong rapport. It has been particularly lovely for my 6 month old son to meet her too!

I enjoy going to the sessions as she is someone impartial, not a family member or friend as I do not want to burden them too much. Without these regular sessions, provided free, I would not have been able to cope as well as I have done.

My son, my mother and I attended the recent Remembrance Service held at St Albans Cathedral. The service was so moving and we were amazed at how many people are dealing with losing someone they love. It was a lovely, peaceful and well thought out service.

The hard work and time that St Albans Bereavement Network has dedicated to me has helped me through a traumatic experience and for that I am exceedingly grateful. I want other people who have also lost a loved one to be able to benefit as I have from SABN’s invaluable

SABN Fund Raising Events 2011

Darren’s Dash Saturday, 24th September 2011 – 2-4pmA fun-filled family event with buggy races, stalls, cakes and much more!Garden Fields School, St Albans

Quiz NightSaturday, 1st October 2011 - 7.30pmSt Albans & St Stephens RC Church, Beaconsfield Road, St AlbansTickets £12.50 (£7 students) to include fish and chips

Wine Tasting EveningFriday, 28 October 2011 - 8.00 – 10.30 pm Come along and meet a connoisseur of wines who advises wine merchants’ in the U.K. and abroad.Tickets £10 to include wine tasting and cheeseTake your own wine glasses (2 each per person)

2011 Annual Service of Remembrance and ThanksgivingSunday, 20th November 2011St Albans Cathedral

For more about these events contact Chris Graham on 01727-841914 or email: christinegraham@sabn.org.uk.

provided active support for bereaved children and advice for staff in several Harpenden schools recently).

The charity employs a small number of paid, part-time staff but the majority of their services are delivered by trained volunteers and so they are reliant on fundraising, donations and grants to fund their work.

New volunteers are always welcome to join the team. Currently SABN is particularly keen to hear from people who have experience of working with children and who would be interested in joining their Children’s Team. All volunteers are offered quality training. Contact the St Albans & District Bereavement Network for more details of their fundraising events or if you are interested in volunteering go to www.sabn.org.uk or call 01727 841914

services. To help support SABN I have organised a fund-raising fun family event called Darren’s Dash which will be held on 24th September 2011 between 2-4 pm at Garden Fields School in St Albans.

Please come along to support this event or you can donate at www.justgiving.com/Darrensbuggydash.

“Sound advice for a sound night’s sleep for you and your baby”

•Areyousimplybutoverwhelmingly sufferingfromlackofsleep?•Doesyourbabyneedfeeding/settling throughthenight?•Doyouneedhelp/supporttosleep trainyourbaby?•Doesyourchildhavesleepproblems?

Tel. 07947 885887 www.nightnannies.com

Poppy with Grant Shapps MP

9Say you saw it in

Herts Little Stars

P oppy Young is a typical 11 year old who lives in Welwyn Garden City. She is also a huge fan of Jack FM (previously

Hertbeat FM), the local radio station covering Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hertford, Ware, Letchworth, Hatfield and Hitchin. OK, you might say, not much different from lots of other 11 year olds, but you would be wrong. Poppy loved listening to Jack FM so much that she decided to start her own ‘unofficial’ Jack FM Fan Club. Poppy’s store of dynamic energy coupled with an infectious enthusiasm means that when she gets a ‘bee’ in her bonnet there’s no stopping her! Poppy tells us how she achieved her goal…

1. When did you start listening to Jack FM? We used to listen to Hertbeat FM and they had our Duck, Daffodil, as their pet of the week. So my mum and I took some of Daffodil’s eggs to the radio station, and I metSteve Folland and Dawn Easby who showedme around the studio and were very lovely.

2. What is it about Jack FM that made youbecome such a big fan? I love the music thatthey play and they are local so I get to hearabout where I live. The breakfast team arevery funny and I like entering all oftheir competitions.

3. What gave you the idea of starting yourUnofficial Jack FM fan club? I wanted all my friends and family to listen to Jack FM and then they would see just why I loved it as much as I do. I wanted all my friends and family to listen to Jack FM as well. So I decided to start my very own fan club.

4. How did you start your ‘unofficial’ fan club? My dad told me that we needed to speak to the person in charge of Jack FM who is a Mr Wall in Nashville USA. Mr Wall said that it was a great idea but I don't think that he believed that I was really going to do it.

5. Do you have anyone to help with the dayto day running of the club? My mum is my PA and my dad is my Technical Director but all of the family help. My older brothers help me with the emails, my sister helps me make badges and my little brother helps me post the items.

Meet a Budding Radio Presenter

6. How do people join and much does it cost? You can join my JACK FM Unofficial FanClub at unofficialjackfmfanclub@hotmail.co.uk. It is FREE, FREE, FREE!

7. What do new members get? Whensomeone joins my JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club they get a FREE Membership badge and a FREE Membership card made by me.

8. How do you keep in touch with the members? Every month I design an emailednewsletter about Jack FM and what they are doing.

9. How many members does the clubhave currently? At the moment I have 105members. (N.B: One of the newest members is Stevenage MP, Stephen Mcpartland. Plus, the editor of this very publication is also a proud member of the JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club!)

10. Does the fan club have a website orfacebook page? Yes, we have a Facebook pagecalled JACK FM Unofficial Fan Club.

11. How do you see the fan club developingin the future? I want it to grow and grow andget as many members as I can. I would loveto get famous people to join and I might evenintroduce it to all the other Jack FMs and go worldwide.

12. What career do you want to follow whenyou grow up? I want to be a radio DJ, likeDawn Easby.

13. What other interests do you have? I don't have a lot of time for anything else but love looking after all of my animals.

14. Who are your favourite singers/bands?I like Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, The Wanted, JLSand lots of other bands. I also like listening tothe 80's music that Jack FM play until my dadstarts singing!

Music for under 5’sSt Albans

Come & participate in our unique blend of songs, rhymes, music & drama

“Tick Tock is brilliant, the highlight of my children’s week”

07933 153054abiticktock@yahoo.co.uk www.ticktockmusic.co.uk

Poppy at Jack FM trying on Steve Folland’s headphones

for size.

If you know of a Little Star who would like to share their sparkle do get in touch.

Changes to SENSpecial educational needs statements will be replaced with a ‘health and care’ plan – and parents will be given a personal budget to spend on implementing it, under new government proposals. The aim is to give parents whose children have SEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it will reduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because they believe too many children are currently given SEN status. The new plans are being piloted from September 2011, and will be introduced nationally next year. www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/a0075339/sengreenpaper

information," he adds. "The brain goes into an override mode and so the memory formation is not efficient.”

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Education

Can stress be helpful? As fees rise, pupil numbers dip Fewer children are being sent to independent schools after average fees have climbed above £13,000 for the first time. According to the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the number of children in private education fell this year, dropping for the second year in a row as fees rose faster than earnings increased. Information from the ISC shows the average parent will pay £13,179 in annual fees this year which is a 4.6 per cent increase on last year. With the economic climate and the Coalition’s cuts already forcing families to tighten their belts, this increase is making private education less and less affordable. Private school pupils fell by 786 this year. However, school leaders are insisting that the figures actually show a positive result for the private sector in the face of enormous pressure on family incomes. “ISC independent schools are showing remarkable resilience against a difficult economic background, reflecting the high quality of education that our schools offer to parents and the value for money that this represents,” says David Lyscom, ISC chief executive. He continued to say that the average fee rise was the second lowest since 1994 and that this showed independent schools were "very sensitive to the needs of parents and doing everything they can to keep fees to a minimum".

Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed, hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes within our brain cells, helping memories to be retained in a more productive and efficient manner.

The stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin actually cause changes in the way the genes inside neurons function, so enhancing their learning ability. Professor Hans Reul, neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, said that the findings of his research suggests that studying while feeling stressed could help increase the ability of students when learning. "We often find that unpleasant memories are the ones that stay with us for the rest of our lives,” says Professor Reul. Dr Reul warned that while some stress can be good for retaining information, too much stress may well have the opposite effect. "When we are extremely stressed it is not possible to pick up any new

11Say you saw it in

Loving, caring and quality childcare in a homely setting

Grasshoppers

Day Nursery

Open: 7.30am - 6.30pmLeahoe Gardens, Hertford, SG13 8BY01992 556680www.grasshoppersdaynursery.co.uk

The sun is out, the school holidays are almost here. What are you going to do – ideally without spending a fortune – in the lovely, long (we hope!) summer ahead? Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for how to enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.

1.Visitapick-your-ownfarm“That was the best day of my life,” says my

daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip a couple of summers ago to a pick-your-own farm. She loved everything about it: choosing which farm to go to beforehand, looking online at what would be in season on our visit, running around picking strawberries when we got there, and making jam and puddings with her fruit when we got home afterwards. There are more than 600 pick-your-own farms across the UK; to find some in your area, see www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/

2. Organise a street party If you enjoyed your Royal Wedding street

party – or if you looked on enviously at other people’s parties – why not throw one this summer? It’s a lovely way to spend a summer evening – and if you don’t want to go to the hassle of getting the council to close the road, and you’re lucky enough to have a park or green space nearby, you could always hold it there instead. Simply drop invitations through your neighbours’ doors, and organise a planning meeting.

3. Plant a veggie grow-bag You don’t need any more space than a

window-box, or a tiny space in your yard, for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids will love deciding what to plant, sowing the seeds, remembering to water them and then charting their progress from seedling to stomach. Potatoes are an ideal starter veg if you’re new to growing.

4. Pitch a tent in the garden Whether your family are regular campers or

not, there’s nothing to beat the excitement of a tent pitched in the garden. If you don’t have your own, borrow one from a friend who camps – not too big, ideally, and not too difficult to assemble. Once it’s up, encourage the children to decorate it with all they need for a long, lazy day in the garden – cushions, blankets, books, iPods. And of course, lunch and tea can be picnics under canvas!

5. Stargaze! Choose a night when the sky is very clear,

and there’s no moon. Before you go out, look online or at a book about the constellations, and choose a shape to look for that should be visible at the time of year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Look out for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re an amateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation to spot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work things out, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. Always magical.

6. Go cycling Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres,

and head for a spin through a local park, along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. If you’re not sure what routes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk . Or, if you really don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility of hiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, invest in a baby seat – my children loved nothing more, as toddlers, than the chance to ride across the common singing nursery rhymes on the front of my bike.

7. Build a den Den-building courses abound (see www.

forestry.gov.uk or google them), and taking your kids on a course can give them ideas for dens for the entire summer. But you don’t need a tutor: den-building is as natural as breathing to most kids. Look for spaces that are especially conducive to dens – woods, of course, are ideal. If you’re confined to the garden, find some props to get them started – a huge cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve not got one to hand, try asking a local builder or large store whether they have any packaging you could have.

8. Go wild swimming... ...or even, if your kids are tiny, wild paddling?

Nothing beats the fresh, cool, vibrant feel of wild water on your face or even just between your toes. Some of my happiest summer days as a mother have been spent picnicking, and paddling, and even swimming in the streams and brooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire. For ideas of where to go to find wild water near you, see www.wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re an abject townie who really can’t get to somewhere with a stream or river, make do with a lido instead – www.lidos.org

9. Try sand sculpture Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before

– each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind? Start with a flotsam and jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.

10. Organise a rounders match Everyone loves a rounders match (or you

can make it cricket). Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard! It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.

11. Row a boat Everyone has a park with a boating lake

somewhere within striking distance, so why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Make sure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from the hire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end up going round and round? It’s all part of the fun).

12. Go fishing Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who

enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out

12

Summer Special

Stockist: French Connection www.frenchconnection.com 0844 557 3285

Fourteen simple but fabulous things to do this summerBy Joanna Moorhead

Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage

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

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

recently classified good by Ofsted

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

13Say you saw it in

Where better to enjoy the great outdoors than the 1000 acre River Lee Country Park? Stretching between Waltham Abbey in Essex and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire there’s an array of activities on offer such as white water rafting, cycling, leisurely walks, bird watching, picnicking and more…

If you’re looking for somewhere to let the kids go wild, why not visit Lee Valley Park Farms where they can go and meet the animals, explore the dairy farm, let off steam in the play areas and meet loveable meerkats, baby lambs and llamas?

If you fancy taking to the water, you can always explore the area on a leisurely boat trip on the River Lee. You can hire rowing boats, pedalos and canoes from Lee Valley Boat Centre in Broxbourne.

If you’re after some down time, then cycle or ramble through the Country Park while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There are miles of way-marked pathways, traffic-free routes, and unspoilt countryside teeming with wildlife.

Why not pack your bags and make a weekend of it? Pitch your tent, snuggle up in a family cabin or park your caravan at one of the two family friendly campsites.

For more information visit www.leevalleypark.org.uk or call 08456 770 600.

without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

13. Borrow a dog You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this

idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning. To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.

14. Fly your kite The sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s a breeze fluttering: and what

could be more fun than watching your child’s kite playing on the gentle wind? Kites don’t always fly first time, of course – they take practice. But most homes have at least one kite forgotten in a cupboard – or you can make your own, using dowelling and paper and glue. If you’re really keen, there are even professionals who’ll give you kite-flying lessons in windy spots across the country – see www.kitevibe.com

Step outside and explore River Lee Country Park

Call me, Rachael Matthews, on

01494 758573or email: Rachael@rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk

www.rmatthewssolicitor.co.uk

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

I choose to have a small practice where I handle everything myself. I offer a personal touch with

flexible contact hours. Clients feel at ease coming to my office where children can play with the toys.

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

Take part in a Wild Adventure Wildchild’s ‘Escape from Wildchild Wood’ is an outdoor adventure day, which involves young people on a mission to find pieces of a missing code. Children will make new friends and gain a sense of achievement with various team challenges including abseiling the ‘tower of terror’, orienteering, and building a base camp in the woods. The finale is a final escape down a 70-metre zip-wire!

Wildchild’s Founder, Lynda Regan, said: “We know from research, that encouraging young people to take part in outdoor adventure gives them greater independence, confidence, self-esteem and builds better social and teamwork skills.”

Escape from Wildchild Wood will

take place on the 3rd, 11th and 17th

August at Phasels Wood Activity

Centre, Kings Langley.

For more information or to book visit www.wildchildactivities.com or call 0845 3717099.

Electricity - The Unseen Danger During warm summer days we want to encourage children to leave their computer games and enjoy outside play. All well and good, but, they must also be aware of (but not frightened of) dangers that may lurk unseen so that they can play outside with confidence. One of those dangers is electricity.

UK Power Networks (previously EDF Energy Networks), is teaching children about the dangers of playing near electrical equipment.

The Power Up website (www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powerup) has a variety of interactive challenges for children aged from 7 to 14 and covers the hazards of playing near substations and overhead power lines, how high voltage electricity can jump gaps and be conducted through anything, including fishing rods and kites, with tragic consequences.

Sonya Keating, UK Power Networks education adviser, said: “Electricity is a vital part of our everyday lives when used safely, however we want children to understand the potential consequences of interfering with high voltage equipment.”

The website also provides information and useful resources for teachers and parents in line with the National Curriculum. The UK Power Networks education team speaks to 170,000 students a year and intends to reach a million students by 2012. School visits can be arranged through the website.

14

Summer Special

Water WiseSummer is the time for fun in water and most kids love it but water safety must be in the forefront of every parents' mind when their children are around water even in the bath or in the garden at home.

You don’t need to be reckless to have fun in the water and a few simple considerations can prevent drowning. By remembering some basic tips, you can keep yourself and other people safe in the water:

• Teachyourfamilytowaveandshoutif they get into difficulty – practice this whilst treading water.

• Tellchildrennottoenterthewaterifsomeone else is in danger.

• Throwingabuoyantaid,stick,towelorwhatever is at hand is the safest way to rescue a conscious person

• Ifyouseesomeoneintroublestaycalmand try shouting for help. If no-one comes and you can’t reach the person call 999

For detailed advice about water safety go to www.capt.org.uk and www.lifesavers.org.uk

Products available from Matalan: www.matalan.co.uk

Summer Safety

Lunchboxes • Water BottlesBooks • Uniforms • FootwearBooks • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326www.easy2name.com

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles

You name it We label it!

15Say you saw it in

Summer What's OnCompiled by Tricia King

£500 – £2,000 per month

Home Based Business

“Without compromising your home or business life”

Global Product (Est. 29 years)

“Look Good Feel Good Industry”

TIME FOR A CHANGE?NEED EXTRA INCOME?

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242

You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life …If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Go to www.familiesherts.co.uk for full listings including theatre and shows.

HOLIDAY SUMMER SCHOOLS & ACTIVITIES

BEST THEATRE ARTSSummer Courses Venue: Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX01442 866118 www.besttheatrearts.comFirst Class Holidays: Beauty and the Beast25-29 Jul – 9.45am-12.30pmToy Story1-5 Aug – 9.45am-12.30pmPinocchio 8-12 Aug – 9.45am-12.30pmTheatre based summer holiday camps for 4-6 year olds.First week £125, extra week £105, sibling first week £105, sibling extra week £85 Holiday Academy: Transworld Express25-29 Jul – 10am-4pmAll aboard the World’s first global train ride, visiting all kinds of weird and wonderful places. But there are some who would rather the fun was derailed... Ages 6-16GleeCamp1-5 Aug – 10am-4pmThe fun at GleeCamp is threatened by the arrival of the Purists - a group dedicated to quiet and contemplation. Can they be won over before the Glee finals? Ages 6-16Merlin and the Dragon Callers 8-12 Aug– 10am-4pmMerlin and the Court of King Arthur must overcome the scary tribe of the Dragon Callers to rescue Guinevere and defeat Morgana! Ages 6-16

Fees: First week £150, each extra week £125, sibling first week £125, sibling extra week £105

BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE PLAYSCHEMELongmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01707 270772/3; 01707 262023 (bookings)www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk25 Jul-2 Sep – 8.30am – 6pm (weekdays, except bank holidaysAge: 4-12Cost: Hatfield Resident - £12 per day / Non Hatfield Resident - £16 per day

CAMP GOSLINGGosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City 01707 331056 www.goslingsports.co.uk27 Jul-2 Sep – 9.15am-3.30pm

£23.50/ day for members, £28.50/day for non members

DRAMA LLAMASSummer Sessions10 Aug – 9.45am Batford Memorial Hall, Harpenden12, 15 Aug – 9.45am Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge, St Albans.Interactive storytelling & drama for young children & babiesTo book call 07718828697 or 07867793407.

HATFIELD SWIM CENTRELemsford Road, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 0EB

01707 276276www.finesseleisure.com/swimming-pool

HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASEWindmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ

01992 628403 www.hymb.com25 Jul-31 Aug - 9.30am-12pm & 1-3.30pm.Water sports & boating activities. Book a half or whole day. The programmes can change due to weather conditions. Booking essential. Age 9+ Membership required.

Cost: Half day - £15, Full day - £28

HERTFORD THEATREThe Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS

01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.comHYT Summer Show-in-a-Week!22-26 AugPrepare and perform an production in 5 days. Age 7-18. Contact 01992 581677 or youththeatre@inspirationalarts.org.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGEUniversity of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU www.hertssportsvillage.co.ukJunior Sports CampsCheck venue for dates.Sport camps aimed for all abilities. Age: 5-17Prices vary depending on Camp.

16

Summer What's On

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

KOOL KIDZ CAMPS08456032858 or 07966483508 www.koolkidzcamps.co.ukApplecroft School, Applecroft Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZ 25-29 Jul, 1-5, 8-12 Aug – 9am-4pmSt John Fisher School, Hazelmere Rd, St. Albans, AL4 9RW 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 Aug – 9am-4pmA fun and friendly OFSTED regulated camp with staff that are qualified in childcare and first aid and are CRB checked. Activities include Arts and Crafts, sports, Go karts, Bouncy Castle, Radio controlled cars and more. Ages: 4-11 yrs

Cost: £30 per day; extended sessions available at extra cost

KZR MUSIC rock@kzrmusic.co.uk www.kzrmusic.co.uk 01442 863906 | 07970 172977Bridgewater School, BerkhamstedRock Sessions4-5 Aug – 10am-4pm31 Aug-1 Sep – 10am-4pm Kids learn to arrange, play, write and perform as a band in small groups. Ending with a gig for family and friends. Ages 11-17.

MONKEY MUSIC SUMMER CLASSES6 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45amJubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BU 10 August - 10am-10.45, 11am-11.45amChristchurch Hall, Watling Street, Radlett WD7 7JJ 13 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am Levertsock Green Village Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG 18 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am Fleetville Community Centre, Royal Road, St Albans AL1 4QL 22 August - 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am All Saints Church Hall, Cross Oak Road, Berkhamsted HP4 3HY £8 per child (£7 per extra sibling).To book call 01727 831687

PERFORM DRAMA WORKSHOPS0845 400 4021 or 0207 255 9138 www.perform.org.ukenquiries@perform.org.ukFleetville Junior School, 228 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LWA Midsummer Night's Dream1-5 Aug – 2.30-4.30pmA week of acting, dancing and singing as we inspire the children's creativity in our version of this Shakespearean tale. Ending with a show for family and friends. For ages 8-12.Peter Pan1-5 & 22-26 Aug – 10am-12pmWith colourful costumes, original songs and live music, your child will

enjoy a fun-packed week making new friends and putting together a lively show. For ages 4-8.

Cost: £140

PLAY IN THE PARKS01727 827667mark.caldwell@leisureconnection.co.ukwww.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks www.activestalbans.comDuring school holidays - check above contact details for venues and times. Sports sessions, Arts and Crafts, Drama Workshops, and Creative Games. For 5–12 yr olds (All under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult)

PLINSTONKIDS Plinston Hall, Broadway, Letchworth GC Herts, SG6 3NX

01462 672003 www.plinston.comDuring school holidays – 10am-3.30pmA wide variety of activities and sports to be enjoyed. Cost: £12.50, additional charges for early starts and tea time sessions.

RHODES ARTS COMPLEXSouth Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

01279 651746www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.ukPop School 11 1-5 Aug – 10am-3pmFive day for ages 7 -16. To reserve call 07841 990611.Price: £95 for the 5 day course, includes 1 FREE show ticket Extra tickets available for £5.Let's Get Animated 8-12 Aug – 10am-3pmA programme of activities, and performances for 8 -12 year olds.Book via Box Office 01279 651746Let's Dance! 8 Aug – 10am-3pmOne day workshop in street, hip hop and contemporary dance. Cost: £25Storytelling, Acting and Directing9-10 Aug – 10am-3pmActing, directing and mask making involving storytelling.

Cost: £50Professor Heard's Magic Lantern Show and Moving Picture Workshop 11 Aug – 10am-12pm & 2-4pmA performance in the main auditorium followed by a toy making workshop. Cost: £4 for performance, £8 for performance and workshopAnimation Workshop12 Aug – 10am-3pmA cut-out animation session. Children will create their own movie.

Cost: £25

17Say you saw it in

18

Summer What's Oncode. Build a base camp from which to plan your team tactics and strategy (A survival skill that may come in useful should your mission fail!) For ages 8-12, bring packed lunch and drinks.Cost: £30Wildwheels Beginner’s Skateboard SchoolBeaumont School, St Albans1-2, 15-16 Aug – 10am-12.30pmHaresfoot School, Berkhamsted8 Aug – 10am-12.30pmYou don’t need your own skateboard - we bring the equipment. For ages 7-12.Cost: £24Wild Fashion Designers St Albans Girls School, St Albans4, 18 Aug – 10am-3pmHaresfoot School, Berkhamsted10 Aug – 10am-3pmFor ages 8-12. Cost: £25Wild Animation St Albans Girls School, St Albans9, 22 Aug – 10am-3pmHaresfoot School, Berkhamsted11 Aug – 10am-3pmFor ages 8-12. Cost: £30

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGECoursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718www.willowsfarmvillage.com27 Jul-2 Sep – 8am-6pmLeave the kids at Willows Farm Village for the ultimate Activity Day Camp! Loads of adventures, fun and variety. Run with Kids Play Childcare, Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTED registered. Call 01908 209217 or visitwww.willowsfarmvillage.com

PLACES TO GO

ADEYFIELD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDTurner Hill, Adeyfield. Hemel Hempstead. HP2 4LD 01442 242852 paul.banks@dacorum.gov.ukTerm Time: Mon-Fri 3.30-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pmSchool Holidays: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, closed weekends and bank holidaysActivities during school holiday fpr 6-12 years; under 6's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free

BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM41 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9

01462 420144www.hitchinbritishschools.org.ukDancing for Fun28 Jul – 10am-12pm Enjoy Maypole Dancing, English Country Dancing and Singing Games. Advance booking required.

£3 to include light refreshments.

BUTTERFLY WORLDMiriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, AL2 3NY www.butterflyworldproject.com 01727 869203Open daily 10am-6pm (Last entry one hour before closing)

Tickets: Adult £7.50, Concs £6.50, Child £5.50, under 3’s free

HERTFORD CASTLE Hertford, SG14 1HR

01992 552885Great Expectations – Open Air Theatre 3 Jul – 2.30 & 6.30pmBring along a chair, rug and picnic to this production of Great Expectations. For ages 12-112.

Tickets: £3; available from Hertford Tourist Information Centre, 10 Market Place, Hertford, SG14 1DF 01992 554322Open Air Band Concert and Teddy Bears’ Picnic 17 Jul – 2.30-5pmBring along a, rug, picnic and your teddy bear. FreeRock at the Castle 7 Aug – 12.30-7.30pm A showcase of local bands. FreeOpen Day at Hertford Castle21 Aug – 12-5pmCome and find out the history of Hertford Castle and visit the dungeons! All ages. Free

HERTFORD MUSEUM

18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.orgActivity SessionsPlease note the latest entry to activity sessions is 3pm; drop in.Cost: £1.50 Creepy Crawlies2-3 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmMake a bookworm bookmark and a bug mobile. Gruesome Bodies9-10 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmMake a puppet of a gruesome character from history. Trainiacs16-17 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmUsing junk build your own train. Fairy Tales23-24 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmThings to make and do, themed around your favourite fairy tale characters.Tudor-tastic!30-31 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmMake a lavender pomander and a clay Tudor house. Model Railway Day18 Aug – 10.30am-3.30pmSee our famous model railway layouts!FREE entry but donations are welcome. Just drop in.Activity Dippers4, 11, 25 Aug & 1 Sept – 10.30am-3.30pmTry our Activity Dipper Bags for 50p! Things to make.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMDuxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QR

01223 835000 www.iwm.org.ukFunday SundaysIWM Duxford is offering fun activities each Sunday.Flying Legends 9-10 JulClassic aircraft show.

LANGLEYBURY FARMLangleybury Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 8RW 01923 270603Open: School Holidays andWeekends 11am-5pm.

LOVE PARKS WEEK23-31 Julywww.loveparksweek.org.ukGet Park Active 2011Southern Country Park, Bishop’s Stortford26 Jul – 2-4pmChildren's play area and fitness treasure trails, free 'swingball' activities. Cost: FreeMeet the Animals of Pishiobury ParkPishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth28 Jul – 1-3pmCost: FreeHighfield Fete

Highfield Park, St Albans23 Jul – 2-6pmStalls, rides, music.

www.highfieldparktrust.co.ukEntry: Free, Programme £1 Wildlife Watch Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Stanstead Abbots30 Jul – 2-4pmVolunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Contact: www.waterscape.com/features-and-articles/eventsCost: Free

MILL GREEN MUSEUM AND MILLMill Green, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5PD 01707 271362

www.welhat.gov.uk/museum

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS9a Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340

www.stalbansmuseums.org.ukSunday StoriesStory Time for the Under 7s. Millie's Marvellous Hat24 Jul – 3-4pmGreat stories and lots of fun trying on our costumes.Lost and Found21 Aug – 3-4pmJoin us for some stories and activities.

£1 (Free to members of St Albans Children’s Book Group)Summer Holiday Activities Fun and Games25-28 Jul – 10.30am-12.30pmCreative activities. The Monday session is for 6-13 year olds, all other sessions are for 8-13 yr olds

Blast! The Week Long Summer Theatre School 21-27 Aug – 10amStage a show in 7 days. Ages 10-18.

www.phoenixtheatreschools.co.uk or call 08456 800 640. Cost: £100 (includes FREE T -shirt Performance 27 Aug, 8pm Tickets: £8 adults (£6 concs)

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLS

www.stagecoach.co.ukSummer Workshops25-29 Jul, 1-5 Aug - St Albans

01582 6097628 -12 Aug – Chorleywood

020 7622 10098 -12 Aug - Hemel Hempstead

01442 875977Performing arts schools for 4-16 yr olds. Classes in Harpenden, Welwyn-Hatfield, St Albans, Potters Bar, Watford and more.

THE MARKET THEATRESun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE

01462 433553www.markettheatre.co.ukSummer Schools8-12th Aug – 9.30am-12.30pm & 1-4pmSessions for 8-11 yr olds in the morning and for 12-15 yr olds in the afternoon.

Cost: £100

TOP HAT STAGE SCHOOL01727 812666 www.tophatstageschool.co.ukJoin in the fun in Borehamwood, Welwyn & St.Albans with our production of Disney’s “Camp Rock” in the summer holidays. For ages 4-17.

Ark Theatre, Hertswood School, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood WD6 1TR8-12 Aug – 10am-3pm (10am – 1pm for 4-5 yr olds)St Albans Girls School, Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans, AL3 6DB15-19 Aug – 10am-3pm (10am-1pm for 4-5 yrs)Stanborough School Lemsford Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6YR22-26th Aug – 10am-3pm (10am-1pm for 4-5 yrs)

WILD CHILD ACTIVITIES0845 3717099www.wildchildactivities.com Wild Archery St Albans Girls School, St Albans3, 23 Aug – 10am-12pmHaresfoot School, Berkhamsted8 Aug – 1.30-3.30pmFor ages 7-12. Cost: £18Outdoor Adventure Day - Escape from Wildchild WoodPhasel’s Wood Activity Centre, Nr Hemel Hempstead 3, 11, 17 Aug – 10.30am-3.15pmYour mission (should you choose to accept it) is to find a secret hidden

19Say you saw it in

PARTIES

CHILDCARE

Mystery and Magic16-19 Aug – 10.30am-12.30pmCreative activities. Tuesday session for 6-13 year olds, all other sessions for 8-13 yr oldsCost £5 (£4.50 for Museum Friends) Sessions should be booked and paid for in advance

THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM & STORY CENTRE81-83 High Street Great Missenden Bucks HP16 0AL01494 892192Tues-Fri – 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun – 11am-5pmGet creative with our free craft activities enjoy our story-telling sessions. Daily during school holidays. No need to book.

ROLLERCITYCampus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX Box Office: 01707 357117 www.welhat.gov.uk/campuswestHoliday Skate Sessions 25 Jul-2 Sep – 2.30-4.30pmAll Ages Single admission £5.50Family Ticket 20% offSkate hire £1.30Spectator 50p (redeemable in the RollerCity Tuck Shop up to the value of 50p

VERULAMIUM MUSEUMSt Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751810

www.stalbansmuseums.org.ukAmazing Archaeology16 Jul – 1-4pm Identify Roman coins and other finds, badge making and coin stamping. Mostly free, small charge for coin stamping.(Entry charge to the Museum for non residents applies)Roman Oil Lamp Making 27 Jul – 2-4.30pmDrop-in craft activity suitable for children over 3 years

Cost £1 (Entry charge to the Museum for non residents applies)Living in Roman Times 20 Aug 10am-4.30pm Demonstrations of Roman metal working and medicine, health and hygiene.

Free (Museum entry charge for non residents applies)Making Roman Fridge Magnets 24 Aug – 2-4.30pmDrop-in craft activity suitable for children over 3Cost £1 (Museum entry charge for non residents applies)

FUN DAYS OUT

BLETCHLEY PARK The Mansion Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB 01908 640404www.bletchleypark.org

Family Fun Wednesday27 Jul, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Aug – 12-4pmFamily days. Craft activities, guided tours, spy workshops, trails, quizzes and more.

CELTIC HARMONY CAMPBrickendon, nr Hertford

www.celticharmony.org 01438 718543Primitive Skills Festival29 Aug – 10am-5pmSpend the day with archers, woodsmen, storytellers and warriors. Tickets: £7 in advance

KNEBWORTH HOUSE Park and Gardens, Knebworth SG1 2AX 01438 810931 www.knebworthhouse.comDaily from 13 Jul thru Aug – 11am-5pmVisit the dinosaur trail and adventure playground.Tickets: £8

LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTREStation Road, Waltham Cross, Herts EN9 1ABwww.leevalleypark.org.ukTry out White Water Rafting, Kayaking and Canoeing on the course that will be used during the 2012 Olympics for the canoe slalom events!Contact venue for prices.

MEAD OPEN FARMStanbridge Rd, Billington,Beds, LU7 9JH

01525 852 954www.meadopenfarm.co.ukOpen daily 10am -6.30pm

Contact venue for times and prices.

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARKWhite Stubbs Lane Broxbourne EN10 7QA

01992 470490 www.pwpark.comOpen every day (except Christmas Day)

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

SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARKStation Road, Shepreth nr Royston, SG8 6PZ

01763 26 22 26 www.SheprethWildlifePark.co.ukPark Entrance: Adult £9.95, Child & Concs £7.95

STANDALONE FARMWilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN.

01462 686775www.standalonefarm.com11am - 5pm daily

Contact venue for prices.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGECoursers Road, London Colney, St Albans 0870 129 9718

www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Summer Spectacular23 Jul-4 Sep – 10am-5.30pmExplore the A-maize-ing Maze and take part in Sports Day Races where children can test their balancing skills in the egg and spoon race and bouncing ability in the space hopper race.

WOBURN SAFARI PARKWoburn, Beds MK17 9QN 01525 290407www.woburn.co.uk/safariOpen daily – 11am-5.30pmDrive through the park and enjoy unparalleled close encounters with some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. Woburn also incorporates an Abbey, Golf Course and Gardens. Entry: Adult £12.95, Child £6.25

WOODSIDE ANIMAL FARMSlip End Village, Luton, LU1 4DG

01582 841044www.woodsidefarm.co.ukContact venue for times and prices.

ZSL WHIPSNADE ZOODunstable, Beds, LU6 2LF

01582 872171www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/Open daily 10am-5.30pm

Check online for prices on the day of your visit. Online booking discounts apply.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

CHILLI FESTIVAL Benington Lordship, Stevenage SG2 7BS (08701)261709garden@beningtonlordship.co.uk28-29 Aug – 10am-5pmChilli products, Chilli plants, delicious cooking, speciality beers & refreshments. Free parking.Adults: £5, 12-16's: £2.50, Under 12's: Free.

FLAMSTEAD SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2011Flamstead is just off the A5, South of Luton and adjacent to Junction 9 of M1www.flamstead-herts.co.uk 01462 68421419 Aug – 12-5pm20 Aug – 10am-6pm21 Aug – 10.30am-5pmCome and see over 90 scarecrows and vote for your favourite one! Also enjoy other activities in the village. VotingForms:£2,£5forafamily(max 4); Programmes: 50p

HEARTWOOD SUMMER FESTIVALHeartwood Forest, Sandridge. AL3 6JE

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/heartwood27 Aug – 11am-3pm Willow weaving, sketching,

photography, teddy bears picnic and more. Field parking at AL3 6JB. No need to book. Free

RHYTHMS OF THE WORLDHitchin Priory, Hitchin

www.rotw.org.uk9-10 JulMusic from around the world.

Advance tickets £7 Adults, £3 for children. Free for 5 and unders.

STEVENAGE SUMMER SAFARI16 Jul - 11am-4pmPetting zoo, puppet making, bouncy castle, games and a talent show. www.106jack.com

SUMMER FAYRELetchworth Free Church HallGernon Road, Letchworth 014626821062 Jul – 10-11.30amFresh produce, bric-a-brac, toys, books and more.Free admission and car parking.

SANDRIDGE SCHOOL FAIRSandridge School, Sandridge nr St. Albans10 Jul – 11am-2pmChinese food, cream teas, bouncy castles, games, tombolas, raffle and more.

WARE FESTIVAL

www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk 01920 4603162 JulyThis year’s theme is Science Fiction.

WILLIAN FAIR

Willian Village Green, Willian01462 68335910 Jul – from 2pmTug-of-war, games, music, teas in the village hall and BBQ.

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