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What’s On Christmas Festive Family Traditions No More Nappies! Issue 89 Nov/Dec 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

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Hello! Welcome to the November/ December issue of Families Hertfordshire Magazine. Christmas! – that special time of year is just around the corner and to get you in the mood we have a fantastic feature on festive family traditions. The article has some fab ideas you can introduce to your Christmas that I’m sure will create cherished family memories (page 7).

In this issue: News & Views 4-6 Christmas 7 Early Years 8-9 What’s On 11-14 Advent Calendar 15

Do you have experience working with children with additional needs?

Also, for an advent calendar of a different kind, turn to page 15 for our Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar. See how many you can perform and in doing so bring a smile to the face of family, friends, neighbours and strangers!

I hope you have a lovely festive season planned – I’m looking forward to a well-earned rest from what has been an incredibly busy year, and indulging in lots of festive food! See you in 2020!

As with every December there’s a packed Christmas schedule across the county with festive markets, Santa’s grottos, Christmas lights switch-ons, pantos and more, so make sure you take a look in What’s On for the pick of local events.

Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Dale Harry Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings editor: Karen Porter

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You will have the skills to be an amazing foster carer. EVERY CHILD DESERVES A #ChanceToThrive We need more foster carers with the skills to care for children with additional needs. If you can help, give us a call on 0800 917 0925, or visit our website for more information www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/chancetothrive

Find us on socials: @HCCFosterAdopt / #ChanceToThrive Families Hertfordshire (FH) is part of the Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The content of FH is fully protected by copyright. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Print Ltd and FH cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

News & Views

Enjoy the magic of Christmas with a letter from Santa All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? Here are two ways of making this happen.

Royal Mail letter to Santa For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December. Envelopes must have either a ﬁrst or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. For more information on letters to Santa from the Royal Mail go to: www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa

NSPCC Santa letter

Make it a Bing Christmas! If you’re short on ideas of what to get your little one for Christmas this year then a Bing cuddly toy is sure to bring a smile to their face – particularly if they’re a fan of the show. Based around the much-loved character from the hit CBeebies production, the talking Bing with Hoppity has over 15 fun phrases for children to enjoy. Bing’s favourite toy Hoppity Voosh wears a soft red cape and can be detached from Bing. Press Bing’s hand and watch his button softly glow as he talks to Hoppity, giggles or sings as the music plays. The toy is approximately 36cm in length from top of ears to feet and is suitable for children aged 10 months and over (£29.99).

The Tiger Who Came to Tea hits the screen this Christmas

Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December. For more information: https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa

If you are pregnant or a parent/carer of a child under 19 your local family centre would love to meet you. What happens at a family centre? Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together to provide a joined up service for children, young people and their families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches 19, offering a range of activities and services to help them grow and develop.

Why should you register your family? • By registering with a family centre you and your child/children can have fun, meet new people and learn together through activities. • If you need help and support, the family centre will try and give you what you need. • To give you the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the family centre and help shape the services on offer. For more information and to register visit

www.hertsfamilycentres.org

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas adapted as a halfhour animated ﬁlm for Channel 4. It will feature a star-studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams (pictured) and Paul Whitehouse. The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut. For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale of the tiger that shows up at young Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing. Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this ﬁlm will capture the same special place in every family’s imagination watching it.’’

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News & Views

Reduction in school breaks is ‘unhealthy’ for children

Picky eaters still grow up healthy Picky eating in toddlers is a welldocumented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures. But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of 7 to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age 3 were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight. The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly. For more on this topic go to www.bristol.ac.uk/news

School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation. The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools. It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential serious implications for children’s well-being and development. Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks

with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less. According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons. More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org

Step Up for Safe Streets UK Road Safety Week 2019, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, will encourage road users to ‘step up’ and play a part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads. Every 20 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable. This year, the annual event aims to encourage everyone to Step Up for

Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing design-led solutions that can help end suffering on our roads. The focus is on how intelligent design can stop human error from causing death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and cycling, and can make sure that the air we breathe is clean.

For more information and to get your FREE Action Pack, visit www.roadsafetyweek.org

ST ALBANS INCLUSION ADVOCACY SERVICE PARENTS – TEENAGERS – YOUNG PEOPLE

Do you sometimes feel Isolated - overwhelmed - not sure which way to turn >V\SK `V\ ILULÄ[ MYVT A friendly listening ear – extra support or advice supported signposting to services >L JHU OLSW MHJL [V MHJL WOVUL Z\WWVY[ The Civic Centre Hub, room 2, Mon 10 – 4 & Weds 10 – 2 Telephone 01992 638000 ias@hertfordshireppp.co.uk www.hertfordshireppp.co.uk

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News & Views

Working mums left frustrated by lack of flexibility Over three quarters of working mums [80%] feel stuck in the job they are in because they don’t think they will be able to find a new one with the same degree of flexibility they now have, while 57% say their career has not progressed since they have had children, according to workingmums.co.uk’s annual survey. The survey of over 2,000 parents shows 59% of mums say flexible working is the one thing that would most help them to progress their careers. Yet, outside part-time jobs, few have access to it. Some 22% of mums work full time with no flexibility at all. Only eight per cent work from home occasionally and 3% work fully from home. Just 1% work term time hours or compressed hours. This compares to 46% of dads who say they work full time with no flexibility.

Just four per cent of dads work part time. The survey comes amid pressure in Parliament for flexible working to be made a day one right and for all new jobs to be advertised as being open to flexibility where possible. Currently, employees have to be in their job for 26 weeks before they can make a request to work flexibly. The survey shows that 29% of working mums have had a formal flexible working request turned down, with 26% saying they were turned down for a reason not allowed under the legislation, showing the weakness of the current legislation. Gillian Nissim, founder of workingmums.co.uk and workingdads. co.uk, says: “Our survey shows how significant flexible working is

becoming in job searches. The employers we work with recognise this and have been looking at ways to challenge existing working patterns in order to attract and retain the best talent. “As skills shortages become larger in many sectors, employers should take note of the demand for flexible working and the push for greater flexibility, taking into account all the many forms it can come in.” The survey polled hundreds of under 21s and over 50s in addition to mums and dads. The results show that demand for flexible working is significant across all age groups with the young most likely to research flexible working before applying for a job and most likely to leave a job if it wasn’t flexible enough.

The importance of HR know-how Running a start-up business that’s enjoying growth? An established business owner employing new staff? Drawing up new contracts for employees? If you’re someone in any of these situations, compliance with best practice and legislation is an essential requirement. Hertfordshire-based HR consultant Stacey Boatman has a few tips to help you along the way. “Employment contracts are binding for the duration of employment, so it is important to get these right and for employees to familiarise themselves with their terms,” explains Stacey. “Opt for creating contracts with a professional which are tailored to your business. It is easy to get a standard template online but these are not likely to cover all aspects of your business. “Provide clear and up to date policies and procedures

through an employee Handbook. These can be issued in hard copy or securely online through email or employee portals. “There is growing interest in ﬂexible working with more applications being submitted than ever before. Have a policy providing clear process guidelines and be open to discussion. Considering alternative options or trial periods where an initial proposal may not be suitable could lead to a prosperous solution for both parties.” Whether you’re an individual looking for guidance or your business is just starting up, a large company or anywhere in between, SMB HR Consultancy provide bespoke HR services to suit your business needs and budget. For more information visit www.smbhr.co.uk or call 07809749453.

Treat your feet Moccis (pronounced Mock-Keys) bring fashion, function, and fun to adult and children’s indoor footwear. These hand sewn Swedish moccasins are a hybrid of a sock and slipper and come in a host of designs, including this fun festive-themed pair (pictured). They feature a soft leather sole that prevents you from slipping and are soft, warm and comfortable. Machine washable leather and stay-dry protection keeps the material odour-free. Moccis are available for babies, children and adults. Prices from £25 at www.moccis.co.uk 6

Families Herts

Christmas C hristmas

The best

Christmas family traditions

By Claire Winter

Here are our eight memory-making traditions for you to enjoy this Christmas What do you cherish and remember most clearly about Christmas during your own childhood? Was it the food, the carols and music, going to church, the Christmas tree? When we look back at our childhood, we don’t remember the gifts that we were given, we recall the things we did as a family that created the most long-lasting memories. Family Christmas traditions adhered to year after year during the festive season are an important part of childhood and are often free or don’t cost much. Why not introduce some of these?:

Send homemade Christmas cards Go old school and send some homemade cards. In the modern era of e-Christmas cards, this is a traditional way to make your Christmas celebration special. Sit down with some glitter, stencils, stickers and coloured paper. Your kids (and you!) will have great fun making the cards.

in front of the Christmas tree striking the same pose. It will be interesting to document how you change each year.

Go to a carol service Even if you are not generally a church goer, going to a Crib Service at your local church on Christmas Eve is a lovely thing to do with your children. Singing carols and listening to the story of the nativity is sure to put everybody in the festive mood. Enjoy the special festive memories you make with your family. Your children don’t stay little for long, and it’s great to remind them that Christmas is about being together and not just about presents and treats.

Make an advent calendar Make or buy an advent calendar that can be reused each year. Instead of putting sweets or toys in it, put in a note for each day about all the different things you love about your child. Consider adding the notes on top of a little present!

Give them a Christmas Eve box Treat your kids to an early gift with a special box that contains festive pyjamas to wear and a Christmas ﬁlm to watch. If you want to spend less, you could include a festive book or art and craft activity so they can make a special Christmas Eve decoration for the tree.

Prepare a North Pole Christmas breakfast An amazing way to welcome the festive season is by preparing a North Pole Christmas breakfast for your family on the ﬁrst day of December. Get the kids involved designing the menu and making the decorations.

Leave food out for Father Christmas and his friends Leaving food out for the man in red and his friends is another lovely tradition for Christmas Eve.

Watch the Queen’s Christmas broadcast Gather around the television with your loved ones and a glass of ﬁzz to watch the royal Christmas message from the Queen.

Don’t forget to capture a photo with your family Many families forget to take a family photo on Christmas day. So, make time to capture a photo with your family each year familiesonline.co.uk

Early y Years

Night time nappies to no nappies By Alicia Eaton

Every parent looks forward to the time when their young child will be able to sleep through the night without wearing a nappy or pull up. For some children, this happens naturally and without effort or any obvious preparation. For others, more groundwork is required and, as a parent, you may need to consider some simple steps that may assist your child in reaching this milestone.

Plan ahead Decide when to stop using pull-ups. If your child has reached the age of 5, it’s deﬁnitely time to start thinking about this. The super absorbency of these pants means your child’s skin won’t feel wet and this actually prevents them from understanding how their body works and learning how to take control. Have a chat with your child and put a date in the diary so everyone knows when this will happen.

Words work Talk to your little one and explain that soon they won’t need to wear nappies or pull-ups as they’ll be able to keep themselves dry all through the night and won’t need them. Don’t miss out this step. By planting this idea in your child’s mind, you’ll trigger important thinking processes that lead towards getting dry at night. Regularly use phrases like: “When you’re dry at night... ” and “Soon you’ll no longer need these nappies/pull-ups… ” Keep referring to how things will be in the future and express the automatic assumption that they will get to the point where they are able to easily keep themselves dry.

Step by step Explain to your child that when they no longer wear overnight nappies or pull-ups, they may need to visit the bathroom at night. Walk them physically through the steps they’ll be taking and tell them you will leave lights on so they can see their way easily.

Deeper sleep Avoid leaving night-lights on in the bedroom itself. Experts agree that a dark bedroom promotes better, deeper sleep patterns and this in itself might be enough to ensure your child sleeps through the night and doesn’t need the toilet. You can buy night-lights with motion-sensors for the bedroom and these are a better option – the light will come on automatically when it senses your child is walking around.

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Accidents Prepare for accidental wet beds. Use an absorbent bed mat in between two layers of sheets. If your child is wet, simply take off the top layer and you’ll have a ready-made dry bed underneath.

Declutter Ensure the bedroom floor is clutter-free so your child will feel more confident about getting out of bed to visit the bathroom at night. If your child sleeps in a bunk bed, consider placing a mattress on the floor for them to sleep on for a couple of weeks, if this will make the transition period easier for them.

Drinks It’s good to avoid drinks one hour before bedtime, but don’t generally restrict ﬂuids in the hope that this will help your child become dry overnight: instead it could make them constipated. In turn, constipation itself is a common cause of bedwetting.

Think food Certain foods and drinks effect the bladder so it’s best to avoid these: ﬁzzy drinks, sugary foods and milk at nighttime. Lots of fruits have a diuretic effect on the bladder so avoid your child eating strawberries, melons and grapes in the evenings.

‘It’s good to avoid drinks one hour before bedtime’ No rewards Avoid offering rewards and bribes, including star charts during this training period. It will be doubly disappointing for your child if they’re not successful one night and they also act as a distraction. Your child’s focus should be on learning how to stay dry at night and the reward for doing this can come later in the form of a sleepover with friends or a new duvet cover set for the bed.

Keep track Keep a diary during your training period to track dry nights and wet ones. It will make it easier for you to ﬁgure out what the cause of a wet nights might be and take steps to eliminate them.

*Families Herts tip: Waking children before you go to bed or in the middle of the night to use the toilet can be helpful. If the bed is wet when you wake them, wake them earlier. If they wet the bed after you wake them, wake them later.*

Alicia Eaton is a trained psychotherapist and author of Stop St Bedwetting in Seven Days published pu by b Practical Inspiration In P Publishing. For more m information, visit v www.stopbed-wetting-in-7days.com/

Early Years A Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 -18

Every day is an Open Day in our Nursery & Prep To book a personal tour please contact Tracey Dickinson on 01920 824239 or email tdickinson@stedmundscollege.org

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Nurturing environment providing excellent academic support Weekly swimming lessons from Nursery Forest School Programme; a permanent feature of the timetable Scholarships available for Form 3 entry (closing date 8/1/2020) Private bus service offering local pick ups around Hertfordshire and Essex from Year 3.

Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 1DS

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“Little Steps, Large Leaps” • Children’s Food Trust and Soil Association approved meals • Part time and full time sessions available • Funded sessions available • Individual Learning Programmes

• Regular Trips and Outings • Extra Curricular programmes such as: • Cook & Grow, Early Language Programme, Magical Maths, • Lets Get Physical, Stork to Walk

Hitchin: 01462 450354 Hitchin@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Watford: 01923 254637 watford@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

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• Platinum Award for First Aid Training • Nappies, Creams and sun creams all included • Strong belief in outdoor learning opportunities

Berkhamsted: 01442 871777 Berkhamsted@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Pregnancy

Top tips for a festive fertility season By Dr Larisa Corda

If you’re trying to conceive, conceive e, it’s importan important nt to consider healthier festive foods fo oods We all love Christmas and its associations of homeliness and togetherness, as well as the traditions of spending time with our loved ones and opening gifts. But did you know that Christmas is also the most popular time of year to conceive? Aside from the obvious reason of people spending more intimate time together indoors, some studies suggest that sperm may function better under colder conditions and the woman’s uterus may be more receptive to receiving a growing embryo, which could provide an explanation as to why we see higher livebirth rates with conceptions that occur around December time.

p and have a predominantly plant-based diet If you’re going to eat meat, meat make m diet. sure it’s organic and lean.

Exercise It helps boost circulation to your reproductive organs and maintain a healthy body and mind. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and keep weight within the normal range that is vital for fertility, as well as reducing the chance of miscarriage.

Stop smoking and minimise alcohol Smoking can cause damage to the lining of the womb, the eggs and sperm, and also adversely affect the health of your child and your pregnancy. Alcohol can affect your hormones and also the development of your baby. One or two glasses of wine over the festive season is unlikely to cause much harm, but regular alcohol consumption can have negative consequences.

Reduce toxin exposure So if you are trying to get pregnant, it’s really important to consider having a healthier Christmas that puts you in good shape for conception. Here are some top tips:

Eat well Look at your diet as a whole and eliminate foods that have been inﬂuenced by hormones, pesticides, added preservatives and chemicals and those that are rich in sugar. Try to eat food in its cleanest, most nutritious state possible. Buy organic where you can

From drinking water, cleaning products, make up and plastic used on food. Toxins can leach from all of these and be absorbed in our blood stream, causing havoc with the hormones that control fertility and possibly damaging sperm and eggs. Use products in their most natural state, including toiletries and household cleaners. Go plastic free.

Manage stress, minimise caffeine These can lead to an imbalance in your fertility hormones, but in addition, affect the organs in your body, leading to high blood pressure, problems with sleep and reduced sex drive. Meditation,

‘Alcohol can affect your hormones and also the development of your baby’ 10

Families Herts

Get good sleep Ensure your bedroom becomes a sanctuary that is conducive to sleep. This means decluttering, not using any electrical devices such as televisions before bed time, and ensuring the room is dark enough to allow you to get the crucial 7 to 8 hours sleep a night that will improve energy levels, libido and your immunity.

yoga, mindfulness, being outdoors, or spending time with friends can all help.

Have sex often and throughout your cycle Having sex at least two to three times per week throughout the cycle is advisable to help improve sperm quality and the environment for pregnancy to occur in.

Vitamin supplements Take a good multivitamin supplement a few months before you start to try to conceive. For men, a supplement rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, E, selenium, zinc and garlic can support healthy sperm. Women should look towards a vitamin supplement that delivers the required dose of folic acid, iodine and vitamin D in particular. Winter is nature’s natural nesting season. Seek comfort not just in relationships, but also in food, drinks, and rituals. Make having a mug of tea an occasion to look forward to, with your feet up in front of a cosy log ﬁre, or tucked up in bed before you go to sleep. Herbal teas are rich in polyphenols that your gut bacteria love. Tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Dr Larisa Corda is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and is one of the UK’s leading Fertility experts. For more details please visit www.drlarisacorda.com

What’s W hat’s On

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with witth the the venues beforee you leave home just in casee times or prices have chang changed anged since we went to print. ang

CAMPS, CLASSES & COURSES BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP All camps take place in Berkhamsted www. berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk Multi Activity Camps 16-20 & 23 Dec Ages 3-11. Cost: £35 per day or £160 per 5-day week Christmas Cookery 17 Dec Ages 7-14. Cost: £70 LANGLEY TENNIS & RACQUETS CAMP Langley Tennis Club, High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 230234 www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk 2-3 Jan – 9am-4pm Have fun and improve your standard of tennis and eye hand co-ordination. Plus, table tennis, badminton and touch tennis. Ages 4-14. Cost: £40 per day NCT BABY & CHILD FIRST AID COURSE St Albans Fire Station, 153 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1TQ 14 Dec – 10am-12.30pm Build your conﬁdence as a parent/carer in dealing with emergency situations. Cost: £35 each or £60 per couple HEALTHY U GYM 1-4 Kimps Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8EN www.healthyugym.com Kids’ Fitness Thurs 4-5pm Ages 7-11, girls and boys. Fitness class in a gym environment, encouraging the next generation to be active and live a healthy lifestyle. Cost: £4.50 per session / £10 a month MIMIC STAGE SCHOOL AND YOUTH THEATRE Harwood Hill School, Welwyn Garden City AL8 7AG (Stage School) Tewin Memorial Hall, 11A Lower Green Rd, Tewin, Welwyn AL6 0JX (Youth Theatre) www.mimictheatre.co.uk Tues, Weds, Thurs & Fri in term time New stage school and youth theatre company for ages 4-22 focusing on developing students into well-rounded, conﬁdent performers. Cost: £250 per term (Stage School). £6.50/hr (Youth Theatre)

PLACES TO GO TRACKPLAY 9 Nov: Woodhall Community Centre, Mill Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3XD 17 Nov: Knebworth Village Hall, SG3 6PD familiesonline.co.uk

16 Nov: The Library, 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1EB Play with giant train tracks! Cost: one-hour slots from £5 SKATE VAN HAGE Great Amwell, Pepper Hill, SG12 9RP • 01920 870811 www.vanhage.co.uk 14 Nov-6 Jan Real ice rink for all ages and abilities. Speciﬁc Parent and Toddler and Special Needs sessions also available. Cost: varies, see website SKATE LETCHWORTH Outdoor Pool, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4UF www.sll.co.uk/skateletchworth 23 Nov-5 Jan 20m x 10m covered real ice rink. For all ages and skating abilities. Skates and skating aids available to hire. Cost: see website NCT NEARLY NEW TOY SALE Kingshott School, Stevenage Road, Hitchin, SG4 7JX www.nct.org.uk/branches 16 Nov – 10.30am-12noon (10am for NCT members) Cost: entry £1 (in aid of NCT charity) ST FRANCIS CHURCH Church Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6QJ www.stfranciswgc.org.uk Christmas Tree Festival 7 Dec – 12-6pm 8 Dec – 12-5pm Approx 70 decorated trees. Santa’s Grotto. Family games. Hot food. Cost: £3. Accompanied under 12s free KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth, SG1 2AX 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Sunday Lunch with Santa 8, 15 & 22 Dec – 12.30-2.30pm Festive two-course lunch with a visit from Santa and gift for every child. Booking essential. Cost: £25. Child (up to 13 yrs) £12 RYE MEADS NATURE RESERVE Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8JS 01992 708384 www.rspb.org.uk Rye Meadlings 4 & 18 Nov, 2 & 16 Dec – 10.30am-12 Outdoor parent and toddler sessions encouraging child-led exploration and natural play. Booking essential. Cost: £6 per child (£5 if RSPB member). £4 parking for non-members (ﬁrst session free parking)

Concerts for Children: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt! 17 Nov – 2 & 3.30pm Children of all ages can experience the large-as-life sounds of a symphony orchestra. Meet the musicians during the interval and try out their instruments too. Fancy dress encouraged. Cost: £8. Child £2. Under 2s free ASHRIDGE ESTATE Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate Normal admission charges apply The Nutcracker Trail 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 26-29 Dec – 10am-3pm Magical Nutcracker-themed trail through the woods. Additional cost: Child £3 Christmas Pudding Walk 2 Dec-6 Jan – 10am-4pm Self-led walk, following the puddings on this way-marked route through the woodland. Included in admission charge Santa Paws Walk 8 Dec – 11am-12noon Join Father Christmas on a walk around the meadow. Put on a Christmas hat and hang a bauble from your pet’s lead. Prizes for the best Christmas theme. Additional cost: £1 per dog Post-Christmas Walk 27 Dec – 10am-12noon A gentle, scenic guided walk to see Ashridge in all its wintery beauty. Booking essential. No dogs. Cost: £5. Child £3 MAYHEM THEATRE ARTS Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF • 01992 465100 www.mayhemtheatrearts. co.uk Mayhem’s Magical Christmas ‘Buddy’ Workshop 30 Nov – 11.30-12.30pm or 1.15-2.15pm Ages 3-10. Includes plush 16” Snowman/Reindeer making kit. Design your own ‘Buddy’s’ T shirt, wishing heart, birth certiﬁcate and bag. Parents to stay. Cost: £15 pp including refreshments

ARTSHED ARTS Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware, SG12 0ES 01920 466446 www.artshedarts.co.uk Pottery Throwing Taster Sessions 16 Nov & 7 Dec – 30 min slots 10am-2pm 7 yrs+. Learn to throw a pot or Christmas tree on the potters wheel. Booking essential. Cost: £20 including clay, glazing and ﬁring LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH • 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk James Ward: The Great Animal Painter of his Time 21 Sep-25 Jan. Wed, Thurs & Fri 10am-4pm. Sat 10am-5pm Exhibition celebrating artist James Ward RA, commemorating 250 years since his birth. FREE Make Medieval Gingerbread 9 Nov – 11-11.45am, 1212.45pm, 2-2.45pm, 3-3.45pm Learn about medieval gingerbread and make your own treat to take home. All ages, under 12s must be with an adult. Booking essential. Cost: £8 per person Toddler Thursday: Goosey Goosey Gander 21 Nov – 10-11am Fun, friendly session, helping your child develop school-ready skills through rhymes, stories and craft. Ages 2-4 (with adult, up to 2 toddlers per adult). Book in advance. Cost: £2 per child Father Christmas 14 Dec – Drop in 10.30am-4pm Have a go at Christmas craft and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Cost: £6 per child (includes gift) THE MUSEUM STORTFORD 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Christmas Panto Trail 30 Nov-4 Jan Find the hidden signs and help the fairy tale characters complete their magical quest to claim your sweet treat. Under 10s. FREE

ST ALBANS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, AL1 4DF 11

What’s On On

HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www. hertfordmuseum.org Exhibition: Time’s Keepers Discover Hertford’s Clocks & Their Makers 16 Nov-22 Feb Explore what makes Hertford tick. Clocks, watches, hourglasses and more. Find out about the gifted craftsmen who worked in the town and discover the beauty and innovation behind their work. FREE. Donations welcome Christmas Extravaganza 22 Nov. Drop in 4-8pm Carol singing, Christmassy crafts and storytelling. Father Christmas in his grotto! Cost: Small charge to visit Father Christmas (includes gift) Toddler Tuesday: Woof! Woof! 26 Nov – 10.15-11.15am Crafts, singing, stories and fun. Booking essential. Cost: £3.50 per child, including refreshments VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751 810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Archaeological Poo! 16 Nov. Drop in 12-4pm For International Toilet Day, investigate some fossilised ‘specimens’, discover how the Romans kept themselves clean and make your own ‘poo’ to take away! Cost: £2 per child (plus admission for non-residents)

MILL GREEN MUSEUM & MILL Mill Green, Hatﬁeld, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/museum Mill Green Tots 28 Nov & 19 Dec – 10-11.30am Relaxed and fun-packed sessions for ages 0-5. Songs, stories, craft and play. Cost: £3.50 per child. Free entry for one adult per child. Includes entrance to mill/museum ROYSTON MUSEUM 5 Lower King Street, Royston, SG8 5AL 01763 242587 www.roystonmuseum.org.uk Make an Advent Calendar 23 Nov – 11am-1pm & 2-3.30pm Kids crafts, design and make your own advent calendar. Ages 3+ (younger kids welcome too). Cost: £3 Christmas & Wintery Crafts 7 & 21 Dec. Drop in 11am-1pm & 2-3.30pm Shiny seasonal creativity for ages 3+ (younger kids welcome too). Cost: £3 PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Santa Arrives at Paradise & Christmas Craft Fayre 23 Nov Monkey Day & Carol Service 14 Dec Santa’s Grotto Every Dec weekend. Daily in the week leading up to Xmas Cost: Park admission applies SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Santa’s Grotto 8, 14, 15, 21-24 Dec Experience includes a personal greeting from Santa, Christmas

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TAGE ON S

LYRIC THEATRE 29 NOV - 5 JAN

Based on the books by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group

Make Your Own Christmas Decoration 30 Nov. Drop in 11am-3pm Add some magic to your Christmas tree by decorating your own ceramic decoration. Ages 5+. FREE

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gift and entrance into the wildlife park. Cost: £6 per child, when accompanied by full paying adult (£10). Proceeds to SWCC Hedgehog Hospital RYE-ASSIC ADVENTURE PARK Rye Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0EH www.rye-house.co.uk Breakfast With Santa 21-24 Dec – 8.30am-12 A host of festive activities and a visit from Santa for children aged 1+. Breakfast buffet for children and mince pies for adults. Includes session in the adventure park. Pre-book online. Cost: Child £12.50. Adult free WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Santa Spectacular 23 Nov-24 Dec Full day out of festive family fun. Child ticket includes all activities and shows plus a visit to Santa and gift, making a toy bear and biscuit decorating. Cost: £13-£38, see details online LEE VALLEY BOATS Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, EN10 6QT 01992 462085 leevalleyboats.co.uk Santa Cruise 21 & 22 Dec – 11am, 12.45 & 2.30pm One-hour cruise with a visit from Santa. Book in advance. Cost: £10 per person STEVENAGE INDOOR MARKET Market Square, Stevenage, SG1 1EP www.stevenagetowncentre.com Santa’s Grotto 14-24 Dec – 10am-4pm Cost: £3 per child

TINY T’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING The Lytton Arms, Knebworth, SG3 6QB www.tinytsparties.com 15 Dec – 10-11.30am Ages 3-10. Find out what the Elves have been up to in an immersive Christmas story, told with interaction, puppetry and music. Plus family games, Elf scavenger hunts, face painting and glitter. Book online. Cost: £8 per child

SHOWS 96 SHENLEY ROAD Borehamwood, WD6 1EB 01442 454000 www.96shenleyroad.co.uk Captain Calamity: Santamime Adventure 15 Dec – 11am & 2pm Captain Calamity and Crew get called to travel from Chocolate Button Bay to The North Pole. The Elves are falling behind with their toy making and need help to get the job done in time for Christmas. Cost: £8 ABBEY THEATRE Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk George’s Marvellous Medicine 14-29 Dec. 2.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm performances From the book by Roald Dahl. Fed up of Grandma’s rudeness, George concocts a ‘new and improved’ medicine for her – but the consequences are much more than he bargained for! Cost: £13. Concs £12 THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk The Nutcracker 23 Nov – 2.30pm

What’s W hat’s On

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with witth the the venues beforee you leave home just in casee times or prices have changed chang anged since we went to print. ang Vienna Festival Ballet. Cost: £24.50. Concs £21.50. Under 16s £16.50 Sleeping Beauty 6 Dec-5 Jan Pantomime starring the wonderfully wicked Rita Simons (EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell) and children’s favourite Andy Day (CBeebies). Cost: from £15 BARN THEATRE Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6ST 01707 324300 www.barntheatre.co.uk The Railway Children 13, 14, 16-21 Dec Full steam ahead for this classic children’s tale of tragedy, triumph and trains! Cost: £13 BROADWAY THEATRE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD 01462 681088 www.broadway-letchworth.com The Scarecrows’ Wedding 15 Nov – 4.30pm 16 Nov – 11am & 2.30pm Heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book. Ages 3+ (but suitable for all). Cost: £16. Concs £13. Family £52

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The Wind in the Willows 10-13 Dec – 10.15am & 1.15pm 14 Dec – 11am, 3 & 7pm 15 Dec – 11am & 3pm New staging of Kenneth Grahame’s family classic. Ages 5+. Cost: £15. Concs £13. Family £54

The Snowman 8 Dec – 10.30 & 11.30am Special screening of the timeless animated ﬁlm with a live musical score performed by the Hitchin Band. Cost: £10. Under 14s £5. Under 3s FREE

THE MARKET THEATRE 6a Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE 01462 433553 www.markettheatre.co.uk Rumpelstiltskin 14, 15, 21-23, 27 & 28 Dec Christmas show aimed at ages 4-9.Cost: £11

CAMPUS WEST THEATRE Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 0300 3039 620 www.campuswest.co.uk Snow White 11-31 Dec Fast and furious pantomime with ﬁstfuls of fun and festive silliness galore. Cost: From £17. Family from £62

HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com The Snow Queen: A Frozen Fairytale 30 Nov - 1 Jan. Relaxed performance for families with SEN/ Autism: 27 Dec – 1pm. BSL Signed performance: 27 Dec – 5pm The story that inspired the smash-hit ﬁlm Frozen is brought to life in an all-singing, alldancing, all-snowing Christmas spectacular! Cost: From £13

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE 01442 228091 www.oldtownhall.co.uk The Adventures of Dr Dolittle 9 Nov – 11am & 2.30pm When Dr Dolittle is taught how to talk to animals, news of his skills travel. Soon animals across the world ask for his help. Cost: £7.50. Dacorum Card £6 The Snow Dragon 23 Nov – 11am & 2.30pm Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, he’s looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies! But when Billy bumps into hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. How will Billy escape? For ages 3+. Cost: £7.50. Dacorum Card £6

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Beauty and the Beast Various dates 29 Nov-26 Jan A family panto full of Oo La Laughs! Cost: £15.50-27 HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1TE • 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk Beauty and the Beast 7-30 Dec Pantomime starring TOWIE’s Ricky Rayment as Gaston. Cost: £14. Concs/Child £12. Family £48

LYRIC THEATRE Shaftsbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES Oi Frog & Fiends! 29 Nov - 5 Jan It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… Original music, songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at! Age3 + Cost: From £15.50

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What’s On Star in a Jar 7 Dec – 11.30am & 2.30pm Ages 3-8. When a little boy stumbles across a special star, he puts it in a jar and takes it on adventures. But the poor star misses its home… Can the little boy and his big sister send the star safely back? Cost: £7.50. Dacorum Card £6 THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01727 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Peter and the Wolf 1 Nov – 11am & 2.30pm Suitable for all the family. Cost: £11. Under 16s £9. Family £36 The Gruffalo 14 Nov – 1.30pm 15 Nov – 10.30am & 1.30pm Cost: £13. Groups 10+ £10.50 Ages 3+. Cinderella 7 Dec-3 Jan Cost: Various, see website THE SPOTLIGHT High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ thespotlight Aladdin 13-31 Dec. Relaxed Performance 22 Dec – 4.30pm Family pantomime. Cost: £20.50. Child £18.50. Family £69 RHODES BISHOPS STORTFORD 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Sleeping Beauty Various dates & times 7 Dec-5 Jan A new twist on the classic tale. Packed with panto comedy, live music and a feisty heroine. Cost: dependent on date, see website. Family tickets available THE SANDPIT THEATRE The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX • 01727 799565 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Reindeer on the Roof! 21 Dec – 11.30am & 2.30pm On Christmas morning Darcey wakes up to a sparkly tree, a stocking full of presents and a Reindeer on the roof! Join Darcey on her epic adventure to get her new Reindeer friend back to Lapland and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 3-11. Cost: £8. Concs £6 THE WESTON AUDITORIUM University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatﬁeld, AL10 9EU • 01707 281127 www.herts.ac.uk/ artsandgalleries Family Concert 10 Nov – 2 & 4.30pm Artist James Mayhew paints live on stage as the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra play 14

Families Herts

Prokoﬁev’s much-loved ‘Peter and the Wolf’ and Ravel’s ‘Mother Goose Suite’. Cost: £15. Concs £13. Child £8. Family £36. Students free WYLLYOTTS THEATRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Sleeping Beauty Various dates 14 Dec-5 Jan, generally 1 & 5pm Pantomime extravaganza! Cost: dependent on date, see website. ST ALBANS MUMMERS Various locations in St Albans City Centre starting in front of the Town Hall www.stalbansmummers.org.uk 26 Dec from 11.30am For over 40 years the Mummers have performed their unique adaptation of George and The Dragon on Boxing Day. FREE PLANET ICE Jarmans Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 08458 725 799 www.planet-ice.co.uk Sleeping Beauty On Ice 5 Dec – 7pm 6 Dec – 1 & 7pm Ice show performed by local and professional skaters with a contemporary soundtrack. Cost: £9

FESTIVE RUNNNG SANTA RUN Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DF 1 Dec – 11am 2km course, welcome to run multiple circuits. Organised by Rotary Hatﬁeld in aid of charity. Cost: Depends on Santa costume size/choice. Adult size £15. Youth (8-14 yrs) £10. Child (Reindeer Horns) £5 RUDOLPH RUN Around the streets of St Albans 01442 820717 www.renniegrove.org 2 Dec – 9-11am Charity 5K run or bring the little ones along for the 1.5K. Antlers provided! Cost: 5K £14 (10-15 yrs £10). Fun Run £10 (0-15 yrs £6) SANTA DASH Riverside Shopping Centre Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT www.stfrancis.org.uk 15 Dec – 10am-12noon Register online to join a jolly sea of Santas on a route around Hemel in aid of the Hospice of St Francis.

CHRISTMAS FAYRES TEWIN BURY FARM HOTEL Hertford Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL6 0JB www.tewinbury.co.uk

Christmas Market 30 Nov & 1 Dec – 10am-5pm Festive family fun with stalls and live music. ST ELIZABETH’S CENTRE Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EW • 01279 843451 www.stelizabeths.org.uk Christmas Bazaar 30 Nov – 12-3.30pm Family fun. Christmas Market, live music, games and activities. Plus Father Christmas and his reindeer! REDBOURN CHRISTMAS MARKET Redbourn High Street, AL3 7LW www.redbournchristmasmarket.com 1 Dec – 11am-5pm Over 100 stalls. Local craft, gift ideas and food. Seasonal music. Santa’s Grotto. THE SPOTLIGHT High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE • 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ thespotlight Christmas Fair 1 Dec – 11am-3.30pm Seasonal crafts, gifts, decorations, food and stocking ﬁllers. Father Christmas will be in his grotto too! Cost: £1.50. Child/over 63s £1 MILL MEAD PRIMARY SCHOOL Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA Christmas Fair 8 Dec – 1-3pm Including Santa’s Grotto, Xmas trees and gifts for sale, craft activities and festive Scavenger Hunt! Cost: £1. Free for children

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON HATFIELD Town Centre - White Lion Square, The Arcade & Market Place 16 Nov – 12-4.30pm Meet Campus West WGC’s Snow White pantomime stars. Stage performances; Santa’s grotto; funfair; food and drink. Make Christmas items and buy presents. All leading up to the big switch on! ST ALBANS St Peter’s Street www.enjoystalbans.com 17 Nov – 12-6pm With festive fun, music and entertainment. HERTFORD CHRISTMAS GALA Town Centre • 01992 552885 www.hertford.gov.uk 22 Nov – 3.30-8pm Christmas market and grotto. Stage and street entertainment. Fairground rides. Christmas tree light switch on. HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Across the town: Riverside Shopping Centre, Marlowes Shopping Centre, High Street. Facebook: @HemelHempsteadBID 30 Nov – 11am-6pm Live entertainment on stage

from 2pm. Santa’s Grotto, Festive Market, Snow Slope. visits from the Snow Princess, Christmas train and much more. Light switch on and fireworks at 5pm. WELWYN GARDEN CITY Howardsgate, AL8 6HA www.wonderfulwgc.co.uk 23 Nov Includes festive food and drink and crafts market. Santa in his Grotto. Fun fair. Local singing and dancing talent on the main stage. LETCHWORTH Garden Square, Letchworth Town Centre www.loveletchworth.com 23 Nov STEVENAGE OLD TOWN Bowling Green www.stevenagetowncentre.com 23 Nov Includes lantern parade through the Old Town. STEVENAGE Town Square www.stevenagetowncentre.com 30 Nov – 12-6pm With live music, huskies, a snow globe, food stalls, masked super heroes and fireworks. HODDESDON LOVES CHRISTMAS High Street www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk 30 Nov – 10am-6pm Gifts and produce for the Christmas season alongside a full day’s entertainment. Live music and dance; Giant Snow Globe; Father Christmas Parade and fireworks. HARPENDEN CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL & FARMERS MARKET. High Street, Harpenden 24 Nov – 12-6pm. Procession from 3pm. Lights switched on 5pm With Santa’s Grotto, funfair and stage entertainment.. WHEATHAMPSTEAD High Street www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk 28 Nov SOUTHDOWN LIGHTS & LANTERNS EXTRAVAGANZA Southdown Road www. harpenden.gov.uk 29 Nov – 5.30-7.30pm SAWBRIDGEWORTH Bell Street Car Park www. sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk 30 Nov from 4.45pm. Switch on 6.30pm Includes fayre. BATFORD Batford Corner www.harpen den.gov.uk 1 Dec

An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent! – choose from below or make up your own 1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event

Zoe took biscuits to school

12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will ﬁnd it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!

Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas! Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .

December

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ADVENT CALENDAR

Herts