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In this issue:
From your Editor… It feels good to see the fresh green leaves emerging on the trees and shrubs as you walk the walk (or drive the drive) to school. It sets you up for the day whilst also reminding you to start planning activities and child care for the holidays, which is where Families Herts comes into its own! Unusually, this year the Easter weekend and the school holidays are out of sync, so your children may have to go back to school between the two. Nevertheless, despite the vagaries of the Gregorian calendar, we have worked hard to bring you lots of ideas and activities to help you have a hoppy Easter (25th-28th March) and a fun spring school holiday (2nd – 17th April). Of course, it’s not all choccies and daffs. In our Education section Liat Hughes-Joshi, a journalist specialising in parenting matters, gives tips on how to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy and how to support them with their homework. On the health front, Radhika Holmstrom, talks us through some of the most common skin problems children can have as well as a brief look at allergies Last, but not least, we have three fab competitions. Make sure you enter – you never know – it could be YOU!
News & Views: 3 Education: 6 Easter Crafts: 9 Easter & Spring Fun: 10 Competitions: 14 Family Travel: 15 Health: 16 What’s On: 17
Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue.
Image credit: ©noblige www.depositphotos.com
Shelley
Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk Next Issue: May/June 2016 Copy deadline: 6th April
News & Views World Book Day - Thursday 3rd March On World Book Day (WBD), in partnership with schools all over the country and with the support of publishers and booksellers, more than 14 million £1 book tokens will be distributed to children across the UK and Ireland. And, yes, you really can buy a book (or an audio book) for £1 or, if you prefer, you can put your token towards the cost of a full priced book. There are a total of ten £1 books graded according to age to choose from. This year’s titles are: Pre-School: Kipper’s Visitor by Mick Inkpen; Supertato to the Rescue by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. KS1: Daisy and the Trouble with Jack by Kes Gray; The Great Mouse Plot by Roald Dahl. KS2: Welcome to the World of Norm
by Jonathan Meres; Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space by Cavan Scott; Harper and the Sea of Secrets by Cerrie Burnell; The Boy Who Could Do What He Liked by David Baddiel. KS3: Spot the Difference by Juno Dawson; Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell Just pop in to your local participating bookshop and exchange your token for your chosen book. Local independent book shops taking part are David’s Bookshop (Letchworth), Leaf (Hertford) and Chorleywood Bookshop. Other large stores and chains taking part are Tesco, Waterstones and W H Smith. Your WBD book tokens are valid until Sunday 27th March 2016.
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Visit www.worldbookday.com for reviews and information about the titles and to browse a map of participating shops.
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News & Views A chance to work from home with Forever Living Products Kezia Luckett had just posted a photo of herself snuggled with her young son who was off school feeling poorly when she was asked what she did for a living. When she answered, the reply she got was “You are so lucky”. Kezia explains: “I don’t believe in luck, I believe in making your own. Five years ago I left my well paid job in pharma and started my own business. It grew dramatically and was a big success, but I felt miserable. The flexibility I had enjoyed in the early years was lost as I worked a 70-hour week. In the words of my 6 year old I had a morphed into “a grumpy mummy.
I had to make a change. Was it difficult? Yes, at the time. Was it the right decision? Most definitely. I still work with time poor, busy professionals but now I can offer them a solution. An opportunity to work from home, as I do, with flexibility to build a career around their children with support and guidance.” To find out more call Kezia on 07810 517739 or email Kezia@kezialuckett.com
Big Garden Birdwatch – The Results If you were one of the 585,000 people who took part in January’s Big Garden Birdwatch. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) has now published the findings from the survey which, worryingly, shows that some species are still on the decline. Starlings and house sparrows have both seen a drop in their populations by 80% and 58% respectively since the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979. Their decline is put
down to changes in farm management and the loss of suitable habitats. To find out more about birds and bird life go to www.rspb.org.uk
Four heads are better than one
News from Little Kickers
With the educational landscape changing rapidly and with schools being encouraged to create partnerships to provide additional resilience and capacity and to embrace educational challenge, four local primary schools (Fleetville Infant and Junior School, Mandeville Primary School and Chaulden Junior School) have formed a new partnership to create a new multi-academy trust, The Spiral Partnership Trust, providing education to over 1,300 children. The new partnership enables four Head Teachers to join forces and work together to innovate, inspire and share good practice. The schools will also share services, providing economies of scale that will save money whilst also improving the quality of provision for local children and their families. The four schools are all judged to be good and outstanding by Ofsted. Each school will still retain its own head teacher, governing body and its individual character. To find out more go to: www.spiral.herts.sch.uk
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Paul Stokes, the British Franchise Association (BFA) HSBC Micro-business Franchisee of the Year, has taken over the Stevenage and Hatfield Little Kickers classes. This is in addition to his existing classes in Hitchin, Baldock and Stotfold. Paul is looking forward to expanding across central and southern Herts in the near future. This is great news for the kids, as together with the thriving Little Kickers and Little Rugby classes run by Jamie Lustigman in Harpenden, Hemel, Redbourn, Berkhamsted and St Albans, it means the UK's leading preschool football classes will soon be available throughout Herts. Little Kickers offer fun filled football classes for boys and girls aged 18 months to 7 years. There are four age categories with tailored classes for each group providing a fun positive introduction to sport for your little one. To find out more call Paul (01462 632 084) or Jamie (020 8440 6195) or visit www. littlekickers.co.uk or www.littlerugby.co.uk.
Lead found on playground equipment Paint with up to 40 times the recommended safe levels of lead has been found on playground equipment. The journal 'Science of the Total Environment' studied the equipment and said that the levels might post a significant risk to children’s health. The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Plymouth who tested paint in 50 play areas in parks across England. European rules drawn up in 1977 say that paint used on children’s equipment should contain no more than 0.25% lead. However, the scientists found some parks with up to 10% lead in the paint. Reader in Environmental Science, Dr. Andrew Turner, from Plymouth University said that the levels were avoidable. “You’d expect the older playgrounds to be more dangerous as people have become more aware of the dangers of lead but our findings suggest this isn’t the case,” he said. Ingestion of lead can lead to brain damage and learning difficulties.
Wear your hat on Wear a Hat Day – 24th March If you’ve not already saved the day, save it now! Wear A Hat Day is a fun-filled, annual brain tumour awareness and fund raising event helping to support research. The organiser, Brain Tumour Research, is asking families and children and schools across the UK to put Thursday 24th March in their diaries and don a hat to support the cause. Involving families and school children in the campaign is poignant, given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members and teachers, and in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer. Schools, nurseries, organisations and individuals can all find out how to register and take part at www.wearahatday.org
Grant boosts outdoor learning at Margaret Wix Primary School The Margaret Wix Primary School in St Albans has recently been awarded a grant of £6,000 to develop an outdoor classroom and reading area in its playground. The donation Image courtesy of CM Photographycomes from Club www.cmsnapshots.co.uk Batchwood (www. clubbatchwood. com), part of The Deltic Group (www.delticgroup.co.uk). Deltic set up the Echo Trust (www.echotrust.org) in 2002 with the purpose of awarding grants to children’s charities. Since then it has raised over £2.5 million to help children in local communities all over the UK. Club Batchwood Manager, Peter Bell said: "We get fantastic support from our customers and staff team who support the Echo Trust with donations. We’re delighted the Trust agreed our grant request.” Margaret Wix Head Teacher, Damien Johnston, said: “We’re grateful for this generous grant. The school has worked hard over the last few years to develop reading across the school and at home through the implementation of the ‘Give Me Ten’ programme. ‘Give Me Ten’ focuses on encouraging parents to spend ten minutes every day reading with their child so that they are more likely to enjoy and embrace it.
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Education How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy By Liat Hughes Joshi
Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and are of course crucial to later life too. Here are some ideas to give these key skills a boost.
Find out about the methods their school uses Reading and numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so it’s certainly worth finding out how their school does things to avoid confusing your child.
Let tech teach There are some brilliant educational apps and websites with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum or at least use British English. [Link: https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/ locations/national/education-childcare/ education-andschools/eight-of-thebest-educationalapps-for-primaryschool-children]
Encourage reading
A little extra learning at home can work wonders… In busy classrooms of 30 pupils, teachers understandably can struggle to provide oneon-one attention. By working on specific areas with your child, you can make a huge difference. Keep it sensible– even ten or fifteen minutes a day can have an impact yet still leaves hours for playing.
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Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need nudging to get the reading bug. At first encourage any reading at all – comics, magazines, the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Home in on your child’s interests and give them books relating to these.
Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak maths and literacy into day-to-day life and you can improve skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the restaurant bill, playing snakes and ladders, or writing a postcard to the grandparents can all help.
The Ultimate Homework Guide Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips. By Liat Hughes Joshi Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. So how can you make it run as smoothly as possible?
Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm or whenever works for you both; consistency is key.
Help yes, but don’t do it for them! As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and reasonably quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You might also have to clarify what a question means or provide support if they are stuck. But do remember it is their homework not yours!
How much is too much? Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.
Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).
Berkhamsted Schools Group Open Morning and entry criteria for early years Berkhamsted Day Nursery (5 months – rising 3 year olds) has places available from September 2016 offering families a minimum of 3 extended days or 4 school days. To find out more call 01442 358276. Children attending the Berkhamsted Day Nursery are offered priority entry to Berkhamsted Pre-Prep which is now taking registrations for Stepping Stones Nursery Class (age 3+) for 2017 and 2018. With high demand for places, early registration at the Pre-Prep is recommended. Berkhamsted Pre-Prep has non-selective entry at age 3+, however, there is age appropriate testing for any child entering the school at Year 2 (age 6+). This is to ensure that any pupil entering at the top of the Pre-Prep will be able to cope with the pace of the Key Stage Two curriculum as they transfer to the Prep school at Year 3 (age 7+). Pre-Prep pupils moving up to the Prep school are not assessed, however, external applicants entering at Years 3 and 5 will need to meet the entry criteria to gain a place. The next Open Morning for the Day Nursery, Pre-Prep or Prep is on Friday 4th March 9am-12noon. To book a place call 01442 358001. www.berkhamsteddaynursery.org and www.berkhamstedschool.org
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Education
St Christopher School At St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City they help children between the ages of 3 and 18 become selfdisciplined, self-motivated, independent learners who develop into creative thinkers able to make informed choices. St Christopher School has
high expectations of all its students who are expected to display excellent behaviour and maximum effort at all times, whilst working together and enjoying their time at school. The School is situated on a purpose built campus of 38 acres. The highly qualified staff use the very best resources to engage and enthuse the students. If you have never visited before do take a look – you’ll be amazed at what you find. The next Open Morning is on Saturday 23rd April 9.30am–1.00pm. To find out more or arrange a private tour call 01462 650947, email admissions@stchris.co.uk or go to www.stchris.co.uk
Inspiring tuition– free trial session!
Abbots Hill School
work in partnership with parents to ensure that pupils have everything they need to succeed. In the purpose-built Nursery and Pre-School, girls and boys from 6 months to 4 years have had serious fun learning about the ocean. The EYFS framework promotes learning through play, and more structured learning is introduced so that children are ready for their next school stage.
Abbot’s Hill was alive with activity as students launched into the Cosmic Classroom with Tim Peake, and the girls are excited about exploring habitats during Science Week in March. Care and support are critical for children to achieve their best in school, at home and during after school activities. At Abbots Hill School teachers
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Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out about the benefits of
Explore Learning membership. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.
The next Open Day is on Saturday 5th March at 10am until 12pm. No need to book. Or email registrar@abbotshill. herts.sch.uk to arrange another suitable time. Find out more at www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk
Easter Crafts Easter Egg Bunny You’ll need: 1 hard-boiled egg Yellow and white felt PVA glue Felt-tip pens in yellow, orange and black
1. Take a freshly cooked and cooled hardboiled egg. 2. Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ear shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.
Simple Easter crafts for children
3. Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them.
4. Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be. 5. Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.
Bunny Ears You’ll need: White cardboard Grey and pink paint Scissors PVA glue An Alice band
Egg Bunting You’ll need: Plain white paper Poster paints Stickers Glitter Glue Scraps of paper, fabric and wool Mini pegs String
1. Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper.
4. Use some glue to create lines or shapes
2. Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs; stripes and circles work well.
5. When the egg shapes are dry, hang them
3. Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics
and stickers to make the eggs even more decorative.
and scatter the glitter for the final touch.
on a piece of string with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the string through a hole in the top of each egg.
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Get the kids to paint sheets of paper plain grey or plain pink Help your children (using child-safe scissors) to cut out larger grey ear shapes and smaller pink ear shapes from the painted paper. Be sure to leave a longer bit of paper at the bottom of the grey shapes Stick the pink inners on the grey ears. Next, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.
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Easter & Spring Fun Spring at Hatfield Park Farm During March, April and May, visitors to Hatfield Park Farm will be able to see all of the new spring arrivals. There will be lambs, kids, chicks and, hopefully, a few cute curly tailed piglets too! Pop into the lambing marquee where families can see the most recent deliveries on the farm. The very youngest lambs and kids will stay with their mothers in the marquee before joining the rest of the herd out in the paddocks. Also, the farm now incorporates Herts Goat Sanctuary to provide a safe place to call home to rescued, lonely goats from Hertfordshire and beyond. To find our more go to www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk
Sandpit Easter with The Little Digger’s This year marks the 15th anniversary of the theatre’s opening and during Easter the Sandpit has some lovely activities planned. Blunderbus Children’s Theatre Company return with a new adaptation of ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,’ a timeless tale especially for little sorcerers aged 3 - 7 and their grown-ups. Plus, there is a showing of ‘Hop’, the perfect film for Easter. Look out for fun Easter arts and craft workshops too! For more details or to book go to www. sandpittheatre.co.uk or call 01727 799565
Best Theatre Arts Best Theatre Arts is launching into another year of fantastic holiday courses. For rising 4 to 6 year olds, ‘Happy Feet’ will be heard tapping away from 4-8 April. For 6 to 16 year olds there will be 'Pantomonium' as many familiar stories collide! It's an energetic, funpacked week leading to a unique show in the SandPit Theatre on the last day. In the summer there are three weeks to choose from, each with a special theme
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Barracudas Activity Camp Barracudas offers peace of mind for working parents during the Easter & summer holidays. After achieving 10 ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings in 2015, Barracudas will have over 35 camps operating during 2016. With action packed programmes and lots of varied activities, including: archery, swimming, fencing and arts & crafts; there is plenty to keep children entertained. This Easter Barracudas are open at: Bishop’s Stortford College, Queen Elizabeth Boy’s School (Barnet), Abbotts Hill School (Hemel Hempstead), Haileybury (Hertford), Watford Grammar School for Boys and Sherrardswood School (Welwyn Garden City). During the summer they will also be at St Christopher School (Letchworth Garden City) and Sandringham School (St Albans). To find out more call 0845 123 5299 or go to www.barracudas.co.uk
around which the show is built by the students. These courses are extremely popular so early booking is advised. Best's term-time courses are going from strength to strength. Their production of 'Histeria' is about to hit the stage in March, just after Best School of Acting's performance of 'Acting Out' at Trestle Arts Base - a typically busy and dynamic term! To find out more or to book call 01727 759634 or go to www.besttheatrearts.com
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Easter & Spring Fun BASECAMP
Stanborough Park Holiday Club
Make Berkhamsted your BASECAMP this Easter. BASECAMP at Berkhamsted School offers day camps for children aged 3 to 16 years and aims to make every school holiday fun. Various camps are available, from a multiactivity camp to a selection of sporting camps, including tennis with Langley Tennis Club. Popular courses back at Easter are: IT Computing Skills, Netball Roadshow in association with Activate Sport and Beverley Glock’s cookery school ‘Easter Baking’. There’s Mini-BASECAMP for children from 3 to 5 years, with all activities suited to little ones. BASECAMP runs during every school holiday and offers a wrap-around care option from 7.30am until 6.30pm. To find out more go to www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk.
Kool Kidz Camps
Sportspace Keeping children entertained during holidays is a challenge (not to mention expensive!) but Sportspace have the perfect programme of value-for-money holiday activities. Here’s a taster…
Kool Kidz are a very well established provider of action packed holiday camps for children aged 4-12 years. They offer parents superb childcare as well as a ‘special treat’ for children during school holidays. They were awarded with an ‘Outstanding’ grading from Ofsted in 2014 and have continued to go from strength to strength. Kool Kidz pride themselves on listening carefully to the children’s needs and their requirements and they develop the camps on that basis thereby ensuring the children feel valued. Daily activities are planned to reflect the diversity of the children, ensuring fun for all participants. In the dedicated over 8s and under 8s rooms activities are age appropriate. The staff are qualified, professional and very enthusiastic and all are DBS checked. Find out more at www. koolkidzgroup.co.uk or call 01582 723449
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Fun activities - From ‘Dinky Dunks’ for 3-4 year olds to cookery workshops for ages 7-12 years. These programmes run at multiple sites and last for a minimum of two hours. Sports activities – Choose from: trampolining, tennis, football, badminton, dance, golf and fencing. Depending on the activity, they cater for ages 5-14 and start at £7 per session. Water fun and courses - Cool off the kids with some water-based activities. There’s commando run and ice adventure for competent swimmers and crash courses for those who need to build their water confidence. Extreme sports – Do you have an adrenaline seeker at home? Then the XC, the extreme sports centre, is for them. Climbing, caving, skateboarding and high ropes sessions are all available. To find out more call 01442 507100 or go to www.sportspace.co.uk or www.thexc.co.uk
Stanborough Park is a special place, set in 126 acres of Green Flag Award winning parkland just off the A1. The Activity Centre offers a unique setting for a wide range of water sports and land activities, including: Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Rafting, Fishing, Archery, Rowing Boats, Power Boating, Team Building and more. If you are not sure what you want to try, the Activity Centre also offers: A multi-activity Holiday Club during the school holidays Family/youth taster sessions in all activities Adult and youth Nationally Recognised Courses (RYA & BC) Unique party packages if you have a birthday or special occasion to celebrate. Safety is a high priority and the centre is licensed by the Activities Adventure Licensing Authority (AALA) and is registered with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoeing (BC). To find out more call 01707 379860 or email stanboroughpark@finesseleisure.com.
Super Camps put magic into the Easter holidays Looking for something for your children to do this Easter? Then Super Camps daily activity camps are the perfect way to put a bit of magic into the holidays. The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and their 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating gives you the assurance that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities. Hertfordshire camps: Heath Mount School (Hertford) 4th - 8th April; St Francis' College (Letchworth Garden City) 4th - 8th April; The Royal Masonic School for Girls (Rickmansworth) 4th - 15th April To find out more go to www.supercamps.co.uk
Soft Play City Enjoy unlimited play for up to six hours every day at Soft Play City! They offer a clean and safe environment, with three dedicated age zones; baby, toddler and junior. Humphrey’s, the on site café serves Starbucks coffee and a range of tasty food and snacks. Soft Play City can also host your party. You can have exclusive use Soft Play City for 2 hours of play for 60 children and unlimited adults with unlimited squash throughout. Customise your party with the addition of party food and bags. Get a FREE zebra card and get 15% discount on entry and at Humphrey’s Café. For more details got to www.softplaycity.co.uk
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Easter & Spring Competitions Win a Family Ticket to see
‘The Railway Children’ This Easter Monday (28th March), 400 cinemas nationwide will screen The Railway Children, a film of York Theatre Royal’s production performed in summer 2015. This delightful film captures every moment of the fast-paced production. The Railway Children follows the story of Roberta (Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis, three
Credit: Rozzi Nicholson-Lailey (Roberta) & Rob Angell (Father) ©Anthony Robling)
sheltered siblings who suffer a huge upheaval when their father, who works for the Foreign Office, is taken away from their London home and imprisoned (wrongly). Shame and financial hardship force the family to leave London for rural Yorkshire where they live in a cottage near a railway line. The story deals with themes of justice, the importance of family and the kindness of strangers. Writer, Mike Kenny, says, “It has the wrongful arrest, the selling of state secrets. There’s a mother taking the children a long way away, and not communicating with them about it. The children end up building relationships with people they’d normally never have met, so there’s an interesting class tension there.” For full details go to www.railwaychildrenfilm.com. See the trailer at www.railwaychildrenfilm.com/trailer Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. The prize is one of two Family Tickets (each for 4 people and can be used by 1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children). One showing will be at the ODEON Hatfield and the other at Cineworld Stevenage. Closing date: 20th March
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Win a Family Ticket to
Paradise Wildlife Park Hop over to Paradise Wildlife Park this Easter with lots of Egg-citing things to do and see! Every day during the holiday a different animal will get to open their very own Easter egg; watch the Eggcitement on their adorable faces when they tuck into their special treats. There will also be children’s competitions and arts & crafts to enjoy. Those little monkeys will definitely want to run wild in the new undercover play area, where they can hop around on the giant bouncy castle or race down the rainbow slide! If that isn’t enough, there are over 400 beautiful animals to discover. Make sure you visit the newest additions to Paradise; the cute baby penguins and the stunning snow leopard! Paradise operates a Station Car service to and from Broxbourne station which is £3 return and is only 3 miles from Paradise. Until 1st May 2016 you can save £10 on entry when booking your tickets online when using code FAMILIES10*.
For tickets and information go to www.pwpark.com *T&C’s: Use code FAMILIES10 and save £10 on entry when booking online. Minimum spend of £40 required. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other order. Only valid for online purchases. Valid until 01.05.16. No cash value. For a chance to win one of three Family Tickets** enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 31st March 2016 **A Family Ticket is strictly for 2 adults and 2 children.
Win a Family Ticket to the Beltane Summer Festival The Beltane Summer Festival is on Sunday 1st May at Celtic Harmony Camp, the Iron Age settlement near Hertford. Beltane is one of the biggest Gaelic fire festivals, a time of renewed hope when the Celts celebrated the coming of summer. The word ‘Beltane’ means 'fires of Bel' (Bel was a Celtic deity). Get involved in celebration of Beltane. The festivities will include live music, hog roast, Archery, drumming workshops and performances from Fire Breathing to Story Telling, Bush craft to Owl Displays. Try your hand at a range of craft activities such as making Celtic Dreamcatchers and Beltane Crowns and take part in the spectacular Beltane Fire Procession.
To find out more about the Beltane Festival go to www.celticharmony.org and click on the ‘For Families’ tab. For a chance to win one of two Family Tickets enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk Closing date: 10th April
Family Travel
Are we there yet? Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids By Sally J. Hall
Travelling long distances with kids can be tricky. They get bored, they need entertaining, they argue and they think even a short journey is the longest ever! Here are some ways to get there without going grey in the process. Create a magical destination If the children know where you’re going and what they’ll find when you get there, they can be more enthusiastic about the journey. Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet they can fill in with things they spot and have a ‘prize’ when they get there for being good.
Pack Snacks Kids get bored if energy levels drop, so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. However, let the front passenger control these so they don’t eat them all at once. Always save sweet treats until last and make sure drinks are in spill-proof cups.
Play Games Why not play the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice - on pub signs, shops, etc. - and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize. You can also have endless discussions about whether mythical creatures like dragons count or not. Alternatively, spot coloured cars – yellow and blue are unusual enough to be worth it.
Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of tablets at home, this is when they are worth their weight in gold. Give each child their favourite
film, and of course headphones. If you only have one tablet, you can buy an inexpensive converter for two sets of headphones. Then you don’t have to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times. If they are getting really stir crazy, classical music can calm them. Try Mozart clarinet and string concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or Classic FM.
Know where you’re going Make sure you have directions to where you’re going or invest in a Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your smartphone, or alternatively get a helping hand from the AA (aa.com).
Other essential tips: Travel at a time when your children would usually be sleeping or napping. Take plenty of loo breaks and a portable potty. Take exercise breaks to allow them to let off steam. Some service stations have play rooms. Take a change of clothing. If your child gets car sick, encourage them to look at the horizon and pack a few plastic bags! Take some colouring books and pens or pencils, sticker books and games. Take pillows and blankets.
Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).
Keep a mini first aid kit in the car. Allow more time than you need to allow for traffic jams.
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Health
Skincare for kids We’ve triaged them, so you don’t have to…some of the common skin problems parents encounter By Radhika Holmstrom
Treat at home
Everyone’s heard of an ‘allergic reaction’ but what does it mean? What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? An ‘allergic reaction’ isn’t caused by the ‘allergen’ but by your immune system reacting to something. These defence chemicals produce symptoms like inflammation and irritation and at worst anaphylactic shock, with a rash and swelling in the throat which can cut off the airways.
Apply unperfumed, gentle moisturiser and use wash products specifically designed for kids – the more natural, the better. Most of the lotions and creams you’ll find are based on petroleum jelly but if you’d prefer a more natural option, there are lots of gentle oil-based products available. Just remember that essential oils can also irritate. Plain coconut oil works well.
Keep an eye on Eczema Start by using lots – and we mean lots – of gentle, un-fragranced moisturiser (see if you can get this on prescription). But if you spot cracking or other signs of infection, get to the doctor, as a topical steroid cream may be needed on prescription. Avoid: using over-the-counter aqueous cream as a moisturiser, as it can irritate. It’s designed for the bath. Try: a quick body-search. If your child has five palm’s worth of eczema, it’s likely to be more than just a ‘mild’ case.
Warts and verrucas When treating them, make sure the product you buy is suitable for children – check with the pharmacist. These usually look nastier than they are but if they become bothersome or change in some way, see the GP. Try: putting a little piece of duct tape over the wart/verruca. Every six days, remove and
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How intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a misery By Radhika Holmstrom
Dry skin
Avoid: olive oil, especially for babies. It’s not great for the skin barrier (so might lead to a nastier skin condition). Try: oats in the bath (put them in a knotted popsock to keep them from turning it into porridge) for a cut-price skin soother.
Annoying or deadly?
Could it be my child – and what should I do? If your child’s showing an allergic reaction to foods, take them to the GP and a referral to a consultant. If they do have an allergy, they will be prescribed an EpiPen (it injects adrenaline into the body to relax airways and muscles so they can breathe) but get them straight to hospital too. You must also avoid the allergen. soak the wart, and scrub off dead skin with an emery board. It may do the job naturally… Avoid: putting wart treatments which contain salicylic acid on a child’s face.
Take to the doctor Impetigo These itchy sores aren’t too serious but they’re unpleasant and highly contagious, so get to the GP for antibiotic creams or tablets, which will clear them up quickly.
Psoriasis This isn’t always serious – it’s the result of a build-up of skin cells – but it can be and of course the flaky patches can be quite upsetting to live with too. The recommendation is that you see the GP, who should be able to offer treatments from creams to UV light therapy.
For more advice and tips on dealing with skin problems in children, visit the NHS website and search for skin problems in babies http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skinrash-babies
Intolerance Some people have a food ‘intolerance’ and get a reaction but not an allergic one. Intolerances are harder to identify and there are only a few reliable tests. They are not life-threatening. Talk to the GP and get a referral to a dietitian, especially if you suspect coeliac disease.
Don’t DIY Allergies can be deadly. Don’t diagnose it yourself, or with the help of a ‘kit’ from a company. Get the professionals on board. You may find it’s different from the one you suspected; and you may find that your child doesn’t have an allergy or an intolerance at all.
Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.
What's On Easter Weekend BARCLAY PARK Park View, Hoddesdon, EN11 8PX www.broxbourne.gov.uk Easter Egg Hunt 26 Mar - 1-3pm Easter family fun. Cost: £2 per child
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Traditional Easter 25-28 Mar 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) Bring the family to take part in some Easter crafts, make an Easter treat, join the Easter egg hunt, meet costumed re-enactors in the Museum’s historic buildings. Standard admission: £10. Conc £9. 4-16 yrs £6.50. Under 4 yrs free. Family tickets available. Special event prices may vary.
HARPENDEN COMMON St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT www.harpenden.gov.uk Easter Funfair 25-28 Mar Lots of Easter fun to be had.
HATFIELD PARK FARM Hatfield House Hatfield, AL9 5NQ 01707 287101 www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk
Easter Fun 28 Mar Quizzes, trails and Easter bunny hunt. Entry included with Farm admission
HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com Pongo's Party 26 Mar - 2pm Featuring the voice (not in person) of TV favourite Justin Fletcher as Pongo the Pig! The show uses Makaton signing with singing so all can join in. Ages 2-7. Cost: £9.50. Family £36
Easter Egg Hunt 25-28 Mar – 10am-5pm Baby Boom 25 Mar-10 Apr – 10am-5pm Meet the new arrivals this season. Enjoy fun, educational talks about the newborns. From £5
LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Easter Egg Hunt 26 Mar - 10am-3pm Follow the trails around the museum to claim your chocolate prize!
KNEBWORTH HOUSE
RIVER LEE COUNTRY PARK
Knebworth Park, Knebworth, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Easter Trail 25-26 Mar Complete the Easter Trail around the Garden to claim a reward. Normal admission applies, £1 for trail sheet Jousting 27-28 Mar Cheer for your favourite knights as they joust in front of Knebworth House. Jousting is included in the Knebworth Gardens & Park admission tickets
Showground, Highbridge Street, Essex EN9 1AB oakleighfairs.co.uk Easter Country Fair 27-28 Mar – 10am-5pm Fun-packed country show. £7.50. Concs £6. 3-16 yrs £3. Family £19
RIVERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE Riverside, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1BT Easter Fun 26 Mar - 11am-4pm Easter treasure hunt around the Centre and meet the Easter Bunny for free chocolate.
SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, Nr Royston, SG8 6PZ 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Easter Egg Hunt 25-28 Mar Cost: Normal admission applies
VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Easter Drop-in Craft Activities 26 Mar - 2-4pm Egg hunt. Make a special Easter headdress. Ages 3-7 (with adult). Cost: £1 (Museum entry charge applies to non- residents)
LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/ farms
Say you saw it in
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What's On WARE PRIORY
BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP
Priory Street, Ware, SG12 0DE www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Easter Fun 26 Mar – 1.30-3.30pm Egg decorating competition. Open to all. Prizes for the best entries. Plus, egg hunt in the Priory grounds for under 8s.
Berkhamsted School, Doctor's Common Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 3DW 01442 358115, www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk 29 Mar - 11 Apr Berkhamsted BaseCamp Basecamp offers children a very wide choice of specialist courses and multi-activity camps.
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Easter Eggstravaganza 19-28 Mar Choc-o-bloc family fun with the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg and Bunny Hunts, shows, adventure play & farmyard fun.
WIMPOLE ESTATE Arrington, Royston, SG8 0BW 01223 206000 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate Easter Egg Hunt 25 Mar-8 Apr - 10.30am-5pm Wimpolena, the Wimpole goose, has hatched her eggs but the naughty goslings have run off into the grounds looking for chocolate eggs. Find the goslings to claim an egg! Cost: £2 per trail (cash only). Admission free to gardens & farm for NT members, normal admission applies for non- members
Spring Holiday Activities & Events Activity Day Camps ASHWELL STAGE SCHOOL EASTER WORKSHOP Ashwell Village Hall 20 West End, Ashwell, SG7 5PJ 07903 058568, ashwellstageschool@gmail.com 4- 8 Apr Create a show in a week! Based around the land of Far Far Away from the movie Shrek. Suitable for all abilities. Ages 4-13, Cost: Week £165. Day £40. Sibling discount & funding available
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DOWN THE WOODS 07951 009613 www.downthewoods.org Hollybush Wood, Hammonds Lane, St Albans, AL4 9BG Wild in the Woods Play Scheme 5-12 Apr - 10am-3pm (or 10am-12noon) Climb, build, dig, create, cook, play, make, swing and explore in the woods. Cost: Day £25. Morning £15. Plus a booking fee.
GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Drama Camp (Oliver!) 4-7 Apr - 10am-4pm 8 Apr - 9am-12pm Explore drama, music, singing, dance and visual art activities to bring the musical story of ‘Oliver!’ to life. Ages 6-12 Cost: £99. £20 reduction for sibling Drama Camp (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) 11-14 Apr - 10am-4pm 15 Apr - 9am-12pm Ages 6-12 Cost: £99. £20 reduction for sibling.
HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE 231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Easter Activities 4-15 Apr Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, archery, climbing, fencing, bush craft, caving, raft building. No experience necessary. Cost: £15 per session or £120 for the week
KOOL KIDZ CAMPS Sandridge Primary School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9EB www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk
4-15 Apr Fun multi activity camp for ages 4-12 year. Book for half days, full days or the whole week.
SUPER CAMPS www.supercamps.co.uk Multi activity camps offering sports, crafts and activities. 4-8 Apr At St Francis' College, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3PJ 4-13 Apr At Westbrook Hay Prep School, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RF 4-8 Apr At Heath Mount School, Woodhall Park, Watton-at-Stone, Hertford, SG14 3NG
THE JOHN WARNER SPORTS CENTRE Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0QG 01992 445375 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Kidz Klub 4-15 Apr - 8.30am-5.30pm Activities include sports, trampolining, bouncy castle & more. Ofsted registered holiday club for ages 5-12 years. Cost: £22 per day (£19 per day in advance) Kidz Trampolining 4-5 Apr, 11-12 Apr 11.30am-1pm A two-day course for ages 6+. Cost: £6.60 per session
Short Activity Sessions ARTSKOOL www.artskool-kids.com An arty morning drawing, painting, clay, music, pass the art prize parcel. Ages 4-12. Drop off sessions. 5, 12 Apr At Welwyn Civic Centre Prospect Place, Welwyn, AL6 9ER 6-7, 13-14 Apr At Artscape, Unit 8 Southdown Industrial Estate, Harpenden, AL5 1PW Cost: £15 per child (2 children at same session £25)
HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 hertfordmuseum.org Exotic Animals! 5-7, 12-14 Apr -10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Craft activities inspired by the exotic animals in the Museum's collection. Drop in. Cost: £1.50 per child
CELTIC HARMONY CAMP Brickendon Lane, Brickendon nr Hertford, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org Discover Archery 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 Apr 10am-12noon, 12noon-2pm Experience the thrill of pulling back a bow and shooting an arrow into the target. Take part as a family or watch your children learn a new sport. Learn the basics and develop technique as you are taught by experienced Archery Instructors. Suitable for ages 7 years plus and adults. Held in the Archer Barn.
LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Family Fun 7, 14 Apr - 12-3pm Family crafts. Make a Police/ Fire Officer's Helmet (7/4). Make an Emergency Vehicle (14/4). Drop in Cost: £1 per child
MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUM Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Bake a Spiced Bun 5 Apr - 10am-12noon, 1-3pm Make your own spiced bun to eat using Mill Green Flour. Cost: £1 per piece of dough Bake a Bread Roll 6 Apr - 10am-12noon, 1-3pm Make your own bread roll. Cost: £1 per piece of dough Art & Craft with Grain 7 Apr – 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm Ages 4+ Cost: £3 per child per workshop Prehistory Week Crafts 12-14 Apr - 1 hour workshops: 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm Make jewelry and a Celtic mirror (Tues). Cave Art (Weds). Clay pots, arrow & axe heads or even make Stonehenge (Thurs). Ages 4+. Cost: £3 per child per workshop
STEVENAGE MUSEUM St George's Way, Stevenage, SG1 1XX 01438 218881 www.stevenage.gov.uk Children's Art Club 2 Apr – 10.45am-12noon Ages 8-12 Cost: £2 per child, free for concessions
THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE 01442 228091 toth.dacorum.gov.uk Half Term Hols, Full Time Fun 7, 8 Apr - 10am-1pm Fun Dance, craft-making, storytelling. Ages 5-8 (adult must stay). Book in advance. Cost: £15
VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW, 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Crafty Capers 7-8, 14-15 Apr - 2-4pm Craft activities for ages 3-11 (with adult). Drop-in. Cost: £1 (plus normal entry charge for non-residents) Saxons vs Vikings 9 Apr - 1-5pm Battle re-enactment using model soldiers. 5 yrs+ (with adult). Drop in. Cost: Free (Entry charge to Museum for non-residents applies)
Theatre Shows and Days Out ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Mission Impudseyble 4 Apr – 3pm, 6.30pm. 5 Apr - 1.30pm, 4.30pm An interactive spy adventure starring Britain’s Got Talent winners, Ashleigh and Pudsey. Cost: £18. Conc £15. Family £60 Mister Maker 11 Apr - 1pm See arts & craft hero Mister Maker on his live tour! Cost: £13.50. Under 16s £10 Chris & Pui 13 Apr - 11am, 2pm CBeebies' Chris & Pui in their new stage show. Songs, sketches and a dash of magic. Ages 2+. Cost: £12. Child £10. Family £40
BACH TO BABY www.bachtobaby.com 19 Apr - 10.30am All Saints' Church, Hockerill, Stansted Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 2DY Take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding
musicians, with your youngsters in tow. Tots can dance and roam whilst reveling in the music. Have a coffee and mingle for 30 mins before concert starts. Cost: £12. Children free.
longbow to the gun. Young visitors can enjoy joining in the Children’s Bill Drill. Standard admission: £10. Conc £9. 4-16 yrs £6.50. Under 4 yrs free. Family tickets available. Special event prices may vary.
BUBBLE RUSH 5K FUN RUN 17 Apr - 11am Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AQ www.stfrancis.org.uk Walk or dance through bubble stations as you are blasted by cannons firing safe frothy foam. With a super slide so you can slip'n'slide the finish line! Any age, child friendly route (under 12s must be with a full paying adult). Live entertainment, children's rides and snacks. Fundraiser for The Hospice of St Francis. Sign up online. Cost: £25. Under 16s £7.50. Includes t-shirt & medal. Under 3s free (no t-shirt)
CELTIC HARMONY CAMP Brickendon Lane, Brickendon nr Hertford, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org Beginner Archery Course 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar - 12noon-2pm Learn Archery and shoot at Olympic style round targets. This course takes place over 4 consecutive Saturdays. Held in The Archery Barn. Book online. Beltane Festival 1 May - 10am to 5pm With live music, hog roast, fire breathing, story telling, bushcraft, Owl displays. Must be pre-booked. Enter the competition on page 14 to win a Family Ticket
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Suffragettes 16-17 Apr Meet Suffragettes and watch exciting demonstrations of martial arts techniques from the period. Fun on the Farm: Meet the Lambs 23-24 Apr Meet the Spring lambs and . explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold. Plus fun family craft activities. Elizabethan Adventure 1-2 May See Elizabethan duels exciting displays of artillery from the
GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk Hairy Maclary and Friends 4 Apr - 1.30pm Featuring your favourite doggy characters from the Lynley Dodd books. Cost: £12. Conc £10. Family £36
HATFIELD PARK FARM Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ 01707 287101 www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk Story Telling 2 Apr - 11am-2pm Celebrate International Children's Book Day. Included with Farm admission Birds of Prey 3, 10 Apr Included with Farm admission
HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com/ The Amazing Bubbleman 5 Apr - 2pm 'Bubbleologist', Louis Pearl explores the dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with spellbinding bubble tricks. All ages. Cost: £11. Family £42 Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales 10 Apr - 1pm, 3pm Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles. Cost: £11. Family £42 Messy Max's Kitchen Chaos 14, 15 Apr – 1pm 16 Apr - 11am The King is coming to town and Max is going to make him a cake for his birthday. Take an apron – it could get messy! Ages 2+. Cost: £8. Extra £5 for post-show meet and greet.
STANDALONE FARM Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN 01462 686775, www.ldas.org.uk LDAS Star Party 9 Apr - 8-11pm Enjoy the wonders of the night sky at the Letchworth & District Astronomical Society's observatory.
Say you saw it in
THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE 01442 228091 toth.dacorum.gov.uk King Arthur and the Inglewood 2 Apr - 11am ('relaxed' performance for those with SEN and autism), 2.30pm Deep in the enchanted forest, King Arthur is set the ultimate challenge. Ages 5+. Cost: £5.50. Dacorum Card £4
THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk The Railway Children 12 Apr - 11am, 2pm Image Musical Theatre's adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic story. Ages 5+ Cost: £9.50 The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark 15 April - 11.30am, 1.30pm Jill Tomlinson’s story with music, puppetry and storytelling. Ages 3-7. Cost: £9
THE RHODES ARTS COMPLEX & BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 651746, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk The Make It Fun-ky Show 8 Apr - 11am, 1pm Education through sensation, a festival of fun for preschoolers and families. With songs, dance and stories. Cost: £8. Conc £6. Family £24
THE SANDPIT THEATRE Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX 01727 370067 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk The Sorcerer's Apprentice 15 Apr - 11.30am, 2.30pm The timeless tale with music, puppetry, storytelling and all sorts of magical surprises! Ages 3-7. Cost: £8. Conc £6
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ 2-17 Apr Meet Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail and friends in the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. Plus all the regular Willows Activity Farm fun.
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What's On
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