FREE
Issue No. 63 July/August 2015
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Summer Sizzler Special pull-out:
Your summer life saver
Summer Offers: Butterfly World - half price child voucher Celtic Harmony Camp - ÂŁ5 entry offer Futures Fun Factory - half price child voucher Knebworth - Under 3s free Paradise Wildlife Park - Buy 1 get 1 Free Willows Activity Farm - 2 for 1 voucher
The Herts magazine with the information young families want
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In this issue:
From your Editor… If you want to pull off summer then pull out ‘Your Summer Life Saver’ – that’s all I have to say! No, not really – there’s lots to say but not much space to say it in so this missive is short but very sweet. Sweet because that’s what summer is (or should be) even if it rains, which, in this green and pleasant land, is highly likely. It’s also sweet because there is the opportunity to save a little cash by using the vouchers being offered by a number of our lovely advertisers. You have picked up our summer issue which means you have made the greatest start possible to planning your best ever summer. We have concentrated all our efforts in collating the information you need to ensure that every moment of the precious summer holiday is full and fun for the whole family. So read on and enjoy. Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue.
Shelley
News & Views: 4 Outdoor Learning: 6 Back to School: 8 Your Summer Life Saver: 9 Summer What's On: 10 Summer Sensations: 13 Next Issue: September/October Copy deadline: July 31st Image credit: © poznyakov
Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk
Clubs & Classes Feature Sept/Oct issue Our readers want to know about your clubs and classes To advertise in this popular feature call 020 8428 6384 or email editor@familiesherts.co.uk Booking closes 31st July
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News & Views Lockers Park School: A Nurturing Environment For over 140 years, Lockers Park Preparatory School has offered an excellent education for boys from the ages of 7-13. From September, this will be complemented by a new purposedesigned Pre-Prep for boys and girls aged 4-6. Nestled in 23 acres of beautiful woodland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, the Pre-Prep’s ethos, with its team of dedicated specialist staff, will reflect the culture of the Prep School, which is rooted in nurturing
TheBYTE Youth Theatre Group
Best Theatre Arts is recruiting for their new youth theatre group. They are looking for children aged 11 to 14 to succeed the current, very successful troupe, who have been invited to perform “The Boy Preference” at the National Theatre on 2nd July. “We are very proud of our youth group and their invitation to the National is a massive achievement. It’ll be the experience of a lifetime. But now we need new young members to pick up the torch from the older group and to carry our performance ambitions forward over the next few years. They’ll meet at The Maltings Arts Theatre every Wednesday evening, term-time and we’ve shown just what we can do! No auditions required, just enthusiasm and energy!” says Best’s David Bevan. Call 01727 759634 to find out more or email David at bestarts@aol.com
Cut out obesity Over 30,000 people have signed a petition by the British Heart Foundation to ban junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed. Around 30% of children in the UK are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of being overweight as an adult and developing coronary heart disease in later life. Yet loopholes in the UK regulatory system mean that junk food adverts which are banned during children’s programming can still be shown during family programming, such as X-Factor, when children’s TV viewing peaks. Find out more and sign the petition at www.bhf.org.uk
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individuality in every child. The Pre-Prep school day will be structured around developing each child’s creativity, physical skills, social interactions and confidence. With class sizes of 16 children, core subjects will be taught in differentiated, small groups, giving each child the chance to shine. Pre-Prep children can take advantage of the Prep School’s fantastic facilities including the
sports hall, swimming pool, drama and music provision plus state-of-the-art science and technology labs. For more details call 01442 251712 or visit www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk
Enter the Record Breakers challenge at your local library
There's an amazing adventure waiting for Herts children at their local library - the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge, Record Breakers. Children can join up from 11th July and the challenge, which is to read six books, runs until 5th September. Pick up a starter pack from your local library or mobile library. Children will be rewarded with stickers for
Fun United youth club opens in Royston Disability charity Papworth Trust has opened a new youth club in Royston for young people with additional needs, it’s first in Hertfordshire. The youth club is called Fun United and supports people aged 11 to 19 years old. Activities are chosen and planned by the members and may include sports, arts and crafts, cinema trips, meals out, Wii games and karaoke. The club runs on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm at the Coombes Community Centre, Burns Road, Royston, SG8 5PT. To find out more call 0800 952 5000 or email info@papworthtrust.org.uk.
the books they read. Children who complete the Challenge will be presented with a medal and certificate and their name will go into a prize draw for the chance to meet an author. The launch event at Welwyn Garden City Library on 11th July, will be lots of fun with free activities. Other events include a libraries day at the Butterfly World Project on 28th July. Go to www.record-breakers.org.uk for fun, games and the chance to link with authors and other children taking part. Find your nearest library at www.hertsdirect.org/libraries
The Big Pathwatch
The purpose of The Ramblers’ Big Pathwatch is to help to protect our paths and to help inspire the next generation of walkers, who will play a key role in protecting paths in the future. That is why The Ramblers is asking families to walk their favourite paths and report back using a smartphone app. The app will be available for download from 13th July. Using the app will enable families to share their experiences as they walk; the beautiful views, any wildlife and interesting landscapes they see, as well as noting any problems they encounter. The walking experts have also created fun, free Big Path Watch activity sheets that families can download and take out on their ramble, these activity sheets can be downloaded from www.Ramblers.org.uk/bigpathwatch
Bigger, Bolder, Hattier! Brain Tumour Research (BTR) are funding the fight, thanks to the many generous donations that flowed in after Wear A Hat Day 2015 – it was the biggest and hattiest yet. BTR feel indebted to the hundreds of schools and families who took part in this annual fundraising campaign. The commitment of those that have been touched or whose loved ones have been touched by this devastating disease is much appreciated. BTR salutes all of the efforts which have taken place in classrooms where young people, teachers, assistants, admin staff and parents have helped their pupils to bake cakes, make
and find hats and in so doing discover they can have fun whilst supporting an important cause. BTR would love to have your hats again next year, don’t forget to register at www.wearahatday.org.
: table top sales with a difference!
Balancing the finances with a new family can be very difficult. It’s a stressful time as they grow out of clothes in weeks, move on to next stage toys in months and buggies, car seats and all the other paraphernalia needs to be upgraded. Buying everything new is expensive. The solution is Lots for Tots sales, where people can sell their pre-loved items on to others who appreciate a bargain. With successful sales in Watford and Rickmansworth, Lots for Tots are now coming to Ware and Hatfield. It’s so easy to buy or sell at an event. Lots for Tots select the best venues and their easy
to use website makes it a cinch for sellers to book a table and for buyers to find the dates and venues of sales. Now that Lots for Tots have partnered with registered charity, Birth Companions and Pram Depot, sellers can choose to donate any unsold items to vulnerable new or expectant mothers. Buyers – Browse from up 40 tables under one roof and buy direct from the seller and save money. Items are often nearly new and always in good condition. Sellers – Turn up, unload, set up and keep all the profits. Lots for Tots are on hand with tips and advice. SPECIAL OFFER: Save £5 on table hire (see advert on page 2). To find out more visit www.lotsfortotssale. co.uk or email info@lotsfortotssale.co.uk
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Outdoor Learning
Nature’s Classroom By Hannah Hunter
As parents we know that children are happy in the outdoors, and once even the most cosseted of city-dwellers have got used to the damp and mud, they revel in time spent in the natural world. This applies not only to small children, but older ones too – contact with nature is known to have a positive effect on anxiety and depression in teenagers. Outdoor play can develop children’s understanding of risk, as well as testing their emotional and physical strength. Learning how high they can climb or how brave they can be, teaches them about themselves and about how they relate to the environment. Contact with nature has also been shown to increase creativity and language development. Outdoor learning could be a way to help tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity, which is directly linked to inactivity, as a child’s activity levels go up automatically when they are outdoors. Yet, many children are missing out. Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Children are spending half as much time outdoors as they were a generation ago and it cannot be unrelated that one in ten children suffer from depression. Society is starting to realise the risks that this separation from our natural environment poses to our children’s health and happiness.” Here are some options you can explore if you want to increase your child’s contact with nature.
Forest schools Inspired by Danish ‘open air life’ nurseries, the first UK Forest School was started in Somerset in 1993, at Bridgewater College
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(www.bridgwater.ac.uk/forestschool). Since then the movement has spread across the UK, with many Local Authorities employing trained Forest Schools practitioners to deliver a woodland learning experience each week, usually to primary-aged children and nurseries. In the woodland (or other natural environment) children will be supported as they develop a relationship with the natural world. The learning is child-led and children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, taking supported risks that are appropriate to their age and abilities and the environment they are in. Within this seemingly unstructured approach there is an important underlying cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review that is the responsibility of the forest school practitioner. The forest school ethos aims to foster resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. The movement’s national body is The Forest School Association www.forestschoolassociation.org)
Clubs and classes If you’re not near a forest school, there are after-school clubs and classes that can support outdoor learning. Your child’s school may offer a nature or gardening club. Both the Scouts (www.scouts.org.uk) and the Girl Guides (www.girlguiding.org.uk), offer a range of activities and camps. The less traditional Woodcraft Folk, (www.woodcraft. org.uk) focus on developing children’s connection with nature through activities exploring issues around nature and the natural environment. As well as providing accessible outside
Image © Helen Walsh
locations for school and group outings, the Wildlife Trusts (www.wildlifetrusts.org) run activities just for families and children. These are organised by local groups and range from ‘nature tots’ toddler groups to family pond-dipping days. The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (www.hertswildlifetrust.org. uk) have a full programme of activities and events. They also offer a six week forest school programme to schools that is based at Panshanger Park. Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov. uk) website has an interactive map to find a woodland near you. They also have a free app with maps and local information on camping, trails and activities. At some of their forest centres visitors can buy a pack that will take you on a ‘Superworm’ kids trail with activities for younger children. The Woodland Trust (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk) is another website worth visiting. Search ‘Hertfordshire’ for the list of 50 woods to visit. The site includes brief details of each wood. You can also leave comments about your visit and upload photographs. To get the whole family moving, you could try geocaching. The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) has set up free
trails all you need is a GPS enabled device that uses coordinates (you can use a smartphone). Download co-ordinates to find the caches (small waterproof boxes of ‘treasure’). The Trust also provide less ‘techy’ outdoor activities for families and their ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ is a good starting point. You can pledge some ‘wild time’ with your children by signing up to The Wild Network – an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with nature, at projectwildthing.com. They have a calendar of different events, and lots of fun activity ideas that will get you and your kids outdoors.
The Rudolf Steiner Woodland Parent and Child Group Enjoy and experience nature through a weekly walk in the beautiful and ancient Whippendell Wood on the edges of North Watford; see, touch and feel the changes in the seasons, witness the colours and smells of the natural environment. The group meets throughout the year during term time, whatever the weather. Sessions are only cancelled in extreme weather conditions or when temperatures are around 0°c or below with storm or blizzard conditions. Don't be discouraged by the rain! The magical sound of the rain on the leaves is joyous, and water provides another learning dimension for the children to explore. The group spends about an hour walking, stopping and playing along the way followed by circle time and a snack. The group is an opportunity for parents to observe their children learning in a natural environment. For the children, it is a chance to experience nature with their open senses, build up their stamina, develop a sense of rhythm and routine, and practice walking. Rudolf Steiner also offer a regular Parent and Baby Group and a Parent and Child Group For full details about cost, what to wear and take go to www.rsskl.org/ woodland-group
www.downthewoods.org
Down the Woods What could possibly be better than time spent down the woods; hands mud-splattered, knees dirty, eyes sparkling from the day’s adventures outside? Down the Woods knows that children (and adults!) learn best when they are engaged, excited and able to participate in new experiences for themselves. Down the Woods works in schools and nurseries across Hertfordshire and North London to provide Forest School outdoor education sessions, as well as hosting Forest School play schemes, family days and birthday parties in the woods! To join the outdoor fun with your child, head along to the monthly Saturday club held in a private St Albans woodland. The company also hosts regular holiday play-scheme days in Watford and St Albans which feature den-building, tree-climbing, use of tools, and the all-important marshmallow toasting! Information on these and all other services can be found on the website www.downthewoods.org, or by emailing info@downthewoods.org or calling 07951 009613
www.rsskl.org/woodland-group
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Back to School Avoid the summer slide with Explore Learning maths and English The school holidays are almost here, and we’re sure learning will be the last thing on a child’s mind. However, research has revealed that two thirds of children fall behind in their studies over the holidays* meaning that when they finally go back to school, many children are lacking in confidence and unable to recall things they learnt in the previous school year. July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the summer break. Also, families joining in July will save
£50 registration fee at participating centres from 1st July**. Explore Learning has tuition centres in Borehamwood and St Albans. Find out more and book a free trial session at www. explorelearning.co.uk or see advert on page 3 to contact your nearest centre. *Research; COOPER, H., NYE, B., CHARLTON, K. and GREATHOUSE, S. (1996). ‘The effects of summer scores: a narrative and meta-analytic review’, Review of Educational Research, 66, 227–68. **Offer terms and conditions: 1. Only applicable when joining at the full membership rate when you join by
31/07/2015. 2. The offer may be used for more than one child from the same family. 3.The offer entitles new members to join without paying the registration fee. 4. Your induction session must be held by the 15/08/2015 5. Only available at participating centres. Centres not participating: Barking, Bradford, Colchester, Hayes, Orpington, Sale, Westfield.
Improve your child's handwriting, without touching a pen It may be hard to believe but according to Florence Gardam of Centre4Excellence it is possible for handwriting to improve without practising copying letters. Florence says: “There are many skills that a child needs to master before improving hand writing skills. First we need to look at the whole sensory system then we need to work on posture and gross motor skills. Just twenty minutes daily movement exercise can make
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a difference.” The programme is suited to children age 4-16 years. Emma Brandt was amazed at the improvement in her son, Joe (age 5): "My son struggled with his writing …and had to sit on my knee to even write his name. Writing a sentence could take half an hour. Within three months on the programme, Joe showed massive improvements at school and at home; he is now able to show his true
potential and put his fantastic ideas onto paper." To find out more go to Facebook and search page Centre4Excellence or call Florence on 07919 067343
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Summer What’s On Please always check with the venue before you set out in case details have changed.
Fun Days & Festivals 4 July Ware Carnival Day Ware Priory, Priory Street, Ware, SG12 0DE www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Boat parade on River Lea 12.45pm. Street parade 1.20pm (Broadmeads to the Priory). Fair (Ware Priory) 2pm stalls, games, music, arena entertainment. Parades free. Fair entry £1. Under 12s free 5 July - 12-4pm Teddy Bears Picnic Hertford Castle, Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR 01992 552885 www.hertford.gov.uk Brass Band, bear hunt, bear parade, Punch & Judy. Take a teddy. Explore the castle. 8-9 July - 12-3pm Teddy Bears Picnic Oakmere Park, High Street, Potters Bar, EN6 5AY www.hertsmere.gov.uk Treasure hunt, magician, storytelling, funfair. 11 July - 2-5pm Summer Fete Highfield Park, Charters Health Club, 59 Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0DB 01727 847242 www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk Funfair rides, coconut shy, gift stalls, live entertainment, beer tent, plant stall, food. 11 July - 12-4pm Chorleywood Village Day Chorleywood Common, Chorleywood, WD3 www.chorleywood-pc.gov.uk/ village-day Funfair, stalls, displays, food. 11 July – 2.30-11pm M Festival The Marlborough Science Academy, Watling Street, St Albans, AL1 2QA www.themfestival.co.uk Music, entertainment. Firework finale - 11pm.
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11 July From 3pm Wheathampstead Village Weekend Meads Recreation Ground, End of Meads Lane, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BZ www.wheathampstead-pc.gov. uk/Village-Weekend 'Wheathampstead's Got Talent' show, picnic, live music. 12 July - 10am-5pm Highland Gathering Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2HU www.harpenden-lions.co.uk Pipe bands; highland games & dancing; horse & falconry displays; funfair; go karts; climbing wall; rugby & golf challenges; face painting; classic cars. Refreshments. £6 (£4 in advance). Under 16s free with an adult 12 July - 12-4pm Veg Fest Cedars Park, Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 8RH 01992 785574 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Primary schools show their fruit & veg grown this year. Face painting, bouncy castles, arts & crafts, sports & games. Some activities incur a fee. 18 July - 2pm Rett Fest Family Fun Day Allenbury's Sports & Social Club, Harris Lane, Ware, SG12 0DJ twitter.com/FloriesFund Facebook: Florie's Fund to Fight Rett Raising money and awareness for Rett Syndrome. Facepainters, kid's entertainment, bouncy castle, rodeo, fair rides, animal encounter, stalls, food & live music. Donations appreciated 25-26 July - 10am-5pm Dacorum Steam & Country Fayre Green Croft Farm, Potten End, Nr. Hemel Hempstead HP1 2SG www. dacorummachineryandsteam. co.uk 1 August – 11am-2pm Teddy Bears Picnic Lydekker Park, Sun Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4EG www.harpenden.gov.uk Entertainment, face painting, bouncy castle, games. 2 August - 10.30am-4.30pm Royston Kite Festival Therfield Heath, Nr Baldock Road, Royston, SG8 5BG
roystonkitefestival.com/ Children’s entertainment, kite making, funfair. £2.50. Children free. Free parking 15-16 August - 10am Knebworth Country Show Knebworth House, Knebworth Park, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Sheep Show, ferret racing, birds of prey, dogs, circus skills, medieval village, arts, crafts, gifts, food. Dog show on Sunday. £9.50. Family £34. 10% discount online. Includes entrance to the gardens, Dinosaur Trail, park, playground. Free parking. 16 August - 11am-5pm Classic Car Show Langleybury Children's Farm, Langleybury Lane, Nr Kings Langley, WD4 8RW 01923 270603 www.langleyburyfarm.co.uk Live music, BBQ, bar, tombola, craft stalls. 29-31 August - 10am-5pm Chilli Festival Chilli Benington Lordship Gardens, Benington Lordship, Stevenage, SG2 7BS 0870 126 1708 beningtonlordship.co.uk Chilli products & plants, cooking, food, entertainment, face painting, sand art. £7.50, 12-16s £2.50, Under 12s free. Free parking
Open Air Performances CEDARS PARK Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 8RH www.broxbourne.gov.uk Summer of Sound Every Sun from 2 Aug - 2-4pm A weekly musical performance in Broxbourne's park
GADEBRIDGE PARK Hemel Hempstead, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AQ toth.dacorum.gov.uk/families Arnold's Big Adventure 1 August - 11am, 2.30pm Arnold the acorn is about to drop from his tree and begin his amazing adventure in search of somewhere to put down his roots.
My Pet Monster and Me 15 August - 11am, 2.30pm Sophie Bucket wants a little friend to share her adventures. Age: 3-7. £4.50 (Dacorum Card £3)
HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, AL9 5NQ 01707 287101 www.cambridgetouringtheatre. co.uk Robin Hood the Musical 30 August - 3pm Hilarious musical show. Children are invited to dress in Sherwood fashion. £12. £10 Child. Family £40
HERTFORD CASTLE Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR 01992 552885 www.hertford.gov.uk Rock at the Castle 2 August - 12.30-7.30pm Live bands, musicians and acoustic acts perform in the castle grounds. Food & drink. Donation on entry
KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth Park, Knebworth, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com The Sorcerer's Apprentice 23 July - 7pm The apprentice waves his wand and a broom fetches water, but how to stop it! magical illusions and lots of water. Designed by Paul Daniels. Ages 5+. Taming of the Shrew 6 August - 7pm Garden Theatre. Outdoor Shakespeare for age 10+. The Three Musketeers 13 August - 7pm All for one, and one for all - a whirlwind of excitement and comedy. Ages 10+. Pre-book. £13.50. £9.50 (3-16 yrs) Family £40
SHENLEY PARK OUTDOOR THEATRE Radlett Lane, Shenley, WD7 9DW 01923 852629 www.shenleypark.co.uk Treasure Island 1 August - 2pm On the gate: £15, child/conc £10, family £40. Discounts for advance booking Music to Watch the Flowers 2 August - 12-6pm Open air family picnic concert. Punch & Judy, magic shows,
bouncy castle. £5. Child £3. Under 3s free
BEST THEATRE ARTS HOLIDAY ACADEMY
VERULAMIUM PARK
Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX besttheatrearts.com 20 July-7 August Lots of theatrical fun. Ages: 4-6; 6-16. £90-160 per week
St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW www.breakawaytheatre.com Twelfth Night 22-24 July, 30 July-1 Aug 7.30pm Open air Shakespeare production, next to the Inn on the Park. £12, £10 Conc, £7.50 under 16s (booking fee applies)
WARE PRIORY Priory Street, Ware, SG12 0DE rockinthepriory.co.uk Rock in the Priory 19 July - 12-8pm Family day and the best local music. £5. Concs £2. Family £10
Holiday Camps & Courses BARRACUDAS www.barracudas.co.uk 8.30am-5.30pm. Extended hours 8am-6pm Make friends, try sports & activities, and have fun! Individual day or full week. Barracudas Activity Camps are running at: Sherrardswood School (Welwyn Garden City); St Christopher School (Letchworth); Abbots Hill School (Hemel Hempstead); Bishop's Stortford College; Haileybury (Hertford) £149 weekly. £39 daily. Discounts available
BASECAMP 01442 358115 www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk. All camps take place in Berkhamsted. Mini Basecamp (3–5yrs) Multi Activity Camp (5–11yrs). 6 July–28 Aug - 9.30am–4.30pm BASECAMP also offer a wide range of one week sports courses, including cricket and gymnastics plus other one or two day courses such as computer coding and cooking. See website for more details.
BIRCHWOOD LEISURE CENTRE Birchwood Leisure Centre, Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN 01707 262023 www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk 23 July-28 Aug - 8.30am-6pm Sports, games, arts & crafts, cooking and trips. Full days only. For children in school years 1 to 7.
CANDICE CONWAY THEATRE SCHOOL 07903 672216, theatreschool@candiceconway. co.uk The Bushey Academy, London Road, Bushey, WD23 3AA www.candiceconway.co.uk Wizard of Oz Summer Camp 27-31 July; 3-7 Aug; 10-14 Aug 10am-3pm Dancing, singing, acting, cookery, arts & crafts. Ages 3-14. £125 week. Sibling discount
DOWN THE WOODS 07951 009613 www.downthewoods.org Sessions usually include natural craft, woodland games, exploring the natural environment and den building. Saturday Club 4 July (then first Sat of every month) 10-12pm, 1-3pm £5 child. £1.50 adult. Play Scheme: For ages 3-11 Yrs. Holly Bush Barn 4 August – 10-12pm, 10-3pm. Weston Way 10 August - 10-12pm, 10-3pm. Heartwood Forest 11 August - 10-12pm, 10-3pm. Half Day £15, Full Day £25
FINESSE ACTIVE HOLIDAY CAMPS Hatfield Leisure Centre Travellers Lane, Hatfield Hertfordshire, AL10 8TJ 01707 276276 n.swaffield@finesseleisure.com www.finesseleisure.com
27 July-28 August8.30am-5.30pm Multi-activity camps with a fun choice of activities that will keep children engaged and active. Age: 8+ £78 a week, £19.50 a day
FIT FOR SPORT Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DL 01727 736080 www.fitforsport.co.uk Summer Activity Camp 23 July-1 Sept 9.30am-4.30pm, 8.30am-5.30pm, 9.30am-1pm Looney Tunes-themed sports and games. Ages 5-7, 8-12. Per day £30. Week £143. Extended day £36 / £171. Half day £21 / £100. Quote 'Families10' when booking for 10% discount
KOOLS KIDZ CAMPS Sandridge Primary School Woodcock Hill, Sandridge St Albans, AL4 9EB 0845 6032858 / 07966 483 508 www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk 20-24th July; 27-31 July; 3-7 Aug; 10-14 Aug; 17-21 Aug. Fun, friendly staff are all CRB Police checked & frst aid qualified. A wide range of age appropriate activities such as Bouncy Castles, Cooking, Pedal Go-Karts & more Regulated by OFSTED. Ages 4-12.
STAGECOACH SUMMER WORKSHOPS There are two Stagecoach schools running workshops: Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead Gade Valley JMI School, Gadebridge Road, Hemel Hempstead , HP1 3DT 01442 875977 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ berkhamstedhemel Mega Musicals 27-31 July Ages 3-5 / 6 yrs. (mornings 9.30am-12.30pm); 6-18 yrs. (full day - 10am-4pm). Welwyn-Hatfield Sir Frederic Osborn School Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2AF 01462 338387 www.stagecoach.co.uk/ welwynhatfield Horrible Histories. 27-31 July Ages 6-18 yrs.
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STANBOROUGH PARK HOLIDAY CLUBS Stanborough Activity Centre, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DQ 01707 276 276 stanboroughpark@finesseleisure. com 20 July-30 August - 8am- 6pm Sailing, kayaking, rafting, cycling, orienteering, archery. Age 8-14 yrs. £199 week, £45 day.
SUPER CAMPS 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk Dates and times vary. Choose from Multi-activity camps, Raw Adventure (bush craft), A Passion for … (single themed camps: arts, food or invention). Ages 4-14 Yrs. Super Camps are running at: Westbrook Hay Prep School (Hemel Hempstead); Heath Mount School (Hertford); Queenswood School (Brookmans Park); St Francis' College (Letchworth); St Joseph's in the Park (Hertingfordbury)
TOP HAT STAGE SCHOOL 01727 812666 www.tophatstageschool.co.uk Top Hat are running their summer course in three locations: Potters Bar 3-7 August St Albans 10-14 Aug, 17-20 Aug Stevenage 10-13 Aug The theme is Disney’s Aladdin. Ages 4-17 Yrs. 10am-3pm/4pm each day (10am-1pm 4-5 Yrs). 6-17 yrs: £150 (£130 for existing Top Hat weekend school members). 4-5 yrs: £100
XC Jarmans Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 01442 507100 www.thexc.co.uk XTREME Holiday Experience 27 July daily - 10am-4pm Climbing, High Ropes, Caving and Free Fall or Skatepark. 8-14 yrs. Book per day: £41.90 (Member £40)
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Summer What’s On Great Days Out BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PL 01494 672919 www.bekonscot.co.uk Daily 10am-5.30pm See over 200 buildings, 3,000 inhabitants, 1,000 animals and hundreds of vehicles all in miniature! Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden details. £9.80 Adult, £5.80 Child (2-15), Under 2s Free Family (2 adults/2 children) £28, (1 adult/2 children) £19.
BERKHAMSTED CASTLE www.berkhamsted-castle.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk 10am-6pm Herfordshire's very own ruined castle dating from 11th Century. The castle is located near the back entrance to railway station. Downland the Castle Walk map from the berkhamstedcastle website. Take a picnic (no shelter). Free
BUTTERFLY WORLD PROJECT Miriam Lane (off Noke Lane), Chiswell Green, AL2 3NY 01727 869203 butterflyworldproject.com Bee Awareness Day 26 July - 10am-5pm The new bee garden open. Make a wax candle. Bee keeping demos.
CELTIC HARMONY Brickendon Lane, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org The Games 27 July-31 August Family fun in the Iron Age. Traditional games, archery, round houses. Refreshments in the café. £5 per person. Book in advance online.
CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Daily 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) £9.50. Conc £8.50. 4-16 yrs £6.
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Under 4s free. Family discounts available. Special event prices may vary Medieval Life 4-5 July Chiltern Arts Fest 11-12 Jul Classic Vehicles Show 18-19 July Medieval Warfare 25-26 July Rifles and Revolution 1-2 Aug Terrific Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 Aug Summer holiday fun Vicious Vikings 8-9 Aug Tudor Farming 15-16 Aug Victorian Vagrants and Gentle Georgians 22-23 Aug Magna Carta 30-31 Aug
GULLIVER’S LAND Newlands, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT www.gulliversfun.co.uk Open daily - 10.30am - 5pm Over 70 rides, attractions and shows. Plus, Dinosaur & Farm Park, Splashzone, Nerf Zone (age 6+), The SFEAR (high ropes climbing challenge with 1.2m minimum height requirement). Free parking. See website for ticket prices & options.
HATFIELD FOREST Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6NE www.nationaltrust.org.uk Geocaching Mega Event 28 July - 11am-3pm Explore the Forest while you search for the hidden geocaches. Learn how to identify some of the trees in the Forest and pick up basic woodland survival skills (suitable for children). Must book. Chargeable car park.
HITCHIN LAVENDER Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin, SG5 3UA 01462 434343 www.hitchinlavender.com Open daily - 10am-5pm Children love to run up and down the rows of lavender! Pick a bunch to take home. Refreshments. Plus, Sundown Cinema www.sundowncinema.co.uk
Five nights of outdoor cinema including: Grease 14 August Ghostbusters 15 August E.T. 16 August
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR 01223 835000 www.iwm.org.uk Flying Legends Air Show 12 & 13 July £34.50. Senior £27. 5-15 yrs £18.15. Under 5s free Summer Car Show 2 Aug Normal admission applies: £15.90. Concs £12.70. 5-15 yrs £7.95. Under 5s free. Family tickets available
LETCHWORTH OUTDOOR POOL Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth, SG6 4UF 01462 684673 www.sll.co.uk Until 6 September Mon, Wed, Fri: 7am-6.30pm Tue, Thur: 8am-6.30pm Weekends: 8.30am-6pm 50m heated pool. Toddler pool. Refreshments. Entry ratios apply: 1 child under 5 to 1 adult, 2 children under eight to 1 adult. Peak Casual Swim £5.30. Child/ Conc £2.65
PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Ungulate & Paddocks Weekend 25-26 July Tiger Conservation 29-30 August £17 Adults. £14 Children (2-15 yrs) & Seniors. Disabled £10, Carer £10.
ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY 01992 707370 www. royalgunpowdermills.com £9.75. Concs £8.75. Child £7.75. Discounts online. Under 3s free. Family tickets available. Arts & Science Adventures 23 Jul-31 Aug Big Bang Weekend 29-31 Aug
RYE-ASSIC ADVENTURE PARK Rye House Kart Raceway, Rye Road Hoddesdon EN11 0EH 01992 460895 www.ryeassic.co.uk Open daily - 9.30am-5pm Lots to keep children amused. Aqua Blast, trampolines, bouncy castle, Dino maze, adventure playground. Ages 0-9 yrs. Café. See website for prices and to book.
WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Summer Spectacular Special 18 July- 1 Sept - 10am-5.30pm A packed programme of activities & events.
And then there’s ... HATCH END 11+ TUITION 020 8421 3066 www.hatchend11plus.co.uk Mock 11+ entry exams 18 July, 11 August These mock exam sessions are suitable for boys and girls sitting the South West Hertfordshire Consortium Exam. They are held at Watford Grammar School for Girls.
LOTS FOR TOTS Ware Drill Hall, 17 Amwell End, Ware, SG12 9HP www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk 12 July - 10am-12noon 13 Sept - 10am-12noon Sell or buy at this indoor table top sale specialising in baby and toddler clothing and equipment. Buyers: £1 entry. Sellers: Tables £15 (easy online booking) SPECIAL OFFER: Save £5 on table hire (see advert on page 2).
TICK TOCK MUSIC Thunder Base Scout Hut, Chene Drive, St Albans, AL3 5QP www.ticktockmusic.co.uk From 22 July (weekly on Weds) 9.45am Pre-school music class. Book in advance. £6 per session per child. Sibling discounts.
Summer Sensations Join The Games at Celtic Harmony Camp Join the Archers, Warriors and Storytellers at The Games! Experience a taste of ancient Britain from 27th July to 21st August at Celtic Harmony Camp, the iron-age settlement near Hertford. There will be tournaments with traditional games in the arena and archery in the Hunting Zone. Explore the roundhouses, and the quest around the woods, feed the goats and geese, meet the owls or drop into a bush craft and pottery workshop. Then relax in the Archer's Rest Cafe for a tasty snack or a light lunch and watch the children enjoy the playground. More details and booking at www.celticharmony.org
Kool Kidz Summer Camps Kool Kidz summer camps, graded ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, provide action-packed, quality child-care during school holidays for children aged 4-12 years. This season the camps are based at Sandridge JMI School, St Albans. They offer something for everyone to enjoy including football, hockey, fun obstacle courses, archery, and remote controlled cars. Younger children will love the bouncy castle and soft play and older kids are sure to love the go-karts and nerf gun workshops. All of the passionate and enthusiastic staff are CRB checked and first aid qualified. A full day (9am-4pm) costs £32.50, with morning or afternoon sessions costing £16.50. A whole week is just £155 and
sibling discounts are available. Wrap around care available 8-9am and 4-5pm. Childcare vouchers are accepted. Visit www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk or call Karen Broom on 07966 483 508 for more details and to book.
Top Hat Goes East Eastern delight is coming to Potters Bar, Stevenage and St Albans as Top Hat Stage School gears up for their week-long summer courses. During each five-day course children will have fun learning the dialogue, dances and songs of Disney’s Aladdin, working towards a performance at the end. The performance with take place at the Wyllyotts Theatre, Nobel School (Stevenage) and the Sandpit Theatre (St Albans). The dates are: 3-7 August, Wyllyotts Theatre (Potters Bar); 10-13 August, Nobel School (Stevenage), 10-14 August and 17-20 August, Sandpit Theatre (St Albans). Then looking ahead to the autumn term, Top Hat will be opening its eighth parttime theatre academy at the Nobel School (Stevenage) on 26 September. To get things off to a flying start the Britain’s Got Talent finalists ‘Twist and Pulse’ will be hosting a street dance masterclass. The opening event
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will take place between 10am and 1pm. Children aged four to 17 years old can get in on the act and pop in for a free taster session. Children and young people who sign up to the regular Saturday morning stage school will learn to dance, sing, act and will have the opportunity to take part in two big productions during the year. To find out more email admin@ tophatstageschool.co.uk, or call 01727 812666
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Summer Sensations Butterfly World Butterfly World is a place to learn all about butterflies, insects and flowers. Visitors can walk through the tropical butterfly house amongst hundreds of the beautiful creatures as they fly and feed. Learn about (and handle) some of the creepy crawlies in the Insect Study Centre. Watch the fascinating Leafcutter Ants colony. The wildflower meadows and designer gardens will be coming into bloom and will attract clouds of native butterflies. During the School holidays there is a programme of educational workshops. Use the 'half price child entry with every full paying adult' voucher, see the advert on page 15. For more details call 01727 869203 or visit www.butterflyworldproject.com
Holiday camps from Finesse Leisure Forget Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood, for a perfect recipe for summer fun investigate what Finesse Leisure are offering. At the Stanborough Activity Centre, alongside its established Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing courses and British Canoe Union (BCU) kayaking courses, there are also multi-activity holiday clubs and adventurous birthday parties. The holiday clubs will run from 20th July to 30th August for 8 to 14 year olds from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. They are Ofsted registered and childcare vouchers are accepted. You can book by the day or the week and there are discounts for siblings. Activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, archery, problem solving, stand-up paddle boarding, bush craft and bell boating. All run by our professional instructors. The centre is regulated by the Adventurous Activity Licensing Authority (AALA). For more information or to book call 01707 276 276 and see advert on page 20. Email n.swaffield@finesseleisure.com for multi-activity clubs or stanboroughpark@finesseleisure.com for water based activity clubs.
Stagecoach Holiday Workshops At these five day workshops children aged from 6 to 18 years will sing, act and dance, working towards a performance on the final day. Every child will be given a part suitable to their age and ability, and they will all get their chance to shine. By introducing children and young people to dance, drama and singing Stagecoach aim to broaden their horizons, increase their confidence and develop them as individuals and as performers. Workshops are being run at two Stagecoach schools: Welwyn/Hatfield (01462 338387) and Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead (01442 875977). Dates for both workshops are 27th – 31st July. Stagecoach Chorleywood & Rickmansworth are running a Golden Ticket Musical Theatre Day on 18th July at The Russell School, Chorleywood. Interested children can join in singing, dance and drama activities, whilst their parents can find out about Stagecoach. Two session times: 2-3pm for ages 4-6yrs and 2.30pm-4.30pm for ages 6-16yrs. Call 01923 771291 or email chorleywood@stagecoach.co.uk to reserve a place. www.stagecoach.co.uk
Futures Fun Factory Futures Fun factory is a great place for young children aged from 0 to 12 years. With three areas catering for babies, toddlers and older children it suits each age and stage. Older children will have huge fun as they let off steam charging around and exploring the slides, tunnels, ball pit and a drop slide (reserved for over 5s). Children will get tons of exercise without knowing it! The child friendly, safe and secure setting also offers a comfortable seating area where the adults can relax. Parents, carers and children can have a break with a tasty bite and
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a drink in the Futures Café. Futures Fun Factory can provide a fun packed party with food in a dedicated space for the birthday child and guests. They also offer exclusive bookings for large groups with a maximum capacity of 150 children. Special summer offer: buy one child entry get one child entry half-price. See advert on page 15. Find out more at www.marshfarmfutures.co.uk
Berkhamsted BASECAMP As always, Berkhamsted BASECAMP is bursting with so much for children and young people. There is something for all ages starting with mini Basecamp (3–5yrs) and Multi Activity Camp (5–11yrs). These run from 6 July–28 Aug, 9.30am–4.30pm and wraparound care is also available. There are also shorter courses on specific themes such as Coding Computers & Technology Challenges (7–11yrs) and Summer Baking & Ice Cream (7–13yrs). For the sporty child there is International Netball Roadshow (girls 7–16yrs), the Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy (5–16yrs) (see ad p17) and brand new for 2015 there is the Louis Smith Gymnastics Academy (5–14 yrs) from 12th to 14th August. (See advert on page 15) To find out more go to www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk or call 01442 358115.
Fun at Willows Activity Farm Discover Willows' new summer programme, planned to delight little ones, with three different themed events throughout the holidays. It gets going with the A-maize-ing Maze, grown from – maize! From 18th- 31st July, children can explore its twists and turns, find the ‘corny’ jokes and get free bag of popcorn. From 1st – 14th August, there is the Carrot Carnival. Children will learn about the journey from field to fork and take home a bag of tasty carrots. From 15th August to 1st September children can meet Fergie, the Little Grey Tractor, who will also perform in his own show. Plus, there is also Woolly’s Workout Agility Play Trail, funfair rides, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, children’s shows and the brand new sand and water play area, The Big Dig.
Book discounted tickets online before the 18th July. See www.willowsactivityfarm.com or call 0870 129 9718
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Summer Sensations SportSpace and The XC The summer holidays are fast approaching and Dacorum Sports Trust has a jam packed programme of activities to keep children entertained during the school holidays! SportSpace have a range of water fun activities taking place including swimming crash courses, large pool inflatables and fun sessions. There are fun activity workshops and a variety of sports and activity camps for all ages. A range of new activities for younger children includes Active Tots, Bouncy Tots and Tots Tennis and for older children Go Fence and Go Laser sessions using specialised equipment. For the more adventurous child there will be climbing, caving and skateboarding taking place at the world class extreme sports facility XC and The Big Summer Skate returns this holiday - a daily skate ticket for the skate park which is great value for a whole day. There really is something for everyone! For more information call 01442 507100 or visit www.sportspace.co.uk or www.thexc.co.uk
Best Theatre Arts Academies Best Theatre Arts has a great spread of themes for this year's academies for 6 to 16 year olds in St Albans. Chilled (20th-24th July), Grimm Summer Night's Dream (27th-31th July) Best Academy 2014 and Despicable Minions (3rd-7th August). Younger ones aged 4 to 6 have Frozen (20th-24th July), Peter Pan (27th-31st July) and Lion King (3rd-7th August). All these hugely popular courses are booking now and include a free t-shirt, certificates, photos and all manner of surprises! “We even have people coming from Spain, France and the USA just for these courses. They are fantastic fun!” says Best founder David Bevan. To find out more or to book go to besttheatrearts.com or call 01727 759634
Birchwood Leisure Centre Summer Play Scheme
‘Commando Run’ pool inflatable at SportSpace, Hemel Hempstead
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This summer there will be lots of fun to be had at Hatfield’s Birchwood Leisure Centre’s play scheme. Children can experience lots of sports and arts & crafts activities as well as a chance to play in the Funzone indoor soft play centre. Popular highlights are outings to the seaside, to Cassiobury Park in Watford and also to Stanborough Park on National Play Day. If the sun doesn’t shine there are plenty of indoor activities such as cinema afternoons. The play scheme runs weekdays from 23rd July until 28th August, 8.30am - 6pm, for School years 1-7. www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk / 01707 270772
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Summer Sensations Paradise Wildlife Park
Perform Gets Frozen
A visit to Paradise Wildlife Park is always a treat. The zoo is home to over four hundred animals including Tigers, Monkeys, Zebras, Lemurs, Meerkats, Red Pandas, Tapirs, Penguins, White Lions, Wallabies, Emus, Birds of Prey, Parrots, Reptiles & Snow Leopards. There is a full programme of daily animal shows and events and attractions such as On Safari Adventure Golf, National Speedway Museum, Animal Resource Centre, Jungle Theatre, Woodland Railway, three adventure playgrounds, the Tumble Jungle and the Paradise Lagoon. There is ample free parking on site as well as a mini-bus service to and from Broxbourne train station which is £3 return and is only 3 miles from Paradise. To find out more and to book go to www.pwpark.com
This summer’s holiday course is inspired by Disney’s, Frozen and centres on a tale of an Ice Queen and her Kingdom. A blend of theatre, dance and singing, the goal of Perform is to enhance every child’s personal development while maximising fun. The courses are run by teachers chosen for their warmth and ability to bring out the best in the children. The original songs, live music and colourful costumes encourages each child’s imagination to bloom as they work towards performing a show on the last day. Please check at www.perform.org.uk for details of your nearest holiday course. Perform are also excited to announce the opening of a new weekly Perform Workshop in Potters Bar starting from September this year. The sessions will be held at St John’s Methodist Church, Baker Street every Friday from 4-5pm and 5-6pm. Perform’s small classes are exclusively for 4-7 year olds. They focus on building children’s communication, co-ordination and concentration skills. For more about the summer courses and the new Potters Bar classes or to sign up for a free trial drama class at your nearest Perform venue go to www.perform.org.uk or call 0845 400 1272. When booking weekly term time classes quote POTT301015 for a £30 introductory discount.
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Summer What's On
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