The Family Buzz Magazine - North Herts & Stevenage (Summer 2024)
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Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue!
response to our Spring issue, we are so excited to bring you the second edition of Family Buzz!
With the sun shining, longer days, and warmer weather, we hope you're all enjoying more time outdoors. This issue is full of fantastic ideas for things to do and places to go helping you make the most of the t miss our two amazing competitions where you can win fantastic days out for the whole family!
re juggling work and the kids, take a look at our local holiday clubs section on page 7. There are even a few savings to be had! t forget to check out our green patch for tips on being friendly, reducing waste, and helping our beloved bees. Last but not least, a big shout out to all our advertisers! We are so incredibly grateful to support so many local businesses and community groups and we hope you will too. Don’t forget to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in the Family Buzz magazine!
From our families to yours, have a spectacular summer and autumn!
Iva Young & Sal England| Editor 0203 837 0275 | hello@thefamilybuzz.co.uk | @familybuzzhertfordshire www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk
thefamilybuzz.co.uk @familybuzzhertfordshire
Published 3 times a year in early March, July and November. 10,000+ copies distributed across North Herts and Stevenage. 100+ distribution points.
Advertise with us and let your local community know about your services and products
Disclaimer: Family Buzz Magazine is a publication of The Family Buzz Ltd. This publication may not be replicated in any manner, either partially or entirely, without explicit permission from The Family Buzz Ltd.
While every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, The Family Buzz Ltd. disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, infringement or difficulties arising from the claims of advertisers and/or inaccuracies of the contents.
Inclusion in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser and/or their services by The Family Buzz Ltd.
Parties
PARTY TREATS & CAKES
The Mad Batter’s Baked Goods
Stevenage based cake maker
Contact Stacey on 07375022289 Instagram @the.madbatter www.themadbatter.co.uk
Amy’s Bakes
Cakes and treats for all occasions
Cakes, Brownies, Cupcakes, Cookie Bars & more
Delivery in and around Letchworth 07591 175 606 amysbakesuk@gmail.com
Scan this QR code or visit: www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk
Royston Free Cakes for Kids
A community service for families in Royston and the surrounding area who may find it difficult to provide a birthday cake for their child. Volunteer-run, free, friendly and confidential. Telephone: 07761 051486
freecakesforkidsroyston@gmail.com
freecakesforkidsroyston.weebly.com
PARTY SUPPLIERS & EQUIPMENT HIRE
Mansell Entertainment
Bouncy castles, characters, children disco parties, party food packages, cinema experience and much more Based in Stevenage Telephone: 07595 388 245 www.mansellentertainment.com
Party Venue Hire in Royston town centre Telephone: 01763 250 350 welcome@roystonschoolhouse.com www.roystonschoolhouse.com
Debbie’s Devents Party Entertainment Service
We offer fully themed party packages. Telephone: 07908612707 Email: debbienevill74@gmail.com www.debbiesdevents.co.uk
Katie's Bespoke Balloons & Gifts
Based in Stevenage Party Decorations, Balloons, Personalised Clothing and Gifts Telephone: 07939441671 katiesbespokeballoons@gmail.com
House of Parties
Balloons, bunting and more.. Balloons made to order, catering for small at home celebrations to big events, weddings and business launches. Telephone: 07412 525606
Email: Info@houseofparties.co.uk
Beautiful Balloons Royston Party Decorations, Balloons, Flowers Telephone: 01223 207577
Email: Beautiful.balloons@gmail.com
PARTY ENTERTAINERS
Kid’s Pop Star Parties
The ultimate recording studio experience Email: info@one2onerecording.com www.one2onerecording.com
ARTventurers
Biggleswade, St Neots & Letchworth
Art & creative play classes Birthday parties & events
Animal birthday parties, schools, care homes, clubs
Telephone: 07914 208 046
Email: safaristu@googlemail.com www.safaristu.net
Once Upon a Perfect Party Party entertainers, Character visits, Party packages onceuponaperfectparty@outlook.com www.onceuponaperfectparty.com
Belle's Enchanted Parties
Different party packages, Disco castles, Face painting, glitter tattoos, Fairy package, Superhero package, and much more Telephone: 07814 447786 bellesenchantedparties@gmail.com www.bellesenchantedparties.com
Artikids
Covering Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Children’s ArtiParties for girls and boys, chantal@artikids.uk www.artikids.uk
BABY & YOUNG CHILDREN CLASSES
Hartbeeps
Sensory music classes, in-house sessions, parties and much more Hitchin, St Albans, Welwyn, Hatfield, Cheshunt, Potters Bar
Weekly football classes and holiday clubs in Hitchin Telephone: 07787 125 227 enquiries@dwsoccerschool.co.uk www.dwsoccerschool.co.uk
Showtime Circus
Fully inclusive circus school for babies, children and adults
Hitchin and Harpenden rollup@showtimecircus.co.uk www.showtimecircus.co.uk
Royston Rockets BMX Racing Club
Regular sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays for children 5+ To find out more visit: www.roystonrockets.co.uk
Hitchin Mini and Youth Rugby enquiries@hitchinrugby.com www.hitchinrugbyclub.co.uk
Marriotts Gymnastics Club
Marriotts Sports Centre, Telford Avenue, Stevenage Gymnastic classes for children, Trampoline gymnastics, Holiday gymnastics and Adult gymnastics enquiries@marriottsgymnastics.com www.marriottsgymnastics.com
Herts & Beds Specialist Coaching –Sports
Holiday Sports Camps, fitness specific sessions as well as small group and 1 to 1 specialist coaching hertsandbedscoaching@gmail.com hertsandbedsspecialistcoaching.com
DANCE & DRAMA
Aspire School of Dance
Ballet, Modern, Tap, Street Dance and Gymnastics classes in Hitchin info@aspireschoolofdance.com www.aspireschoolofdance.com
PQA Ltd
Training for stage and screen, ages 4-18 Fairfield Lower School, Sg5 4FD, Stotfold Book your free taster session Visit: pqacademy.com
Hitchin School of Dance Dance classes for children and adults
Book your FREE trial: HitchinSchoolofDance@hotmail.com hitchinschoolofdance.co.uk
Dance Beat
Dance classes in Hitchin, Hatfield, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City Telephone: 07921 817633 info@dance-beat.co.uk www.dance-beat.co.uk
The Hitchin School of Russian Ballet Russian Ballet classes for children 4+, adult classes
Experts in one-to-one tuition, tailored tutoring for each individual student Telephone: 01582 803103 Dynamictutors.net
STEM Summer camp is back!!!
24, 25th & 26th July 2024
Join us for one, two, or three days of fun and hands-on activities that will spark your child’s curiosity and creativity. Whether you need to work or just want some time for yourself, our summer camp is the perfect solution for you and your kids.
Henlow Holiday Camps, Derwent Primary School henlowholidaycamps@gmail.com www.kidsholidaycamps.co.uk
Health & Wellbeing
Self-care for parents - through singing
As parents it’s so important to nurture ourselves as we adapt to the challenges of looking after our new little humans. ‘Self-care’ has become a real buzzword and is easier said than done, but a simple way is to prioritise activities that make us feel well. Parents have always sung to their babies, and now recent academic research has highlighted just how beneficial singing can be for new parents. Daisy Fancourt and Rosie Perkins found that for mothers and their babies who attended singing groups, stress and anxiety was reduced, while bonding and emotional closeness was heightened. The singing also increased mums’ sense of wellbeing and self-esteem.
Recognising the feel-good factor and positive health effects singing can produce, singing groups specifically for mums are springing up everywhere – welcoming spaces where women can let loose and engage their brain and body in a different way. In some areas in the UK, singing groups for mums are even starting to be prescribed by GPs.
A welcoming singing group puts connection before perfection, and ticks each box of the NHS ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ approach: Keep learning; be active; connect with others; take notice (be in the moment) and give (your voice to the overall sound in the room). Singing stimulates the vagus nerve calming our fight or flight response, giving us a feeling of safety, a moment of respite from anxious thoughts.
Jo and Emma sing with one of the Singing Mamas groups in North Hertfordshire, where mums can bring babies along:
EXERCISE
The Pilates Scientist
A unique blend of classic and contemporary Pilates. Hitchin, Biggleswade & Online
Classes, treatments, training and products, from pregnancy to when your baby is three years old in Hitchin Telephone: 01462 632 499 Email: hitchin@mamababybliss.com www.mamababybliss.com
FAMILY & PARENTING SUPPORT
Sling Me Clare Baby Carrying and CalmFamily Consultant in Royston Telephone: 07732224446 www.slingmeclare.co.uk
Parents That Work
Helping couples navigate parenthood. Couples workshops and coaching to develop strong, connected, and loving parenting partnerships. www.parentsthatwork.co.uk
Carino Counselling Person-centred courses to enhance listening and responding skills info@carinocounselling.co.uk www.carinocounselling.co.uk
‘Singing is a release,’ says Jo. ‘Especially in a nurturing environment of other mums. You leave with a sense of contentment and renewed energy to tackle the rest of the day’s mumming challenges.’
‘Singing gives you a sense of freedom but also a sense of achievement at a time when it can feel like your life isn’t built to support either of those things,’ says Emma. ‘I think it’s also really powerful to remind yourself of your own voice and it being heard.’
In addition to the health benefits, using your voice to sing is a fantastic way to re-identify with yourself as your own person, not just baby’s parent. It’s self-care, but definitely not selfish. As Kate Valentine, founder of Singing Mamas says, ‘it might be a new experience for your child to watch you being a human in your own right - being present to your needs and meeting them. I’ve watched as children look up in awe at their mother, beautifully relaxed, light in mood and singing their hearts out.’ After all, what would your baby enjoy more than hearing you sing?
• Sing to your little ones, they really don’t care if you’re a ‘good’ singer or not!
• Break the cycle – if someone told you ‘you can’t sing’ – prove them wrong AND encourage your kids to love and accept their voice
• Sing in the shower, in the car - make a self-care ‘mixtape’ on your streaming app
• There are welcoming community choirs all over Hertfordshire, which don’t require audition
• Sign up to a Singing Mamas group during maternity leave to attend with your baby – Dad’s choirs are taking a bit longer to get popular but if you’re a dad that sings, why not set one up?
• Breathe deeply, relax your shoulders and sway around when you’re singing – you’ll feel and sound even better!
By
Emma Mutter, Singing Mamas Leader & Vocal Health First Aider @mumsintune
Email hello@thefamilybuzz.co.uk for details.
Health & Wellbeing
Entertainment & Attractions
SOFT PLAY CENTRES & PLAY CAFES
Space to Play
Indoor soft play and party centre Wilbury Way, Hitchin www.space2play.biz
Get Wild at Hatfield Galleria Jungle-themed indoor play area providing children aged 1 – 12 with a thrilling environment to play for an hour. www.thegalleria.co.uk/get-wild
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Mr Mulligans Lost World
Stevenage Leisure Park Crazy mini golf mrmulligan.com
Babylon Park 8 Castlehaven Rd, Camden, London London’s only indoor theme-park 7 rides, 100s of interactive galactic games, soft play, Birthday parties babylonpark.com
Hollywood Bowl Stevenage Bowling, Parties, Amusements www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/stevenage
Royston Cave
Learn about Discovery & Carvings To book: www.roystoncave.co.uk
Forest of Marston Vale
Forest Centre & Millenium Country Park In Bedfordshire
Check out what’s on for kids and families www.marstonvale.org/events
Agent Brains Escape Games
Letchworth Garden City, 2 locations, suitable for ages 10+
Flower-farming vista popular for photos, with shop, café & seasonal events. www.hitchinlavender.com
ZOOS & FARMS
Willows Activity Farm
Adventure Playground, shows and character meet and greets, funfair rides, tractor ride, farmy animals & more Coursers Rd, St Albans www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Standalone Farm
Traditional working farm in Letchworth Garden City providing events and activities for children (and adults!) to enjoy. info@standalonefarm.com standalonefarm.com
Mead Open Farm
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire Incredible Indoor & Outdoor Play
Scan this QR code or visit: www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk
WIN UP TO 4 TICKETS TO WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM SUMMER SPECTACULAR
20th July – 1st September 2024
Enjoy a full day’s adventure at Willows Activity Farm this Summer!
Get lost in the Maize Maze but make sure you find your way out to have fun in the Puddle Play Park where you’re guaranteed a splashing good time – don’t forget to pack a change of clothes and a towel!
PETER RABBIT and his friends will be on the Outdoor Show Stage every day with different shows plus regular Meet and Greets. And don’t forget the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground, funfair rides, adventure play, JCB ride-ons, air-conditioned indoor soft play, tractor ride and farmyard animals are all included in your ticket too.
For your chance to win; name the famous rabbit that lives at Willows Activity Farm with his family and friends. To submit your answer, scan the QR code or visit www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk/competitions and complete the form. The winner will be selected at random on Monday 5th August.
www.willowsactivityfarm.com Programme subject to change
WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM
This summer we are stepping back in time with Chiltern Open Air Museum and you can win a family day ticket to their Viking Raid event on the 25 and 26 August.
The lucky winner will receive 2 adult and 3 child tickets to experience the vicious Vikings come to blow with the Saxons. Watch as the raid unfolds and see who wins in the battle between the Vikings and the Christian forces of Wessex. Explore the Viking camp, get involved in Viking age games, music, storytelling and fun activities.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a day out with the family, Chiltern Open Air Museum is a must-visit place to visit this summer.
For a chance to win, answer the question, what is your favourite period in history? To submit your answer, scan the QR code or visit www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk/competitions and complete the form. The winner will be selected at random on Monday 5th August.
Don’t want to leave it to chance? Book your tickets now at www.coam.org.uk
Sir John Lawes School, Harpenden www.festivalonthefield.co.uk
TOTFest 2024
Saturday 6 July 2024
Hertfordshire County Showground www.totfestfestival.com
Lazy Sunday Music at Wrest Park
Sunday 07 July – Sunday 21 July
Spend a lazy Sunday at Wrest Park listening to live music. Each week will bring a different genre for you to enjoy. Bring along deck chairs and a picnic and enjoy a wonderful day of music. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/wrest-park
Bee Experience Day
Sunday 7 July
Buzzworks Discovery Centre, Hitchin https://www.buzzworks.org.uk
Willian Village Fair
Saturday 7 July
Willian, North Hertfordshire Facebook @willianfair
Todd in the Hole Festival
Friday 12 – Sunday 14 July
Todd’s Green, Stevenage www.toddinthehole.co.uk
Summer Event Highlights
Day Out With Thomas
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, www.bucksrailcentre.org
National Trust Shaw’s Corner www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shaws-corner
Wrest at War
Sat 17 – Sun 18 August
Attention! Head to Wrest Park for an action-packed weekend as you're propelled into wartime Britain.
Experience WWI and WWII through the grounds of Wrest Park, train like a soldier and hear stories of the battlefield as you wander through our living history encampments
Dinos After Dark 25, 26, 27 October & 1, 2, 3 November Hertfordshire Zoo www.hertfordshirezoo.com
Halloween Half Term at Wrest Park 26 October – 3 November
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Wrest Park this half term. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Book online and save 15%.
Cloth nappies, whatever your goal or budget! Super adorable prints that you will love.
Keeping chemicals away from babies’ skin, saving parents money and reducing environmental impact of disposables. www.clothbums.co.uk support@clothbums.co.uk
Scan this QR code or visit: www.thefamilybuzz.co.uk
Hitchin Pantry
Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew Church, 16 Nightingale Road, Hitchin Fri 2-4pm, Sat 1-3pm.
Members pay a small weekly fee, for which they can choose at least 10 items of food each week.
Facebook @hitchinpantry
BambuuBrush
Plastic-free living is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet. Let's inspire others by choosing sustainable! alternatives.
BambuuBrush@gmail.com @BambuuBrush
Fairhaven Wholefoods Ltd
27 Jubilee Trade Centre
Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1SP
Vegetarian, vegan and health foods
Eco-friendly, Fairtrade and organic Products, Refill station Telephone: 01462 675300 www.fairhaven.co.uk
And Again Clothing
19 Market Place, Stevenage
Stocking a wide selection of new and second-hand clothing of various sizes. FREE school uniform & children clothing 2 for £1
Facebook @andagainclothingstevenage
Stevenage Repair Café
A community-based group, whereby items that would go to land fill can be repaired, recycled and re-used.
2pm – 5pm, First Saturday each month Bedwell Community Centre, SG1 1NA
Facebook @stevenagerepaircafe
Creating a Bee-Friendly Home Garden
Bees play a vital role in our ecosystems, pollinating plants and contributing to the production of much of the food we eat. However, bee populations around the world are facing significant declines due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. As homeowners , we can all do our part to support these important pollinators by transforming our gardens into bee-friendly oases.
The team at BuzzWorks, a charity educational center in Hitchin, emphasizes the importance of providing a diverse array of flowering plants that can sustain bees throughout the year. When selecting plants for your garden, opt for a mix of native species and non-invasive ornamentals that bloom at different times. This ensures a continuous food source for bees, as they rely on the nectar and pollen from flowers to survive. Avoid overly hybridized double-flower varieties, as these often have less accessible pollen and nectar.
Wholesome Weigh
68a Hermitage Road, Hitchin Hitchin’s Zero Waste Shop
Bring your own containers and choose from hundreds of plastic free and environmentally friendly products. Click and collect and cargo bike deliveries available wholesomeweigh.co.uk refill@thewholesomeweigh.co.uk 01462 634192
Getting Rooted in Hitchin
Create a productive and sustainable space with us Burford Way Allotments, Hitchin, SG5 2UY
In addition to a variety of flowering plants, it's crucial to create nesting habitats for bees. Many species, such as solitary bees, require undisturbed areas of bare soil or dead wood to build their nests.
You can support these ground-nesting and cavity-nesting bees by leaving some sections of your garden undisturbed, especially in the fall when bumblebees are seeking overwintering spots. You can also install bee hotels or bug hotels with different-sized holes to provide additional nesting sites.
Finally, don't forget to provide a reliable water source for the bees in your garden. Set up shallow birdbaths, saucers, or other containers filled with pebbles or stones, ensuring the water is clean and refreshed regularly to prevent mosquito breeding. Bees need access to water to stay hydrated and regulate the temperature of their hives. By incorporating these bee-friendly practices, you can transform your home garden into a thriving oasis for pollinators.
BuzzWorks offers a range of opportunities for families, schools, and groups to learn more about the importance of bees and how to support them. Their free summer open days feature activities like making seed balls, crafting with beeswax, and exploring observation hives, allowing visitors to get hands-on experience with these fascinating creatures.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to cultivate your outdoor space, making your home garden more bee-friendly is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to the conservation of these vital pollinators.
By providing a diverse array of flowering plants, creating nesting habitats, minimizing pesticide use, and offering water sources, you can help ensure the survival and prosperity of bees in your local ecosystem.
For further information on BuzzWorks Education, discovery and Free family Open Days please visit https://www.buzzworks.org.uk/whats-on or scan the QR code.
