The Family Buzz Magazine - St Albans (Summer 2024)
ST ALBANS & HARPENDEN
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 t miss our two amazing competitions where you can win fantastic days out for the whole
re juggling work and the kids, take a look at our local holiday t forget to check out our green patch for friendly, reducing waste, and how you can
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! Sal England & Iva Young | Editors 0203 837 0275 | hello@thefamilybuzz.co.uk | @familybuzzhertfordshire
thefamilybuzz.co.uk @familybuzzhertfordshire
Published 3 times a year in early March, July and November. 10,000+ copies distributed across St Albans & Harpenden 100+ distribution points.
Advertise with us and let your local community know about your services and products
Disclaimer: Family Buzz Ltd is an independently owned company. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form, or by any means, either in part or in full, without the
from the publisher. While considerable care and attention has been taken in the preparation of this
tion, and to ensure the accuracy of it’s content, Family Buzz Ltd can not accept
infringement, damage or difficulties resulting from either the contents of an
from claims made
advertisers, or from errors, omissions or inaccuracies relating to an advertisement or other entry, regardless of how caused. All adverts are prepared based on material that has either been provided by the advertiser or is freely available in the public domain. A listing in this magazine does not represent an endorsement of the advertiser, or necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. As with any other form of advertising, readers are advised to conduct their own research and make their own comparisons regarding the products and services advertised within this publication.
Cover poppy field image by Claire Connold Photography
PARTY TREATS & CAKES
Anitas Cake Bakery
Harpenden based Celebration cakes to order Cupcake decorating parties for kids. Info@anitascakebakery.com
Amy’s Bakehouse St Albans based Celebration cakes, free-from cakes, giant cookies, cupcakes and more amy@amysbakehouse.co.uk www.amysbakehouse.co.uk
The Sunflower Pantry Celebration cakes, cupcakes, brownies, blondies, cookies and small treats thesunflowerpantry.megan@gmail.com www.thesunflowerpantry.co.uk
Inflatables, bouncy castles, soft play, ride-ons and giant games Call: 0808 255 300 stalbansbouncycastles.com
Koncept Castles
Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Slides, Fun Run, Disco Dome, Giant Games and more Telephone: 01462 730 895 Email: info@konceptcastles.co.uk www.konceptcastles.co.uk
We offer fully themed party packages. Telephone: 07908612707 Email: debbienevill74@gmail.com www.debbiesdevents.co.uk
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
The Marvellous Sleepover Company Luxury indoor teepees in St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding areas Telephone: 07866 456 545 annie@marvelloussleepovers.co.uk www.marvelloussleepovers.co.uk
PARTY ENTERTAINERS
Kid Fit Parties
The Ultimate Sports Day Party for kids aged 3-10, Relays races, space hoppers, dodgeball and more www.kidfitparties.com
Sandy Art
Children's parties for ages 3-11 years Telephone: 07984 023628
Parties, Holiday Camps, Art Classes info@shedloadsoffun.com www.shedloadsoffun.com
Annie's Princess Palace Parties
An exciting party entertainer. Great reviews & passionate entertainers. anniesprincesspalaceparties@gmail.com anniesprincesspalaceparties.godaddysites.com
Artikids
Covering Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Children’s ArtiParties for girls and boys, all ages chantal@artikids.uk www.artikids.uk
Party packages providing forest school equipment, craft activities, experienced party host, venue with indoor and outdoor space and optional campfire and smores. deepinnatureclub@gmail.com www.deepinnature.co.uk
Safari Stu
Animal birthday parties, schools, care homes, clubs
After school and Saturday Art classes as well as holiday workshops for ages 6-18 stalbans@art-k.co.uk www.art-k.co.uk/class-st-albans
Doodle Bugs
For children aged 4-10 years to create relaxing and imaginative arts and crafts www.doodlebugsartsandcrafts.co.uk
Pots of Art
Pottery painting, build a bear, children's parties, baby impressions. St Albans www.potsofart.co.uk
Oglee Poglee
The Cardboard Shed is open in school holidays. Booking required. claire@ogleepoglee.co.uk www.ogleepoglee.co.uk
Poppy Seeds Home
Based in Harpenden
Arts and crafts workshops and parties www.poppyseedshome.com
BABIES & TODDLERS
Hartbeeps
Sensory music classes, in-house sessions, parties and much more Hitchin, St Albans, Welwyn, Hatfield, Cheshunt, Potters Bar Email: jodi.carolyn@hartbeeps.com Insta - @hartbeepswithjodiandcarolyn Mini Moovers
Homewood Road , St Albans Imaginative and creative music & movement classes for children aged 6 months - 4yrs Telephone: 07740 290654 minimooversfun@gmail.com Facebook @minimoovers
Baby Sensory St Albans & Harpenden
The multi-award winning programme for babies from birth to 13 months Telephone: 07736 285203 stalbans@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com/stalbans
Monkey Music
Baby and toddler music classes in Harpenden & St Albans www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/ harpenden-and-st-albans harpenden.stalbans@monkeymusic.co.uk
Cha Char Chimps
Weekly interactive musical fun shows for preschool children
St Albans & Redbourn emma@ccchimps.com Facebook: Cha Char Chimps – St Albans www.ccchimps.com
Artventurers
Award winning art parties and classes in Berkhamsted, Tring, Harpenden www.artventurers.co.uk/berkhamsted
KidzCode AI
Coding, robotics and AI classes and holiday camps for kids
St Albans and Harpenden info@kidzcodeai.co.uk www.kidzcodeai.co.uk
Rugbytots
St Albans Girls School, St Albans Dynamic weekly play sessions for boys and girls aged 2-7 jamesr@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk
Robot Reg
St Albans and Harpenden Phonics classes for 1 –6 years www.robotreg.co.uk/find-a-class/ st-albans-harpenden
Lindy Lou's Adventures in Music Multi-sensory music classes from birth to wobbling in Wheathampstead admin@lindylous.co.uk www.lindylous.co.uk
The Signing Company
Signing classes in St Albans for Babies & Toddlers with music, props & bubbles!
Signing Babies – up to 18m
Signing Toddlers – from 18m
FB & Insta: @signingcompany
thesigningcompany.co.uk
07813 315914
The Little Gym Harpenden Developmental gymnastics classes, holiday camps and parties. 4 months - 12 years www.harpenden.thelittlegym.co.uk
Children’s Classes
LANGUAGES & TUITION
Dynamic Tutors
Catering to students KS3 to A level. Offering 1-to-1 tuition in the Harpenden area or online hello@dynamictutors.net www. dynamictutors.net
Alec Pulver Physics & Science Tutor Online tutoring or face-to-face in Harpenden Telephone: 07484 658 863 alecpulver@gmail.com
The Language Cabin
French, German and EFL/ESL tutoring online justine@thelanguagecabin.co.uk www.thelanguagecabin.co.uk
Home-School Tutoring
Providing effective, supportive, bespoke tuition either face-to-face or online sarah.jones@homeschooltutoring.co.uk www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk
Spanish Por Favor
Tuition available online or face to face in Redbourn, Harpenden, St Albans and surrounding areas natalie@spanishporfavor.co.uk www.spanishporfavor.co.uk
Les Petits Ecoliers
French Saturday-morning school based in St Albans. Specialising in teaching French to 3-15 year old children from bilingual families stalbans@lespetitsecoliers.co.uk www.lespetitsecoliers.co.uk
BABY & TODDLER
Mini Mozart
Fun, interactive music classes for babies & toddlers with professional musicians www.minimozart.com emma@minimozart.com
Little Kickers
Fun football based activity classes for boys and girls aged 18 months to 8 years www.littlekickers-swherts.co.uk
MamaBabyBliss
Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Yoga and Baby Massage in Harpenden and St Albans amy.williams@mamababybliss.com www.mamababybliss.com
Mini Professors
Classes in which children can explore and marvel at the wonders of science stalbans@miniprofessors.co.uk www.miniprofessors.com/stalbans
Tumble Tots
Fun and physical play sessions for children aged 6months - 6 years tumbletotsstalbans@gmail.com www.tumbletots.com/stalbans
Tiny Ballerina
Preschool classes for the budding ballerina, incorporating music, song, movement and first principals of ballet. miriam@tinyballerina.co.uk www.tinyballerina.co.uk
Socatots
Football focused, play based learning programme for ages 6 months 5 yrs. www.facebook.com/socatotsstalbans
MUSIC
Harpenden Contemporary Music School
Drums, Piano, Guitar, Singing, Music Creation and Production lessons info@harpendencms.co.uk www.harpendencms.co.uk
Peter Lipman Piano Teacher
For children and adults in Harpenden and online piano lessons
For boys and girls ages 4 to 16 Telephone: 07766 838281 Email: info@edgefa.co.uk www.edgefa.co.uk
Showtime Circus
Fully inclusive circus school for babies, children and adults Hitchin and Harpenden www.showtimecircus.co.uk
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
Redbourn based classes run by qualified British Gymnastics Coaches, following a set programme for children 4 - 16 years admin@saadigymnastics.co.uk www.saadigymnastics.co.uk
Tennis Champs
Tennis play and coaching programme for 2 – 11 year olds info@tennischamps.co.uk www.tennischamps.co.uk
King’s Soccer School
Saturday morning sessions running year round, children’s football parties and holiday clubs info@kingssoccerschool.com www.kingssoccerschool.com
All Stars Cricket
Cricket for boys and girls 5-8 years, with non-stop fun suitable for all skill levels www.ecb.clubspark.uk
ASIS Skateboard Coaching
Based at the Pioneer Club in St Albans. All ages and abilities welcome asisbooking@gmail.com
St Albans Girls School every Sunday from 9.45am – 1pm. Tel: 07961 678 446 www.pqacademy.com
Best Theatre Arts
Independent theatre school based in St Albans, Hertford & Ware
Weekly classes and holiday camps info@besttheatrearts.org.uk besttheatrearts.com
Penny Waterman School of Dance
Ballet, Tap, Street Dance & Musical Theatre for 18m -16 yrs. St Albans, Harpenden, Redbourn & Abbots Langley admin@pennywaterman.com www.pennywaterman.com
Pixie Studios Theatre School
Dancing, singing & acting in St Albans. Holiday camps and Pixie parties. info@pixiestudios.co.uk www.pixiestudios.co.uk
Finding Voices
Speech & Drama classes for ages 8-18 St Albans & Harpenden hello@findingvoices.co.uk findingvoices.co.uk
Trestle Theatre Company School of Drama
Regular classes for ages 4-7, 8-10, 11-14, 14+. Russet Drive, St Albans admin@trestle.org.uk www.trestle.org.uk/trestle-school-ofdrama
Gwen Hallam Dance
Syllabus classes in Ballet, Tap and Modern which follow the RAD and ISTD syllabi, offering the children chance to work towards and enter for exams gwen@ghdance.com www.ghdance.com
Harpenden school of Dance Classes from 2 years+. Dance styles include Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Modern Theatre, and Contemporary Jazz info@harpendendance.com www.harpendendance.com
Coaching is both a science and an art, with many layers, that if done right, all add up to fantastic sessions. We work hard to get both parts right. Within our coaching, we apply a strong focus on how we communicate verbally and non verbally, the structure and the words we use. This helps to motivate the student which then allows them to learn faster and to do so in a fun environment, which is important.
By praising values and attitudes that display hard work, listening skills and determination, we help to develop the students mindset as well because we don't only want to develop great tennis players but amazing people as well.
We use low ratios in mini tennis 4:1 for 5-8 year olds and 8:1 for 8-10 year olds for maximum impact as well setting long term goals for the players and structured lessons for skill development. We offer term time coaching from tots to adults with options from Monday – Saturday. In the holidays we have camps as well for differing age groups too so lots of options to try it out.
For all these reasons, Tennis at Elliswick is a fantastic choice.
We have been running sessions at Elliswick for over 10 years now often selling out majority of the courses we put on. In 2021 we expanded out to have sessions at Sir John Lawes school after school and on weekends to facilitate high demand, this has been growing year on year as well, please check spaces for this as well if you can not find one at Elliswick.
To find out more information please visit our clubs website: www.elliswickltc.co.uk or email head coach Ben Wood: btb_elliswickltc@hotmail.com
Holiday Clubs
HOLIDAY CLUBS
Barracudas Activity Day Camp
St Albans and Harpenden
With an unrivalled choice of over 80 activities on offer, kids love our multi-activity camps, making life-long memories and friends every year. www.barracudas.co.uk
Re:Play Holiday Club
Based in St Albans with lots of fun and exciting activities for children 3.5 11yrs replay5905@ntlworld.com
The Outdoors Project Holiday Camps and Birthday Parties in the Great Outdoors! We have some fun in store including real life Minecraft adventures, Harry Potter wand-making, bushcraft and generally enjoying getting muddy and messy just like a kid should! www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk/st-albans
Little Gym Holiday Camps
For 3-12 year olds. Awesome gymnastics, STEM activities, arts and crafts games and more! harpenden@thelittlegym.co.uk www.harpenden.thelittlegym.co.uk
FizzBug
Award-winning Childcare in St Albans and Harpenden. Multi-Activity, Cookery School, Arts & Crafts, Football www.fizzbug.co.uk
Sparks St Albans Film School Film School for Ages 5-18
Holiday camps for ages 5-13, Harpenden Telephone: 07577 365083 Mark@encorefootball.com
Art Shed
Art Classes, Holiday Camps, Parties St Albans & Harpenden info@shedloadsoffun.com www.shedloadsoffun.com
Kings Camps
Held at St Albans School. Sports and activity camps that get the best out of every child! www.kingscamps.org
Cascade Camps
Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Watford For children 3-14 with over 80 activities including inflatables, archery, team sports, games and crafts www.cascadecamps.com
Apex 360
St Albans and Harpenden
Offering a variety of activities for children aged 5-12 to keep them fully engaged during their time at our holiday camps! office@apex360.co.uk www.apex360.co.uk/camps
Pixie Studios
Theatre summer camp 12 16 August. Singing, dancing, acting, games, arts & crafts plus food. www.pixiestudios.co.uk
THREE, TWO, ONE GO!
If you are in Verulamium Park on a Sunday morning at 9am you will hear one of the volunteer team at Junior parkrun shout those words and a gaggle of four- to fourteen-year-old children will run, jog, or walk 2k around the football pitches near the Museum.
Junior parkrun happens in over 400 locations across the UK every Sunday at 9am and is for children to be able to get outdoors and exercise in a fun and non-competitive environment. Children can run alone or with their parents as we have marshals cheering all around the course.
The junior runners also get recognition for completing multiple runs with a coloured wristband presented to them for achieving 11, 21, 50, 100 or 250 runs. We have several regular runners who have received their 100 wristbands, and it is great to see them develop over the years.
The Event Director, Scott Clarke, has been running the event since its’ inception in April 2019. He says, ‘I started this event when my son was thirteen and even though he is too old to run now, we both love to come and be part of the amazing community of participants and volunteers. As he gets older, this is one of the ways in which we stay close to each other, and he never turns down breakfast afterwards.’
We are also very proud of our support for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and we have seen over 30 young people volunteer with us. It is amazing to see these teenagers forge friendships with each other when they would otherwise be in bed or interacting with technology. The fact that we have active teenagers leading our warm-up each week is a joy to behold. It is a fantastically simple concept and completely free. If you would like to give it a try register at www.parkrun.org.uk/register and turn up at ten to nine with a copy of your child’s barcode. Whether you like to run the whole way, or just want to amble round the course you are sure of a very warm welcome. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at verulamiumjuniors@parkrun.com
FAMILY & PARENTING SUPPORT
Parents That Work
Helping couples navigate parenthood. Couples workshops and coaching to develop strong, connected, and loving parenting partnerships. www.parentsthatwork.co.uk
The Youth Fairy
St Albans, Harpenden and Online Child & Teen Therapy Telephone: 07423 264 531 Email: vanessa@theyouthfairy.com
Have a Word
ADHD Coaching, Mental Health Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, St Albans www.haveaword.org
Fusion Childcare Services
Breakfast & After School Club Harpenden www.fusionchildcareservices.co.uk
PRE & POST NATAL CARE
6WeekSocial
Postnatal courses offering friendship and community, along with tailored specialist advice and support. 6weeksocial@gmail.com www.6weeksocial.co.uk
Be Kind Hypnobirthing
Doula led Hypnobirthing & Birth Preparation for ALL births Telephone: 07854 066263 carys.worsdale@icloud.com www.bekindhypnobirthing.com
Health & Wellbeing
Harpenden Breastfeeding Support
Providing support by mothers for mothers in and around Harpenden. tricia@triciaking.co.uk
Facebook @harpendenbreastfeedingsupport
Sleep Time Consulting
1-2-1, group and online. St Albans kate@sleeptimeconsulting.co.uk sleeptimeconsulting.co.uk
EXERCISE
Awareness Yoga Harpenden Yoga Classes and Yoga for pregnancy fenn.fran@googlemail.com www.awarenessyoga.co.uk
The Mummy PT
Mummy Fitness Classes, St Albans sarah@themummypt.co.uk www.themummypt.co.uk
MamaFit Harpenden
Pilates, Fitness, Personal Training & Massage for Pregnancy & Postnatal www.platinumwellness.co.uk/mamafit
SPACE
Empowering families
SPACE works to empower families of neurodivergent children and young people so they can thrive.
Access family support, workshops, courses, activities, lending libraries and more.
www.spaceherts.org.uk
Autism, ADHD Neurodiverse Conditions
Working Together: Sibling Rivalry –Summer Holiday Ideas
My experience of working with children and parents is that both would like more harmony at home and would like relationships with siblings to improve. Taking time to talk about what would help and setting some rules and boundaries can be really helpful. When children and teens feel like they have had an input they are also more likely to work within the boundaries. Just like adults, children prefer to have their thoughts heard rather than just be told how things are going to be.
Agree what would make this the best summer holiday ever!
• Set aside time before the summer holidays to discuss what a good ‘holiday’ looks like. This takes the pressure off coming up with ideas in the moment.
• You could introduce a thinking/planning process. One that could work well with both younger children and teens is to develop a “green light thinking” process.
• Idea gathering - Green Light – first everyone brings their ideas, perhaps on a post-it note. All ideas are welcome and at this stage none are discarded.
• Review – now everyone can have their say (although no ideas should be ridiculed), you can start to collate similar ideas, discard ones that aren’t possible (too expensive, age restrictions, etc), you may need to collate ideas that are solitary things (or that are things one child wants to do on their own).
• Action – you can vote on the ideas that have passed the review stage and begin to make plans to take action.
Additional Guidance
• You may need to provide additional support to the younger siblings or if you have children who are more introverted to ensure they have had a voice.
• Support Flexibility – agree how time might be agreed. Some children will be looking froward to a holiday without structure, where others may feel lost without the structure they enjoy at school (you may also have a preference!). Consider how you can flex the plans to meet the preferences.
• Me time – just as you might appreciate some time for yourself over the holidays, plan in ways that your children can let you know they need time out. It might be that you have a place (even just a particular chair or a blanket) which communicates that your child wants some time out.
• Encourage agreement and compromise – if one child really enjoys board games and the other likes time on the trampoline, discuss how they can agree (at times) to do something that isn’t their favourite activity because their time will come.
• Boredom box – most parents have that time of despair when they hear their child announce “I’m bored”, explaining to your child the benefits of boredom (allows them to process information, be creative, reduces stress…) might not be a helpful response. But having a box with ideas and activities for the bored stage can be really helpful. This box may include art materials, and idea cards that they can create before the holidays start. You could create an ‘ideas jar’ –fill this with ideas of things they could do to fill their time and they can either randomly select one or sort through until they find something they want to do (call a friend, bake a cake, read a book, play an instrument, kick a football).
If you are a regular follower of the Youth Fairy blogs you will be familiar with ways that we work to help children (and parents) understand how their brain works and how we can help to support and create healthy habits. Healthy habits help us to create more serotonin, the feel-good chemical, which helps us to be happier, calmer and more able to cope with challenges. Here are links to some of the blogs that may be helpful as the summer holidays are approaching!
Emma Burgess Photographer Family, kids and portrait photography Instagram: @thiscarefreelife Email: Emmaberrisford@hotmail.com
ORGANISING
The Flamingo Organising
Decluttering & Home Organising Service
Contact Sarah on: 07397 327067 Sarah@FlamingoOrganising.com flamingoorganising.com
Morganised Professional organisation services tailored for busy families and busy homes contact@morganised.co.uk www.morganised.co.uk EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF
Quote FAMILYBUZZ during your FREE consultation!
Competitions!
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 a 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 5th August and will be contacted via email as well as announced on the website. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Programme subject to change
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
Entertainment & Attractions
SOFT PLAY CENTRES & PLAY CAFES
DJs Play Jungle St Albans
Soft play, birthday parties, SEN Sessions info@djsplay.co.uk www.djsplay.co.uk
Westminster Lodge Soft Play
Active Antz parties and sessions for 2-5 years. Soft play sessions up to 8 years and soft play parties up to 12 years Holywell Hill, St Albans www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ westminster-lodge-leisure-centre
Maidenhead Aquatics
Aquatics shop with cafe & soft play area North Orbital Road, St Albans www.fishkeeper.co.uk
Cloud 9 Leisure
A leisure experience combining the fun and excitement of Ninja Warrior, Gladiator and Total Wipeout all on fun and exciting inflatables! Hemel Hempstead www.cloud9leisure.com
Cotlandswick Leisure Centre Soft Play
Soft play sessions up to 8 years and exclusive party hire up to 12 years www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ cotlandswick-leisure-centre/
Get Wild at Hatfield Galleria
Jungle-themed indoor play area providing children aged 1 – 12 with a thrilling environment to play for an hour. All visits must be pre-booked online www.thegalleria.co.uk/get-wild
Town Hall, St Albans museum@stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Verulamium Museum
St Michael's Street, St Albans Museum of everyday life in Roman Britain museum@stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Odyssey Cinema
Open Tuesdays Sundays London Road, St Albans www.odysseypictures.co.uk
The Eric Morecombe Centre Theatre, cafe/bar, function rooms and a museum space showcasing the history of Harpenden, Rothamstead Park www.the-emc.co.uk/
The Alban Arena
Comedy, Music, Theatre, Dance, Film, West End Shows, Children's Shows, Pantomime & much more. St Albans www.alban-arena.co.uk
Ovo
The home of great theatre in the heart of St Albans. Creators of The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival www.ovo.org.uk/roman-theatre
ZOOS & FARMS
Willows Activity Farm
Adventure Playground, shows and character meet and greets, funfair rides, tractor ride, farm animals & more Coursers Rd, St Albans www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Woodside Animal Farm
Farm, zoo and exotic animals, tractor & trailer rides, crazy golf, outdoor play fun, indoor soft play centre and café www.woodsidefarm.co.uk
Langleybury Childrens Farm
Open for shcool holidays and weekends only. Kings Langley www.langleyburychildrensfarm.org.uk
Hertfordshire Zoo
Home to over 800 exotic animals & World of Dinosaurs. Broxbourne, Herts www.hertfordshirezoo.com
The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
The Bug Hunt at the Walled Garden
Friday 26 July
Luton Hoo Estate www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
In The Night Garden Live
Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July
The Alban Arena, St Albans www.alban-arena.co.uk
Peter Pan – Immersion Theatre
Monday 29 July
Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk
AUGUST
Children’s Workshops 1, 8 and 15 August
The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Stockwood Garden Party
Tuesday 6 - Thursday 8 August
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Summer of Play
Wednesday 24 July – Monday 26 August
Over the course of the summer holidays Waddesdon Manor will be hosting a range of fun activities each week, including garden games, interactive life-sized arcade games, Smoking Apples Theatre productions, archery and axe throwing. The ever-popular Berkshire Birds of Prey will also be returning to close out Waddesdon’s Summer of Play. Children get free entry to the house and grounds from 24 July–26 August.
ww.waddesdon.org.uk
Image: Kathy Chantler (c) National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
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.
Book online and save 15%. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park
Kids Fest Herts
Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 August
Willows Activity Farm, St Albans www.kidsfestherts.com
Firework Champions
Saturday 10 August
Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Emergency Services Day
Sunday 11 August
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, www.bucksrailcentre.org
Festival of Bounce
Thursday 15 – Sunday 18th August
Great Amwell, Ware www.festivalofbounce.co.uk
20th Flamstead Scarecrow Festival
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 August
Flamstead Village www.flamsteadscarecrowfestival.co.uk
Verulamium Park, St Albans www.pubintheparkuk.com/st-albans
Brambleton Model Railway Club Open Day
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.
25,26,27 October 1,2,3 November Hertfordshire Zoo www.hertfordshirezoo.com
Halloween at Capel Manor Gardens
Sat 26 October - Thurs 31 October www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
Magic of Science
Tuesday 29 October
The Radlett Centre www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Halloween Spectacular
Friday 1 November
The Chiltern Open Air Museum www.coam.org.uk
Berkhamsted Bees
Beekeepers producing local honey from hives situated in the countryside, Pure unadulterated honey produce, nothing added, no chemicals used, just the pure product.
Cris & Collette - 07896 801073 or 07984 072666
www.berkhamstedbees.com
Facebook & Insta: @Berkhamsted Bees
Hemel Hempstead Community Fridge
Highfield Community Centre, Fletcher way, Hemel Hempstead
A charity that redistributes surplus food to our local community twice a week. hhfridge@gmail.com
@Hemel Hempstead Community Fridge
Pets In Need Herts
Halden’s Sports and Social Club, Welwyn Garden City, AL71UN
A dedicated pet food bank within the community. Making a difference to support animal welfare and help support owners.
We are a local bunch of friendly fixers ready to use our skills and experience to repair your broken bits and bobs! We are appalled by the mountains of waste produced by our consumerist culture and this is our way to help reduce this waste. For more information and upcoming events go to: Facebook @StAlbansDistrictFixers sustainablestalbans.org
The Green Patch
Green Bean Eco Party Packs
We aim to reduce the amount of waste and single-use plastics by providing children's party tableware and decorations to hire at an affordable cost. Help to cut down on the amount of waste ending up in landfill by hiring reusable plates, cups, bowls and accessories.
Based in Harpenden
Email: greenbeanecopacks@yahoo.com
Telephone: 07733236133
Facebook & Insta @greenbeanecopacks
Earthworks
We support people with learning disabilities (known as Earthworkers) alongside volunteers, to help manage 3.5 acres of beautiful eco-gardens in St Albans, through the practice of social and therapeutic horticulture. We grow fruit and vegetables using organic methods and build wildlife habitats using traditional techniques.
Ethically sourced, freshly-packed quality goods, minimal and eco-friendly packaging and refill service
Telephone: 01727 855401 www.eatwholefoods.co.uk
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.com
Wilderhood Watch
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with nearly 1 in 6 native species threatened with extinction. Nature needs our help, and that’s where Wilderhood Watch comes in.
Wilderhood Watch (WW) is a community group dedicated to protecting and helping nature in our area, one garden and one street at a time. Over the past 5 years, Wilderhood Watch has grown from one street in St Albans, to over 40 streets and continues to expand.
Through our various projects, we encourage people to join up with their neighbours to garden in a wildlife-friendly way. Each ‘Watch’ has a co-ordinator who runs a WhatsApp group to share knowledge of how to link up gardens to create a green corridor where wildlife can find food, water and shelter. We share our ideas as well as news and photos of our successes as inspiration to each other.
A lot of groups start off with our Hedgehog Street project. Everyone loves a hog, but sadly this species is classed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’. But simply putting a hedgehog hole in your boundary allows hedgehogs to access your garden to find food and nesting. Linking gardens to create a hedgehog highway, discouraging the use of chemicals and slug pellets, building wood piles, and leaving wild areas, all contribute to saving hedgehogs. Children love to make hedgehog houses or feeding stations. And in partnership with London Colney Hedgehog Rescue, we have helped release and support rehabilitated hedgehogs.
Another popular and effective project is our Pollinator Highway. We encourage people to sow native plants with flowers which attract pollinating insects, creating a green corridor and increasing biodiversity. We hold regular plant swaps, giving away free seeds and cuttings, which children love to take home and grow. And, as with all our projects, we have leaflets with suggestions of pollinator-friendly plants to ensure there is year round food for our bees and butterflies.
Toad Road is another vital project. Providing water is one of the best things you can do for wildlife. A water source doesn’t have to be big: it can be a plant-pot saucer on the ground, which will be used by insects, hedgehogs, birds and amphibians. Ponds bring in a greater variety of wildlife and WW can help with creating one suitable for your space. Neighbours and their children love to join on pond visits for inspiration and a bit of pond dipping.
WW also takes responsibility for several public green spaces. Our ‘Buzz Stops’ are areas, managed by local members, which the council agrees to leave unmown. Letting the grass grow longer and introducing native flowers enhances our natural environment for wildlife. Some streets organise litter picking, or weeding their own pavements, which means they don’t have to be sprayed with glyphosate, resulting in a healthier environment for all.
Wilderhood Watch is a friendly and supportive grassroots organisation that has shown that just small changes to the way we garden can make a big difference to nature.
us
(Pics of Simon – latest release in Walton Street, and one of the hedgehog holes put in for him)
Written by Jill Stevens (Hedgehog rehabber at London Colney Hedgehog Rescue and Jennings, Clarence and Blenheim roads Wilderhood Watch coordinator and Jo Brown (Beech road Wilderhood Watch coordinator)
