Happy New Year!

Issue 84 Jan/Feb 2019 familiesonline.co.uk 2 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk From your Editor… In this issue: News & Views: 4 Welcome to the first issue of 2019. At Families Herts the aim is to provide useful information that is also an interesting read. So, in the Childcare Feature you will find out about the Montessori approach to Childcare: 6 early years learning and development. Plus, Ruth Martin of Artisans Kindergarten in Harpenden, shows how, with only a little effort, you can turn a drizzly winter’s day at home into a fun learning and bonding time for you and your child. Education: 9 A calm and orderly start to the day is good for the whole family. Our Education section gives five tips to help you be on top of your daily getting-ready-for-school (and work) New Year, New Family: 10 routine. For a fun family activity, join in Wear A Hat Day. This annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March. Find out more in the News & Views section. Parenting: 11 Once the Christmas bubble has burst, the start of a new year can feel like waiting to slide down a very high flume; you know there will be hidden twists and turns and a few What’s On: 12 little bumps along the way, but they will all add to the experience. And finally, I have enjoyed bringing you each new issue of Families Herts but after fourteen years and eighty-four issues, this issue is my last. As I move on to new projects, I am leaving you in the capable hands of your new Editor, Dale Harry. Dale is very Next Issue: 85 - March/April excited about his new role and he is already working on the March/April issue. Thanks Copy Deadline: 7th February to everyone who has supported Families Herts over the years: readers, advertisers, contributors, designer, printers, and deliverers. Now it’s over to Dale … Image credit: © kozzi2 Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Shelley 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. 020 8428 6384 [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 3 News & Views Dance your days away with a Campus West Wins diddi dance franchise Awards Recently honoured If you’re looking for an award-winning, with a Trip Advisor family-friendly business opportunity with a Certificate of supportive franchise network then look no Excellence for its further! Now is your chance to be in business consistently high for yourself, not by yourself! customer ratings, Established in 2003 by professional dancer the award-winning Anne-Marie Martin, diddi dance has, from Campus West in day one, been the go to class for parents with Welwyn Garden active toddlers. City is home to diddi dance classes, parties and early years all your entertainment needs under one setting sessions are designed to engage and roof. The 3-screen cinema shows the latest inspire children's own creativity by using blockbusters, as well as more independent action songs, dancing games and props all to and unusual films for children, plus autism- our own original, funky music. friendly and mother and baby screenings. We are looking for more great franchisees to Mary Poppins Returns is one of the big movies help us and join our mission to Get Children screening in early 2019, plus live screenings of Moving! the wonderful Bite Size Ballets from Northern Our franchisees come from different £4,995+VAT can suit anyone who wants to run Ballet including The Tortoise and the Hare, backgrounds, but inevitably chose diddi dance their own business. The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Three because of what we stand for and are trying to To find out more go to Contact Little Pigs. achieve within the preschool sector. [email protected] or A fun skate session at RollerCity – Our low-cost franchise package of https://www.diddidance.com/franchise/ ’s only purpose-built roller skating rink - will delight and surprise you. A Day Out With the Kids Family Favourites Awards Wear A Hat Day finalist, RollerCity won the award for If you’re looking for a fun activity for the and it can affect Best Active Day whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat anyone at any Out in the eastern Day. The annual fundraising event takes place age. What’s more, region. on Friday 29th March, 2019 and the Brain brain tumours kill Open 7 days Tumour Research charity needs your help to more children and a week, Soft make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! adults under the Play City has unlimited play sessions, with There are so many ways to get involved and age of 40 than dedicated age zones from 0-8 years and free the little ones will have so much fun, all whilst any other cancer, entry for babies under 1 year old. There are a helping an important cause. From organising yet historically variety of parties on offer to suit every budget a hatty fashion show and making Easter just 1% of the and every occasion - from shared sessions to bonnets, to hosting a bake sale and going on a national spend on cancer research has been exclusive parties. hat-tastic walkabout, you can plan any type of allocated to this devastating disease. Register If you get a FREE Zebra Discount Card, you event you fancy… just don’t forget your hat! for Wear A Hat Day and your family can can get up to 50% off tickets and food By taking part in Wear A Hat Day, you will help change this; simply go to https://www. and drink. be helping to raise vital funds for research into braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/wear-a- Please go to www.cwentertainment.co.uk for brain tumours. The disease is indiscriminate, hat-day/wear-a-hat-day-registration more information.

Raising Confident Children with Perform

Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) their confidence and how well they speak in who have both been attending Perform classes school assemblies. I’m really impressed with since they were 4 years old. how they chat to adults in places like shops “I’ve always wanted my children to feel and restaurants.” confident speaking in public and chatting to all Classes at Perform are small with two sorts of people. I think these are essential life teachers per class. “The teachers are skills these days,” says Sara. professional actors with amazing energy Sara was drawn to Perform because of its and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to focus on developing confidence and self- understand and engage every child” reports esteem in a fun way. “It’s not a pushy stage Sara. school” she explains. “Each week, the classes Perform offers a FREE no-obligation focus on a topic like manners, making eye dance or drama class in Bishops Stortford, contact or introducing themselves, but this is Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Harpenden, wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Potters context of drama and songs.” Bar, Radlett, Sawbridgworth, St Albans and “Since my children started attending Welwyn Garden City.Visit www.perform.org. Perform, other parents frequently remark on uk/try to book.

4 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Nurture your child with Monkey Music classes!

Katherine Mayes is a professional violinist with local Monkey Music franchise. I enjoy every the BBC Symphony Orchestra and mother moment of teaching my classes, expressing of two musical boys she also runs Monkey my love and joy for music to the babies and Music classes in Baldock, Biggleswade, Hitchin, children who attend. I must say that one Knebworth, Letchworth and Stotfold. Here, of the special moments in class is when I Katherine explains why she is passionate serenade the children and captivate them about the amazing effects music has on the with my violin. Their faces always look into age-specific classes from 3 months, all development of babies and young children. mesmerized, and there is a real sense of magic the way up to 4 years of age. By the time a “I discovered Monkey Music when a in class. Another wonderful moment is when child reaches primary school they will have friend asked me to join her in her local percussion instruments are handed out and we a wealth of musical knowledge, life skills, class. I remember feeling impressed by the all play together with lots of energy and fun! have learnt to read music, and have specific catchy songs, amazing colourful props and At Monkey Music we enthusiastically experience both visually and aurally of every professionalism of the teacher. The class was believe that it is important for children to be orchestral instrument. Monkey Music provides fun and interactive, yet very educational. As immersed in making music in an enjoyable, a perfect grounding for going on to learn an a music teacher myself, I wanted to find a exciting and structured environment. We have instrument at school.” class that was tailored to the developmental a wonderful, innovative and unique 4-stage Find out more or book a FREE TASTER class needs of my boys and for me Monkey Music programme, written by professional musicians at www.monkeymusic.co.uk and click on ‘find surpassed anything else! Many years on, within the Early Years Foundation Stages a class’; email Baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic. after a lot of training, I decided to buy the framework. Babies and children are divided co.uk; call 01462 626735 The Big Garden Birdwatch Domestic Abuse The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership is raising awareness of domestic abuse. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place Domestic abuse is everybody’s business. from 26 to 28 January and is the largest Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 wildlife survey in the world. The information in 6 men in the UK during their lifetime and collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, sadly over 750,000 children annually. Here and is great fun for children. in Hertfordshire, children were known to be To take part, you need to watch the birds present in the home in 26% of all reported in your garden or local park for just one hour domestic abuse crimes and incidents in at some point over the three days and report 2015/16. It’s important that people know what your results to the RSPB. to look out for and how they can get help. You can request a FREE Big Garden If you’re concerned about yourself, your Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes children, a family member, friend or colleague; a bird identification chart and advice to help free confidential advice is available at © Andy Hay rspb-images.com you attract wildlife to your garden. www.hertssunflower.org or by calling the To make it fun, challenge your children to Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place. 088 088 088 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm ride to a local park to look for birds, or make a More info at www.rspb.org.uk Sat/Sun). In an emergency, always dial 999.

familiesonline.co.uk 5 Childcare What is a Montessori Pre-School or Nursery?

Many of us are familiar with the word “Montessori” in connection with education, but what exactly is the Montessori Method and how can it benefit children? The Montessori Method was developed 100 years ago by Dr Maria Montessori and recognises that children want to be free to learn by themselves and will naturally do so in the right environment. In the Montessori classroom, carefully planned activities and specialised equipment are provided for different levels of learning. A child is completely free to choose how he or she learns but you won’t generally find plastic nursery toys in a Montessori setting. The Montessori Method is child-centred and the curriculum is designed around the specific needs and abilities of each child as an individual, which allows each to explore and learn at his or her own pace. Children are encouraged to choose their own activities from a range of Montessori equipment and materials. Each individual piece is designed to teach a range of specific skills. Once shown how to use a piece of equipment,

“Children educated the Montessori way become great at problem solving and able to make decisions curriculum focuses on ‘key developmental at an early age, which is a marvellous preparation for milestones’ that link in nicely with the Early Years Foundation State Curriculum. starting school” Montessori encourages co-operative play, which enables and encourages children to share and work together exploring the various a child can then experiment until he gets it involved in their individual work, they are also areas in the Montessori classroom, whilst right. The equipment is specifically designed part of a co-operative community.” learning respect for one another and building a to be self-correcting which means children Julia Moody, Principal of Julia’s Montessori in sense of community. can learn by themselves, through their senses Hampton says “One of the greatest benefits Whilst all children are different and no and at their own pace. Then, the equipment of the Montessori Method is the focus on hard and fast rules can be applied, research is designed to provide another challenge so hands-on learning. Children work on activities conducted by the University of Virginia in that learning becomes progressively more that teach language, mathematics, culture, the US has shown that children who attend difficult, providing the opportunity for children creative, practical life and sensory skills giving Montessori nurseries or pre-schools may be to progress. In this way, a child’s learning them a broad and varied learning experience.” better prepared for English and maths learning experience is accelerated. Children learn to work on their own when they start school. The research also All the activities and Montessori equipment or as part of a group and the “prepared demonstrated that these children scored have precise locations on the shelves and environment” encourages independence, higher in tests for “executive function.” when a child finishes an activity, he or she confidence, concentration, self-control, a This is the ability to adapt to changing and is encouraged to return it back to the same sense of order, initiative, grace, courtesy, complex problems. Those children who place. This helps children develop a sense of patience, compassion, negotiation and self- attended Montessori nurseries or pre-schools order and promotes self-discipline. esteem. also displayed a greater sense of justice and At a Montessori nursery, there is generally “Children educated the Montessori way fairness and interacted with others in an only one piece of each equipment. “When a become great at problem solving and able emotional positive way. child is using a particular piece, other children to make decisions at an early age, which is a Choosing a pre-school or nursery setting must ask permission to join in” says Sonya marvellous preparation for starting school” for your child is never easy and it’s always Kanchan-Lal, Principal of Milkshake Montessori says Julia. advisable to visit and ask as many questions in Whitton. “Otherwise a child must wait until In an Early Years setting, children are of as possible. No one setting or type of setting that piece of equipment becomes free. This mixed ages, allowing the older children to suits every child, and, ultimately, your gut really teaches the children about sharing. They mentor the younger ones and the younger instinct on a setting’s suitability is most likely learn that although they are industriously children to learn from the older children. The to lead you to the right decision!

6 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Nannies and Child-minders: the Same or Different?

By Sarah-Jane Butler

There is sometimes a perception that a nanny is superior to a child-minder. After all, a child-minder looks after your child alongside others in their home, whereas a nanny is personal to you, works in your home and, unless you have a nanny share, looks solely after your child and, often, your house as well. Child-minders must be Ofsted registered and have certain childcare qualifications. Some nannies may have higher level qualifications than child-minders, such as an NNEB Level 3 in Childcare or a Childcare Degree. However, many actually have no qualifications at all and, in some cases, little experience either. Unlike child-minders, nannies are not regulated and don’t have to be registered or have any qualifications. All a nanny needs in order to care for children is a DBS (formerly CRB) check and even that doesn’t have to be up to date. A good nanny agency will ensure that your nanny has the right qualifications and/or experience and is appropriately screened. However, the rise of internet search sites often drives parents to find a nanny online in order to avoid agency fees. Unsuitable nannies can is really no advantage in 1:1 care in your own home if the nanny you therefore slip through the net and may be much cheaper than a employ is inadequate or unsuited to the job. child-minder. Sarah- Jane Butler is CEO and founder of Parental Choice, a one stop Many parents also pay their nannies cash in hand without accounting shop for advice and guidance on all your childcare needs, including to HMRC for the tax and national insurance they owe, so the savings payroll and employment contracts for nannies. Find out more at overall may seem substantial. Do remember though that not paying tax www.parentalchoice.co.uk or NIC is illegal and can carry substantial penalties if discovered. Not only that, but it unfairly deprives your nanny of any state benefits in the future. If you decide to employ a nanny, do make sure she has the right skills, experience and/or qualifications. However much money you save, there

familiesonline.co.uk 7 Childcare Making January Amazing Marshalswick Ruth Martin, Principal of Artisans Kindergarten in Harpenden, suggests imaginative ways to have fun with your little one whilst nurturing Pre School their creativity and inspiring their intellectual curiosity. and Nursery Marshalswick Pre School and Nursery has been serving the local community for over twenty-two years. The pre-school is set in a bright and spacious open space where the preschool children and nursery children are at the centre of a warm and stimulating benefit from two separate rooms where environment. Within the Early Years Statutory learning and development is encouraged in Framework the children are encouraged to small groups. Because Marshalswick is a small explore the seven areas of learning through pre-school and nursery the staff are able to be play. Daily activities are a combination of close to the children and can provide a secure child led and adult led play. The children environment where the children feel valued, are provided with a range of activities that encouraged and supported in all aspects are creative, stimulating and challenging January and February are often dark, dull of their development and well-being. The through which they can express themselves and drizzly, which can lead to grumpy staff are highly qualified practitioners who as individuals and discover the world around pre-schoolers and frazzled parents. Being form a close-knit, friendly team. Their deep them. marooned at home together can also become commitment to their roles as practitioners To find out more call 07746 646011 or email the best childhood memory for both. Giving and teachers ensures that the children’s needs [email protected] your full focus to your child will build a stronger relationship and teach your child to give you their focus too. Here’s some ideas how: Do you have a 3 or 4 year old?

Housework Hero Willows Farm Did you know you can apply now for a free Pre-schoolers want to be like adults, so early education place for your 3 or 4 year old everyday household chores become fun to start? activities. Sorting clothes is fun, they can Day Nursery If you need to apply for a free early extend their colour knowledge and explore education place for your child you must shape and texture. Hoovering is great too: and Pre-School apply directly to the provider of your choice; what is a vacuum and how does that catch this could be a pre-school, day nursery, the dirt? Empty or fill the dishwasher together Ofsted registered Willows Farm Day Nursery childminder or school nursery. and learn the names of everyday crockery and Pre-School offers nurturing childcare in a Many school nurseries, pre-schools and day items. Being able to position an object as you countryside setting at award winning Willows nurseries are having open days so that parents lift requires strength and balance and helps Activity Farm, conveniently located, 200 and carers can look around. Or, if not, you can develop body awareness and coordination. metres from junction 22 of the M25. There contact the setting direct and arrange to visit. Mad Scientist are plenty of outdoor play and learning areas 96% of all Hertfordshire early years Thousands of science experiments can be with regular visits to the farm too. We have providers are graded good or outstanding done with simple household items, helping separate purpose built Baby and Pre-Toddler by Ofsted. Evidence shows that regular, high to ignite passion and curiosity. Try searching Rooms with a dedicated area in our gardens. quality early education has lasting benefits for the internet for ‘tornado in a bottle’, ‘bicarb Children then move into our Toddler Rooms all children. volcano’, ‘making oobleck from cornflour’, with a diverse range of activities available Regardless of where your child accesses their ‘paper plane launchers’ and much more every day before moving into the Pre-School free early education entitlement, they will besides. where independent learning is encouraged experience a varied and stimulating range of Amazing Artist and where the pre-schoolers can enjoy their play and early learning activities, including: own private garden. We offer freshly prepared Think Andy Goldsworthy and use your cutlery, learning by playing and exploring; creative healthy food, cooked onsite. We have spaces cups, plates and whatever else inspires you and critical thinking; socialising and making available across our Baby Room to Pre-School to create amazing art. You could extend it friends; having fun, in a safe and nurturing with 30 Hours Funded Places available (subject to tomatoes, cucumber circles, carrot sticks, environment; being school ready. to eligibility). To book a tour and find out cheese cubes and make lunch into an artwork. Find your nearest early years provider at more visit willowsfarmdaynursery.com or www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/parents Intrepid explorer call 01727 829535 Set up a treasure hunt for each other. The clues can be verbal, pictorial, or acted out. Add in an obstacle course, or pretend the carpet is molten lava that can’t be crossed and suddenly the doors of imagination are flung wide. So, let’s turn those dull days into ones when we teach our children to question, problem solve and be independent; to tackle a project, find a passion and just to be happy with their own company. Find out more about Artisans Kindergarten at www.artisans-nursery.co.uk or call 07795 510130

8 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Education Five Tips for De-Stressing Getting to School Children don’t understand time in the same way as adults. This can make school mornings a stressful time of day for parents. Here are five tips to that may help make things a little easier.

1 The Crucial 10 Minutes Why not get up 10 minutes earlier? This will give you a chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee, have a shower and get dressed in less of a rush than usual. Being up 10 minutes earlier also gives you a fair chance of making sure both you and your children are ready 10 minutes before you have to leave. This will give you time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything. No more rushing out of the door and rushing back to pick up forgotten items!

Have a Checklist The Night Before 3 2 Either write an actual checklist The night before, do for your child’s school morning everything that can be done routine, or just verbally repeat to prepare for the morning. the jobs they are expected to Lay out the school uniform, do until they remember them. make pack lunches, sort snacks, A checklist could include: check all homework and sports eating breakfast, getting kit are where they should be. dressed, brushing teeth and Make showers/baths and hair hair, packing lunch and water washes part of the night time bottle, putting on shoes and routine, rather than obstacles to coat. It’s good to have a plan overcome in of their weekly school routine the morning. somewhere handy too so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on. 4 Provide a Pay Off Give kids an incentive so that if they finish their school morning routine early they are rewarded with some time for television, reading or something they would like to do before school.

5 Use Devices Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

familiesonline.co.uk 9 New Year, New Family How to Have your Happiest Year Ever By Dr Andy Cope

The secret to happiness turns Be a Hygge Spotter A year of Experiences out to be not-so-secret. Family. Relationships, love, human The Danes have a word – hygge (pronounced Get everyone in your family to write an early ‘hoo-ga’) – that has no direct translation in Christmas list for December 2019. The exact connection - that’s basically it! English. The closest I can give you is ‘comfort.’ question is this: What 20 things would you So are some quirky and fun tips For me hoo-ga is sitting by an open fire, would like for Christmas? That aren’t things. taken from the science of positive drinking hot chocolate, while a storm rages Share the ideas and schedule them to psychology that will help your family outside. And hoo-ga is also being wrapped up actually happen (where you can) in 2019. towards the happiest year yet! snug and warmly on a snowy walk. Hoo-go is also sharing a tub of Quality Street while watching a family movie you’ve watched Celebrate What Get Huggy many times before. Work out what your Hasn’t Happened hoo-ga moments are, and then get good at Christmas and New Year is a time for family spotting them, all year round. This is linked Have you ever asked yourself, what hasn’t and friends and, chances are, you will have with mindfulness and improves your happiness happened that I didn’t want that I haven’t been giving and receiving more hugs than by enabling you to better appreciate more celebrated? usual in the last few weeks. So how about wonderful moments. Feel free to read that line again. And again. continuing the hugging habit all year and And again? Sadly, unless you’re a black belt using this scientific fact that might just happiness ninja your children don’t sit in a change your life: apparently, the average hug Play maths lesson thinking how lucky they are to lasts 2.1 seconds. So a quick one…two… and As we grow up, we get weighed down with have a nice school and a wonderful teacher. it’s done and dusted. However, for the love responsibilities and life can lose its lustre. Stop They curse because they have to remember to really transfer a hug has to last 7 seconds seeing yourself as a ‘responsible adult’ and stuff. And when you’re stuck in traffic you or longer. So a top hugging tip is to treat the start being an ‘inspirational adult.’ Rewind to don’t sit there marvelling at the sunglasses ones you love to the full 7 seconds. Obviously, when you were age 6, a time when everything compartment and cup holders, you mutter don’t count out loud as that spoils the effect, was new and exciting. Start jumping in and swear under your breath at the delay. and they might start wriggling after 4 or 5 puddles and playing on the swings… Your The opposite of savouring good experiences seconds – but a 7 second hug says “I love you.” children will love it! is to notice the many things that could have Everyone wins. Hugging releases oxytocin gone badly, but didn’t. Hence the question (a happy chemical) in you and the one again - what hasn’t happened that you didn’t you’re hugging. want that you haven’t celebrated? Here’s my list for today (and it’s only 7am): I woke up and didn’t have toothache. My laptop isn’t broken. I haven’t got measles. My children aren’t poorly. I haven’t just stubbed my toe, we haven’t run out of Cheerios, there hasn’t been an earthquake and I haven’t been bitten by a zombie. I mean, what a fabulous start to the day. None of those bad things has happened! Of course, it’s hard to notice something that didn’t happen. But it’s helpful to sometimes switch your thinking to all the bad things that could have happened, but didn’t. And then celebrating the positive result. Share it with your children and get them to think of examples. The chances are theirs will be much more creative than yours!

Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a Brilliant Kid is available now on Amazon. For more information, visit www.artofbrilliance.co.uk

10 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Parenting Five of the Best Scientifically-Based Parenting Books An Expert’s Choice

By Dr Sarah Kuppen New parenting books seem to pop up all the time – so much so that the choice can be a little overwhelming. How can we know which guide will give us the answers to the questions that are most relevant to our needs, with an approach that we feel comfortable with? I came across and read a vast selection whilst I was writing my own parenting book. I used a science-led, evidence-based approach and while the selection of genuinely research-orientated parenting books is not particularly large, there are a few books that I would highly recommend.

Your Baby Week by Week 1-2-3 Magic Your Baby Week by Week by Simone Cave and With 1.6m copies already sold, 1-2-3 Magic: 3 Step Dr Caroline Fertleman was the book I used for my Discipline for Calm, Effective and Happy Parenting own children. It was a gift to us and I have given by Dr Thomas W. Phelan is the book on discipline it many times as a gift to others. The thing that’s and young children. Phelan believes that all discipline really great is that you can dip in and out of it, as situations can be sorted into two categories – the and when you like. behaviours you want to start (such as tidying up or In those first few months when you’re really getting ready for school) and those you want to stop exhausted and all you want is a response to the exact (such as whining, fighting or anything anti-social). question you’re looking for, this book provides specifics on questions on While it can sometimes can feel overly controlling, this book is full of milk, sleep and crying time. The essentials to caring for your baby. clear practical advice. Parents are certain to find something useful to add to their parenting repertoire. The Science of Mom How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby’s First Year by Alice Callahan takes a How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A survival guide clear, nicely paced approach to talking the reader to life with children ages 2-7 by Joanna Faber and through the science behind some of the most Julie King is part of a very popular series. Through the contentious parenting issues. Callaghan covers use of practical examples, the authors illustrate the research on many of the areas parents care about unhelpful communication patterns parents often fall most, such as feeding and sleeping. into when dealing with their kids. They also provide loads of story examples, which many parents will The Informed Parent relate to, with examples of how to deal with them. There is something I really like The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your here for everyone. Child’s First Four Years by Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham. It’s obvious the authors have plenty of experience communicating science to the lay reader. Not only do they present the most up-to-date knowledge Dr Sarah Kuppen is a chartered psychologist and on controversial topics, they also discuss this in relation to the personal senior lecturer in Developmental Psychology at choices they made when raising their own children. Anglia Ruskin University. She specialises in early Tara and Emily offer just the right amount of personal anecdote, child development, writes a parenting blog at making the review of the research evidence easy to digest and the book www.littledilemmas.com and is the author of overall an easy read. I also like that they address in detail the thorny Little Kids, Big Dilemmas: Your Parenting Problems topic of sleep training and controlled crying. Solved by Science.

familiesonline.co.uk 11 What’s On

The Little Mix Experience Sooty's Magic Show Peter Pan & Captain Cook Shows 20 & 21 Feb – 1 & 6pm 9 Feb – 11am & 2.30pm 21 Feb – 11.30am Tribute band. (Under 16s must be Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy! Chance The tale of Peter Pan and 96 ROAD accompanied in the theatre by to meet Richard & Sooty after his battle with his nemesis an adult.) the show. Ages 2+. Captain Cook, known for his evil Borehamwood, WD6 1EB Cost: £17 Cost: £13. Under 16s £11. saucepans and dastardly 01442 454000 Family £44 cook-offs! www.96shenleyroad.co.uk HERTFORD THEATRE The Amazing Bubble Man Ages 4-9. Cost: £5. Conc £3 Captain Calamity: Mega Party The Wash, Hertford, 16 Feb – 11.30am & 2pm 18 Feb – 11am SG14 1PS Louis Pearl explores the THE SPOTLIGHT Crazy mix of magic and mayhem. 01992 531500 breathtaking dynamics of Science stunts, enormous www.hertfordtheatre.com bubbles, combining comedy High Street, Hoddesdon, balloons, beautiful bubbles and Aladdin and artistry with audience EN11 8BE one or two custard pies! participation and enough 01992 441946 16-20 Jan – 7pm. Also 2pm on Cost: £6 spellbinding bubble tricks to keep www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ 19 & 20 Jan everyone mesmerized. thespotlight Traditional panto from Hertford THE ALBAN ARENA Cost: £13. Under £16s £11. Dramatic & Operatic Society. Cinderella Family £44 Civic Centre, St Albans, Cost: £11-£16. Family Fri-Sun 9-11 Jan – 7.30pm AL1 3LD £50 The Little Mermaid 12 Jan – 2 & 6.30pm 01727 844488 Dementia-Friendly Film 20 Feb – 11am & 2pm 13 Jan – 2pm www.alban-arena.co.uk Screening: Singing in the Rain Classic tale brought to the stage Traditional family pantomime in a new production by the presented by Broxbourne Elmer the Patchwork Elephant 23 Jan – 1.30pm internationally acclaimed Panto Theatre Company. 29 Jan – 1.30pm New monthly film afternoons. Company. Cost: £12-16.50 30 Jan – 10.30am No adverts or trailers & lighting Ages 4-10. Based on the classic children’s slightly raised throughout the Cost: £15. Under 16s £12.50. WYLLYOTTS THEATRE book series by David McKee. film. Films start at 1.30pm with Family £50 Cost: £14, £12 complimentary tea/coffee & Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, The Amazing Bubble Man biscuit beforehand. The Little Mix Experience , EN6 2HN 19 Feb – 2pm Cost: £5. Free entry for a carer 23 Feb – 3pm 01707 645005 Louis Pearl explores the Hertford Symphony Orchestra Tribute band. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk breathtaking dynamics of Concert for Children: Cost: £16 Beauty the Pantomime bubbles, combining comedy Machines! 24 Jan – 7.30pm (preview/final RHODES BISHOPS STORTFORD and artistry with audience 3 Feb – 2.30 & 4.15pm rehearsal, all tickets £10) participation and enough Children are invited to come in 1-3 South Road, 25 Jan – 7.30pm spellbinding bubble tricks to keep machine-related fancy dress... Bishop’s Stortford, 26 Jan – 2.30 & 7.30pm everyone mesmerized. robots, vehicles, toys, and to CM23 3JG 27 Jan – 11.30am & 3.30pm Cost: £12.50, £10.50 bring their musical instruments. 01279 710200 A tale of a beautiful girl who falls All Star Superslam Wrestling Audience participation www.rhodesbishopsstortford. under the spell of a mean old 23 Feb – 7.30pm guaranteed! org.uk beast - but all is not as it seems! 2 hours of top action for all Cost: £8. Under 16s £5 The Amazing Bubble Man Traditional family pantomime by The Warren, an amateur the family. Pop Divas Live! 18 Feb – 2pm group who've been performing Cost: £15, £10. Family £45 9 Feb – 2 & 6pm Louis Pearl explores the pantomimes since 1949! A tribute to Little Mix, Taylor breathtaking dynamics of Cost: £14. Child £10 (in support BROADWAY THEATRE Swift, Meghan Trainor, Ariana bubbles, combining comedy of local charities) Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna. and artistry with audience City, SG6 3DD Ages 4+. participation and enough 01462 681088 Cost: £15 spellbinding bubble tricks to keep www.broadway-letchworth.com Elmer the Patchwork Elephant everyone mesmerized. Half Term Cost: £13.50. Concs £11.50. Morgan & West’s Utterly 16 Feb – 1 & 3pm Family £46 Spiffing Spectacular Magic 17 Feb – 11am & 2pm Camps & Show for Kids (and Childish Based on the classic children’s THE SANDPIT THEATRE Grown-ups!) book series by David McKee. Courses 26 Jan – 2pm Cost: £15. Family £56. Babes in The Ridgeway, St Albans, Magic and silliness abound! Arms under 18mths free AL4 9NX KOOL KIDZ CAMPS 01727 799565 Cost: £12. Conc £10. Family £40 Sandridge Primary School, THE RADLETT CENTRE www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Animalcolm Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, 18 Feb – 1.30 & 5pm 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Margo & Mr Whatsit St Albans, AL4 9EB This vibrant musical combines WD7 8HL 19 Feb – 11.30am & 2.30pm 0845 603 2858 physical theatre and puppetry to 01923 859291 When Sophia moves into her www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk www.radlettcentre.co.uk new foster home, her imaginary bring David Baddiel’s comic story Half Term Camp friend, Mr Whatsit, finds himself to the stage. Elmer the Patchwork Elephant 18-22 Feb unimagined! Now Sophia has Cost: £14. Conc £12. Family £50 25 Jan – 2 & 4.30pm Multi activity camp for ages a new imaginary friend – the 26 Jan – 11am 4-12. Art, sport and fun. Kool glamourous, grown-up Margo. GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Based on the classic children’s Kidz Camps are constantly With her imaginary friends book series by David McKee. developing and adapting Lytton Way, Stevenage, competing against each other, Cost: £14 according to the children’s needs. SG1 1LZ will Sophia manage to find her Sessions can be booked by the 01438 363200 forever home? half day, full day or full week. www.gordon-craig.co.uk Ages 3+. Extended days available. Cost: £8. Conc £6

12 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk COOKERYEATERY 18-22 Feb Fun music sessions for babies Caving; climbing; sailing; and toddlers from 3 months until 07795 627492 kayaking; canoeing; bell boating; Classes and rising 5. Monkey Music provide www.cookeryeatery.co.uk bushcraft; orienteering; fencing age appropriate structured Holiday cookery camp. & archery. Workshops sessions with a curriculum Central Hitchin Cost: £8 per person per session. designed for each age group. ARTSHED ARTS 18-20 Feb Full week £80 Rock‘n’Roll – (3-12 months) Ages 4-11. Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Heigh-Ho – (12-24 months) Cost: £40 per day GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Ware, SG12 0ES 01920 466446 Jiggety-Jig – (24 months+) Letchworth Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ www.artshedarts.co.uk Baldock Community Centre: 21-22 Feb 01438 363200 Friday Ages 8-16. www.gordon-craig.co.uk Pottery Throwing Taster 9.30 – Heigh-Ho Cost: £50 per day Mary Poppins-Themed Drama Sessions 10.10 – Jiggety-Jig Camp 19 Jan & 16 Feb – 30 min slots 10.50 – Rock’n’Roll BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP 18-22 Feb 10am-2pm Biggleswade, St Andrew’s Church Week-long camp for ages 6-12 7yrs +. Two people can throw at All camps take place in Hall: exploring drama, music, singing, the same time. Booking essential. Berkhamsted Mondays dance & visual art. Devise a Cost: £20 including clay, glazing www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk 9.40 – Heigh-Ho script to perform for family & & firing 18-22 Feb 10.20 – Jiggety-Jig friends. Potty Potters Multi activity camps for 11.00 – Rock’n’Roll Cost: £120. Siblings & Drama ages 3-11. 12 Jan & 9 Feb – 11am-1pm Hitchin, The Secret Garden: Academy Students £105 Monthly workshops for ages 6+ Plus specialist courses in Tuesday with a new clay project every Pastry and Patisserie making 10.00 – Heigh-Ho RHODES BISHOPS STORTFORD time. (ages 7-14) and Computer 10.40 – Rock’n’Roll Cost: £25 per session. Includes Skills (ages 7-12). 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s 11.20 – Rock’n’Roll materials, drink & snack and the Cost: See website Stortford, CM23 3JG Knebworth, The Parish Centre: 01279 450270 opportunity to come back at a Monday time that suits you to paint LANGLEY TENNIS & www.rhodesbishopsstortford. 9.40 – Heigh-Ho your piece RACQUETS CAMP org.uk 10.20 – Jiggety-Jig Play In A Day 11.00 – Rock’n’Roll Langley Tennis Club, High KIDS FITNESS Letchworth, The Mrs Howard Woodhall Lane, Kings Langley, 20 Feb – 10am. Show 7pm Healthy U Gym, Memorial Hall: HP3 8RW Primary school-aged children can 1-4 Kimps Way, Bennetts End, Wednesday 01442 230234 join in the challenge of creating Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8EN 9.40 – Jiggety-Jig www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk a fun new piece of theatre in just 01442 769071 10.20 – Heigh-Ho 18-22 Feb – 9am-4pm one day! www.healthyugym.com 11.00 – Rock’n’Roll Have fun and improve your Cost: see website Every Mon to Thurs Stotfold, Fairfield Park standard of tennis and eye hand Ages 7-11. Community Centre: co-ordination. Plus, table tennis, Thursday Fitness & sport activities in badminton & touch tennis. 9.30 – Heigh-Ho the gym and studio. Additional hours available. 10.10 – Jiggety-Jig Cost: Single session £4. Month Ages 4-14. 11.00 – Rock’n’Roll pass £15 Cost: £40 per day (£55 for First session is free. longer 8am-6pm day) MONKEY MUSIC in HERTS YOUNG NORTH HERTS MARINERS BASE 01462 626735 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic. EN8 9AJ co.uk 01992 628403, www.hymb.com www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/ baldock-hitchin-and-welwyn

familiesonline.co.uk 13 What’s On

PERFORM Sawbridgworth Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm; Sat Parmiter's School Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall, High Elms Lane, Garston, 10am, 2.30pm Weekly drama, dance and The Fourbury, CM21 9BD Watford, WD25 0UU Hemel Hempstead and singing classes Drama 4-7s - Thu 4pm Berkhamsted Early Stages: Sat 9.30, www.perform.org.uk/try 11.15am, 2.15pm Drama 7-12s - Thu 5pm 01442 875977 020 7255 9120 St Albans Potten End First School Main Stages: Sat 10am, [email protected] Fleetville Junior School Church Road, Potten End, 2.00pm,4.30pm Confidence building fun for 228 Hatfield Road AL1 4LW HP4 2QY 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, Further Stages: {16+}: Fri 5pm Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 11.15am dance and singing specially Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, Welwyn and Hatfield formulated to bring out every 11.15am Main Stages: Sat 10am, 01707 429 777 child's true potential. Classes Drama 7-12s - Sat 2pm 2.30pm Oaklands College, College Way, are kept small to ensure lots of Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AH United Reformed Church Swing Gate School individual attention. Homewood Road Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted, Early Stages: Fri 4.30pm, Sat Perform offer no-obligation FREE Homewood Road AL1 4BH HP4 2LJ 9.30, 11.15am, 2pm, 3.45pm trial sessions. Early Stages: Fri 4.30pm Autumn Term Venues: Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm Main Stages: Fri 5pm, Sat 10am, 2.30pm Bishops Stortford Drama 4-7s - Thu 4.15pm Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm Summercroft Primary School Hertford Further Stages [16+]: Sat Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm Plaw Hatch Lane CM23 5BJ 07474 082571 11.30am Trinity United Reform Church Drama 4-7s - Mon 4pm Duncombe School 1 Beaconsfield Road AL1 3RD 4 Warren Park Road, Bengeo, WESTMINSTER LODGE LEISURE Drama 7-12s - Mon 5pm Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm Hertford, SG14 3JA CENTRE Boreham Wood Drama 7-12s - Fri 5pm Early Stages: Sat 9.30am Theatre & Cinema,96 Shenley Holywell Hill, St Albans, Herts, Road, WD6 1EB Welwyn Garden City Main Stages: Sat 10am AL1 2DL WGC Quaker Meeting House, 01727 736080 Drama 4-7s - Mon 4pm Pinewood School AL8 6SP Hoe Lane, Hertford, SG12 9NZ www.everyoneactive.com Broxbourne Drama 4-7s – Wed 4pm Broxbourne Sports Club, Further Stages: Fri 4.30pm Ballet Mill Lane Close, EN10 7BA Drama 7-12s – Wed 5pm Letchworth Tuesdays from 8 Jan excl 19 Feb Ages 2.5-15 yrs. Drama 4-7s - Thur 4pm 07964 099740 STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Fearnhill School Trampolining Drama 7-12s - Thur 5pm Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden 2.5-4 yrs: Tuesdays from 8 Jan Harpenden www.stagecoach.co.uk City, SG6 4BA excl 19 Feb Harpenden United Reformed Stagecoach aims to bring out the Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 2.5-13 yrs: Sundays from 6 Jan Church Vaughan Road, very best in every child. Children 11.15am, 1.15pm excl 24th Feb AL5 4ED will learn performance skills in dance, song and drama. They Main Stages: Sat 10am, 2pm Tiny Tumbles Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, also develop communication Rickmansworth Tuesdays from 8 Jan excl 19 Feb 11.15am, Tue 4pm skills, improved self-esteem, 01923 771291 Preschool gym for ages 2.5-4 co-ordination and fitness levels. Drama 7-12s - Tue 5pm Little Green School yrs. Early Stages is for 4-6yr olds. Hemel Hempstead Lincoln Drive, Croxley Green, Basketball Sessions 1.5hrs. Main Stages is Apsley Community Centre Rickmansworth, WD3 3NJ Thursdays from 10 Jan excl 21 for 6-18yrs. Session 3hrs. Further London Road HP39SB Early Stages: Fri 4pm Feb Stages for 16yrs plus. Some 7-11 yrs+. Drama 4-7s - Tues 4pm schools offer Summer Workshops Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm and Parties. Gymnastics Drama 7-12s – Tues 5pm Further Stages: {16+}: Fri Borehamwood 4-13 yrs: Fridays from 11 Jan Hertford 4.30pm 020 8958 3143 excl 22nd Feb Mill Mead School Port Vale Maple Cross Junior School St Teresa's Primary School, 2.5-13 yrs: Saturdays from 5 Jan SG14 3AA Denham Way, Maple Cross, Brook Road, WD6 5HL excl 23rd Feb Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, Rickmansworth, WD3 9SS Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 9.45, Drama 7-12s – Sat 11.15am Early Stages: Sat 9.30am 11.30am Hitchin St Albans Places To Go Church House Hall Main Stages: Sat 10am 01525 630183 Church Yard SG5 1HP Chorleywood Cunningham Hill Junior School, Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans, FUNZONE Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm 01923 771291 The Russell School AL1 5QJ Birchwood Leisure Centre Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm Brushwood Drive, Chorleywood, Early Stages: Sat 9.30, Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN Potters Bar WD3 5RR 11.15am, 2pm, 3.45pm 01707 270772 St John's Methodist Church www.funzonehatfield.co.uk Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 11.15am Main Stages: 10am, 2.30pm Baker Street EN6 2DZ Mon-Fri. 9.30am-4pm Main Stages: Sat 10am, Stevenage Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm, 5pm Soft play. 2.30pm 01438 870684 Drama 7-12s – Fri 6pm The Barclay School Cost for 90 mins play: Child £5. Harpenden Toddler £4. Adult £1 Radlett 01525 717567 Walkern Road, Stevenage, Christ Church Vision Hall SG1 3RB Sir John Lawes School CMRA MODEL RAILWAY Watling Street WD7 7JJ Manland Way, Harpenden, Early Stages: Fri 4.30pm, Sat EXHIBITION Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm, 5pm AL5 4QP 9.30, 11.15am Gordon Craig Theatre, The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Early Stages: Fri 4.15, 4.45pm; Main Stages: 10am Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL Sat Watford 01438 363200 Drama 7-12s - Sat 11.15am 9.30, 11.15am, 2pm, 3.45pm 01727 768738 www.gordon-craig.co.uk

14 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk 12 & 13 Jan – 10am Includes collections from around Spectacular display of snowdrops Mayhem In The Mad Lab Wide variety of superb layouts. the world – from Ancient Greek around the remains of the 16-24 Feb – 10am. With several large ones to oil lamps to 1950s illuminated Norman Castle. Refreshments. Last entry 3pm wonder at and many smaller to advertisements. Cost: £5 (£6 on Sundays.) 12-16 Interactive science shows inspire young or inexperienced FREE. Donations welcome yrs £2. Under 12s free at 11.40am, 1.40 & 3.40pm. modellers to have a go. Stay and Play Saturdays Hands-on experiments. Make Cost: £10 (includes adult & up 5 Jan & 2 Feb. Drop in personalized slime; learn how to to two children aged 5-16). & MILL 10.30am-4.30pm. make modelling dough; create & Under 5s free. Additional child Toys & crafts. Explore the Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD launch your own air £4. Unaccompanied child (aged galleries. FREE 01707 357850 powered rocket. 10-15) £4 Cost: £8.10-10.50 Half Term Activities www.welhat.gov.uk/museum Toddler Morning BRAMBLETON MODEL 19-21 Feb. Drop in WADDESDON MANOR RAILWAY CLUB EXHIBITION 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 24 Jan – 10-11.30am 3pm) Art & craft, songs & story, visit Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 0JH Harpenden Public Halls, Family friendly crafts. the Mill & Museum. Drink & 01296 820414 Southdown Road, Harpenden, Cost: £2 per child biscuit provided. www.waddesdon.org.uk AL5 1PD Cost: £3.50 per toddler (includes Adventure Backpacks 01582 767525 ST ALBANS MUSEUM + entrance for one adult) www.brambleton.org.uk From Jan GALLERY 19 Jan – 10.30am-5.30pm Put together to suit different Catering for both families & Town Hall, St Peter's Street ages & needs, the backpacks model railway enthusiasts St Albans, AL1 3DH AL1 1BY encourage children to engage with the usual mix of layouts, 01727 864 511 01727 860780 with Waddesdon in different preservation stands & traders. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk www.stalbanscathedral.org ways. Hear stories of trees, discover nature’s colour palette Refreshments area. Game Plan: Board Games Family Discovery Morning: and design a Manor of your own Cost: see website Rediscovered Building Mayhem! while you explore. Until 3 Mar 21 Feb STEVENAGE MUSEUM Cost: Free with grounds Originally displayed at the Find out how the Cathedral was admission St George’s Way, SG1 1XX V&A’s Museum of Childhood, built, learn about objects found Sensory Map 01438 218881 this exhibition celebrates the during the recent archaeological www.stevenage.gov.uk/museum joy, excitement and occasional dig and enjoy arts & craft From 5 Jan frustration of playing activities. Ages 3-12. Designed for young children or Family Saturdays: Suffragist those with learning disabilities, Afternoon Tea board games. FREE Cost: £5. Under 18s £2.50 the map explores nature through 26 Jan – 2-3.30pm AMWELL NATURE RESERVE senses such as touch, smell, Cost: £5 per person, all money LOWEWOOD MUSEUM sound & sight. raised to go to a local women’s Amwell Lane, Great Amwell, Cost: Free with grounds charity High Street, Hoddesdon, Ware, SG12 9SS admission EN11 8BH 01727 858901 Family Cookery School BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM 01992 445596 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 16-24 Feb – 11.30am, 1, 2 & www.broxbourne.gov.uk Winter Wildfowl Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 South 3.30pm Family Fun: Milk Bottle Road, Bishop’s Stortford, 20 Jan – 2.30-4pm Fun and informal hands-on Mammoths CM23 3JG 13 Feb – 3.30-5pm cookery class for ages 7-11 (must 01279 710200 www. 21 Feb Spot wildfowl on the water & in be accompanied by an adult). rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Drop in arts & crafts. the margins. Create a lunch and take home Story Time at the Museum Cost: £1.50 per child Cost: Free. Suggested donation a selection of sweet & savoury £5 (£3 if member) 9 Jan & 13 Feb – 1.30pm Toddler Thursdays treats. Booking essential. Perfect for toddlers and pre- 17 Jan & 14 Feb – 10-11am or Cost: £25 per person ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS school, After the story telling 11am-12noon Orienteering join in with an activity – a sing Learn a nursery rhyme, share a Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, 16-24 Feb – 10am-3pm song, small craft session or a trail story & make a craft. Ages 2-4 Essex, EN9 1JY Choose from 4 different routes around the museum. (with adult). Book in advance. 01992 707370 suitable for under 5s to teens. Cost: £1 Cost: £1.50 per child per session www.royalgunpowdermills.com Cost: Child £3. Normal grounds Puppet Making Discover the Ice Age admission applies. 19-21 Feb – 11am 9 Feb – 11am-4pm Ages 5+. Join in with the Opening of the Ice Age exhibition puppetry of Snow White, Rose with a special display by the Red & Bear Brown and make your Essex Rock and Mineral Society very own animal puppet. Drop showing how you can find in workshop so numbers may be evidence for this amazing time limited at one time. FREE in history today. Try the Ice Age animal hunt and handle some real Ice Age artefacts. FREE (donations welcome) 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 BENINGTON LORDSHIP www.hertfordmuseum.org GARDENS Let There Be Light Stevenage, SG2 7BS Until 9 Mar. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm 08701 261709 Exhibition. Discover how we seek www.beningtonlordship.co.uk out and utilize sources of light 6 Feb-3 Mar – 12-4pm and why we’re afraid of the dark. familiesonline.co.uk 15 What’s On

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