IN THIS ISSUE

New Year, New You Making Maths Fun Keeping Kids Safe Online Parties Childcare Half-term What's On

Issue 78 Jan/Feb 2018 familiesonline.co.uk 2 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk In this issue: From your Editor… News & Views: 4 It is a little sad when the Christmas and New Year celebrations come to an end, the festive lights are switched off and the high streets of return to business as Education: 6 usual. Let’s not to get too maudlin though, because there are lots of great things to look forward to, not least of which is another six issues of Families Herts magazine. Parenting: 8 There is a lot on offer in our first magazine of the year. After the seasonal excesses, we think about health and exercise and Claire Winter suggests some clever ways that busy parents can fit in some keep fit. Parties: 9 As the digital world continues to encroach into our lives, Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, explains the measures that the government are taking that will help us Childcare: 10 to keep our children safe in the digital world. Education is never far from a parent’s mind for long. Author of the series, ‘Murderous New Year, New You: 11 Maths’, Kjartan Poskitt, shares his ingenious tricks to make maths fun for kids (and parents too!). At some point in the year you will be either arranging your own child’s birthday party New Year Book Reviews: 12 or your child will be a party guest. Andrew Campbell, has a nifty guide to birthday party etiquette so you won’t make any birthday blunders. What’s On: 13 Here’s to a happy 2018. Next Issue: No 79 – Mar/Apr Shelley Copy Deadline: 2nd February Image credit: © serrnovik Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, , Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC.

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familiesonline.co.uk 3 News & Views Do you want to be your own boss?

Families Herts is looking for an enthusiastic new owner. After thirteen happy years running the magazine, it is time to move on to new projects. As a Families Magazine Editor, you will have a respected brand behind you along with a supportive franchisor. You will be working independently but not alone because you will be part of a group of other friendly and supportive Editors. Running your own Families National Storytelling magazine is hard work, challenging and very rewarding. You will need to be self-motivated Week and able to manage your time effectively to fit in business and family commitments. The first week of February marks National Experience of sales especially selling print Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one advertising would be helpful. There is plenty of the oldest art forms in the world. of the opportunity to learn new skills and Speech and language therapists believe that training will be provided. storytelling is vital for children’s academic Give Shelley a call to find out more success as it promotes narrative skills and on 020 8428 6384. strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs to be a good speaker and listener first. But above all, storytelling is fun. National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes. Centre 4 To find a local event or to look through its Excellence extensive archive visit www.sfs.org.uk Centre 4 Excellence provide specialist sound Half Term at The training programmes that can be helpful for all children, but which are especially useful for Sandpit Theatre with children with specific learning difficulties. What are Sound Training Programmes? the Little Diggers! We learn to read, write and spell from the sounds that we hear. Learning becomes If you are looking for some half term fun, look Mental Health Dance difficult when the brain has problems no further! We have plenty of activities as translating what it hears. Sound Training part of our ‘Little Diggers ‘ scheme, aimed at Challenge Visits Programmes help to retrain the brain to 3-7yr olds. On Friday 16th February, we have improve auditory and sensory processing. a visit from Red Riding Hood with Booster Herts Schools Who created the programmes? Cushion Theatre, where tradition is left far The programmes are based on years of behind in favour of a fast, funny show that TV presenter Chrissy Boodram, recently took research in neuroscience and the way the uses lots of slapstick and child participation. her #MHDChallenge (Mental Health Dance brain learns. They have been devised by a On Saturday we then have a film screening of Challenge) to two Hertfordshire primary team of neurologists; experts in the field of the classic ‘Toy Story’, with tickets at only £2 schools with an interest in mental wellbeing. brain plasticity, communication, speech and including a free juice carton, it’s the perfect Pupils from St Andrews CofE VC Primary language, audiology and physiotherapy. saturday morning treat. in Stanstead Abbotts and Brookmans Park Who can benefit from the programmes? To finish off our fantastic half term fun, Primary, Hatfield had fun taking part posted They are suitable for all children aged from Rhubarb Theatre company bring their their performances social media. five to 16 years. They will benefit children who incredible production of ‘Sidney’s Shed’ to Kat Shaw, who teaches mindfulness and have reading, spelling and writing difficulties, theatre. Join Sidney and the bravest little girl art at Brookmans Park said: “With the hectic attention and focusing issues, working in Windy-on-the-hill as they take a time- pace of life at school and home, I am seeing memory issues as well as children diagnosed travelling journey to dig up the past and an increasing number of pupils suffer with with autism, ADHD, auditory processing weed out the bullies! Bursting with historical anxiety, worry and stress, and it is not getting difficulties, developmental delay or dyslexia. hilarity, songs, music and prize-winning any better. This is why we’re focusing on the How can it help my child? By training the cabbages, Sidney’s Shed is Rhubarb Theatre’s mental wellbeing of all of our children.” brain to hear and interpret sounds correctly new show for gardeners and adventurers of all Shirley Arnold, headteacher at St Andrew’s, it can help to improve: speech and language; ages. Make sure you get your tickets, and we said: “It was also an opportunity to reach hearing with background noises; following look forward to seeing you in half term! out to the parents and to further include multiple instructions; hearing the tonality Little Diggers is the The SandPit Theatre’s them in experiencing school life. " The of sounds; phonological awareness; making children’s programme, providing quality, #MHDChallenge was launched on the Chrissy eye contact; listening skills; behaviour and affordable entertainment for the local area. B Show on mytv Sky 203, the UK’s only TV receptive language. Tickets for all performances can be booked chat show dedicated to promoting good To find out more call Florence on www.sandpittheatre.vo.uk or via our Box mental health. on 07919 067343 Office on 01727 799565.

4 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Wear A Hat Day is Less Than Three Months Away! Mums Want More Flexible We need you to get involved in Wear A Working Opportunities Hat Day – the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising According to a survey by Workingmums.co.uk, event. almost three quarters of working mums In 2018, it takes identify flexible work as being crucial to place on Thursday getting more women into senior roles. 29th March. Don't The survey shows that mums feel flexible worry if you can't working is vital for them to manage work and make it that day, just family life and that 60% of those who work choose another! Join flexibly would like even more flexibility. in the fun as schools So, what can individuals do to help persuade and families across their employers to agree to them the UK get involved to help raise funds for working flexibly? research into brain tumours. Here are some tips: “Wear A Hat Day is a perfect opportunity to Think through what the job requires and bring the whole school together and support whether the tasks you have to perform can this game-changing charity.” – Mr Dan Gross, be done at a different location ie from home, Deputy Head Curriculum, Beachborough or at times outside of the standard working School. day. Take account of any additional costs or So, register today and we will send you a challenges this might involve and discuss them fundraising pack as soon as we can in January. honestly. Our new website makes registering much Give examples of the ways in which your faster and you can explore our all-new Wear A work can be successfully carried out under any Hat Day pages for ideas to make your Wear A new working pattern you are proposing, and Hat Day event a fantastic success! show that it will not harm the business. Point In 2017, families and schools came out any business advantages. together alongside other organisations and Research some case studies, ideally in your communities across the UK and helped raise sector that shows how the work pattern you over £300,000 to fund our vital research. are suggesting can be mutually beneficial to With your help we can double this in 2018. you and your employer. We’re aiming for £600,000, enough to keep a If managers are dubious, suggest a trial group of researchers funded for a year. period. Have a compromise solution as a So please register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 back-up. today. Thank you. Together we will find a cure. For more information and flexible work www.wearahatday.org opportunities, visit www.workingmums.co.uk

Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform All children find some things difficult. Some hate speaking out in class, some struggle making friends, and others have so much energy they find it hard to concentrate. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to bring out every child's true potential. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses individual children. Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches “Shy children often come to classes clinging life skills through fun drama games and to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee end of term shows. The real aim of the that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: without waving goodbye” reports Karen. Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Frances Parsons says: 'We have nothing but Communication. excellent things to say about Perform. We “Classes are small and have both a Producer would go as far as saying it has changed our and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial life. Both our boys have had big confidence and the Producer spends time beforehand and self-esteem issues and Perform has really with each parent to establish their goals. For helped these but while crucially giving them instance, speaking more clearly or making so much fun and laughter which is lovely.' eye contact when introduced to someone To book a FREE TRIAL in Bishops Stortford, unfamiliar.” Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Producers report back to parents after each Hitchin, Potters Bar, Radlett, Sawbridgworth class on the focus of the week and answer or St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, visit questions about the progress of www.perform.org.uk/try familiesonline.co.uk 5 Education Making Maths Fun By Kjartan Poskitt

to the 4th card, turn it face up and then put it to the bottom of the pack. Keep doing this, turning every 4th card face up. The last card to be turned over will be the joker! Try this trick again picking a different magic number – eg 5. It will always work! What’s more you can have any prime number of cards, so try the trick with 5, 11, 13 or even 17 cards! The magic number can be any number smaller than the number of cards. The Table Attack Game Try to play this game with your children regularly in short bursts of about 10 minutes. You need two or more people and a pack of playing cards. Remove the jacks, queens and kings from the pack and put them back in the box. Now take the aces, twos, fives and tens from the pack, and just one joker. The aces count as one and the joker counts as zero. Put the other cards aside for a moment. We’ll call these the power cards. Shuffle the 17 normal cards then put the pack face down. Two players each take a card from the top without looking and then together they turn their cards face-up. Players must multiply the numbers on the cards I always say that maths is like Trick 2 together, and the first person to shout the right answer wins a point. Make sure you are broccoli. You either like it or Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5, multiplying and not adding! (So if you see 5 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and and 1, the answer is five not six.) you hate it but you have to have then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 =24, then some because it’s good for you. 24 + 1 = 25). The answer is always the same as the middle number squared … i.e. times Now make it more exciting! Now I’ll tell you a secret. I do by itself. (Here we get 5 x 5 = 25 YAY!) This Without looking, pick a couple of the power not like broccoli, but I do find works with any three consecutive numbers, cards and slip them in with the others, then so let’s try 7, 8, 9. 7 x 9 = 63, then 63 + 1= 64 play again. Once you’ve got used to the extra it helps to have a bit of brown and that’s the same as 8 x 8! cards, keep adding a few more power cards until you have all the cards in play. sauce on it! Similarly, maths Trick 3 This is a fabulous, quick fire way to get your children to firm up on their times tables. becomes more exciting when The numbers in the 3 times table have a it’s spiced up a little. special trick, because if you add the digits together, the answer will always divide by The Dice Challenge It’s important that your children are 3. For instance 8 x 3 =24, and 2 + 4 = 6 Throw three dice, but don’t let anyone else see comfortable enough with simple sums that which divides by 3. You can use this to test how they land. Tell everybody what the three they don’t have to rely on a calculator - that’s if any number divides by 3. Let’s test 71865. numbers add to, and also what they multiply like using arm bands for swimming! If they can 7+1+8+6+5 = 27 which divides by 3, so 71865 to make. Who can work out the numbers on develop an instinct for numbers, simple sums also divides by 3. the dice? become much easier. The secret is to spend So, for example, if the three dice add to 9 some time playing around with numbers and Trick 4 and multiply to make 12, what are the three numbers? getting to know them. Prime numbers are number which will only Answer: 1, 2, 6. Here are a few little facts, games and tricks divide by themselves and 1. For example, 7 is to share with your children to help them see a prime number because nothing else divides that numbers have quirky behaviours and into it; 8 is not a prime number because There – I hope some of these make fun patterns. 4 x 2 = 8. Place seven playing cards in a pile face things help. And just to make you Trick 1 down with the bottom card as a joker. Choose feel better, while you’re practising a magic number less than 7. (Let’s say you If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can your numbers, I’m going to go off turn them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this choose 4). One by one slide a card off the top with 5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8. and put it back on the bottom. When you get and eat some broccoli!

6 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Kjartan Poskitt is author of the series of books Murderous Maths, published by Scholastic. He is also the Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards, the only team maths competition for primary schools in the country, run by Explore Learning in collaboration with the NRICH project at the University of Cambridge.

Maths Tops Popularity Poll for Children

New research has shown that when it comes to children’s favourite subject it’s a numbers game as maths comes out on top. A survey carried by the extra tuition provider, Explore Learning has found that maths was the most enjoyed subject of four to 14 year olds (26%) followed by PE (20%) and art (16%). This was despite the fact that maths is also the subject that children admit to finding the most challenging, followed by English and geography. More highlights of the survey include: • The next generation may signal the end of the gender divide as seven in ten (69%) of children think boys and girls are equally good at maths • Nearly two thirds (61%) think a job in maths would be exciting! • 90% think being good at maths will help you get a better paid job in the future To inspire your aspiring mathematician there are great on how to make maths fun and engage young maths minds at www.murderousmaths.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 7 Parenting Making the Digital World Safer for Our Children By Carolyn Bunting

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of A social media code of practice intended to nurseries, pharmacies and via Facebook itself. boost efforts to remove or address bullying, This should mean that there is less reason for Internet Matters tells us intimidating or humiliating online content. parents to fear technology and they should about new measures in the An annual internet safety transparency feel more comfortable in allowing their report undertaken by social media children to use it to explore, communicate UK that will attempt to organisations which would show progress on and learn. achieve this. addressing abusive and harmful content and It also intends that digital literacy should conduct. form part of the lessons in which children Late last year was marked by a landmark Supporting tech and digital startups to build moment. Internet safety reached the top internet safety into their products from the of the news agenda when the Government beginning. "The aim here is to encourage outlined its plans to make Britain the “safest New compulsory school subjects to provide children to recognise internet safety place to be online.” online safety education. Following the rapid development of the Encouraging social media companies to offer as a social issue; it’s part of life and it’s “open and free” digital world, the Culture safety advice and tools to parents and build part of growing up." Secretary, Karen Bradley revealed that safety messages into online platforms. although she felt the internet was a huge Streamlining and targeting education and force for good, “it has also caused undeniable advice on online safety for parents in the have traditionally learned about sex and suffering and can be an especially harmful same way that other risks, like road safety, are relationships, and not part of IT classes. The place for children and vulnerable people. tackled starting from when children are born. aim here is to encourage children to recognise Behaviour that is unacceptable in real life Urging organisations that are collecting data internet safety as a social issue; it’s part of life must also be unacceptable on a computer from children and young people to publish and it’s part of growing up. screen.” how they intend to use it, so that children Although, all of the measures are voluntary can understand where exactly the where the Government has not ruled out legislating Among the Government’s exactly their information is going and how it is if companies refuse to take part. forthcoming measures will be: intended to be used. For further information about topical issues A new requirement that privacy notices affecting parents and children in the digital A voluntary levy on internet companies, such setting out how an organisation plans to use world and how to keep your children safe as Google and Facebook, to be used to target personal data it collects are written in a clear, online, visit www.internetmatters.org issues such as cyberbullying, online abuse and plain way that is understandable, even to a children being exposed to pornography on child. the internet. The Government’s intends to target new parents at NCT courses, Sure Start Centres, Five Steps From Internet Matters to Ensure your Child is Staying Safe Online: Ask your child what they are doing online. It’s important you understand what websites, apps, and social media platforms they are using. Check their privacy settings. Make sure they know how to make their profiles ‘private’ so they are not sharing personal information to strangers. Facebook has a Privacy Healthcheck feature. Make sure they know when and how to report and block any malicious or inappropriate messages or posts. Check your parental controls on your home broadband and safety filters that block inappropriate content across any devices. Talk to your children about the risks they may be exposed to and how to deal with them, such as cyberbullying and grooming, and ensure they feel able to raise with you anything they see which is upsetting. For more information and step-by-step guidance, visit internetmatters.org

8 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Parties Good Party Etiquette? Pocket survival guide to a stress-free party Is there such a thing? Keep calm and think ‘party’. By Andrew Campbell 1. Save the date: Don’t arrange the party on your child’s actual birthday date; that is a day to focus on your child. Whether you are throwing a party for your child or sending them off to 2. Small is beautiful: Keep your plans in check and don’t go too large. their friend’s birthday celebration, finding your way around the do’s and 3. Theme it: Choosing a theme can help you focus your planning. don’ts of children’s birthday parties has become akin to navigating a war 4. Home-made birthday cake: Forget Bake-off it doesn’t need to zone. Here we tackle a few of the thorny issues that seem to crop up please Mary or Pru, and your little one will be delighted. Make life every year. even easier and buy a plain cake and decorate it yourself. 5. Shaped Sandwiches: Just use a pastry cutter. Circles and hearts work well. Easy peasy. 6. Picture perfect: Ask someone else to take snaps for you. 7. Play the game: You won’t go wrong with traditional party games – pass-the-parcel, musical statues, musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, sleeping lions etc. 8. Face time: Buy some face paints and get creative. A simple design on a child’s cheek is all you need. 9. Be prepared: Keep matches or a lighter close to hand (but well away from curious kids) ready for cake time. 10. Present perfect: Open the gifts when all the guests have gone home. Remember to note who gave what if ‘thank you’ notes will be sent out.

Party Bags – really? All kids love to leave events with mementoes but if you really don’t fancy party bags, then why not have a piñata instead? Buy some cute but cheap paper bags, and then the children can stuff them with whatever they grabbed from the piñata themselves. Who gets Invited? Your child has already been to three parties this year where the entire Thank-you Notes? class was invited. But the thought of 30 small people bouncing off walls This is obviously a personal choice but it’s a nice thing to do with your makes you break out in sweat. Remember “entire class” parties are your child once the chaos of their birthday has faded. Taking some quiet time choice – you don’t have to give them just to keep other parents happy. to remember what gifts your child received and who came to the party The reality is that children WILL be happy with a small gathering so long can be a really fun activity and assures your child doesn’t take the whole as it feels special to them. Give invites to just their best friends and experience for granted. family and you’ll find the whole experience a whole lot easier. Give a Contact Number Be Subtle about Invitations Before you hotfoot it out of the door, make sure the party host Who is and isn’t invited to a party is guaranteed to cause playground has your contact number. If your child starts throwing up over their ructions, so be tactful. Unless you’re inviting the whole class, don’t playmates and you’re incommunicado then you can bet they won’t be start handing invitations out as the kids are lining up to go into school; invited next year. And if you're the host, make sure you get phone details you may end up being called in by the teacher who spent the first class from all parents or you may be stuck with overwrought Olivia for a LOT consoling those not on the list. longer than you bargained for. Be Sure to RSVP Planning a children’s party is stressful enough without having to chase people who haven’t replied. Replying promptly will earn you lots of gold stars with the party child’s parents, so just do it. And whatever you do, do NOT turn up on the day without RSVPing. Check Before you Take Siblings Don’t assume no one will mind if a younger or older sibling tags along. When the entertainer has a strict limit on numbers and the party parents have worked out exactly how many fairy cakes they need, added extras can cause a real headache. So make sure you check beforehand. Presents DEFINITELY Required As adults we may think that when it comes to parties, presence is better than presents. But as far as kids are concerned, it’s all about the gifts. Yes, we know the birthday girl doesn’t NEED another cheap and nasty Disney figurine that’ll last about 10 minutes, but turn up empty- handed at your peril. familiesonline.co.uk 9 Childcare Ensuring Your Child is Happy at Nursery By Kristen Harding

The process of introducing Separation Anxiety a child to a new caring Regardless of the time taken beforehand, environment can throw up separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes a number of challenges. unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. Generally, separation anxiety lessens However, some can be over time but you can help by ensuring that prevented if your child’s nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, how they nursery gets to know upfront behave when they are sad, anxious or upset what both you and your child and what helps calm them. This will ensure need and want from the that your child’s nursery cares for your child in the very best way during this difficult period. childcare arrangement. Often the anxiety of a child lessens when Before a child arrives at a new nursery, his nursery assigns a key worker to him. nursery staff should take time to fully By identifying one particular carer who is understand your child’s home routine. In this going to form a strong bond and connection way, potential issues can also be nipped in the with your child, he will have the stability of bud early. knowing there is an individual there that he can rely on.

Potty Training This is another key milestone in your child’s development and reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children! Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. For instance, do you want nursery staff to ask your child if he would like to go to go or do you want them to sit him on the potty at specific times of day? Sleep It is important that home and nursery work Settling In Eating together over nap times, as the needs of This is a key part of the adjustment process. Meal times at nursery are important and can individual children differ. When a child starts A change in environment can upset a child have a real impact on the confidence and at a nursery, the nursery should follow the and parents are generally stressed and comfort of a young child. What your child is child’s home routine before adapting it slowly worried when their child is unsettled. For this used to at home may differ greatly from what to suit the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s if you try to prevent your child taking extra takes time to help your child gently settle the food eaten or the way in which meals are naps, as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If in. Communication between your child’s consumed. your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a nursery and yourself is very important at When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do toy or blanket from home can provide comfort this stage. You need to develop a trusting so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, and help them drift off. relationship with the staff and settle into you will see nursery staff leading by example, Whilst challenges are bound to arise during the new arrangement just as much as your engaging children with different food choices, your child’s time at nursery, most particularly child does. In fact, it’s often parents that helping them to learn about what they are at the beginning, these can generally be dealt have most difficulty leaving a child behind eating and introducing new foods gradually. with as long as there is good communication in a new setting! However, communicating Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be between you and your child’s setting. regularly and in as much detail as you need unpressurised and enjoyable. with the nursery setting can help ease your Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at nervousness and worry. In turn, any insecurity Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, your child is feeling will also lessen. visit www.tinies.com

10 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk New Year, New You

Fitness Ideas to Inspire Busy Parents By Claire Winter

If you are sitting around in an adult If you have 30 Minutes unicorn onesie, eating crumpets, Why not channel your inner Rocky and try a Last but not Least and musing about the extra pounds high energy boxing routine, the Boxx Method, If traditional classes and workouts in the comfort of your home? It’s an online you can’t seem to shed, now is leave you cold, you could try the time to take some action. The platform, so you can do a workout that fits in with family life. The signature workout is something simple or fun instead. New Year is a good time to start a BoxxHIIT, which is a full body fat burning, Go walking. It’s good for the soul and so health regime or exercise routine. muscle toning workout which combines is being in nature. If you want to switch It may be as simply as just giving intense shadow boxing with high intensity it up, try Nordic walking with poles; you up cake and walking to work, or it interval training. All you need is a 1kg pair of burn more calories, and it is very sociable could be taking up boxing or giving dumbbells. Further info at (Further info at www.nordicwalking.co.uk). www.theboxxmethod.com weightlifting a go. You could also look on www.meetup.com 30 for local groups that meet for walks. If you have a Spare Ten Minutes If you have 40 Minutes Relive your childhood and give hula-hooping a go, it’s great for thinning Why not scoot to school with the kids? Try strength training. Hashtags like your waist and can be done in the comfort Having an adult scooter is a great way of #fitisthenewthin are flooding social media of your own home. You can also attend keeping up with the kids, plus you’ll get platforms like Instagram. Many fitness fans classes across the UK. More info at home quicker. Jumping on your scooter not are swapping high intensity workouts and www.hulafit.com only saves time, scooting can also increase cardio for weightlifting and are enjoying the feelings of mental alertness and create better benefits of strong, lean muscles. Your local Do a trampolining class. Trampoline reaction times. Adult scooting is also a great gym or a personal trainer should be able to parks have sprung up all across the country. way to build up fitness; it’s low impact and give you a routine, or you could check our When you book the kids a session, don’t works major muscle groups. You can also burn your local CrossFit class. sit on the sidelines watching, make sure around 300 kcals per hour. You could even use you join in too (you can always have coffee it on your commute to work! Further info at 40 and cake afterwards!) Many trampoline www.micro-scooters.co.uk If you have 60 Minutes parks also offer adult exercise classes too. 10 If you love to dance but your clubbing days are Jumping is brilliant fun, good for your well and truly over, why not give Clubbercise circulation and burns more calories than If you have 20 Minutes a go? You can work out in the dark with most standard fitness classes. disco lights, glowsticks and your favourite Try a HIIT workout. The bestselling Body Join a game of British Bulldog and many club classics. To find your nearest teacher go Coach Joe Wicks espouses the benefits of other fun team games at www. rabble.com. to www.clubbercise.com. You could also try short 15 to 20-minute high intensity workouts The site aims to make fitness fun and not a swimming HIIT workout. Swimming is a and low carb eating. High Intensity Interval faddy. You can search by location and join great full body workout and gyms like Virgin Training for the uninitiated is a timed set of a team near you. exercises, which work the whole body. The Active are offering low-impact, high-intensity idea is that you push the body hard doing the water-based classes. These incorporate long Get skipping! Boxers skip for a reason. exercise for a short amount of time, followed distance and sprint swims as well as resistance It’s a great full body workout and a great by a short period of rest or transition. You activities, a great change from just form of exercise for endurance training don’t need to sign up to an expensive course swimming60 lengths. and conditioning. It’s low impact, and you to join in; there are plenty of free apps and burn more calories than running. It’s also online tutorials available too. Further info at a budget option; you can pick up a decent www.bodycoach.com20 rope for less than £20!

familiesonline.co.uk 11 New Year Book Reviews Ages 9-12 New Year Book Reviews The Gritterman By Justine Crow By Orlando Weeks Penguin RRP £17.99

Most of the books featured on this Amazing Dinosaurs A softly penned time round are a little on the large By Matt Sewell graphic novel Anova RRP £12.99 from a musician size and all are most definitely that speaks of sublimely illustrated, even the titles This author-illustrator stoicism and patience through for older readers. And why not? It has a knack for bringing natural many winters and seems to me to be short sighted history to life questions the definition of loneliness through (excuse the slight pun) to ration the especially through the eyes of a dignified man who knows his his books about place in the universe. Thanks to him the visual representation of storytelling birds. Here he aims traffic travels, pedestrians pass and life - or indeed science and history - just his deft brush at the pre-historic periods goes on. because a child has learned to read. that produced the incredibly diverse gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet a gasquillion Imagery on paper has a subjective years ago, yet still absolutely intrigue today’s Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor & Loki permanence that we all enjoy and digital kids. By Kevin Crossley Holland & Jeffrey Love often it is the pictures over text that Walker RRP £18.99 we recall from our own childhood. It’s never too 6-8 Years soon to point out to the kids that 0-2 Years 50 Cities of the USA long before Tom By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero Hiddleston stepped Wide Eyed Books RRP £20.00 into a leather frock Deep in the Forest Seek & Find Adventure and green tights By Josef Anton & I found their to play Marvel’s Lucie Bruniellere previous title movie version of Abrams RRP £10.99 50 States Loki, stories about of the USA him and his brother Created by a French absolutely Thor as well as Odin, god of all gods, were duo with backgrounds compelling captivating listeners as far back as Roman in televisual animation and this times, and not just from the Viking period. and decorative art is no less Imagine being a youngster a thousand years respectively, there addictive ago hearing whirling adventures of sorcery are over 50 animals for its and battles from across the land, passed on by to find in this beautiful bright and feisty big fascinating detail presented in artful bite- mouth to future generations. How lucky we book full of flaps to lift and names to shout sizes. Along with the more obvious candidates are now to be able to take images for granted. out in triumph. Obviously it's in English but of New York and San Francisco, we learn What a page-turner! double points if you know what an anteater is that as well as the famous Kentucky Derby, in French. Louisville hosts the oldest Shakespeare festival in America; that Memphis as well as being home to Graceland, is where Justin Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous Timberlake was born. And that huckleberries South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow 3-5 Years are a real thing and they grow in Boise. So on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well there! The Glassmaker’s Daughter as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of By Dianne Hofmeyr, three and qualified swimming teacher, she illustrated by Jane Ray also co-authored The Little Book of Nits Frances Lincoln published by Bloomsbury. The World of Moominvalley RRP £12.99 By Tove Jansson This clever picture Macmillan book depicts the RRP £35.00 actual history of glassmaking in Venice A super-sized through the tale of price but what Daniela, an inconsolable craftsman’s daughter value for money who spends her days staring into the dark this exquisite gift depths of the canals in existential torment. edition is, thanks to Eschewing her father’s gift of a glass palace, the many drawings her smile is finally revealed when a young and facts about the man discovers the secret of making mirrors. magical bohemia created by Finland’s most Suddenly, splendidly, the pages explode with famous writer. Once you develop a love for splintering glass and the city is rocked the Moomintrolls, Snufkin, the Snorkmaiden with laughter. and Little My, it can’t be shaken off.

12 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

Horrible Histories – MORE Guess How Much I Love You Monstersaurus! Shows Best of Barmy Britain 9-11 Feb 3 Feb – 11.30am & 2pm 13 Feb – 1.30 & 4.30pm Join Little & Big Nutbrown Hare, Follow the young inventor Monty 96 Shenley Road Ages 7+. History with the nasty from the bestselling books, as as he creates a whole world of bits left in! they leap off the page and onto whacky inventions & incredible Borehamwood, WD6 1EB Cost: £14. Child £12. Family £49 the stage in this magical journey monsters. Now he’s made them 01442 454000 through the seasons. all how is he going to get rid of www.96shenleyroad.co.uk THE SPIRELLA BALLROOM Ages 3+. them?! Ages 3+. Dogs Don't Do Ballet Cost: £12. Family £44 Cost: £12. Family £38 Bridge Road, 12 Feb – 11.30am & 2.30pm Morgan & West: More The Wind In The Willows Letchworth Garden City, The funny tale of a little dog Magic For Kids 24 Feb – 11am SG6 4ET with a very big dream! New adaptation of Kenneth 01462 681088 17 Feb – 2pm Cost: £10 Grahame’s much-loved classic, www.broadway-letchworth.com The time-travelling magicians return to the stage with a brand featuring handmade puppets & a Hansel & Gretel: THE ALBAN ARENA new marvellous magic show full charming original score. Ages 5+. of crazy capers for the young, Cost: £9.50. Family £34 Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD Pop-Up-Opera old, and everyone in-between! 01727 844488 10 Feb – 7.30pm Ages 5+. www.alban-arena.co.uk Ages 7+. RHODES BISHOPS The most popular operatic fairy Cost: £14. Conc £12. Family £48 STORTFORD St Albans Gang Show 2018 tale of them all. Pop-up Opera 7-10 Feb – 7.30pm aims to broaden the appeal of 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Sat matinee – 2.30pm opera and challenge the way Stortford, CM23 3JG Songs, dance & comedy sketches opera is performed, by taking it 01279 710200 performed by over 110 local into unusual spaces and making www.rhodesbishopsstortford. Scouts, Guides & Young Leaders. it intimate and engaging. org.uk Tickets via tickets@ Cost: £20. Concs £16 A Midsummer Night's stalbansgangshow.com or Dream 07885 661780. 25 Feb Cost: £6-£13. Concs available for GORDON CRAIG Ballet Theatre UK’s production of some performances THEATRE Shakespeare’s classic tale is set to All Star Superslam Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ charm the whole family. Wrestling 01438 363200 Cost: £17.50. Concs £15.50. 17 Feb – 7.30pm www.gordon-craig.co.uk Child £11.50 A night of top action for all The Little Mix Experience the family. 18 Feb – 1 & 6pm Three Billy Goats Gruff THE SANDPIT THEATRE Cost: £15. Child £10. Family £45 Tribute band. (Under 16s must be 17 & 18 Feb – 11am & 2pm The Ridgeway, St Albans, accompanied in the theatre by Are you really sure what AL4 9NX an adult.) BROADWAY THEATRE happened to the wolf and those 01727 799565 Cost: £14 three little pigs? All will be Eastcheap, www.sandpittheatre.co.uk revealed in this beautiful Theatre Letchworth Garden City, of Widdershins show using Little Red Riding Hood & SG6 3DD HARPENDEN PUBLIC puppets, props, laughter & music. Friends 01462 681088 HALLS Cost: £9 16 Feb – 2pm www.broadway-letchworth.com Southdown Road, Harpenden, Bring Your Own Baby Booster Cushion Theatre present The Strange Case of Dr AL5 1PD this fast, funny show with lots of Comedy Jekyll & Mr Hyde 01582 767525 slapstick & child participation. A 20 Feb – 12noon 3 Feb – 7.30pm www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk fine introduction to theatre for For grown-ups with babies under Ages 11+. A thrilling adaptation EPW Wrestling ages 3-7. 12 mths. of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark Cost: £6. Child £4 14 Jan – 2.30pm Cost: £11 psychological fantasy set in 19th Jaw-dropping wrestling Sidney’s Shed century London’s fog-bound spectacular with a cast of 18 Feb – 11.30am & 2.30pm streets. colourful characters from around THE RADLETT CENTRE Rhubarb Theatre’s new show for Cost: £16. Concs £14 the world. 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, gardeners & adventurers aged Cost: £15. Concs £12. Family WD7 8HL 3-7. Historical hilarity, songs & £45. VIP Ringside £20 01923 859291 prize-winning cabbages! www.radlettcentre.co.uk Cost: £8. Child £6 HERTFORD THEATRE Red Riding Hood and the The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS Wolf 01992 531500 19 & 20 Jan – 11.30am & 2pm www.hertfordtheatre.com What if the Big Bad Wolf wasn’t Cirque Enchantment big or bad at all? Enjoy a new spin on this classic story – about 27 Jan – 7.45pm two misfits who just want to Concert style cirque production fit in. featuring stunning choreography, Ages 7+. live vocals & mesmerising circus Cost: £9 performers. With an eclectic soundtrack including current pop, rock & classical. Most suitable for ages 7+. Cost: £23. Concs £19

familiesonline.co.uk 13 What’s On

WYLLYOTTS THEATRE 12-16 Feb 12-16 Feb Caving; climbing; sailing; Week-long camp for ages 6-12 Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Clubs & kayaking; canoeing; bell boating; exploring drama, music, singing, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN bushcraft; orienteering; fencing dance & visual art. Devise a 01707 645005 & archery. script to perform for family www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Classes Cost: £8 per person per session. & friends. Rapunzel the Pantomime Full week £100 Cost: £115. Siblings & Drama Perform weekly drama, 18-20 Jan – 7.30pm Academy Students £100 dance and singing classes 20 Jan – 2.30pm SPORTSPACE HEMEL www.perform.org.uk/try 21 Jan – 1pm HEMPSTEAD RHODES BISHOPS 020 7255 9120 Traditional family pantomime STORTFORD [email protected] by The Warren, an experienced Park Rd, Hemel Hempstead, Confidence building fun for amateur group who've been HP1 1JS 1-3 South Road, 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, performing pantomimes since 01442 507100 Bishop’s Stortford, dance and singing specially 1949! www.sportspace.co.uk CM23 3JG formulated to bring out every Cost: £13. Child £8.50 (all profits 01279 450270 Swimming Crash Courses child's true potential. Classes to local charities) www.rhodesbishopsstortford. 12-16 Feb are kept small to ensure lots of org.uk Ages 4+. individual attention. Perform Week-long course for beginners Play In A Day offer no-obligation FREE trial or children working on their 13 Feb – 10am. Show 7pm sessions. Swim England Stages. Primary school aged children can Dates: 3 Jan – 29 Mar Holiday Cost: From £30. From £22 join in the challenge of creating Venues: for Members a fun new piece of theatre in just Bishops Stortford Diving Crash Courses one day! Summercroft Primary School Cost: see website Camps & 13-16 Feb Plaw Hatch Lane Ages 5+. CM23 5BJ Courses Must be ASA Stage 4 or above ARTSHED! HALF-TERM Drama 4-7s - Mon 4pm and confident in deep water. HOLIDAY CAMPS Drama 7-12s - Mon 5pm Cost: £30. Members £22 www.shedloadsoffun.com Harpenden 12-16 Feb Harpenden United Reformed BERKHAMSTED St Peter’s Primary School, Church, Vaughan Road BASECAMP Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL5 4ED AL1 1HL All camps take place Dance 6-12s - Sat 2pm 12-14 Feb in Berkhamsted Roundwood Primary School, Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, www.berkhamstedbasecamp. Roundwood Park, Harpenden, 11.15am, Tue 4pm co.uk AL5 3AD 12-16 Feb Drama 7-12s - Tue 5pm 10am-3pm. Wrap around care Multi activity camps for ages Hemel Hempstead available 8.30am-5.30pm 3-11. Plus specialist courses such Apsley Community Centre Ages 6-13 (5 yr olds at as Bread & Sticky Buns Making London Road organisers’ discretion only). (ages 7-14). HP39SB Learn to draw & paint creatures Cost: See website inspired by the Blue Planet TV Drama 4-7s - Tues 4pm, SPORTSPACE series. 5pm LANGLEY TENNIS & BERKHAMSTED Cost: £32 per child per day. Wrap Hertford, Mill Mead School RACQUETS CAMP around care £7/hr Port Vale, SG14 3AA Lagley Meadow, Langley Tennis Club, Douglass Gardens, Berkhamsted, Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, High Woodhall Lane, HP4 3QQ PARK 11.15am Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 507100 Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN Hitchin, Church House Hall 01442 230234 www.sportspace.co.uk 01727 858901 Church Yard www.berkhamstedbasecamp. Swimming Crash Courses www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk SG5 1HP co.uk 12-16 Feb Wild Kids Adventure Day: Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm 12-16 Feb – 9am-4pm Ages 4+. Week-long course for Have fun and improve your Firelighting & Outdoor Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm beginners or children working on standard of tennis and eye hand Cooking Potters Bar their Swim England Stages. co-ordination. Plus, table tennis, 16 Feb – 10am - 3pm St John's Methodist Church Cost: From £30. From £22 badminton & touch tennis. Learn how to build & light a fire Baker Street for Members Additional hours available. without a match and cook some EN6 2DZ Ages 4-14. yummy snacks! Games, crafts, Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm, 5pm Cost: Day £40. Week £160 GORDON CRAIG free play-time in the woods and, weather permitting, a campfire Radlett THEATRE Christ Church Vision Hall HERTS YOUNG too. Ages 8-13 don’t need to Lytton Way, Stevenage, be accompanied, but adults Watling Street, WD7 7JJ MARINERS BASE SG1 1LZ are welcome to stay. Ages 6-7 Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm, 01438 363200 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, welcome too if with an adult. 5pm www.gordon-craig.co.uk EN8 9AJ Cost: £15 per child Sawbridgworth 01992 628403 Charlie & The Chocolate Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall www.hymb.com Factory Themed The Fourbury Drama Camp CM21 9BD

14 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Drama 4-7s - Thu 4pm SPORTSPACE HEMEL BRAMBLETON MODEL Stay and Play Saturdays Drama 7-12s - Thu 5pm HEMPSTEAD RAILWAY CLUB 6 Jan & 3 Feb. Drop in 10.30am-4.30pm. St Albans Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, EXHIBITION Toys & crafts. Fleetville Junior School HP1 1JS Harpenden Public Halls, Explore the galleries. 228 Hatfield Road, AL1 4LW 01442 507100 Southdown Road, Harpenden, FREE Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, www.sportspace.co.uk AL5 1PD Keep Young & Beautiful! 11.15am Badminton Beginners 01582 767525 3 Feb-14 Apr 11 Jan for 10 wks except 15 Feb www.brambleton.org.uk Drama 7-12s - Sat 2pm Discover a range of concepts Learn this fun & social sport. 20 Jan – 10.30am-5.30pm United Reformed Church of beauty, how & why people For ages 8+. Catering for both families & Homewood Road have enhanced or changed their Cost: £75. Member £55 model railway enthusiasts AL1 4BH with the usual mix of layouts, appearance, lifestyle activities Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm preservation stands & traders. and how we have kept in shape! SPORTSPACE Illustrated by a wide range of Drama 4-7s - Thu Refreshments area. BERKHAMSTED Cost: £4. Child/Senior £3. amazing collections. 4.15pm-5.15pm FREE Lagley Meadow, Douglass Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm Gardens, Berkhamsted, HP4 3QQ BISHOPS STORTFORD Mummification Madness! Trinity United Reform Church 01442 507100 MUSEUM 13-15 Feb. Drop in 1 Beaconsfield Road www.sportspace.co.uk 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry Rhodes Arts Complex, AL1 3RD Badminton Beginners 3pm) 1-3 South Road, Craft activities inspired by the Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm 8 Jan for 10 wks except 12 Feb Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG Museum’s Ancient Egyptian Learn this fun & social sport. 01279 710200 collection. Design a sarcophagus; For ages 8+. ARTSHED ARTS www.rhodesbishopsstortford. make a snazzy necklace & more. Cost: £75. Member £55 org.uk Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Cost: £1.50 per child Ware, SG12 0ES Fencing Course New Museum Trails 01920 466446 11 Jan for 10 wks except 15 Feb 10 Feb onwards – 10am-4pm MUSEUM www.artshedarts.co.uk Ages 6-14. Can you follow the clues around St Michael's Street, St Albans, Learn this exciting sport using the Museum & find all the Pottery Throwing Taster AL3 4SW age specific equipment. answers? A fun way to learn Sessions 01727 751810 Cost: £75. Member £55 more about the Museum’s 13 Jan & 17 Feb – 30 min slots www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk treasures. 10am-2pm Museum entry charge applies to RYE MEADS NATURE Ages 3+ (younger children may 8yrs +. non-residents need assistance). Two people can throw at the RESERVE FREE Tots Tales same time. Booking essential. Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, 10 Jan – 10.30am, 11.45am, Cost: £18 including clay, glazing St. Valentine’s Day Card SG12 8JS 1.30pm & firing Making 01992 708384 Story, craft activity and Children’s Pottery Course www.rspb.org.uk 12-14 Feb – 11am-3pm museum hunt. Make a Valentine’s Day card for Thurs 18 Jan-29 Mar (not 15 Messy Welly Club Ages 2-4, accompanied by an someone special this half term. Feb) – 4.30-6pm 17 Jan & 21 Feb – 10.30-11.45am adult. Book in advance. Drop-in workshop for ages 5+. New 10-week course for Messy outdoor play for under 5s Cost: £3 Cost: £2 beginners aged 7+. with parent/guardian. Archaeological Apprentices Develop ideas & knowledge in Booking essential. 27 Jan – 2.15 & 3.15pm hand building & glazing. THE SPOTLIGHT Cost: £3.50. Non-members Simulated archaeology dig. Peel Booking essential. £4.50. £3 parking for non- High Street, Hoddesdon, back layers of time to see what Cost: £150. Materials included members EN11 8BE people in the past have left 01992 441946 behind & discover what we can KIDS FITNESS www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ learn from the finds. thespotlight Healthy U Gym, Ages 5-11 (with an adult). 1-4 Kimps Way, Bennetts End, Places Big Fish, Little Fish Family FREE Hemel Hempstead, Rave Crack the Code Museum HP3 8EN 4 Feb – 2-4pm Trail 01442 769071 To Go Re-live your clubbing glory years 12 Feb www.healthyugym.com with a toddler on your shoulders Explore the Museum for clues All year round & a pint in your hand. Rave, Acid to the Roman words & phrases Kids Fitness (ages 7-11) CMRA MODEL RAILWAY House, Hip Hop and Drum n Bass hidden around the galleries. Fitness-based class structure EXHIBITION played by DMC Legend Chad FREE Jackson. Come in fancy dress. to get the kids active & moving Gordon Craig Theatre, Crafts in the Colonnade Theme: Space, Out of this world. using the gym & fitness/sport Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 13 & 14 Feb – 2-4pm (last entry Cost: £10. Child £7. Pre-walking activities. 01438 363200 3.40pm) infants free but require a ticket Teen Girls (ages 11-15) www.gordon-craig.co.uk Simple crafts inspired by the Structured gym session to build 13 & 14 Jan museum’s collections. Children knowledge & understanding At least 30 layouts in many must be accompanied by of fitness & exercise. With Ab scales, gauges & prototypes. 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, an adult. exercises, light weight training, Cost: £9 (includes adult & up SG14 1DT Cost: £1.50 circuits & cardiovascular. to two children aged 5-16). 01992 582686 Cost: Single pass £4. Under 5s free. Additional child www.hertfordmuseum.org Month pass £15 £4. Unaccompanied child (aged 10-16) £4

familiesonline.co.uk 15 What’s On

Meet the Conservator 15 Feb Wild Families: Brilliant Historical Crafterday 15 Feb – 2-4pm Drop in arts & crafts (most Birds & Bird Box Building 10.30am-12noon Chat to the Museum’s suitable for ages 5-11). Allow 20 15 Feb – 10am-12noon or 1-3pm 20 Jan (Prehistory) Conservator who will be in action mins for the activity. Children Celebrate National Nest Box 17 Feb (Coins & Medals) in the galleries, cleaning & caring must be with an adult. Week with a trip to the woods. Ages 4-10. Drop-in craft for the collections. Cost: £1.50 per child Look for birds & make bird activities & trail around the FREE Toddler Thursdays feeders, nesting material balls Museum. Museum Explorers 25 Jan & 22 Feb – 10-11am or & a bird box. Plus campfire & Cost: £3 per child 15 Feb 11am-12noon snacks, weather permitting. Crafty Wednesday: Borrow items from an explorer Learn a nursery rhyme, share a Ages 4-11 (with an adult). Royston Rocks Cost: £7 per child including a kit to help you investigate story & make a craft. Ages 2-4 14 Feb – 10.30am-12noon Drop- bird box to take home the museum. (with adult). Book in advance. in craft activities for ages 4-10. FREE Cost: £1.50 per child per session Cost: £3 per child Family Fridays: Time for Family Felt-Making Tea BENINGTON LORDSHIP & MILL 15 Feb – 10.30am-12noon 16 Feb – 11am-1pm (last entry GARDENS Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD Family-friendly beginner’s 12.40pm) Stevenage, SG2 7BS 01707 357850 workshop for ages 4 to adult Drop-in craft & learning session. 08701 261709 www.welhat.gov.uk/museum (children must be with an adult). Handle artefacts & make a www.beningtonlordship.co.uk Toddler Mornings Learn about the ancient craft of souvenir to take home. Children creating felt from wool fibres in a 7 Feb-4 Mar – 12-4pm 18 Jan & 22 Feb – 10-11.30am must be with an adult. fun atmosphere. Spectacular display of snowdrops Art & craft, songs & story, visit Cost: £2.50 Cost: £5 per person around the remains of the the Mill & Museum. Drink & Meet a Roman Soldier Norman Castle. Refreshments. biscuit provided. 17 Feb – 2.30 & 3.30pm Cost: £5. (Concs £4, not on Cost: £3 per toddler (includes WILLOWS ACTIVITY Discover what life was like as a Sundays.) 12-16s £2. Under 12s entrance for one adult) FARM Roman Soldier at Verulamium free Half Term Holiday Coursers Road, London Colney, during the Boudican revolt. Activities: Monsters! St Albans, AL2 1BB FREE MYDDELTON HOUSE 13-15 Feb – 10am, 11.15am, 0870 129 9718 GARDENS 1.15pm & 2.30pm (lasts one www.willowsactivityfarm.com ESTATE Bulls Cross, Enfield, EN2 9HG hour) February Frolics Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, 03000 030 610 Make a Monster Mask 10-18 Feb Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT visitleevalley.org.uk/myddelton (13th). Live lambing, newborn lamb 01442 851227 The Ultimate Snowdrop bottle feeding demonstrations Design a Monster Collage www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Sale and a full day’s programme of ashridge-estate Picture (14th). 27 Jan fleecy fun. Feb Half Term Trail Peruse & purchase snowdrops Create a Clay Model (15th). Cost: See website 12-16 Feb – 10am-3pm and explore the extensive Cost: £3.50 per child per session Follow the trail to learn more gardens. about the history of Ashridge FREE. Suggested donation £3.50 WELWYN ROMAN BATHS AL1 1BY & the people who lived there 01727 860780 through the ages. Under the A1M at its junction HARPENDEN COMMON www.stalbanscathedral.org Cost: Child £3 with the A1000, 01707 357850 Harpenden, AL5 1DT www.welhat.gov.uk/museum Romans & Saxons Family Open every day 10-18 Feb – 2-5pm BROADWAY STUDIO & www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Discovery Morning GALLERY Family Conservation Day Activity Day 15 Feb 12 Feb - 10am-1pm 12 Feb – 2-4pm What was it like to be a Roman 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Carry out a range of practical Be inspired by the spring or Saxon? Which would you Garden City, SG6 3EW conservation tasks to help with bulbs starting to flower in the prefer to have been? Find out 01462 681088 habitat management. Under 18s woodland and get creative with more on this exciting trail around www.broadway-letchworth.com must be with an adult. Hot drinks natural dyes made from plants. the Cathedral with arts & crafts. Family Arts Studio & biscuits provided! Booking Be prepared to get messy! Ages 3-11 (must be accompanied 14 Jan & 11 Feb – 10am-1pm essential. Ages 4+, first come, first served. by an adult). Hands-on craft activities led FREE All children must be accompanied FREE by professional artists, inspired by an adult. by artworks in the Broadway PANSHANGER PARK Cost: £3.50 per child Gallery. No booking required. Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN Open to all, but aimed at ROYSTON MUSEUM 01727 858901 accompanied children aged 3-10. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 5 Lower King Street, Royston, FREE Little Explorers: Little Love SG8 5AL 01763 242587 Bugs & Love Birds LOWEWOOD MUSEUM www.roystonmuseum.org.uk 14 Feb – 10am-12noon or 1-3pm High Street, Hoddesdon, Look for bugs & birds, make Toddler Music & Dance EN11 8BH a bug house & create a little 19 & 29 Jan, 9 & 19 Feb - 10.30- 01992 445596 wooden ‘love bug’ or ‘love bird’ 11.30am www.broxbourne.gov.uk to take home. Plus campfire & Toddler music & dance workshop Family Fun: Jewellery for snacks, weather permitting. themed around the Museum’s Warrior Queen Boudicca Ages 2-7 (with an adult). collections. Booking essential. Cost: £6 per child FREE

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