IN THIS ISSUE Swing into Spring

Spring Time Fun Spring What's On

Easter Eggstravaganzas Win a Family Cinema Ticket

Issue 79 Mar/Apr 2018 familiesonline.co.uk 2 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk From your Editor… In this issue: It’s spring again! A time to expect longer, dryer, warmer, sunnier days; all of which are likely to tempt us back outdoors. News & Views: 4 If you are looking for ideas of places to go and things to do as the weather warms-up, then check out our Spring Time Fun and Spring What’s On sections for plenty of inspiration. Education: 6 We also have a great competition to win a family cinema ticket to Hertford Theatre’s Easter film programme. The competition closes on 25th March so make sure you Spring Time Fun: 8 enter soon. If your kids love to get into the kitchen and do a bit of baking (you may not be so keen!) Competition: 8 there’s a tasty recipe for cute little Easter Nest Cakes from the Beverley Glock Cooker School. Spring What’s On: 10 We also have an interesting article by Dr Robert Titzer about the long-term benefits that can accrue when children learn language and maths skills at an early age. Enjoy the early spring and Easter break. Next Issue: 80 - May/June Copy Deadline: 6th April Shelley Image credit: © sunemotion Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, , Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC.

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familiesonline.co.uk 3 News & Views Research Confirms New Dads Mental Health Concerns

A new poll reveals almost 40% of men Concern about their partner is another worry experience anxieties after having children. for new fathers. The NCT found that almost The research released by the Priory Group of three quarters (73%) of dads were worried Harley Street, London also claims to show about their partner’s mental health. that thousands of men experience anxiety – For more information visit www.nct.org.uk/ and in some cases depression - as they enter dads-PND or www.priorygroup.com New attraction at fatherhood. One in five men believed they were actually Paradise Wildlife Park suffering from Paternal Post Natal Depression, although only 2% were officially diagnosed. This Easter visitors to Paradise Wildlife Park This accords with earlier research by the will be able to meet some life-size animatronic parenting charity the NCT, which showed Dinosaurs at the incredible ‘World of around 1 in 3 new fathers are concerned about Dinosaurs’ attraction. It will be one of the UK’s their mental health. biggest and most spectacular animatronic The increased pressures of fatherhood, dinosaur attractions, set in acres of natural more financial responsibility, changes in woodland. It will feature thirty life-size, relationships and lifestyle, combined with a moving and roaring dinosaurs – a real thrill for lack of sleep and an increased workload at any dinosaur adventurer! home, may all affect a new dad’s Paradise Wildlife Park is home to over 800 mental wellbeing. animals and is the only zoo in the UK to home five different big cat species. They also look after one of the largest collections of small monkeys in the UK as well as the largest Anaconda. Visitors to the park can choose Laws on Smacking from twenty different animal talks, feeds and shows daily. Changing Book tickets online and use code TREX10 to get 10% off entry. See advert on page 2. Find out more at www.pwpark.com New laws are coming into force in the UK relating to smacking children. Currently, it is legal for a parent or carer to smack their own child but only when it amounts to ‘reasonable punishment’, as Children’s Authors Top laid down in the Children Act 2004. What is defined as ‘reasonable punishment’ is a grey the Pops in Libraries area as it is not set out in the law and depends on each individual case. The kids are taking over the libraries! Seven However, changes are planned in the children’s authors - Julia Donaldson, Daisy Scottish and Welsh legal systems which Meadows, Roderick Hunt, Francesca Simon, will ban the smacking of children under any Adam Blade, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald circumstances. Dahl – are among the top 10 most borrowed This means will be the only country authors in UK libraries, according to figures 73 Questions a Day! in Britain where parents will still be able to from annual data released by the British So What’s the Problem? legally smack their children. Library. In England it will remain illegal for teachers, David Walliams’ popularity continues to soar nursery staff or care workers to smack a child. and he’s now the nineteenth most borrowed British children aged 1 to 6 ask an average 73 Privately hired carers such as nannies and author, up from forty first place in 2014-15. questions every day ... half of which parents babysitters may smack, but only if permission Jeff Kinney does not make it into the top ten struggle to answer, according to a recent has been given by the child’s parents. authors but his Diary of a Wimpy Kid series study conducted by One Poll. For more information visit is clearly a big hit with kids with eight titles Children are at their most inquisitive at 4 www.childlawadvice.org.uk in the series featuring in the top 10 most years old and boys and girls tend to be just as borrowed children’s fiction titles. curious as each other. For parents looking for something for their Almost a third of parents in the study find ‘reluctant reader,’ this library data provides a this constant barrage of questions exhausting, helpful guide to what other children love. lasting as it often does from the time children For more details on most borrowed wake until they drop off to sleep at night. children’s authors and titles visit Almost half of the parents interviewed admit www.bl.uk/plr. that they struggle to find an answer 50% of the time, turning to Google for help, whilst nearly one third confessed to making up answers on the spot. Fathers field the most questions but mothers still deal with an average of 413 per week. To help parents deal with some of their children’s more challenging questions, Tots Town at Argos has teamed up with child psychologist Dr. Sam Wass and created a series of videos which can be found on YouTube.

4 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk All Stars Cricket All Stars Cricket is a new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket. The national curriculum of fun cricket activities and games provides children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity. The programme includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket programme (1 x hour session per week) and a pack containing a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t shirt (personalised with their name). The pack also includes an Activity book with weekly challenges. The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game- based activities that teach cricket skills like catching, throwing and hitting a moving ball plus social skills. Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in safe environment. The course costs RRP £40 (price may vary) and clubs will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from May 11th through to July. For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit allstarscricket.co.uk

Free residential camps for children with health challenges

Over The Wall is a national charity providing free therapeutic activity camps for children aged 8-17 affected by serious illness and their families. The camps boost the children’s confidence and resilience as they build a support network of friends facing similar struggles. Over The Wall presents children with the opportunity to experience the fun of camp through activities such as kayaking, fishing, climbing, swimming, dancing, taking part in challenge courses, archery, arts and crafts, talent shows, discos and more. Camps will to take place in locations across the UK from April to October. Each camp will have an onsite medical environment staffed by medical professionals. Children with illnesses such as cancer and leukaemia, blood disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, multiple severe allergies, heart conditions, kidney disease, neurological disorders and other conditions can apply. Camps are also offered to siblings affected by health challenges. Over The Wall will be recruiting for volunteers for its camps, as well as nurses, doctors and paramedics. If you want to help call 02392 477110. To find out more visit www.otw.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 5 Education How Early Learning Can Predict a Child’s Success By Dr Robert Titzer

You may be surprised to learn that the long term effects of children learning language and maths skills at an early age is one of the greatest predictors of their financial success as adults. How can this be possible you may ask? With the many confounding variables such as a child’s IQ, formal education and socio-demographic background, it’s hard to believe that early reading or maths skills can be one of the most important factors associated with doing well as an adult. However, a 2013 study from the University of Edinburgh1 shows that early maths and reading abilities have major long-term benefits. Children who performed better in reading and maths tests at age 7 were shown to be more likely to earn higher wages later in life according to researchers. Children who had advanced by just one grade level in reading by age 7 earned an average of £5,000 per year more at age 42 A well-known study in 19952 found that the number of words spoken than their classmates. to a child by age 3 was a better predictor of a child’s vocabulary at The study also concluded that “mathematical and reading ability at age age 11 than the parents’ IQs, parents’ socio-economic status, or which 7 are substantially and positively correlated with financial success at age school the child attended. 42, independently of relevant confounding variables.” In other words, it A more recent study on the topic found that babies who learned was the actual reading and maths abilities at age 7 – not just the child’s more words by 18 months of age had greater vocabularies at age 3. In socioeconomic status, the child’s IQ, or other factors – that had a lasting addition, the researchers found that 18-month-old babies who knew impact on the person’s life chances. more words had faster brain processing speed. The study also concluded Understanding Words that the “language gap” that exists by 18 months of age would be hard to overcome, meaning that babies who had been taught fewer words in Research consistently indicates that the earlier a child learns language the first 18 months of life could have later delays in learning language skills, the better the long term outcome. skills3. Early Reading and Maths Skills Reading problems at an early age are hard to counter-act later on in life. Very few children who cannot read at the appropriate level at the end of first grade ever catch up. There are also significant advantages in learning to read early. Studies back in the 1960s concluded that children who were taught to read at ages 3 or 4 read better than children of the same IQ who were taught at ages 5 or 6. Those with the same IQs who were taught at ages 7 or 8 were even farther behind. Six years later, the children who were taught to read earlier were still ahead of the same-IQ children who were taught later. In addition, the earlier the child was taught to read, the more likely the child enjoyed reading. Parental involvement in teaching children about reading and writing words is also related to the development of early literacy skills. In turn, early literacy skills directly predict word reading at the end of first grade (age 6-7 years) and indirectly predict reading in third grade (age 8-9 years). Word reading at the end of first grade predicts reading comprehension in third grade. So, if you are wondering how to give your infant a head start in life, it’s worth investigating the resources available to help you teach little ones language and maths skills as early as possible. You can read my tips at www.yourbabycanlearn.com

Dr Robert Titzer is an Infant Researcher and expert speaker at The Baby Show returning to London ExCeL 2nd – 4th March 2018 (www.thebabyshow.co.uk). 1 Ritchie, S. J. & Bates, T. C., (2013). Enduring Links From Childhood Mathematics and Reading Achievement to Adult Socioeconomic Status. Psychological Science. 2 Hart, B. & Risley, T., (1995). Meaningful Differences in Everyday Parenting and Intellectual Development in Young American Children. Baltimore: Brookes. 3 Fernald, A., Marchman, V. A. & Weisleder, A., (2012). SES differences in language processing skill and vocabulary are evident at 18 months. Developmental Science.

6 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk 7 Spring Time Fun Win a Family Cinema Ticket*

Hertford Theatre is a great place to educational needs (SEN) or Autism. On visit during the Easter holidays. 3rd April, ‘You’ve Got Dragons’ will take to With lots of different family films to choose, the stage. The show is specially designed free activity sheets and colouring in tables for children with SEN/Autism and features plus a great café, why not spend the afternoon creative captioning, interwoven British Sign in Hertford? Language and audio description. This family friendly venue is located in Tickets are Pay What You Can – so it’s the Hertford's town centre. Hertford Theatre perfect opportunity to try something new! What is the name of the gardener in shows award-winning children’s performances Find out more at www.hertfordtheatre.com Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit stories: – from West End productions such as ‘The or call 01992 531500 A. Doc Martin Gruffalo’s Child’ and ‘Gangsta Granny’ to For your chance to win a *family cinema B. Mr McGregor intimate studio pieces like ‘’Tom Thumb or ‘Me ticket (4 persons) to see a film during the C. Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and My Bee’. Easter Holidays at Hertford Theatre, simply Hertford Theatre also hold Relaxed events answer this question: Email your answer to: [email protected] for families who have members with special Closing date: 25th March

4. While the cakes are cooking make the Easter Nest Cakes icing; cream the icing sugar, butter and cocoa powder together, adding sufficient orange juice to make a stiff icing. Ingredients: for the cakes 150g soft butter or margarine 5. Ask an adult to melt the chocolate chips 150g caster sugar and golden syrup in a heatproof bowl over 3 eggs a pan of barely simmering water. Use your 150g self raising flour fingers to crumble up the shredded wheat and 1 heaped tbsp cocoa powder add to the melted chocolate mix, stir to mix. Grated zest of an orange How to make Easter nest cakes... 6. Once your cakes have cooled spread the Ingredients: for the icing and nests WASH YOUR HANDS. chocolate buttercream icing on top then 160g icing sugar arrange the chocolate shredded wheat 1. Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 170c/ 50g soft butter mixture to look like nests and finish with 2 gas 4 and put a shelf onto the centre runner. 1 tbsp cocoa powder or 3 chocolate eggs. If you prefer you can (AGA Roasting oven - shelf on oven floor). 1-2 tbsp orange juice – from the orange you substitute the shredded wheat mixture for have just used 2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and chocolate flakes, break them up and arrange 100g dark chocolate chips fluffy, beat in the eggs then fold in the flour, them on the icing, top with chocolate eggs 1 tbsp golden syrup cocoa powder and grated orange zest. as before. 5-6 shredded wheat biscuits Mix well. With thanks to Beverley Chocolate mini eggs 3. Spoon the mixture into 12 muffin cases in Glock Cookery School. You will need... a muffin tray, ask an adult to put the muffin 01844 275692 Weighing scales. Mixing bowls. Wooden tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, www.beverleyglock.com spoon. Fork. Saucepan. 12 Hole muffin tray. until springy, to check, insert a skewer, if ©Beverley Glock 2009 Measuring jug. Tablespoon Teaspoon. Sharp it comes out clean the cakes are cooked. knife. Large plate. Muffin cases. An adult. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Mum Thrilled with Confidence incredible life skills, like making eye contact, Boost from Perform Drama speaking out clearly and making conversation” reports Jessica. With Perform drama classes well-established “Initially George mumbled a couple of words in , we spoke to Jessica Harrison in the shows. Now he speaks out in a strong to find out why she has been sending her voice and smiles all the way through. This children, Ellie (9) and George (6), to Perform confidence has really improved his everyday since the age of 4. interactions with family, school friends and “Ellie is a natural performer” says Jessica, teachers.” “so Perform was always going to work for her. “These days, we spend so much time looking George is a more reserved child who likes to at our phones. Through Perform my children play by himself. But, actually, George probably now understand the importance of engaging gets more out of Perform than Ellie! He has with others – and they don’t even know grown so much in confidence since attending.” they’ve learned this!” “Perform is not like a stage school. The To book a FREE TRIAL in Hertfordshire, visit children perform a show, but the focus is on www.perform.org.uk/try. See the Perform fun games and exercises that teach them entry in What's On for your local class.

8 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk The perfect start to performing arts – the season begins A new term lies just around the corner and with more children attending Jigsaw Knebworth House, Park, Gardens, Adventure Performing Arts Schools than ever before, Playground and Dinosaur Trail are open there has never been a better time to take to between 24th March and 30th September the stage than now. 2018. Performing arts classes are hugely enjoyable Families can enjoy a fantastic line-up of British Science Week at for children of all ages and they are an events when visiting during Easter. excellent way to build confidence and social On the Easter Trail (30 and 31 March) The SandPit Theatre! skills. With classes in Broxbourne, St Albans, children can follow the trail around Gardens Stevenage, Ware and across Hertfordshire, and return the completed Quiz Sheet at the British Science Week is taking place 9-18th why not book a two-week trial today? Gift Shop to claim a reward (Quiz Sheet costs March 2018 and at The Sandpit Theatre they Visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or £1 from the Gift Shop in addition to a Park & want you to get involved! This year’s theme call 020 8447 4530. Gardens admission ticket, last sale 3:00pm). is ‘Exploration and Discovery’, encouraging At the Medieval Jousting (1 and 2 April) young people to think about and investigate families can cheer and jeer the Knights of the changes happening in the world around Arkley as they perform 40-minute jousting them, and your kids can take part by going battles in front of the house (12:30pm and along to the Chemistry Show on Tuesday 13th 14:30pm, weather dependent). The Green March. An evening filled with loud noises, Dragon Bowmen will be offering have a go flashing lights and lots of mess, it will be a archery at the top of Concert Field (£2 for 6 fun-filled, explosive showcase of science! arrows). The show will take place at The Sandpit For full details of opening times and dates Theatre on Tuesday 13th March 2018, at and to book go to www.knebworthhouse.com 6pm. Tickets are £1 each. Book on www. or call 01438 812661. sandpittheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01727 799565.

Come on, get Jumpin’

Jump In Trampoline Parks offer the most exciting jump experience for kids and adults. The parks are more than just trampolines, they include drop slides, tumble tracks, dodgeball courts, trapeze swings, rope ladders, giant air bag, performance trampolines, balance beams and loads more. There are two fantastic venues in the North London and Hertfordshire areas, both offer the brand new ‘Tuck In’ menu and are open seven days prize venue servicing North East London, a week. Drop into Jump In Enfield or Jump In Hertfordshire and Essex areas. Elstree and refuel with a tasty meal or snack Check out the fitness classes, toddler after a great bouncing workout. mornings and after school sessions, available Jump In Elstree is known for its new style, weekly at both venues. brand new soft play and renovated café area. To book visit www.gojumpin.com or to get in Jump In Enfield, only one year old, is the touch email [email protected]

Where did your lie ins go?

Nothing stops lie-ins and long lunches quite like having kids. Instead you spend weekends outside in the cold. Because children are led by your actions and language you need to be super excited about going outside! Being outside stimulates children’s imagination, supports their immune system and gives them a sense of freedom. In addition to the physical exercise that sport provides, it also helps children to develop healthy bones, improves their attention span and teaches teamwork skills. Playing sport outdoors is vital for developing bottle down your jumper and get the family these benefits and that means you standing outside! on the sidelines all year round! Try Time Kids Rugby runs sessions for girls A wise person once said: “There’s no such and boys every Saturday in Hitchin and St thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Albans. To book a free trial session and to find So wrap your kids up warm, shove a hot water out more go to trytimekidsrugby.com familiesonline.co.uk 9 Spring What’s On

Relaxed Performance: You've The Jungle Book Teletubbies Shows Got Dragons 4 Apr – 11am & 2.30pm 2 & 3 May – 10am & 1pm THE ALBAN ARENA 3 Apr – 1.30 & 4pm A wild musical for all the family! Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa Specially designed for children Cost: £12. Family £40 and Po. Ages 2+. Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD with SEN/Autism. With live, Cost: £16. Family of 4 £52. 01727 844488 Teddy Bear's Picnic original music. A touching Family of 3 £40. Family of 2 £28 www.alban-arena.co.uk 6 Apr – 11am & 2pm exploration of the dragons we all Peppa Pig’s Adventure Songs, games, stories, fun and WYLLYOTTS THEATRE face. Ages 3+. laughter for under 5s. 30 Mar – 4pm Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Cost: Book your ticket as normal Cost: £9.50. Family £32 31 Mar – 10am, 1am, 4pm and simply Pay What You Can on Potters Bar, EN6 2HN Pop Divas - Live! Peppa Pig and friends are back in the day 01707 645005 8 Apr – 6pm the new live show. Tom Thumb www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Tribute acts featuring songs from Cost: £17. Under 16s £15. The Sleeping Beauty 7 & 8 Apr – 11am & 2pm Little Mix, Katy Perry, Adele, Family £60 25 Mar – 2pm Performed entirely on and under Meghan Trainor, Arianna Grande, Dinosaur World Live Vienna Festival Ballet. a kitchen table, this show is full Taylor Swift and Rihanna. 9 Apr – 2 & 4.30pm Cost: £20. Concs £15 of magic. Ages 3+. Cost: £9 Cost: £16 10 Apr – 11am & 2pm Milkshake! Live: The Magic The Jungle Book What the Ladybird Heard Discover a pre-historic world of Storybook 13 Apr – 2pm 19 Apr - 1.30 & 4.30pm life-like dinosaurs. Ages 3+ 7 Apr – 12 & 3.30pm New musical adaptation of this 20 & 21 Apr-10.30am & 1.30pm Cost: £14 Enjoy your favourite fairy tales. family favourite. Ages 4+. Stage adaptation of Julia The Sleeping Beauty With Milkshake! favourites Bob Cost: £13. Conc £11. Family £44 Donaldson and Lydia Monks' 21 Apr – 2.30pm the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy Dogs Don't Do Ballet farmyard adventure. Ages 3+. Vienna Festival Ballet. and Fireman Sam. 15 Apr – 1.30 & 3.30pm Cost: £13 Cost: £23. Concs £20, £15 Cost: £16, £14.50. Family £57. This feel-good show features THE SANDPIT THEATRE Babes in arms under 12 mths £5 BROADWAY THEATRE music, handcrafted puppets and The Ridgeway, St Albans, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden Biff, the ballet-dancing dog! AL4 9NX, 01727 799565 City, SG6 3DD, 01462 681088 Ages 3+. www.sandpittheatre.co.uk Holiday Camps www.broadway-letchworth.com Cost: £13. Family £48 Chemistry Show I Believe in Unicorns THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE and Courses 13 Mar – 6pm 11 Mar – 3pm High Street, Hemel Hempstead, An evening filled with loud Michael Morpurgo’s treasured HP1 3AE, 01442 228091 noises, flashing lights and lots KOOL KIDZ CAMPS story brought to life. www.oldtownhall.co.uk of mess! Part of National Cost: £16. Concs £14 Sandridge Primary School, The Amazing Thing Science Week. The Jungle Book Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, 10 Mar – 2.30pm Cost: £1 St Albans, AL4 9EB 9 Apr – 2.30pm Storyteller, Peter Grimm, opens Oliver! 0845 603 2858 A wild musical for all the family! the box to find the ‘Thing’ and 24 Mar – 2.30 & 6.30pm www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk Cost: £12. Family £44 amazing adventures follow. With performers aged 8-19 from Weekdays 3-13 Apr HERTFORD THEATRE Ages 5+. West Herts Musical Theatre group. Ages 4-12. Half or full days. Cost: £6.50. Dacorum Card £5 The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS Cost: £10/£8 See website for prices Oskar’s Amazing Adventure 01992 531500 The Old Lady Who Swallowed HARTHAM LEISURE CENTRE www.hertfordtheatre.com 24 Mar – 2.30pm A Fly Hartham Lane, Hertford, A heart-warming play full of 3 Apr – 2pm The Pied Piper SG14 1QR, 01992 584000 humour, adventure and music. A magical show written for adults 11 Mar – 11am & 2pm www.everyoneactive.com Ages 2-8. to enjoy with their children. A show combining puppetry, Cost: £6.50. Dacorum Card £5 Swimming Crash Courses music and storytelling. Ages 3-7. Cost: £10/£8 Susannah and the Sunflower 3-6 & 9-13 Apr - Cost: £9 Peter Pan and Captain Cook 8.30 & 9am: Under 5s Non- 14 Apr – 2.30pm 5 Apr – 11am Gangsta Granny Swimmer / Over 5s Non- A celebration of the magic of Fly into an imaginative and 22 & 23 Mar – 7pm Swimmer. 9.30am: 5metres+ growing things and dreaming big. absurd Neverland. 24 Mar – 11am & 3pm swimmers Ages 3+. Cost: £6/£4 Award-winning West End Cost: £7. Dacorum Card £5.50 Cost: 4-day course £25.80. 5-day production of the story by David Sourpuss THE SPOTLIGHT course £32.25 Walliams. Ages 5+. High Street, Hoddesdon, Soccer Camp Cost: From £20. Concs £16. 28 Apr – 2.30pm EN11 8BE, 01992 441946 01438 222222 ext. 6 Family £68 Sourpuss is a grumpy, ginger cat who discovers an intriguing www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ [email protected] The Amazing Bubble Man garden. Ages 3-8. thespotlight 3-5 & 10-12 Apr – 9am-4pm 31 Mar – 11.30am & 2pm Cost: £7. Dacorum Card £5.50 Monstersaurus! Ages 4-14. A delightful show with the art, 11 Mar – 11.30am & 2pm Cost: Day £16. 3 days £45 magic, science and fun THE RADLETT CENTRE A young inventor creates a whole of bubbles. NORTH HERTS LEISURE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, world of whacky inventions and Cost: £12. Family £46 CENTRE WD7 8HL, 01923 859291 monsters. Ages 3+. Baldock Rd, Letchworth SG6 2ER www.radlettcentre.co.uk Cost: £13 01462 679311, www.sll.co.uk So You Think You Know About Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Wild Camp Dinosaurs Birthday 3-6 & 9-13 Apr 21 Mar – 6pm 30 Mar – 1.30 & 4pm Fun-packed play scheme for ages Dr Ben Garrod presents a fun, 31 Mar – 11am & 2pm 3-12 including sports, games and interactive, educational show. A blend of puppetry, storytelling swimming. Ofsted registered. Ages 5+. and music. Ages 3+. Cost: Full day £27. Half day Cost: £16. Under 16s £14. Cost: £14. Family £49. Babes in £13.50 Family £56 arms £6

10 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk 11 Spring What’s On

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR Family Arts Studio Museum Explorers lots more. All the extra Easter SPORTS CENTRE 10am-1pm 5 & 12 Apr fun is included in ticket price. Weston Way, Baldock, SG7 6EY 11 Mar: Making Mobiles Borrow items from an explorer See farm website for entry prices. 8 Apr: Watercolour and Wax kit and investigate the Museum. 01462 631300, www.sll.co.uk & MILL Kidventure Playscheme Hands-on craft activities. Drop FREE Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD in. Ages 3-10. Open to all. Family Fridays Fun sports, games, bouncy castle, 01707 357850 FREE 6 Apr: Iron Age Houses arts and crafts. Full and half www.welhat.gov.uk/museum days. Ages 5-10. 13 Apr: Ancient Jewellery PARK Holiday Activities (4 yrs+) 11am-1pm (last entry 12.40pm) Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN HERTS YOUNG MARINERS Drop-in craft session. Handle 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 01727 858901 BASE artefacts, make a souvenir. 2.30pm (lasts one hour) www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Children must be with an adult. 3 Apr: Foody Art and Craft Fun EN8 9AJ Little Explorers Cost: £2.50 5 Apr: Clay Model of your Favourite Food 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 10am-12noon or 1-3pm Meet Queen Boudicca 4 Apr: Enchanted Woodland 10 Apr: Hats for Princess and 3-6 & 9-13 Apr 5 Apr – 2 & 3pm 11 Apr: Muddy Playtime Knights Caving; climbing; sailing; Meet the queen of the Iceni tribe Themed activities. Campfire and 11 Apr: Coat of Arms Tabard kayaking; canoeing; bell boating; FREE raft building; bush craft; fencing; snacks, weather permitting. Ages 12 Apr: Clay Model Castle Meet a Roman Soldier archery. 2-7 (with an adult). Cost: £3.50 per child per session 8 Apr – 2.30 & 3.30pm Cost: £10 per person per session. Cost: £6 per child Bake a Bread Roll Discover what life was like as a Full week £110 Wild Families 4 Apr – 10am-12noon or 1-3pm Roman Soldier. 10am-12noon or 1-3pm Cost: £1 per piece of dough COURTYARD ARTS AND FREE 5 Apr: Springtime Scavenger COMMUNITY CENTRE Hunt LOWEWOOD MUSEUM Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, 12 Apr: Muddy Madness High Street, Hoddesdon, 01992 509596 SG4 9TS, 01462 420144 Campfire and snacks, weather EN11 8BH, 01992 445596 www.courtyardarts.org.uk www.britishschoolsmuseum. permitting. Ages 4-11 (with an www.broxbourne.gov.uk Animate Your Own Toy Story adult). co.uk Easter Egg Hunt 10 Apr – 10am-12.30pm Cost: £6 per child per session Easter Craft Activity Day 31 Mar – 11am-3pm Create a stop motion animation. Wild Kids Adventure Days 4 & 11 Apr – 10am-12pm & Follow the trails to claim your Ages 8-12. 1-3pm 10am-3pm chocolate prize. Cost: £15 incl materials Crafts, games and scavenger 6 Apr: Bow and Arrow Making FREE Moving Collage 13 Apr: Muddy Mayhem hunt for ages 4-11. Family Fun 10 Apr – 1-3.30pm Games, crafts, play-time in the Cost: £5 per child, includes drink 12-3pm Learn basic animation to create a woods, campfire. Ages 8-13. Ages and biscuit 5 Apr: Spring Lamb Puppets stop motion clip. Ages 10-15. 6-7 welcome with an adult. Book Herts at War Discovery Day 12 Apr: Paper Flower Display Cost: £15 incl materials in advance. 5 & 12 Apr – 10am-1pm Drop in crafts. Children must be Furry Friends Cost: £15 per child per day Follow a WW1 soldier’s journey with an adult. from enlistment to the trenches. 11 Apr – 10.30am-12.30pm BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM Cost: £1.50 per child Learn to draw fur and animal Make medals and flags, try some Rhodes Arts Complex, shapes with watercolour pencils. HATFIELD PARK FARM rations and a drill session. 1-3 South Road, Ages 4-11. Ages 7+. Hatfield, AL9 5HX Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG Cost: £5 per child, includes drink Cost: £13.50 incl materials 01707 287010 01279 710200 and biscuit Planes and Trains www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk www.rhodesbishopsstortford. Cost: £5. Child £2.50. Under 3s 11 Apr – 1.30-3.30pm org.uk ESTATE Learn to draw and paint vehicles Free Kids Craft Workshops (Drop Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, with watercolour pencils. Farm Opens for the Season in, ages 5+) Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT Ages 7+. 20 Mar 17 Mar: Mad March Hare 01442 851227 Cost: £13.50 incl materials 3-5 Apr: Easter Bunny CJ’s Birds of Prey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ 10-12 Apr: Peg Doll 24 Mar ashridge-estate Places to Go Cost: £3 per child per session Static display of birds of prey. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt OAKLANDS COLLEGE Easter Trail Easter Fun 30 Mar-1 Apr – 10am-4pm 31 Mar-2 Apr Help the Cadbury bunny learn St Albans Campus, Hatfield Road, 30 Mar-14 Apr Includes storytelling. about the animals of Ashridge. St Albans, AL4 0JA Ages 3+. Find all the eggs around the Museum to win a prize! Answer the questions to get the www.oaklands.ac.uk/lambing MEAD OPEN FARM FREE chocolate reward. Lambing Weekend Stanbridge Road, Cost: Child £5 10-11 Mar – 10am-3pm MUSEUM Billington, LU7 9JH Easter Crafts Ewes and lambs, reptiles, rabbits St Michael's Street, St Albans, 01525 852954 9-13 Apr – 10am-4pm and horses. Donkey rides. AL3 4SW, 01727 751810 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Cost: Child £2 Farmers market. Treasure hunt. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Easter Wonderland Refreshments. Free Park and HARPENDEN CRICKET CLUB Museum entry charge applies to 30 Mar - 13 Apr Ride. No dogs. non-residents Don’t miss Mead Open Farm’s Harpenden, AL5 1DT Cost. FREE. By ticket only Crafts in the Colonnade Easter Wonderland! Tumble www.harpenden.gov.uk BROADWAY STUDIO 2, 3, 9 & 10 Apr – 2-4pm (last down the rabbit hole to explore Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt AND GALLERY entry 3.40pm) Alice’s Wonderland Walk, meet 30 Mar the Mad Hatter and let the 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Simple crafts inspired by the Ticket price includes hunt prize, cheeky Cheshire Cat guide you Garden City, SG6 3EW Museum’s collections. Children craft activity and meeting the on your journey. With puppet 01462 681088 must be with an adult. Easter bunny. shows, cute baby animals and www.broadway-letchworth.com Cost: £1.50 Cost: £5 per child

12 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk 13 Spring What’s On

FLETCHERS LEA AT Easter Trail Radlett, Christ Church Vision Chorleywood WARE PRIORY 30 & 31 Mar – 11am-5pm Hall, Watling Street, WD7 7JJ 01923 771291 High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL Cost: Trail sheet additional £1 Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm, 5pm The Russell School 01920 460316 Medieval Jousting The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Brushwood Drive, Chorleywood, WD3 5RR www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk 1 & 2 Apr – approx 12.30 & Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL Easter Funday 2.30pm Drama 7-12s - Sat 11.15am Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 11.15am 31 Mar – 1.30-3pm Costumed knights display Sawbridgworth Main Stages: Sat 10am, Egg hunt for under 8s. Egg horsemanship and combat skills. Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall, 2.30pm decorating competition for all Try archery (extra charge). The Fourbury, CM21 9BD Harpenden ages (prize giving 3.15pm). PJ Masks Drama 4-7s - Thu 4pm 01525 717567 FREE Sir John Lawes School 15 Apr – 10am-2pm Drama 7-12s - Thu 5pm Catboy and Owlette will be Manland Way, Harpenden, LUDWICK FAMILY CLUB St Albans making appearances! AL5 4QP Fleetville Junior School Hall Grove, Early Stages: Fri 4.15, 4.45pm; 228 Hatfield Road, AL1 4LW Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH Sat 9.30, 11.15am, 2pm, Clubs and Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, Easter Egg Hunt and Children’s 3.45pm Disco 11.15am Classes Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm; Sat 18 Mar – 1-3pm Drama 7-12s - Sat 2pm PERFORM 10am, 2.30pm Tickets from www.eventbrite. United Reformed Church St Albans co.uk Weekly drama, dance and Homewood Road, AL1 4BH 01525 630183 Cost: Child £3.50. Adult £1 singing classes Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm Cunningham Hill Junior School, Proceeds to Motor Neuron www.perform.org.uk/try Drama 4-7s - Thu 4.15pm Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans, Disease Association 020 7255 9120 Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm AL1 5QJ [email protected] HIGHFIELD PARK Early Stages: Sat 9.30, Confidence building fun for Trinity United Reform Church 11.15am, 2pm, 3.45pm West Lodge, 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, 1 Beaconsfield Road, AL1 3RD Hill End Lane, St. Albans, AL4 0RA dance and singing specially Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm Main Stages: 10am, 2.30pm 01727 847242 formulated to bring out every Drama 7-12s - Fri 5pm Welwyn & Hatfield www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk 01707 429 777 child's true potential. Classes Welwyn Garden City Easter Bunny Hunt Oaklands College, College Way, are kept small to ensure lots of Applecroft School, Applecroft Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AH 5 Apr – 10.30am-2.30pm individual attention. Perform AL8 6JZ Answer the questions correctly offer no-obligation FREE trial Early Stages: Sat 9.30, Drama 4-7s – Sat 2.30pm to win a cream egg! sessions. 11.15am, 2pm, 3.45pm WGC Quaker Meeting House, FREE Dates: 3 Jan – 29 Mar AL8 6SP Main Stages: 10am, 2.30pm Venues: Hertford Bishops Stortford Drama 4-7s – Wed 4pm 07474 082571 AL1 1BY, 01727 860780 Summercroft Primary School Drama 7-12s – Wed 5pm Duncombe School www.stalbanscathedral.org Plaw Hatch Lane, CM23 5BJ 4 Warren Park Road, Bengeo, Family Discovery Morning: STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Drama 4-7s - Mon 4pm Hertford, SG14 3JA Easter! www.stagecoach.co.uk Drama 7-12s - Mon 5pm Early Stages: Sat 9.30am 12 Apr – 10am-12.30pm Stagecoach aims to bring out the Broxbourne Easter-themed activities with hot very best in every child. Children Main Stages: Sat 10am Broxbourne Sports Club, cross bun tasting and a chocolate will learn performance skills in Watford Mill Lane Close, EN10 7BA fountain. Ages 3-11 (must be dance, song and drama. They 01727 768738 Drama 4-7s - Thur 4pm with an adult). also develop communication Parmiter's School FREE Drama 7-12s - Thur 5pm skills, improved self-esteem, High Elms Lane, Garston, Harpenden co-ordination and fitness levels. Watford, WD25 0UU SIR FREDERIC OSBORN Harpenden United Reformed Early Stages is for 4-6yr olds. Early Stages: Sat 9.15, 9.30, SCHOOL Church, Vaughan Road, AL5 4ED Sessions 1.5hrs. Main Stages is 10.30, 11.15am, 2pm Herns Lane, for 6-18yrs. Session 3hrs. Further Dance 6-12s - Sat 2pm Main Stages: Sat 10am, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2AF Stages for 16yrs plus. Some Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, 2.30pm www.facebook.com/ schools offer Summer Workshops 11.15am, Tue 4pm events/133634140560958/ and Parties. Further Stages: {16+}: Sat 2.30pm Family Fun Day and Craft Drama 7-12s - Tue 5pm Berkhamsted & Hemel Fayre Hemel Hempstead Hempstead, 01442 875977 Rickmansworth 01923 771291 29 Apr – 12-5pm Apsley Community Centre Potten End First School Little Green School Petting zoo. Kiddie rides. Go London Road, HP39SB Church Road, Potten End, HP4 2QY Lincoln Drive, , karts. Bubble football. Bouncy Drama 4-7s - Tues 4pm, 5pm Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 11.15am Rickmansworth, WD3 3NJ castles. Donkey rides. Live music Hertford Main Stages: Sat 10am, 2.30pm Early Stages: Fri 4pm and acts. Mill Mead School Swing Gate School Cost: Adult £2. Child £1. Pay Port Vale, SG14 3AA Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted, Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm at gate Drama 4-7s - Sat 9.30am, HP4 2LJ Further Stages: {16+}: Fri 11.15am KNEBWORTH HOUSE Early Stages: Fri 4.30pm 4.30pm Hitchin, Church House Hall Maple Cross Junior School Knebworth, SG3 6PY Main Stages: Fri 4.30pm Church Yard, SG5 1HP Denham Way, Maple Cross, 01438 812661 Borehamwood Drama 4-7s - Wed 4pm Rickmansworth, WD3 9SS www.knebworthhouse.com 020 8958 3143 Cost (online advance price): Drama 7-12s - Wed 5pm St Teresa's Primary School, Brook Early Stages: Sat 9.30am £8.55. Family £30.60. Under 3s Potters Bar Road, WD6 5HL free. Event entrance includes St John's Methodist Church Early Stages: Sat 9.30, 9.45, Park and Gardens with Dinosaur Baker Street, EN6 2DZ 11.30am Trail and Adventure Playground. Drama 4-7s - Fri 4pm, 5pm Main Stages: Sat 10am

14 Families Herts familiesonline.co.uk Next Issue: Children's Parties and Summer Camps & Activities. To advertise call 020 8428 6384 or email [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk 15 Spring What’s On

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