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From your Edi tor…As Christmas approaches, what are you looking forward to most? Decorating the tree, the present opening on Christmas day, drinking warm spiced mulled wine, settling down for some family games and a spot of tele’ after that blow-out lunch (perhaps with a walk in between the two!)? Whatever your answer to these questions might be, our Nov/Dec issue aims to provide you with some useful information to help you. Because, whilst it may look easy, it takes a lot of skilled planning and hard work to make Christmas (or any other festival) happen in most households.

Christmas preparations often involve at least some cooking and it’s a great activity to involve children in. Cooking with Kids has a lovely easy recipe for making cookie decorations to hang on your tree.

We also give you more detail on what some of our local advertisers are offering in the way of fun entertainment during the Christmas season. And, on page 11, Emma Oliver, explains how to have a children’s Christmas party where you can invite children of any faith and none.

We have fitted as much as possible into our ‘What’s On’ section whilst ensuring that readers don't need a microscope! So, please, please, remember to visit www.familiesherts.co.uk and click the ‘What’s On’ tab to find even more events and activities.

If you want a chance of winning a great prize do not put down this magazine until you’ve entered our three Christmas competitions.

Have a beautiful holiday season, whatever festival you happen to be celebrating.

In this issue:News & Views: 4

Education: 6

Christmas gift ideas: 8

Cooking with Kids: 9

Christmas Fun: 10

Playground Fall Outs: 12

Winter Health: 13

Christmas Competitions: 14

Christmas What's On: 15

Next Issue: Jan/Feb 2016

Copy deadline: 10th DecemberShelley

Say you saw it in

Image credit: Wavebreakmedia depositphotos.com

Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue.

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

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News & Views

You want your birthday child to feel special, whatever their age. For all the party guests to be engaged throughout. A bespoke themed

What do you want for your child’s birthday party?

Do you know the right portion size for your toddler?

party that matches your child’s interests. You want it to be well paced and stress free with no awkward time gaps left for you to fill. You want DBS checked, experienced entertainers with childcare and first aid qualifications. Well, that's what Kool Kidz provides. They will ensure your party flows with ease from start to finish. Here's one parents experience: “I took my son to a Kool Kidz birthday disco party. He had a ball! They played games, boogied to pop music, watched magic, won prizes and ran in the 'snow'. Kool Kidz managed the children extremely well, especially as they were 3 and 4 years olds. Mark was brilliant, funny and in total control”.To find out more call Karen on 01582 723449 or visit www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk orwww.facebook.com/koolkidzgroup

Bizzy Bitz, the new construction toy system, has launched their new instruction sheets. To celebrate, they will be donating hundreds of boxes, each containing 350 building blocks, to toy libraries around the country. If you are a mum who borrows toys from your local toy library and you would like your child to experience playing with Bizzy Bitz, ask your toy library organiser to email info@bizzybitz.com and they will send your toy library a free box of Bizzy bitz building blocks.

Find out more at www.bizzy-bitz.com

Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

Top Hat Stage School are hunting for talented young people (6-17 years) to enter their annual Scholarship Auditions. The scheme gives away three places to attend Top Hat weekly stage schools in each of their six locations: Potters Bar, Welwyn, Stevenage, St Albans, Harpenden and Hertford. Applicants will need enthusiasm and natural talent in either drama, dance or singing. Top Hat will also offer twelve half price scholarship places. The fun, workshop style auditions are free and will take place on 29th November at Stanborough School in Welwyn. Register to attend online at www.tophatstageschool.co.uk and full details will be emailed to you. Past scholarship winners have gained roles in West

With growing evidence of the impact of increasing portion sizes on the amounts of food that adults and children consume, simple and practical advice on portion sizes could be key in curbing the obesity crisis. The Infant & Toddler Forum (ITF) has revamped its online resource to create a user-friendly, visual guide on how much food to offer young children. The guide is accessible on all devices including mobile, tablet, and desktop computer.

Judy More, Paediatric Dietitian and Member of the ITF said: “How much toddlers eat varies widely from day to day and meal to meal, so parents and carers shouldn’t worry if some days their toddler eats less than on other days. Our advice provides portion size ranges rather than specific amounts, to address the fluctuating appetites of growing children and helps to achieve the correct nutritional balance and calories needed for healthy growth and development. These ranges are

Does your child learn differently and do you need help to support him or her?

A special course designed to help parents support their dyslexic child is starting in Bovingdon. The course has been arranged by two local mums and is being provided by the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. Over 6 weekly sessions, parents will find out about the challenging and rewarding world of dyslexia. The course aims to provide parents with the knowledge and confidence to successfully help and support their child. It starts on 3rd November and runs until 8th December.

Find out more at www.arkellcentre.org.uk, call Julie Hall on 01252 792400 or email jhall@arkellcentre.org.uk

Free Toys for Your Local Toy Library

Top Hat Stage School’s Scholarships 2016

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Support your Dyslexic Child

End shows and in films. Who knows? Your child, could be the next big thing!

easy to use and include the foods parents and carers usually offer toddlers. The portion sizes guide offers a combination of foods across the five food groups with advice on healthy limits for high-fat or high-sugar foods.”

View the portion size guide at www.infantandtoddlerforum.org/portion-sizes-table-2015

5Say you saw it inSay you saw it in

Since September, local teams of Year 12 students have been competing in the 7th St Albans Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge to raise awareness and funds for local charities. Each team has been paired with a ‘Dragon’ business mentor and a charity or community group. Being guided by their ‘Dragon’ the team’s task is to develop a business idea that will turn £100 of seed capital into £1000 or more, with all profits made going to the partner charity.

Business projects that are being undertaken include running stalls at the St Albans Christmas market, hosting dinners in local restaurants, organising musical events and quiz nights and making and selling refreshments at local fairs.

Wanting to help others, enhancing their future career prospects and developing communication skills, are some of the reasons apprentices enter the challenge.

The annual challenge, begun 7 years ago by the Centre for Voluntary Service in St Albans, now covers the whole of Hertfordshire. It has generated over £289,000 for 155 Hertfordshire-based charities and community groups.

Find out more at www.dragonsapprenticechallenge.com

Team Illusion from John Lawes Schooll-r: Melissa Dimitri (Illusion), Cllr Brian Ellis (Mayor of Harpenden), 'Dragon' Mario Borgatti (Stainless Wire), Linda Cudmore (Carers in Hertfordshire), Emily Westcott & Niamh Thorne (Illusion)

Nadia won the 2015 Great British Bake Off back in October, but one of the spin-offs from the series has been a huge boost to sales of baking products.

Waitrose reported that sales of baking trays rose by an astonishing 881% in the week to 1 August, while sales of bakeware has risen by 55%.

Electrical retailer, Currys, has also said that the sales of kitchen machines rose by 35%.

Ed’s note: It’s great that the show has inspired people to start baking and who doesn’t love the smell of baking bread or cake emanating from an oven? The problem is, who’s going to eat it all? I know who does in my house …

Bake Off Causes Baking Boost

Jigsaw Performing Arts is proud to have reached its 20th anniversary and to celebrate they are offering one free scholarship place at each of its Herts schools in Broxbourne, Stevenage, Ware and St Albans. Classes take place on Saturdays for students aged between 3 - 18 years who wish to learn new skills, build their confidence and make new friends. This one term scholarship will run from 16th January until 20th March. Each scholarship place is worth £150 for 3-6 year olds and £280 for 7-18 year olds.

For your chance to win a free Jigsaw scholarship email your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and age to admin@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. Please use FAMILIES HERTS SCHOLARSHIP in the subject box. Deadline: Monday 14th December.

To find out about Jigsaw Performing Arts Christmas gifts see page 8.

Jigsaw Scholars

Into The Dragon’s Den

6

Education

Parents are sometimes concerned that the latest computer and tablet technologies are not as good as traditional pen and paper. These technologies are still evolving and far from perfect, but the pen and touch technologies are becoming much easier to use and more available in our daily life; they may eventually replace pens and paper in learning in school and at home, just like computers have prevailed in our workplaces.

Parents worry that their children will become fixated with playing games for hours instead of using their tablets or laptops for learning. If, as a parent, you can take an active role in what learning systems and applications and how much your children can access, the technologies can provide children with significant benefits.

Good learning systems can record, analyse, and learn from the progress of each individual student and pinpoint his/her weak areas in maths and even English. While it is hard for one teacher to tutor 30 or even 10 individual students at the same time and adapt to the learning speed and style of each student, computers or tablets with well-thought-out learning systems can provide individually tailored exercises and instant feedback to every student for his or her optimised learning. Many schools and parents are investing in expensive hardware, such as iPads, but not in software and adaptive learning systems, therefore leaving these expensive devices as occasional or even permanent treats for children to play games on.

The future is being created as we speak. We need to think hard about how to take advantage of the new technologies which can help our children learn.

Noby Fujioka runs Abacus Maths x Learning. For more information visit www.abacusmaths.info.

The Role of New Technology in Learning By Nobuyuki Fujioka

If you have a two year old child, you may be entitled to up to 570 hours each year of free childcare in a pre-school, nursery or with a childminder.

Early education has many benefits for young children: the chance to mix with other children, to experience new things such as sand and water play or painting and, of course, to have lots of fun. It gives young children a firm foundation and builds their self-confidence so that, when the time comes, they move smoothly into their primary school years. From, a parent/carer point of view it gives you some ‘me time’; you may want to study or get a part-time job, look after an elderly relative or spend time with your other children.

All free early education and childcare places are with providers who are registered with Ofsted. The table below shows when your child can take up their place.

Free childcare for two year olds

Can have a place from the start of:JanuaryAprilSeptember

A child born between:1 Sept and 31 Dec1 Jan and 31 Mar1 Apr and 31 Aug

To find out if your child is eligible for a free place see the advert on page 7 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/parents, or text ‘childcare’ to 62233 or call 01992 555770.

7Say you saw it in

8

Christmas gift ideas

Labels4Kids.com provides story books with Disney Frozen Fever, Disney Princesses and many more themes. Personalise them with your child’s name and perhaps those of their best friends or cousins and let them be part of an epic story! A great gift idea for Christmas and now available on the Labels4Kids.com website. Order early so they can send them to you before Christmas

If you are puzzling over what to buy for your child this Christmas, here is a solution that is creative and fun – a term at a Jigsaw Performing Arts school! Jigsaw’s classes in drama, dance and singing for 3-18 year olds are a great way for children and young people to gain confidence, learn new skills and meet new friends.

You will be giving eleven weeks of performing arts fun. Plus, bookings made and paid in full before Christmas include a free T-Shirt worth £10 to wrap up with the gift voucher. A

- these adventure books are custom made and take up to 2-3 weeks for Christmas delivery.

To find out more and to order go to www.labels4kids.com/fam2

Christmas gift that will still be enjoyed long after Christmas has ended.

Call 020 8447 4530 to book. Quote “FAMILIES GIFT” when booking.

www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Read about the Jigsaw

Performing Arts Scholarships on page 5.

For when a stocking just won’t do, these quality hessian sacks can be personalised with your child’s name and left under the tree on Christmas Eve. It has stenciled wording on it with “Delivery Date 25th December” as a reminder to Santa. Available from Harrow and Green. Price: £22 plus p+p.

(www.harrowandgreen.com).

Hats on for Christmas!Brain Tumour Research’s Limited Edition brooches are the perfect stocking filler! Celebrated Milliners, Rachel Trevor Morgan and Vivien Sheriff, are among those who have collaborated with the charity to produce these gorgeous brooches to help raise funds for Brain Tumour Research’s annual ‘Wear A Hat Day’. The brooches can be viewed on the charity’s website and the

Make your Child the Star of their very own Personalised Story Book

Solve the gift puzzle with Jigsaw Performing Arts

Creating a whole world of imagination and anticipation, these sweet doors can be put at the bottom of a wall or even on a tree in the garden. Your child will love leaving little gifts for the Elf or Fairy and who knows – they may even get a response! Available from The Magic Door Store

To help share the magic of Christmas, the NSPCC has teamed up with Santa to send children personalised letters. Each Santa’s letter comes with a beautiful illustration and story. Choose whether the letter is signed by ‘Santa’ or ‘Father Christmas’, and add your own special Post Script message. Every letter also comes with an age appropriate children’s game.

For baby’s first Christmas, why not send them a celebratory

Send your child a ‘Letter from Santa’ and support the NSPCC

poem that will become a treasured family keepsake?

For a £5 donation parents can delight their own children whilst helping others who are less fortunate.

Request your ‘Letter from Santa’ until 22nd December at www.nspcc.org.uk/santa.

suggested donation is £10 per brooch. You need to be quick as only 500 of each design have been produced. Go to www.braintumourresearch.org or call 01296 733011.

Magic Elf Door

(www.themagicdoorstore.com) Price: £20 plus p+p.

Personalised Christmas Sack

9Say you saw it in

Cooking with KidsTime needed:About half an hour, including baking time

IngredientsPlain flour, 200gCool butter, 100gCaster sugar, 50gWriting icing, white, green, red (great for drawing lines and shapes)Decorations in silver, red, green, gold or white

You will need:Large bowlSieveFlat baking traysStar cookie cutters (or other festive shapes)Clean pencilSilver, gold, white, green or red ribbon

Method:With your child, measure the flour and then let your little one spoon the flour into the sieve, held above the bowl. Sift the flour.

Add the sugar

Add the butter, cut into cubes.

Christmas Cookie Tree DecorationsThese delicious shortbread stars will look great on the tree – but we suspect they won’t be there long! This is such a simple recipe, with only three ingredients and it is quick and easy to make, but shortbread is always a favourite.

With clean hands, show your child how to rub the butter into the flour. Keep rubbing then kneading and it should come together into a ball.

Without over-working the dough, roll it out on a flat surface, dusted with flour.

Using the cookie cutters, help your child stamp out star shapes and place them on the baking tray. Use the blunt end of the clean pencil to make a hole at the top of one of the points for the ribbon.

Bake at 320F/160C/Gas 6 for 12-15 minutes until golden. When cool, decorate with writing icing and any other decorations you like, such as sugar balls. Hang on the tree!

Christmas Fun

10

How to have a children’s Christmas party whilst being sensitive to other faithsIn today’s society, our children grow up surrounded by other faiths; definitely a reason to celebrate. Together they learn about diversity and race and can unite for the good of the community.

But how do you hold a party at Christmas and remain sensitive to one another’s needs? We take a look at the best ways to have fun and include all the children in the class – not just the Christian ones.

Be InformedOther faiths also have festivals that occur around the same time as Christmas. The festivals of Hanukah and Divali usually occur during November or December and there are several similarities that you can use for your party such as the tradition of lighting candles. Also, a growing number of non-Christian families have created unique ‘Christmas’ traditions, to ensure they celebrate the season for one reason or another, if only for the Bank Holidays. This makes it easier to encourage everyone to join in.

Learn From One AnotherBeing sensitive to all needs is important but so

is avoiding segregation, which can be divisive. Ultimately as a parent, you want to teach respect. Children are accepting and good at embracing the multi faith experience – we can learn a lot from them.

Emma Oliver is a journalist who

has worked for various magazines

and websites, mainly covering

travel and parenting. She is also

a mum to two young girls. When

she's not off gadding she can be

found blogging- WritingLifeAsItIs.

blogspot.co.uk

Celebrate Whatever their faith, parents share values. Keep the focus on what unites: laughter, love and friendship.

Coming together is a celebration whatever the occasion and it may well be that you choose to manage the ingredients of your party with individual ingredients of other faiths… with games, food and music to suit all.

If there is anything that you are unsure of, my advice would be to check with the children’s parents. Especially about food, as you’ll need to know if the children are unable to eat certain foods for religious, cultural or medical reasons.

Chances are, if the children you have invited say yes, the party will be a success for all and who knows – perhaps you’ll all learn a little more about each other in the process!

A Celebration for AllBy Emma Oliver

Cinderella at The Hawthorne TheatreThere’s havoc at The Hawthorne Theatre in Welwyn Garden City as Cinderella has to run around looking after her father and her two very ugly sisters. Her life is miserable, even with her friend Buttons to cheer her up. Things change one night when Cinder’s Fairy Godmother sends her to the Grand Ball. As the clock strikes midnight and romance is in the air, someone loses a beautiful slipper – but whose is it? Join the Prince as he seeks out the mysterious girl who bewitched him!

A treat with beautiful sets and costumes, enchanting music and lots of laughter. Cinderella runs from 16 December until 3 January. Book your seats by 30th November to get 20% off the ticket price.

Starring: Lauren Rammell (Cinderella), Nicholas Collett & Michael Totton (Ugly Sisters), Paul Rich (The Prince), Ronnie Toms (Baron Hardup), Laura Wickham (Good Fairy), Hayden Wood (Buttons).

www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

The Little Digger’s at The Sandpit TheatreThe autumn launch at the Sandpit Theatre of the Little Digger’s scheme was a huge success and the theatre is now poised to bring the youngsters of Hertfordshire some wonderful festive delights that are bound to be a hit during the Christmas season!

Blunderbus Children’s Theatre are back with a heart-warming new show, ‘I’ve seen Santa.’ This funny, festive adventure is aimed at 3 – 7 year olds but is great fun for adults too. The Digger Movies will also be screening a Christmas classic in December so look out for more details on that.

www.sandpittheatre.co.uk / 01727 799565

Fasten your seat belts and climb onto the magic carpet for a ride to Peking to meet Aladdin. Can the Genie of the Lamp help Aladdin win the day and get his beautiful Princess?

A magical panto packed with songs, comedy, audience participation, fabulous scenery and costumes, all topped off with a live band. The cast includes Peter Dean (Pete Beale in Eastenders) as evil Abanazar, Michelle Heaton (Liberty X) as Aladdin, Ernie Almond (BBC 3 Counties Radio) as PC Pong, Sophie Massie (local singing sensation) and Harpenden panto favourite Chris Law as Wishy. St Albans based actor Simon Nicholas is the hilarious dame Widow Twankey.

www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Photo shows (L to R) Andrew Willis, Ernie Almond, Rochelle Knowles Gadd (now replaced by Michelle Heaton), Simon Nicholas, Chris Law, Peter Dean.

Aladdin at Harpenden Public Halls

11Say you saw it in

Calling all wannabe Santas and their four legged friends; you are invited to join The Hospice of St Francis Santa Dash. The Dash is on 13th December and starts from Riverside, Hemel Hempstead at 10am.

All can take part: individuals, families and groups. You can choose to walk, run, scoot or jog the 2.5 mile route around the streets of Hemel Hempstead. The money raised will be used to provide care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Register your family (and dog) for £35 or £15 for adults and £5 for children. Adult participants receive a Santa suit and children are given reindeer ears. Those completing the dash will be greeted with a mince pie and a hot drink at the finish line, little Santas get a puzzle book, whilst jingle dogs will enjoy a tasty treat.

Find out more and sign up at www.stfrancis.org.uk/santadash

Calling all Big, Small and Canine Santas to dash for the Hospice!

A bear hug is where the fun begins! From 25th November until Christmas Eve, every child who visits Willows Activity Farm can make a cuddly teddy bear to take home.

Then, with bear in tow, visit Santa’s Grotto and get a special golden key to his Toy Shop, full of festive gifts. In the Elves’ house children can write a letter to Santa and they will receive a reply direct to home. Meet

Santa’s reindeer and complete the Reindeer Hunt to receive some magic reindeer dust, to be sure to attract Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Families will have a ‘bear’y’ merry time with funfair rides, Woolly Jumpers, the Snowball Shootout and, if the toddlers and teddies aren’t too tired, try skating on the synthetic ice rink (boots supplied). The entry ticket includes all activities. Book in advance to save up to 25% off the entry price.www.willowsactivity farm.com / 0870 129 9718.

Tom has been sent to stay with his aunt and uncle who live in an old house converted into flats. His visit takes on an adventurous twist when one night, he hears the hall clock strike thirteen. Escaping the flat to explore, he discovers a magical garden and the enigmatic Hatty, a girl seemingly from the past. This is a beautifully crafted adaptation of the classic story by Philippa Pearce at The Abbey Theatre in St Albans that will charm and enthral the whole family.

www.abbeytheatre.org.uk / Box Office 01727 857861

Tom’s Midnight Garden: A family show

Bear Hugs at Willows

12

Playground Fall Outs

Your child is happy at school and has made some good friends. Then the dreaded playground squabble strikes and the tears roll.Here's how to help ...

Relax (a bit): it’s normal

Ask primary school teachers and they’ll doubtless tell you that kids fall out (and in again) as quickly as a round of Hokey Cokey. It’s normal and most squabbles are soon forgotten: kids don’t bear grudges the way grown-ups tend to. Unfortunately this knowledge won’t console your heartbroken child much, so…

Reassure, hug and listen

Even if it’ll probably blow over, your child might well feel like their world is collapsing. Give hugs, provide shoulders to cry on and tissues.

Help them to help themselves

Once they’re calmer, instead of providing straight solutions, encourage your child to think through what they could do to resolve this, with guidance from you behind the scenes. If there’s been a misunderstanding, how could they instigate chat to explain? If the other child is consistently mean to them, who else could they play with instead?

Resist the temptation to wade in!

Your parental instincts might urge you to tackle the little blighter concerned, or their parents, but hold back. Wait and see if everything settles by itself. Confronting the other child isn’t fair or appropriate. Plus your son or daughter might find it embarrassing if mum or dad piles in to sort their playground problems out.

Proceed with caution with the other parents

This is a minefield; many parents will never accept their offspring has done anything wrong. The children will probably make up before the week’s out, potentially leaving an awkward feud

between the parents (who you’ll have to see at the school gates for the next however many years!).

If they confront you, and the kids’ argument was relatively minor, it’s sensible to suggest ‘let’s leave the children to sort it out’, or similar. If goings-on were serious, perhaps say that you would rather the school dealt with it.

When to speak to the teacher…

If the dispute involved physical violence, becomes persistent, and/ or your child starts not wanting to go to school or is having trouble sleeping, then do raise it with their teacher. They can then keep a closer eye on the children, intervening if necessary. In a busy class of 30, it’s understandable that they might not be aware of every falling out.

See this as a learning experience

There might have been tears but chances are your child will have learnt more about relationships and friendships along the way.

How to help your child cope with playground argumentsBy Liat Hughes Joshi

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and '‎How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Coughs And SneezesHow to cope with winter woesBy Sally J. Hall

13Say you saw it in

Winter Health

nostrils gently with a soft cloth soaked in sterile saline solution or if really blocked, a nasal aspirator.

You can try to help relieve the symptoms by using a decongestant rub on your child’s chest at night or by using a few drops of a decongestant spray or eucalyptus oil on a tissue; leave it near (though not in reach) of your baby as he sleeps. You could also use a vaporiser or humidifier in your child’s bedroom to help with breathing.

Sleep may be affected, especially if your child has a cough, so try to encourage naps during the day– and you may need one yourself if your little one has kept you up half the night!

If your little one has a slight fever, this can be dealt with using an infant paracetamol or ibuprofen solution but make sure you read the instructions and use the right amount for your child’s age. Never use a cough and cold remedy with children under six years old.

Make sure that your child continues to get plenty of

fluids, even if he is off his food. So keep breastfeeding. For older children, water should be offered frequently but try to avoid lots of sugary drinks and cordials, as you’ll have tooth decay to cope with later on!

If your child is under three months old, it’s always worth checking the symptoms with your doctor, as very small children can become very ill very quickly. If your child is floppy and unresponsive or very fussy, call the doctor or go straight to the hospital.

If you’re worried that it’s not ‘just’ a cold but something more serious, do seek medical advice. Flu is a worry during the winter months and can be serious in young children. Croup, a viral illness that causes a bark-like cough can be swiftly treated with steroids, and whooping cough, a bacterial infection, needs antibiotics (remember that your child

must take the full course to avoid becoming antibiotic resistant). If you are concerned that your child may have meningitis, you must go to the hospital at once. Symptoms include a

headache, sensitivity to light, a rash, seizures and listlessness but some indicators may be mistaken for a cold or flu. If in doubt, get to A&E – the staff will be only too happy to be able to set your mind at rest.

There are over 200 separate cold viruses around, so it’s no wonder that our children seem to come down with a cold almost every five minutes. And with the weather being gloomy and the days getting dark so early, we all tend to feel a little more run down than usual.

We still don’t know exactly what causes the “Common Cold” but we are all familiar with the symptoms. A runny nose, sore throat, a temperature and a general feeling of poor health are only too familiar. So when do you let nature run its course, and when do you call the doctor?

For very small children and babies, the worst effect may be a blocked nose that stops him being able to breath properly. This can interfere with breastfeeding, as it’s difficult to feed with a blocked nose. Clear blocked

"There are over 200 separate cold viruses around, so it’s no wonder that our children seem to come down with a cold almost every five minutes"

14

Christmas Competitions

Hertford Theatre will be welcoming audiences to the frosty world of Iceland for a tasty Christmas treat. Join the daring duo as they journey into the heart of the frozen forest and wrestle with the wicked witch.

This family panto will be full of volcanic dances, sweet songs and lots of giggles. For the perfect Christmas recipe, get down to the Hertford Theatre for some seasonal sugar and spice.

*The prize family ticket will be for the opening day’s performance on 5th December at 1pm. If you do not win, you will receive a voucher code for discounted tickets for the same performance. To find out more go to www.hertfordtheatre.com. Box Office: 01992 531500To enter go to www.familiesherts.co.ukClosing date: 22nd November

Win a family ticket to see Hansel and Gretel at the Hertford Theatre*

Win a family ticket to see Peter Pan at the Alban Arena

Win a ticket to the Christmas Frost Fair at Hatfield House

It’s back and it’s bigger than ever with over 200 stalls to browse and, due to popular demand, an extra day has been added. Now in its sixth year, the Frost Fair is the place to purchase all your Christmas gifts and comestibles. Discerning shoppers will be spoilt for choice amongst the independent traders selling gifts for family and home, original and unusual crafts and jewellery, fine foods and exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.

Meander in and out of the heated marquees, The Old Palace, the Riding School and Stable Yard where the stalls will be sited soaking up the festive atmosphere as the seasonal sights, sounds and smells help to put you into the Christmas spirit. For a shopping break revive yourself with a tasty treat in The Coach House Restaurant.

For your diary: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th November. The Christmas Frost Fair is open daily from 10am-5pm. Entrance: Adults £6, accompanied children under 16 years go free. Book in advance for a 10% discount. Book at www.frostfair.co.uk

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk for a chance to win one of ten entry tickets.

Closing date: 18th November.

Don’t miss this year’s fun-filled pantomime, Peter Pan at The Alban Arena. With a cast of the usual suspects Peter Pan stars everyone’s favourite TV baddie, Jake Wood (EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing) as Captain Hook, Katrina Bryan (CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons) as

Tinkerbell and St Albans’ legend, Bob Golding, as Mrs Smee.This year's pantomime has been written by Paul Hendy and is produced

by Evolution. With plenty of audience participation and spectacular special effects, Peter Pan is on track to be St Albans’ most spectacular pantomime yet.

Peter Pan runs from 4th December until 3rd January. Tickets are flying out the window, be sure to get them quick, the croc is ticking!

Alban Arena is offering two family tickets.To find out more go to www.alban-arena.co.uk.

Box Office: 01727 844488To enter go to www.familiesherts.co.ukClosing date: 22nd November

15Say you saw it in

Christmas What's OnPlease check with venue before setting out in case details have changed.

PANTOS

ALBAN ARENACivic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD01727 844488www.alban-arena.co.uk

Peter Pan 4 Dec – 3 JanJoin Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell and the lost boys as they battle pirates, meet mermaids & rescue Tiger Lilly from Captain Hook! Tickets: See website for prices

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ01438 363200www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty27 Nov - 24 Jan The Princess is searching for happiness, Evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Dame Nellie is searching for a man (in the front two rows!). Tickets: £17.50-£23

HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLSSouthdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD01582 767525www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Aladdin11- 22 Dec Join the Magic Carpet ride as Aladdin meets the evil Abanazar, and finds a powerful Genie in a Magic Lamp. Tickets: Child (14 and under) £12, Full Price £14, Sen Citizen £12, Student £12 Under 3’s (on laps) £5

HAWTHORNE THEATRECampus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Cinderella16 Dec - 3 JanCinderella finds her prince. Tickets: Adult £14, Conc £12, Family £42 (Book before 30 Nov for 20% discount)

HERTFORD THEATREThe Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com

Hansel and Gretel 5 Dec - 1 Jan Fairy-tale panto for all the family. Tickets: £17. Conc £15

THE MARKET THEATRESun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE01462 433553www.markettheatre.co.uk

Little Red Riding Hood 5 Dec – 2 Jan (Mon & Sats only) 11.30am, 1.30pm, 4pmLaughs, songs & audience participation for ages 4 to 9. Tickets: £10

THE RADLETT CENTRE1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 5 Dec – 30 Dec A traditional pantomime with stunning costumes, hilarious comedy, live music, and loads of audience participation. Tickets: From £17

THE RHODES ARTS COMPLEX & BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG01279 651746www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk12 Dec - 2nd JanGet set for a fun-filled-feast of family entertainment as Jack sets off on his adventure up the beanstalk.Tickets: From £17. (18th Dec – all seats £12)

THE SPOTLIGHT High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE 01992 441946www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson

Beauty and the Beast 14 - 31 DecFun, laughter, songs, silliness and loads of audience participation in this production of Beauty and the Beast. Tickets: Adult from £14.50. Child from £13.50. Family from £51

WYLLYOTTS THEATREWyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN 01707 645005www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Aladdin 11 Dec - 3 Jan A rip-roaring adventure in true panto style.Tickets: Adult £17. Child £14.50

FAMILY SHOWS

ABBEY THEATREWestminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Tom's Midnight Garden 18-22 Dec & 27-29 Dec – 2.30, 5.30, 7.30pmTom investigates when he hears the hall clock strike 13. He discovers a magical garden and the enigmatic Hatty, a girl seemingly from the past. Tickets: £12. Conc £11. 13 yrs & under £6

ALBAN ARENACivic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD01727 844488www.alban-arena.co.uk

So This Is Christmas27 Nov - 7.30pmA live band performs seasonal melodies such as White Christmas, Let It Snow & Last Christmas. Tickets: £20-26

The Nutcracker28 Nov - 2.30pm Vienna Festival Ballet perform this Christmas classic.Tickets: £23. Conc £19. Under 16s £15

ST ALBANS ORGAN THEATRE320 Camp Road, St Albans, AL1 5PEwww.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Christmas with John Mann12 Dec - 7.30 pm'Mr Entertainment' presents his festive theatre organ concert. Tickets: £10

Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special13 Dec - 2.15-5pmFeaturing the organ theatre's instruments plus visiting guest instruments. Tickets: £7.50

THE WESTON AUDITORIUMUniversity of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU, 01707 281127, www.herts.ac.uk/artsandgalleries

What the Ladybird Heard 14-15 Nov – 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pmTwo crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird & a whole farmyard of fun. Ages 3+Tickets: Adult £12.50, Family £45

Christmas Concert6 Dec - 3pmPieces by Sibelius and Nielsen played by the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra.Tickets: Adult £20, Conc £15, Child £8, Student £6.

Santa's Christmas Cracker20 Dec – 2pmDotty the Elf & Pompom the Penguin visit Santa's home and discover the meaning of Christmas. Ages 2-7. Tickets: £10. Conc £8

THE BARN THEATRE Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6ST01707 324300www.barntheatre.co.uk

Through The Looking Glass 12-31 Dec – 2.30pm & 7.30pmFollow Alice on a madcap musical journey. Tickets: £14

THE OLD TOWN HALL THEATREThe Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE01442 228 091toth.dacorum.gov.uk/families

A Real Mermaid’s Tale5 Dec - 2.30pmAdventure on the high seas with pirates, sea creatures & mermaid treasure. For ages 3+ yrs. Tickets: £5.50. Dacorum Card £4

Santa's Little Helper19-24 Dec – 11am, 2.30pmAlbert Tuttle is too old to believe in Santa! But, Albert is in for a surprise. For ages 3-7. Tickets: £5.50. Dacorum Card £4

SANDPIT THEATRESandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans AL4 9NX01727 370067www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

I've Seen Santa! 6 Dec - 11.30am & 2.30pm A festive treat based on the children's book by David Bedford. Songs, music, puppetry & magical storytelling for ages 3-7. Tickets: £8. Conc £6

WYLLYOTTS THEATREWyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN 01707 645005www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

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17Say you saw it in

Christmas What's On

18

The Nutcracker22 Nov - 2pmVienna Festival Ballet perform the classic Christmas time ballet. The story of Clara and her enchanted nutcracker doll. Tickets: £17. Child £13

WHERE’S SANTA

HATFIELD FORESTTakeley, Bishop Stortford CM22 6NE 01279 870678 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest

Father Christmas Trail28 Nov - 12 Dec (Sats only) Follow the magical trail through the woods to visit Santa’s grotto. Opens 10am. Last admission 3.30pm. Booking a time slot is essential.£6.50 per child + 5% booking fee (includes gift, craft & refreshment)

LEE VALLEY BOATS Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne EN10 6QT.To book: 01992 462085leevalleyboats.co.uk

Santa Cruise19-20 Dec - 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pmJump aboard for mulled wine, mince pies & carols. Santa gives a present to each child. (gifts not suitable for under 2s).Tickets: £9

SANTA TO YOUR DOOR A visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline on 0208 959 1045 or email info@adamantsparties.co.uk

VAN HAGE GARDEN CENTREPepper Hill, Great Amwell, SG12 9RPwww.vanhage.co.uk

Meet Santa’s Reindeer5 Dec – From 11am - 3pmMeet Santa's real reindeer, see his sleigh and a beautiful barn owl. Opportunities for feeding and photos. Free

Santa's Grotto1 Nov – 24 Dec - On selected daysAdvance booking essential. Tickets: £7.50 per child

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF, 0870 129 9718www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Santa's Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun25 Nov - 24 Dec All the usual fun and frolics of Willows plus the magic of Christmas, all included in the entrance price.

FAIRS, FESTIVALS & CAROLS

ABBOTS HILL SCHOOLBunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RPwww.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

Christmas Fair 29 Nov - 12-4pmStalls & festive fun.

APPLECROFT PRIMARY SCHOOLApplecroft Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6JZwww.applecroft.herts.sch.uk

Winter Bazaar 21 Nov - 11am-2.30pmCraft stalls, children's games, Santa's grotto, refreshments. Entry: £1. Children & Seniors free

ASHRIDGE ESTATEVisitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT01442 851227www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Fair6 Dec - 10am-4pmLots of goodies to buy including local produce.

CRABTREE SCHOOLCrabtree Lane, Harpenden, AL5 5PUwww.crabtreejm.herts.sch.uk

Christmas Bazaar 5 Dec - 11am-2pmStalls & festive fun.

GADE VALLEY JMI SCHOOL Gadebridge Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3DTwww.gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Christmas Fair 28 Nov - 12-2pmStalls & festive fun

HATFIELD HOUSEHatfield, AL9 5NQ01707 287101 www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Frost Fair 26-29 Nov - 10am-5pmGifts, crafts, fine foods, entertainment & FatherChristmas. Entry: £6. Accompanied under 16s free. Advance tickets 10% off

HOBBS HILL WOOD PRIMARY SCHOOLPeascroft Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8TXwww.hobbshillwood.herts.sch.uk

Christmas Fair28 Nov Festive family fun: Santa's Grotto, crafts, stalls, games & refreshments.

HODDESDON TOWN CENTREHigh Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HD01992 785655, www.broxbourne.gov.uk

Hoddesdon Loves Christmas28 Nov - 10am-5.30pmStalls in the High Street. Entertainment. Children’s activities. Cost: Small charge for children's activities

HOLY SAVIOUR CHURCHRadcliffe Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QGwww.facebook.com/Hitchin

Christmas Tree Festival11-13 Dec50 trees, each one decorated to a different theme. Live music and refreshments.

KNEBWORTH HOUSEKnebworth SG3 6PY (Sat Nav: SG1 2AX) 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com

Christmas Fair13-15 Nov - 10am – 4pm Festive shopping, meet the reindeer & visit Santa’s Grotto.Entry: £5. 2-14 yrs £4.50. Child entry includes Santa visit & gift.

LOWEWOOD MUSEUMHigh Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH01992 445596www.broxbourne.gov.uk

Christmas Event 5 Dec - 11am-4pmChristmas crafts. Visit Santa. Entry: Free entry. £3 to see Santa & receive gift

MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUMBush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD01707 357850www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun

Victorian Christmas Fair 29 Nov - 2-5pmChange your new coins for old pennies. Victorian street sellers, food, activities, Santa's Grotto. Entry: Adults £4. Children free. Grotto £4 (including gift).

ST ALBANS CATHEDRALThe Abbey, Sumpter Yard,St Albans, AL1 1BY01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org

Christmas Market26 Nov - 20 Dec Traditional wooden chalets outside the Cathedral.

Christingle Service6 Dec - 3pmA service for Children & adults that ends in candlelight.

Family Carol Concert 12 Dec - 3pm.Christmas music & readings by the St Albans Bach Choir. Entertainment for children from 2.15pm. Tickets: £7 (£6 for advance bookings). Child £1 if seat needed.

Carols on the Hour19 Dec - 11am-4pmEach carol service lasts 30 mins. Sing some uplifting carols and get a taste of Christmas in this atmospheric Cathedral. No tickets required.

Crib Service 24 Dec - 2.30pmA lively one hour service for young families. Visit the crib in the Cathedral and sing carols.

ST FRANCIS CHURCHChurch Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6HHwww.stfranciswgc.org.uk

Christmas Tree Festival5-6 Dec - Sat 12-6pm. Sun 12-5pmOver 70 trees, cribs, stalls, games, Santa's Grotto. Refreshments. Entry: £3. Under 12s with an adult go free.

Family Carol Service19 Dec – 4pmAn opportunity for families to sing Christmas carols. Duration 40 mins. Refreshments.

19Say you saw it in

ST JOHN'S C OF E INFANT AND NURSERY SCHOOLGills Hill Lane, Radlett, WD7 8DDwww.stjohnsradlett.herts.sch.uk

Christmas Fair 4 Dec Stalls & festive fun.

THE SHOWGROUNDDunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT01582 792626www.herts-mistletoe-market.com

Mistletoe Market 7-8 Nov - 10am - 5pm The first annual Mistletoe Market. Buy from local traders: produce, foods and crafts. Free parking. No dogs. Free entry.

THE SPOTLIGHTHigh Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE01992 441946www.broxbourne.gov.uk

Christmas Fair29 Nov - 11am-3.30pmCraft and gift stalls. Santa's grotto. Entry: £1.50. Children & over 63s 70p

The Schools Christmas Carol Concert2 Dec - 7pmTraditional carols by local school choirs.Tickets: £6. Over 63s & Under 17s £4.50

WELWYN GARDEN CITY FREE CHURCHChurch Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6PSwww.isabelhospice.org.uk

Christmas Fayre28 Nov - 10.30am-3pmStalls & activities. Children's entertainer (12-2pm). Father Christmas. Entry: £1 per family. Seniors 50p. Proceeds to Isabel Hospice

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ONS

HARPENDENwww.harpenden.gov.ukHarpenden High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP

Harpenden Christmas Carnival22 NovemberFarmers market, stalls, fun fair, Santa's grotto, stage acts & Christmas lights switch on. Free parking at station car park from 12 noon. 12-6pm. Lights 5pmSouthdown Shopping Area Harpenden, AL5 1PU

Southdown Christmas Lights Switch On27 NovemberLive music, children's fairground rides, shops opening late & a Christmas Fair at the Methodist Church. Christmas Fair from 5.30pm. Lights switched on 6pm

Batford Christmas Lights Switch On Batford Corner, Batford, Harpenden, AL5 5HL29 NovemberFairground rides & stalls, games, live music & carols, food, glass painting, face painting and Santa! 4.30-7pm. Lights switched on 5.30pm

HERTFORDHertford Town Centre, Parliament Square, Hertford, SG14 1EX01992 552885www.hertford.gov.uk

Hertford Christmas Gala27 NovemberMeet Santa & stroke his reindeer, browse the Christmas markets & enjoy live entertainment. Celebrate the Christmas light switch on & get in the festive mood! 4.30-8.30pm

HITCHINMarket Place, Hitchin, SG5 1DYwww.north-herts.gov.uk

Hitchin Christmas Lights Switch-On 20 NovemberMusic, stalls & special guests herald the launch of the town's Christmas season.

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITYLeys Square, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EAwww.letchworthgc.com

Letchworth Christmas Lights Switch On21 NovemberMeet Santa, enjoy a Christmas Market, live performances & fireworks display.

RADLETTAldenham Parish Council01923 856433The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HLwww.aldenham-pc.gov.uk

Winter Fair 29 Nov - 1.30-5.30pmCraft fair and Christmas gifts, clothes and toys. Lots of children’s entertainment. Santa and his elves. Lights switch on at 5pm by Gino D’acampo.

SAWBRIDGEWORTHBell Street, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 9ARwww.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk

Christmas Lights Switch On 27 NovemberGet into the festive spirit! From 5pm

ST ALBANSSt Peter's Street, St Albans, AL3 5DJwww.enjoystalbans.com

St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On 15 NovemberJoin Tinkerbell & Peter Pan at this street festival guaranteed to kick-start the holiday season. Live music & entertainment. Food & gift stalls, fun fair, Santa's Grotto. 12-6pm / Free event with some paid-for activities

STEVENAGETown Square, Stevenage, SG1 1BPwww.stevenage-town-centre.co.uk

Christmas Lights Switch-On 27 NovemberJoin the festive party! 4-6.30pm

WELWYN GARDEN CITYWelwyn Garden City Town Centre, Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BPwww.welwyngarden.co.uk

Christmas Lights Switch On 19 NovemberGet into the festive mood.

WHEATHAMPSTEADHigh Street, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BBwww.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

Wheathamstead Lights Up 26 NovemberChristmas lights switch on & family fun as Santa visits the village. Rides for the children, carols, stalls selling food & drink.

Christmas What's Onwww.familiesherts.co.uk

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