WATFORD NRYA DRAMA SCHOOL P23 FIRST CLASS LEARNING P12 HOP TO IT P4-9 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2023
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 2 raring2go.co.uk Could you be the next Editor of Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions and taking control of your working life to w t around your family? I’m looking for a new owner to take over the Watford edition of Raring2go! – a thriving and well-respected local business. During my time as Editor, I’ve loved discovering new places to visit with my family, reviewing shows at the theatre and trying out new activities with my two children. By working for myself, I have been lucky enough to be there for the daily school run, attend sports days and nativities and spend school holidays with my children. While Raring2go! Is a business where you work for yourself, you are part of a supportive franchise network, where there’s always someone on hand to give advice if you need it. I would love for another local, passionate parent to enjoy the same experiences I have. No previous experience is necessary, although an interest in the local community, an eye for detail and a tenacious attitude will certainly help! If you’re ready for a change in direction and have always dreamed of working for yourself, please do get in touch with me for a chat: Call Rena on 07881600135 or email: watford@ i o.co.uk FIRST CLASS LEARNING P20 THE GREAT OUTDOORS P14 WHAT’S ON P4-5 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2021 Raring2go! Watford? WATFORD PLACES TO GO P16-19 AUTUMN ACTIVITIES P12-13 FIRST CLASS LEARNING P7 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring go.co.uk AUTUMN 2021 WATFORD FIRST CLASS LEARNING P25 PLACES TO GO P6-11 WINTER ACTIVITIES P4-5 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2021 www.boombattlebar.co.uk/watford watford@boombattlebar.com 01923 902 021 WATFORD FIRST CLASS LEARNING WHAT’S ON THIS EASTER P4-9 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring go.co.uk SPRING 2022 3–12 YEARS OLD 25th July – 26th August 2022 BREAKFAST, LUNCH TEA PROVIDED For more information and to book, head to pageS 16 & 17! Summer Holiday Club WHERE: SUN POSTAL SPORTS CLUB WATFORD Sports, arts & crafts, cooking and fun outings! OPENING TIMES 7.30am to 6.00pm WATFORD RMS OPEN DAY P31 FIRST CLASS LEARNING P12 WHAT’S ON P4-9 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2022 Bring this with you and claim a free glow necklace for every player in your booking You can enjoy plotting your way around the skateboard / urban style holes before taking a selfie at the midway point and then blasting off to space for the final half. Bookings available online at www.glowinone.co.uk 01923 244022 Watford’s only glow in the dark mini golf… 14 holes of crazy fun in our underground basement. Fun For All The Family! WATFORD RMS OPEN DAY P31 FIRST CLASS LEARNING P21 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL P4-9 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2022
3 Raring2go! WELCOME TO SPRING Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/ r2gwatford https://www.instagram.com/ raring2gowatford/ Dear readers, I’m writing this a few days before February draws to a close, and despite the damp and slightly chilly start to the day today I can smell the snowdrops outside my house in the morning – filling me with joy thinking to the warmer, lighters days ahead. Easter is looking filled to the brim with fun, from egg hunt trails to Easter fairs, to theatre shows and chocolate a-plenty! Whatever you’re looking to do throughout the Easter break, we’ve got you covered in this magazine – including a special discount for holiday camp if you still need to book, on P.12. The next Raring2go! magazine is out in the Summer, and I for one cannot WAIT! Catch you then! With love, Raring2go! Watford, Editor Become a website member Ř )UHH Ř 0RQWKO\ HPDLO 1HZVOHWWHUV ZLWK QHZ RIIHUV DQG HYHQWV Ř 'RZQORDG YRXFKHUV DQG VDYH eeeōV Ř *UHDW &RPSHWLWLRQV Please recycle this magazine ZKHQ \RX DUH ƓQLVKHG ZLWK LW JOIN NOW raring2go.co.uk &RS\ULJKW k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ena x
4 raring2go.co.uk er Spring into action this East We’ve got family fun sorted. atriawatford.com
Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to a fun spring adventure with theNational Trust. From getting active in the great outdoors, to spotting signs of spring, and experiencing nature bursting into life at the places the National Trust cares for, there are over 190 Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year. There will literally be an Easter egg trail a stone s throw from where you are. Every single National Trust Easter trail will be different and will celebrates nature, history and beauty. Follow winding garden paths, crash along muddy woodland trails or time travel with adventures to castles, towers, and mansions. An Easter egg trail at any National Trust property is an opportunity for children to let their imaginations run wild. Watch in wonder as their faces light up as they discover so many amazing things in the most natural of settings. Each National Trust Easter trail ends with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made here in the UK using cocoa that is responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3 per child, plus the standard National Trust admission/free entry for National Trust members. Have a magical Easter of fun this Spring with National Trust. Easter egg trails at National Trust Discover your nearest National Trust Easter trail at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/easter 5 Raring2go! HOP TO IT
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HOP TO IT WHAT’S ON! LOCAL EVENTS LISTINGS Whilst we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all events, please check details with the organiser to avoid disappointment. EASTERTRAILSANDEGGHUNTS Easter Eggstravaganza, at Willows Activity Farm 30th March – 14th April Willows Activity Farm are choc-obloc with family fun during their Easter Eggstravaganza! Join them this Easter for an egg-cellent day of family fun including an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Grotto, Easter arts and crafts, meet adorable animals including their very own Easter bunnies, pig racing and lamb bottle feeding demonstrations – there really is something for every-bunny! Enjoy bouncing around on our bouncy bounce pillows and don’t forget to visit the Puddle Play Park for a splashing good time. The Easter Bunny will be hopping in every day on the outdoor show stage in his very own show too. Easter Wonderland, at Mead Open Farm 1st – 14th April Tumble into an immersive Wonderland adventure! Take an enchanted journey through the Easter Wonderland with Alice and friends including The Mad Hatter and The Queen of Hearts. Lamb bottle feeding will also return this Easter Holiday, so come along and have a go! Complete the Easter Trail to win your chocolate egg and enjoy a full day out with indoor & outdoor adventure play. Easter Bunny Hunt, Highfi eld Park Trust 5th April Collect your quiz sheet from the Visitor Centre to take part in the Easter themed treasure hunt. Then bring your completed sheets back to the Visitor Centre for a Easter related prize. Easter Egg hunt and workshop, at Colne Valley Regional Park 7th April Join in the fun to complete a range of colouring, decorating and creative activities. Afterwards, you’ll head out into the Park to see what the Easter Bunny has left behind! All materials are provided. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy! Easter Egg Hunt, at Shaw’s Corner 7th – 10th April This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Shaw’s Corner on an Easter trail. Follow their trail through the beautiful garden at Shaw’s Corner and discover ten bee-inspired activities to enjoy. Each trail sheet costs £3 and includes a map, cardboard bunny ears, pencil and a chocolate egg prize. Easter Trail, at Knebworth House 7th – 10th April Join in this Spring for the Knebworth Easter Trail over the long bank holiday weekend! On arrival collect your Sheet and follow the Trail around Knebworth Gardens looking for clues to complete the word puzzle. Each child with a trail sheet will be able to collect a prize at the end. Have-a-go Archery will be taking place on each day of the Easter Trail.
7 Raring2go! HOP TO IT Easter Weekend, at Chiltern Open Air Museum 7th – 10th April Why not visit Chiltern Open Air Museum this Easter Bank Holiday weekend… You can explore their historic buildings and learn about some Easter traditions, take part in the Easter trail, have a go at some family crafts and see their baby lambs. There are 45 acres for you to explore including woodland and an adventure playground. Open Day and Giant Egg Hunt, at Cassiobury Farm 9th – 10th April Visit the rare breeds farm, enjoy the private collection of exotics, and take part in the Great Easter Egg Hunt. Hidden among some of the animal enclosures will be giant golden Easter Eggs and other favourite Easter characters. Find them all on your treasure map and then take it to the Easter Bunny to claim your prize / a basket to fill with Easter Eggs and other treats from the Bunny’s chocolate cave. An Easter Egg Hunters Ticket provides you with a map and a trip to the Easter Bunny’s chocolate cave. Lots of fun for the kids with a bouncy castle, face painting, fishing, crazy golf, mini-tractor rides, pedalos and animal encounters. FAMILY FUN Easter Fun Day, at Leavesden Green Community Hub 1st April Come along to the Easter Fun Day, at Leavesden Green Community Hub where there will be a free Easter Egg hunt, variety of stalls, an arts and crafts corner, face painting, a raffle and so much more. Keep your eyes peeled for a special visit from the Easter Bunny on the day! Ashridge Vintage Fayre, at Ashridge House 1st – 10th April ROLL UP! ROLL UP! The first-ever Ashridge Vintage Fayre is coming to town! There will be fun for everyone, with traditional rides set against the backdrop of their beautiful spring garden! You can expect favourites such as the Helter Skelter, Dodgems, the Big Wheel and more! You’ll also be able to satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious Easter treats on sale from various pop-up stalls! Roly Poly Bird Easter, at The Roald Dahl Museum 1st – 16th April Visit the Roald Dahl Museum for their Roly Poly Bird Easter, and a full line up of events. Listen to the Museum’s expert storytellers read from The Twits and The Enormous Crocodile. You’ll hear all about the RolyPoly Bird and some other fantastic animals in these energetic storytelling sessions. Or why not head to the craft room and help to create a room full of birds. Did you know that Roald Dahl had over 100 budgies? Colour yours and add it to the Museum tree.
FAMILY FUN Easter Fun Fair, at Harpenden Common 6th – 10th April An exciting Bank Holiday funfair returns to Harpenden Common with a variety of rides and fairground stalls. Terrifi c Tuesdays, at Chiltern Open Air Museum 4th / 11th April Special Spring themed family crafts, clay modelling, and other activities all included within the admission price. Activities run 11am – 3.30pm. Ministry of Science, at Watersmeet Theatre 13th April The UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Join in as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in whilst proving that each and every one of you have the ability to change our world for the better! Pop Princesses, at Watford Palace Theatre 14th April A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairytale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals. Come and join the fun! Birds of Prey Experiences, at Hatfi eld Park 15th April CJ’s Birds of Prey Displays are delighted to be visiting Hatfield Park with their majestic birds of prey. The display will include a flying and static display, with a variety of bi d i l di th d t t E l r s nc u ng e secon s ronges ag e the Crowned Hawk Eagle, the stunning Snowy Owl and more. There will be free photographic opportunities and the team will also be on hand to answer your many questions and queries relating to these stunning birds of prey throughout the day! Magical Mischief, at the Harry Potter Studio Tour Until 18th April Returning for a second year, filmmaking trickery, magical pranks and wizarding mishaps will be revealed as part of the Magical Mischief feature. During your visit, learn how your favourite mischievous moments from the films were brought to the screen in this exciting feature. Explore the filmmaking trickery behind the Harry Potter film series as Warner Bros shine a spotlight on magical pranks and mishaps. 8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
The Royal Coronation The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is also a time for celebration across the nation and the Commonwealth, over a weekend of special events: Saturday 6 May the Coronation Ceremony takes place at Westminster Abbey, London. 6-8 May will see Coronation Big Lunches up and down the country and across the Commonwealth. Sunday May 7a spectacular Coronation Concert will be performed at Windsor Castle with iconic locations across the UK lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations. Monday 8 May a special Bank Holiday has been proclaimed by the Prime Minister in honour of the Coronation, giving everyone the opportunity to join in with their communities and good causes through Big Help Out activities. 9 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Lamb Bottle Feeding, at Aldenham Country Park Until 8th May Head to Aldenham Country Park for lamb bottle feeding this spring. A unique and memorable experience for people of all ages aged 4 and over. Rickmansworth Festival, at Rickmansworth Aquadrome 20th – 21st May The annual Ricky Festival returns with more fun-filled events for the whole family – you can expect live bands, local produce and fair rides!
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Clay workshops, guided walks and archive tours. Storytelling, Museum trails and drop-in crafts. 1 to 16 April Closed Monday 3 April Great Missenden | roalddahlmuseum.org £7.95 pp Tickets allow entry for 12 months! BIRD EASTER ROLY POLY - www.coam.org.uk Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, HP8 4AB. Where bui ldings come al ive through history Over 30 historic buildings, farm, adventure playground and exciting events. CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Pre-book online and save £1 per ticket. DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2020 - 21
11 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO The Twits and The Enormous Crocodile Storytelling Throughout the Easter holidays Listen to the Museum’s expert storytellers read from either The Twits and The Enormous Crocodile. Feel free to join in with actions and lots of noise! Free with Museum entry - no need to book Roly-Poly Clay Pots Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 April 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Get your hands covered in clay and make a playful pot. Will your pot be covered in feathers or have a huge beak? One thing’s for sure, it will definitely have a hidden egg surprise inside. £4 per person plus Museum entry. Suitable for age 5 and up. Approx 45 minutes. Make and Shake Tail Feathers Thursday 6 April 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Join us for a riot of colour and pattern! We’ll be channelling our inner Roly-Poly Bird and making our own very grand tail feathers to wear. £4 per person plus Museum entry. Suitable for age 5 and up. Approx 45 minutes. Giant Junk Modelling Nests Friday 7 to Friday 14 April Drop in between 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3.45pm Drop-in to our pop-up bird hide and have a go at making a giant nest out of junk for the RolyPoly Bird. Free with Museum entry, no need to book Roly-Poly Ramble Tuesday 11 and Friday 14 April 11.30am and 2pm Discover the how the local landscape inspired the stories resulting in all sorts of birds, bugs and animals coming to life on a guided walk. £4 per person plus Museum entry. All ages welcome but do bear in mind that the walk lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Discover Dahl’s Archives – Animal Antics Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 April 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm Take a peek behind the scenes with our Archive and Collections Manager Rachel. You’ll find out some amazing beastly secrets from the archive. £5 per person plus Museum entry, adults and children will need a ticket. Suitable for age 8 and above only. Approx 30 minutes. BIRD EASTER ROLY POLY - 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, HP16 0AL. 01494 892192 roalddahlmuseum.org hello@roalddahlmuseum.org 1 to 16 April Closed Monday 3 April Book online at roalddahlmuseum.org
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS, CLASSES & CAMPS To find out more, call the Garston centre manager: Deepa Sivanandan Tel: 01923 517 170 Email: garston@firstclasslearning.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/tuition-centres/watford-garston Mas and English tui t ion in Garston, Watford Tailored and Curriculum-led coaching in GCSE’s, SATs, 11+ and 7+ exams Centres: Parmiters School, WD25 0UU Saturday, 10.00-13.00 Garston Community Church, WD25 9FL Tuesday, 17.00-19.00
13 Now in its eighth year, mass litter-picking campaign the Great British Spring Clean is back in 2023. Last year people up and down the entire country came together to clean up nearly half a million bags of litter. The Keep Britain Tidy event, which takes place from 17 March to 2 April, aims to encourage people across the country, from individual volunteers – dubbed #LitterHeroes by the charity – to families, schools, groups of friends, businesses, community groups and local authorities to come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces. This year the charity wants to encourage everybody to take pride in their area by pledging on its website to pick a bag or more of litter to help make a really huge difference to the environment. After the 2022 campaign, 85% of people who took part said they felt more pride for their local area. Now that’s a statistic to be really proud of. This year’s campaign is made possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and media partner Clear Channel, as well as supporting partners KFC, McDonald’s, Nestlé, CocaCola, Mars Wrigley and Pepsi MAX. To make your pledge please visit keepbritaintidy.org THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN Raring2go! SPRING CLEAN
14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ECO ADVENT Lets go fly a kite up to the highest height! Now we don’t want to go too deep, but Kite Flying is great for kids to learn about physics, aerodynamics, weather and ecology (with the broadest of smiles on their faces. It’s also proven that flying a kite is brilliant at helping to develop better hand-eye coordination. Plus it’s the biggest thrill ever when the wind catches it and take it soaring away! Hold a family picnic in the park Picnics are a fun and way to help escape the daily routine of mealtime. An outdoor picnic in the park is a brilliantly simple way to make an everyday event that little bit different. Eating outdoors in a group can also foster better mental health and it’s been shown to improve the habits of fussy eaters! Feeding the ducks This is a great way in which to help your children get a better understanding of nature. Kids love watching a ducks heads bobbing up and down and are amazed at their speed in racing across water to capture the bird seed that has been thrown in. Make a Mothers Day Card! There are plenty of resources available to help children make that extra special mothers day card this year. The look on Mums face when she opens the ‘hand made with love card’ is will be priceless. This is a great activity to do together to really make mum feel special. Puddle Jumping There’s no upper age limit here. For some reason, even adults derive enormous pleasure from putting on their wellies for a good old puddle splashing competition! 1 3 2 4 5 10 fun Spring family
15 Raring2go! ECO ADVENT Plant a spring garden (or just a plant) Capability Brown started somewhere, probably with his parents messing around planting a few things and look where he ended up! Gardening provides family fun time plus teaches valuable lessons about mother nature at work and how things grow. Get outside! Visit a farm and spot the spring babies! There is nothing as enchanting as a childs face as they watch a lamb take its first few faltering steps. Make sure you tell your children what is happening as it is happening and then prepare yourself for a relentless barrage of questions as they witness new life beginning in a very lovely setting... Get on your BIKE! Don’t panic, most kids won’t want to cycle for miles and miles. But they’ll love that feeling of speed, power and the wind rushing by them. Make sure they’re cycle proficient before taking them on public roads. Cycling is brilliant for physical and mental wellbeing! Play Tarzan - Climb a tree Add an element of competitiveness to a tree climb by inviting them to do their best impression of Tarzan! We mean his unique wailing noise and not his agility in jumping from vine to vine or from tree to tree! Physical fun and a sense of achievement. Walk on an empty beach! If you’re lucky enough to live within a relative short drive of a beach, this is one for you. Your kids will marvel at the fact that apart from a dog walker in the distance and possibly a boat off shore, you guys have the entire beach to yourselves. Enjoy it! 7 6 8 9 10 y activities to try!
16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HINTS AND TIPS World of Children’s Yoga The Yoga Carousel session is a 'no excuses' formof yoga, giving you precious moments of 'me' time' and/or some family time. or part of the Will you join us f r will you stay Yoga Carousel o hole ride? on for the w Through Yoga Carousel you can learn a new life skill, exploring how yoga can develop your self-awareness, health and wellbeing while also building your yoga practise in your own way and in your own time. You can sign up for one or more 15 minute slots each week, at a time that suits you: • Before, after or even between activities • Waiting for your child to finish an activity • To try yoga without committing to a full class
17 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Join the Yoga Carousel via email at anjli@worldofchildrensyoga.com or give her a call on 07784 370034. www.worldofchildrensyoga.com Get in touchwithAnjli Each Saturday session will be split into 15 minute experiences – with each slot giving you a different yoga experience and the opportunity to join for as many or little slots as you like. The experiences will rotate weekly, so you'll have the chance to explore a different aspect of yoga practise at different times. The order of Yoga Carousel will be posted on my Facebook page every Wednesday. Session 1: 8.35 - 8.50 Session 2: 8.55 - 9.10 Session 3: 9.15 - 9.30 Session 4: 9.35 - 9.50 Session 5: 9.55 -10.10 Session 6: 10.15 -10.30 Timings: 8.35 – 10.30am – Saturday mornings during term time Venue: Whitby Hall, St Hilda's School, High Street, Bushey, Herts, WD23 3DA Strengthening Yoga Chair Yoga Relaxation Breathing practises Partner Yoga Yoga for Flexibility & Balance
18 raring2go.co.uk March 11th-20th British Science Week Juinor Einsteins are made in this week! 16th Brake Zebra Beep Beep day Children aged 2-7 take part in the road safety campaign. 17th-April 2nd The Great British Spring Clean - See our feature P.13 18th Red Nose Day / Comic Relief A host of fun and funny activities planned to entertain us & make our sides split! 19th Mother’s Day This is quite possibly the most important date in the entire year. One definitely not to forget! 20th Spring Equinox - The first day of Spring and not a moment too soon either! Bye Winter.... 21st World Poetry Day Roses are red, Violets are blue. We just love a bit of poetry and we bet you do too! 21st The Big Walk and Wheel Inspiring everyone to get more active and walk, cycle or scooter 22nd- April 20th Ramadan The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting prayer, reflection and community. 23rd National Day of reflection Pretty much as simple as that. Take a moment today to reflect. 25th National Skipping Day We suggest you intersperse the skipping with a hop and a jump! April 1st to May 2nd National Pet Month As if we needed an excuse in which to celebrate our beautiful fur-babies. 2nd International Children’s Book day - Just happens to coincide with the birthday of the one and only Hans Christian Andersen. 3rd – 9th Community Garden Week Time - Celebrates the amazing community and school gardens across the UK 7th Good Friday The start of Easter Celebrations 9th Easter Sunday One of the principal feasts of Christianity. Commonly marked these days by family time and colourfully decorated eggs. 23rd St Georges Day You’ll be hard pushed not to reenact the famous St. George versus The Dragon scene today! May 1st- 8th Time for a Cuppa Is there anything quite as British as a really nice cup of tea! Show your appreciation for tea today! 1st-31st National Walking Month Previously known as jumping on ‘Shanks’s Pony’, it seems we need a whiole month now to celebrate the art of walking. 1st – 31st Big Asthma Bake Sale Join in and ‘raise some dough’ (geddit) for vital Asthma research for Asthmas UK. 2nd - 8th National Gardening Week - There’s never been a better week to introduce the little ones to gardening! 2nd- 8th Sun Awareness Week Something we should be aware of at all times! 6th Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilia The UK celebrates the long awaited Coronation of King Charles III today as the world watches. 7th The Coronation Big Lunch See our feature on P.20 7th Hedgehog awareness week Keep those eyes peeled for these prickly little beasts. 8th The Big Help out See our feature on P.21 8th – 14th Food Allergy Awareness Week - Get involved and be more aware of food allergies. 9th - 22nd Foster care Fortnight This aims to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives. 12th National Limerick Day Marks the birthday of Edward Lear, the English writer known for his works of nonsensical prose and poetry. Make sure you head over to our website as there are hundreds of other events listed for Spring. Make sure you localise to your area and you’ll be whisked to pages filled with content that is happening locally to you and your family. There’s a lot to see and do this Spring. From ideas for fun family time together to some great awareness days. Here are a selection of ideas that are happening all across the country in March, April and May. Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
19 Sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the thrill of surround sound and the big screen at Cineworld, or strike it lucky at Hollywood Bowl. Pick up a putter and sink it in one, Puttshack takes mini golf to another level or test your nerve and head for heights at the adrenalin-pumping Rock Up. Can you beat the timer? Try Escape Hunt and race to exit the room or take a step back in time for some retro fun at Boom Battle Bar. Hungry? Thought so. Atria Watford has everything you need from TGI Friday’s to the new The Beech House and Cassio Lounge. Grab a Burger King, Tortilla, Chi Asian street food, Churros or Mooboo Bubble Tea! Two glorious chocolate-fuelled weeks off school! Let’s check out what’s on at Atria Watford to help keep your children entertained. Get all the latest events, offers, inspiration and more by visiting www.atriawatford.com Plus, stay connected on social at: atriaWatford/ atriawatford/ atriaWatford
Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your local area and is a great way to get to know your community a little better. Thousands of events will take place in every corner of the UK this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion. There are Free downloadable resources available online by the Big Lunch team to help people and local communities start their Coronation Big Lunch planning. To give you a helping hand, here’s a few tips: Pick a time: You don’t have to have your Big Lunch at Lunchtme! If for various reasons, it’s proving trickey to get everyone together for a daytime lunch, how about a Lunar Lunch? If anyone is fasting during Ramadan, or working irregular shift patterns, the Lunar Lunch will bring people together after dark and you can feast your way into the night! Invite the neighbours: Got a local WhatsApp or Facebook group? Invite the neighbours and spread the word. Publicise your event locally and if you're not a member of Nextdoor yet, take a minute to sign up so you can connect with locals that way too. And of course, try to invite people personally, as you'll no doubt find people who want to help with the organising too! Hang the bunting: Make bunting using scraps of old material, plastic bags or the contents of your recycling box. You could ask others to make bits and link them all together. On the day, give the kids some chalk to decorate the pavement. Take a look at a few of our simple ideas for decorations. You could have a prize for the 'best dressed' home! Tickle the Tastebud: You could ask everyone to bring something to share, odd numbers bring savory, evens sweet, or keep it simple and safe and just ask people to bring their own lunch. If you have the time, take a look at some simple recipes shared online by Big Lunchers. Enjoy the day! Try to make sure that your entertainment, games and activities are suitable and safe for all. Set a time for lunch so that everyone comes out at the right moment. Organise some music or ask everyone to tune into the same radio station or open their windows, or see what local talent there is to organise a little live performance or sing along! attling the elements on Big Lunch day. Take plenty photos and selfies and most importantly, have fun! Fundraise at your Big Lunch Lots of people use their Big Lunch to raise awareness or funds for a cause close to their heart, be it for their own community group or a local asset such as a children's play area, or for a national charity. In 2022 a whopping £22 million pounds was raised at Big Lunch and Big Jubilee Lunch events across the UK, and the majority of that was for local charities and causes. After the party Once the bunting is down, don’t forget to share your story, using hastags like: #TheBigLunch and #TheCoronationBigLunch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Oh, and this is the grown up bit... make sure you tidy up and take your rubbish home with you! The Coronation Big Lunch Join the nation in celebration and be part of history on Sunday May 7th! 20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THE ROYAL CORONATION
The Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering which is due to take place on May 8th, the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation weekend. The Big Help Out is all about inspiring people to volunteer for the first time if they never have before. It is hoped that this will mean there will be more people to call upon for volunteering in future. The Big Help Out has been developed by the Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service, with the organisational skills of the Together Coalition. Jointly, the aim is to inspire a new whole generation of community volunteering. To encourage people to take the plunge and experience for themselves just how amazing volunteering can make you feel. Dozens of charities from across the United Kingdom will be taking part and they will be enthusiastically using the day to encourage as many people as they can to ‘Lend a Hand and help make a change.’ One of the key aims of the day is to make the option of volunteering easier and more accessible. Around 1 in 5 people have never been asked to volunteer, and many have no idea how to begin. The Big Help Out wants to encourage people to look more closely at volunteering and to giving serious thought to giving it a go themselves. People will be invited to join the work being undertaken to support their local areas and gain an understanding of how rewarding volunteering can be. It is also hoped that The Big Help Out will help to bring communities even closer than they currently are, as they unite and come together to create a lasting volunteering legacy from the celebrations of the Coronation Weekend. The Big Help Out is set to be one of the centrepieces of the nationwide celebrations for the Coronation of HM The King and HM The Queen Consort in May. We think it will indeed leave a lasting legacy of kindness from the historic weekend. The Big Help Out will give everyone an opportunity to join in. From rolling up your sleeves to helping a local group, to joining some of the UK’s best-known national charities. Monday May 8th will be your chance to get involved. Get involved in THE BIG HELP OUT Volunteering opportunities are as diverse as the communities we live in: from grassroots social action and helping out in a local voluntary organisation, to regular volunteering roles for a large charity or in the public sector. The Big Help Out will help us tell this story, especially for people who may not see volunteering as something for them. Sarah Vibert, NCVO CEO Volunteering has always been a huge part of what makes this country great. The Big Help Out will put volunteering centre stage for a day and give people who want to volunteer easy ways to join in. So please save the date and join us in your community. Bear Grylls OBE, Chief Scout 21 Raring2go! THE BIG HELP OUT
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23 Raring2go! CLUBS, CLASSES & CAMPS Nichola has an extensive background in Acting and Performance and her crew have all been students at the NRYA. For further information please visit www.nrya.co.uk Please get in touch for a free trial nichola@nrya.co.uk Join an award-winning acting and performing arts school The NRYA has been producing quality theatre with extraordinary students since 1995. Each year, the group will focus on public performances; whether that is an annual production at the Pump House Theatre, local drama festivals or LAMDA exams. The drama school prides itself on students winning awards - both at local festivals as well as drama scholarships to some of the best schools in the area. Year 1-9 classes are held every Saturday at Cassiobury Junior School, Watford from 11am-1pm. Classes are differentiated and age appropriate. Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. 5ʀɤǹǀʣ Ĕ̮͗˒˔˒͗˚˕˗˙͗˕˙˒˔͗͗͗½̮͗˒˙˙˘˚͗˕˛˒͗˖˛˓ Terms and conditions apply. úþ×ŐGÁ ĆĢ66GĆĆ 6 =G½6 kumon.co.uk BE PART OF THE PARENTS’ GO-TO GUIDE IN 2023! Book in to the magazine today and we’ll get your details online straight away! watford@raring2go.co.uk Now taking bookings for the Summer magazine 2023
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27 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Book now at thedantien.co.uk or call 01923 236815 SINGING, ACTING, DANCE & MUSIC LESSONS IN WATFORD Choose our performing arts school, where your child will be nurtured and watch them thrive. TAKING NEW STUDENTS NOW THE HOME OF HIGH QUALITY MULTI AWARD WINNING Can you spot this Rabbit’s friend? Can you name all of these animals? When you have finished, look for their names in the wordsearch below. SPRING FUN P _ G _ _ T B _ _ L S _ _ _ _ _ _ C _ D _ _ K _ _ R _ _ _ _ _ C H _ _ _ K _ _ T _ _
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 28 raring2go.co.uk We partnered with experts (such as the Geographical ʴ˦˦ˢ˖˜˔˧˜ˢˡІ ˧˛˘ ˁ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ʴ˦˦ˢ˖˜˔˧˜ˢˡ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ˇ˘˔˖˛˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ ʸˡ˚˟˜˦˛ ˔ˡ˗ ˃˥ˢ˙ ʷ˔˩˜˗ ˂˟˨˦ˢ˚˔І ˔ˠˢˡ˚ ˢ˧˛˘˥˦ʜ ˧ˢ ˕˥˜ˡ˚ ˧˘˔˖˛˘˥˦ ˜ˠˣ˔˖˧˙˨˟ ˥˘˦ˢ˨˥˖˘˦І ˖ˢˠˣ˟˘˧˘ ˪˜˧˛ ˕˘˔˨˧˜˙˨˟ ˜ˠ˔˚˘˥ˬ ˔ˡ˗ ˘˫˖˜˧˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˜ˠ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦Ї ʸ˫˖˟˨˦˜˩˘ ˜ʶ˛˜˟˗ ˢ˙˙˘˥ ˙ˢ˥ ˅˔˥˜ˡ˚ʥ˚ˢЅ ˥˘˔˗˘˥˦ ʠ ʨʣʘ ˗˜˦˖ˢ˨ˡ˧Ѕ PlusІ ˢ˨˥ Captivating Classrooms ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘ ˢ˙˙˘˥˦ ˛˜˚˛ʠˤ˨˔˟˜˧ˬ ˧˘˔˖˛˜ˡ˚ ˥˘˦ˢ˨˥˖˘˦ ˧ˢ ˘ˡ˛˔ˡ˖˘ ˖˟˔˦˦˥ˢˢˠ ˘ˡ˚˔˚˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ˡ˗ ˛˘˟ˣ ˜ˠˣ˟˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ ˥˜˖˛І ˗˜˩˘˥˦˘ ˖˨˥˥˜˖˨˟˨ˠІ ˪˜˧˛ ˦˨˕˝˘˖˧˦ ˙˥ˢˠ ʵ˟˔˖˞ ʵ˥˜˧˜˦˛ ʻ˜˦˧ˢ˥ˬ ˧ˢ ʸ˩ˢ˟˨˧˜ˢˡ ˔ˡ˗ ʼˡ˛˘˥˜˧˔ˡ˖˘Ї ʽˢ˜ˡ ˨˦І ˕˘˖ˢˠ˘ ˔ˡ ˜ʶ˛˜˟˗ ʺˢ˟˗ ˠ˘ˠ˕˘˥І ˔ˡ˗ ˚˔˜ˡ ˙˨˟˟ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˧ˢ ˢ˨˥ lsІʣʣʣʞ ˣ˥˘ˠ˜˨ˠ ˖˥˔˙˧˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘˦ˢ˨˥˖˘˦Ѕ ˃˘˥˙˘˖˧ ˧ˢ ˔˕˦ˢ˥˕ ˘ˡˤ˨˜˥˜ˡ˚ ˠ˜ˡ˗˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˕˨˦ˬ ˟˜˧˧˟˘ ˙˜ˡ˚˘˥˦ ˢ˥ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ˖˛˜˟˗˥˘ˡ ˪˜˧˛ ˧˛˘˜˥ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟˪ˢ˥˞Ї ˂˨˥ ˦ˣ˘˖˜˔˟ ʨʣʘ ˅˔˥˜ˡ˚ʥ˚ˢЅ ˢ˙˙˘˥ ˦˔˩˘˦ ˵ʨʬ ˔ ˬ˘˔˥Ѕ Visit ˜˖˛˜˟˗Ї˖ˢЇ˨˞ʢ˥˔˥˜ˡ˚ʥ˚ˢ Captivating Classrooms®
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30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! GO GREEN For advice on running a PTA, securing grant funding, planning events, or to find the right suppliers, visit pta.co.uk PTA+ magazine pta.co.uk Social communities Email newsletters Make your children’s school the best it can be WATCH OUR VIDEO
1 Buy plenty of eggs so each child can have their fair share, mini eggs are best. It sounds obvious but use wrapped chocolate! 2 Agree the rules to avoid tears! Are you going to colour code eggs so everyone can only collect their own ones or will you share out evenly at the end? 3 Make the hunt age appropriate; toddlers won’t tolerate it taking too long. 4 Use markers pointing to where eggs may be found for little ones and maybe make a treasure hunt with clues for older children. 5 Do the egg hunt after breakfast, or lunch, so eating chocolate won’t spoil their meal! Agree the rules for eating the eggs in advance. Raring2go! EASTER 10 Top Tips for a stress free egg hunt this Easter 6 Use alternatives to chocolate if you want to avoid sugar overload such as tiny toys (save up Kinder surprise cases to put them in or buy plastic egg cases) or use decorated eggs. 7 Don’t make it too hard or you can be out all day. Make sure everyone knows the ground rules like everything is hidden in the back garden and there is no need to climb to find the eggs. 8 Count the eggs before you put them out so you know how many need retrieving! 9 Remember baskets, or bowls, for everyone to collect the eggs in. It can be a craft project in the days before to decorate them. 10 If the weather looks bad have a Plan B for indoors - it can be just as much fun! 31
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