stalbanslife

PLAY IN THE PARKS,  ST ALBANS

This is free to all parents and children each summer. Running from 26^th July until 1^stSeptember, your 5-12 yr olds can go along to any of the 15 open spaces across the district. However, under 8’s need to be accompanied by a parent.

Activities include Drama Workshops, Creative Games and Sports Specific Sessions. For further details, maps etc, click on www.stalbans.gov.uk .

WILLOWS PARK FARM, LONDON COLNEY

Willows is just magical for children and whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do. The ever-popular ‘maize’ maze activity runs from 24^th July until 5^thSeptember. There is Woollys Jumper Play Barn, the Sheep Show (my kids favourite!), Daft Duck trails, Fun Fair Rides. You can hold the Guinea-Pigs, drink a smooth latte or play Frisbee Golf. Lots more information on events, times and prices on www.willowsfarmvillage.com .

THE SNOW CENTRE, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

It might be summertime but why not get ready for the Ski Season? The Ski Centre is a 15 minute drive from St Albans and offers Holiday Courses from £60. The kids use up their energy on the slope while you unwind in the Edge Café Bar and look on! It’s a win/win situation! Click www.thesnowcentre.com .

Note; Our local newspapers, The Herts Advertiser www.hertsad.co.uk  and The St Albans Review www.stalbansreview.co.uk  have the latest info on theatres, arts and sports events.

The event itself is a joint venture between the British Heart Foundation and St Albans Council in partnership with Leisure Connection. This year it took place on glorious Sunday, June 14^th and it was an amazing success with more than 4,500 runners entering.

One of the organisers told me “It is such a big community event and it’s about encouraging children to be active. It is nice to see a child as young as 3 months old and a seventy-year-old take part on the same day. Everyone is raising money for the British Heart Foundation.”

Robert Cox, event organiser, said that there were an unprecedented number of people registering on the day. ‘People turned up in droves to help save lives. I would like to thank everyone involved.’

One of the children said that she loved the spirit of the other children and that it didn’t matter when you finished the race. Another child was lucky enough to meet her favourite teacher on the Fun Run and said ‘I loved the Fun Run because my teacher ran too!’

Ss Alban & Stephen Infant and Junior School(s) proudly won the Schools Challenge Shield. They had the highest number of entrants for the second time in a row, with over 224 taking part.

The BHF is the nation’s heart charity. As they informed me this week; “It is dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, caring for heart patients and their families, campaigning for change and providing vital information to help people care for their own health.” They spend over £100 in every minute of every day on heart research! So every penny donated by each entrant was indeed gone to a worthy cause! Well done, St Albans.

Every year St Albans holds one of the largest charitable events in Hertfordshire, the St Albans Half Marathon. This day comprises of 4 events:  The Affiliated Half Marathon, The Walking Half Marathon, The Healthy Hearts Jog and the 1.5 Mile Children’s Fun Run.

This year’s big event will be held on Sunday 14th June and the annual turnout is over 4000 participants so St Albans is bracing itself for another big turnout.

The event is run by the British Heart Foundation in conjunction with St Albans Council Leisure Connection. Entry charges range between £3.00 to £16.00 depending on age and event.

Last year, St. Alban and St. Stephen Junior and Infant School won the prize for entering the most children (133 plus!) in the Fun Run!  We wish them good luck as they prepare for this year’s event.

The BHF urge St Albans residents to get training, get sponsored and come along to this great day out!

To obtain more details about the events, phone 01727 827667 or email carlene.sandiford@leisureconnection.co.uk.