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| The Word About Town |
| Issue 31, May 2021 |
| Welcome |
| After taking a break in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Mum's guide to Harpenden Awards are back! Help us to recognise and celebrate the local people, businesses and organisations that help make Harpenden and the surrounding area such a great place for us all! And let's not forget that this year there are lots of things happening (in real life and not just on screen!) in May half term - read on for some ideas to keep the whole family happy! And we've even heard that (dare we say it?!) the sun may make a special guest appearance in place of the rain next week. So many reasons to be looking forward to bank holiday Monday and half term! |
| Our Awards are back! |
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| There can be no denying that the last year has been tough on everyone. But for many of the organisations and businesses listed on Mum's guide to Harpenden it has been extraordinarily difficult! Most activities, classes and clubs for babies, children and young people had to stop suddenly, or move online; almost overnight party providers found they had no one to entertain unless they went virtual; and even non-essential shops were forced to shut and adapt. And when things could re-open again it was far from 'business as normal' with all the rules and regulations that had to be obeyed. So, now seems like an excellent time to recognise that amongst the chaos and upheaval of the last year or so there’s been lots of positives as well. Many of our local organisations and businesses did everything they could to adapt and keep going - let’s celebrate them! But let's also celebrate all those businesses and organisations that were doing a fantastic job pre-pandemic but, for whatever reason, weren't able to run during lockdown or with the additional restrictions. They deserve recognition too - for surviving and coming back just as strong, if not stronger! Nominations in our Awards are now open, and will remain so until 13th June 2021. It's so easy to nominate in just one category, or several if you prefer. The Nomination Form can be found on the Awards page of our website. The 7 categories for our seventh Awards are: 1. Best Activity Class or Group for Under 5s: award for the best activity class or group for children under 5, including parent and toddler groups. 2. Best Activity Class or Group for School-Age Children: award for the best activity class, group or club for children of school age, either primary or secondary school. 3. Best Holiday Club or Class: award for the best club, class or camp that runs during the school holidays for children in any age group. 4. Best Pre/Post Natal Support Service: award for the business, individual or organisation that provides the best service for pre or post-natal mothers and can include anything to do with pregnancy and post-pregnancy, including groups and classes. 5. Best Local Independent Business: award for the independent business that provides the best service or product of any type (not necessarily child-related) to local parents. 6. Best Party and Celebrations Provider: award for the business, individual or organisation that provides the best venue, entertainment or party-related product (e.g. cakes, catering, decorations, tableware). |
| Sustainability Festival 2021 |
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| If you're looking for events to keep the children happy this half term there are lots of events taking place very locally as part of the Sustainability Festival 2021. Not sure what it is all about? Here is what the organisers have to say: 'We love our district - and we want to make it sustainable - for future generations to come. SustFest21 is all about building our community - across St Albans, Harpenden, and villages - to help our district become more environmentally sustainable - let's help strengthen our community networks this year. The festival encourages community groups, businesses, schools, street groups, and faith groups to organise Covid-safe, environmentally sustainable events and activities for their local communities during the two weeks of #SustFest21 #StaySafe. The aim is to inspire residents across the district to live more sustainably, do practical things to care for the environment and #BeKindToThePlanet.' As part of the two weeks there are so many fantastic activities on offer in Harpenden and nearby. Available every day of half term are the Rothamsted Science Trail and SusFest21 Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt to get you out and about. On Saturday 29th May you can find out about Helping Wild Hedgehogs through a virtual live stream event direct from Hornbeam Hedgehog Sanctuary and you can attend a guided butterfly walk in Heartwood Forest to learn about butterflies. On 1st June there is an art/design virtual event called Poetry across the Page and you can visit Grebe House in St Albans and find out how to make homes for wildlife. From Wednesday 2nd - Thursday 3rd June you can take part in a Harpenden Scavenger Hunt organised by Harpenden Town Council. Finally, to round off half-term, on Sunday 6th June you can join Showtime Circus at Sustainability Circus and take part in a Litter Pick, both out outside St John's Church, Harpenden. |
| Half term activities in Harpenden |
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In addition to all the local events listed above which are part of the Sustainability Festival 2021, there are other activities on offer right here in Harpenden to keep the children happy.
A great mix of indoor and outdoor activities right on our doorstep. And if you fancy heading a bit further afield take a look at the What's On page on the website for more events and activities. Please do check which ones need booking in advance! |
| The Final Word |
| Whatever you have planned for half-term have a lovely time with your family, and let's hope the weather is kind so we can make the most of our new-found freedoms! And when you have a spare minute or two do pop to our website and make your nominations in our 2021 Awards. |
| Alison, Angela, Carol & Katie Mum's guide to Harpenden |
  
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| Please note that the articles in this newsletter are written by third party businesses as specified at the end of each article. Any opinions are the article writer's opinions and not Mum's Guide To Limited's opinions. Mum's Guide To Limited do not represent or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy or reliability of any article by any of the Businesses in this newsletter or endorse any opinions expressed by them, or products or services provided by them. |
| Mum's Guide To Ltd, Registered in England & Wales No.8045592 www.mumsguideto.co.uk mums@mumsguideto.co.uk |
