Home-Start Hertfordshire

Supporting parents to be the best they can be, to improve children’s outcomes

Supporting Families

Another fantastic Pancake festival!

This year we had a record 30 teams turn out to race  in what were reasonably good weather conditions, in fact the best in the last four years!

The races started off relatively relaxed, but as expected, soon became competitive as teams qualified and went through to the semi-finals. The crowds were on the sidelines cheering everyone on and the atmosphere was great.

The teams were certainly enthusiastic and there were some nail biting moments with some extremely close finishes.

After some seriously speedy walking, Wagada came through to claim the Walking race winners trophy for the second year running.

The running race final saw local restaurant team Lussmanns going head to head with our guest team from Japan, who amazingly beat Lussmanns to the post to take the winners title (we have not let them take the trophy back home with them though)

We love doing this event it is so much fun and also raises a fantastic amount of money.  It is a real demonstration of just how supportive our community is.

A flippin’ great £3,100 was raised in this years St Albans Pancake Festival.

Thank you to our volunteers, teams, sponsors and supporters – we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Website:    www.pancake.events

Facebook: @SAPancakerace

 

Oscar is a pretty amazing little boy.

Last year when he was just 4 years old, he saw a homeless man sleeping on the street. Following a conversation with his mum, he was sad to find out that some adults and children didn’t have homes and happy families.

Oscar’s unexpected response was that he wanted to donate some of his toys. With his mums support, he set up ‘Oscars Christmas Appeal’. The appeal was hugely successful and he received many generous donations.  Oscar visited the Home-Start office and presented a huge collection of toys to go to the children that they support.

This year Oscar wanted to do something again and started up another appeal.  This time for Christmas food donations, so he could (with a bit of help from his mum) make up hampers as gifts for Home-Start families.

With the support of his school, Martins Wood, and the local community, he received a huge amount of donations and to make up lots of hampers!

Oscar visited Home-Start last week to deliver all the donations, ready for making up into hampers for the families.

When asked why he chose to do this, he simply said

“I thought it would be helpful and it would be very kind because some children aren’t as lucky as me and they don’t get lots of things”

His mum said

“I am so proud of him he was so excited every time he received a donation he didn’t get bored or lose interest like I thought he might have done he was so dedicated to it right up until we dropped it all to Home-Start! 

Definitely my little superstar Santa will be bringing him some special treats this year his earned his place on the nice list!”

Home-Start staff said

 “We were delighted to meet Oscar and his mum, again.  Oscar is just such an incredibly thoughtful and special boy who is really helping to make children’s and families lives happier. He is an absolute super Star!”

Family fun at 360 Play in Stevenage!

Home-Start Herts have been the benefiting charity this year for 360 Play in Stevenage. To end the year with happy children, the centre hosted a family Christmas party. This is in aid to help us raise vital funds to help us support families in Hertfordshire.

The Baldock and Clothal Woman’s Institution baked some delicious treats for the event which everyone thoroughly enjoyed! Whilst on a sugar high the children were able to let off steam on the indoor apparatus. This also gave Home-Start families the opportunity to talk to their family mentors whilst the children were entertained.

“Thank you so much for the party – I managed to have breakfast on my own the following morning as the children slept in till 8.30!” Home-Start family.

Home-Start Herts would like to thank 360 Play in Stevenage and The Baldock and Clothal WI for their support and generous contributions to our charity.