The Bella Mamas are a local choir of friendly mums who formed in September 2015.  We have around 40 members and currently have a limited number of openings for anyone wishing to join. No auditions necessary. We are mostly mums of school aged children, and meet weekly during term time in Harpenden on Thursday afternoons from 2-3pm. We also run a few longer Saturday sessions throughout the school term.

We perform at local events (though this is not obligatory if not for you!), sing a range of contemporary music, and above all have lots of fun (and a few cocktails). No choir experience is necessary. If you'd like to know more please do drop us a line at st.domsmumschoir@gmail.com and we can answer your questions, give you more details and you would be very welcome to come along for a taster session to give it a try. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Returning to the classroom can be quite daunting if you have been out of school for a while. We have a number of teaching vacancies in our schools and Herts for Learning are keen to provide the support you need to apply for roles and make a successful return to teaching. Our Confident to Return programme comprises of four half-day training sessions, each focussed on updating qualified teachers on a different aspect of the current curriculum. The programme also provides:

• an overview to recent changes

•practical guidance about the new expectations in schools

• latest guidance

• assessment and planning support

• current teaching styles

• units of work

• A support network of returning teachers

The programme offers an ideal platform from which to develop a support network to help you return, including professional support from school advisers and other returning teachers.

The cost of attending the programme is £250, however £125 will be refunded to individuals who are offered and accept a teaching job in a Hertfordshire school within six months of completing the course.

If you wish to register an interest in the programme, please contact Mark Green on 01438 844788 to register your interest and receive bespoke support and advice to make your return to teaching a successful and rewarding one.

Is your son or daughter a keen skier? Do they fancy trying to ski competitively rather than just for recreation?

Any skier can join the Hemel Ski Race club (including mums and dads) the prerequisites are to be able to use a Poma chair lift and make safe turns and stops on skis. The club can teach the rest.

They train on Monday evenings U12’s 6-7:30, Over 12’s 7-9pm, and should a group of Georgians join, we would be able to enter a team for inter-school competitions.

The ski club age ranges from 7 to 77… If a crowd of us begin going we can do some lift shares etc. There is a lovely Lodge Bar/Viewing gallery at the top. No kit needed, but your own ski jacket and salopettes are preferred. Sessions cost £20 including helmet, skis, boot hire. It’s friendly, safe and loads of fun.

If you would like more details please email Nina on ninasebastiane@yahoo.co.uk

Hertfordshire is looking for inspirational foster carers who can do the little, everyday things that make a huge difference to the life of a child.

There are around 1,000 children and young people in care at any given time in Hertfordshire

— many of whom have suffered abuse and neglect and are unable to live with their parents or birth families. We’re searching for carers who can give these youngsters the chance to experience a regular family life, support them academically and give them the chance to shine.

Hertfordshire needs short-term and long-term carers — individuals, couples and families who can provide a caring home for a child or children, for anything from one or two nights to many years up until they reach adulthood. We want people who can take up the challenge and foster for Hertfordshire.

You’ll need at least one spare bedroom in your home, a great sense of humour and a commitment to helping young people to thrive. All our foster carers receive first-class training and ongoing support. Each carer is assigned a dedicated social worker to give guidance and advice.

If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer for Hertfordshire, call us on 0800 917 0925 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fostering

Fostering Recruitment Team 

Hertfordshire County Council