The good egg

Made any plans to keep the kids occupied over the Chris… sorry, Easter holidays? Yep, the weather has thrown us, too. CBeebies has its appeal, but – as a responsible parent – just how long can you reasonably allow them to spend in front of the telly? Here’s an idea to help persuade the little darlings that accompanying you to the shops can be fun. No, really.

Until 10 April, Hampstead’s independent traders have joined forces with the Hampstead School of Art to throw a big Easter Egg Hunt designed to get the whole community involved. Simply download your map, then print out a copy and take it with you when you visit any of the participating retailers. Collect just one egg sticker each from any five of the said retailers, then make your way to uncover the secret word on the giant Hampstead Egg, located on Flask Walk.

Completed maps handed in at Aubaine will be rewarded with a chocolate lollipop. What’s more, if you’re lucky enough to be the 25^th, 50^th or 75^th customer collecting a stamp at Le Petit Nicola, you’ll win a big chocolate egg full of sweet treats from the patisserie. That’s the kids sorted, then, and if you enter your completed treasure map into the prize draw, there could be something in it for you, too (aside from the retail therapy, of course), because one lucky egg-hunter will win a pampering session at Gary Ingham Salon and Spa.

And if, like us, you’ve taken a shine to the Hampstead Egg itself, don’t miss out on your chance to bid when it is auctioned to raise funds for the Hampstead School of Art and the Hampstead Shops Campaign. Designed by local artist Sarah John, we think it’s eggs-cellent.