AS PROMISED, I've scoured all the half-term events that are on and brought you my pick of what special events are available for families in and around Hillingdon this half-term.

My first choice is a free event that runs all over Hillingdon and guarantees plenty of fresh air. Hillingdon Play Association has been gradually ramping up its activities, and I'm pleased to see it has loads planned this half-term.

It has organised eight free play sessions across the depth and breadth of the borough, taking place in parks and open spaces where there will be a variety of activities including their amazing zorb balls, woodworking, arts and crafts and disc golf, to name just a few.

When I saw they were including den building as part of their activities, I knew Alex would just love it.

I've met the guys behind this organisation and love their enthusiasm for getting kids outdoors and just being kids - wielding hammers to have a go at woodworking and building dens without being afraid of accidents and law suits.

We live in such a risk averse society it's refreshing to see an organisation that has faith in their staff to deliver 'risky' activities, and the children can only benefit from this.

Unfortunately it's all down to the weather, so fingers crossed it stays dry. To find out what time they are visiting an open space near you, visit their website at www.hillingdonplay.org.uk or give them a call on 020 8581 1493.

How about a boat trip on Elsdale II, the borough's amazing electric barge? For just £2 a ticket you can take a two-hour trip from Cowley along the Grand Union Canal, with lots of canal activities thrown in.

Drinks are available on board and there's lots to see and do on the barge. We've been a few times and really enjoyed floating along, getting a different view of life. There are two trips planned for half-term, on next Tuesday and Wednesday. To book, call 07545 924 868 or email victoria.tustian@groundwork. org.uk. The boat is accessible for wheelchair users too.

Alex has been to a few of the holiday activities organised by the Christian environmental charity A Rocha at Minet Country Park in Hayes, and I've always been impressed by how many volunteers they have, and how well run the schemes are.

What's most impressive is that the events are generally free or very reasonably priced, considering you don't need to stay with your child.

The focus for this half-term is Feathered Friends. It's on next Wednesday, and children aged five to 11 will be having fun making bird feeders from recycled materials. To find out more call 020 8574 5935 or email uk.education@ arocha.org

By the way, in case you were wondering, 'A Rocha' is Portuguese for 'The Rock' - so now you know.

If you've got younger children it's worth checking out what's on at The Windmill Studios in Ruislip.

I've heard they've got a disco planned for next Thursday for confident walkers to four year olds, which sounds like fun. Call 01895 624755 or email thewindmillstudio@gmail.com for details.

If you like the sound of any of these ideas, I have just one valuable bit of advice: Pick up the phone or fire off an email right now, this minute. Don't have a coffee first and do it later, as you just know if you leave it that last space will have gone.

The times I've missed out by not booking early enough ...