Contents This Autumn 05 News & Views 14 Schools Feature 16 Book Reviews
Education Matters 18 Learning & Education
Welcome to
Seasonal Special
Autumn
22 Spooky Special
As we say goodbye to our Summer, (what we had of one anyway!), and welcome in the Autumn season with nights slightly darker and the air cooler. It’s time to pull down that thicker duvet and dust off the slippers. With our little ones back at school for a new year, we need to get ourselves back into the routine of packed lunches and homework. If, like me, you find homework a little bit of a struggle, we have a few tips to help you along on p18. We also have spook-tacular fun in a special feature for Halloween which can be found on p22 with some great firework displays and bonfire recipes which is perfect for all the family and will warm you up nicely on p27. If you are going out to see the fireworks or having family round please be very careful and enjoy the wonderful evening. On p36 You can find some tasty and healthy packed lunch ideas. Don’t forget, KidAround has a whole new-look website which is mobile friendly, so you can find out what’s happening when on the move. I hope you have a wonderful Autumn and I will see you all soon with the Winter issue published on 30th November, which will be packed full of Wintery fun!
What’s On 20 Theatre Listings 28 Diary Dates
Family Life
32 Get Active 34 ‘Tweenies’ Article 35 Let’s Party 36 Packed Lunch Ideas
Early Years
37 Beauty, Bump & Baby 38 Childcare
All this plus:
Competitions p12
Contact Us
(we are a friendly bunch) Publisher: Anna Hurley anna.hurley@kidaround.biz Sales Manager: Kate Ellison kate.ellison@kidaround.biz Listings Editor: Suzanne Gardner suzanne.gardner@kidaround.biz
Firework Displays p27
Social Media: Tina Read tina.read@kidaround.biz Tel: 01371 238071
Contributors: Anna xx
Judith Smith, Lisa White , Laura Tasyme , Roxanne Dilounis
KidAround is published quarterly by Trew Publishing Ltd. Address: 66 Baynard Avenue, Little Dunmow, Essex, CM6 3FD Tel: 01371 238071 | email: info@kidaround.biz Circulation: over 120,000 - two Essex editions. Editorial is supplied by the advertiser and is not the responsibility of Trew Publishing Ltd. 4 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
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NEWS & VIEWS
Let’s Celebrate!
intu Lakeside turns 25 this October and there’s lots of free family fun to enjoy. On Sunday 25th they will be hosting the biggest birthday bash ever, jam packed with giant party games, giveaways, prizes, free party punch, popcorn and live entertainment. Little ones can go and enjoy their giant inflatable Fab Lab too, which will be staying open till 30th October for free half-term fun. It’s the place to be for the school holidays, with arts, crafts and games inspired by Snoopy, everyone’s favourite pooch, ahead of his appearance on the big screen in ‘The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy’s Grand
Adventure’. To join the fun, all you have to do is sign up to their free Kids’ Club, where you’ll get your hands on a wonderful welcome pack full of free goodies. And if all of that wasn’t enough, you could always take your little ones to Hamleys, the finest toyshop in the world, for all the latest games, toys and magical delights. If your youngsters enjoy being active, head to Partyman World of Play for a huge collection of slides and soft play areas that guarantee fun and endless laughter. Plus, with their Drop and Shop Crèche, you can keep the kids entertained while you get your fashion fix in their amazing stores. Why not stay a little later and make a night of it? Alongside all of your foodie favourites, there’s always something new to try at The Eatery on Level 3 or down on The Boardwalk. Plus, with their VUE cinema you can catch the very latest family films to top off a blockbuster evening in style. One thing’s for sure; their birthday wouldn’t be the same without you! To find out more, or to sign up to the Kids’ Club, visit them at intu.co.uk/lakeside
NEWS & VIEWS
Essex Police Museum Celebrate 175 Years
On Saturday September 19th Essex Police celebrates its 175th birthday! The Essex Police Museum at HQ, Chelmsford, would like visitors to join them with their celebrations. Sit in a police car, have cream tea in the Chief Constable’s garden, dress up in real police uniform and try out the photo booth, sit in the cell, give evidence in the witness box, and solve the puzzles on their police box. Open from 10am to 4pm, admission to the museum is free and there will be plenty of parking. There is no need to book. For more details please call 01245 457150.
Take a family break in 2015 on a Stay Play Explore package £129
Stay Play Explore offers great family fun at very affordable prices. Within their range of packages, they have two exciting family getaways, both of which include tickets to three from a choice of five brilliant attractions, as well as bed and breakfast for the whole family! These packages are both just £129 for a family of 4 with the option to add an extra child at a discounted price. The ever popular Family Fun short break is back this year with new hotels to choose from, while the Family Adventure package has been revamped to include new outdoor adventures. Package Options (choose 3 of the 5 attractions): Family Adventure Leicestershire • Tobogganing & sno-tubing at Swadlincote Ski Centre • Ranger-led activities at Conkers • Leicestershire Outdoor Pursuit Centre • Crazy golf & pedalos at Bosworth Water Park • Roliston Forestry Centre Family Fun Leicestershire - tickets to enter the following attractions: • National Space Centre • Conkers Natural Forest • Twycross Zoo • Twin Lakes Theme Park • Stonehurst Family Farm *only from 1st April • Snibston Discover Museum *only until 31st March Booking couldn’t be easier, just choose which hotel you’d like to stay at and select your short break package dates now! For more information, to see availability and to book, please visit www.stayplayexplore.co.uk 6 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Lathcoats Farm
Lathcoats Farm will be opening their doors again for their annual Apple Day celebration on Saturday 17th October. Visitors will be able to taste most of the 40 plus varieties of apple grown in the farm’s orchards and to meet some of the farmers and growers, who keep the farm shop supplied all year round with delicious produce, and taste their wares. There will be lots of family fun, competitions and refreshments and entry is free. Full details will be available on the farm’s website www.lathcoatsfarm.co.uk Nearer to Christmas the staff at Lathcoats can prepare wonderful hampers for you with your choice of delicious products from the farm shop. Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LX 01245 353021 www.eapples.co.uk
NEWS & VIEWS
Our local news for Autumn. Plus national events and awareness days Anti-Bullying Week - 16th -20th November Anti-Bullying Week in England is co-ordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The theme is ‘Make a Noise about Bullying’ with the #antibullyingweek. The key aims of the week are: • To empower children and young people to speak out about bullying - whether it is happening to them or someone else, face to face or online. • To help parents and carers communicate with their children about bullying - as a way of preventing bullying and to help children who are worried about bullying. • To encourage ‘talking schools’ where children are given a safe space to talk about bullying and are encouraged to report it. • To equip teachers to respond effectively when children tell them they’re being bullied. To raise awareness of the impact of bullying on children’s lives if they don’t tell anyone about it - or are not given support - with a focus on the impact on mental health. Download the Anti-Bullying Alliance campaign pack www.anti-bullyingalliance.co.uk
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 7
NEWS & VIEWS
Our local news for Autumn. Plus national events and awareness days
BBC Children in Need -Friday 13th November This year, a new initiative is being launched. BBC Children in Need and Lloyds Bank have joined forces to create Champions of Change, an education initiative tailored for early years, primary and secondary schools, allowing young people to take the lead in fundraising - it’s strictly by children, for children! Free reward kits will be available, packed with goodies including a huge Champions of Change flag. There will be a range of fun curriculum-based lesson activities and ideas, as well as fundraising tools tailored to all age groups. So get started today and help everyone in your school become a Champion! www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
Chocolate week 12th - 18th October
Chocolate Week aims to promote fine flavour chocolate, the independent artisan chocolatiers and the chocolate companies who work in direct partnership with cocoa farmers, encouraging consumers to pay a fairer price for their chocolate.
Let’s celebrate CHOCOLATE!
8 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Humphrey’s Pyjama Week 5th - 9th October
Take part and help support The Children’s Trust for children with brain injury. Humphrey’s Pyjama Week is a fun-filled fundraising activity for young children to take part in. For a voluntary donation of £2 per child, children can wear their pyjamas for the day and participate in a number of fun and educational themed activities, whilst raising funds for The Children’s Trust. For more information visit: www. thechildrenstrust.org.uk
NEWS & VIEWS
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 9
Healthy child lifestyle and weight management programmes rolled out across Essex
An innovative programme designed to support parents in Essex who are concerned that their children may be overweight is being rolled out across the whole of the county. The free, six-week programme aims to work with families in a fun and informative way to help them maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy weight. The programme will be delivered by healthcare provider Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE), which has been successfully running the scheme throughout Tendring and Colchester districts for the past eight years. Now health bosses at Essex County Council have commissioned ACE to set up similar programmes throughout Essex. ACE is an award-winning social enterprise which provides more than 40 NHS community healthcare services in Essex and specialises in health and wellbeing services. Project Leader for Child and Young Persons Weight Management at ACE, Kate French, said the programme combines fun, physical activities for children, with information sessions for their parents. Kate said: “In our experience we have found that the best way to get people involved in the programme is to make it fun and engaging for everyone.” “The programme takes place over a six-week period where we meet for an hour-long session, once a week. Typically the children will join one group where they will take part in a number of fun, physical activities.
10 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
“Meanwhile, we get the parents involved in education sessions, where they will learn and discuss a range of subjects from the importance of physical exercise and regular eating patterns to how to interpret food labels and serve healthy portion sizes.” There are programmes aimed at children of different ages – one is tailored for children of primary school age while another is focussed on the needs of young people and teenagers of secondary school age. Kate continued: “Towards the end of the session we bring the children and parents all together again and set them a challenge for that week. These goals are set individually and tailored for each family. “If they have achieved their goal when we meet the next week, they will receive a small reward. Larger rewards will be given to people who attend the majority of sessions and make good progress over the whole programme.” Kate said the programmes are important because an awareness of what makes a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Forming healthy habits and engaging the whole family can also help everyone get to a healthier weight and enjoy life more. She added: “The sessions are free and people have found them really helpful in the past. We want to encourage as many people as possible to get in touch and to get involved.” For more information and to find a programme near you call 0800 022 4224 or email acecic.lifestylesforchildren@nhs.net
NEWS & VIEWS
How much Sleep should my child have? Sleep is very important to a child’s wellbeing. There’s no set amount of sleep that all children of a particular age need, but here’s a guide to the approximate hours of sleep they should aim for. These are hours of sleep based on age, as recommended by the Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic: One week Daytime: 8 hours Night time: 8. 5 hours Four weeks Daytime: 6 to 7 hours Night time: 8 to 9 hours Three months Daytime: 4 to 5 hours Night time: 10 to 11 hours Six months Daytime: 3 hours Night time: 11 hours Nine months Daytime: 2. 5 hours Night time: 11 hours Twelve months Daytime: 2 .5 hours Night time: 11 hours
Two years Daytime: 1 hour, 30 minutes Night time: 11.5 hours Three years Daytime: 0 to 45 mins Night time: 11 to 12 hours Four years Night time: 11. 5 hours Five years Night time: 11 hours Six & seven years Night time: 10 hours, 30 - 45 minutes Eight & nine years Night time: 10 hours Ten to twelve years Night time: 9 hours, 15 – 30 minutes
Beanstalk Children’s Therapy
An established, local and independent therapy provider, now in its eigth year of business. Lara Breaker-Rolfe (Director & Advanced Paediatric Occupational Therapist) has been working as a paediatric OT for over twelve years and has Masters Qualifications in Sensory Integration. The team comprises of six highly qualified and experienced Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, who offer services to children and young people in clinic, at home or in school. They offer new and exciting treatment approaches, including Sensory Integration Therapy and Therapeutic Listening™ programs. The state-of-the-art clinic facilities are fully equipped with a variety of equipment, including swings, trampolines and crash pads, climbing equipment, scooter boards and much more. They have a dedicated fine motor area and children have free access to a quiet space if needed. They work closely with parents and teachers, providing education and support during all their sessions. For more information, visit their website www.beanstalktherapy.co.uk and don’t forget to like them on Facebook!
How lack of sleep can affect children Evidence shows that night time sleep is just as important as healthy eating and exercise for children to develop. Those who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is because they tend to crave and eat sugary or starchy food during the day to give them energy to stay awake. The key to how much is enough sleep is whether a child gets up fairly easily in the morning, is alert and happy for most of the day, and is not grumpy. Younger children who are persistently sleep-deprived seem irritable and overactive, seek constant stimulation and don’t concentrate well. Such symptoms can be mistaken for mild ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). For more inforamtion see http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ Childrenssleep/Pages/howmuchsleep.aspx
www.kidaround.biz www.kidaround.biz • Autumn • Autumn 2014 15 • South Essex • 11
Competitions
More competitons can be found online at www.kidaround.biz
You can also follow us facebook.com/ kidaroundmagazine
We have some great competitions... all you have to do is enter!
12 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Competition rules: Please ensure your entry reaches us by the closing date specified. Prizes have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for any other prize. You can also enter by post to: Trew Publishing Ltd, 66 Baynard Avenue, Little Dunmow, Essex CM6 3FD. As well as online at: www.kidaround.biz All entry must contain your name, address and a contact telephone number.
Good luck! www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 13
St John’s School Billericay
From the moment a child enters St John’s, whatever their age, they are treated as an individual. Kindergarten pupils benefit from having specialist teachers for Music, IT and PE. Junior pupils study verbal and nonverbal reasoning and continue to have specialist teachers for the subjects above and also for French, Art and Swimming. Senior School pupils follow a broad curriculum, with GCSE courses including Psychology, PE, Humanities, Drama, Statistics and traditional core subjects. Pupils make excellent progress throughout the school and GCSE pass rates are consistently high. Their Sport England standard Sports Hall hosts trampolining, cricket, table tennis, badminton, and basketball to name but a few. Their lower field, is the venue for football and rugby matches and the location of their netball and tennis courts. They have a proven track record in field events with pupils participating at the ISA National events. A wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities are available. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in instrumental lessons, join the school orchestra and the choir. Performing arts, both musical and drama, are a pivotal part of our school, with fantastic LAMDA exam success rates. Their passion is to ensure that when a child leaves St. John’s School they have fully achieved their potential. They instil all the virtues of politeness, integrity and consideration of others into their pupils, creating a magical atmosphere where learning, creativity and success is enjoyed by everyone. Visit them on their Open Day on Saturday 26th September 2pm to 4.30pm or call 01277 623070 to make an individual appointment with their Headmistress. See for yourself first-hand the unique opportunities St. John’s School has to offer both academically and socially. 14 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
New Hall School
New Hall School is a boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. It is set in a stunning location, dominated by the former Tudor palace of Beaulieu – once owned by Henry VIII and surrounded by an historic park and gardens. They believe that a New Hall education enables students to confidently meet the challenges of the world. Here, Students of different traditions are educated in an environment where academic excellence is achieved. This is brought about in surroundings where relationships are based on trust and respect. At New Hall they operate the highly successful ‘diamond model’ structure, that is, co-education in the Preparatory School (ages 3-11), single-sex education in the Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division (11-16) and co-education in the Sixth Form (16-18). In this way, New Hall provides the best of both worlds: the benefits of a co-educational environment, together with the advantages of girls and boys being taught separately at Key Stages 3 and 4. The provision of single-sex education during formative years enables students to grow in confidence, whilst enjoying an education that is specifically tailored and that recognises the different ways in which boys and girls learn. Within the Preparatory School, they offer a rich and varied curriculum within an environment where every child is known. Small class sizes of around 20 children, along with differentiated lessons and setting for Maths and English in Years 3 and 5 respectively, ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged and make exceptional progress. Wraparound care and an optional breakfast club offer peace of mind to busy parents who know their children are in a safe, caring and familiar setting. Academic success continues to grow. They run a Gifted and Talented programme, which is proven to bring added value to examination results. In 2014, their GCSE and A Level students enjoyed a 100% success rate - 50% of grades were at A*-A. 80% of GCSE grades were at A*-B, while 76% of A Level grades were A*-B. The school also introduced an Oxbridge programme and has seen an increase in offers from both universities. The co-curricular provision is outstanding and the school’s ethos is enhanced by exceptionally strong Music, Performing Arts and Sports departments. Music groups, including liturgical and chamber choirs and a main choir, regularly tour the UK and play internationally. Sport is a key part of school life. All students have the opportunity to play a range of sports. Their facilities include a national standard athletics track, floodlit AstroTurf pitch, gym, floodlit tennis and netball courts, cricket and rugby pitches, and a 25m indoor swimming pool. Many of the students go on to regional and national representation. High academic expectations and achievements, together with outstanding pastoral care, make New Hall a wonderful place to be educated. For more information or to book your place visit: www.newhallschool.co.uk/openmorning or call 01245 236098
www.kidaround.biz •Autumn 15 • South Essex • 15
BOOKS TO READ R EV IEWED BY LOCAL CHILDR EN
Red Box: Nixie The Bad, Bad Fairy by Cas Lester. Oxford Press £5.99 This book is about a fairy called Nixie. Nixie’s magic wand always lets her down when she is trying to be helpful and everything goes wrong. I really liked this book because when Nixie ends up in trouble her friends help her and they don’t think she is bad. I think everybody should read this book because it’s really funny, especially when Nixie says Bumblebees Bottoms! And the lemon cakes are yummy! Reviewed by Amy Burns aged 7
Pink Box: Hedgehugs: Horace and Hattiepillar by Lucy Tapper & Steve Wilson. Maverick Publishing £5.99 What a lovely book! Flynn and I settled down to read this and he loved pointing at the pictures, in particular at the small details like spiders and ladybirds in the illustrations. Horace and Hattie are friendly hedgehogs who meet and look after a caterpillar which inspires them to see if they can change too. Smiles all round by the end and just the right amount of words on a page to read to a 1yr old any time of the day. Reviewed by Flynn Newman aged 1 and his mum, Emma
Purple Box: Lottie & Dottie Sow Sunflowers by Claire Burgess. Part of the Early Readers collection £4.99 Sofia really enjoyed this story about Lottie & Dottie and the sunflowers, her favourite part was finding out about all the things you need to grow a really tall sunflower. Sofia really liked the part when the sunflower got as tall as mummy, she thought this was really funny. Sofia is now very excited to grow her own sunflower next year. Sofia says this is a brilliant book and she gives it 10/10. Reviewed by Sofia Trodd aged 4 ½
Yellow Box: The True Story Of Bella & Simba by Sara Starbuck. Orion Children’s Books £5.99 This book is about two lions called Bella and Simba, who were born in captivity and were treated nastily. They were rescued by Born Free and were taken to their natural home in Africa. I liked the book because there are not many about real lions. I particularly enjoyed reading the fact boxes with interesting information about lions. I would recommend “The True Story of Bella and Simba” to all animal lovers. Reviewed by Thomas Blanshard aged 7
Blue Box: Monkey and the Little One by Claire Alexander. Egmont Publishing £6.99 We really love this book. We like the pictures because Monkey is funny looking and the mouse is cute. In the story, Monkey shouts at the mouse and that makes the mouse sad so he walks away. That makes monkey sad so he goes to find the mouse and gives him a sandwich and a flower. They are both happy then and they are best friends. At the end of the story, we felt happy too. Reviewed by Finlay & Nathan Harwood aged 4
Orange Box: Dot & Anton by Erich Kästner. Pushkin Children Books £7.99 Dot and Anton is a great book once you get into the rhythm. I liked it so much that I finished the whole book in one day. I found it very humorous that Dot enjoyed begging people to buy matches. I also found it funny when Piefke and Dot acted out Little Red Riding Hood. I liked Anton and his personality. I think that Anthea Bells, Walter Trier and Erich Kastner all did an excellent job with this perfect book. Reviewed by Hana Hagras aged 10
WIN WIN WIN - You can win a copy of one of these books, to enter visit: www.kidaround.biz. If your child would like to review one of our books in publications, suzanne.gardner@kidaround.biz 16future • Autumn 15 • Southplease Essexemail • www.kidaround.biz
SCHOOLS FEATURE
Enriched and Forward Thinking
Hutton Manor is an exciting place to learn. Whether at the Little Acorns Day Nursery or main school, boys and girls run into school every day because they feel valued and challenged. Enrichment is at the heart of Hutton Manor School. The curriculum is enhanced through regular events and exposing children to varied fields such as forensic science to journalism and robots! Each term Hutton Manor hosts an off curricular ‘theme day’ to enrich learning, and last term the school chose a Robotics theme as they felt it would be exciting and relevant for the whole school. Children from the ages of 3 – 11 years old took part in a workshop with a ‘humanoid robot’ that moves, talks and teaches like a person. They also learnt a robotics dance and used ‘Google glasses’ which connect to an app. They even made robots in class and entered into a competition to ‘design a robot with purpose’. Shenfield High School attended to show the pupils their ‘Robot Arm’ and Brentwood School talked about how communications like morse code, semaphore and how it has altered how they communicate. The children are very excited that a Brisca F2 stock race car was displayed at the school for them to look at and learn about its engine. Teacher, Mr Ben Varley who put the event together commented “Theme Days like this are great for the children to experience extracurricular bonus material. Having it all brought to them, under one subject allows the children’s learning to come to life”. See for yourself what Hutton Manor has to offer on their upcoming Open Day: Saturday 17th October 2015 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. All welcome, no appointment necessary.
New Head Teacher for Woodlands School, Great Warley
When Katharine Mansfield makes her debut as Head Teacher in September she brings with her experience, excitement and enthusiasm. Mrs Mansfield takes over at Woodlands School, Great Warley following Barbara Harding’s retirement. Mrs Harding has been with the school for 14 years and has taken retirement to spend more time with her husband and family. The Board of Woodlands School decided the best person, without a doubt; to take over from Mrs Harding was Mrs Mansfield. Mrs Mansfield joined the school three years ago as Deputy Head Teacher. Mrs Mansfield had taken maternity leave from a Headship at a Southend School to enjoy her new young family and when she felt the time was right she joined Woodlands as Deputy. Mrs Harding commented “she fitted into the Woodlands Family immediately. Kate is highly qualified, is a family person and her children attend the school. Therefore she views the school as a Head Teacher and as a parent.” Mrs Mansfield is extremely excited about the position and has the advantage of already knowing the staff and pupils very well. She also benefitted from a two term handover with the previous Head. The Chairman of Woodlands commented “Woodlands, Great Warley can look forward to an exciting future.” Previous Head Teacher Mrs Harding commented; “I would like to thank you all for the opportunity to enjoy time with your children, to watch them grow and develop and to share in their delight at their successes. It has been my privilege. I leave you in Mrs Mansfield’s capable hands.” See for yourself what Woodlands School, Great Warley has to offer on their upcoming Open Day: Saturday 10th October 2015 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. All welcome, no appointment necessary.
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 17
BASILDON
Kip McGrath
Tuition for 4-18 year olds. Professional, qualified, specialist teachers in Maths, English, GCSE, 11+, SATs. Mon - Fri after school. Sat from 8am. 12A Barclays Bank Chambers, SS13 3AS. Call Breggie Rautenbach 01268 556700 kmcbasildon@aol.com kipmcgratheducation.co.uk 11+ ENG ICT MAT SAT SEN
BILLERICAY
Kip McGrath
Professional tuition in Maths, English, 11+, other entry exams. From Reception to GCSE. Ofsted registered. For a FREE educational assessment call 01277 621515 www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/billericay 11+ ENG MAT SEN
BRENTWOOD
Kip McGrath
Professional tuition in Maths, English, 11+, other entry exams. From Reception to GCSE. Ofsted Registered. Childcare vouchers accepted. For a FREE educational assessment 01277 200919 www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/brentwood 11+ ENG MAT SEN SAT
CHELMSFORD Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Free trial session 01245 450501 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
TopClass Tutoring
Private tuition for children aged 7-11. All subjects, all abilities. Chelmsford-based. Call Helen Ashdown on 01245 422233 or 0759 5154 821 topclasstutoring.co.uk 11+ ENG ICT LAN MAT SAT SCI SEN
ESSEX
Fleet Tutors
Private tuition in your own home by qualified, experienced, CRB-checked tutors. Call 0845 6445452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk
11+ ENG ICT LAN MAT MUS SAT SCI SEN
HORNCHURCH Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. 35 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TP. 01708 629620 www.explorelearning.co.uk hornchurch@explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
MALDON LAMDA/RADA Speech & Drama Tuition
ROMFORD Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Free trial session 01708 767819 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Free trial session 01702 568808 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
Kip McGrath Southend East
Offers children aged 4-16 years professional tuition for Maths, English, and exam preparation. Phone for a free assessment on 01702 615838 219 Hamstel Rd, SS2 4LB 11+ ENG MAT SAT SCI
Kip McGrath Southend West
Offers children aged 4-16 years professional tuition for Maths, English, and exam preparation. Phone for a free assessment on 01702 557177. 333 London Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2BT 11+ ENG MAT SAT SEN SCI
WITHAM SchoolServe
Educational consultancy offering individual tuition at Centre or home by registered teachers. 01376 502561 or 07751 074616 or 01621 858636 www.schoolserve.info 11+ ENG ICT LAN MAT SAT SCI SEN
WOODFORD GREEN Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Free trial session 020 8090 6716 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
Grades 1–8 Acting, Speech & Drama Examinations Audition Preparation for Drama School. Available for After School Drama Clubs/Workshops. Contact Mark on 01621 850274 or email maldon@theatretrain.co.uk
LAKESIDE Explore Learning
Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Free trial session 01708 869650 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN
11+ 11 PLUS ENG ENGLISH ICT COMPUTING LAN LANGUAGES MAT MATHEMATICS MUS MUSIC SAT SATs SCI SCIENCE SEN SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS 18 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Homework - How to Help at Home
Retired teacher, Judith Smith offers the following tips on ways that parents can help their children with homework. • Check the homework diary/homeschool book first to make sure you know what has to be done. • Try to ensure that homework is done before your child is too tired and perhaps offer a reward {bribe!} when it is completed. • Make sure the room is as quiet as possible with no distractions. • Try to provide a relaxed and stress free and fun environment for you both. When reading with young children, watch out for signs, captions and labels in shops and on TV. Older ones can expand reading through websites and using texts and emails. More reluctant readers will probably enjoy reading comics as short captions are less daunting. Using libraries is very useful for expanding reading skills. • Museums and exhibitions can support topic work for older children. • Schools often run sessions to show parents how something is taught - if they don’t, ask the school to provide them. Most teachers will also see parents after school as long as an appointment has been made. • Be encouraging and praise their work. If you do see mistakes try to pick out one or two spelling mistakes to avoid them feeling that all their work is wrong. • Use the internet. There are many helpful sites and resources for you and your child which can help with homework. Some sites suchas BBC Bitesize make learning fun with games that encourages children to do that little bit more.
LEARNING & EDUCATION
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 19
Aladdin at Queen’s Theatre
Rub the enchanted lamp, make a wish and join us on a magic carpet ride in Aladdin, the Christmas pantomime at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch! Tickets are selling faster than hot mince pies for this traditional festive feast playing from 28 November – 9 January. The whole family can laugh along with hilarious dame Widow Twankey, join in the fun and games with Wishee Washee at the laundry, boo evil Abanazar and be dazzled by the Genie of the Lamp as heroic Aladdin rescues the beautiful princess! Tickets are from £12.50, with great discounts for families and groups. Call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online at queens-theatre.co.uk.
BARKING 20th Oct I Believe in Unicorns
Based on best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s story about Tomas, whose world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. Age: 6yrs+. 2pm. £10. The Broadway. 020 8507 5607
24th Oct Science Blast
An action packed family show with lights, lasers, experiments, explosions and possibly an awful lot of cheese sandwiches! Suitable all ages. 7.30pm. £12. The Broadway. 020 8507 5607
25th Oct My Pet Monster & Me
A big-hearted tale of friendship brought to life with magical songs, music and beautiful poetry. Age: 3-7yrs. 2pm. £9/£8. The Broadway. 020 8507 5607
BASILDON 16th & 17th Oct Coppelia
BARKING
Pantomimes
28th Nov – 3rd Jan Snow White
An enchanted mirror, a wicked queen, a handsome prince, seven dwarfs and a poisoned apple feature in this year’s festive pantomime. Various times/ prices. The Broadway. 020 8507 5607
BASILDON 2nd Dec – 3rd Jan Jack and the Beanstalk
With stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dancers and a full live band. Various times/prices. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465
CHELMSFORD 2nd Dec – 3rd Jan Aladdin
Meet Widow Twankey and the brave Aladdin and hapless Wishee Washee. Help Aladdin steal the heart of a beautiful princess. Various times/ prices. Civic Theatre. 01245 606505
HORNCHURCH
28th Nov – 9th Jan Aladdin
Rub the magic lamp, make a wish and go on a magical carpet ride. Various times/prices. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
SOUTHEND ON SEA 12th Dec – 10th Jan Cinderella
Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph star in a show packed with special effects and family-friendly comedy. Various times/ prices. Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135
THURROCK 4th Dec – 3rd Jan Sleeping Beauty
The tale of a princess who pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep. Various times/ prices. Thameside Theatre 0845 3005264
COLCHESTER 5th Dec – 11th Jan Cinderella
Can Baroness Evilla be defeated? Does Cinderella’s slipper size up? Will Buttons get those wings? Various times/prices. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948
20 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Presented by the Vienna Festival Ballet. 7.30pm. Various prices. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465
23rd & 24th Oct The Wizard of Oz
Performed by La Danse Fantastique, performing arts for children of all abilities. 7.30pm. Various prices. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465
30th Oct Singalonga Disney’s Frozen
With live singalong host and a magic moments fun pack. Dress up as your favourite Frozen character. 11am/3pm. Various prices. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465
1st Nov The Basil Brush Show
11th Oct The Hollywood Special Effects Show
An interactive and explosive family show that goes behind the scenes of your favourite films to discover the secrets of creating movie magic. 6pm. Civic Theatre 01245 606505
20th – 24th Oct Horrible Histories
Meet the Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders. Age: 5yrs+. Various times/ prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505
27th & 28th Oct Dinosaur Zoo
Introducing the Tyrannosaurus Rex… dare to get up close and personal! Age: 3yrs+. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505
COLCHESTER 10th Oct Sing!
Professional singer and songwriter Nick Cope sings about monkeys, bears, socks and mud. Age: 0-8yrs. 2pm. £4.95. Arts Centre 01206 500900
24th Oct Tour de France
When Billie and JoJo’s bicycles crash, they can no longer explore France. When they discover Albert the crazy inventor’s magical workshop, they create imaginary adventures. Age: 4-7yrs. Workshop: 11.30am; Show: 2pm. Workshop and Show: £8. Arts Centre 01206 500900
27th – 31st Oct Not Now, Bernard & Other Monster Stories
See the legendary Basil Brush in this adapted theatre production. After show Meet & Greet - have a “Selfie” taken with Basil. 11am/2.30pm. Various prices. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465
David McKee’s much-loved Not Now, Bernard is joined by two of his other funny (and not too scary) monster stories. Age: 3-8yrs. 11am & 2pm. £8.50 adult / £6.50 child. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948
CHELMSFORD
7th Nov Mr Tiger Goes Wild
25th & 26th Sept How the Koala Learnt to Hug
Koalas are the cuddliest critters but just how did they learn to hug? Age: 3yrs+. Various times/prices. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505
10th Oct Cinderella
Presented by Ballet Cymru. 2.30pm/7pm. Civic Theatre 01245 606505
Join Mr Tiger on a musical adventure full of fun and laughter as he journeys from the city to the jungle. Age: 3yrs+. 11am/2pm. £4.95. Arts Centre 01206 500900
21st Nov Old Mother Hubbard
A dotty old woman takes you on a nursery rhyme journey as she clatters about in her kitchen with her dancing dog. Age: 3-7yrs. 2pm. £4.95. Arts Centre 01206 500900
PANTO FEATURE
Aladdin At Civic Theatre LONDON 14th Sept – 4th Oct Breaking the Ice
HORNCHURCH 19th Sept Monty and Mirabella
Enter Monty and Mirabella’s exciting storybook world in a vibrant show bursting with dance, mime, music and slapstick. But look out for naughty birds, angry worms and a cheeky tango! 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
3rd Oct Supersonic Science Show
Experiments include levitating gold, a giant bubble, dragon’s breath, glowing gherkins, sparks and lightning. Age: 7-12yrs. 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
17th Oct Ali Cardabra
Join Wizard Stonering in a fun magic show. Age: 4-8yrs. 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
Have you heard the incredible true story of a wild polar bear who made friends with a Husky? Be part of Team Polar Bear or Team Husky and watch as the animals learn to play together. Age: 2 – 5yrs. Various times/prices. Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560
3rd Nov – 24th Dec Baddies: The Musical
Step into the real lives of fairytales’ most villainous characters in this entertaining new musical with live music onstage. Age: 6yrs+. Various times/prices. Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560
18th Nov – 3rd Jan The Snow Child
A man and wife long for a child of their own. So one cold, white winter’s day, they sculpt a daughter out of snow and something magical and extraordinary happens. Age: 3yrs+. Various times/ prices. Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
28th Oct Comedy Club 4 Kids!
17th Oct The Arabian Nights
The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits! Age: 6yrs+. 1pm. £7.50. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
Meet Sheherazade, who has a feast of adventures to tell involving genies, villains, heroes and princesses. Age: 5yrs+. 1.30pm/3.30pm. £9.50. Palace Theatre 01702 351135
31st Oct Nicky Trix Halloween Show
23rd – 25th Oct Hetty Feather
Mind-boggling illusions, amazing balloon sculptures and party games. 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
2nd Nov The Nutcracker
Moscow Ballet La Classique present this classic ballet. 4pm/7.30pm. Various prices. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought to life with an original musical score, plus circus skills! Age: 7yrs+. Various times/prices. Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135
25th Oct The Hollywood Special Effects Show
9th Nov Shakespeare Schools Festival
Local schools perform several Shakespeare plays. 7pm. Various prices. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
An interactive and explosive family show that goes behind the scenes of your favourite films to discover the secrets of creating movie magic. 2.30pm/7pm. Various prices. Palace Theatre 01702 351135
14th Nov Crazy Legs - Christmas Show
27th Oct I Believe in Unicorns
Bubble, snow, magic and Mr Lion, plus beat-boxing and breakdancing! 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre 01708 443333
Wednesday 2 December – Sunday 3 January Aladdin, the magical family pantomime, flies into Chelmsford Civic Theatre in association with One From The Heart from Wednesday 2 December 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016. Audiences are invited to join in an adventure of a lifetime with the traditional family pantomime. All the stops have been pulled out to take the people of Essex on a thrilling, mystical, magical carpet ride to lands far away in an adventure the whole family can enjoy. The public will be able to meet the incredible Genie; the larger than life Widow Twankey, and sons: the brave Aladdin and hapless Wishee Washee, and play a part in helping Aladdin steal the heart of the beautiful princess whilst fending off the evil Abanazer. The people of Essex will not want to miss out on their chance to see this timeless, classic pantomime with outstanding singalong songs, glitzy costumes, hilarious jokes and amazing dance routines - all that audiences have come to expect from pantomimes at Chelmsford Civic Theatre. Tickets: £21.00 Concessions: £18.00 Family: £68.00 (cannot be used in conjunction with group rate) Under 2 Years: Free Groups over 10: £18.00 plus 1 in 10 free Schools: £11.00 plus 1 in 10 free Sun 6 Dec at 6pm – All seats £15.00 A £1.50 transaction fee is applicable per booking, except for cash and debit card payments made in person or by telephone. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/aladdin
A story about the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. 1.30pm/3.30pm. Various prices. Palace Theatre 01702 351135
28th Oct Hello Kitty Live
A story of talent, friendship and a passion for creativity combined with fantastic fashion and costumes. 11am/2.30pm. Various prices. Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 21
Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Fort is a mid Victorian fort built between 1861 – 1874 to defend the River Thames and London from Napoleon III and continued to be manned by both the Army and Royal Navy until 1962 when it was handed over to Thurrock Council. From 1983 it has been operated and maintained by the Coalhouse Fort Project to preserve and develop it for future generations. It is open on the last Sunday of each month and Bank Holidays from March – November each year with a number of special events. There is an aircraft museum with WW2 aircraft relics and their histories plus the military museum covering fort army and navy history over the past 150 years plus a 38 ton Victorian RML replica gun. For more information visit www.coalhouse.co.uk or visit their facebook page.
Free pumpkins & more at Barleylands
The Epping Ongar Railway is a lovely and friendly place to take the children. Whatever day you visit the railway will offer the chance to experience how train travel might have been 50 years ago with a relaxing backdrop of the Essex countryside. However, in addition to its main running days on weekends, the volunteers at the EOR really go to town with its full-sized Ghost Train for Halloween and follows this in December with its Santa Specials. These have been sell-out successes so you are urged to get your tickets early! On both the Ghost Train and Santa Specials, the Railway runs buses direct from Epping Underground Station – but remember that these are heritage buses meaning this is very much part of your day out. On its standard running weekends (until 1 November 2015) there are buses from Shenfield Station and Epping Station. In addition there is good parking available at Ongar a short walk from the station as well as at Epping Underground Station. visit: www.eorailway.co.uk for more information. 22 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
From 26th to 30th October join in spooky half term fun in the Barleylands Farm Park. Every visiting child will receive a FREE pumpkin plus there are extra activities galore including a pumpkin trail, pumpkin carving and biscuit decorating. Make sure to visit all the snakes and creepy crawlies in the Reptile House too! Halloween Spooky Night returns after dark on 30th & 31st October with new attractions including a double decker ghost train ride, and on 1st & 6th November there’ll be special Toddler Firework Evenings full of colourful, low noise fireworks. Barleylands is in Billericay, CM11 2UD. Tel: 01268 532253. For further details visit www.barleylands.co.uk
SPOOKY SPECIAL FEATURE
An unearthly Halloween at Hylands
All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream On Saturday 31st October, you’re invited to Hylands House and Gardens for two eerie events; a mini monster’s adventure in the misty outdoors and a grown-up’s gathering, firmly behind locked doors. The Hallows’ Day event, for smaller children (and accompanying adults) starts at 4pm with a fantastical array of themed entertainment, rides and activities on the Back Lawn, a lantern-lit trail of tricks and treats in the disPleasure Gardens and an unnervingly immersive tour of the House. This special Hallows’ Day ends with a wonderful firework display. Then Hallows’ Eve, for a limited number of adults (and big kids) begins at 8pm and takes place entirely inside abandoned rooms of Hylands House. Behind each door is something unsettling, unpleasant or plain peculiar as dozens of characters take your hand, attached or not, on a tour of the darkest parts of this building and your soul. This unique Hallows’ Eve gathering has a late demise with a Disco of the Dead included. Both events will serve-up weird walkabout performances, creative hands-on workshops, fearless fire shows and phantasmagorical face-painting. The finest caterers will tantalise and delight your taste buds with their food and drink, including alcohol for adults only. Young and old, the alive and kicking, the dead and undead, are all invited to dress-up according to the Halloween tradition delightfully dedicated to the departed and there will be awards for the best. Tickets for Halloween at Hylands are on sale now - from £10 for the Hallows’ Day and from £13 for the Hallows’ Eve and can be purchased via www.chelmsford.gov.uk/allhallowseve or on 01245 606505. There are also limited VIP tickets available for exclusive activity at Hallows’ Eve. Keep up-to-date with the event and like Halloween at Hylands on Facebook or follow @CultEventsTeam on Twitter.
Teeny Halloweeny
Fancy dress, face paint, pumpkins and lots of treats. Halloween is simply gore-some for kids in Essex! Your little monsters will have a frightfully good time at these freaky, but family-friendly, events. Climb aboard the Southend Pier Ghost Train (24 Oct, 31 Oct & 7 Nov) and enjoy spooky stories acted out at the end of the Pier. Plus there’s face painting, fireworks, Halloween-themed refreshments and more. Halloween gets horribly exciting over at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, with a gruesome series of experiments in Dr Gore’s Mad Lab (24 Oct – 1 Nov). Transform yourself into a witch, monster or other spooky character by making masks and hats before getting messy, creating ooey-gooey monster slime and freaky monster skin. Then discover grimly fiendish stuff in the nerve-jangling feely boxes. If you are feeling really brave the Gunpowder Mills also needs ghost busters to clear the Tower of Doom of monsters and ghouls. There are thrills and chills down on the farm at Barleylands, Billericay (30-31 Oct). As the doors of the Boo Barn creak open, dare you walk the Spooky Walk, join in gruesome games or take the toddler ghost train?! For gentler souls there are fairground rides, trick or treat around the Craft Village and more. The Nutty Professor’s Halloween Disaster Trail (31 Oct) at High Woods Country Park in Colchester will take you on a nocturnal escapade to find escaped zombies and the secret formula to save the world! Recover your composure with hot soup and a roll at the Visitor Centre when you finish. In the wonderfully atmospheric Saffron Walden Museum, there’s a performance of Oscar Wilde’s much-loved ‘The Canterville Ghost’ story (29 Oct). Ideal for children aged 5+ and their families, don’t forget to dress up and bring a torch to explore the museum afterwards! For more information about these and other Halloween events, click on www.visitessex.com/events
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 23
Spooky Special Halloween Events
Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
Halloween Trail Self-guided trail around the creepy woods solving puzzles and finding clues, then claim a prize. Age 3-12yrs. 10am-3pm. £4. Weald Country Park. www.visitparks.co.uk 0845 6037 624.
Tue 27 Oct
Spooky Lantern Making Bring a wide-topped glass jar and turn it into a spooky lantern. Age: 6yrs+.11.30am1pm and 2-3.30pm. £6 child/lantern. Visitor Centre, Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261343. www.visitparks.co.uk
Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
Booking Essential
Quiz Trail
Wed 28 Oct
A pumpkin themed quiz trail. 50p. Chelmsford Museum, CM2 9AQ. 01245 605700. www.chelsmford.gov.uk/museums Sat 24 Oct/ Sat 31 Oct/ Sat 7 Nov
Ghost Train Climb aboard the Ghost Train, plus spooky stories, face painting and fireworks. 6.308.30pm. Adult: £8, child: £5. Southend Pier. www.visitsouthend.co.uk Sun 25 Oct
Zombie Walk Best Dressed Zombie competition, followed by a horror movie (suitable for adults and children). 3-6pm. Southend Pier. www.visitsouthend.co.uk. Free entry to all dressed up Zombies Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct
Pumpkinfest Free pumpkins for all children, pumpkin carving, snakes and creepy crawlies, biscuit decorating, pumpkin trail. 10am – 4.30pm. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk. Mon 26 Oct
Hallowe’en Horrors Hunt for all things creepy before it gets dark.... Age: 4 – 8 yrs, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/ hanningfield-reservoir
Lantern Making Bring a wide-topped jar and make a spooky Halloween lantern. 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. £5 per lantern/ child. Belhus Woods, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ. 01708 865628
Booking Essential Wed 28 Oct
Halloween Masks All ages. 10am – 4pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150. www.essex.police.uk/museum Wed 28 Oct
Creepy Clay Pumpkins Make a creepy clay pumpkin for Halloween. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. £5 for 1 adult + 1 child; 2nd child £3. Chelmsford Museum, CM2 9AQ. 01245 605700.
Booking Essential Thur 29 Oct
Vampire Bat Hunt Spot the bats and earn a prize. Come in Hallowe’en costume. Age: 3-8yrs. 10.30am2.30pm. £4. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. http://hadleigh-park.co.uk/events/ Thur 29 Oct
Wild & Spooky Play Day
Tue 27 Oct
Monster mud play, creepy crawly hunting, and conker creations. Accompanied children only. 11am - 3pm. Child (3yrs+): £3.50, under 3s: £2. RSPB Bowers Marsh, Basildon, SS13 2HG. 01268 498620 www.rspb.org.uk/southessex
Halloween Crafts
Thur 29 Oct
Booking Essential
Create scary craft. 10-11am / 12-1pm / 2-3pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, RM16 6RG. Tue 27 Oct
All Things Spooky Halloween and nature inspired activities. Age: 6 – 11yrs, must be accompanied. 5-7pm. £5. The Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, IG7 6DP. www.essexwt.org.uk
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Pumpkin Carving From jack-o-lanterns to spooky faces, learn how to create a design which will impress any trick or treaters! Prizes for best-carved designs. 10am–3pm. £5 pumpkin and T-light, plus free drink; £3.95 bring your own pumpkin. The View, Epping Forest. 020 7332 1911.
Booking Essential
Thur 29 Oct
Halloween in the Park Spooky Halloween themed activities and crafts. Come dressed in your best scary outfit! Age: 5-13yrs, must be accompanied. 10am - 12pm / 1.30-3.30pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, RM4 1QH.
Booking Essential Thur 29 Oct
Vampire Bat Hunt Follow the trail and see how many you can spot to earn yourself a prize. Start any time from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Age: 3 to 8yrs. £4. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. 01702 551072 Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct
Spooky Night Fairground rides, snakes and creepy crawlies, disco, safe trick or treating. 6.30 9pm. £9.50. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253. www.barleylands.co.uk Fri 30 & Sat 31 Oct
“Steam and Scream!” Full-size ghost train, plus fancy dress competition and entertainment. Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. www.eorailway.co.uk
Booking Essential Fri 30 Oct
Halloween Evening Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB. 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk
Fri 30 Oct
Howling Halloween Come dressed up and bring a carved pumpkin to enter into the competition. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6-9pm. £6. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, RM4 1QH.
Booking Essential Fri 30 Oct
Halloween Trail Come in costume and collect a prize at the end. 10.30am. £4. Pavilion Café, Thorndon Country Park South, CM13 3LW.
Booking Essential Sat 31 Oct
Halloween Children’s activities. Adult £5; Child (5 to 15yrs) £2, under 4s free. Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford near Maldon, CM9 6QA. www.museumofpower.org.uk
Thur 29 Oct
Sat 31 Oct
Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin Carving
Hollow out and carve a pumpkin. 11am12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm. £5 per child/ pumpkin. Belhus Woods, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ. 01708 865628
10am-3pm. RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford. www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall
Booking Essential
SPOOKY SPECIAL FEATURE
Join the spooky fun in Essex Country Parks
The leaves are changing colour, the nights are starting to draw in and the days are beginning to feel a little fresh. Autumn is the season of mellow fruitfulness, and now is the time to explore Essex Country Parks for the berries, seeds and nuts from the trees and hedgerows. Enjoy the crisp air, kick that pile of leaves into the air, and let your imagination run with the spooky activities that Essex Country Parks has prepared. Traditional family fun is to be had at the Halloween Trails at Belhus Woods and Thorndon Country Park where you can guide yourself through the woods with Halloween hokum and riddles to solve. There will be plenty of scary surprises on offer at the other Essex Country Parks too, including pumpkin carving at Belhus Woods and a Creepy Crawlies Trail at Thorndon Country Park. The Essex Country Parks website has all the details at www.visitparks.co.uk The popular Spooky Fun event returns to Cressing Temple Barns on 28, 29, 30 October. Join the ghost trail, ghostly arts and crafts and pumpkin throwing in this spooktastic seasonal fun. Become a #CountryParkExplorer and win a prize Post a picture of your fun day out at an Essex Country Park on social media and you could win an Essex Country Parks six-month car park season ticket. All you have to do is post a photo on one of their Twitter or Facebook pages using the hashtag #CountryParkExplorer and then the hashtag of the park where the picture was taken: #Danbury, #Weald, #BelhusWoods, #Thorndon, #GreatNotley, #CudmoreGrove, #CressingTemple, #MarshFarm. Wild Wednesdays Wild Wednesday is a free event for the whole family to enjoy every Wednesday during school holidays between 11am-2pm at Danbury Country Park. It’s all about adventure and getting close to nature. Activities include mud kitchen, building den, nature trails, pond dipping, natural crafts, tree climbing, splashing in puddles, kicking leaves, finding fish and much more. To find out about all the amazing events at Essex County Parks, visit www.visitparks.co.uk
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26 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Sat 3 Oct – Sat 14 Nov Southend Firework Spectacular
Watch the spectacular fireworks over the seafront. 7.30pm. Southend Seafront. www.visitsouthend.co.uk
Sat 31 Oct Fireworks
Barbeque and refreshments available. Doors open 6pm, fireworks approx 7pm. £5 (under 5’s free). Heycroft Primary School, Leigh on Sea. Free parking at Morrison’s, Western Approaches.
Sun 1 & Fri 6 Nov Toddler Firework Evening
Low noise fireworks for little ones plus fairground rides (at extra cost). 5 - 7pm (fireworks 6pm). £6/adult, £3.75/ child (buy online). Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253. www.barleylands.co.uk.
Thur 5 Nov Braintree Rugby Club Fireworks
Fair, BBQ, Funky Voices Community Choir, firework display. Gates open 5.30pm. Choir 7pm. Bonfire 7.45pm, fireworks 8pm. £6/£4. Beckers Green Road. 01376 323296
Fri 6 Nov Fireworks Display
Plus BBQ and Christmas stalls. Doors open 3.30, fireworks 5pm. Engaines Primary School, Little Clacton, CO16 9PH. Entry £5 per adult + 1 free place per Engaines Pupil with each paying adult.
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Nov Guy Fawkes Festival
Gunpowder plot story, craft activities and ‘Ghost of Guy Fawkes’ children’s play, plus 15 minute firework display. Gates open 2pm; fireworks 7pm. Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY.
Sat 7 Nov Fireworks Night
Firework display and bonfire. Maldon Promenade Park, CM9 5JQ (Mill Road entrance CM9 5HX). 01621 856503
Sat 7 Nov Firework Display & Bonfire
6-9pm. £5 (16yrs+); £4 (3 – 15yrs); under 3s free. Belchamps Scout Activity Centre, Hawkwell, SS5 4JD
Sat 7 Nov Fireworks Display
Includes live roadshow, food and drink. Kids display at 6.15pm. Lake Meadows Park, Billericay. Advance tickets available at www.billericayfireworks.co.uk
Sat 7 Nov Fireworks Night
Watch the surrounding firework displays from the rooftop area. Café will be open. 6-9pm. Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0RN
A hot and spicy chilli - perfect for bonfire night with friends & family
Serves: 6 - 8 (double the ingredients to make for a bigger party, plus you can freeze the left overs!) Time: 50 minutes Ingredients • ½ tbsp oil • 400g lean beef mince • 2 onions, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 800g (2 cans) of chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 1 tsp chilli powder • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp coriander • 1 red pepper, chopped • 1 can of kidney beans • 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional – sounds odd but does enhance the sauce to make it even more scrumptious) Method Brown the mince over a gentle heat, stirring to stop it from sticking. Add the onion and garlic to the mince and cook for two to three minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, spices and cocoa powder (optional). Bring the sauce to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the chopped pepper and simmer for five minutes. Add the drained kidney beans and simmer for another five minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste Serving suggestions: Oven baked potatoes, rice, tortilla chips or fill a tortilla wrap and cover with tin foil to avoid hot chilli leaking out.
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Diary Dates
Use our comprehensive list of events to ensure your family time is packed full of fun this Autumn.
Thur 17 – Sat 26 Rochford Art Trail Part of Essex Summer of Art. Start the trail from the Library and follow around Rochford. Rochford Library, SS4 1PX. 0845 037 628. www.essex.gov.uk/libraries
Free Event
Thur 17 Elf and Fairy Imagine what it would be like to be a fairy or elf during a fun storytelling session. Age: 0-5yrs. 10.15–11.15am. £4.95 (babes in arms free). The View, Epping Forest. 020 7332 1911 BE
Fri 18 Family Bat Walk Use bat detectors. Suitable for families. 6-8pm. £6/pp. Visitor Centre, Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261343. www.visitparks.co.uk.
BE
Fri 18 Family Bat Walk Join the Rangers looking for bats using bat detectors. Bring a torch. 7:30-9:30pm. £6. Visitor Centre Weald Country Park, Brentwood.
Sat 19 Campfire Storytelling Campfire with marshmallows, soup, hot chocolate and stories. Suitable for families. 5-7pm and 6-8pm. £5/pp. Belhus Woods, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ. 01708 865628 BE
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Sat 19 & Sun 20
Thur 24 – Sun 27
Fayre Times Festival
Stevens Fun Fair
A celebration of history, folklore and fantasy. Plus Knights school and archery competition. Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY
Traditional fun fair. Thur & Fri 6-10.30pm, Sat 2-11pm, Sun 4-10pm. Firework display at approx. 7pm. Riverside Park, Burnham on Crouch, CM0 8HS. 01621 856503. Free Entry
Sat 19 & Sun 20
Sat 26 & Sun 27
Open House Junior
Countryside Live
Fun architectural activities and exploration trails for families, across different venues in London. Age: 5-11 www.openhouselondon.org.uk/junior/
Free Event
Arena displays, falconry, sheep dogs, traditional countryside activities. Food and drink. 10am-5pm. Adult: £5, children free. Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes, London E10 7QL.
Sat 19
Sat 26
Maldon Regatta
Nature Club
Including sailing, rowing, sail parade, duck race, stalls and musical entertainment. Maldon Hythe Quay www.maldonregatta.co.uk
A monthly nature club. Age: 7-11yrs. 10am-12pm. £3. Danbury Country Park, CM3 4AW. 01245 222350
Free Event
Sat 19 175th Birthday Celebrate 175 years of Essex Police with cream teas, a photo booth, cars, dogs and more! All ages. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. www.essex.police.uk/museum.
Sat 26 Burnham Illuminated Carnival Procession Burnham High Street. Details to follow. www.burnham-carnival.co.uk
Free Event
Sun 27 Open Day
2-4pm. Adult entry £2, children free. Hylands School, Hatfield Grove, Chelmsford, CM1 3DF
A chance to view this fine example of mid-Victorian military architecture. With tea room and play area. 11am-5pm. £4 adults, £3 concessions, 50p child (5-16 yrs). Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB. 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk
Sun 20
Sun 27
Free Event
Sat 19 Nearly New Sale
Classic Car Festival Classic cars & bikes, vintage clothing, food & drink, family entertainment. Dunton Technical Centre, SS16 6EE
Mon 21 – Sun 27 Go Yellow Get your school to show their support for the Essex Air Ambulance by taking part in ‘Go Yellow’ during National Air Ambulance Week from 21st to 27th September. Anything goes, from yellow dress down day to yellow cake sales! All across Essex. Register for free on 0345 2417 690 or at www.essexairambulance.uk.com
NCT Nearly New Sale High quality baby and children’s clothing, toys, books, nursery equipment. 10.30am-12pm. £1.50 entry. Brentwood School Sports Centre, CM15 8EE. www.nct.org.uk/brentwood
Sun 27 Science Discovery Day Plus a special astrodome! 10am – 5pm. Free entry (£2 charge for astrodome). Sandford Mill, CM2 6NY.
Sun 27
Sun 4
Thur 15
Animal Tracks & Signs
Fungi Walk
Pumpkins and Apples
Look for evidence of animals from the tracks they leave and feeding signs. Age: 7yrs+. 10:30am - 12:30pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH
Guided walk learning about fungi. Suitable for families. No dogs please. 2.30-4.30pm. £4. Visitor Centre, Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261343. www.visitparks.co.uk. BE
Interactive storytelling and rhymes. Plus pumpkin and apple craft activities. Age: 2-5yrs. 10.15-11.15am. £4.95 per child (babes in arms free). 020 7332 1911. The View, Epping Forest. BE
Wed 30
Sun 4
Happy’s Circus
Steam Day & Model Exhibition
Plus pizza, face painting, ice-creams. Gates open 5pm, show starts 6pm. £8. St. Margaret’s Primary School, Basildon, SS13 2DU. Contact 01268 552176. fosms.stmargarets@gmail.com
Display of model railway layouts and boats. See the giant pumping engine in steam plus miniature steam train rides (£1). Model village open, plus museum and tearoom. Adults £5, Seniors £4, children (5-15yrs) £2. Gates open 10am. Museum of Power, Langford near Maldon, CM9 6QA. www.museumofpower.org.uk
Sun 4 Iron Age Roundhouse Explore the replica Iron Age roundhouse and learn how ancestors lived 2000 years ago. 1-4pm. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP.
Free Event
Thur 8 Little Sherlock Holmes
Sat 3 Oct – Sun 29 (Nov) The Sorrell Exhibition Featuring the art works of the Sorrell family. Chelmsford Museum, CM2 9AQ. Free Event
Sat 3 Jumble Sale Clothes, toys, books, bric-a-brac. 10am12pm. Entry: 20p. South Green Memorial Hall, Billericay, CM11 2PR.
Sat 3 Art Event Tudor food displays, plus take home your own pastel ‘still life’. Suitable all ages. 1–4pm. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Epping. 020 7332 1911. Free Event
Sat 3 Red Deer Walk A guided walk, learning about the types of deer. Age: 7yrs+. 1:30 - 3:30pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atte-Bower, RM4 1QH. BE
Rhyme, stories, trails plus craft activity. Age: 2 -4 yrs. 10 -10.45am / 11.30am -12.15pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150. www.essex.police.uk/museum
Sat 10 Sloe Foraging Walk Join a ranger in search of ripe sloe and haw berries. Suitable for families. 122pm. £4. Visitor Centre, Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261343. www.visitparks.co.uk BE
Sat 10 King Harold Day Living history, re-enactments, crafts and music. Waltham Abbey, EN9 1XQ. www.kingharoldday.co.uk
Sat 17 & Sun 18 The Big Draw Drawing in and around The Temple. All ages and abilities welcome. 11am– 3pm. The Temple, Wanstead Park. 020 7332 1911. Free Event
Sat 17 NCT Nearly New Sale Good quality baby to teens clothes, toys, books and nursery equipment. £2. Members: 12.30pm. non-members: 1pm. St John Payne School, Chelmsford. 01245 201121. nctsalechelmsford@ gmail.com. www.nct.org.uk/nns
Sat 17 Plagues, Pepys & Parliament Discover the dangers experienced by people in Stuart times. Age: 5-12yrs. 9.30am-2.30pm. £5. Grays Adult Education Centre, RM17 6DN. 01375 372476. BE
Sat 17 Apple Day Lots of fun and local produce. Full details to be announced, Lathcoats Farm , Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 8LY. 01245 353021 www.eapples.co.uk Free Event
Sun 18 Fungi Walk Learn to identify fungi. Suitable for families. 2-4pm. £5. Belhus Woods, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ. 01708 865628
BE
Sat 10 Allotment Club Learn how to plant seeds. Suitable all ages. Lakes Car Park at 10am. Bring a trowel and gardening gloves. Danbury Country Park, CM3 4AW. 01245 222350
Sun 11 Open Day Bus and coach display, military, emergency services and motor cycles. Plus stalls and food. 10am-4.30pm. Adults: £6, Children & OAPs £4, Family Ticket £15. Canvey Island Transport Museum, 105 Point Road, SS8 7TD.
KEY TO DIARY DATES:
BE = Booking Essential Free Event = No charge To the best of our knowledge this information is correct at the time of going to press. To avoid disappointment, please check with the event holder before setting off. If you are holding an event for families and would like to include it in our next issue, please email the details to: diarydates@kidaround.biz
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 29
Sun 18
Mon 26 – Fri 30
Wed 28
Apple Day
Theatre Workshop
Family Bike Ride
Craft tables, local apples and juice to buy, plus children’s activities. 10am 4pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, RM4 1QH.
Illustrator Frances Barry will help you create your own story in a quintessential magical setting. 11.15, 12.30, 2.30, 3.45 (Wed 28 October 11.00, 12.15, 2.00). £5 (with parent/ carer) Ages 5–12. Museum of Childhood, London. 020 8983 5205. www. vam.ac.uk/moc
Suitable for families with children age 10+ (must be accompanied). 2-5pm. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. Bike hire available - 01702 551076. http://hadleigh-park.co.uk/events/
Wed 21 Astronomy Night Look at the night sky (weather permitting). Age: 5yrs+, must be accompanied. 6-8pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4LR. www.essexwt.org.uk
Sat 24 Model Railway Club Working layouts, trade stands and refreshments. 10am - 4.30pm. Adult: £4.50, Senior: £4, Child: £2, under 5s free. Free exhibition guide and parking. St.John Payne School, Patching Hall Lane, CM1 4BS. www.chelmsford-and-district-mrc.webs.com
Sat 24 Nearly New Sale 10am-12pm. Adult entry £2, children free. Mayflower High School, Stock Road, Billericay, CM12 0RT
Sat 24 Nature Club A monthly nature club. Age: 7-11yrs. 10am-12pm. £3. Danbury Country Park, CM3 4AW. 01245 222350
Sun 25 Antique Fair Wide range of antiques and collectables. Tearoom and miniature steam train rides (£1). Adult £2.50, children free. Doors open 10am. Museum of Power, Langford near Maldon, CM9 6QA. www. museumofpower.org.uk
Mon 26 Autumn Monday Funday Create Autumn art using nature. Children must be accompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, RM4 1QH. BE
Mon 26 – Fri 30 Can You, Can’t You? Have you been told you can’t do something but found you can? Mr Gerald, the bow tie giraffe, would love to hear about your experiences and ideas. Drop-in. All ages. 11am-4pm. Museum of Childhood, London. 020 8983 5205. www.vam.ac.uk/moc.
Mon 26 & Wed 28 Explore and Draw
30 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Help a Hedgehog Help to make gardens more hedgehog friendly. Plus competitions and crafts. Age: 0-7yrs. 2-4pm. £5. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh-OnSea, SS9 4LR. BE
Thur 29 Beastly Bug Detectives Discover some of the deadliest bugs. Plus crafts. Fancy dress welcome. Age: 5-13yrs. 10am-4pm. £2. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon, SS16 6EB.
Go to p24 for Halloween events
Toy Stories
Tue 27
Visit a life-size boat, play interactive boat games, design a boat, plus competition. 10am – 4:30pm. Bank of England Museum, London EC2R 8AH. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum 020 7601 5545. Free Event
Thur 29
Tue 27 & Thur 29-Fri 30
Awesome Ants!
The Big Draw – Join the Fleet!
Den building, camp fire and whittling. Age: 5-11yrs, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon, SS16 6EB.BE
Fri 30
Sun 25
Mon 26 - Fri 30
Bushcraft
Join illustrator Salvatore Rubbino, author of ‘A Walk in London’ and find out what makes the capital so special. Ages 5–12. 10.30, 11.45, 14.00, 15.15. £5 (with parent/carer). Museum of Childhood, London. 020 8983 5205. www.vam.ac.uk/moc.
Work with illustrator Heidi Deedman to create your own book and story inspired by toys from the collection. 10.30, 11.45, 14.00, 15.15. £5 (with parent/carer). Ages 5–12. Museum of Childhood, London. 020 8983 5205. www.vam.ac.uk/moc
See ants in action; ant quiz and activities; plus make an ant to take home. 12-3pm. £1 (under 3s free). The View, Epping Forest. 020 7332 1911.
Wed 28
Pond Dipping Learn about pond wildlife. Suitable all ages. £5. Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0RN. www.essexwt.org.uk
Horrendous History Find out about bog bodies and the disgusting things people kept in their houses! Age: 7-11yrs. 10am / 2pm. £4. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. 0845 603 7624 www.hadleigh-park.co.uk/events/
BE
Throughout November Santa Specials Pre Book your tickets in November Travel by train to see Santa in his grotto. Tickets must be pre-booked. Event dates : Sat 5 & Sun 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 24, 26 & 27 Dec Mangapps Railway Museum, Burnham on Crouch, CM0 8QG
Sun 1 & Sun 22
Sat 14
Sat 21
Iron Age Roundhouse
Campfire Storytelling
Sights & Sounds of Autumn
Explore the replica Iron Age roundhouse and learn how ancestors lived 2000 years ago. 1-4pm. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP.
Campfire with marshmallows, soup, hot chocolate and stories. Suitable for families. 4-6pm and 6-8pm. £5/pp. Belhus Woods, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ. 01708 865628 BE
Including crafts and stories. Age: 4 – 8yrs, must be supervised. 10am-12pm. £5. The Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, IG7 6DP. www.essexwt.org.uk
Free Event
Go to p27 for Firework Displays
Fri 6 Lantern Walk Make a colourful lantern then join a lantern-lit procession to the Castle and back. Age: 3yrs+. 5.30pm. £4. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. 0845 603 7624. http://hadleigh-park.co.uk/events/ BE
Sat 7 Allotment Club Learn how to plant seeds. Suitable all ages. Lakes Car Park at 10am. Bring a trowel and gardening gloves. Danbury Country Park, CM3 4AW. 01245 222350
Sun 8 ‘Steampunk’ Exhibition of Steampunk art, music, craft market, theatre, Burlesque and family entertainment. 10am. Adult: £5, Senior: £4, children (5 -15yrs) £2, under 5s free. ‘Astaria’ Museum of Power, CM9 6QA. www.museumofpower.org.uk
Thur 12 ‘Help’ Rhyme, stories, trails plus craft activity. Age: 2 -4 yrs. 10 -10.45am / 11.30am - 12.15pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Craft Village Festive Fair Christmas gifts plus family fun. 10am - 4pm. Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253. www.barleylands.co.uk.
Sat 14 Campfire and Night Ramble Walk with the Rangers searching for moths, then settle down for a story by the campfire. Suitable for families. 5.307pm and 6.30-8pm. £6. Visitor Centre, Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261 343. www.visitparks.co.uk BE
Free Entry
Sat 14
Sun 22 Giant Bazaar
2-4pm. Adult entry £2, children free. Hylands School, Hatfield Grove, Chelmsford, CM1 3DF
IAO Gt Ormond St. Father Christmas, gift stalls, games and crafts, face painting, balloonist. 10am-3pm. Hannikins Farm Hall, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 OSY.
Sat 14
Fri 27 & Sat 28
Nearly New Sale
Christmas Lights Switch-On Southend town centre. www. visitsouthend.co.uk Free Entry
Sat 14 Lord Mayor’s Show Face painters will transform young visitors into the well-known characters from ‘Wind in the Willows’. 11am – 5pm. Bank of England Museum, London EC2R 8AH. 020 7601 5545. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum Free Event
Thur 19 Kings and Queens Royal rhymes and storytelling (incl. refreshments). Age: 2-5yrs. 10.1511.15am. £4.95 (babes in arms free). The View, Chingford. 020 7332 1911. BE
Sat 21
Christmas Fair All ages. 10am – 2pm (Fri); 10am4pm (Sat). Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum.
Free Event
Fri 27 Night of the Lights Christmas lights switch-on. 5-8pm. Town centre, Leigh on Sea. www.visitsouthend.co.uk
Sat 28 & Sun 29 Santa On The Pier Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift; colouring competition; plus train ride. 10am-4pm. £8/child. Southend Pier. www.visitsouthend.co.uk BE
Nearly New Sale
Sat 28
Top quality children’s and babies clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices.12.30-3pm (members early entry 12pm). St.Thomas More School, SS0 0BW.mFacebook – southend NCT or contact nns.southend@nct.org.uk
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sat 21 Astronomy Open Evening What does a galaxy look like? Event will run only if skies are clear. 5.30 – 7.30pm. Chapel Lane car park, Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk/events/
Free Event
Sat 21 Nature Club A monthly nature club. Age: 7-11yrs. 10am-12pm. £3. Danbury Country Park, CM3 4AW. 01245 222350
Christmas stalls, funfair, children’s games and entertainment from Heart Radio. 12pm start. Canvey Island Town Centre, SS8 7AJ. www.canveyislandtc.gov.uk. 01268 683971. Free Entry
Sat 28 Christmas Shopping Market Wide range of stalls including children’s presents. 1-4pm. Wick Community Centre, Wickford, SS12 9NR
Sun 29 Remembrance Service & Parade 1pm for all the family. Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB. 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• 15 • South Essex • 31
ART & CRAFT
Pottery Painting Studio Friendly family-run business, over 300 items, spacious studio. Open 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm. The Glazed Look 01245 290300 or 07758 036675 www.theglazedlook.co.uk
DANCE
Dance classes in Hutton on a Saturday at the Scout Hall, Wash Road, Hutton. All ages from 2.5 years. Exams with IDTA and shows. 07817 983863 www.fusiondanceschool.co.uk diddi dance funky pre-school dance classes for boys and girls. Learn coordination, rhythm and great moves to funky pop songs and boost confidence. Call Charlotte 07722 605 395 charlotte. foxley@diddidance.com. Friday‘s Heybridge Basin at 10am. Street Dance / Hip-hop for ages 7-21yrs. Saturdays & Tuesdays in Epping. Thursdays in Chelmsford for 3-21 years. Classes are fast, fun-packed and focused. 01245 422595 info@ academyarts.co.uk www.academyarts.co.uk
DRAMA/PERFORMING ARTS
Academy Arts Theatre School & Agency For ages 7-21yrs. Sats & Tues in Epping, Thurs in Chelmsford. Classes are fast, fun-packed and focused. 01245 422595 info@academyarts.co.uk www.academyarts.co.uk Academy Kids Saturday mornings in Epping. Classes for ages 3-7yrs. Play games, learn songs, dances and poems as an introduction to performing arts. 01245 422595 info@academyarts.co.uk www.academyarts.co.uk Act Sing Dance with Chelmsford Theatretrain on a Saturday morning. For your free trial session call Sharon on 01277 224853 or email Chelmsford@theatretrain.co.uk Debut School of Performing Arts Dance, sing, act. Fun for 3-18s! Free trial places currently available at The Debut School of Performing Arts, Brentwood, Hutton & Shenfeild. 01277 260771 www.debutschool.co.uk
Maldon Theatretrain Every Saturday in term-time from 2pm - 5pm. Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4AL. Centre Director: Mark Everard ATCL DipVCMED Free trial session. Tel: 01621 850274 email: maldon@theatretrain.co.uk
MULTI-ACTIVITY
GYMNASTICS Gymnastics Free 1 hour gymnastics
Stubbers Adventure Centre Multi-activity adventure days and weeks for 6 -16 years with parents joining in for free (terms apply). Each day comprises 4 adventurous activities (90 minutes). A varied activity programme is chosen from their land, motor, towers and water areas. 01708 224500
trial for all age groups and abilities. Wed 5:30/6:30 & Sat 9:00/11:00 Gym Tots, birthday parties & holiday courses. Booking is essential. Email buba@eppingforestgymclub.com, 07767 167512 or visit www.eppingforestgymclub.com
KICK BOXING Children’s Thai Kick Boxing (Muay Thai) Classes for 5 – 12 years old. High
energy classes to help build confidance, concentration and listening skills. Monday’s & Thursday’s 6pm-7pm call Gary 07793 661601 www.muaythaichelmsford.com
Adult Thai Kick Boxing (Muay Thai) High energy classes for beginner to advanced using the best Thailand equipment such as: Sandee, Fairtex & Twins. Mon 7pm- 9pm, Thurs 7pm – 8:30pm & Sat 9:30am – 10:30 adults & juniors all levels. Call Gary 07793 661601 www.muaythaichelmsford.com
Parent & Junior Classes Classes for adults and their children aged 5 – 12 years old. High energy classes to help build confidance, concentration and listening skills. Saturday 9:30am – 10:30am call Gary 07793 661601 www.muaythaichelmsford. com
LASER/PAINTBALL
Laser Mayhem Play real Call of Duty missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real Russian battle tanks, planes & helicopters using Laser Tag equipment. 01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk
32 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
After School Clubs After school activity clubs. Monday: climbing. Tuesday: fencing. Wednesday: archery. Thursday: different each week. For more information call 01702 562690 or email info@belchamps.org.uk
PLAY
Little Monkees Unique, safe, clean, fully-padded play area. Structured sessions, from 4 months - 3yrs. Upminster: Tues, Hornchurch: Wed, Billericay: Thurs, Hutton: Fri. 01277 211065 or 07837 170602
RUGBY
Little Scrummers Rugby Exciting tag rugby for 2-6 year olds. Classes in Chelmsford, Maldon, South Woodham & Hawkwell. 07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com Holiday Club at Thriftwood Campsite and Activity Centre with 16 activities and qualified instructors. Call 01277 212784 or visit www.thriftwood.org.uk SMASH Activity Camps New activities this October Half term, Mon 26-Fri 30 Oct. 7-16 year olds. £38 / £153. 8.30 to 9am drop off. Pick up from 4.30 up to 6pm. Stubbers Adventure Centre. 01708 224 753 www.stubbers. co.uk. BE
SWIMMING
Little Otters Baby and pre-school swimming. For information call Jan 07919 414494 or Michelle 07919 414495 email: info@little-otters.com or www.little-otters.com
GET ACTIVE
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 33
There seems to be a lot of advice available for how to cope with the challenges of babies, toddlers and teenagers but not much for that in between age, 8-12 years; the ‘tweenies’. I am the mum of a wonderful 9 year old girl who, like most children, has her moments! I have been thinking about the conversations that my friends and I have recently had about our tweenies, and how to deal with the challenges that go along with this age (and we thought toddlers were hard work!) 8-12 year olds face a lot of change with the progression to secondary school being a huge milestone. My daughter and her friends at school seem to be starting to really feel peer, social and academic pressure and their days can seem very full with afterschool activities and other clubs. I spent some time looking into the changes that tweenies often face and looked for ideas and tips on how I might help my daughter to move through them. I have shared them below as I thought they might be of interest to parents experiencing the same. Emotional Development and Social Behaviour • Friendships – children’s friendships can become more complex. Children become more emotionally dependant on friendships. • Peer pressure -can become much stronger. Children may feel pressured to impress friends to fit in better. Educationally, they will be pushed more with more tests and homework . • Self Awareness – Children (more so in girls) can start to become more aware of their bodies as puberty approaches. Sadly, eating problems can start from as young as 9. Learning and Empathy • Children will start to grow more independent from the family - yes, closing themselves in their room for hours can start quite young! • They want to be more independent and play out with friends without adults supervising. • Children will start to gain the ability to see the point of view of others more clearly and empathise with friends and family. • Their attention span will also increase - meaning us parents will hopefully not have to repeat ourselves quite so often! Tips to help them (and you) through it all: • Take time out to spend solely with your child. If you are busy with cleaning or cooking let them help, it may take a little longer but it will also be a lot more fun.
34 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
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Try to give your child a good balance of their own space and family time. If they have siblings, particularly younger, time by themselves or time with friends without the younger ones around should prove popular and may help reduce any bickering. Give them some chores to undertake in return for a little pocket money. Believe it or not, giving children this responsibility really can help with their development, and understanding the concept of being rewarded for good work. It also helps them to develop their saving skills. Talk with your child about their friends, how they are finding school and discuss the challenges they are facing. Encourage your child to talk to you about anything that they are worried about or that other people are doing, encourage them to put themselves in other people’s shoes, to develop their empathy. Encourage your child to help raise money for charity – explaining that other children aren’t as lucky as them, can help them be more selfless and encourage them to share more readily. Get to know their friends’ families – even if it’s a chat in the playground whilst the kids are there Let them have friends stay over – this gives them the opportunity to entertain and share their bedtime with a friend. Set the ground rules for them and give them a chance to show that they are ‘growing up’. Get involved with their school – go to events and help out when you can. Set rules with your children for their behaviour, give a warning if they are breaking the rules to give them a chance to change their behaviour before they get themselves into trouble. Praise your child, talk about their strengths and the things that you love about them. If you have lost your patience with them, (like we all do at times) then apologise and talk it through, like we expect them to do when they have lost their temper. Lead by example. Children who are confident and feel good about themselves will find it easier to resist peer pressure and will make better decisions for themselves. Do what you can to foster your child’s confidence. Talk to your friends – share your experiences and ideas, it can be reassuring to find that you are all facing similar challenges.
LET’S PARTY ACTIVITY PARTIES
Animal Workshops Exotic and pet
animal encounters for parties, schools, activity workshops, sensory sessions and more! Call 07790 465266 Every day! www.animalworkshops.co.uk
Birthday parties at Belchamps
Any day between 9am and 5pm. Choose activities, catered or self-catered and other great extras. 01702 562690 info@belchamps.org.uk
High Rope Adventure Give them
a birthday to remember - full of adventure and fun. Open all year round, Rope Runners is the perfect place. For more information contact 01277 364470
Laser Mayhem Play real Call of Duty missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real Russian battle tanks, planes and helicopters using Laser Tag equipment. See page 3 for more information 01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk
SoundMagic Studios For details
of recording parties contact Steve or Victoria 01376 501313 or www.recordingparties.co.uk
CREATIVE PARTIES
The Glazed Look Pottery painting
parties for small or large groups. Open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm. See ad on p8 for more details or call 01245 290300 or 07572 283 835 www.theglazedlook.co.uk
PARTY PLACES
Best Western Ivy Hill Fun-filled
children’s parties. Room hire starts from £150. Tasty and fun menus. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Call 01277 355111 for details.
Little Scrummers Rugby Exciting
tag rugby themed parties for 2-9yr olds with games, prizes and much more! 07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com
Party Fun at Thriftwood Scout Campsite. Tailor-made parties to suit your group from as little as £3.75 per person. 01277 212784 www.thriftwood.org.uk Skiing & Tubing Parties An hour’s exhilarating fun consisting of Skiing & Tubing, fully supervised. Beginners welcome. Please call: 01277 211994 – info@brentwoodskicentre.co.uk
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 35
As we see the kids back to school, we thought it may be a good idea to share some healthy packed lunch ideas. We have tried to keep these simple and easy to make - being parents ourselves, we understand the morning routine can be stressfull enough without trying to prepare a gourmet banquet in time.
Sandwich kebabs with or without bread This is a great way to liven up the lunch time snack by inserting your usual sandwiches fillings on to a kebab skewer. You can use chunks of cheese, ham, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and anything else the kids love. If using bread, get a small cookie cutter to cut out smallerpieces to add in to the kebab, once completed, cut off the sharp end to avoid accidents and wrap in cling film.
Warburtons Sandwich Thins These are a yummy alternative to bread. All you need to do is fill them with a filling of your choice , wrap and pack.
Tip: These are great as pizza bases for the kids to decorate with their toppings and then pop in the oven for around 8 - 10 minutes. They are also great toasted!
Tip: These are great for fruit as well and can be served at parties for all to enjoy!
Pasta Salad
CousCous Cooking couscous is very quick and easy, boil the kettle for your morning tea and use some for the couscous (cook according to the packet instructions) leave to cool (can do this the night before if preferred, cover and place in the fridge). Like pasta you can add anything you like sweetcorn, onions, cooked chicken, ham, cheese. Place in a container and send them off with a delicious healthy meal.
Tip:You can even make
extra for your own lunch another thing sorted for the day!
36 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
You don’t have to stick to sandwiches everyday, pasta makes a great lunch and can be a great way to add in some of their five a day. You can add whatever you want/ have - cheese, ham, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes and even peas and carrots. Pasta needs to be cooked according to the packet instructions and then drained and cooled under cold water.
Tip: Having pasta for dinner? Add a little extra and cool and refridgerate ready for lunch the next day!
Tortilla wraps
Kids love wraps and can be used in many ways . You can either fill them yourself with your choice of fillings or cut them in half and fold into smaller parcels, wrap and place in a container with their fillgs so they can get creative at school.
Tip: as like the sandwich thins, these make great pizza bases too and cook in a very quick time. Place on a baking tray, get your child/children to enjoy creating their own pizza with their choice of toppings and then grill or place in a hot oven until the toppings have melted.
CLASSES
PRE/POST NATAL EXERCISE
Academy Kids
Saturday mornings in Epping. Classes for ages 3-7yrs. Play games, learn songs, dances and poems as an introduction to performing arts. 01245 422595 info@academyarts.co.uk www.academyarts.co.uk
Baby Sensory
Award-winning baby development classes designed for babies from birth to 13 months. £6 (adult ticket not required). Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. 01708 443333
Maldon Theatretrain Stage School and Agency Weekly Performing Arts Classes for 3 – 18 year olds Weekly Advanced LAMDA classes in Musical Theatre and Acting. Mark Everard HNDip Theatre ATCL DipVCMEd 01621 850274 maldon@theatretrain.co.uk
KEEPSAKES
The Glazed Look
Pottery painting, hand and foot prints or capture those first works of art! See ad on page 41. 01245 290300 or 07758 036675 www.theglazedlook.co.uk
Little Otters Antenatal Aquayoga
For more information contact Chelmsford classes: Jan 07919 414494 jan@aqua4baby.co.uk www.aqua4baby.co.uk or Wickford classes: Michelle 07919 414495 michelle@aquacalm4mums2b.co.uk www.aquacalm4mums2b.co.uk
READING Bookstart
Sing some rhymes and look at books, and meet other babies and their grown-ups at your local library. www.essex.gov.uk/libraries
Friday Fives
Stories and nursery rhymes for fives and under, Chelmsford Museum, phone 01245 605700 for details, £3 per child
RUGBY
Little Scrummers Rugby
Exciting tag rugby for 2-6 year olds. Essex & Cambridgeshire. Make friends and learn new skills! 07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com
SUPPORT
Beanstalk Children’s Therapy
Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy for children Tel: 07825 300560 www.beanstalktherapy.co.uk
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 37
Kiddi Caru
10 Victoria Court New Street 01245 505323 chelmsford@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com
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New Hall School
The Avenue Boreham CM3 3HS 01245 236 098 Ms Helen Rogers registrar@newhallschool.co.uk
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Phoenix Day Nursery
BILLERICAY
BRENTWOOD
Little Achievers Montessori Pre-School
Hopscotch Day Nursery
St Mary Magdalene Church Hall Great Burstead 07759 837258 Ms Tracey Scarborough/ Ms Mary Ishmael maryishmael@yahoo.co.uk www.montessori-billericay.org
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Oakdin Montessori Kindergarten Ltd
67 Perry Street 01277 633055 www.oakdinmontessori.com oakdin67@gmail.com Mrs Shahida Shah
School Road Kelvedon Hatch 01277 372826 Jan Swift www.hopscotchdn.co.uk
sTly CHELMSFORD Dovedale Nursery
Chelmsford College Moulsham St. Campus 01245 293045 Pat Cox www.dovedale-nursery.co.uk
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38 • Autumn 15 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz
Merrymeade Chase CM15 9BG 01277 260893 Rachel Thomas info@phoenix-daynursery.co.uk www.phoenix-daynursery.co.uk
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GALLEYWOOD Jack And Jill Day Nursery 5, Tree Works Baker’s Lane 01277 841424 Diane Middleton jackandjill.dn@gmail.com www.jackandjilldn.wix.com/ westhanningfield
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The Stables Nursery
Mararetting Road Galleywood 01245 348159 Susan Mann www.thestablesnursery.co.uk
sT* GREAT BADDOW Woodcroft Nursery School
Dorset Avenue 01245 473222 Mrs H. Roberts www.woodcroft-nur.essex.sch.uk
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CHILDCARE HUTTON Sunflower Montessori Kindergarten
Landsbury Suite Hutton Poplars 01277 201120 Naira Gendi www.sunflowermontessorikinder.co.uk info@sunflowermontessorikinder.co.uk
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INGATESTONE Wright Start Day Nurseries Ltd 52 Fryerning Lane 01277 356885 Carly Wright www.wrightstartdaynurseries.co.uk
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LAINDON Willowfield Pre-School
Steepleview Community Hall Willowfield 07891 036905 Julie Baker willowfieldpreschool@gmail.com
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MALDON Buddies Children’s Centre Brickhouse Lane Poulton Close 01621 840631 Clair Windsor www.buddiespreschool.co.uk
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Daisy Chain Nursery
Royal Court 01621 859991 Kim Lambert www.daisychain-nursery.com
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Viking Junior Academy
Wentworth Primary School Viking Road 07583 261354 Tanya Syder www.vikingacademy.co.uk
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Woodham Mortimer Preschool
Brookhead Studio Brookhead Farm Maldon Rd 07742 228077 Jennifer Hull woodhammortimerpre-school@hotmail.com www.woodhammortimerpreschool.org.uk
T MUNDON Small Steps Day Care
ONGAR ABC Nursery, Pre-School & After School Club Stondon Road 01277 362211 igherghi2000@yahoo.co.uk www.abcnursery.org.uk
y AFTERSCHOOL CLUB
ROXWELL
h CHILDMINDER
Roxwell Preschool
Memorial Hall The Street 07970 750484 April Little www.roxwellpreschool.co.uk aprillittle123@btinternet.com
WRITTLE The Duckling Nursery Lodge Road 07771 645270 Mrs S. Homer www.ducklingnursery.co.uk
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NORTH FAMBRIDGE
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Ferry Road 01621 744041 Heidi Cook www.deerlandsdaynursery.co.uk
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l BREAKFAST CLUB * HOLIDAY CLUB H CRECHE
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Writtle College Kiddi Caru
Deerlands Day Nursery
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Little Wycke Farm 01621 828767 Sarah Roe www.smallstepsdaycare.co.uk
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s DAY CARE
Foxburrows Lane 01245 421341 writtlecollege@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com
Advertise your childcare setting to over 120,000 readers from just £85 per year. Call Anna or Kate on 01371 238071 to find out more.
Writtle Green Preschool Longmeads House 12-14 Redwood Drive 07950 944612 Debbie Wright
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Or download a media card online at kidaround.biz
www.kidaround.biz • Autumn 15• South Essex • 39