KidAround Magazine - Winter 15 - South Essex

Contents This Winter 04 News & Views 06 Book Reviews 11 Let’s Party Feature

Seasonal Special 14 Winter Wonderland

What’s On

Welcome to

Winter

18 Pantomimes 20 Diary Dates

Welcome to the latest issue of KidAround, ready to help you make the most of the festive season. You can start off with our Let’s Party feature on p11 and work through to the Winter Wonderland feature on p14. Lots of great ideas for where to go, what to do and what to buy. If you’re searching for suggestions for books for Christmas, then have a look at our book review section, which should give you a wide variety of ideas.

Our pantomime section will provide all the information you need to indulge in a bit of ‘he’s behind you!’ or ‘oh yes he is!’. Don’t forget the non-festive theatrical offerings can be found online at www.kidaround.biz We have separated out the February half-term events in this issue, to make it easier for you to see at a glance what’s on offer. We hope you find this helpful.

The KidAround team wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2016.

We will see you again in the Spring!

Family Life 24 Get Active

Education Matters 26 Learning & Education

Early Years

28 Beauty, Bump & Baby 30 Childcare

All this plus:

Competitions p10

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

Winter Beauty Tips p28

Social Media: Tina Read tina.read@kidaround.biz Tel: 01371 238071 Anna xx

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. 2 • Winter 15/16 14/15 • South North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

READ KIDAROUND ONLINE WITH OUR MOBILE FRIENDLY SITE WWW.KIDAROUND.BIZ WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KIDAROUNDMAGAZINE WWW.TWITTER.COM/KIDAROUNDMAG

Our Local and National News/Events For Winter

KidAround’s recommended App: Share The Meal The United Nations World Food Programme has produced a free smartphone app called ShareTheMeal, which allows users to donate 35p whenever and wherever they want. The sum is enough to provide a child in developing countries with vital nutrition for a day. The idea is to give people a quick and easy way to help as they sit down for lunch at their desks or dinner with friends. Users can also donate as many times as they want and will be able to follow the progress of their donation through the app to see where their money is going. Earlier in 2015 the WFP helped schoolchildren in Lesotho as a result of people ‘sharing’ 1.8 million meals through the app.

The WFP is currently raising funds specifically to feed children who have fled conflict in Syria to Jordan.

To find out more look at https://sharethemeal.org

NEWS & VIEWS

Free childcare for two year olds

Early learning at a nursery, pre-school, school or childminder gives children a positive start to life and their early development. They can: • Have fun Learn through play • • Make new friends Experience new activities • • Get a good start to early education If your family receives free school meals or certain benefits including income support or income based job seeker’s allowance you can claim 15 hours per week of free childcare for your two year old.

Children who have special educational needs, are looked after by a local council, or have left care through adoption or a special guardianship order are also entitled.

To find out more talk to the Family Information Service on 0800 055 6874. You can also look for childcare online at www.essex.gov.uk/earlyyears

KidAround Magazine is also available online at www.kidaround.biz It’s a mobile friendly, easy to use site.

If you would like some more information about online or magazine advertising options, please call Anna or Kate on 01371 238071 www.kidaround.biz •Winter 15/16 • South Essex • 5

BOOKS TO READ R EV IEWED BY LOCAL CHILDR EN

Red Box: Socks For Santa

by Adam & Charlotte Guillain.

Egmont Publishing. RRP £6.99 We love books that rhyme! Lydia also liked the ‘sparkly’ writing on the cover. The character George in the book has a quest to give Santa gifts but he uses the gifts to help some animal friends along the way. With bright bold illustrations & a lovely story - Lydia has requested this as her bedtime story every night for the last two weeks! I’d say it’s a winner.

Reviewed by Lydia aged 3 & her Mummy.

Pink Box: Katy’s Pony Challenge by Victoria Eveleigh. Orion Children’s Books. RRP 5.99 The story is about the friendships of the main characters, and how they overcome their fears and gain the trust of the horses by competing in a horse agility show. I learnt about autism and how they find it hard to communicate with others. James has autism. I also learnt about horse agility and training horses ‘at liberty’ (the horse has no reins). I would recommend this book to horse lovers.

Reviewed by Isobelle Field aged 8

Yellow Box: Explosive Adventures by Alexander McCall Smith.

Bloomsbury. RRP £5.99 Explosive adventures is two stories in one book The first story is about three children who get stuck on the popcorn pirate ship where they come up with a great plan to escape the greedy pirates. The second story is about a boy called Billy who goes to the jungle to save the bubble gum trees with Mr Gopal who owns the greatest bubble gum factory. Both stories are exciting, fun and great to read Reviewed by Jake Curtis aged 8

Blue Box: Thunderbirds Are Go: Crosscut.

Simon & Schuster £6.99 I really enjoyed reading this book with Jacob, with lots of brightly coloured pictures to look at and you could tell the story by following the pictures. There were lots of larger letters and numbers I could get Jacob to repeat back to me.

The great addition with this book was the free 3D craft inside of Thunderbird 1, Jacob liked to reenact what the rocket was doing in the story with his real life model, this was also really sturdy and well made, so this was really a great extra interactive feature.

Reviewed by Jacob Cloughton aged 6

Purple Box: Baby’s Very First Slide And See Farm by Fiona Watt.

Usborne Books RRP £7.99 The book is colourful and attractive, and the quality of how it is made is very good throughout the whole book. There are lovely pictures or animals on each page, a sliding part and also cut out shapes to explore, adding a tactile element. This is a great learning tool, baby can learn animals and their sounds, and it helps develop motor skills and hand eye coordination.

Overall I think this is a great little book for babies and my son definitely appears to enjoy it too.

Reviewed by Jesse 7 months and his mum Tiffany

Orange Box: The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels. Bloomsbury Children’s Book. £10.99 The fantastic stories of Miss Petitfour and her 16 cats in & around their village. From baking to dancing, she travels via a table clothe with her cats dangling behind her and stripy basket. My favourite chapter was ‘OOM’,it was all about ‘Festooning’{meaning clever decorating} as it was very easy to read, straight forward & I could imagine myself doing it. Some fun but tricky words which made the book more interesting... looking forward to more exciting adventures of Miss Petitfour & her crazy cats. Reviewed by Georgina Annalee Read aged 8

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 review15/16 one of our books www.kidaround.biz • Winter • North Essexin• 6 future publications, please email suzanne.gardner@kidaround.biz

NEWS & VIEWS

www.kidaround.biz •Winter 15/16 • South Essex • 7

NEWS & VIEWS

National Storytelling Week 30th Jan to 6th Feb 2016

From retelling something that’s happened in your day, reading a night time story to a child, or watching a plot unfold on TV, everyone loves a good story! Contact The Society for Storytelling on www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week and they will send you a pack with all the information you need on how to organise and promote your own event.

Mud n Madness Event Date: 06 February 2016 As the name suggest, Mud n Madness is all about mud. And madness.

It’s a mud crawling, heart pounding, obstacle crazy 7.5km dash that will push you to your limits.

No experience is necessary... just an open mind and a sense of adventure. You can train for this or just work your way round at your own pace and have a laugh with friends or colleagues.

For more information on registering please visit http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/mud-n-madnessadventure-race.php

8 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

NEWS & VIEWS

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!

The New Craze Colouring Therapy....

So, what’s it all about?

Colouring has been a common children’s activity for generations but over the last couple of years there has been a huge increase in the popularity of colouring books, both for children and adults. They are a great place to start if you are not particularly artistically talented but want to do something creative and books range from those with simple designs to amazingly intricate ones.

For children, colouring provides an opportunity to focus and concentrate on something creative (and which isn’t technological!). Adults enjoy it because it is relaxing and eases tension and they can either do it alone or with their children. Aswell as just the straightforward colouring books, there are also doodling books, zen colouring and journaling. Some books are even designed so that you can tear out the images and frame them after you’ve coloured them in, so you can display your artistic achievements. So get your colouring pencils out and have a go!

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Competitions

KidAround have some amazing competitions for you this Winter..... All you have to do is enter!

More competitons can be found online at www.kidaround.biz You can also follow us facebook.com/ kidaroundmagazine

WIN A DECADENT SPA DAY FOR 2 Just what you need to escape Christmas for the day, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa are offering KidAround readers a chance to win one of two ‘Dazzling December’ packages - for free! The specially designed package includes full use of spa facilities between 9am and 6.30pm, including indoor pool, gym, jacuzzi and steam room, a delicious two course lunch and a mulled wine exfoliating back massage to ease away the strains of the day. The spa which has undergone a major refurbishment, now boasts a luxury premier suite where two guests can enjoy a day of private pampering! Available from Monday to Thursday, price £64.00.

HOW TO ENTER: Email your name, address, contact number to comps@kidaround.biz including Spa Day in the Subject or go online at www.kidaround.biz T&Cs: Competition closes at midday on 18th December. Spa prize has to be taken by December 31st 2015

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 entries must contain your name, address and a contact telephone number.

Good luck!

10 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

LET’S PARTY

Smash Air

All inclusive Summer Camp at Stubbers Adventure Centre

Stubbers offer a superb programme of Holiday Activities for 7 to 16 year olds. These exciting activity day and week options run during weekdays in all school holidays.

You can drop off after 8.30am, pick up and before 6pm. There are activity options to suit everyone, and a flexible programme to ensure that everyone will enjoy themselves.

Kids are never in a hurry to leave at the end of the day and now they don’t have to!

Book them in for SMASH AIR and choose an activity programme from: Water Sports Week, Commando Week or Multi Activity Week, and then the fun continues with extra evening activities including Beach Party, Camp fire and Movie night.

Accommodation for the week is in bunkhouse tents with 8 children per tent in bunk beds. Staff stay overnight with the group.

Holiday Activity Manager, Ben Woodcock, said “We have some great evening activities lined up and I know the children will love it! There are limited places on the sleepover so I suggest parents book early”.

For SMASH AIR, children need to be aged between 9 and 16. All meals and activities are included in the sleepover price. Children will require a sleeping bag and pillow.

Stubbers Adventure Centre has the biggest variety of on site adventure activities in the South East. With a picturesque 130 acres of adventure space, including 3 lakes, you can be certain of having a great time, whatever your interest.

And if you are thinking that the kids have all the fun and would like to try something adventurous yourself then Stubbers is definitely the place for you. Join the extremely popular Bank Holiday “Parents Go Free” days running on all Bank holidays throughout the year and you will have 4 top class activity sessions in an excellent day.

Check out Stubbers website www.stubbers.co.uk for more details.

Stubbers is an amazing outdoor adventure park for youngsters and adults alike. If you’re looking to get in touch with the great outdoors and have some serious fun, get in touch now!

As a registered charity and not for profit organisation they rely on your support, and wouldn’t be there without you.

Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2TY Tel: 01708 224753 Fax: 01708 224500 Web: www.stubbers.co.uk Email: info@stubbers.co.uk Registered Charity Number 1080941

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Let’s Party Directory!

ACTIVITY PARTIES

Skiing & Tubing Parties An hour’s

animal encounters for parties, schools, activity workshops, sensory sessions and more! Call 07790 465266 Every day! www.animalworkshops.co.uk

SoundMagic Studios For details

Animal Workshops Exotic and pet

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

exhilarating fun consisting of Skiing & Tubing, fully supervised. Beginners welcome. Please call: 01277 211994 info@brentwoodskicentre.co.uk

of recording parties contact Steve or Victoria 01376 501313 or www.recordingparties.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.

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. 01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk 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

Looking for party with a difference?

How about a Soundmagic Studios Recording Party package! Come into a professional recording studio with a group of friends and create your own CD! They provide the backing tracks and words to their selected pop songs and the guests sing along creating their very own recording.

Party snacks or food with drinks are provided and all guests receive a party bag with a boxed CD which is specially packaged with photos of the group taken in the studio.

For details of packages and availability please call Steve or Victoria at Soundmagic Studios on 01376 501313 or visit at www.recordingparties.co.uk.

12 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Animal Workshops Mobile Zoo

Bored of the same old parties? Be the envy of your friends and book Animal Workshops Mobile Zoo for an exotic and domestic animal encounter for your party!

You’ll get the chance to meet their scaly, slimy and furry friends, everything from Frogs and Meerkats to Hedgehogs and Snakes! There is a range of animals to suit everyone!

This amazing selection comes to your home or venue, so you can get up close and hands on with the animals. There are packages to suit every budget, which can include games, goody bags, party food and even an animal cake!

For full details please visit www.animalworkshop.co.uk or call 07790 465 266.

LET’S PARTY

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A Jolly Time At Essex Police Museum

Visitors can have a jolly time at Essex Police Museum this Christmas when Santa visits on Saturday December 19.

Children can leave Santa their Christmas wish list, then make their own snow globe to take home with them. The museum’s exhibits and displays will have a festive makeover but visitors can still try on the police uniforms and take their fingerprints and solve a detective trail. There is no need to book, just drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm. To meet Santa and make a snow globe costs £2 but general admission to the museum is free.

For more details visit www.essex.police.uk/museum or call 01245 457150.

Giant Snow Globe & Festive Fun at Barleylands From 1st to 24th December spend a day in the Farm Park joining in extra Christmas activities. Get inside a giant Christmas snow globe and take home a photo memento (extra charge applies), see Father Christmas during his meet and greet sessions, make a Christmas tree decoration, watch a Snowy Owl indoor flying show and enjoy a free hot chocolate. Plus, as always, there’s stacks of indoor farm fun including the South East’s largest display collection of reptiles in the Reptile House, farmyard friends in the Animal Barn, ball blasting, sandpits and indoor play.

Barleylands is in Billericay, CM11 2UD. Tel: 01268 532253 For further details visit www.barleylands.co.uk

14 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Winter Wonderland Feature

Hey Party Starters, It’s almost that time again!

Join F&B’s this festive season £16.95 for 2 courses or £19.95 for 3 courses.

The Family at Frankie’s are super excited and ready to organise your Christmas party. With the holidays fast approaching’, there’s no time like the present to get planning your Christmas party.

As the party starter, you’ll receive £20 of vouchers redeemable at any Frankie & Benny’s* in the New Year, and they’ll even treat all the folks in your party to some special New Year’s discounts too!

Just head on over to their website at www.frankieandbennys.com/christmas to check out our amazing Christmas menu and get booking your party today!

They look forward to making you and your party feel a million bucks this Christmas. “So let us do the hard work, and we’ll leave the partying’ to you guys!”

They hope to see you real soon!! *Excludes airport locations To book your party visit: www.frankieandbennys.com/christmas

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Winter Wonderland Feature

Lathcoats Farm - Christmas Delights

Lathcoats Farm prides itself on offering the best food from the region. Their own cox apples are a firm Christmas favourite with many and there are hams, sausages and bacon from Suffolk, locally reared free range bronze turkeys and, if you fancy a tipple, they have a wide selection of beers from some of Essex’s finest microbreweries. You can also combine your Christmas shopping with coffee and cake or a light lunch in their Bee Shed Coffee House.

Call 01245 353021 or visit www.lathcoatsfarm.co.uk

16 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Christmas At Essex Country Parks

This Christmas take the opportunity to explore the outdoors and join in the festive fun at Essex Country Parks.

Wrap up warm, grab your scarf, hat and gloves and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the beautiful Essex countryside.

You can search for presents dropped by Father Christmas in Belhus Woods or hunt for magic snowflakes scattered across Weald Country Park. Come and see the (rein)deer at Weald Country Park and explore the Stick Man trail – he helped Father Christmas deliver presents you know!

For local crafts, live entertainment and Elsa’s grotto, the Christmas Market at Belhus Woods on 12 December will put a smile on the face of many children.

The miniature railway will be offering rides too – weather permitting.

On Sunday 20 December there is still the chance to meet Father Christmas at Thorndon Country Park, North. The Santa Celebration trail runs through the park and gives children the chance to learn all about the elves and their work making toys for girls and boys to enjoy at Christmas. The self-guided trail takes you through the woods, meeting characters and solving problems and ends with a visit to Father Christmas. Booking is essential and costs £8 per child, call 0845 603 7624 to book.

For more information on all Essex Parks events go to their website: www.visitparks.co.uk

Ho Ho Hadleigh

Join in for festive fun this Christmas at Hadleigh Park. Walk through the Winter Wonderland and travel back through time as you explore the Christmas trail.

Meet Father Christmas, explore the nativity and feed the animals!

As well as an action packed Christmas, there are lots of activities planned throughout the winter, including free balance bike sessions, which give children the chance to test their balance both on and off their bike and help them progress. Parents can try one of the new bootcamp sessions available, or join a Go-Tri event, perfect for cyclists and runners. Also coming soon is a a new Park Run - check their website for details.

Families can continue to celebrate the New Year and enjoy a range of activities at Hadleigh Park throughout February half-term.

Whatever the weather there is always something fun to do, with over 18km of mountain biking trail to suit all abilities and ages and 500 acres of beautiful countryside to explore. Their surfaced trails mean you can ride at Hadleigh Park all year round.

Families can enjoy idyllic walks with magnificent views, learn about the rich history and discover a wide range of wildlife.

There may even be the opportunity for sledging! The café has a range of seasonal offers and delicious treats to warm the whole family up after a day of adventure. Try their new white hot chocolate with a slice of sumptuous homemade cake!

Don’t hibernate at home this winter, all weather is great weather at Hadleigh Park and there is something for everyone.

There are always lots of activities planned for families in the school holidays and throughout the year.

For more events and to keep in touch with the latest information, offers and mountain biking tips, sign up to the newsletter or visit the website www.hadleigh-park.co.uk

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PANTOMIMES Aladdin - The Queen’s Theatre

The Queen’s Theatre is excited to present Aladdin, a fun-packed family pantomime from 28 November – 9 January.

All ages will enjoy the stunning sets and costumes, singing and dancing, cheesy jokes as well as a breathtaking ultra-violet scene!

Families can giggle at hilarious dame Widow Twankey, play Wishee Washee’s silly games, boo evil Abanazar and be enchanted by the Genie’s magical powers. Best of all, everyone joins brave Aladdin on an exciting adventure to rescue the beautiful Princess!

Rub the lamp, make a wish and take off on a flying carpet ride to the best panto in town!

Tickets are £12.50 - £27. Call 01708 443333 or book at queens-theatre.co.uk

BARKING

Pantomimes

28th Nov – 9th Jan Aladdin

BASILDON

12th Dec – 10th Jan Cinderella

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

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

12th Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk Age: 3-12yrs. 2pm. Adults £10, children £8.50. Springfield Parish Centre, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6GX. 01245 464583. www.essexinfo.net/ springfield-parish-council.

18 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

HORNCHURCH

28th Nov – 3rd Jan Snow White

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 Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph star in a show packed with special effects and family-friendly comedy. Various times/ prices. Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135

STRATFORD 5th Dec - 23 Jan Robin Hood

Join Robin and his band of merry men at Startford East. 020 8534 0310 www.stratfordeast.com

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

PANTOMIMES

It’s Panto Time….

Oh No It Isn’t…….

Oh Yes It Is!

The countdown to Panto Time has well and truly begun at the Towngate Theatre! This year they are proud to present the GIANT tale of Jack And The Beanstalk.

Basildon’s favourite panto stars, SIMON FIELDING and SOPHIE LADDS, will be returning to the stage as lovable Simple Simon and evil Desdemona. They will be joined by Philip Catchpole in the title role of Jack, Catherine Hayworth as Princess Jill, Nick Barclay as Dame Trott, Natalie Winsor as Fairy Nuff and Emlyn Glanmôr-Harris as King Eamonn.

Following the huge success of the Towngate’s spectacular 2014-15 panto, Cinderella, Jack And The Beanstalk promises to be even bigger and better than ever before!

The reviews they received last year speak for themselves: “A triple-threat celebration” “One of the best independent pantomimes of the season” The Stage “A production bursting with energy and entertainment” “Stunning pantomime full of sparkles and smiles” British Theatre Guide.

Featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic full live band at every performance - this promises to be a breathtaking show that is not to be missed!

Jack And The Beanstalk will be running from Wednesday 2 December 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016. Ticket sales are already breaking all previous box office records, so you had better book before all the best seats have gone!

For tickets, call the Box Office on 01268 465465 or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the theatre which is located in Basildon town centre: Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL.

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark

With a fantastic selection of children’s shows on offer, there is something for the whole family this winter at Chelmsford City Theatres!

Returning for another popular season, Comedy Club 4 Kids will be taking place at Chelmsford’s Cramphorn Studio on Saturday 5 December and Saturday 16 January. This show provides cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires!), featuring some of the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and therefore there is a higher than usual chance of heckles! Comedy Club 4 Kids provides a perfect idea for a children’s party!

On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February, the charming story of The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark, based on the bestselling children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson, will be coming to Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre. This fantastic family production focuses on Plop, a baby Barn Owl who ventures out of his nest and falls off a branch, resulting in the adventure of a lifetime as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures. Written especially for small people aged 3-7, this gentle, reassuring tale is brought to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling.

To book tickets for Comedy Club 4 Kids or The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or contact the Box Office on 01245 606505. Tickets for Comedy Club 4 Kids are £8.00, with premium seats at £2.00 extra per person. Tickets for The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark are £10.00, £7.50 for concessions and £30.00 for a family ticket.

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Diary Dates Use our comprehensive list of events to ensure your family time is packed full of fun this Winter.

Fri 4 Christmas Fayre

Sat 5 Christmas Market

Games, cakes and refreshments, pre-loved toys & books, crafts, raffle, stalls and Santa’s Grotto. 3.15-5.30pm.

Willowbrook Primary School, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2TU. Free entry

Unique gifts, plus Santa. Entry: £1 (children free). 10am-4pm. Corringham Village Hall, Stanford le Hope, SS17 7LE

Fri 4 Christmas Fair Festive fun, food and games.

5-7pm. Entry: Adults 50p; over 12s 20p.

Meadgate School, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 7NS

Tue 1 – Thur 31 Snowflake Trail

Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20, Mon 21-Wed 23 Santa on the Pier

Trail guide includes directions, clues and a prize at the end. Age: 3-12yrs.

10am-3pm. £3. Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. 01277 261343

Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a gift. Plus colouring competition and train ride. 10am-4pm. £8/child.

Southend Pier, SS1 1EE. 01702 618747. www.visitsouthend.co.uk BE

Tue 1 - Thur 24 Jingle All The Way

Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Santa’s Grotto

Giant Christmas Snow Globe*, Father Christmas, crafts, Snowy Owl flying show & free hot choc. 10am – 4pm (24th Dec closes 1pm). Adult: £11.50, child: £10.50, Under 2’s free. *Snow Globe £10/group inc. photo. Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253. www.barleylands.co.uk

Tue 1 – Thur 24 Santa’s Grotto Visit Santa and receive a gift. MonsSats 10am-5pm; Suns 11am-4pm. Prices start from £3.99. The Mercury Mall, Romford, RM1 3EE

Wed 2 & 9 Owlets Forest School Explore the woodland, plus activities.

Age: 18 mths+. 10am - 12:30pm. £8.

Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atte-Bower, RM4 1QH

Fri 4 Christmas Bazaar Stalls, cakes and refreshments. 2 – 4pm.

Wentworth Primary School, Maldon, CM9 6JN. Free Entry

20 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Meet Father Christmas and choose a gift, plus games in the garden. 10am6pm. £10 (incl. gift). Cressing Temple, Braintree CM77 8PD 01376 584903

Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Santa at The Haven Meet Father Christmas at his house in the woods. See the elves’ workshop and Rudolph’s stable. 0-10yrs. 12-3pm. £3.50 (includes gift). Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB.

Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Christmas Crafts Four different things to make. Suitable all ages, must be accompanied.

12-4pm. £1/craft. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB.

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Christmas Magic Close-up wizardry plus a cabaret show.

Sat: 7.30-9.30pm; Sun: 3-5pm. £12.50 adult, £7.50 children. The Red Brick Barn, Rochford, SS4 1LH

Sat 5 Christmas Market Stalls, plus children’s activities, school choirs and bands. Food and drink, plus Father Christmas on his sleigh.

11am-3pm. Adults 50p, kids free. The Old Fire Station, Hadleigh, SS7 2PA. perriecoombs@live.co.uk 07890 596348.

Sat 5 Winter Wonderland Including climbing, archery, caving and campfire. 2-6.30pm. £3.50. Skreens Park Activity Centre, Chelmsford, CM1 4NN. 0845 643 6025

Sat 5 Christmas Event Christmas crafts plus visit Father Christmas in his grotto. All ages, must be accompanied. 11am – 4pm. £3/child.

Lowewood Museum, Herts, EN11 8BH, 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ lowewoodmuseum

Sat 5 Christmas Bazaar Stalls plus children’s activities, incl. bouncy castle. 10am-1pm. Hockley & Hawkwell Methodist Church Hall, SS5 4QY. Free Entry

Sat 5 Santa Walk Complete a 3 lap circuit whilst dressed as Santa; plus donkey rides and christmas activities. Harrow Lodge Park, RM11 1JR.

Sat 5 Christmas Lights Switch-on Sing carols and see the lights switched on. At the gardens by the eastern end of St James The Less Church graveyard.

4.15: carol singing; 4.30: switch-on.

Hadleigh SS7 2PA

Sat 5 Go-Tri Event

Thur 10 The Police Car

Sat 12 Campfire & Carols

For runners or cyclists who want to try a multi-sport event. Select your route and run alone or try and beat the rest. This is a very relaxed, informal event. 10am – 12pm. Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

Rhyme, stories, trails and a craft activity.

Age: 2-4 yrs. 11.30am - 12.15pm. £2.

Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum BE

Sing carols round a campfire. Plus mince pies and mulled wine. 2.305pm. Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, Brentwood, CM13 2DP. 01277 212784.

Fri 11 Junior Rangers

Sun 13 Family Sunday

Explore the outdoors at night, plus activities. Age: 8-10 yrs. 7 - 9pm. £5.

Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH BE

Wildlife themed activities, trails, games and crafts. Age: 0-13yrs, must be accompanied. 1-3pm. £5.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh on Sea. BE

Sun 6 Christmas Craft Fair Crafts and homemade goods.

Free entry but pier entry fees apply.

10am-4pm. Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier, SS1 1EE. 01702 618747. www.visitsouthend.co.uk

Sun 6 Christmas Fayre Ice Skating, kid’s entertainer, music, craft stalls, Santa’s Grotto, food, face painting. Motorpoint, 1 Lea Valley Road, Chingford, E4 7PX. Free Entry

Sun 6 Christmas Crafts Age: 6 yrs+. 10am - 12pm. £5. Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atteBower, RM4 1QH BE

Sun 6 Christmas Market Unique gifts, plus Santa. Entry: £1 (children free). 10am-4pm. Pegasus Country Club, Stanford le Hope,SS17 9BJ

Tue 8 Hatchlings Club Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Tue 8 Caterpillar Club Indoor and outdoor activities for pre schoolers. Suitable for 18 months up (under 18 months free when accompanying an older sibling) 10am - 12pm. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB.BE

Tue 8 Woodland Storytime Storytime with songs and activities.

Age: 0-4yrs. 1-2pm. £2. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB. BE

Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20, Tue 22 & Wed 23 Winter Wonderland

Free Event

Sun 13 Craft Day

Meet Father Christmas and receive a gift (every half hour from 10.30-1 and 2-3pm. Child: £5, Adult: £1. Craft workshop open 10.30am - 3pm. £2.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, RM16 6RG. BE

Decorate 2016 calendars and make new years resolutions. 11am-4pm.

Marvin the Monkey will also be making an appearance. Outside BB’s on Level 2, The Mercury Mall, Romford, RM1 3EE. Free Event

Sat 12 & Sun 13, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Ho Ho Hadleigh

Sun 13 Winter Wonderland

Explore the Christmas trail, meet Father Christmas, see the nativity and feed reindeer! 10am – 3pm. £10/child includes a present from Santa.

Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk

Meet Santa in his grotto (all children receive a gift); plus stalls. Refreshments, train ride & museum entry included in price. Santa Tickets: £8 in advance at Maldon tourist office (01621 856503). Museum of Power, Langford, CM9 6QA. www.museumofpower.org.uk BE

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Christmas Grotto A magical Christmas weekend. £12.95/child (includes gift).

The View, Chingford. 020 7332 1911. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest

BE

Sat 12 Squirrel Club Craft and activity club. Age: 0-7yrs.

11am-12pm / 2-3pm. £1.50. Valence House, Beacontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT. 020 8227 2034

Sat 12 Christmas Craft Make Christmas decorations.

Age: 3yrs+. 11am- 12pm. £3 Library members / £4.50 non members. Upminster Library, RM14 2BB.

BE

Sat 12 Kids’ Birdwatching Club Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12.30pm. £5. Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ.

Mon 14 & Tue 15 Astronomy Night Watch through telescopes (weather permitting). Age: 5yrs+. 5-7pm. £2.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4LR

Sat 19 Meet Santa All ages. 10am – 4pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

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 • Winter 15/16• 15/16 • South Essex • 21

Sat 19 Go-Tri Event

Sat 16 Go-Tri Event

For runners or cyclists who want to try a multi-sport event. Select your route and run alone or try and beat the rest.

This is a very relaxed, informal event.

10am – 12pm. Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

For runners or cyclists who want to try a multi-sport event. Select your route and run alone or try and beat the rest.

This is a very relaxed, informal event.

10am – 12pm. Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

Mon 21 – Thur 24*, Tue 29 –Thur 31* Sparkling Silver, Glittering Gold

Tue 19 Hatchlings Club

Decorate a gold bar money box.

Chocolate gold coin for every child.

10am - 4:30pm (*10am - 1pm). Bank of England Museum, London EC2R 8AH. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 020 7601 5545 Free Event

Mon 21 Crafty Christmas Creations Make crafts using materials collected from the nature reserve. Age: 4 – 8 yrs, must be accompanied. 10am 12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Tue 22 Winter Welly Walk Stomp and splosh and try to spot some Christmas robins. 10:30am-12:30pm.

Children £2 Adults £3. RSPB Bowers Marsh SS13 2HG. 01268 498620 www.rspb.org.uk/bowersmarsh BE

Tue 22 Hatchlings Club Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Tue 29 Star Wars Star Wars theme, using the latest in Laser tag equipment, with Russian battle tanks, planes, helicopters and forts. 10am-1pm / 2-5pm. Laser Mayhem, Abridge, RM4 1AA. www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Fri 1 Crank-Up Vintage engines and workshop in operation, steam train ride, plus model village. 10am – 4pm. Adult: £5, seniors: £4, children (5-15yrs): £2. Museum of Power, Maldon, CM9 6QA. 01621 843183

Sat 2 Go-Tri Event

Sun 24 Iron Age Roundhouse Explore the replica Iron Age roundhouse and learn how ancestors lived 2000 years ago. 1 – 3.30pm.

Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

For runners or cyclists who want to try a multi-sport event. Select your route and run alone or try and beat the rest.

This is a very relaxed, informal event.

10am – 12pm. Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

Tue 5 Hatchlings Club Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Thur 7 Wanted: Goldilocks! Blues and 2s Rhyme, stories, trails and a craft activity. Age: 2-4 yrs. 10am10.45am/11.30am-12.15pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum BE

Sat 9 Wassail Celebration A traditional seasonal celebration in the orchard with family fun. 3 - 5pm. £2. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB.

22 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Tue 2 Hatchlings Club Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Wed 3 Little Acorns Gardening Club Fun and informal club to stimulate an interest in gardening. 10.30am – 12pm. £2/child. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. 0845 265 8071 www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall BE

Wed 3 Balance Bike

Mon 15 - Fri 19 Half Term Fun

Wed 17 Victorian Photo Shoot

Give children a chance to test their balance both on and off their bike, (bikes not provided). 1pm – 3pm.

Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

A week full of insect themed activities.

10am-3pm. £2. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. 0845 265 8071 www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall BE

Have your photo taken as one of the first police officers and make a frame for it. All ages. 10am – 4pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Thur 4 The Police Officer: Blues and 2s Rhyme, stories, trails and a craft activity. Age: 2-4 yrs.

10am-10.45am/11.30am-12.15pm. £2.

Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum BE

Sun 14 Valentine’s Day Sun 14 Valentine’s Day Crafts Crafts for all ages. 11am-2pm. Small charge for crafts. Belfairs Woodland centre, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4LRS

Sun 21 The Terror of the Wild Wood Follow in the footsteps of Mole and Ratty - orienteering, natural crafts, den building. 11am-1pm. £6. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Sun 21 Iron Age Roundhouse Explore the replica Iron Age roundhouse and learn how ancestors lived 2000 years ago. 1pm – 3.30pm.

Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk Free Event

Half term week... things to do with the kids!

Mon 15 - Fri 19 The Battle for Toad Hall A storyteller will bring to life the classic stories from ‘The Wind in the Willows’.

10am - 4:30pm. Bank of England Museum, London EC2R 8AH. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 020 7601 5545. Free Event

Mon 15 - Fri 19 Mad Science Week Science fun and extra activities. 10am – 4pm. Adult: £11.50, child: £10.50, Under 2’s free. Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk

Mon 15 Wild Beach Explore the seashore, plus fun things to make. Suitable all ages. 10am12.30pm. £8. Chalkwell Railway Station, Leigh-On-Sea BE

Mon 15 Den Building Age: 4 - 8 yrs, must be accompanied.

10am - 12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Tue 16 Tree-mendous Tuesday Woodland-based wildlife day. Bring packed lunch and snacks. 8-13yrs, unaccompanied. 10am - 3pm. £12.

Belfairs Woodland centre, Leigh-OnSea, SS9 4LR

Tue 16 Forest Fun Den building, bug hunting, woodland crafts and camp fire. Age: 5 yrs+, must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30 3:30pm. £5. Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon SS16 6EB. BE

Tue 16 & Sat 20 Go Ride The British cycling initiative will develop the skills of children under 12. 9am – 12pm. £5. Hadleigh Park, SS7 2PP. www.hadleigh-park.co.uk

Tue 16 Hatchlings Club Wildlife activities on the nature reserve, games, crafts and music in the centre.

Drink and snack included. Under 5s.

10am-12pm. £5/child, £3 per sibling, babes in arms free. Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Wed 17 Bird Feasts and Houses Make the birds a great house to nest in and food to feast on. Suitable all ages. 10:30-11/11.30-12/1.30-2pm. £5.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, RM16 6RG. BE

Wed 17 Build a Bird Box Build a bird box to put up in your garden. Age 5yrs+, must be accompanied. 10am-4pm. £5 per box.

Langdon Nature Reserve, Basildon, SS16 6EB. BE

Wed 17 Den Building Age: 8 - 12 yrs, may be unaccompanied. 10.30am-3pm. £12.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, CM11 1WT. www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Thur 18 Fun Thursday Age: 0-7yrs, must be accompanied. 2 - 4pm. £5.

Belfairs Woodland centre, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4LR BE

Thur 18 Dinosaurs of the Gorge Solve the dinosaur hunt, dino digs, plus make a dinosaur. Suitable all ages.

10:30 - 11:30am/12-1.30/2-3pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, RM16 6RG. BE

Fri 19 Messy Craft Make some great messy craft. Suitable all ages. 10 - 11am/11-12/12-1.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, RM16 6RG. BE

www.kidaround.biz • Winter 15/16• 15/16 • South Essex • 23

GET ACTIVE

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 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

DODGEBALL

The No.1 Dodgeball providers in Essex! Go to www. wingersportsacademy.com and find your nearest Junior Dodgeball Club!

07912 879927

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 and Dance with Chelmsford Theatretrain on a Saturday morning.

For your free trial session call Sharon on 01277 224853 or email Chelmsford@theatretrain.co.uk Brentwood Theatretrain Act Sing and Dance with Chelmsford Theatretrain on a Saturday morning. For your free trial session Contact Elly on 01992 812668 or email brentwood@theatrain.co.uk

Debut School of Performing Arts

Dance, sing, act. Fun for 3-21s! Free trial places currently available at The Debut School of Performing Arts, Brentwood, Hutton & Shenfeild. 01277 260771 www.debutschool.co.uk

Keeping Children Active & Healthy

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

MULTI-ACTIVITY

High Rope Adventure - full of adventure and fun. Open all year round, Rope Runners is the perfect place. For more information contact 01277 364470 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

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 Chillout Holiday Club from 15-19th Feb Adventure activities for 8-15 yr olds £15 per day. Thriftwood. Call 01277 212784 or visit www.thriftwood.org.uk SMASH Activity Camps February half term camps. Stubbers Adventure Centre. 01708 224 753 www.stubbers.co.uk.

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

Maldon Theatretrain Every Saturday in term-time from 2pm - 5pm. Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4AL. Centre Director: Mark Everard ATCL DipVCMED Free trial session. Tel: 01621 850274 email: maldon@theatretrain.co.uk

GYMNASTICS Gymnastics Free 1 hour gymnastics

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

24 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Children need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day for good health, but it doesn’t need to be all at once. Several short 10-minute or even five-minute bursts of activity throughout the day can be just as good as an hour-long stretch.

Children aged under five Toddlers who can walk on their own should be physically active every day for at least three hours. This should be spread throughout the day, indoors or outside.

Children under five should not be inactive for long periods, except when they’re asleep. Watching TV, travelling by car, bus or train, or being strapped into a buggy for long periods are not good for a child’s health and development.

Children and young people aged 5 to 18 To stay healthy or to improve health, young people need to do: • At least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – this should range from moderate activity, such as cycling and playground activities, to vigorous activity, such as running and tennis • On three days a week, these activities should involve exercises for strong muscles, such as swinging on playground equipment bars, gymnastics, rope or tree climbing and exercises for strong bones, such as jumping and running Moderate activity raises heart rate and makes you sweat. One way to tell if you’re working at a moderate level is if you can still talk, but you can’t sing the words to a song.

Vigorous activity makes you breathe hard and fast. If you’re working at this level, you won’t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

Children and young people should take part in activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/livewell

GET ACTIVE

www.kidaround.biz • Winter 15/16• South Essex • 25

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

BASILDON

Kip McGrath

Tuition for 4-18 year olds. Professional, qualified, specialist teacher.

Mon - Fri after school. Sat from 8am.

12A Barclays Bank Chambers, SS13 3AS. 01268 556700 kmcbasildon@aol.com kipmcgratheducation.co.uk 11+ ENG ICT MAT SAT

Kumon Drop-in sessions Wednesdays 4:006:30pm and Fridays 4:00-6:00pm at St Paul’s Methodist Church, Ballard’s Walk, SS15 5HL Ms Ona Fadayomi 01277 210 937 basildon@kumoncentre.co.uk ENG MAT

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

HORNCHURCH

Explore Learning

Explore Learning

Tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities.

Free trial session 01245 450501 www.explorelearning.co.uk 11+ ENG MAT SEN

Kumon - Chelmsford North

Drop in sessions Wednesdays 3.305.30pm and Saturdays 9.00-11.00am Springfield Parish Centre St. Augustines Way Chelmsford CM1 6GX Ms Eirini Grammatikopoulou ENG MAT

Kumon - Chelmsford South

Drop in sessions Monday: 4:00pm to 6:00pm & Thursday: 4:00pm to 6:00pm Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church Lime Walk, Chelmsford, CM2 9NJ 01245 349 666 ENG MAT

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, DBS-checked tutors. Call 0845 6445452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

11+ ENG ICT LAN MAT MUS SAT SCI SEN

LISTINGS KEY TO SERVICES 11+ 11 PLUS ENG ENGLISH ICT COMPUTING LAN LANGUAGES MAT MATHEMATICS MUS MUSIC SAT SATs SCI SCIENCE SEN SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

26 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

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

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

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

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

LEARNING & EDUCATION

www.kidaround.biz • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • 27

Top Skincare Tips To Beat The Winter Weather

CLASSES

READING

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

PRE/POST NATAL EXERCISE

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

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

Ante Natal Aqua Yoga

Pioneered by Birthlight, Aqua Yoga uses the water’s support and buoyancy for gentle exercises involving stretching, floating, gliding and balances. Use the water’s natural resistance to control your own level of exercise.

Using the water’s calming nature for relaxation and body/ baby awareness.

The main benefits are both physical and emotional • • • •

Bonding with baby Calming the mind and helping to balance emotions Increasing mobility and flexibility Helps to improve circulation

• • • •

Helps maintain muscle tone Pelvic Floor exercises using breathing techniques Can help balance hormones Adaptations for those with Pelvic Pain

Please visit our website or email for further details Chelmsford – www.aqua4baby.co.uk email Jan@aqua4baby.co.uk Wickford – www.aquacalm4mums2b.co.uk email michelle@aquacalm4mums2b.co.uk

28 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Between the harsh weather and the cosy heat indoors your skin needs a little extra love in winter. We have put together some tips and suggestions to help your skin survive the season Sleep: Get more sleep. Too little sleep will undo all your skin care efforts. 7-8 hours a night will help your skin look fresh and keep those eyebags at bay Drink: Water makes all the difference and not just to your skin. 6-8 glasses of water a day is optimal. Why not give coconut water a try, very trendy at the moment. Its naturally sweet and full of nutrients An occasional glass of wine is reputed to have health benefits for your skin. Just one glass though, not the whole bottle!

Chocolate: Hooray, according to Glamour magazine dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect your skin.

Moisturise: Try massaging your moisturiser in to give your circulation a boost, using a gentle circular motion. Apply moisturiser when your skin is damp to get the best results. If you have dry skin use a thick unperfumed moisturiser, try adding a little night oil to the extra dry areas.

Apply foot cream at night and wear cotton socks for a treat for your feet.

Eyes: If your eyes are feeling tired and puffy try the teabags from your morning cuppa (cooled), place them over your eyes for 10 minutes for gentle relief.

Cucumber slices also work really well.

Make-up: Wearing less make up means that oxygen can get to your pores and let them breathe. It might save you some time in the morning too!

Do remove your makeup at night for both your skin’s sake and your pillowcases! If you run out of make up remover try olive oil on a cotton pad or baby wet wipes (unperfumed)

Little Scrummers Tag Rugby: Fantastic Family Fun!

Did you know just how much family fun there is to be had when your active 2-6yr old joins Little Scrummers Rugby Club? You will soon see that the exciting lessons given outdoors on Saturday mornings can be made into fun family activities whenever and wherever you want!

You can practice what has been taught in your garden, at the park, at the beach, in fact anywhere there is an open space. It really does involve the whole family as tag-rugby is a safe non-contact form of the game rugby, and anyone can play it at any age, so come on and have a go!

There are many other advantages for joining Little Scrummers Rugby: at the weekly 45-60 minute sessions, the children gain confidence, improve their gross motor skills, communication and behaviour at these fun filled sessions lead by fully qualified coaches who play and or coach at their own local rugby clubs.

Learning sport at an early age is essential and it is proven that there is a positive educational impact as the children learn to work as a team, improve their gross motor skills and it even gets them ready to concentrate and take instructions at school.

So if you have little ones who have loads of energy, who love running around and mixing with other children then sign up for a free trial session!

The club which has a great community feel is growing month on month.

Currently it has 10 locations across Herts, Essex & Cambs and it has just launched its Franchise programme too!

Check out to the website: www.littlescrummers.com

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa: Your Perfect Venue Come Rain or Shine!

Looking for the perfect venue to share a meal or drink with friends and family, enjoy a spa treat or see competitions page day and escape from the everyday by booking a relaxing break? Then Greenwoods Hotel & Spa has it all!

One of the first boutique hotels in the county, this Grade II listed manor house has historic links back to the 17th century and is set in extensive, beautifully landscaped gardens and has recently undergone a major refurbishment to include the spa, gym and accommodation.

As well as a range of fabulous spa offers that change each month, Ellis’s restaurant, Greenwoods’ in-house restaurant under Head Chef Daniel Holland Robinson, has a growing reputation for some of the finest dining in Essex and also offers a great value Sunday roast!

The hotel has a full programme of events running throughout the year including special occasion events like the popular Valentine’s dinner, regular Jazz Afternoon Tea and summer events which include cocktails on the terrace and tribute nights.

So whether you’re looking to book a celebration party, prom, afternoon tea or simply want a new venue to enjoy a drink and listen to live music, make Greenwoods Hotel & Spa your next stop!

For further details, and for a programme of events, please call the Events team on 01277 829990

www.kidaround.biz • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • 29

BRENTWOOD Hopscotch Day Nursery School Road Kelvedon Hatch 01277 372826 Jan Swift www.hopscotchdn.co.uk

sTly Sunflower Montessori Kindergarten

Lansbury Suite Hutton Poplars Hutton 01277 201120 Naira Gendi www.sunflowermontessorikinder.co.uk info@sunflowermontessorikinder.co.uk

sT BILLERICAY Little Achievers Montessori Pre-School

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

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30 • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz

CHELMSFORD Dovedale Nursery

Chelmsford College Moulsham St. Campus 01245 293045 Pat Cox www.dovedale-nursery.co.uk

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Kiddi Caru

10 Victoria Court New Street 01245 505323 chelmsford@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com

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Phoenix Day Nursery

Merrymeade Chase CM15 9BG 01277 260893 Rachel Thomas info@phoenix-daynursery.co.uk www.phoenix-daynursery.co.uk

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GALLEYWOOD 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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INGATESTONE Wright Start Day Nurseries Ltd 52 Fryerning Lane 01277 356885 Carly Wright www.wrightstartdaynurseries.co.uk

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CHILDCARE 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

ROXWELL

Brookhead Studio Brookhead Farm Maldon Rd 07742 228077 Jennifer Hull woodhammortimerpre-school@hotmail.com www.woodhammortimerpreschool.org.uk

Roxwell Preschool

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MUNDON Small Steps Day Care

Little Wycke Farm 01621 828767 Sarah Roe www.smallstepsdaycare.co.uk

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NORTH FAMBRIDGE Deerlands Day Nursery

Ferry Road 01621 744041 Heidi Cook www.deerlandsdaynursery.co.uk

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ONGAR ABC Nursery, Pre-School & After School Club Stondon Road 01277 362211 igherghi2000@yahoo.co.uk www.abcnursery.org.uk

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Memorial Hall The Street 07970 750484 April Little www.roxwellpreschool.co.uk aprillittle123@btinternet.com

s DAY CARE T SESSIONAL CARE y AFTERSCHOOL CLUB h CHILDMINDER

WRITTLE The Duckling Nursery

Lodge Road 07771 645270 Mrs S. Homer www.ducklingnursery.co.uk

l BREAKFAST CLUB * HOLIDAY CLUB H CRECHE

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Writtle College Kiddi Caru Foxburrows Lane 01245 421341 writtlecollege@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com

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Writtle Green Preschool Longmeads House 12-14 Redwood Drive 07950 944612 Debbie Wright

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Advertise your childcare setting to over 125,000 readers from just £85 per year.

Call Anna or Kate on 01371 238071 to find out more.

Or download a media card online at kidaround.biz

www.kidaround.biz • Winter 15/16 • South Essex • 31