Autumn Issue of Salad Days by Salad Days

Local

Information for parents, teachers and carers of children in Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Villages

Welcome to the Autumn Issue of Salad Days!

Dear Readers,

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden embrace of autumn, we are delighted to welcome you to the latest edition of Salad Days. This season, as the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their colourful transformation, we are excited to bring you an issue brimming with fresh activities, enriching clubs, exciting events, and insightful programmes tailored for both you and your family.

Autumn is a time of new beginnings, and with the start of the academic year, our pages are packed with essential information to help you navigate this dynamic period. From the latest updates in education to tips and resources that ensure a smooth transition back to school, we aim to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for guidance on academic choices, extracurricular activities, or simply seeking inspiration to make the most of this vibrant season, we have something for everyone.

In this issue, we’re thrilled to feature a variety of new clubs and activities designed to engage and inspire. From arts and crafts sessions that celebrate the beauty of autumn to sports clubs that keep the energy high even as the temperatures drop, there are plenty of options to keep young minds and bodies active. Don’t miss the local theatre guide showcasing the best family-friendly performances to enjoy this season.

Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to highlight the wonderful events happening around us. We also have a plethora of contributions from our esteemed writers and experts, bringing you book reviews that open new worlds, legal advice to navigate parenting complexities, and thoughtful articles on various parenting topics. Their insights and expertise are here to support you in making informed decisions and finding joy in the everyday moments of parenting.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and enriching autumn season.

Tam & Lisa x

Contents Autumn 2024

Editors Pick Hatters farm is our editors favourite pumkin patch! Check it out for yourself this season. More details and a discount code on page 11.

Copy Date for Winter issue 1st November 2024

Advertisers:

BOOK NOW to feature in our next issue. Contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

The copyright of the contents including artwork, advertisements, logos and articles when generated by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days remain with Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days except where specifically stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in articles are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in Salad Days are for information only and must not be used for commercial purposes. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Salad Days. All advertisements are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertiser. ISSN 1752-3257. Data Protection Act Registration Number Z9533787. T: 0790 073 5566 E-mail: hello@ saladdaysmag.co.uk. Published and edited by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart.

Design Services: Chanel Holmes @designedby_chanel

Printed by Indigo Ross, Spectrum House, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1WH.

Bringing the Arts and Science to life

Bringing the Arts and Sciences to life

James McCaughran, Head of Dame Bradbury’s, at Dame Bradbury’s Junior School, Saffron Walden

At Dame Bradbury’s Junior School in Saffron Walden, we are passionate about helping children to make connections between the Arts and the Sciences, also known as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths). STEAM focuses on teaching children where the individual subjects converge, and provides the opportunity to practice skills which are transferable between each subject.

Showcasing art at the National Gallery

STEAM projects enable children to express themselves and experiment with all media of art and design, from digital animations and pottery, to poetry, drama and soundscapes. Each year, our school participates in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture school initiative and we host an annual creative exhibition at the local Bridge End Garden, in Saffron Walden to showcase our pupils’ different artistic responses to a famous painting. Last year, our pupils created their own stop-motion animated short videos inspired by Henri Rousseau’s 1891 tiger painting “Surprised!”. We are incredibly proud that our pupils’ creative videos have been selected from hundreds of entries to be displayed at the National Gallery in London this summer as part of the nationwide competition.

Encouraging girls into the Sciences

At Dame Bradbury’s, we aim to encourage young girls’ enthusiasm for science at an early age and champion their scientific skills. We encourage our girls to participate by providing enrichment opportunities designed specifically for them: for example we were lucky enough to be able to send pupils to our local STEM Olympiad tournament in Suffolk. During the event teams are tasked to work together to find creative and interesting solutions to maths and science challenges.

Using the great outdoors

We are big believers in leveraging our outdoor spaces to help bring the arts, sciences and maths to life. With our outdoor learning opportunities our pupils are able to practise their design and woodwork skills by creating willow domes, bug hotels, and compost heaps in our school gardens. Children have an innate sense of curiosity, and so we encourage them to follow their own line of enquiry to learn more about what and how different things work. This is essential for nurturing creative, independent young thinkers who are ready to take their next steps in life.

To learn more about Dame Bradbury’s visit www.damebradburys.com

4 education

Tutors & Support

Academic Languages

Anna Clarke BA(Ed) Hons

Qualified and Experienced Tutor Primary Literacy and Maths. SATs preparation and confidence-building. GCSE Maths and English

T: 01799 526134

Karen Kellett

KS2 maths, specialising in SATs maths preparation;

T: 07813 577590

E: karen.kellett7@gmail.com

Kumon Bishop’s Stortford

Contact: Nicola Norbury

T: 01920 461457

W: kumon.co.uk

Sue Herd BEd (Hons)

Experienced primary school tutor for Key stage 1 & 2 English & Maths

T: 01799 510 995

M: 07836 687376

Caron Johnson

Qualifed teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English. T: 07305 353720

Family Support

Rochelle Cutler Mont Dip AMI I Can Do It Montessori

Positive parenting support and gentle family mentoring to solve all your parenting challenges between 0-12 years.

T: 07950 995771

E: rochelle@icandoitmontessori.co.uk

W: icandoitmontessori.co.uk

Kidslingo

Have fun learning Spanish through songs, games, drama and stories from 0-11 years. Classes also available for nurseries, primary schools & child minders

T: 07926 007797

E: jessicalp@kidslingo.co.uk

W: kidslingo.co.uk

Luciana Ferreira Day

Spanish all levels

E: lucianafday@gmail.com

T: 07930 525079

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Nikki Sammons ITEC. IIHHT. DIP. SMT. Y.M

Teaching relaxation and well-being skills for life.Outdoor and indoor courses for children, teens, 1 -1 and families.

T: 07966 579345

E: nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk

W: nikkisammons.co.uk

SandStory

Therapeutic approach, using sand and story telling, to working with children suffering with anxiety. I currently offer sessions for ages 4 to 9 years. For more information about the method check, www.lowenfeld.org/videos

M: 07779718223

E: Larena22@protonmail.com

Family mediation specialists

For many families or couples, working with a mediator can help to resolve issues in a more amicable way, where possible. At Tees the family law team includes people who are both experienced mediators and highly qualified, experienced solicitors.

What are the benefits of family mediation?

There are three main benefits:

1. It can help to keep things amicable; the approach of mediation focuses on good communication and understanding from everyone and that can support a more amicable solution being achieved.

2. Final decisions are made by you and not on your behalf. If you go to court to sort out your arrangements a judge will make the decisions, which will then be imposed upon you, whether you like them or not.

3. It’s often quicker and cheaper than other options. Resolving matters through the courts or solicitors can take months, whereas mediation can be at your preferred pace.

If you are married and considering divorce or separating from your partner, our mediators can help you.

Curtain Up – Gentle Introductions to the Arts

After a summer spent exploring outdoors, I thought it might be fun to choose books which, in different ways, introduce children to some of the indoor adventures to be had in the arts – music, theatre, ballet, opera, and art.

The whimsical Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl caught my eye. It’s a picture book about Bea, a little girl from a musical family who ‘can’t wait for her music to start’. While her big sister practises beautiful melodies on her violin, Bea only gets to ‘bink’ the deeply unsatisfactory triangle. She explores the cellar where, waiting for her is a ‘baby mountain’ which ‘smelled gently of mouse,’ and some magic. Her piano fingers get to work, and with the help of Maestro Gus the cat, she makes a sound ‘more delicious than mulberries between your toes’ – at least, she and Maestro Gus think so! With lovely sketchy illustrations to match the quirky prose, this will appeal to the imaginations of young children starting to explore music.

There’s another magical cat leading the performance in Curtain Up! Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House illustrated by Lauren O’Hara. Figaro takes us backstage to meet the people preparing to bring a ballet or opera to life. We are shown work of the costume designers and wig makers, the scenery and props departments, the ballet studios, the dressing rooms and make-up artists, the orchestra and the technicians. This book will fascinate any young child interested in ballet, music, or any aspect of the stage, opening their eyes to the whole range of opportunities to get involved. As the book concludes, ‘whatever it is you fancy doing, you can start learning the skills’.

If one of those skills is painting or sculpture, a great place to start learning is Art: A Children’s Encyclopedia, a DK publication from authors Susie Hodge and David Taylor. It describes itself as ‘the essential guide to the visual arts … full of stunning images and amazing facts’ and it would be hard to argue otherwise. It sets out the evolution of painting from prehistoric caves to the start of the 21st century, explores ancient and modern sculpture, and finishes with a history of photography – all illustrated with excellent reproductions of the artworks, and all in the trademark DK style, designed for children (or adults!) who want to learn.

Yuval Zommer, authorillustrator of The Big Book of Nature Art quotes Picasso who claimed that ‘Every child is an artist’. While older children, tempted to have a go at art could sit and copy the works from the Encyclopaedia, younger ones might like to explore the 22 art projects using natural and recycled materials in this book. Lots of these projects would be fun in the classroom or at creative children’s birthday parties. There are paper cup owls, bubble-wrap jellyfish, picnic flies, cardboard cacti, loo roll crickets, and many more wonderful creatures waiting for children’s imaginations. Most projects need scissors, glue, and googly eyes.

Zommer describes his book as being ‘for the children who collect pebbles, build sandcastles, make snow angels, and find faces in clouds’. Such children will love my final choice, Cloudspotting for Beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney and Wiliam Grill. Beautifully illustrated, this is a children’s version of the bestselling Cloudspotters’ Guide. It has so much more than the original, including the most glorious descriptions –how about the mostly ‘boring’ Altostratus which ‘just hangs around … But every cloud has its moment to shine. At sunrise or sunset, this cloudy canvas can be briefly adorned with glorious washes of gold, red and purple. Then it goes back to being boring again’. Art in the sky!

All these books are on the shelves at Hart’s Books in Saffron Walden (www.hartsbooks.co.uk), along with hundreds of other delights. I hope that at least one of these books will inspire the children in your care to unleash their creative imaginations. - Jo Burch Founder of Words in Walden

SAINT NICHOLAS

AVANTI BROOK

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE | CHARACTER FORMATION | SPIRITUAL

INSIGHT

Two growing schools in Bishop’s Stortford

Please accept our invitation to you to visit Avanti Meadows and Brook Primary Schools. Tour the schools and meet the Avanti family of sta .

Spacious classrooms and outdoor spaces Holistic and nurturing learning environment

Specialised and challenging curriculum Yoga and mindfulness lessons

“From

the very start, pupils develop the deep consideration for others, self-reﬂection and kind relationships that are at the heart of this school.”

AVANTI MEADOWS

Avanti Meadows, Farnham Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 1FQ • Avanti Brook Primary School, Newland Avenue, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2UW

Avanti Meadows Ofsted Inspection Report March 2024

Hatter’s Farm

Hatter’s Farm is a family-run pumpkin patch producing thousands of pumpkins and squash each year! Having farmed near the village of Takeley for almost 100 years, Ross and his family decided to open their farm to the public for the first time in 2020.

With over 75 varieties to choose from, visitors are able to pick up a wheelbarrow and venture out into the fields to find their perfect pumpkin! To top off the perfect family day out, you can also fire the UK’s first Pumpkin Cannon, explore the massive Maize Maze and get the perfect pumpkin pic’ at one of the many photo opportunities!

Hatter’s Farm has exciting plans for the patch to be even bigger and better than ever this year, with more pumpkins, the return of their spooky Pumpkin Nights sessions, Hatter’s Haunted Mad House, live street actors, and more incredible food and drinks to choose from.

Don’t just take their word for it! See what one of their customers had to say:

“Huge selection of pumpkins and squash available and very reasonably priced. The children loved the Pumpkin Cannons and Maize Maze. We look forward to visiting again next year!” – Emily Heath, Google Review

So, what are you waiting for! Visit www.hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk to book your tickets for daytime and evening sessions before they sell out. Use the discount code HATT501 to get 50% off, but hurry, this offer only applies to the first 200 tickets sold.

PUMPKIN CANNON!

As well as pumpkin picking, we also have lots of other Halloween activities:

• UK’s 1st Pumpkin Cannon!

• Hatter’s Haunted Mad House

• Maize Maze

• Spooky Pumpkin Nights

• Hot Food and Drink

Visit our website and use the DISCOUNT CODE HATT501 for 50% off. But hurry as this only applies to the first 200 tickets sold! www.hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk

12 leisure and features

Diary Dates

September

Quendon & Rickling Family Fun Day

12pm-4pm Free entry

Includes: Dog Show, bouncy castle & beat the goalie!

Food & Drink Festival

Princess meet and greet - Elsa JustPlay Saffron Walden @ 11am Tickets can be purchased at evenbrite.com

Dress Like Pirate Day

This fun holiday encourages people to talk and dress like the sea plunderers of yesteryears..... Who’s a pretty boy then?

October

Knightzzz At The Museum at Colchester Castle From 7pm-9am (27th) Tickets at www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Fossil hunt at Walton-on-the-Naze From 12pm-2pm

Guided Fossil Hunting Trip, Be shown how to find fossils, Have everything you discover Identified, Keep everything you find! Tickets at www.fossilsgalore.com

November

includes entertainment and fair rides.

Harlow

Murder in the Pumpkin Patch at Little Easton Manor Halloween

Free Fireworks at Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club

Livewire Rock Academy

Livewire Rock Academy is a longestablished rock school based in Saffron Walden with outlets in Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Epping.

The schools teach skills in electric guitar, drums and bass and lessons always finish with a live “jam” where students play songs together.

Owner and manager Simon Baker is a professional musician who fronts one of the biggest tribute bands in the UKUncle Funk’s Disco Inferno.

His career in the music business has seen him working for record labels, national retailers and distribution companies. He also managed two international bands before setting up the rock school 15 years ago.

“Music is such a great creative outlet for young people” he said. “Joining a rock school like Livewire Rock Academy is a great way to start playing an instrument in a social, safe space with a team of fantastic tutors who will bring out the best in your abilities. We also teach those who have some experience too, so whether you’re just looking to start, or indeed you want a music lesson that’s more interactive and fun than standard music lessons. Playing together with other people is a key component to mastering an instrument. All our students get to do this from their very first lesson. It’s a huge amount of fun, boosts confidence and teaches you how to be a perfomer as well as a musician”

Livewire Rock Academy accepts students from 5 years old. To book a free taster lesson email simon@livewirerockacademy.co.uk or call 07941 670575

More information is available on the website www.livewirerockacademy.co.uk

We are delighted to announce 2024’s Christmas Pantomime will be Robin Hood! From the same company who brought you Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Sat 7th Dec

Sun 8th Dec

Sat 14th Dec

Sun 15th Dec

Sat 21st Dec

Sun 22nd Dec

Mon 23rd Dec

Tue 24th Dec

Thu 26th Dec

Fri 27th Dec

Sat 28th Dec

Sun 29th Dec

Mon 30th Dec

Tue 31st Dec

Thu 2nd Jan

Fri 3rd Jan

Sat 4th Jan

*Please note the show on the 27th December at 11am is a

Resin Up Your Life!!!

Resin worktops offer numerous advantages, including durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance. Resin worktops are non-porous, making them resistant to bacteria growth and suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Worktops made of resin tend to be resistant to impact and lasting. They’re impervious to chipping and scratching and could withstand regular kitchen operations.

Up cycle & spruce up your Bars and Restaurants

Without easily showing wear and tear, this concept is a chic choice to cheaply re vamp your venues

Driveway looking tired?

The answer is yes, epoxy resin is highly durable and can be installed as successfully indoors as it can outdoors. Epoxy resin is a popular choice for pool sides and balconies because of its waterproof nature. Rain won’t damage your surface in any way.

Tired walls? Fancy a revamp?

Resin walls are durable, stylish and practical – made from a rock-resin plaster, they create a seamless surface that can be customised to match exactly the colour or design you wish to match. Suitable for use in both residential and commercial environments, our resin wall finishes are versatile enough for almost any use.

Create a show stopper!!!

Are you bored of sitting at your old dining room table? Or embarrassed of inviting people round for coffee because the kids have drawn all over the furniture? Why not resin your old furniture.... It’s cheaper than buying new and it will introduce an individual and artistic flavour into your home.

What are the Advantages of Resin Table Tops?

• Durable Resin Finish: Once the resin hardens, it results in a long-lasting solid surface.

• Wide Variety of Styles, Designs, and Colours

• Heat Resistant

• Non-Toxic and Food Safe

• Easy to Clean

• Lightweight

Sports clubs

Boxing

10 Rounds Boxing Club

Saffron Walden

T: 01799 218 924

E: hello@10roundsboxing.co.uk

W: www.10roundsboxing.com

Cricket

Dunmow Cricket Club

E: paulreid10@talk21.com

W: www.dunmowcricketclub.co.uk

Saffron Walden Cricket Club

E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com

W: www.saffronwaldencricketclub.co.uk

Football

Bishops Stortford `Youth FC

E: tim.molette@bsctc.co.uk

M: 07740 945117

W: www.bscfc.co.uk

Dunmow Rovers Youth FC

M: 07595 445425

E: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk

W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk

Elsenham Youth FC

E: info@elsenhamyfc

W: eyfc.org

Plantation FC, Saffron Walden

T: 01799 500821

E: paulbr88@googlemail.com

Saffron Walden FC

T: 01763 836928 E: chairman@psgfc.co.uk

W: www.swcfc.club

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC

T: 07595328816

E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk

W: www.psgfc.co.uk

Thaxted Rangers Youth FC

T: 07976 670409

E: martintritton@hotmail.com

FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

Kidzteens Football Academy

Bishops Stortford

M: 07955259030

E: kidsteens15@gmail.com

Hockey

Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree

W: www.braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club

W: www.saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

Martial

arts

Associated Karate Schools (AKS)

E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: www.karateschools.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: www.bishopsstortfordjudo.com

B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools

E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: www.bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk

Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden

W: www.mushinzui.com

Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club

W: www.eska.org.uk

Haverhill & Saffron Walden

Shotokan Karate

E: gill.payne@talktalk.net

Judo

E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk

Koryoda Kids W: www.koryoda.com

Saffron Walden Judo Club T: 07815126393

Saffron Walden Judo Tots T: 07460424506

Shotokan Karate Ryu W: www.skr.org.uk

Te-Ashi-Do Karate, Bishop’s Stortford M: 07826 849388

E: allan.worrell@sky.com

W: www.teashido.co.uk

Rugby

Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby

E: chair@wendenrugby.com

W: www.wendenrugby.com

Saffron Walden Rugby Club, Henham M: 07703 532822

E: info@swrfc.co.uk

W: www.swrfc.co.uk

Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club

E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk

W: www.stortfordsquash.co.uk

Saffron Walden Squash Club

E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

Swimming

Bishops Stortford Swimming Club

E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk

The Dugout Essex

The Dugout Essex was formed to compliment the excellent facilities at Fyfield Sports Academy

The objective is to offer well cooked food and value for money pricesWhether you are attending training session, playing a match or supporting someone we have a number of great food option.

If your children are playing on one of the academy’s we offer a great space for food before or after training and comfort to sit down and complete any homework

With the club house having an excellent bar we want to create a great social hub- few drinks, try the fantastic pizzas and if you have children they can play outside in a very safe environment

Why not come relax in the bar over a pizza or order one for take-away

With the Euros in June we believe it’s the ideal family place to come and watch the games live on a number of Large TV’s

We will be expanding our menu so follow us on Instagram Thedugoutessex

22 performing arts

Performing arts

Dance

JCL School of Dance

T: 07753 607 523

E: julialast8@gmil.com

W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk

KBD Dance

T: 07305 113 187

E: katie@kbddance.com

W: kbddance.co.uk

Kate Plummer School of Dance

T: 07832 212 593

E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

Tempos Performing Arts

T: 07956 211 909

E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk

W: temposperformingarts.co.uk

Tracey Walker School of Dance

T: 07773 062 338

E: doancecrazy.tracey1@gmail.com

W: traceywalkerschoolofdance.co.uk

Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts

T: 07900 735 566

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

Graham School of Dance

T: 01279 654 423

E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

Hyperfusion Theatre Co

T: 07909 960 490

E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk

W: hyperfusion.co.uk

Pauline Quirk Academy

T: 07958 913 456

Drama Theatre Schools

Drama Wise

T: 01223 832 288

E: frances.wyse@btinternet.com

W: dramaclasses.biz

Perform Bishops Stortford

T: 02072 559 120

E: performforschools@perform.org.uk

W: perform.org.uk

Stortford Performers

T: 07949 029 967

E: emmacremnitz@gmail.com

W: stortfordperformers.com

E: paula.templeman@pqaacademy.com

W: pqaacademy.com

Pure Rhythm Performing Arts

T: 07952 993288

E: sue@purerhythm.co.uk

W: purerhythm.co.uk

Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company

T: 07799 628 977

E: swmtcyg@gmail.com

W: swmtc.net

Stagecoach

T: 01799 588 246

E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk

W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden

Sting Performing Arts

T: 07903 192 094

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

T: 0790 073 5566

E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Music

Cantate Youth Choir

E: info@cantate.co.uk

W: www.cantate.co.uk

Joyful Noise

T: 01799 520 083

E: annecass@btinternet.com

Kodaly Classes

E: info@saffroncym.org

W: Kodaly.org.uk

Saffron Centre For Young Musicians

E: kllewellyn@cym.org.uk

W: saffroncym.org

Saffron Walden Town Band

T: 07779 266 853

E: stephthake@gmail.com

Sting Choir

T: 07484 865 763

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

St Marys C of E School

T: 01799 523 384

E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk

W: stmaryssw.org.uk

Music tutors

Dan Ketteridge (Guitar)

M: 07862 278 404

E: fig6@hotmail.com

Elizabeth De Vile (Piano)

T: 01799 500 111

E: edevile@hotmail.co.uk

James Free (sax, flute, guitar)

M: 07818 334 592

E: jamesfsax@gmail.com

Suzanne Reeves Violin Teacher

B Sc (Mus) (Hons), M Ed, LGSM, PGCE

M: 07947 815512

E: suzanne_reeves@hotmail.com

Outstanding Performing Arts classes for all ages & abilities in Bishops Stortford, Church Langley, Flitch Green, Hertford, Saffron Walden, Sawbridgeworth & Stansted

RAD Ballet | ISTD Tap & Modern | GCSE Dance

LAMDA Drama & Musical Theatre | Acrobatic Arts

Commercial & Street | Contemporary | Adult Classes

01279 654423 | info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk @grahamschooldancetheatre www.grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

24 performing arts

26 pre-school

Pre-Schools

Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery

T: 01799 584 848

E: ashdonchildrensnursery@outlook.com

W: ashdonchildrensnursery.co.uk

Barlow

Little Hands Nursery

T: 01223 897 945

E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com

W: littlehands.co.uk

Birchanger

Birchanger Butterflies Preschool

T: 01279 810 800

E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

W: birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

Bishop’s Stortford

Apple Green Montessori Preschool

T: 07788 913 444

E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk

W: applegreenmontessori.co.uk

Blues Preschool Nursery

T: 01279 755 422

E: admin@bluespreschool.co.uk

W: bluespreschool.co.uk

Busy Bees - St Michael’s Mead

T: 01279 755 522

W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Busy Bees - Thorley Park

T: 01279 654 830

W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Doodledo Day Nursery

T: 01279 653 318

E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com

W: doodledodaynursery.com

Early Birds, Night Owls, Little Ladybirds & Appletree Preschool

T: 01279 771 367

E: info@earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk

W: earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk

Little Oaks

T: 01279 657 706

E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse.org

W: howegreenhouse.org

Sunflowers Pre-School

T: 07752 562 206

E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com

W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk

Sycamore House Day Nursery

T: 01279 465 097

E: familycareteam@allaboutchildren.co.uk

W: allaboutchildren.co.uk

Thorley Pre-School

T: 01279 503 895

E: admin@thorleypreschool.co.uk

W: thorleypreschool.co.uk

Thorn Groves Little Acorns

T: 01279 653 233

E: tglittleacorns@aol.com

Chrishall

Chrishall Pre-School

T: 01763 793 524

E: preschool@chrishall.essex.sch.uk

W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk

Clavering

lavering & Arkesden Preschool

T: 01799 550 380

E: claveringarkesdenassistant@outlook.com

W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.co.uk

Dunmow

Freedom Day Care Nursery & Pre-School

T: 01371 873 663

E: info@freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk

W: freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk

Little Dunmow’s Pre-School

T: 01376 339 590

E: admin@ittledunmowspreschool.co.uk

W: littledunmowspreschool.co.uk

Maynard Montessori

T: 01371 856 995

E: maynardmymontessori.org.uk

W: maynardmontessori.co.uk

Puffin preschool

T: 07712 858 878

E: puffinpreschool@hotmail.com

W: puffinpreschool.com

St Mary’s Church Nursery

T: 07957 596 303

E: smchurchnursery@gmail.com

W: stmarysnurserydunmow.co.uk

Wrens Pre-School

T: 07754 876 330

E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk

W: wrenspreschool.co.uk

Ford End

Ford End Pre School

T: 07754 876 330

E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk

W: fordendtreschool.co.uk

Great Bardfield

Great Bardfield Pre School

T: 01371 811 580

E: kathyking32@btinternet.com

W: greatbardfieldpreschool.com

Bardfield Montessori Day Nursery

T: 01371 811 088

E: info@bardfieldmontessori.co.uk

W: bardfieldmontessori.co.uk

Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden Crocus Early Years Centre

T: 0333 920 7674

E: saffronwaldenbrighthorizons.co.uk

W: brighthorizons.co.uk

Saffron Walden Nursery School

T: 01799 522 108

E: info@saffronwaldennursery.org.uk

W: saffronwaldennursery.org.uk

Stephen Perse Nursery

T: 01233 454 762

E: admissions@stephenperse.com

W: stephenpersenurseries.com

St Thomas More Montessori

T: 01371 831 902

E: sarah@mymontessori.org.uk

W: stthomasmoremontessori.co.uk

Takeley

High House Day Nursery

T: 01279 870 898

E: manager@highhousenursery.com

W: highhousenursery.com

Saplings Nursery

T: 01279 851 998

W: saplingsnursery.co.uk

Maynard Montessori

T: 01371 831 902

E: office@mymontessori.org.uk

Great Chesterford Community Pre-School

T: 07840 341 551

E: admissions@chesterfordspreschool.org.uk

W: chesterfordspreschool.org.uk

Great Chesterford Newport

Olivers Lodge

T: 01799 540 709

E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk

W: olivers-lodge.co.uk

W: maynardmontessori.co.uk

The Barn Nursery and Barn kids

T: 01371 831 262

E: info@thebarnnursery.co.uk

W: thebarnnursey.co.uk

The Windmill Preschool

T: 01371 831 457

E: windmillpreschoolthaxted@gmail.com

W: windmillpreschoolthaxted.co.uk

Rocking Horse Nursery

SAINT NICHOLAS

28 pre-school

Did you know there is a website you can use to quickly and easily search and identify local services and make a self-referral, so that you get the support you need more quickly?

If you live in Uttlesford - go to www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk, or for help further afield visit essexfrontline.org.uk or hertsfrontline.org.uk. Sites are very easy to use – you simply look for the support or services you need by entering keywords into the search area.

For example typing in ‘SCHOOL’ will bring up a range of local organisations that provide support for children with a range of abilities, and their families, including SEND information, family support, holiday and food programmes, boys and girls clubs and specialist or alternative education providers.

The website can also be used to access help and advice from Citizens Advice, mental health support, counselling, support for eating disorders, parenting courses, youth clubs and toddler groups, mentoring programmes, cancer support, support for carers, money advice, help with job searching and much more.

If you use a mobile device, you may prefer to download the ‘Frontline Referrals’ app:

If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you can get online for free at your local library, (ask staff to help you) or call the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0300 303 9988.

Uttlesford Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden CB11 4EB 01799 618840 help@uttlesfordca.org.uk www.uttlesfordca.org.uk

Neon Leo

Your Communal Wardrobe and Slow Fashion Hub.

Neon Leo is a local rental and preloved fashion store located on Market Row, in Saffron Walden. Their mission is to help women elevate their style through sustainable fashion choices. The store has a curated collection of trend-led clothing from daily basics to exceptional event wear to rent or buy.

Customers can rent clothing for an event, holiday or occasion. Stocked brands include: Rixo, Queens of Archive, Alexander McQueen, Daily Sleeper, Kitri and It’s 9pm.

Unlike other rental platforms, Neon Leo is an Essex and Cambridgeshire communal wardrobe, where customers can try on items at their Saffron Walden store before renting them. As well as renting clothes, Neon Leo also hosts a curated edit of size inclusive preloved items and accessories as well as styling advice.

Neon Leo is founded by business partners Mandy and Abi. Their mission is to provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion shopping, whilst offering women a welcoming and uplifting environment to shop in. Positive vibes here only!

The founders said:

‘Neon Leo is a place where fashion is fun. We are proud to have built a community that encourages female empowerment and confidence through fashion. We’re encouraging women to invest in the idea that you can borrow, buy and share exceptional clothes, sustainably, and at an affordable price’.

As well as visiting their Saffron Walden store you can also shop or rent online at neonleo.co.uk or follow their joyous social media content at @thisisneonleo.

30 toddlers & babies

Toddlers and babies

Music & Movement

Boogiewoogies

United Reform Church, Saffron Walden Unique music and movement classes for babies and pre-school aged children.

M: 07837 176823

E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk

W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk

Jo Jingles

Sewards End Village Hall. Jo Jingles offers fun, interactive music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children.

M: 07485 721393

E: westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk

W: www.jojingles.com

Mini Monster Sensory Explorers

4 classes for ages 0-4 yrs focusing on enhancing language and listening skills through games, creative play and music. Includes free soft play.

Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow

W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

Baby Massage

Mini Monster Baby Meet Up

Have a baby? Want to meet new friendly faces? Come along and enjoy a weekly class to engage and play! Includes free soft play.

Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow

W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

Rock & Roll Baby

Baby Massage and Baby Yoga classes in Radwinter. Suitable from birth. Enjoy special, focussed time with your baby in a calm and supportive environment.

T: 07791745619

E: rockandrollbabymassage@gmail.com

W: rockandrollbaby.com

Dance

Buzzy BeesSting Performing Arts

Saffron Walden

M: 07900 735566

E: tam@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

Tappy Toes Dance School

Bishop’s Stortford various classes

M: 07770 084 373

E: stortford@tappytoes.com

W: www.tappytoes.com

Tiny Tempos

Baptist Church, Saffron Walden Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909

E: info@tinytempos.co.uk

W: www.tinytempos.co.uk

To feature in our next issue email hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

T: 0790 073 5566

E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

SEND clubs and activities

Stortford Gymnastics

Offer SEND and Sibling session on the FIRST Sunday of every month from 9.30-10.45am. The SEND friendly sessions are for children from walking up to 10 years of age.

Bishop’s Stortford

M: 07808 808815

E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com

W: stortfordgymnastics.com/contact

Kaizen Aikido club

Saffron Walden

M: 07795 477678

E: chris-swarbrick@hotmail.co.uk

CHIPS Playscheme

CHIPS are for children and their siblings ages 3 - 19years. Bishop’s Stortford

T: 01992 804952

W: chipsplay.org

Cafè Cornell

An Inclusive Family Friendly Café. We are welcoming and fully accessible, and we aim to meet any dietary requirements. The cafe is open Monday- Friday 09:00am – 4:00pm.

Saffron Walden

M: 07535 609248

E: info@cafecornell.co.uk

W: enterpriseeast.org

32 advertise

MEDIA PACK - 2024

Salad Days - because they’re only young once!® is the single point of reference for parents and carers of children featuring information on schools, day-care, sports, performing arts, events, extracurricular activities, health, books and more.

Distribution is free 4 times a year through primary schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, and health clinics in the towns and villages shown on the map.

Rates are fair and competitive and long term loyalty is recognised, there is professional help with art-work (if necessary) and there is no VAT to pay. We accept completed artwork as high resolution pdf (Please ensure that fonts are embedded for correct output), high resolution (300ppi) jpeg or tiff ﬁles are also acceptable.

Please note: Microsoft Word or Apple Pages ﬁles are NOT an acceptable format for artwork, they are only suitable for supplying raw text. Email to hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk, send on CD or via WeTransfer (or similar service). www.saladdaysmag.uk