Salad Days Winter 2021

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

Winter 2021 Issue 92

FREE e k to ta y awa

A remarkable village school near Stansted ● A happy, stimulating school full of opportunities, challenges and excitement ● Friendly & welcoming with dedicated staff ● Focused on personal achievement ● Rich learning environment with a strong caring ethos ● Well-resourced equipment & innovative technology for teaching & learning ● West End style drama productions ● Breakfast club, after school club & many enrichment opportunities ● An exciting outdoors curriculum and full Forest schools program for all year groups

Through faith and nurture, we thrive.

‘Life in all its fullness.’ JOHN 10:10 Please call or email to arrange a visit for your child

FARNHAM

CE Primary School Farnham, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 1HR Tel: 01279 771 339 admin@farnham.essex.sch.uk

in this issue 1

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Our first anniversary!

This season we are celebrating our first anniversary! This time last year we took over Salad Days magazine and what a wonderful 12 months we have had. It hasn’t come without its challenges; we had to jump through hoops to keep our Salad Days “covid safe” in its production and delivery. We would like to thank all the schools, nurseries, health and social hubs that have continued to distribute this

wonderful informative magazine to parents and careers.

We have loved the journey so far, especially meeting so many new people within the local community and on social media. To celebrate our first year, we would like to offer one reader the chance to win a whole year's advertising on our new website which will be launching soon. All you have to do is follow us on all our social media platforms and add a picture of this issue to your story, grid or page with the hashtag #SDLOVES We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Celebrate it with feasting, festivities and fun. “Tis the season of magical transformation.”

A special thanks goes to Rebecca Louise Photography for letting us use her wonderful image of local boy Max....what a magical front cover this has made! For beautiful family pictures please visit www.rebeccalouisephotography.co.uk Tam & Lisa

“ ”

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Saladdaysmag

Saladdaysmag

© Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart 2021 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: Nick Crawley. Printed by Parkes Print & Design, 41 Hitchin Street, Biggleswade, SG18 8BE

Contents: Articles & Features

Leisure & Features . . . . . . . . . . 11-25

Creative corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Performing Arts

Picking a primary school . . . . . . . . .7 Learning from nature . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Data sharing by schools . . . . . . . . .9 Book review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 - 13

Dance, drama, theatre, music .30-34

Babies and Toddlers Toddler Groups . . . . . . . . . . . .38-40 Antenatal & Postnatal . . . . . . . . .40

Diary dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 - 15 The Wizard of Oz . . . . . . . . . . .16 - 17 The Bers AUTISM WOW . . . . . . . . .18

Education Primary schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10 Tutors and support . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Talking about….

Pelvic floor muscles. . . . . . . .20 - 21

Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-29

Living with a disability . . . . . . . .23-25 Livewire rock academy . . . . . . . . .33

Copy Date for Winter issue

31st January 2022 To advertise in the next issue, include activities, clubs and events in your town village or school or to contribute articles on your speciality subject contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35-37

For digital copy visit

www.saladdaysmag.uk

2 education Primary schools

www.saladdaysmag.uk

n Stansted St Michael Primary & Nursery T: 01279 652607 E: admin@stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk W: stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk

Felsted preparatory school T: 01371 82260 E: info@felsted.org W: felsted.org

Summercroft Primary & Nursery T: 01279 307477 E: admin@summercroft.herts.sch.uk W: summercroftherts.sch.uk

Great Dunmow Primary T: 01371 873184 E: admin@greatdunmow-pri.essex.sch.uk W: greatdunmowprimary.co.uk

The Richard Whittington Primary T: 01279 657778 E: admin@whittington.herts.sch.uk W: Whittington.herts.sch.uk

The Flitch Green Academy T: 01371 822330 E: admin@flitchgreen.net W: theflitchgreen.net

T: 01279 771339 E: admin@farnham.essex.sch.uk W: Farnham.essex.sch.uk

Thorley Hill Primary T: 01279 654496 E: admin@thorleyhill.herts.sch.uk W: thorleyhill.sch.uk

n Saffron Walden

Hillmead Primary T: 01279 656876 E: admin@hillmead.herts.sch.uk W: Hillmead.herts.sch.uk

Thorn Grove Primary T: 01279 653002 E: admin@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk W: thorngrove.herts.sch.uk

Howe Green House School see opposite page T: 01279 657706 E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse.essex.sch.uk W: howegreenhouseschool.co.uk

Windhill Primary T: 01279 696850 E: admin@windhill.herts.sch.uk W: windhill.herts.sch.uk

n Bishop’s Stortford

All Saint C of E Primary & Nursery T: 01279 836006 E: admin@allsaints.herts.sch.uk W: allsaints.herts.sch.uk Bishops Stortford College see back cover T: 01279 838575 E:general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org W: bishopsstortfordcollege.org Farnham C of E Primary see inside front cover

Little Hadham Primary T: 01279 771285 E: admin@littlehadhams.herts.sch.uk W: littlehadham.hert.sch.uk Manor Fields Primary T: 01279 757193 E: admin@manorfields.hert.sch.uk W: littlehadham.hert.sch.uk Northgate Primary & Nursery T: 01279 652376 E: admin@northgate.herts.sch.uk W: northgate.herts.sch.uk

n Great Dunmow

Dunmow St. Mary’s Primary T: 01371 872340 E: admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk W: dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk Felsted Primary T: 01371 820215 E: admin@felsted-pri.essex.sch.uk W: felsted-pri.sch.uk

Dame Bradbury’s T: 01799 454700 E: office@stephenpurse.com W: stephenpurse.com Katherine Semar Schools T: 01799 521120 E: admin.inf@katherinesemar.net W: katherinesemar.co.uk R A Butler Infant & Junior School T: 01799 523651 E: admin@rab.academy.com W: rabutleracademy.org.uk

Bentfield Primary T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: Bentfield.essex.sch.uk Magna Carta Primary T: 01279 703484 E: ofice@magnacarta.essex.sch.uk W: magnacartaacademy.org St Marys C of E primary T: 01279 812212 E: office@st-marys-stansted.essex.sch.uk W: stmarysstansted.co.uk

n Villages

Albury C of E Primary T: 01279 771253 E: admin@albury.herts.sch.uk W: albury.herts.sch.uk Ashdon County primary T: 01799 584219 E: Ashdon.essex.sch.uk W: Ashdon.essex.sch.uk Birchanger Primary & Nursery T: 01279 812362 E: admin@birchanger.essex.sch.uk W: birchanger.essex.sch.uk

St Marys C of E school T: 01799 523384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk

Chrishall Holy Trinity & St Nicholas Primary T: 01799 550300 E: admin@chrishall.essex.sch.uk W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk

St Thomas More Catholic School T: 01799 523248 E: admin@stmsw.co.uk W: stmsw.co.uk

Clavering Primary T: 01799 550300 E: admin@clavering.essex.sch.uk W: clavering.essex.sch.uk Continued on page 4

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

education 3

HOWE GREEN HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Co-ed Prep School for 4 to 11 years and Little Oaks Nursery School for 2 to 4 years

www.howegreenhouseschool.co.uk 01279 657706

4 creative corner

www.saladdaysmag.uk Continued from page 2

Debden C of E Primary T: 01799 540302 E: admin@debden.essex.sch.uk W: debdenprimary.co.uk Picture by Emily, age 10 Hatfield Heath Primary School.

Elsenham C of E Primary T: 01279 813198 E: admin@elsenham.essex.sch.uk W: elsenham.essex.sch.uk Finchingfield C of E Primary T: 01371 810423 E: admin@finchingfield.essex.sch.uk W: finchingfield.essex.sch.uk Furneux Pelham C of E Primary T: 01279 777344 E: admin@furneuxp.herts.sch.uk W: furneuxp.herts.sch.uk

Please send your art work to hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk for a chance of featuring in Salad Days! !! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association "#!$!%&'$%! '($)"*+,!'&--./"*+0 1$#23,!/&/04)&5"*!

-$6"/7!&)7$/"#$*"&/!

2#*$1%"#(23!"/!899:;!

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01$(2"#'/'$!&255&)*#;!

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MONDAY

Great Chesterford Broad Oakes Close Wimbish CB11 4YJ 9.15am – 10.30am

Saffron Walden SEND session

Bus Stop Ashdon Road Commercial Centre.

CB10 2NQ

11.15am – 12.30pm

TUESDAY

Thaxted Car park near fire station Bardfield Road CM6 2LP

9.15am-10.45am

Dunmow Bus stop, Woodlands Park Drive CM6 1WH

WEDNESDAY

Saffron Walden Ashdon Road commercial centre

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Flitch Green

Dunmow SEND session

Car park near pond Tanton Road

CB10 2NQ!

CM6 3GU

9.15am-10.30am

9.15am-10.45am

Newport

Little Canfield

Cherry Garden Lane

Honey Road

CB11 3PZ

CM6 1FF

11.15am-12.30pm

11.30am-12.45pm

Bus stop

Woodlands Park Drive CM6 1WH

9.15am – 10.30am

Stansted Walson Way Forest Hall CM24 8EU

11.30am-12.30pm

11.30am-12.45pm 9."&:."-&(-%#',/&).$%#)%& ;./'-&.$&<==>?@<=@5A& "./'-#B1*,C!:#',8).:&& Stansted Carver Barracks Takeley Flitch Green 7'/'%&.1"&D-+/'%-E&& Saffron Walden Car park near pond 9."&+..F'$!&'$0.":#%'.$& Bluebell Drive Roseacres Broad Oakes Close Cromwell Road DDD8+100G+1/8).81F& CM24 8XP Tanton Road 9#)-+..F8).:HI100G2 CM22 6QY CB11 4BE CB11 4YJ CM6 3GU J,#G+1/&&& 1.30pm-3.00pm & 1.30pm-3.00pm 1.30pm- 3pm 1.30pm-3.00pm 1.30pm-3.00pm & && !!!>27"#*2)23!'($)"*+!/.-12)!88?@9@ABC("%#*!2<2)+!255&)*!="%%!12!-$32!*&!6224!*&!*("#!*"-2*$1%2,!D.55+!E%$+1.#!)2#2)<2#!*(2!)"7(*!*&!32%$+!$!<"#"*!3.2!*&!&42)$*"&/$%!)2$#&/#! && ! &&&&&

Gt Chesterford Primary T: 01799 530292 E: admin@greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk W: greatchesterford.essex.sch.uk Great Easton Primary T: 01371 870219 E: admin@greateaston.essex.sch.uk W: greateastonprimary.co.uk Great Sampford Primary T: 01799 586280 E: admin@greatsampford.essex.sch.uk W: greatsampford.essex.sch.uk Henham & Ugly Primary T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugly.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugly.essex.sch.uk Manuden Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@manuden.essex.sch.uk W: manudenprimary.co.uk

Much Hadham C of E Primary T: 01279 842626 E: admin@standrews236.herts.sch.uk W: standrews236.herts.sch.uk Newport Primary T: 01799 540055 E: admin@newport.essex.sch.uk W: Newport.essex.sch.uk Radwinter C of E Primary T: 01799 599248 E: admin@radwinter.essex.sch.uk W: radwinter.essex.sch.uk Reed First School T: 01763 848304 E: admin@reed.herts.sch.uk W: reed.herts.sch.uk Rickling C of E Primary T: 01799 543274 E: admin@rickling.essex.sch.uk W: rickling.essex.sch.uk Steeple Bumpstead Primary T: 01440 730220 E: officemanager@steeplebumpstead.essex.sch.uk W: steeplebumpstead.schooljotter2.com Takeley Christian School T: 01279 871182 E: office@takeley-christian.essex.sch.uk W: tcst.org.uk Takeley Roseacre School T: 01279 879599 E: admin@roseacres.essex.sch.uk W: roseacres.co.uk Takeley Primary T: 01279 870541 E: admin@takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk W: Takeley-pri.essex.sch.uk

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Inspired girls make great women

education 5

Places available for immediate start stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit

6 education Tutors & support n Academic

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 Glenis Toms Qualified and experienced teacher.

Maths and English; 7-11 years T: 01799 540833 Kumon Bishop’s Stortford - See page 10 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 Qualified teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English.

T: 07305 353720

n Languages

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

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels E: lucianafday@gmail.com T: 07930 525079

n Family support

Aspects Family Support Ann Creitzman All Saints CE Primary School Parsonage Lane Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 5BE T: 01279 758134 W: www.aspects.org.uk Registered Charity 1164201

n Mindfulness and Relaxation Nikki Phillips, ITEC IIHHT DIP SMT Youth Mindfulness, Teaching emotional well-being skills for life to all.

Nature retreats, children's, young adults and family courses run all year.

T: 07966 579345 E: info@nikkiphiliips.co.uk W: nikkiphillips.co.uk Mini Mindfulness programmes teaching young people skills for life.

Relaxing in nature, and being in the present moment can improve sensory awareness. Our sessions raise self esteem, confidence and concentration, whilst reducing anxiety. For summer bookings at Noakes Grove, Nature Reserve .

Contact -Nikki Phillips M: 07966 579345

Wimbish Primary School

01799 599245

A small village school with big opportunities.

EVERYDAY IS AN OPEN DAY! PLEASE RING OR EMAIL THE SCHOOL OFFICE TO BOOK A TOUR. Prosepective students from all year groups welcome.

For further information, please contact our school office 01799 599245

Wimbish Primary School can offer…

• • • • • • •

Small class sizes Open door policy Forest School Close knit community feel Staff know all the children individually Vibrant and happy learning environment Creative curriculum to inspire all

admin@wimbish.essex .sch.uk Wimbish Primary School is set in 5 acres of land. Come Or take a look at our school website

and visit Wimbish to see how we maximise the use of our fabulous facilities and resources.

We also have a NURTURE, ENRICH, INSPIRE

www.wimbish.essex.sch.uk programme for children to access to enhance and We look forward to meeting you.

deepen their learning experiences.

education 7

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Picking a Primary School It’s time to think about the children who will be starting school in 2022!

Schools will be thinking about open evening events and showcasing what their infant and primary schools have to offer. If your child was born between September 1st 2012 and August 31st 2018 then you’ll need to start thinking about looking at the schools in your local area.

You will need to fill in their primary school application for Reception 2022 before the deadline on January 15th 2022 11:59pm (for those that like leaving things to the very last minute!).

Choosing a primary school may seem like an overwhelming decision to make, so we have compiled a list of things to thinkabout when applying for infant & primaryschools below.

1

What does your child enjoy doing?

And in what settings, (educational or non educational) have you seen them

thrive in? Can you match that what the school has to offer. Take a moment to reflect on whether your child is drawn to big open spaces or if they prefer small playgroupsinside. Would they be happy with a small play area or would they be better off at a school that has large open spaces that they can run around in and let off steam? If your child is sporty ask about how the P.E. curriculum is delivered. Some schools have external sports coaches to run P.E. classes and many will have a variety of after school clubs to offer the opportunity to experience a range of different sports from karate to yoga, football and dance.

If sport doesn’t appear to be your Childs priority, make sure to ask about what they offer as part of the schools curriculum as well as after school clubs, in the way of things like art, music and other languages.

2 3

Think about your other children too… If you have younger children think abut what would work for them too.

Consider before school and after school provisions. If your child needs to do a breakfast or after school club enquire about what the school offers or perhaps a child minder might work best for you.

4

Get information about the school from as many different sources as possible. Other parents, OFSTED reports, the school website.

5

The classroom and environment look around the classroom and the common areas with care. You can tell a lot about a school from the displays and the way children are interacting with the classroom environment…especially in a play-based reception class.

6

How does the school support children with SEN/EAL/G&T etc?

With potential large class sizes parents often wonder if their child will receive the attention they need. If your child requires any additional needs, having English as their second language or if they fall into gifted and talented group, then it is important to find out how schools support these individual areas.

7

You know your child best! Think about how you feel walking around and coming away from a visit. You might feel like its the right place for your child but if you don’t that might help you realise what you are in fact looking for.

8 education

Learning from Nature The concept of biomimicry is simply fascinating. It is when a design or invention mimics the process or product of the natural world. For example, a shopping centre built like a termite mound to keep cool or the Japanese Bullet train which was redesigned to mimic the kingfisher entering water with precision and efficiency. Knowing that we are surrounded by genius which, by design, is a sustainable innovation created by nature. The natural world is doing the things that we, as humans are trying to do. I have spent my career inspiring young people to learn from the highly proficient universe around us. My work is to inspire learners to be innovative, nurture their creativity and allow them opportunities to become

www.saladdaysmag.uk inventors that learn through observation of the natural world. Life has been around for 3.8 billion years – an incredible amount of design and research time; to design our world, we must learn from it. Understanding sustainability is a crucial life skill – a modern approach to education can provide learners with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. As humans, we would benefit by adopting the key principle of ‘learning from nature’. As a school, we have considered ways to enrich the curriculum offer and allow opportunities for the children to fully immerse themselves.

Further examples include 'shark skin' sheets which are used in hospitals to stop bacteria gathering, the almighty team work of an ant colony and a much simpler one, velcro - designed from the small hooks of burrs that kept sticking to the inventors dog.

Mr Athanasiou, Head Teacher Great Sampford Primary School

education 9

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Polly Kerr, Senior Associate and Education Law specialist at Tees.

Sharing of pupil data by schools: What you need to know The introduction of revised data protection laws over the past few years has encouraged schools to reconsider and advance their data protection practices.

Although this has generally been a positive step for the education sector, it can be said that the extent to which schools are permitted to share pupil data whilst still complying with data protection legislation has often been a cause for concern for school staff, as well as leading to confusion and frustration for parents when being asked to provide information about their child.

The prospect of hefty fines for data breaches under the new legislation, as well as enhanced protections around children’s data has led schools to become overly cautious at times, interpreting the legislation far more strictly than the law intended for fear of ‘getting it wrong’.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils is of paramount importance to schools, and data protection legislation does not prevent the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children safe. You should bear this in mind if you have requested any restrictions to the school’s use

of your child’s personal data. You should also bear in mind that your school may be obliged to share data with external parties where there is an overriding safeguarding duty.

It is vital that when you request a place for your child at a school, you disclose any relevant health data regarding your child.

This includes Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) data. To ensure that a child can be sufficiently cared for, schools must be made aware of the child’s specific needs and any educational provision that has been set out for them by their family, experts and the Local Authority.

The extent of a child’s needs will be a factor for the school when considering how far it should share information. For example, if a child has anxiety that does not impact significantly on their day-to-day education, it may not be appropriate for a school to share this health data with all staff internally.

However, if a pupil has a severe health condition, such as epilepsy or an allergy which may lead to anaphylaxis, it will be necessary from a safeguarding perspective, to share this information more widely, i.e. with members of the school community who are on site on a daily basis and with medical professionals in the event of an emergency.

When sharing pupil data outside of the school community, schools should have measures in place to safeguard that data, for

Expect more Expert legal services and independent financial advice Call Cambridge – 01223 311141 Bishop’s Stortford – 01279 755200 Saffron Walden – 01799 527299 example, by putting data sharing agreements in place or using email encryption.

Under data protection law, parents with parental responsibility have a right to request a copy of their child’s data that the school holds by submitting a ‘data subject access request’, or ‘DSAR’. There are certain exemptions to the data that must be provided, and schools are generally not permitted to charge a fee for such requests.

If you are concerned about how your child’s data is processed by the school, you may raise this in the first instance with your child’s teacher, or the Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Schools are required to have a Privacy Policy which should detail how the school intends to process pupils’ data and this should be provided to parents early in the child’s

placement at the school.

It is likely that schools will have undertaken a thorough review of their data protection practices in recent years. Unfortunately during this process, some school staff have confused their safeguarding and data protection obligations. If you do have a concern which you feel has not been adequately addressed by your school, then we can assist with more in-depth queries or concerns, including subject access requests.

10 education

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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Bishop’s Stortford Study Centre 01920 461457 at home | in centre | online Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

kumon.co.uk

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

leisure and features 11

Santa has left Mrs Claus at home preparing for Christmas, whilst he makes a special visit to South Mill Arts this holiday season.

You will start your festive adventure with a fun craft activity before making your way up to see Father Christmas. Not only will you receive a special gift, but you will also hear an enchanting festive story from Santa himself. Your visit will end with delicious hot chocolate and Christmas cookies in the Malting's Bar - the perfect treat to end a magical experience.

We’re counting down the days before Santa has to start his work for Christmas, tickets are limited - so make sure you book now to meet our special guest. Please visit our site for further details: southmillarts.co.uk Please give the child’s name when booking. Please note: Each ticket will only admit one adult and one child to the event. Unfortunately we can only allow a maximum of one adult per child with each ticket.

Dates: December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th and 18th - 24. Times: 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.15 and 3pm.

Christmas Eve: 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm and 1pm. Cost £12 for one child and 1 adult Visit includes: Christmas Crafts, Story with Santa, Special gift, followed by Christmas Cookies and Hot Chocolate.

South Mill Arts, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3JG

12 leisure and features Robins, Reindeer, and Rupert – Kindness in Winter ‘The north wind doth blow And we shall have snow And what will poor robin do then, Poor thing?’

If the crop of new seasonal picture books I’m reviewing for this edition of Salad Days is anything to go by, winter brings out the best in us – and no robins will be left sitting in barns hiding their heads under their wings.

Instead, they, and reindeer, bears, and a little boy called Rupert, will be going to the rescue of those in need. And you, reading about them, will be left with a wonderfully warm feeling in your hearts.

Robins first. Robin Robin by Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, illustrated by Briony May Smith, should possibly be called ‘Robbin’ Robin’ as it is about a robin who discovers that her special talent for being noisy and clumsy means she can help a family of mice sneak crumbs from under the nose of the dreaded household cat.

Robin arrives in the mousehole one stormy day when the egg she is hatching from falls out of the nest. She tries to fit in as a mouse, fluffing up her feathers into two mousey ears, but the disguise never quite works as she finds it impossible to ‘Leave no trace, go tiptoe pace’ when creeping into the house to look for food. With a ‘CHIRP and a SMASH and a FLUTTER and a CRASH’ she always wakes up the cat and the mice must scurry away with hungry bellies. Eventually, she realises that

she can put her distraction technique to good use, fluttering about outside the window watched by the cat, while her friends the mice help themselves to all the crumbs they can carry. I’m not quite sure that we should approve of these tactics but, of course, we do!

Children will love waiting for, and shouting out, the rhythmic onomatopoeic phrases through this book which is perfect for reading out loud. It comes as no surprise to learn that it started out as an animated musical special from Aardman.

Robin number two appears in The Robin and the Reindeer by Rosa Bailey and Carmen Saldana, a longer picture book for children. At first the robin is just a mysterious red flash and a ‘cheep’ in the forest as snow falls ‘in a blanket of purest white, draped over the only world’ the little reindeer has ever known.

The reindeer herd are on a long journey through day and night to their caves to shelter from the weather, but the little reindeer gets separated from them and finds herself lost and alone. The falling snow has covered up the herd’s tracks. Exhausted, she makes herself a bed in the snow. When she wakes, robin is there and agrees to be her friend and to help her, using his big round red belly to light their way. ‘Finding the way is one of my best skills!’ he announces, proudly. He perches on her nose, his belly glowing in the

www.saladdaysmag.uk darkness, and he leads her to where the herd have gathered. When he vanishes in a magnificent display of the Northern Lights, she hears his last words, ‘Be brave … Light the way’. ‘Had it come from the robin or from deep inside her?’ His warm red light now shines from her own nose, as ‘Head held high, she led her family into the cave and out of the snow’.

I like the mysticism in this book – is there really a robin or is he a kind of nature spirit, or a symbol of the little reindeer’s own courage?

The beautifully restrained palette in the prints which make up the illustrations enhance this magic in the winter landscape.

Little reindeer can also come to the rescue.

Tiny Reindeer is a delightful story by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros about a reindeer who is so small that he can’t help in Santa’s Christmas preparations. He falls into the herd’s water bowls and has to be rescued from the sticky tape when he tries to wrap presents. He wishes there is something he could do. Santa suggests he helps read the letters in the Post Room. He finds a letter from a child which certainly tugged at my heart strings. The child asks Santa for a tiny reindeer to go with the sleigh which her grandad had made for her.

Grandad had ‘wanted to make a reindeer too but couldn’t in the end so my sleigh won’t ever fly anywhere’. Tiny reindeer makes a plan. Fortunately, Santa is watching over him as he can’t make it up the stairs to the child’s room but on Christmas morning, ‘Tiny stood proudly on the little girl’s hands and knew he had finally found where he belonged’. Again, a lovely story about having courage to go out

and help others.

And then there is Rupert, the star of Rupert’s Snowman written by local author Phillipa Warden and illustrated by Grace Ward, based on a true story. One snowy winter Rupert and his mother set out on an adventure (taking a flask of hot chocolate, some ginger snaps, and a sledge).

They build a fabulous snowman at the top of a hill and settle down for their biscuits and hot chocolate. When they realise the snowman is missing a hat, Rupert drains his cup and pops it upside down on the snowman’s head. The dribbles of cocoa look like hair. Perfect!

Rupert and his mother eventually head back down to their house. As they do, Rupert asks who will look after their snowman. It isn’t enough for Rupert that the birds, the mice, and the deer will be there. The pair climb back up the hill and transport the snowman down on their sledge where they rebuild him next to the apple tree. Now he won’t be lonely as Rupert sets to work building him a whole snow family.

This is an absolute gem. Three cheers for Rupert and three cheers for his mother for recognising and respecting Rupert’s concern for the lonely snowman and helping with the rescue. It is by nurturing these acts of kindness in children that allows them to grow into generous-spirited and empathetic adults.

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk I love Grace Ward’s illustrations for this story, with snow falling on every page over the gentle wintry colours of the landscape and the bright clothes worn by Rupert and his mother. The text flutters down the page in places like snowflakes, settling delightfully on the illustrations. And, like Beatrix Potter, Phillipa Warden has chosen some lessfamiliar vocabulary to intrigue, interest, and challenge children listening to the story – words like ‘rummage’, ‘flickering’, ‘hedgerow’, for example.

Phillipa Warden is clearly very creative and has developed a whole range of free activities based on the book, which can be found on her website at www.phillipawardenbooks.com – these include a snowman template (cut out a snowman-shaped hole and take it outside and look through it during different seasons to see the changes in nature – or use it to make a snowman collage); sentences from the book to cut out, jumble up, and put into the story sequence; empathy goggles to put on to focus thinking about the feelings of the characters in the story; a sheet of snowmen and a choice of patterned hats, scarves, and nose shapes – for children to see how many different

combinations they can make – and many more ideas for a winter’s afternoon when it is too cold and wet to play outside. There are even some lesson plans for teachers.

If a small boy can believe that a snowman has feelings, then why shouldn’t the kindness of a small girl’s offer of a cooling ice cream to a polar bear driven far out of its usual habitat, result in a wonderful, mystical solution to global warming? The Bear in the Stars, written by Alexis Snell for her young son shows just what can happen with a bit of kindness and respect for our environment, acknowledging both the wonder and awe in nature and the realities all creatures, including ourselves, are facing. While there is magic involved in the solution in this book, the author makes clear that with ‘natural ingenuity and creativity’ we can help the world recover. With striking wood-cut print illustrations, this is a beautiful story which reads almost like a creation myth for modern times. The polar bear, ‘the Great Bear, Queen of Beasts’ launches herself into the night sky to a new kingdom which she can ‘rule over forever – Queen of the Stars’ as the constellation, Ursa Major, watching over the earth and sending cool blue stardust down to help heal our burning planet.

Hooray for robins, reindeer, Rupert, and ice cream!

I hope that at least one of these books will make its way into your household this winter to warm your hearts with their kindness. All can be found on the shelves at Hart’s Books (www.hartsbooks.co.uk) in Saffron Walden.

Jo Burch

leisure and features 13 Festive Fun At The Farm Come and join us and all of our animals at Daisy May’s Farm for some magical Christmas fun!

2nd, 3rd & 4th 9th, 10th & 11th 16th, 17th & 18th December 2021

All tickets to be booked in advance (online) Children £10 Adult £5 Under 1’s free as observers Children’s tickets include: Woodland Wonderland - Christmas arts & crafts - Meet & feed the animals - Festive story around the fire with Santa’s helpers - Hot chocolate & cookie - Christmas gift

*Hot & cold food being served*

Daisy Mays Farm Hall Road - Elsenham CM22 6DN www.daisymaysfarm.org

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Diary Dates

For more information contact Louise Johnson: lou62johnson@gmail.com

December

4 - 21 Santas Grotto South Mill Arts, Bishop's Stortford.

This holiday season take the family to the South Mill Arts to meet Santa at his Grotto. Visits include: Christmas cookies, crafts, stories and a special gift.

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The Star's Christmas Market Weekend The Star, Mill End, Thaxted. A fantastic Family weekend full of Christmas Stalls selling something festive for everyone as well as hot food and drink stands!!! Head on down and enjoy some Christmas magic.

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Hylands Estate Christmas open day and farmers' & craft market, 10:00–16:00 Hylands House, London Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford. Hylands House opens its doors FREE OF CHARGE to reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition displayed in the library – this month’s exhibition is ‘Weddings and Royalty!’

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Lighting of the Christmas Tree St Mary’s Saffron Walden, 16:00 & 18:00 This service is particularly suitable for young children.

Children are welcome to dress as shepherds or angels to take part in the Christmas story. NO PRESENTS FOR CHARITY THIS YEAR – MONETARY DONATIONS ONLY. Joyful Noise – our youngest singing group for children aged 6 to 8 will be taking part. Join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Christingle Café Church Holy Trinity Church, Littlebury, CB11 4TD. Come for tea and cakes (15.45), a variety of creative Christingle-themed activities (including making your own Christingle - please bring an orange!) at 16.00, and the everpopular service including the lighting of the Christingles at 16.30.

Hylands Estate

22-29 The Wizard of Oz Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden Take a magical trip over the rainbow with the cast of The Wizard of Oz at the Saffron Hall for a family Christmas show.

January Happy New Year!!!

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T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk bills. On World Braille Day, let’s remember that and do our part to make our workplaces more accessible for everyone.

January = Veganuary Veganuary (pronounced vee-GAN-uary) encourages people to try vegan for January. Veganism is one of the most effective choices a person can make to reduce the suffering of animals, help the planet and improve personal health.

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World Braille Day World Braille Day is celebrated every year on January 4th because it is Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of braille!

World Braille Day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually-impaired. The reality is that many everyday establishments - restaurants, banks, hospitals - aren’t equipped with braille menus, statements or

CAMBRIDGE BIRD SALE,11:00 14:00 Community Centre, Coles Rd, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL You may be looking for a full time companion or just want to look at some feathery friends... either way theCambridge bird sale.

Sponsored by Bavister’s Pet Centre is a fun, free day out.

February

7 - 12 Children’s Mental Health Week Children’s Mental Health Week was launched to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. We hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word about mental wellbeing.

Half term!

14 -18 Holiday Bushcraft Wandlebury Country Park , Wandlebury Ring, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge,8:30- 16:00 Outdoor activities and adventure bushcraft for young explorers aged 5-12 years.

16 leisure and features JOIN US

OVER THE RAINBOW

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THIS CHRISTMAS!

KD Theatre Productions Ltd present

22ND – 29TH DECEMBER 2021 www.saffronhall.com 0845 548 7650

A MAGICAL FAMILY PANTOMIME

proudly supported by

SHOW PARTNERS

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T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Click your heels and follow us down the yellow brick road for Saffron Hall’s magical family pantomime, The Wizard of Oz.

Join Dorothy as she embarks on an exciting adventure, over the rainbow, where along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the very cowardly Lion who is

desperate to be brave and find some courage. Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West watching her every move! Will the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz be able to help Dorothy and her newfound friends?

This spectacular and colourful Christmas show is jam packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, lavish costumes, glittering scenery and endless fun for all ages!

Featuring a live band and a professional cast – don’t miss out on this festive treat for all the family!

22- 29 December 2021.

Tickets available at www.saffronhall.com

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The Bers AUTISM WOW However, this can also be one of the most difficult times of the year for many & particularly children (and adults) who can feel overwhelmed with all of the extra sensory input that this season brings. My son is autistic and has significant sensory needs and the hustle & bustle of the Bers can, at times, be too much for any child, and particularly for those who may have similar needs to my son. There are ways we can all contribute though to making things a little easier…

September – back to school.

Just as we’ve adjusted to having a new routine over the holidays, the return to school begins. Don’t get me wrong, my son loves school, but it takes a little adjustment starting a new routine again.

The different noises, smells, not to mention uniform that is different to ‘athome’ clothes.

What could make it easier? Schools being flexible on their uniform policy for children with sensory needs and for others to be aware that not all children can wear the same clothes The ‘Bers’ have always been my FAVOURITE time of year – SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER & DecemBER! I love watching the trees change colour, the feeling of the crisp Autumnal air on my face as I push my son to school in his chair, and of course all of the festivities that the Bers bring…

October – Halloween!

To be honest, it’s all about Halloween for me! I’ve always loved it. I used to decorate my house inside and out for my eldest, but now I just do outside. If I put anything up inside that changes how our house looks, our safe space, it can be unsettling for my youngest. Halloween is the start of the ‘over’ visual sensory

www.saladdaysmag.uk stimulation that happens in the Bers.

What could make it easier? If a house has no signs of Halloween outside it’s probably best not to knock there when Trick or Treating. There could be a child inside who can’t tolerate the constant knocking on the door.

November – Firework night.

No explanation needed as to how this can affect children with auditory processing needs! The run up to November 5th brings lots of unexpected noise and then continuous noise on the 5th. Our home becomes unbearable for my son. We shut windows, don ear defenders, put on the TV, and hope it’s over quickly.

What could make it easier? If you’re planning on hosting fireworks at home, let your neighbours know. Parents can then plan ahead on how best to regulate their child’s needs during the noise.

December – Festive time.

Whether you celebrate in December or not, there is no denying the overstimulation that can occur. The heightened excitement in people, Christmas music blaring from every shop, bright lights adorning houses that are usually plain & dark - not to mention the gatherings of large groups of people & lots of wrapped objects in shiny paper. I know most people reading this will love it all, but for my family it’s too much and too different from what we see throughout the year.

What could make it easier? For us, we just adapt. We can’t meet in large groups

where multiple conversations are happening. We don’t decorate inside the house. And we spread presents out throughout the week. And I’m MORE than happy with this. It’s how my son enjoys the festivities & I love that we are able to do it. If you have friends over and their child has sensory needs, maybe create a quiet space that’s available for them to retreat to when it all becomes too busy, loud or they just need to self-regulate.

This has been huge for us when family have done this. Also, keep inviting your friends who have children with additional needs. They may turn down invitations more than they accept them, but it’s nice to still be invited & one day they may be able to come.

Another message I want to get across with this piece is to go easy on children.

When you see a child in distress during the Bers (or any time!), know that they could be overstimulated. My hope is for more understanding and less judgement of children. This time of year brings a lot of fun and joy, but it can also bring a lot of overwhelm.

I wrote last year about how we have been self-isolating and social distancing for some time now (way before the word pandemic was a part of our daily vocabulary). This is true during the Bers too. We may not be hugely involved with typical celebrations that come at this time of year, but we have our own versions of them & love them just as much. My son feeling regulated and happy is the biggest gift of all.

Written by: Sarah Leigh IG@autismwow

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

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Talking about...

Pelvic Floor Muscles What are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive ‘hammock’ within the pelvis stretching from your pubic bone at the front of your body, to the base of your spine at the back.

hormonal changes after the menopause can make pelvic floor problems more likely.

When these muscles are not working well and are weak it is much harder for you to squeeze the muscles and sphincters at the bottom of your bladder and around your back passage which may mean that you accidentally leak a little wee or wind when you cough, sneeze or exercise. You may also find sex less satisfying with less sensitivity in your vagina and it's possible for your uterus, bowel or bladder to push down against the walls of your vagina (prolapse).

Doing just a few pelvic floor exercises every day can help to treat bladder weakness or prolapse symptoms, and will help to prevent problems in later life.

Why are the Pelvic Floor Muscles so important?

This group of muscles support your bladder, bowel, uterus (womb), and walls of your vagina. When they are working well they can help give you control over the emptying of your bladder or bowel.

Pelvic floor muscles that are strong, work properly and that are also able to switch off to rest are important for women of all ages as pregnancy, childbirth and

How can pregnancy and birth affect the Pelvic Floor Muscles?

The hormonal changes and weight of a growing baby on your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy can be enough to affect your pelvic floor muscles even if you don’t go on to have a vaginal birth.

During labour, your pelvic floor stretches to allow your baby's head to pass out of the womb, and through your vagina

www.saladdaysmag.uk which can leave the area feeling bruised, sore and swollen. The nerves that connect to your pelvic floor muscles may have also stretched which can make it difficult for messages to pass between your brain and pelvic floor in the early post natal period. Some ladies who have experienced a perineal tear or forceps delivery may feel particularly sore and struggle to engage these muscles.

If you have had a caesarean delivery, you may not feel as sore around the perineum as other ladies who have had a Vaginal delivery but your pelvic floor muscles may still have become weak during pregnancy. Some ladies will also struggle to engage those muscles initially because of the discomfort around the abdominal incision or they may have gone through a long labour affecting the pelvic floor muscles before the decision for a Caesarean was made.

In my experience, it is often the ladies who have had a Caesarean delivery who have pelvic floor weakness in subsequent pregnancies and as they get older. When you talk about pelvic floor exercise to this group of ladies it is not uncommon to hear that they did not think that they needed to do Pelvic Floor exercise postnatally because they thought that a Caesarean delivery ‘protected’ these muscles.

How should I do Pelvic Floor Exercises?

You can do the exercises in lying, sitting or standing, but I normally ask ladies to start in sitting. There are 2 different types of Pelvic Floor exercises - Quick and Slow

- and it is important for a strong, healthy floor to practice both. DO NOT perform these exercises whilst having a wee - this is an outdated piece of advice which can lead to urinary retention and infection.

Quick Contractions • Breathe in, and as you breathe out, gently draw your pelvic floor muscles up and in as if you are imagining trying not to wee or pass wind.

• Make sure that you are not clenching your bottom cheeks or squeezing your thighs together at the same time and then relax fully.

• Try to do five fast contractions in a row, gradually building to up to 10.

Try to repeat this 6-8 times per day.

Slow Contractions • Breathe in, and as you breathe out, gently draw your pelvic floor muscles up and in as if you’re trying not to wee or pass wind.

• Make sure that you are not clenching your bottom cheeks or squeezing your thighs together at the same time.

• Hold the squeeze for about four seconds or five seconds, while you continue to breathe in and out as normal and then relax fully before repeating. Aim to do a couple of these exercises every hour for the first couple of weeks of your training and then slowly build up to eight to 10 exercises, 6-8 times per day.

It’s also important to remember to tighten your pelvic floor muscles just before you

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk assessment as to how strong or how well your pelvic floor muscles are working.

cough, sneeze, laugh or lift. This is called ‘The Knack’ and will help to prevent accidental leaks.

It can take a while for these muscles to strengthen - but do persevere. It may take three months or more before you feel that you have control over your pelvic floor muscles. The hardest thing about doing Pelvic Floor exercises is remembering to do them….. They are not the most exciting of exercises! But before you invest in expensive gadgets to help with your pelvic floor muscle training (Such as the Kegel 8, Elvie Trainer or Perifit) get the NHS Squeezy App (www.squeezyapp.com) for £2.99. This great app will send you discreet reminders throughout the day to practice your pelvic floor exercises and you can even tailor your own programme to follow!

When should I get help with my Pelvic Floor Muscles?

Many ladies struggle to correctly engage the pelvic floor muscles or feel that they are performing them incorrectly. A Women’s or Pelvic Health physiotherapist will be able to give you an accurate

You should make an appointment with one of these specialist physiotherapists if: • you struggle feel and engage the pelvic floor muscles well • you are still leaking wee or struggling with your bowels.

• You feel a bulge or heaviness in the vagina which may be a prolapse.

• your perineum feels painful Nicola Day is a locally Mummy who works as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge and at South Cambridge Physiotherapy Practice (Private) in Hauxton.

She offers ‘Postnatal Pitstop’ home visits around Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages and runs a monthly Mummy MOT® clinic for Pelvic Floor and Abdominal assessments - Next clinic date: Saturday 8th January 2022.

For more information contact Nicola: hello@thecancerrehabphysio.com

leisure and features 21 Keep Warm this Winter Rising fuel bills and other household expenses are putting pressure on many families’ finances. But there are still ways in which you can cut costs and maximise your income this winter.

If you rely on heating oil to heat your home it is more important than ever to shop around. If you have internet access, use a price comparison website such as www.boilerjuice.co.uk before placing your order so you have a good idea of the going rate. Alternatively ring a few suppliers and ask for their ‘best price’ - don’t assume they will automatically offer you their most competitive tariff and don’t be afraid to haggle! Joining your local heating oil club can be another great way of finding savings. Speak to your Parish Council or neighbourhood group or go to www.uttlesford.gov.uk and search for ‘oil clubs’.

The power market is changing rapidly at the moment. Many energy companies are struggling, so you won't find as many tariffs as normal. If you are coming to the end of a fixed price deal and can’t find a better tariff than the one you’re on it’s probably better to roll onto the standard variable rate and wait, as you will currently be protected by energy regulator Ofgem's price cap.

If your energy supplier goes out of business, you’ll still have gas and electricity. Don’t switch tariff or supplier

until your account is automatically moved to the new supplier as you might find it harder to get any money you’re owed if you switch before this happens.

In the meantime, take regular meter readings (keeping dated photos, if you can). If you have an online account, log into it, check your balance and download any bills, or keep paper bills instead.

You can find more advice about your energy supply, including where to find help if you are struggling to pay your bill, at www.citizensadvice.org.uk. For a wealth of information to help you get the best deals on your household bills go to www.moneysavingexpert.com If you can’t access the information you need online or you need more specialist support, the energy specialists at Uttlesford Citizens Advice can offer advice on a range of areas, including winter benefits and cold weather payments, the warm home discount scheme, energy efficiency measures, home improvement grants, switching energy suppliers and the priority services register; they can also help people to manage fuel related debt and access emergency support if needed.

Call 01799 618858 or email warmhomes@uttlesfordca.org.uk

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

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Saturday 4th December Sunday 2nd January

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Living with a disability There are many challenges when it comes to living with a disability. There are both physical and mental barriers to get over when you have an impairment, and it can certainly make life more difficult than it already is. However, with the right help and support, it is possible to push through those barriers and live life to the absolute maximum. In this article I will talk about some of the challenges that I’ve faced as someone with a disability and what can be done to combat them.

Firstly, I myself suffer from a visual impairment called Retinitis Pigmentosa, or RP for short. It is a genetic and degenerative condition that I was diagnosed with when I was around four years old. As the name suggests, the disorder affects the retina, as the lightsensing cells gradually deteriorate, which ultimately causes progressive vision loss.

As of now, there is currently no cure for the condition, although a lot of scientific work has been conducted on this front.

Over the years, I have definitely noticed that my vision has gotten worse, as there are certain things that I cannot do now which I could in the past, such as reading a book with a small text. I now have to use a Kindle with enlarged text in order to do this. Fortunately, however, in recent times I haven’t seen much deterioration and my vision has been quite stable. One of the interesting things about RP is that its severity can vary from person to person. Some people will only see small

change throughout their life, while others will see rapid decline and can become almost completely blind. I’m not sure what the future holds for me in this regard, but hopefully there will be positive news, whether that be treatment which can halt the deterioration, or something that cure the condition completely and restore my vision. Whether it be a visual impairment or any other condition, we have to put our trust in the experts who are studying them and trying to find a solution. Scientific advancements have progressed at a rate of knots in recent years, so there is always hope that any kind of disorder can be cured in one form or another.

Moreover, when living with a disability, there are obviously many physical challenges that have to be faced. In my case, one of my biggest struggles is travelling in the dark. I often need assistance when I am out at night to make sure that I get to my destination safely. I also often carry around a small torch that I can use if an area is especially dark. In addition to that, I have very bad peripheral vision, as RP tends to cause tunnel vision as the cells around the edge of the retina are the ones to deteriorate first. This means I need help when I am in a crowded and busy location, as people are walking from all different directions, and I don’t want to be bumping into everyone. I also struggle with things like reading small text or trying to view

leisure and features 23 something from a long distance.

When it comes to physical difficulties, the main piece of advice I can give is to not be afraid of asking for help. To my own detriment, I have been known to be quite stubborn and insisting I can manage by myself, mainly because of selfpride and not wanting to use anyone else as a crutch. In truth, there are many things that I can do by myself, but I have come to learn to ask for help when I really need it and to not be embarrassed by doing so. From a fully able person’s point of view, don’t let someone struggle and always try to help when possible.

That might sound simple and obvious, but it does go a long way. From a parent’s perspective, one of the most important things is to make sure the child’s school is fully aware of their condition, and that they are briefed on how best to look after them. When I was at school, I was always sat at the front of

the class so that I could read the whiteboard and I was given full support from all of the teaching staff. Technology nowadays is so good, there are many aids that can help with various conditions, so it would be in your best interests. to keep up to date with the latest developments in that regard.

Furthermore, there are also mental challenges to overcome when living with a disability. Many people may suffer from what could be regarded as a ‘hidden’

24 leisure and features disability, in other words a condition that may not be obvious to the naked eye, meaning other people might believe that you are fully able. This is certainly the case for me. Although I wear a pair of glasses, people may still not fully understand the severity of my condition and they sometimes question me when I am struggling in certain situations. This can be quite tough to deal with, so I believe it is very important just to be honest with new people you meet and make it clear to them what you can and cannot do, just so that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, I think it is also very important to get to know others who may suffer from the same condition as you. You could join online communities, such as Facebook groups, as well as finding charities that organise various events and getting involved with them. I’m part of a charity called ‘Blind in Business’ that help individuals who are visually impaired get into work. As a result of this, I have been able to meet several people who have a similar condition to me and have spoken to them about their experiences. There is a real positive in being able to relate to others in this way and come to the realisation that you are not the only one who faces those challenges. It can really help boost self-confidence and encourage you to interact more in a social setting.

All in all, with the right support,

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no-one with a disability has to struggle on their own. It can certainly be tough at times, but those around are willing to help whenever possible. As long as you’re honest and open about what you have problems with, others will support you in finding the right solution. There has been more awareness surrounding equal opportunities for disabled individuals, and those who discriminate are becoming more and more marginalised.

Hopefully this continues to happen in the future and that society as a whole becomes more accepting. Ultimately, there is no reason anyone with a disability can’t live a happy and fulfilling life, and with the right mindset, you can face any challenge that comes your way.

“My blindness is not a DISABILITY, it’s just a DIFFERENT ABILITY!” Rainbow was born with anavidea mystagnus, a condition which has seen his sight slowly deteriorate. By the age of 9 he had lost his sight in both eyes.

Rainbow has refused to let his circumstances hold him back and is described by many as a great force of positivity. A keen sportsman, Rainbow represents his country on the British blind football team and is a passionate advocate for visually impaired young

people, actively engaged in making sure their voices areheard. The 18 year old is an ambassador for BBC Children in Need funded project, British Blind Sport which encourages young visually impaired pupils to get involved in sport. Rainbow is also a member of the team taking part in 2021’s Rickshaw Challenge raising money for BBC Children in Need. On BBC Breakfast Rainbow’s positivity was incredible. He claimed, “My blindness is not a DISABILITY, it’s just a DIFFERENT ABILITY!”

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

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Strictly Come Dancing has seen Rose Ayling-Ellis make history after becoming the show’s first Deaf contestant. Taking part in the primetime dance competition alongside partner Giovanni Pernice has drawn much needed attention to the deaf community and is contributing to making TV inclusive to all. Not only is Rose inspiring the country to be open minded towards the use of British Sign Language but encouraging the Deaf community to go and try and achieve whatever they can, “nothing is impossible.” Rose & Strictly raising the question…

Should BSL be part of the national curriculum?

is g n i Noth sible s o p m i

A dog is for life not just for Christmas….

If you are stuck for gift ideas this Christmas why not sponsor a guide dog puppy!

Sponsor by 10 December to receive your welcome pack by Christmas. In the meantime, you can download your certificate and puppy photo as soon as you complete your order!

We will use your personal information, provided below, to process your sponsorship. To view our Privacy Policy please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/privacy-policy or call freephone 0800 953 0113 to request a printed copy.

K

26 sport

Karate

Saffron Walden Kyokushin Karate Club

Monday: 7-8pm at Lord Butler Leisure Centre and Wednesday: 6-7pm Saffron Walden Baptist Church

Ages - 5 and over

Come and learn this tradition style of Karate.

Karate will benefit you throughout your life.

Improve focus and concentration, gain self respect, self confidence and self discipline, become more active, healthy body and a healthy mind!

Karate is an individual sport with no bench time!

Come along and have some fun whilst you learn new skills and make new friends.

We are a member of the British Karate Kyokushinkai Federation and World Karate Union.

Contact

07973 296007

waldenkyokushinkai.co.uk E: ismailyildirim1964@gmail.com

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Sports clubs n Archery

Stortford Archery Club Ages: 10+ E: secretary@stortfordarchers.org.uk W: stortfordarchers.org.uk

n Badminton

Bishop’s Stortford Badminton Club Ages: 12+ Contact: Phil Barton; T: 01279 654464 W: stortfordbadminton.net

n Cricket

Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club Jnr Section Ages: 5+ Contact: Graeme Sumner E: gsumner@arroweurope.com T: 07768 368773 Dunmow Cricket Club Ages: 5-16 Contact: Matt Gibson T: 01371 872652

Turpins Indoor Bowls Club Ages: 10+ accompanied T: 01799 525959

Saffron Walden Cricket Club Ages: 4-any age (boys, girls, disabled) Contact: David Barrs; T: 07760 484390 E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: saffronwaldencricket.co.uk At the clubhouse, Anglo American Playing Fields (off Catons Lane) All children aged 4+ welcome

Wimbish Carpet Bowls Ages: 10+ Contact: D Vettewinkel T: 01799 732098 E: d.vettewinkel@sky.com

Stansted Cricket Club Ages: 8-15 Contact: Keith Ayres T: 01279 814471 E: batsman1uk@yahoo.co.uk W: stanstedcc.hitscricket.com

n Bowls

n Canoeing

Bishop’s Stortford Canoe Club Ages: 8+ by discretion Contact: Angela Aldam T: 01279 755089 E: info@stortfordcanoe.org.uk W: stortfordcanoe.org.uk Whoosh Explore Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Peter Nash T: 01279 817453 (evenings) E: peter.nash@yahoo.co.uk W: whooshexplore.co.uk

Thorley Cricket Club Bishop’s Stortford Ages: 8+ Contact: Nigel Pack T: 07984 006012 W: pitchero.com/clubs/thorleycricketclub/ Wenden Kwik Cricket Ages: 4-12 Contact: Ed Welch T: 07825 210021 E: wendenjuniorcricket@gmail.com

n Fitness

Lift Off Academy Bishop's Stortford (Twyford Business Centre) Ages: 4 years plus Contact Name: Anne-Lise Fitzgerald E: anneliseblum@gmail.com

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Instagram: @thekookycoach Fitness classes for children teaching them how to move safely, whilst having fun.

n Football

Bishop’s Stortford Football Club Ages: 8+ Contact: Tim Moylette T: 07740 945117 E: tim.moylette@bscfc.co.uk Bishop Stortford Football Club 2 year BTEC extended diploma in sport Birchwood High School, Bishops Stordford Contact: Jim Duggan T: 07870 970925 E: jim-duggan@hotmail.co.uk/ jclift@birchwoodhigh.org.uk Elsenham Youth Football Club Ages: 4-18 Contact: Paul Jarvis, T: 01279 814434 E: pajemiki1@hotmail.com W: eyfc.org Plantation Youth Football Club Saffron Walden Ages: 4-16 Contact: Adrian Marsh M: 07980 946424 E: adrian.marsh1@virginmedia.com W: mypartnerclub.co.uk/plantation-youth-fc

Saffron Walden Community FC Boys: ages 4-18; Various venues T: 01763 836928/07775 944664 E: chairman@PSGFC.co.uk Saffron Walden PSG FC Ages: 6-16 Herbert’s Farm, Saffron Walden T: 01763 836928/07775 944664 E: chairman@PSGFC.co.uk

Thaxted Rangers Youth Football Club Ages 7+ Contact: Martin Tritton; T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

n Golf

Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club Ages: 5+ Pro: Simon Sheppard; T: 01279 651324 W: bsgc.co.uk Golf World Stansted Contact: Colin Pharaoh T: 01279 812865 Great Hadham Golf & Country Club Ages: 4+, Pros: K Lunt/P Hetherington T: 01279 843558, W: greathadham.co.uk Saffron Walden Golf Club Pro: Rob McNicholas; T: 01799 527728 E: sarah@smithpeformancegolf.co.uk Junior coaching programme open to all ages and abilities of children!

n Gymnastics

Lift Off Academy and listed under Fitness Stortford Gymnastics Ages: up to 12 T: Janine Peart 07808 808815/ Karen Perkins 07976 124095 E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com W: stortfordgymnastics.com

sport 27

28 sport

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Warm water pools ideal for beginners & improvers • Friendly, experienced teachers • Fun and progressive • Small classes (max. 6 pupils) • Free award scheme Linton & Fulbourn Ages 3½ onwards Call 01799 500142, Mob: 07947 730287 sasswimmingcambridge@gmail.com

www.sas-swimming.co.uk n Hockey Blue Hornets Felsted and Braintree W: braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club Ages: 7-15, Contact: Andy MacIntosh; T: 01799 550878 W: saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

n Martial arts

Associated Karate Schools (AKS) Bishop’s Stortford - St Michael's Mead & Bishop's Park Contact: Anthony Barrett 5th Dan T: 07929 100612 E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: karateschools.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: bishopsstortfordjudo.com

B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools Saffron Walden; Contact: Bruce Lapthorn T: 01354 693554/07816 032265 E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk Budo Taijutsu Saffron Walden W: mushinzui.com Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club Instructor: Garry Hutton T: 07770 854154; W: eska.org.uk Haverhill & Saffron Walden Shotokan Karate Ages: 5+ Contact: Gill Payne; M: 07939 138665 E: gill.payne@talktalk.net Judo, Ickleton and Sawston Ages: 6+, Contact: Richard Drage T: 01763 838203; M: 07860 331081 E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk)

Koryoda Kids Martial Arts for Little Ninjas Ages: 6-11 W: koryoda.com SW Judo Club Ages: 7+ E: saffronwaldenjudoclub@hotmail.co.uk Thursdays Dame Bradbury's School SW Contact: Michelle Camp FB: "Saffron Walden Judo Club".

Shotokan Karate Ryu Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted Ages: 4+ Contact: Sensei Donna Ring 5th Dan or Sensei Michael Ring, 6th Dan T: 01279 731752 W: skr.org.uk Te-Ashi-Do Karate Bishop’s Stortford Ages: 3-adult Sensei Alan Worrell, 4th Dan T: 07826 849388 E: alan.worrell@sky.com W: teashido.co.uk Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby Ages: 5-12 Joyce Franklin Academy Contact: E: chair@wendenrugby.com www.wendenrugby.com

n Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club Juniors Ages: 5 years+ Contact: Andrew Mulvey; T: 01279 652897 E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk W: stortfordsquash.co.uk

Saffron Walden Squash Club Ages: 8-adult; Junior coaching Saturdays Contact: George Atterbury T: 01799 530695 E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

n Swimming

Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club Bishop's Stortford College Sunday 3-6pm Ages 3-Adult E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk www.bsswimclub.org.uk Dolphin Swim Linton, Fulbourn & Bishops Stortford Ages: 6 weeks + Contact: Amanda Gawthrope T: 07975 719 444 E: dolphinbabyswim@gmail.com W: dolphinbabyswim.com & bishopsstortforddolphinswim.com SAS Swimming - see opposite page Linton and Fulbourn classes Ages: from 3 ½ yrs+ T: 01799 500142 or 07947 730287 E: mail@sas-swimming.co.uk W: sas-swimming.co.uk Saffron Walden Swimming Club (Saffron Seals) Ages: 8-16 E: trials@saffronseals.org.uk W: saffronseals.org.uk Meets at Lord Butler Fitness & Leisure Centre, Saffron Walden with training sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Competitive club with an element of fun.

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

sport 29

30 performing arts

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Dance & drama n Dance

PR E S E NT

45*/( "-"/ */$-64*7& 5)&"53& (3061 '03 "%6-54 8*5) "%%*5*0/"- /&&%4 A per forming ar t s company delivering multi-thea tre c la sse s t o a dult s o f a ll abil it ie s w it h e xp e r ie nc e s in per forming on sta ge impac ting locally and nationally to audiences.

JCL School of Dance M: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk KBD Dance M: 07305 113 187 E: katie@kbddance.com W: kbddance.co.uk Kate Plummer School of Dance M: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

DANCE SINGING

DRAMA

HARLOW PLAYHOUSE PLAYHOUSE SQUARE HARLOW CM20 1LS

FRIDAYS 6pm -7pm

To b ook : C all Lis a on 079 03 1 92 094 or email: lisa@st ingper formingar t s .com Tamara on 079 0 0 7 35 5 66 or email: t am@st ingper formingar t s .com

Tempos Performing Arts M: 07956 211 909 E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk W: temposperformingarts.co.uk

n Drama Drama Wise T: 01223 832 288 E: frances.wyse@btinternet.com W: dramaclasses.biz

n Theatre schools Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts M: 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 M: 07909 960 490 E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk W: hyperfusion.co.uk Pauline Quirk Academy M: 07958 913 456 E: paula.templeman@pqaacademy.com W: pqaacademy.com Pure Rhythm Performing Arts T: 01799 501 579 E: sue@purerhythm.co.uk W: purerhythm.co.uk Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company M: 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 M: 07903 192 094 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

Music n Choirs, orchestras Cantate Youth Choir E: info@cantate.co.uk W: cantata.co.uk Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com

performing arts 31

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Saffron Walden Town Band M: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com Sting Choir M: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com St. Mary’s Church Junior Choir T: 07928 339 310 E: choirsmsw@gmail.com

n Music tutors

Dan Ketteridge (Guitar) M: 07862 278 404 E: fig6@hotmail.com Elizabeth De Vile (piano) All ages. Offers practical exams and aural test coaching for instrumentalists.

T: 01799 500 111; E: edevile@hotmail.co.uk James Free (sax, flute, guitar) M: 07818 334 592 E: jamesfsax@gmail.com W: schoolofeverything.com

n Music schools

Kodaly Classes; E: info@saffroncym.org W: Kodaly.org.uk Saffron Centre for Young Musicians E: info@saffronmusicschool.com W: saffronmusicschool.com St Marys C of E school T: 01799 523 384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk

Bishop’s Park Community Centre Ballet, Modern & Tap 3yrs upwards

Tel: 07753 607523

Email: julialast8@gmail.com www.jclschooldance.com Julia Last A.R.A.D. A.I.S.T.D .

Saxophone, Clarinet, Guitar and Flute Lessons BA (Hons) Music 20 years teaching experience.

All levels and ages including beginners

James Free Based in Saffron Walden

T: 07818 334592

32 performing arts

www.saladdaysmag.uk AWARD WINNING School of Performing Arts

Parent and child music and dance classes in Saffron Walden and Bishops Stortford

FRl cElaEsses

tria able avail

Sing Dance Act Ages 7 to 18 Contact: Sue Raven 07952 993288 or 01799 501579

Believe, Achieve, sue@purerhythm.co.uk www.purerhythm.co.uk Succeed

Fun, friendly and affordable performing arts classes taught by local professional teachers.

Wide range of classes for students ages 3+ years. www.temposperformingarts.co.uk Classes in info@temposperformingarts.co.uk Stansted, www.tinytempos.co.uk Ugley, info@tinytempos.co.uk Newport and Saffron Walden Tel: 07956 211909

BOOK ONLINE

We deliver over 10,000 FREE magazines directly into the school books bags of every school in the area above. We include social, community and health hubs.

To been seen advertise now!

Call :- 07900 735566

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

LIVEWIRE ROCK ACADEMY ROCKS DUNMOW! Livewire Rock Academy is a Herts/Essexbased music school with outlets in Great Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford and Epping Established in 2009, the school teaches children from 5 years how to play electric guitar, bass guitar and drums.

They accept both starter musicians and those with a bit of experience who want to develop their skills.

The unique, fun music lessons last one hour and comprise of a 45 minute tutorial with the specially trained tutors, then for the last 15 minutes of the hour everyone plugs in, turns up and plays songs together!

This is a vital part of any budding musician’s experience, and Livewire makes sure all the students are joining in with the songs from their very first lesson.

Playing together gives the students confidence with their instrument and puts

the lesson into perspective – students can see why they are learning certain skills as soon as they start using them in the songs.

Livewire Rock Academy teach songs by classic and contemporary rock and pop bands – everything from AC/DC to the White Stripes, Foo Fighters, The Clash, George Ezra, Royal Blood, Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many, many more!

The student’s skills are regularly put into practice with the live concerts the rock school performs, both at local venues, festivals, carnivals and other local days out.

The school is a great fun, social and interactive way to learn to play an instrument.

To book a free taster session, call manager Simon Baker on 07941 142779 or email simon@livewirerockacademy.co.uk More information is available on the website – www.livewirerockacademy.co.uk

performing arts 33

34 performing arts

www.saladdaysmag.uk

A A n elite p er forming ar t s company deli vering indus t r y professional t raining to student s aged 7-1 6 year s w it h it s own affiliated L A M DA cent re (London Academy of Music and Dramat ic A r t s) examinat ions .

FRE E TRIAL

IN H A R L OW & SA FFR ON W A L DEN

DANCE

E VE RY SATUR DAY 1 0AM - 1 PM

S ING ING AC TI NG

(M u sic al Th e at re)

(Film & T V )

To T b ook k: C all Lis a on 079 03 1 92 094 o r email: li s a@st ingp er formingar t s .com Tamara on 079 0 0 7 35 5 66 or email: t am@st ingp er formingar t s .com

pre-school 35

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Pre-schools

Appletree Pre-School Windhill21 School; Ages: 2-5 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367

Little Ladybirds All Saints School; Ages: 2-4 Contact: Hayley Lynskey T: 07745 262676/01279 771367

Albury Seedlings Pre-School Albury C of E Primary School Ages: 2 to school age T: 01279 771253 E: admin@albury.herts.sch.uk

Blues Pre-School Nursery Bishop’s Stortford High School Ages: 2-5, Contact; Kim Craythorne T: 01279 755422 E: admissions@bluespreschool.co.uk W: bluespreschool.co.uk

Little Oaks - See page 3 Howe Green House School; Ages: 2-3 Contact: Julie Sellears; T: 01279 657706 E: julie.s@howegreenhouse.essex.sch.uk W: howegreenhousseschool.co.uk

n Albury

n Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery Ages: 3mths-5yrs; Contact: Annette Bel T: 01799 584848 E: info@ashdonchildrensnursery.com W: ashdonchildrensnursery.com Forest School sessions in Ashdon E: Sarah@natureoflearning.co.uk W: natureoflearning.co.uk

n Bartlow

Little Hands Nursery Ages: 0-4; Head: Marion Kell T: 01223 897945 E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com

n Birchanger

Birchanger Butterflies Preschool Birchwood; Ages: 2½-5; T: 01279 810800 E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

n Bishop’s Stortford

Apple Green Montessori Nursery Ages 2-5 years old T: 07788 913444 E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk W: applemontessori.co.uk

Busy Bees Nursery St Michael’s Mead Ages: 0-5, Contact: Mandy Caslake T: 01279 755522 Busy Bees Thorley Park 16 The Thorley Centre Ages: 3 months-5 yrs Contact: Stacy Kersey T: 01279 654830 Doodle Do Day Nursery The Old Church Hall, Portland Road Ages: Babies-5 Contact: Colleen Guiver T: 01279 653318 E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com W: doodledodaynursery.com

Sunflowers Pre-School Ages: 3 & 4 yrs Thorley Hill Primary School Park Lane, CM23 3NH. Manager: Louisa Cowler T: 07752 562206 E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk Sycamore House Day Nursery Manager: Courtney Skeggs T: 01279 465097; E: manager@ sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk W: sycamorehousedaynursery.co.uk Thorley Pre-School & Thorley Tree Tots Manager: Jean Palfreman T: 01279 503895; M: 07722 129073 E: admin@thorleypreschool.plus.com W: thorleypreschool.co.uk

Grove Cottage (Special needs) 151 London Road. Bishop’s Stortford.

M-F (offers 15hr and 30hr funded places) Ages: Birth-5 Contact: Maria Sims T: 01279 656085 E: nursery@mencapgrovecottage.org

Thorn Grove Little Acorns Thorn Grove School; Ages: 2-5 Contact: Sam Stedman; T: 01279 653233 E: tglittleacorns@aol.com

High House Montessori Nursery Takeley Rd, Herts CM22 6PL Ages: 0-5, Contact: Vanessa Callan T: 01279 870898 W: highhousenursery.co.uk

Chrishall Pre-School Manager Mrs Sonia Mckenna T: 01763 838592 E: preschool@chrishall.essex.sch.uk W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk

n Chrishall

n Clavering

Clavering & Arkesden Preschool Head: Cara Donker; Ages: 2½-5 T: 01799 550380 E: claveringarkesdenpreschool@gmail.com W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.org.uk

n Farnham

Saplings Farnham (Preschool) Term Time: Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00 Contact: Jess Boyten E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk W: saplingsfarnham.co.uk

n Finchingfield

Finchingfield Pre-school Ages: 2-5 Manager: Christine Lambert T: 01371 811593; M: 07713 189801 E: finchingfieldpreschool@gmail.com

n Ford End

Ford End Pre-School Village Hall Prorietor: Joanna Mardell T: 01371 874457 M: 07754 876330 E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk W: fordendpreschool.co.uk

n Great Bardfield

Great Bardfield Pre-School Ages: 2 to school age Manager: Kathy King T: 01371 811580; M: 07971 429386 E: KathyKing32@btinternet.com

36 pre-school n Great Chesterford

n Hatfield Broad Oak

n Much Hadham

Great Chesterford Community Preschool Ages: 2-5 Manager: Debbie Allard; T: 07840 341551 E: admissions@chesterfordspreschool. org.uk

Under 5s Preschool High Street, Hatfield Broad Oak Manager: Sharon; T: 01279 718998

Faraway Tree Kindergarten Ages: 2+ Hadham Cross Congregational Ch Hall Manager: Kristie Chesters T: 07488 333820 E: info@farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk W: farawaytreekindergarten.co.uk Mo, Tue, Thur, Fri. 08.30-16.30. All year

n Great Chishill

Great Chishill Nursery School Gt Chishill Cricket Pavillion Ages: 2-5 Head: Anita Street; T: 01763 836968 W: chishillnursery.co.uk

n Great Dunmow

Flitch Green Montessori Preschool Manager: Carly Gold, T: 01371 823293 E: flitchgreen@mymontessori.org.uk W: flitchgreenpreschool.co.uk Freedom Daycare Nursery Contacts: Joules Abraham & Kath Gibson T: 01371 873663 Maynard Montessori Pre-School Managers: Becky Sadler, T: 01371 856995 E: maynard@mymontessori.org.uk W: maynardmontessori.co.uk Puffin Preschool Head: Carolin Dodkins T: 07712 858878 Wrens Pre-School Quaker Meeting House Proprietor: Joanna Mardell T: 01371 874457; M: 07754 876330 E: joannamardell@yahoo.co.uk W: wrenspreschool.co.uk

n Hempstead

Pips Nursery - see page 37 Boytons Farm, Boytons Lane, Hempstead.

T: 01279 295296 M: 07866 469471 E: pippa@pips-nursery.co.uk M-F Flexible hours Registered child minding setting.

Extension of PIPS Nursery in Strethall.

Ages: 3 months to 3 years.

After school care from 4-9 years.

Holiday club with a variety of activities.

Norland Nurse; NNEB, RSH.

n Henham

Henham & Ugley Nursery School Ages: 3-5; Head: Mrs Kim Hall T: 01279 850213 E: admin@henhamugley.essex.sch.uk W: henhamugley.essex.sch.uk Saplings Nursery- see page 34 Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs Contact: Cheryl Rae; T: 01279 851998 E: admin@saplingsnursery.co.uk W: saplingsnursery.co.uk

n Little Hallingbury

Little Hallingbury Playgroup Village Hall; Ages: 2-rising 5 Contact: Debbie Roberts; T: 01279 726578 E: debbieroberts35@virginmedia.com

Much Hadham Pre-School Ages: 2+ -5 years Oudle Lane, Much Hadham SG10 6DQ Contact: Maria; T: 01279 842614 E: muchhadhampreschool@yahoo.co.uk W: muchhadhampreschool.co.uk Monday-Friday 09.00-15.00

n Newport

Olivers Lodge Nursery Ages: 0-4 07.00-18.30; Head: Alex Suffolk T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uK Olivers Lodge Pre-School Ages: 3-4; 09.00-15.00 Head: Alex Suffolk T: 01799 540709 E: info@olivers-lodge.co.uk

n Saffron Walden

Bell Day Nursery; Ages: 0-5 Head: Jenny Rivers/Glenys Goodwin T: 01799 528051 Bright Horizons Crocus Saffron Walden Nursery and Preschool Ages: 3 mth-5 yrs Manager: Anne Hunt T: 01799 522522 E: saffronwalden@brighthorizons.com W: brighthorizons.com.

Meadow Montessori Nursery

www.saladdaysmag.uk Ages: 2-5; Head: Colette Loveday T: 01799 513858 W: montessorimeadows.co.uk Saffron Walden Nursery School Ages: 1 year to school age; T: 01799 522108 Nursery managers: Barbs James & Caroline Clark E: info@saffronwaldennursery.org.uk W: saffronwaldennursery.org.uk Stehen Perse Nursery (Dame Bradbury’s) Ashdon Road, CB10 2AL; Ages: 1-5 T: 01223 454762 E: admissions@stephenperse.com W: stephenperse.com St Mary’s Church Pre-School Ages: 2-5 Head: Faye Jeff; T: 01799 520358 E: smcpreschool@btconnect.com W: stmaryschurchpreschool.co.uk St Thomas More Montessori Ages: 1-5 yrs; Manager: Rachel Salt, Vanessa Thompson T: 01799 523248- ext.3 E: stm@mymontessori.org.uk W: stthomasmoremontessori.co.uk

n Stansted

Bentfield Nursery Ages: 3-5; T: 01279 813626 E: admin@bentfield.essex.sch.uk W: bentfield.essex.sch.uk Rainbow Preschool Ages: 2½-5; Administrator: Gill T: 01279 814242 W: rainbowpreschool-stansted.co.uk

pre-school 37

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Ugley Duckling Pre-School Ages: 2½-5; Head: Caroline Dawson T: 01279 812621

n Steeple Bumpstead

Blois Meadow Day Nursery Ages: Birth-5 years; T: 01440 730520 W: bloismeadowdaynursery.com Steeple Bumpstead Pre-School Ages: 2½-5; Manager: Carol Bradley T: 07376 079254; W: sbpsp.co.uk

n Strethall

Pips Nursery; Ages: 3 mths-3 yrs Head: Pippa Doherty; T: 01799 522782

n Thaxted

a

The Barn Nursery, Barn Kids Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs; Head: Claire Simpson T: 01371 831262 E: info@thebarnnursery.co.uk Westwood Montessori Ages: 3 mths-5 yrs; Managers: Clair Snell-Smith, Jo Gaught; T: 01371 831902 E: westwood@mymontessori.org.uk W: westwoodmontessori.co.uk

Quality childcare and Montessori education for the local community Children welcomed from 2 to 5 years old

Info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk www.applegreenmontessori.co.uk

07788 913444

Apple Green Montessori Preschool Hockerill Sports & Social club Beldams Lane, Bishop Stortford CM23 5LG.

Windmill Pre-School Ages:2ys-5yrs Contact: Anne Guney T: 01371 831457 E: windmillpreschoolthaxted@gmail.com W: thewindmillpreschool.co.uk

n Wendens Ambo

Wendens Ambo Pre-School Ages: 2-5; Head: Sara Herring T: 07543 651343 E: manager@wendensambopreschool.co.uk W: wendensambopreschool.co.uk

PIPS Boytons Farm, Boytons Lane, Hempstead. CB10 2PW

t: 01279 295296 m: 07866 469471 e: pippa@pips-nursery.co.uk M-F Flexible hours Registered child minding setting.

Extension of PIPS Nursery in Strethall.

3 months to 3 years.

After school care from 4 to 9 years.

Holiday club with a variety of activities.

Norland Nurse; NNEB, RSH.

38 toddlers and babies n Monday Baby College Felsted Memorial Hall. (10am 18m- 36m) (11am 9m -18m) (12pm 0-9m) Infant, toddlers and junior programmes for parents and little ones to enjoy together with activities and learning skills to promote social skills and awareness.

M: 07871 119037 E: tegan@babycollege.co.uk W: www.babycollege.co.uk Sing and Sign Stansted Free Chruch, Stansted Mountfitichet from 9:30am The award - winning baby singing & music classes from 0-26 mths. Songs, props, sensory & fun.

M: 07828 316397 E: alexandra@singandsign.co.uk W: bit.ly/singandsignhomepage Toddler Steam Saffron Walden 9:30qm Free STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art and maths) sessions for babies and toddlers.

M: 07708 157326 IG @sandratoddlersteam Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden Music & Movement classes from 9:30am M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk

n Tuesday

Baby Massage with Lauren Saffron Walden Town Hall. 10:15-11:15 Learn to massage your baby and enjoy

(term time only except where stated)

time with your little one!

M: 07840 544709 E: babymassagewithlauren@gmail.com W: www.babymassagewithlauren.co.uk Sweaty Mama Golden Acre community centre, Saffron Walden 11am. A specialist group for pre natal and post natal women to enjoy activities for mind and body with baby or bump. M: 07834 530296 E: claireneville@sweatymama.com W: www.sweatymama.com Boogiewoogies Margret Street Hall, Thaxted. From 9:30am. 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 Tiny Tempos St Barnabas Centre, Thorley 10:45am11:30am. Music and movement classes suitable from birth. M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Baby Sensory Flitch Green Community Centre, Dunmow.

From 9:30am. All classes are structured to introduce ideas of play to aid and enhance babies’ precious early learning through play. M: 07703 79027 W: braintree@babysensory.co.uk Saffron Walden Library Baby and story time. 9:30am -10am Baby time T: 0345 603 7628 Baby and story time. 10:30am - 11am Story time for children aged 2 + T: 0345 603 7628

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Sing and Sign The Hub Church, Bishops Stortford from 9:30am The award - winning baby singing & music classes from 0-26 mths.

Songs, props, sensory & fun.

M: 07828 316397 E: alexandra@singandsign.co.uk W: bit.ly/singandsignhomepage

Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden from 9:30am. Unique music and movement classes for babies and preschool aged children. M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk

Baby Massage with Lauren Parsonage Community Hall, Bishops Stortford. 10:45-11:45. Learn to massage your baby and enjoy time with your little one! M: 07840 544709 E: babymassagewithlauren@gmail.com W: www.babymassagewithlauren.co.uk

Sweaty Mama Standon Village Hall 10:30am. A specialist group for pre natal and post natal women to enjoy activities for mind and body with baby or bump.

M: 07834 530296 E: claireneville@sweatymama.com W: www.sweatymama.com

n Wednesday

Hartbeeps – Baby Beeps Stansted Free Church Hall. 11:15am Interactive baby and toddler classes featuring: music, puppets, laughter and fun. M: 07779 100053 E: Sharon.g@hartbeeps.com W: www.hartbeeps.com/bishopsstortford-harlow-andsurrounds Tiny Tempos Golden Acre Community Centre, Saffron Walden. 11:15-11:45. Tiny Tutus toddler ballet classes for parent and child.

Suitable from 18months old.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Bible Group Saffron Walden 10am Free and friendly Bible group sessions for Families with young children. M: 07708 157326 IG: @Sandratoddlersteam

n Thursday

Jo Jingles Sewards End Village Hall from 9:30am Jo Jingles offers fun, interactive music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children. T: 01440 730039 E: westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk W: www.jojingles.com Tiny Tempos Baptist Church, Saffron Walden 10:45 – 11:30. Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Baby Gymnastics Twyford Industrial Estate, Bishops Stortford 9:15am. This 45 minute class is aimed to stimulate learning through sensory using hand apparatus and encourage talking and singing with songs and play. M: 07808 808815

T: 0790 01763073 838687 5566E:E:info@saladdaysmag.uk hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com W: www.stortfordgymnastics.com Kids Lingo Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Bishops Stortford. From 10am. In our award winning classes the aim is to bring the language to life through songs, games, stories and drama. M: 07926 007797 E: jessicalp@kidslingo.co.uk W: www.kidslingo.co.uk Sing and Sign The Hub Church, Bishops Stortfordfrom 9:30am The award - winning baby singing & music classes from 0-26 mths.

Songs, props, sensory & fun.

M: 07828 316397 E: alexandra@singandsign.co.uk W: bit.ly/singandsignhomepage

n Friday

(term time only except where stated)

toddlers and babies 39

Tiny Tempos Baptist Church, Saffron Walden 9:4010:45 & 10:45-11:30. Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Baby Sensory Flitch Green Community Centre, Dunmow.

From 9:30am. All classes are structured to introduce ideas of play to aid and enhance babies’ precious early learning through play. M: 07703 790273 W: braintree@babysensory.co.uk Yoga Todds Town Hall, Market Street, Saffron Walden 10:30am.Toddlers Yoga from walking to approx. six years. M: 07977 995204 E: flowyogakids@gmail.com W: www,bookwhen.com/yogatodds

Hartbeeps Birchanger Church Hall from 10am Interactive baby and toddler classes featuring: music, puppets, laughter and fun. M: 07779 100053 E: Sharon.g@hartbeeps.com W: www.hartbeeps.com/bishopsstortford-harlow-andsurrounds

n Saturday

Sweaty Mama Personage Lane Community Hall, Bishops Stortford 10:30am. A specialist group for pre natal and post natal women to enjoy activities for mind and body with baby or bump. M: 07834 530296 E: claireneville@sweatymama.com W: www.sweatymama.com

Baby Ballers Herts & Essex Sports Centre, Bishops Stortford. From 9:15am. Baby Football from toddlers aged from 16mths to 5 years old. M: 07596 345275 E: b.stortford@babyballers.com W: www.babyballersbishopsstortford.class4kids.co.uk

Baby Massage & Baby Yoga .

Bishop's Stortford & Newport

Gentle 5 week courses for you & your baby Book online at www.babymassagewithlauren.co.uk

Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden Music & Movement classes from 9:30am M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk

Music and Movement classes for Babies - Preschoolers in Saffron Walden Please visit www.boogiewoogies.co.uk for details of upcoming blocks of classes and to book your space Or contact Sarah Jones directly for more info Email: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk

Tel: 07837 176823

40 toddlers and babies Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank If you were struggling for food, would you know where to go to get help?

Over the last 18 month the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank has seen a huge increase of people needing to use us – over a 200% increase from 2019 to 2020.

But lots of people who may need our support do not know that we are here or how to get help.

There are many local agencies and services that can refer you to the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank. We have a list of agencies we work with on our website www.bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com but an example of agencies that can help are your housing company, doctor’s surgeries, East Herts Family Centre, schools, East Herts council, local churches etc. You can also contact Citizen’s Advice on 01920 459944 and they too will be able to help and advise.

Please don’t leave it until the cupboards are bare. If you are in need of food, then we are able to help.

If you need to talk to us about food

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support then please contact the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank on 07432 785976, email us at enquiries@bishopstortfordbank.com or message us on Facebook @bsfoodbank If you would like to donate food the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank, please see the list of items below: Soup Rice/Pasta Noodles Beans Spaghetti Tinned Veg Tinned Tomatoes Tinned Fruit Tinned fish/meat Tinned Potatoes Instant Mashed

Potatoes Sugar Crisps Cereal Sweets Snacks Chocolate bars Biscuits Coffee Tea Jam Marmite Peanut butter

UHT Milk/ alternative milks Deodorant Shampoo Shower Gel Toothpaste Toothbrushes Shaving Foam Razors Toilet roll Cleaning products.

You can drop donations off at Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s or at the Food Bank at the Methodist Church in South Street on Monday - 10am and 1pm, Tuesday or Thursday - 10am and 4pm.

Born to Birth.

Hypnobirthing and caesarean section classes. T: 07828 866198 E: ellie@borntobirthcompany.com W: www.borntobirthcompany.com

Accuro Supporting young people with disability in West Essex T :01279 870297 W: www.accuro.org.uk

Children’s Centres

Herts Family Centres T: 0300 123 7572 W: www.hertsfamilycentres.org

Conkers Children’s Centre Cathodoeon Centre, Linton T: 07768 008919

Antenatal and postnatal

Little Goslings Family Hub North Street, Great Dunmow T: 0300 2470122

Mummy MOT A woman’s health check with physio Contact: Fiona, M: 07757 609091 E: hello@fionaolearlyphysio.co.uk W: www.fionaolearlyphysio.co.u

Spangles family Hub Lower Street, Stansted T: 0300 2470122

Hypnobirthing Birth Easy with Georgia Bishop’s Stordford T: 07919 158070 E: georgia@birtheasy.co.uk W: www.birtheasywithgeorgia.co.uk

Fairycroft Children’s Centre T: 01799 521602 W: www.essexcentre.info/Fairycroft

Saffron Walden Singing, dancing and acting classes for 2 - 18 year-olds

01799 588246 www.stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden Joyce Frankland Academy, CB11 3TR

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.