Salad Days - Winter Issue

Local Information for parents, teachers and carers of children in Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Villages FREE e k to ta y awa

Winter 2022 Issue 96

Stephen Perse Sixth Form Cambridge 80% of A Levels graded A*-B in 2022 Stephen Perse Senior School Cambridge 79% of GCSEs graded 9-7 in 2022

Start your Stephen Perse journey at

Dame Bradbury’s Stephen Perse is a family of co-educational independent schools from Nursery to Sixth Form in Cambridge and Saffron Walden.

Rated ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ achievements and pupils’ personal development - Independent Schools Inspectorate 2021

Richard Girvan, Principal

Find out more

stephenperse.com

in this issue 1

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

Hello and welcome to the winter issue of Salad Days.

The month of December binds the year to a close and punctuates it with a whirlwind of festivities. The season of joy brings in countless reasons to celebrate and that is the spirit we’re imbibing in the winter issue of Salad Days. This winter issue takes us through until February with endless articles and informative parenting advice in education, family law, Christmas events, and things to plan for in the future. Take a look at the weekly classes for toddlers and babies and recipes for the whole family, there are also lots of events and theatre productions for the whole family to enjoy over this festive season.

Contents: Articles & Features

Education

Buffy Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Divorce mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Book review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 & 11 Diary Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 & 13 A Spooky Charcuterie . . . . . . . . . . .14 Hatter’s Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Leisure & Features . . . . . . . . . .10-24

Performing Arts Dance, drama, theatre, music .28-33

Babies and Toddlers Toddler Groups . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39 Antenatal & Postnatal . . . . . . . . .40

Awesome Animal Encounters . .20 & 21 The Party Factory . . . . . . . . . . .22 &23

Lisa & Tam X

Dunmow Rocks! . . . . . . . . . . .30 & 31

“ ”

Saladdaysmag

Tutors and support . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Creative Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

saladdays.info

Primary schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Saladdaysmag

© Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart 2022 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

Copy Date for Autumn issue

1st November 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

Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-27

Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-37

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@stephenperse.com W: www.stephenperse.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 education

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 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 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

education 5

stmaryscambridge.co.uk

6 education

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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

Kumon delivers proven academic success. Our expert Instructors will develop your child’s confidence and help them thrive at school.

Book your Free Trial today!

Bishop’s Stortford Study Centre 01920 461457 AT HOME | IN CENTRE | ONLINE For research findings on Kumon study, please visit kumon.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply.

Fees vary. Participating centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

kumon.co.uk

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MONDAY THAXTED

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

DUNMOW

FELSTED

SAFFRON WALDEN

STANSTED

Ravens Crescent

Sheds Lane

Stoneyfield Drive

CM6 3EH

CB10 2DA!

CM24 8PA

CM6 2LP 9.15am – 10.30am

9.15am-10.45am

9am-10.30am

9.15am-10.45am

SAFFRON WALDEN

LITTLE CANFIELD

SAFFRON WALDEN

BIRCHANGER

Crocus Fields CB10 2GA

Honey Road

Cromwell Road

Birchanger Lane

CM6 1FF

CB11 4BE

CM23 5QT

CM6 1LR

11.30am-12.45pm

11am-12.30pm

11.15am – 12.30pm

11.15am-12.30pm

Car park near Fire station Bardfield Road

11.15am – 12.30pm

CARVER BARRACKS

TAKELEY

NEWPORT

St. Edmunds Lane CM6 2AJ 9.15am – 10.30am

BARNSTON Village Hall

DUNMOW

Cherry Garden Lane 3."&4."-&(-%#',/&).$%#)%& Newton Green Beech Close ?./'-&.$&8@@ABC8@CDE& Broad Oakes Close PRIVATE BOOKING "./'-#F1*,G!4#',>).4&& CB11 3PZ CM22 6RQ CM6 1DU CB10 2YB <'/'%&.1"&;-+/'%-H&& 3."&+..I'$!&'$0."4#%'.$& 1.30pm- 3pm 1.30pm-2.45pm ;;;>+100=+1/>).>1I& 1.30pm-3.00pm 1.30pm-3.00pm 3#)-+..I>).4JK100=2 L,#=+1/&&& & !!!A%:0&#%)%*!/31)0#-!2,57%)!;;BC<CDEF30$&#!%?%)-!%''()#!@0$$!7%!51*%!#(!9%%8!#(!#30&!#05%#17$%4!+,''-!G$1-7,&!)%&%)?%&!#3%!)0:3#!#(!*%$1-!1!?0&0#!*,%!#(!(8%)1#0(21$!)%1&(2&! & !&&

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

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 Sammons, ITEC. IIHHT. DIP. SMT. Y.M Teaching relaxation and well-being skills for life.Outdoor and indoor courses for children, teens, 1 -1 and families.

T: 07966 579345 E: nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk W: www.nikkisammons.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 Sammons M: 07966 579345

creative corner 7

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

Nicola Havers, Executive Partner – Private Client at Tees www.teeslaw.com

Getting your affairs in order Leaving your loved ones is not something that anyone wants to think about. However, avoiding the reality can mean failing to get your affairs in order Nicola Havers, Executive Partner – Private Client, at Tees looks at ways to benefit and protect your family in the event of your death by setting up a Will Trust.

What is a Will Trust?

If you leave your assets to someone absolutely, you give total benefit and control of those assets to the beneficiary. However, a Will Trust can be thought of as a gift ‘with rules attached’.

When leaving assets in a Will Trust, ownership is transferred to Trustees, who are hold the assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. The Will sets out who the Trustees and beneficiaries are and the rules they must follow.

Some Trusts are more simple; for example you can leave assets to your Trustees to hold for the benefit of your child until they reach 18. You can create more flexible Trusts that give Trustees discretion to decide who benefits from capital or income and when that should be. You do not have to treat beneficiaries equally; for example, you can give one person the right to benefit from the income generated by an asset for their lifetime (the ‘life tenant’) and give other beneficiaries the benefit of the capital of that

asset once the life tenant has died.

Who are the Trustees and what do they do?

The role of a Trustee is to manage assets in the Trust and to exercise any discretions they are given. Trustees can also be beneficiaries.

You can appoint independent trustees such as trusted family members or friends or professional Trustees. Professional advice should be taken on the factors to consider when deciding who to appoint.

How does a Will Trust protect my family?

There are many different forms of Will Trust for different purposes. The protections offered and tax consequences will depend on the type of Will Trust chosen and you should always take professional advice on the different options.

Where there is more than one family If you, or your partner, have been married before or have children from a previous relationship, you might be concerned to ensure that your assets ultimately pass to your own children or family, while also looking after your spouse, if they survive you. A Will Trust can help to achieve this.

Where the surviving spouse may remarry or form a new relationship Many people worry that if they leave their assets to their surviving spouse, their children may not inherit if the survivor remarries or forms a new relationship. Even if the survivor

Expect more Expert legal services and independent financial advice Call Cambridge – 01223 311141 Bishop’s Stortford – 01279 755200 Saffron Walden – 01799 527299 does not give away or leave the assets to their new partner, problems can still arise. The new spouse might have a claim on assets if the new marriage ends in divorce, or they might make a claim for financial provision from the estate of the surviving spouse. Again, a Will Trust can reduce the risk of such problems.

Where the intended beneficiaries may be at financial risk There are many situations where wealth left to a beneficiary may not end up going where you intended, or may do more harm than good: • where the beneficiary is getting divorced or going through marital difficulties, there’s a risk that the inheritance is included or considered in any divorce settlement; • where the beneficiary (or their partner) is immature, reckless, bad with money or at higher than usual risk of bankruptcy; or

• for young or vulnerable beneficiaries.

However, a Will Trust could help with any or all of these scenarios.

Where an inheritance might affect the beneficiaries’ means tested benefits Will Trusts can prevent the loss of a beneficiary’s means tested benefits or reduce the impact of the inheritance on the benefits available.

If you are looking to set up a Wills trust or would like help with you Will, our team of specialist will work with you at every step.

We'll explain your options, and how any decision might effect you and your dependents, in plain English. We make sure you're completely informed at every stage, so you fully understand the implications to you.

We also explain the benefits, and any potential risk to you - so we can plan around it together.

8 leisure and features

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Let’s talk about Life after death … Are you organised?

The things you need to know!

My Mum and her partner, Spencer were together for 22 years. They were living in sin and never got around to tying the knot. Sadly, whilst on holiday a few months ago he died suddenly. During our grief and heartache, we also had some messy situations to deal with…

Ten years ago, my Mum and her boyfriend made wills. They both made my Mums brother, Uncle John the executer of the will. The executor is the person named in the will who sorts out the estate of the person who has passed away.

However, over the last five years Mum and Uncle have had a strained sibling

relationship and don’t get on as well as they used to… Yet another strange twist of fate in an already messy situation. Yep, the plot thickens; lesson one: If you fall out with someone named in your will, change the paperwork!

The will itself was so outdated it left Mum in a financial predicament. Although Mums boyfriend left everything to my Mum the will was outdated due to a change in their financial circumstances.

Things “changed” after the will was made. Because they weren’t married it meant that it had to go to probate (Law. The official proving of a will as authentic

or valid in a probate court). This has already taken 6 months and could go on and on indefinitely. In a nutshell it could have been so simple if the will had been updated… Don’t be an ostrich and bury your head in the sand like “Mummy” and think death will never affect you!

• NO WILL: If you don’t have a partner or children then parents, siblings, nieces or nephews can inherit your estate.

Facts I bet you never knew: • 60% of people do NOT have a will • Five million couples are not married so will not inherit the partners estate if they die • There is no such thing as a “common law” husband/wife

• No Partner? Your assets will go to your children. However, if they are under 18 years of age and there is no will then it will go into a trust fund that your ex-spouse will have control over until your child comes of legal age… that literally frightens the life out of me! He’s an ex for a reason!!!

• Do you need to make a will as an unmarried couple? YES! YES! YES! In fact, it’s even more important as you are not automatically a beneficiary of their estate regardless of the duration of the relationship.

Even your kitty cat, Tiddles could be taken by your partners Mother… yep, no joke!

Worst nightmare?

Know someone who is currently going through a divorce? If there’s no will and nothing to say who their next of kin is, in theory is ex wife could get to plan their funeral and decide what happens to them after they died.

This is situation you don’t want to find yourself in.

leisure and features 9

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Organise a funeral plan My stepdad did have the money to pay for his funeral but left no plans or wishes.

If there’s something you specifically want at your funeral, make sure it’s written in a will. You can take money out of the estate

Wills

Childre n

als r e Fun ate Prob

for the funeral but not for the wake… wow! That cost me a small fortune in a curly sandwich and a sausage on a stick!

Don’t leave it to your loved ones to pay for it. You can set up funeral payment plans….

Assets Finances

Power of attorney

“Don’t be an ostrich like Mummy…

Get your house in order!”

Dea th/ loss

10 leisure and features Christmas Books to please every taste If dinosaurs, skeletons, ballet dancers, little creatures, poems, advent calendars, or Christmas around the world is your thing, there’s a Christmas picture-book here to please you.

The dinosaurs book is not so much a Christmas book as a winter book indeed, more of an Ice Age book – and it is gloriously ridiculous. Brrr!

Where did the dinosaurs really go? by Kes Gray, illustrated by Nick East, offers an alternative explanation for the disappearance of the dinosaurs. It involves knitting. As temperatures drop and the Ice Age approaches, the dinosaurs need jumpers but the only dinosaurs who have the right sort of arms to knit them are the Tyrannosaurus Rexes: ‘YOU WANT US TO KNIT JUMPERS?! WE’RE THE TOUGHEST, MEANEST, WELL-HARDEST DINOSAURS ON THE PLANET! WE’RE NOT ABOUT TO KNIT JUMPERS!’ Eventually, they do – and they are brilliant at it. So brilliant, in fact, that they can knit anything, including a new, woolly, lovely and warm ‘Pla-Knit’. Surely this will become a winter classic?!

Already a winter classic, though not for the faint-hearted and scarier than The Grinch, is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare before Christmas, first

published in 1993, and re-published last year with additional illustrations by the author. Jack Skellington is the man-aboutHalloweenland but he is getting bored with all his usual macabre tricks. One night he is out on a walk when he stumbles into bright, colourful Christmas Town. He is amazed and decides to bring Christmas to Halloweenland.

‘Why is it they get to spread laughter and cheer While we stalk the graveyards, spreading panic and fear?

Well, I could be Santa, and I could spread cheer!

Why does he get to do it year after year?’

It doesn’t go well. Jack Skellington’s ideas for good presents are horrible: ‘A monstrous train with tentacle tracks, a ghoulish puppet wielding an ax…’ and Jack is upset that his goodwill just brings terror and havoc. But Santa forgives him and all ends well.

Fans of Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and Mars Attacks!, all directed by Tim Burton, will know what to expect in this book with his trademark scratchy creepy illustrations of skeletons, ghosts and ghouls. Some of you may even remember being scared by it when you were children.

I’m afraid that I wimped out of buying it for my children when they were young but you and yours may be made of sterner stuff!

Far more sweetly charming, though with its own moment of ‘mild peril’, is James Mayhew’s delightful retelling of The

www.saladdaysmag.uk Nutcracker story in Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker, which begins with Ella Bella’s ballet class dancing like snowflakes to Tchaikovsky’s glittering music. Once Ella Bella has dealt with the wicked Mouse King, and the wooden nutcracker has turned into a handsome prince, the festivities can begin in the Land of Sweets as James Mayhew brings to life the magic of this famous ballet. Beautifully illustrated in James’s trademark style, this will appeal to anyone who has ever worn, or wanted to wear, a tutu. Why not play the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, or any other excerpts of the music from the ballet while you’re reading the book, to complete the delight!

For the youngest nature spotters, there’s a wonderful version of the traditional Christmas counting song in The Twelve Days of Christmas by Rachel Piercey, illustrated

by Freya Hartas. Join Bear as he sets off through the wood to find and count twelve presents brought to him by Santa. For example, ‘On the first day of Christmas, Santa gave to me, a robin in an oak tree’. I have to admit that it took me ages to find the robin in the joyfully busy and lively illustration, so distracted was I by all the other details in the picture. I left younger eyes to count the ‘ten snowballs flying’ later on in the rhyme!

This is a lovely little board book which will keep children entertained for a long time.

Just beware if you are called in to help spot the presents!

I have just noticed a very special feature of my next book choice for you. Cut in the shape of half a Christmas tree, this

Christmas countdown rhyming board book opens up to create a free-standing Christmas tree with a magnetic closure.

Brilliant! The book is called It’s Christmas Everywhere: Celebrations from Around the World by Hannah Barnaby, illustrated

by João Fazenda. On each double-page spread it depicts a pine tree being festooned with the traditional Christmas decorations of different countries, from apples wrapped in lucky red paper in China to Ukrainian magic gold and silver cobwebs. For younger children there are simple rhymes on each page, for example, ‘Five days until Christmas/And who’s at my side? A friend with a nutcracker/Grinning with pride’. For older children, there is a short explanation of the tradition: ‘In German tradition, a wooden nutcracker will bring good luck to your family and protect your home’. Brightly coloured and on sturdy board, this is a book to bring out and stand up year after year.

I’m not sure if you can get away with an Advent Calendar without chocolate but Usborne Books’s Advent Calendar Book Collection is another fabulous idea. This is a big format Advent Calendar (45cm by 30cm) and inside each of the 24 windows is a little classic storybook – a miniature library to treasure. The stories include The Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Chicken Licken, The Nutcracker, ’Twas the

leisure and features 11

T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk Night Before Christmas, and other classics, all in the brightly coloured gentle format of Usborne Books’ usual productions.

It is super!

If it’s a traditional nativity story you’d prefer, I didn’t spot a new one this year – but my all-time favourite, which you’d have to search for as a preloved copy (though I can’t imagine anyone wanting to give theirs away), is Babushka, a traditional Eastern European folktale retold by Sandra Ann Horn and illustrated by Sophie Fatus, first published in 2010. Babushka lives on her own in a cottage where everything is as neat as a pin. But she is so busy cleaning and polishing that it is a long while before she notices the angel who is trying to tell her about the birth of a very special baby in a stable. The thought of all that dirty straw and dust horrifies her so Babushka sets out to go and clean it up, taking with her gifts for the baby and its parents. On her journey, she learns that the more you give away in love, the more you will receive.

Readers of all ages and beliefs will be charmed and captivated by the retelling of this poignant folk tale and the beautiful folk-art illustrations of all the characters who Babushka meets along her way. Every year I get this book out to read (and bear in mind that my youngest child is now 20) and every year we are all entranced and moved by it again.

Finally, for older children, and adults too, new this year there is We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Other Festive

Poems, chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell, the 2013–2017 UK Children’s Laureate.

This is an excellent collection of festive poems with everything from classics like Clement Moore’s ‘ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and Benjamin Zephaniah’s ‘Talking Turkeys’ (‘Be nice to yu turkeys this Christmas / Cos’ turkeys just wanna hav fun’) to the hilariously despairing ‘On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas My True Love Phoned Me Up’ by Dave Calder, and the moving prayer, ‘Let there be Peace’ from Lemm Sissay. Many of these poems are new to me and I’ve been distracted from writing this review as I dip into the book to read and re-read them. I’ll leave you with the final lines from ‘Angels’ by Jan Dean: Only once we touched you And felt a human heat.

Once, in the brightness of the frost, Above the hills, in glittering starlight, Once, we sang.

I hope that angels sing for you and your families this Christmas and wish everyone peace and goodwill on earth.

All these books (except Babushka) can be found on the shelves at Hart’s Books in Saffron Walden (www.hartsbooks.co.uk).

Do go and browse – and ask, if you’re not sure what you’re looking for – as there will be books there to please every taste this Christmas.

Jo Burch Founder of Words in Walden

Queen Elizabeth II Colouring Page

12 leisure and fea-

Diary Dates December 22-29 Go and see this year's pantomime Robin Hood at the Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden. ions Ltd

tures

unique personalised Santa experience.

The garden area will once again be magically transformed into a Winter Wonderland and you will be escorted by one of Santa's Elves through the festive garden to the cosy Christmas log cabin. For more info and to book, please visit: www.littlemonstersoftplay.co.uk

www.saladdaysmag.uk

January

14 Valentines Day

It’s behind you!!! Jack and the Beanstalk is the pantomime hosted

by Southmill Arts in Bishops Stortford

16 Harry Styles tribute – at the South Mill Arts 18 National Winnie the Pooh Day. Celebrate our lovable friend!

Check out these story books, lots to choose from online

February

Daisy Mays Farm in Elsenham are hosting Festive Fun At The Farm.

Checkout their website for their Christmas magic www.daisymaysfarm.org For Christmas 2022, Little Monster House of Fun have created a fantastic festive Grotto offering a

6. 6 - 12 National Children’s mental Health week. Shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental health, raises awareness and campaigns for all children to have access to mental health support.

21 Pancake Day

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

leisure and features 13

My first meals by Grace Mortimer "I started an instagram page during the first lockdown, well aware of the fact that baby and toddler groups were not taking place - leaving lots of parents feeling isolated and perhaps anxious about feeding their little ones.

When my son, Harry, was 2 years old, he went from being a great little foodie to a toddler who wouldn't touch, let alone EAT any vegetables. It happened more or less overnight and I was at my wits end, confused about what I'd done wrong and worried about his development. I decided to go back to basics, cooking simple recipes using 5 ingredients or less because I figured out that I was part of the problem. My stress wasn't helping the situation!

I quickly realised that when I wasn't worried about whether he ate Salad D a recomm ys what was put in front of him or not (because what I'd cooked cost ends for grea pennies and took literally minutes to whip up) he happily started t Christm chomping away and genuinely enjoyed his meals again. During as gift April 2020 I set up an instagram page (@_myfirstmeals) to share a few of my recipes because I hoped that someone else might get some benefit from them. Within months, it had amassed tens of thousands of followers, a cookbook deal and national press coverage. It can be very worrying when you're starting out with weaning for the first time or have a child that simply refuses to eat anything that isn't beige - but what I've realised is that it's actually totally normal.

Children need to exercise control, be it through play or food and if it's the latter, which it so often is - removing your own anxiety from the situation is the best thing you can do. "

14 leisure and features Healthy Creamy Carrot Risotto for the whole family.

Family mealtimes are a perfect opportunity for you and your baby to spend time together. Not only is this great for bonding, its can also help your baby become a better eater, and enjoy a wider range of foods.

Babies and toddlers love copying their

parents. So seeing you, your partner or their siblings tucking into healthy food may tempt your little one to try and taste it for them selves. This recipe below is a firm favourite for all the family and is perfect for stage 2 weaning babies aged 7 months+.

www.saladdaysmag.uk Ingredients : Unsalted Butter 1 Onion 2 large Carrots 2 Garlic Gloves Pinch of dried thyme 250g arborio rice Low salt veg stock cube Cream cheese Cheddar / parmesan ( optional) Method: Boil a kettle Chop onion and finely grate carrot Add a knob of butter to a large pan Once the butter is melted add the onion and carrot and cook for two minutes.

Add crushed garlic and grated carrot, cook for another 4-5 minutes Add 900ml water to stock cube Add to the pan the rice, thyme and stock Drop heat to medium-low and cook for around 30 minutes until water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through, stirring regularly. You may need to add a little more water near the end if the rice isn’t cooked.

Remove from heat and stir through a big blob of cream cheese until its all melted Remove childs portion and season the adults with a little salt.

Top with grated cheddar or parmesan.

Sustainable Bamboo tableware with little dividers to relax fussy easter and built up walls to help guide food into hands and onto the cutlery. £17.90 Check out www.ecorascals.com

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

Effortless Essentials for Everyone

would otherwise end up in landfills, giving you something unique, as once these fabrics have been used they are not freely available to buy again.

With the festive party season on the horizon, the Christmas collection is full of satin.

The Allegra wrap skirt is a sexy piece with beautiful, and flattering, draping across the middle. Team with a white tee, oversized sweatshirt and white trainers for the ultimate off-duty daytime outfit.

To take her from day to night, swap your flats for a cute pair of heels and shimmer

When it comes to putting together a wardrobe that is easy and effortless, less is always more.

A carefully curated collection of pieces that you know you can reach for and rely on - essentially a capsule wardrobe.

Seven Sundays is a resort and occasion wear brand. Designed not to follow the seasonal trends, and not to be kept for those ‘special occasions’, but instead to remain part of your wardrobe season after season.

The collections are designed and made in the UK, from deadstock fabric and in small quantities.

Working like this utilities fabric that

leisure and features 15 in a metallic vest.

Complete the look with a black blazer effortlessly draped over your shoulders.

A pair of high waisted, wide leg trousers are the ultimate addition to any wardrobe. The Mabel pants are party perfect and incredibly flattering in a stunning black textured satin, that elegantly skim curves and gives beautiful movement.

This season we have also sourced the perfect varsity sweatshirt to compliment the rest of the collection. These sweatshirts are a french terry, 100% organic cotton that is GOTS certified, so that you know they have been sustainably and ethically produced.

Available in Worker Blue, Dessert and Black, you have three classic colours that will stand the test of time. Wear with your favourite faded jeans for the easiest (and comfiest) of school run styles. But we also love this sweatshirt worn with a leather trouser and platform boot.

For more on the Seven Sundays Christmas collection head to www.seven-sundays.co.uk

16 leisure and features

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Jack and the Beanstalk

Sat 3rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan Join Jack as he makes his way up the beanstalk on his high- ying, magical journey and see what ginormous adventures await him!

ROH: The Nutcracker

Thu 8th Dec | 7.15pm | £16.50 Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. The thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular classical dancing!

Santa’s Grotto

10th - 24th December | £14 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, you will also hear a story from Santa himself. Plus, hot chocolate and cookies!

Festive Gertcha

Mon 19th Dec | 7pm | Single Pie £25 | Double Pie £28

A fun lled Cockney knees up with top Chas & Dave tribute band Gertcha, plus Pie and Mash by F.Cooke of Bishop’s Stortford. The Music will start from 7.45pm - all the Chas & Dave classics with a festive twist!

Christmas at

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

leisure and features 17

Nick Sharratt’s Draw-A-Long

Mon 13th Feb | 2pm | £14.50 | Family: £54 Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a family-friendly, fun lled draw-along for all ages.

Harry Styles Tribute

Thurs 16th Feb | 7pm | £15 | Family: £55 The producers of Only One Direction, RED Entertainment present the electrifying Harry Styles Tribute. Featuring huge hits such as Watermelon Sugar, Sign of the Times, and As it Was!

Tales from Acorn Wood

Based on the favourite stories by

Rabbit’s Nap

FEATURING: Fox’s Socks Hide - and - Seek Pig

Postman Bear

17th Feb | 4pm, 18th Feb | 11am & 2pm. £16.50 | Family £60 Julia Donaldson and Axel Schef er’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the rst time in an enchanting lift-the- ap experience.

Top Secret: The Magic Of Science Thu 13th Apr | 2pm | £14 | Family: £52

Hang on to your seats as we transform the venue into a real life science laboratory. Top Secret is a fast moving colourful magical science show lled with mystery, suspense, lots and lots of mess!

Coming up...

18 leisure and features

www.saladdaysmag.uk

PANTOMIME RETURNS TO SAFFRON HALL THIS CHRISTMAS KD Theatre Productions Ltd present

proudly supported by

22 – 29 DECEMBER 2022

www.saffronhall.com | 0845 548 7650 (7p per minute plus access charge)

SHOW PARTNERS

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

leisure and features 19

20 leisure and features

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Santa’s Sleigh Ride 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 2022

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

OLLIE’S FOOD HUT - SNACK SHACK - FACE PAINTING SANTA’S SLEIGH RIDE (NEW FOR

2022 EXTRA CHARGES APPLY)

Daisy Mays Farm Hall Road - Elsenham CM22 6DN

www.daisymaysfarm.org

This has been a fantastic year for us at Daisy May’s Farm and the best bit has been having all our lovely visitors come and join us at the farm.

Halloween is now behind us and we are starting to get excited about Christmas and really hope you will be joining us for the festivities this year as there will be so much to do.

Last year as Father Christmas was so busy,

Mrs Claus came to stay and help us, she read traditional Yuletide stories to the children whilst they enjoyed yummy hot chocolates and she also had gifts for them. This year they will be able to board Santa’s Sleigh Ride for a trip through the Winter Woodland, enjoy Christmas arts & crafts and of course the animals will enjoy being made a fuss of too!

Our animals are always happy to see you and we still have some cute piglets who are showing their very cheeky characters.

In addition our sheep, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and Rheas love to see all our visitors.

These events are a vital lifeline for us to raise enough funds to feed and look after our animals and we can only do this with your support so everyone at Daisy May’s Farm says a huge thank-you to all our visitors. www.facebook.com/daisymaysfarm

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

Christmas markets

Bury St Edmunds Spend a magical family day or night in Bury St Edmunds. From 17th November the Christmas lights will be switched on and the Christmas market comes alive. There will be over 300 chalet type stalls selling handmade and unique Christmas gifts. There is a live band playing on the opening night by the Abbey gardens alongside a fun fair for the children.

You will find food and beverage stalls selling mulled wine and cider! There will be a light trail through the Abbey Ruins which will entertain the children. The town's main Christmas tree is on Angel Hill and there is another in the Traverse from the local Rougham Estates. Father Christmas will be located in the Abbey Gardens in a Wooden Cabin and his Reindeers will be outside waiting for the children to come visit. This one truly is magical.

Bishops Stortford On 3rd December 9:30am -4:30pm there will be over 100 stalls selling crafts, food and festive beverages down North Street, Market

Square, Potter Street and South Street. There will be a variety of music and entertainment to entertain the whole family and you may even spot Santa!

Colchester Colchester Town Market is on 26th November.

The Colchester Christmas Market turns the High Street into a winter wonderland.

Packed full omarket stalls, visitors can enjoy browsing, sampling and shopping their way through the stalls before enjoying festive food, drink and entertainment. At the festival, there will be over 80 traders offering a wide selection of items including clothing, toys, festive gifts and

leisure and features 21 decorations, handmade crafts, local beer and sweet treats. There will also be over 25 stalls selling food and drinks, perfect to warm you up on a cold evening. Enjoy burritos, gourmet Yorkshire puddings, churros and of course, mulled wine! For this one day Christmas Market, Colchester will come alive with Christmas cheer. There will be funfair rides for children, musical entertainment including a brass band and choir and Santa’s Grotto where little ones can visit Father Christmas.

Chelmsford Hylands Estate opens its doors 18th December from 10am -4pm The Farmers’ & Craft Market is located both outside the front of Hylands House and inside the Grand Pavilion. The market is a treasure trove of fresh, local food, drink, and crafts direct from the producers and makers. Christmas wreaths, macramé, mulled wine and sweet treats are just some of the delights you’ll find. Escape the high street bustle to find unique gifts as our artists, designers and makers open their studios, as well as, local suppliers and vendors. The Stables Cafe will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate. Enjoy the festive entertainment surrounded by the most wonderful environment.

Great Dunmow Dumow Christmas market will be taking place on Saturday 27th November 2pm- 6pm Great Dunmow's Christmas Market takes over the Town Centre. Gifts, festive food and drink, Santa's grotto, Christmas Shopping, Live Music and Children's Entertainment.

Saffron Walden Sunday 20th November 10am – 4pm in Saffron Walden Market Place and King Street there will be local stalls selling an array of

Christmas goods. Santa’s Grotto will be free to visit in the Committee Room, Town Hall.

Thaxted Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December 1pm -7pm The Star Christmas Market will be filled with arts and crafts and plenty of food and drink for all ages.

22 leisure and features

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

leisure and features 23 others etc., but over the last 18 months+ it has been a real delight to see children confidently return to their full potential whilst attending their Jo Jingles classes.

Music is a wonderful tonic; it picks you up when you are feeling down, it releases your inhibitions and it allows you to have the most amazing fun whilst making new

Hi, I’m Carole and have been the franchisee of Jo Jingles West Suffolk and delivering classes in Saffron Walden, Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury for the last 11 years. Having taken my own children to Jo Jingles when they were little I’d seen first-hand the educational benefits of the classes and when the opportunity arose to purchase the franchise I jumped at the chance and I’ve loved every minute since.

From 3 months to 5 years of age, our 4 x age appropriate classes at Sewards End Village Hall, Saffron Walden - every Thursday during term time - follow the Early Years Foundation Scheme (EYFS) and are tailored around your children’s developmental needs. With a wonderful collection of age appropriate percussion instruments, a mix of musical genres, nursery rhymes and with a gentle structure throughout, our 45 minute long classes explore the basics of music; pitch/tone, fast/slow, loud/quiet, stop/start. Every class also includes a delightful collection of soft props for a wonderful sensory experience with lots of

movement and fun thrown in for good measure, as our classes aim to gently stimulate, engage, educate and help develop your child to their full potential.

The startling effects of the pandemic on preschool children and babies was hugely evident; from lack of confidence to leave their grown-up to delayed speech, from reduced eye contact to fear of mixing with

friends and creating fabulous memories to cherish. At Jo Jingles West Suffolk we get to be a part of so many families’ preschool journeys and watching children grow in confidence and ability week by week is not just a pleasure - it’s an honour! Friendships are formed amongst children and the adults alike that last way beyond the pre-school years at Jo Jingles - what’s not to love!

If you would like to experience the Jo Jingles magic for yourself, please send through a class enquiry form and I’ll be in touch with all the info you need to sign up. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one. www.jojingles.com/ westsuffolk/timetable M: 07485 721393 westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk

24 leisure and features Sports clubs n Boxing

10 Rounds Boxing Club Saffron Walden T:01799 218 924 E: hello@10roundsboxing.co.uk W: www.10roundsboxing.com

n Cricket

Plantation FC, Saffron Walden T: 01799 500821 E:paulbr88@googlemail.com

Warm water pools ideal for beginners & improvers

Saffron Walden FC T: 01763 836928 E: chairman@psgfc.co.uk W: www.swcfc.club

• 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

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC T: 07595328816 E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk W: www.psgfc.co.uk

Dunmow Cricket Club E: paulreid10@talk21.com W: www.dunmowcricketclub.co.uk

Thaxted Rangers Youth FC T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

Saffron Walden Cricket Club E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: www.saffronwaldencricketclub.co.uk

Kidzteens Football Academy Bishops Stortford, M: 07955259030 E: kidsteens15@gmail.com

n Football

www.saladdaysmag.uk

Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk

www.sas-swimming.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford Football Club E: tim.moylette@bscfc.co.uk

n Hockey

Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club W: eska.org.uk

Bishop Stortford Football Club E: jim-duggan@hotmail.co.uk/ jclift@birchwoodhigh.org.uk

Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree W: braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets

Haverhill & Saffron Walden Shotokan Karate E: gill.payne@talktalk.net Judo E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk)

Bishops Stortford `Youth FC E: tim.molette@bsctc.co.uk M: 07740 945117 W: www.bscfc.co.uk Dunmow Rovers Youth FC M: 07595 445425 E: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk Elsenham Youth FC E: info@elsenhamyfc.co.uk W: www.eyfc.org

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club W: saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

n Martial arts

Koryoda Kids W: koryoda.com

Associated Karate Schools (AKS) E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: karateschools.co.uk

SW Judo Club E: saffronwaldenjudoclub@hotmail.co.uk FB: "Saffron Walden Judo Club".

Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: bishopsstortfordjudo.com

Shotokan Karate Ryu W: skr.org.uk

B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk

Te-Ashi-Do Karate, Bishop’s Stortford M: 07826 849388 E: allan.worrell@sky.com W: www.teashido.co.uk

Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden W: mushinzui.com

n Rugby Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby E: chair@wendenrugby.com www.wendenrugby.com Saffron Walden Rugby Club, Henham M: 07703 532822 E: info@swrfc.co.uk W: www.swrfc.co.uk

n Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk W: stortfordsquash.co.uk Saffron Walden Squash Club E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

n Swimming

Bishops Stortford Swimming Club E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk

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

sport 25

26 sport

www.saladdaysmag.uk NEW SEASON

SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2022 at JOYCE FRANKLAND ACADEMY, NEWPORT 10:15am – 11:30am

2 FREE taster sessions – Just turn up!

Learn new skills

Be part of a team

Increase confidence

WEN WENDEN WEND WENDENS WE WENDE AM AMB AMBO

Mini Rugby Club

Make new friends

Improve fitness

Have fun!

Girls & boys from Reception to Year 6 TEAMWORK – RESPECT – ENJOYMENT – DISCIPLINE – SPORTSMANSHIP

www.wendenrugby.com

performing arts 27

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

Dance & drama n Dance

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

Stagecoach T: 01799 588 246 E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden

n Drama

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

Music

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

School of Performing Arts

Ages 7 to 18

Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company M: 07799 628 977 E: swmtcyg@gmail.com, W: swmtc.net

Sting Performing Arts M: 07903 192 094 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

n Theatre schools

Sing Dance Act

n Choirs, orchestras Cantate Youth Choir E: info@cantate.co.uk W: cantata.co.uk

Contact: Sue Raven 07952 993288 sue@purerhythm.co.uk

Believe, Achieve, Succeed.

Dance & drama n Dance

JCL School of Dance M: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk

www.purerhythm.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

Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com

KBD Dance M: 07305 113 187 E: katie@kbddance.com W: kbddance.co.uk

Saffron Walden Town Band M: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com

Kate Plummer School of Dance M: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

Graham School of Dance T: 01279 654 423 E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

Sting Choir M: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

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

Hyperfusion Theatre Co M: 07909 960 490 E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk W: hyperfusion.co.uk

28 performing arts

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

t

performing arts 29 AWARD WINNING

Parent and child music and dance classes in Saffron Walden and surrounding areas

FRl cElaEsses

tria able avail

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 Newport www.tinytempos.co.uk and info@tinytempos.co.uk Saffron Walden Tel: 07956 211909

BOOK ONLINE

30 performing arts

www.saladdaysmag.uk Saxophone, Clarinet, Guitar and Flute Lessons BA (Hons) Music

20 years teaching experience.

All levels and ages including beginners Preparation for ABRSM examinations

James Free s

Based in Saffron Walden

A An el i t e p er f o rmi n g a r t s c o mp a ny d el i ver i n g i n d u st r y p ro f essi o n a l t ra i n in g t o st u d en t s a ged 7-1 yea rs w i t h

it s own affiliated L AM DA centre (London Ac ademy of Music and D ramat ic Ar t s) examinat ions.

FRE E TRIAL

T: 07818 334592

Saffron SuperDogs Puppy and Dog Training

DANCE E VE RY SATUR DAY

Make you dog a super Dog! Modern, Positive, reward based dog training.

Fun for all the family! All ages, sizes, and breeds welcome. Weekley, local classes and worshops.

www.saffronsuperdogs.co.uk emma@saffronsuperdogs.co.uk 07970 254896 Classes held at Littlebury Village Hall, CB11 4TA

1 0AM - 1 PM )

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

pre-school 31

T: 0790 073 5566 E: 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

32 pre-school

n Great Chesterford

n Hatfield Broad Oak

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

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

a

Freedom Daycare Nursery Contacts: Joules Abraham & Kath Gibson T: 01371 873663

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.

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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

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

n Much Hadham

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 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

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

n Newport

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

St Mary’s Church Pre-School Ages: 2-5 Head: Faye Jeff; T: 01799 520358 E: smcpreschool@btconnect.com W: stmaryschurchpreschool.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

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

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.

pre-school 33

Meadow Montessori Nursery Ages: 2-5; Head: Colette Loveday T: 01799 513858 W: montessorimeadows.co.uk

Stehen Perse Nursery (Dame Bradbury’s) Ashdon Road, CB10 2AL; Ages: 1-5 T: 01223 454762 E: admissions@stephenperse.com W: stephenperse.com

n Saffron Walden

m

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

Maynard Preschool

Montessori education for children aged 2 to 5 years • Fully qualified and experienced staff • High teacher to pupil ratio • Forest School • Freely accessible outdoor play areas and classrooms • Hot lunches by request • Prepared environments to aid child led learning The Montessori classroom is a home away from home, a place where young children can learn and develop at their own pace within a carefully prepared environment.

Children are supported and nurtured by caring staff which allows them to naturally develop the freedom and independence that every child needs to make learning happy and fun.

Opening Times: 8.30am-3.30pm – Monday to Friday - Morning or Afternoon sessions available

www.maynardmontessori.co.uk

34 toddlers and babies

n Monday

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 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

(term time only except where stated)

Tiny Tempos St Barnabas Centre, Thorley 10:45am-11:30am.

Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford New Life Church, Saffron Walden.

9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

www.saladdaysmag.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

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

Teaching Kids about Money It is difficult to manage on a tight budget but whilst doing so you can take solace that you are probably teaching skills to your kids that will be valuable for the rest of their lives. Helping them to distinguish between a “want” and a “need”. Understanding they can’t have everything that they want (even if it’s affordable). But what are the best ways to teach your kids about financial priorities?

One of the best places to teach children about money is a shop. Being able to handle money and buy something yourself builds a child’s confidence.

Children as young as three or four can have their own coins to handle, spend and save. If, for example, they want to spend that money on sweeties, then make it clear they can’t spend the money on something else. Let them make choices, and experience the consequences.

Paying by card is quick and convenient but doesn’t show young children how money works, so explain that although you are not using coins, the money is still coming out of your bank account – and discuss the things you buy. Helping your children to master estimating is also very important, helping children to develop a real feel for numbers so that they can easily spot when they’re being

overcharged and avoid making costly mistakes.

At home, a picture book on the subject can get the discussion going. There are also lots of free online resources you can use; Valuesmoneyandme.co.uk offers free online books and interactive quizzes aimed at primary school aged children. natwest.mymoneysense.com is great for free online money games, or if you prefer board games try Money Match Cafe or Pop to the Shops by Orchard Toys. Finally, do not underestimate the value of playing games such as “going to the shops” at home with real coins.

Be sure to set a budget.

Don’t forget to talk to your children about everyday costs that may be hidden – such as the fact heating, electricity and water are not free – and involving children in attempts to save money. For example, you could challenge them to help you do a “no spend” day or make a recipe from the Love Food, Hate Waste website, using only ingredients you have in the cupboard.

Uttlesford Citizens Advice offer free, confidential advice to anyone who is worried about money, benefits, housing, work or relationship issues.

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

(term time only except where stated)

n Wednesday

toddlers and babies 35

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 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 Ruggerbugs Saffron Walden Teaches basic Rugby skills and movement for babies and toddlers.

Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Bishops Stortford 9:05-11:15 T: 01279 797777 E: andyp@ruggerbugs.co.uk W: www.ruggerbugs.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Parsonage Lane, Bishops Stortford 9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

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. M: 07485 721393 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 Mini Mindfulness Outdoors Noakes Grove Nature Reserve, Sewards End, Saffron Walden 9:15-10:15 Playing, interacting and exploring in nature via all 6 senses. Sessions end with learning calming and settling methods for the whole family. M: 07966 579345 E: nikkisammons.co.uk W: www.nikkisammons.co.uk Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Stansted Quaker Meeting House, Stansted Mountfitchet 9:30am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

n Friday Little Learners Uttlesford & Bishops Stortford Great Hallingbury Village Hall, Nr Bishops Stortford 10am M: 07712 116286 E: jade@littlelearnersuk.com W: www.littlelearners.com

36

(term time only except where stated)

www.saladdaysmag.uk

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toddlers andchildren babies 37 Helping

believe they can do anything

Stagecoach Saffron Walden Singing, dancing and acting classes for 2 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden 01799 588246 Joyce Frankland Academy, CB11 3TR

Creative Courage For Life® 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.