Local Information for parents, teachers and carers of children in Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Villages
Autumn 2026
ISSUE 112
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Welcome to our Autumn Issue! As the long days of summer begin to fade and a brand new academic year gets underway, we’d like to welcome you to our Autumn issue of Salad Days.
Whether you’re preparing for a child’s very first day at school, settling back into familiar routines, or simply looking for ways to make the most of the season, we’ve filled this issue with inspiration for the months ahead. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for September through November, from key diary dates and local events to exciting family activities, educational opportunities, and plenty of ideas to keep little minds engaged. We’ve also included suggestions for parents to enjoy a little time for themselves, because looking after you is just as important as keeping the children entertained. Autumn is a wonderful season of fresh starts, colourful adventures and cosy family moments. We hope this issue helps you discover new places to explore, new experiences to enjoy, and new memories to make together. Thank you for picking up Salad Days. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together. Happy Autumn!
Lisa & Tam x Editors, Salad Days
Contents A u t u m n
in this issue 1
2 0 2 6
2. Education 6. Book Review 8. Hatters Farm 10. South Mill Arts Panto
Front cover Taken at Hatters Farm, Takeley Copy Date for Winter issue
12. Diary Dates
2nd November 2026
Advertisers: BOOK NOW to feature in our next issue. Contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk
16. Saffron Hall 18. Performing arts 21. Halloween at the farm 24. Pre schools 24. Family info saladdaysmag saladdays.info saladdaysmag
© Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart 2023 The copyright of the contents including artwork, advertisements, logos and articles when generated by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days remain with Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart t/a Salad Days except where specifically stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in articles are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in Salad Days are for information only and must not be used for commercial purposes. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Salad Days. All advertisements are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertiser. ISSN 1752-3257. Data Protection Act Registration Number Z9533787. T: 0790 073 5566 E-mail: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk. Published and edited by Lisa Cureton & Tamara Lee Smart. Design Services: Chanel Holmes @designedby_chanel Printed by Indigo Ross, Spectrum House, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1WH.
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Tutors & Support Academic
Are you a parent of a young person with special educational needs?
Anna Clarke BA(Ed) Hons Qualified and Experienced Tutor Primary Literacy and Maths. SATs preparation and confidencebuilding. GCSE Maths and English T: 01799 526134
We understand how challenging it can be to support your child’s needs. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS CONSULTANCY Are you struggling with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) application or need guidance with One Planning? Are you frustrated by long waiting times to seek outside professional guidance? The school SENCO ‘s busy schedule often means that parents are waiting longer for advice. We are here to help. We aim to fulfil the gap and help you find the right resources and guidance for any area of SEND. Our Special Educational Needs Consultancy supports: Parents navigating the education system for both schooled and home-schooled children. Assist with signposting to relevant specialists to get a diagnosis and develop tailored strategies to support a child's learning and development in both home and school environments.
SAFFRON PRIMARY TUTORING is a dedicated service in Saffron Walden, Essex, founded by Debbie Todd. Leveraging her 23 years of teaching experience and 14 years as a qualified SENCo, the business offers specialised, holistic one-toone tuition in English and Maths for primary-aged children (schooled and home-schooled). Our service focuses on building confidence and core skills, with particular expertise in supporting children with SEND, including Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism.
01799 800124 debbie@saffronprimarytutoring.co.uk
Family Support
Rochelle Cutler Mont Dip AMI I Can Do It Montessori Positive parenting support and gentle family mentoring to solve all your parenting challenges between 0-12 years. T: 07950 995771 E: rochelle@icandoitmontessori.co.uk W: icandoitmontessori.co.uk
Languages
Karen Kellett KS2 maths, specialising in SATs maths preparation; T: 07813 577590 E: karen.kellett7@gmail.com
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
Kumon Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Nicola Norbury T: 01920 461457 W: kumon.co.uk
Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels E: lucianafday@gmail.com T: 07930 525079
Sue Herd BEd (Hons) Experienced primary school tutor for Key stage 1 & 2 English & Maths T: 01799 510 995 M: 07836 687376 Caron Johnson Qualifed teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English. T: 07305 353720 Carol Stein B.A Dip. Ed Dip. TEFL Qualified and experienced tutor for all Primary subjects, SATS preparation and G.C.S.E. English and History. Coaching for private school entrance experienced. T: 01279 417037
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Nikki Sammons ITEC. IIHHT. DIP. SMT. Y.M Teaching relaxation and well-being skills for life.Outdoor and indoor courses for children, teens, 1 -1 and families. T: 07966 579345 E: nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk W: nikkisammons.co.uk SandStory Therapeutic approach, using sand and story telling, to working with children suffering with anxiety. I currently offer sessions for ages 4 to 9 years. For more information about the method check, www.lowenfeld. org/videos M: 07779718223 E: Larena22@protonmail.com
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education 3
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It’s important to know what you’re fighting for. Divorce can make everything feel like a battle. The right advice helps you understand what really matters, what can be protected, and where compromise may be better than conflict.
Giving you the full picture teeslaw.com
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Book Reviews Autumn 2026 Books to Help Make Going to School Fun (if it isn’t already!)
So many lovely books have been written about starting school but the best, in my view, is still Shirley Hughes’ Lucy and Tom at School, first published more than 50 years ago, and still in print (which proves my point!). At the start of the story, Lucy and Tom are too young for school, but Lucy is bored. She’s ready for school, but the first day is still a bit daunting until she spots her friend Jane. Jane is more anxious than Lucy and doesn’t want her mother to leave, but Lucy, although ‘she wasn’t feeling specially brave’, takes Jane’s hand, and the day starts. What I think Shirley Hughes does so well is to tell it as it is, so children can trust the story, and enjoy the pleasure of recognising elements of it in their own school days. For example, when Lucy and Jane first go into the playground, it is very noisy. Some children are playing; others are fighting; ‘chasing about’; or ‘walking with their arms round each other’. There’s a boy who is Lucy’s ‘worst thing at school’ because he keeps pushing her in the playground, but there’s also playing shops, colouring pictures, and being read to by the teacher. Details like these offer parents and children the opportunity to talk about, and prepare for, the realities of school, and surely, build children’s confidence that things will be OK, at least most of the time.
Starting school, or going back to school, and locking back into the necessary routines, while sunny memories of lazy summer holidays linger in everyone’s minds, can be tough, so I thought I’d choose some picture books which might make the transition easier. By Jo Burch
The routine, whether it’s a walk to school or a car, bike, or bus journey, can feel tedious. Why not liven it up with a fun version of the memory game ‘I went to the shops and I bought…’? The High Street by Alice Melvin offers charming inspiration. Sally has a long list of unusual items she needs to buy on her shopping trip (including a Persian rug, a cockatoo, and a cherry tart). As she enters each shop she tries to find the items on her list. Flaps open to show each interior, and Alice recites all the things on her list which she can’t find, until she names the one she spots. The list rhymes so it’s easier to remember and fun to recite, and it gets shorter, until the final item is found, though there’s a rather lovely twist at the end. Children and those taking them to school could make up their own versions with obscure items spotted in shop windows along the way.
What about giving a child a new and interesting word each day to take into school and use – bridging the learning experience at home and at school? I very much like An Interesting Word for Every Day of the Year by Dr Meredith L. Rowe and Monika Forsberg which offers some quite unusual words, with bright illustrations helping to convey their meanings, and simple definitions along the bottom of the page. A beach scene, for example, offers ‘Turbulent’, ‘briny’, ‘fractious’, ‘gallop’, ‘alert’, ‘tentative’ and ‘sweltering’. Plenty to talk about here! (Some of you may know the ridiculous joke (one of my father’s favourites) about the teacher who, teaching her class the meaning of the word ‘frugal’, tells them that a frugal person is someone who saves, and asks them to write a story using the word. Google the joke if you don’t know it).
On the subject of writing stories, Daunt Books (of which Hart’s Books is part) runs an annual Children’s Short Story Competition. The winning stories for 2026 have been published and are a delight, ranging from a three-paragraph story by a four-year-old in which some rocks roll down a hill and kill a worm, to a sophisticated tale about a stage show by a 15-year-old. These are fun to read and might well inspire a budding young author. Daunt Books Children’s Short Story Competition 2026 with an introduction by Nizrana Farook and cover illustration by Alice Melvin.
If a child needs a term time escape back into those sunny memories of the summer holiday, Enchanted Beach would be perfect. It’s the first children’s picture book by acclaimed author Esther Freud, illustrated by Emma Chinnery. In rhyming couplets, it recounts memories of days spent on the beach in all seasons, captured in the evocative drawings, and reminds children that the beach is always there for them. ‘I throw a pebble every year. Keep our beach enchanted. Always here’. All these books are on the shelves at Hart’s Books (www.hartsbooks. co.uk) in Saffron Walden. I hope they help during the Autumn Term and beyond. If you’re after different inspiration, Max and the team will be able to help you find something to meet the needs of the children you’re buying for.
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ecessary routines, while sunny memories of lazy summer holidays nger in everyone’s minds, can be tough, so I thought I’d choose some icture books which might make the transition easier.
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A PUMPKIN PICKING ADVENTURE AT HATTER’S FARM
PUMPKIN CANNON!
There’s something rather special about autumn at Hatter’s farm. The mornings get crisp, the leaves start to turn, and suddenly the countdown to Halloween is on. At Hatter’s Farm, we think there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a proper family day out - muddy boots, wheelbarrows and all! Set on our family-run farm in Essex, Hatter’s Farm Pumpkin Patch is back this autumn, with thousands of pumpkins waiting to be discovered. And the best part? You don’t just choose one from a shelf - you head out into the pumpkin patch, find your favourite, pick it up and take it home ready for carving. But pumpkin picking is only the beginning. Once you’ve found the perfect pumpkin, there’s plenty more to explore. Get lost in our maize maze, weave through the haunted house, take aim with the pumpkin cannons and enjoy all the fun of the farm before warming up with something delicious from our food and drink vendors. There are plenty of opportunities for those all-important family photos too - because muddy wellies and giant pumpkins make a pretty great autumn backdrop!
As well as pumpkin picking, we also have lots of other Halloween activities: UK’s 1st Pumpkin Cannon! Hatter’s Haunted Mad House • Maize Maze • Delicious Food and Drinks • Spooky Pumpkin Nights •
•
BOOK TICKETS NOW
Visit our website and use the DISCOUNT CODE HATT5 for 10% off. But hurry as this only applies to the first 200 tickets sold! www.hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk HATTER’S FARM, TAKELEY, BISHOP’S STORTFORD, CM22 6NP
For younger visitors, it’s a chance to run, explore and experience a real working farm at a time of year when it feels particularly magical. For parents, it’s a chance to put the phones down for a few hours and enjoy some proper family time - although we won’t blame you for taking plenty of photos!
We started Hatter’s Farm Pumpkin Patch as a small family event, and it has grown into one of the highlights of our year. Every season brings thousands of families through the gates, and we love seeing children (and quite often their parents!) getting just as excited about finding the biggest, funniest or strangest pumpkin in the field.
So, if you’re looking for something a little different to do this autumn, grab your wellies, bring the family and come and make a day of it. Tickets for Hatter’s Farm Pumpkin Patch are available to book online now. Visit www.hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk to book your tickets for daytime and evening sessions before they sell out.
Use the discount code HATT5 to get 10% off, but hurry, this offer only applies to the first 200 tickets sold.
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Thinking of selling your home?
leisure and features 9
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Scan the QR code to arrange your valuation or get in touch with us directly. Luke & Zoe Matthews e 07510 997718 e luke.matthews@kwuk.com
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HELPING HOMEOWNERS ACROSS ESSEX
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12 leisure and features DIARY DATES
October 29 - SouthMill Arts are holding a spectacular theatre production starring and produced by Hariana, the UK’s leading Ariana Grande tribute on Fri 29th Oct | 6pm | £24.50 | £20 Conc. | 4+
September
September 1: World Letter Writing Day Why not combine world letter writing day with national read a book day and write a letter to your favourite author! If your child has a favorite book character or author, writing to them via their publishing house is highly effective. How to do it: Look at the first few pages of your child’s favorite book to identify the publisher (e.g., Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic). Search the publisher’s official corporate website for their “Author Fan Mail” address What to expect: Address the envelope to “[Author’s Name], c/o [Publisher Name] [Publisher Address].” While busy authors may take several months to reply, most send back signed postcards, official book merchandise, or personalized form letters.
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September 6: National Read a Book Day September 13: Roald Dahl Day
Why not visit Cambridge and have a guided tour… terrible yet educational!!! The most entertaining and immersive walking tours around. Terrible, but in the best possible way! Our guides bring the past to life with humour, energy and a love for the odd, grisly, and downright ridiculous. Whether it’s curious characters, strange traditions, or ghostly goingson, we make sure every step is packed with stories you’ll remember, and laugh about, long after the tour ends. info@terribletours.co.uk October 31 - Halloween
@ St. John the Baptist with Our Lady St. Laurence
Saturday 17th October 2026 10am – 4pm Over 60 stalls of carefully curated arts, crafts, food and drink from an array of talented local artisans Plus: tea, coffee, cakes and savoury snacks at the pop-up cafe Follow us: @ ThaxtedArtAndCraftFair
12th & 13th September Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show. Duxford, Cambridge Kids go free to Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show with every Standard Adult booking. Free shuttle buses are included with your tickets.
October - Half Term October 4: Grandparents’ Day (UK) – Celebrates the bond between children and their grandparents
5th October - SouthMill Arts are showing A Tall Stories production of The Gruffalo A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood… Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary.
November November 13- World Kindness Day November 21- World Television Day See editorial
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World Televison Day In a world filled with reality stars, social media, and the internet, our young ones seem to need constant stimulation. Do you remember the days when you had to wait for your favourite TV show to come on? Or when there was no such thing as catch-up and you had to record it if you weren’t going to be at home? TV gets a bad rap sometimes, but when that was all we had for entertainment, were we better off? As a parent, the benefits of TV have helped me discuss global awareness with my child. Documentaries and cultural programmes expose children to diverse geographies, traditions, languages, and lifestyles they might not encounter locally. Equally, I could not have comprehended a life without Peppa Pig when my toddler needed entertainment and I was working from home (even though I often found myself watching Mrs Rabbit’s latest side hustle even when my daughter was fast asleep!). Now my daughter is in Year 6, and she sometimes sits and watches soap operas with me. Subjects have arisen that our children don’t experience in their day-to-day lives, which has sparked conversations and discussions. However uncomfortable and awkward the subject matter is sometimes, it has created a dialogue that we may not have had without it. Good or bad, our TV shows can have a positive impact in the home. So this National Television Day, let’s celebrate the square thing that sits in the middle of the room, hangs on the wall, and brings the family together every once in a while.
World Televison Day November 21st
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YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS TO US! If you’ve had a great experience with NDP, please take a moment to leave us a review.
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UNFORGETTABLE FESTIVE MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS
RESS
THE POLAR EXP
THE SNOWMAN WITH LIVE BRASS BAND SATURDAY 5TH DEC – MULTIPLE SHOWS
The Haverhill Silver Band are back at Saffron Screen for a live brass band accompaniment of this Christmas classic.
THE SNOWMAN WITH
BACK AFTER SELLOUT 2024 & 2025 SCREENINGS!
PJ PARTY THE POLAR EXPRESS SAT 19TH DEC & SUN 20TH DEC – 2:30 PM
Don your cosiest pyjamas and step aboard. Follow a young boy who embarks on a magical train ride, discovering the true spirit of Christmas along the way.
EE FR RKING PA
L FUL ED
SIZ SCREEN
W LO RICES P
*
BAAR CKS
+ SN
7.1 BY DOL OUND SURR ND SOU
www.saffronscreen.com Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH
*BAR OPEN EVENINGS + SELECT OTHER SCREENING
BOOK NOW AT THE TIC OR ONLINE
FOLLOW US:
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Performing arts Dance
Theatre Schools
JCL School of Dance T: 07753 607 523 E: julialast8@gmil.com W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk
Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts T: 07900 735 566 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com
KBD Dance T: 07305 113 187 E: katie@kbddance.com W: kbddance.co.uk
Graham School of Dance T: 01279 654 423 E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk
Kate Plummer School of Dance T: 07832 212 593 E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk
Hyperfusion Theatre Co T: 07909 960 490 E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk W: hyperfusion.co.uk
Tempos Performing Arts T: 07956 211 909 E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk W: temposperformingarts.co.uk Tracey Walker School of Dance T: 07773 062 338 E: doancecrazy.tracey1@gmail.com W: traceywalkerschoolofdance.co.uk
Drama
Drama Wise T: 01223 832 288 E: frances.wyse@btinternet.com W: dramaclasses.biz Perform Bishops Stortford T: 02072 559 120 E: performforschools@perform.org.uk W: perform.org.uk Stortford Performers T: 07949 029 967 E: emmacremnitz@gmail.com W: stortfordperformers.com
Pauline Quirk Academy T: 07958 913 456 E: paula.templeman@pqaacademy. com W: pqaacademy.com Pure Rhythm Performing Arts T: 07952 993288 E: sue@purerhythm.co.uk W: purerhythm.co.uk Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company T: 07799 628 977 E: swmtcyg@gmail.com W: swmtc.net Stagecoach T: 01799 588 246 E: saffronwalden@stagecoach.co.uk W: stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden Sting Performing Arts T: 07903 192 094 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com
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“The end of year show was beyond anything expected (the staging performances and total excitement) But the confidence and pride that my son gained was our absolute highlight”
Let
your tria k oo
ance! d s
l
B
Emma K
01279 942 198 Hello@KBDDance.co.uk South Mill Arts, Bishops Stortford @KBDDance
TOTS STREET COMMERCIAL JAZZ LYRICAL HEELS CONTEMPORARY
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FLY INK TATTOO Saffron Walden
TRADITIONAL, REALISM, COVER UPS, RE-FIXES, RE-COLOURING, FINE LINE, BLACKOUTS BESPOKE DESIGN, NEW CLEAN STUDIO PROFESSIONAL, LICENCED, INSURED
@FLY.I.N.K
SCAN FOR WEBSITE TO BOOK
FLY INK, REAR OF STANSTED HOUSE (NEXT TO FILLS CAFÉ) SHIRE HILL, SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX CB11 3AQ 01799 794282 STUDIO@FLYINKSAFFRONWALDEN.CO.UK WWW.FLYINK.CO.UK
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Sports clubs
Thaxted Rangers Youth FC T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc
10 Rounds Boxing Club Saffron Walden T: 01799 218 924 E: hello@10roundsboxing.co.uk W: www.10roundsboxing.com
Kidzteens Football Academy Bishops Stortford M: 07955259030 E: kidsteens15@gmail.com
Boxing
Cricket
Dunmow Cricket Club E: paulreid10@talk21.com W: www.dunmowcricketclub.co.uk Saffron Walden Cricket Club E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: www.saffronwaldencricketclub.co.uk
Football
Bishops Stortford `Youth FC E: tim.molette@bsctc.co.uk M: 07740 945117 W: www.bscfc.co.uk Dunmow Rovers Youth FC M: 07595 445425 E: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk Elsenham Youth FC E: info@elsenhamyfc W: eyfc.org
Hockey
Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree W: www.braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club W: www.saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk
Martial arts
Associated Karate Schools (AKS) E: barrettbusiness@aol.com W: www.karateschools.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Judokwai W: www.bishopsstortfordjudo.com B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools E: bruce@tkd72.plus.com W: www.bl-taekwondo-schools.co.uk Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden W: www.mushinzui.com Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club W: www.eska.org.uk
Plantation FC, Saffron Walden T: 01799 500821 E: paulbr88@googlemail.com
Haverhill & Saffron Walden Shotokan Karate E: gill.payne@talktalk.net
Saffron Walden FC T: 01763 836928 E: chairman@psgfc.co.uk W: www.swcfc.club
Judo E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk
Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC T: 07595328816 E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk W: www.psgfc.co.uk
Koryoda Kids W: www.koryoda.com Saffron Walden Judo Club T: 07815126393
Saffron Walden Judo Tots T: 07460424506 Shotokan Karate Ryu W: www.skr.org.uk Te-Ashi-Do Karate, Bishop’s Stortford M: 07826 849388 E: allan.worrell@sky.com W: www.teashido.co.uk
Rugby
Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby E: chair@wendenrugby.com W: www.wendenrugby.com Saffron Walden Rugby Club, Henham M: 07703 532822 E: info@swrfc.co.uk W: www.swrfc.co.uk
Squash
Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash. co.uk W: www.stortfordsquash.co.uk Saffron Walden Squash Club E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com
Swimming
Bishops Stortford Swimming Club E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk SAS Swimming M: 07810 890909 E: sasswimmingcambridge@gmail.com W: www.sas-swimming.co.uk
To feature in our next issue email hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk
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Pre-Schools Ashdon
Ashdon Childrens Nursery T: 01799 584 848 E: ashdonchildrensnursery@outlook.com W: ashdonchildrensnursery.co.uk
Barlow
Little Hands Nursery T: 01223 897 945 E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com W: littlehands.co.uk
Birchanger Birchanger Butterflies Preschool T: 01279 810 800 E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk W: birchangerbutterflies.org.uk
Bishop’s Stortford Apple Green Montessori Preschool T: 07788 913 444 E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk W: applegreenmontessori.co.uk Blues Preschool Nursery T: 01279 755 422 E: admin@bluespreschool.co.uk W: bluespreschool.co.uk Busy Bees - St Michael’s Mead T: 01279 755 522 W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk Busy Bees - Thorley Park T: 01279 654 830 W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk
www.saladdaysmag.uk Little Oaks T: 01279 657 706 E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse.org W: howegreenhouse.org Sunflowers Pre-School T: 07752 562 206 E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk Sycamore House Day Nursery T: 01279 465 097 E: familycareteam@allaboutchildren.co.uk W: allaboutchildren.co.uk Thorley Pre-School T: 01279 503 895 E: admin@thorleypreschool.co.uk W: thorleypreschool.co.uk Thorn Groves Little Acorns T: 01279 653 233 E: tglittleacorns@aol.com
Chrishall
Chrishall Pre-School T: 01763 793 524 E: preschool@chrishall.essex.sch.uk W: chrishall.essex.sch.uk
Clavering
lavering & Arkesden Preschool T: 01799 550 380 E: claveringarkesdenassistant@outlook.com W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.co.uk
Dunmow
Freedom Day Care Nursery & Pre-School T: 01371 873 663 E: info@freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk W: freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk
Doodledo Day Nursery T: 01279 653 318 E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com W: doodledodaynursery.com
Little Dunmow’s Pre-School T: 01376 339 590 E: admin@ittledunmowspreschool.co.uk W: littledunmowspreschool.co.uk
Early Birds, Night Owls, Little Ladybirds & Appletree Preschool T: 01279 771 367 E: info@earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk W: earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk
Dame Bradburys T: 01223 454722 E: office@stephenperse.com W: www.stephenperse.com
Saffron Walden
SEND clubs and activities Stortford Gymnastics Offer SEND and Sibling session on the FIRST Sunday of every month from 9.30-10.45am. The SEND friendly sessions are for children from walking up to 10 years of age. Bishop’s Stortford M: 07808 808815 E: enquiries@stortfordgymnastics.com W: stortfordgymnastics.com/contact Kaizen Aikido club Saffron Walden M: 07795 477678 E: chris-swarbrick@hotmail.co.uk
CHIPS Playscheme CHIPS are for children and their siblings ages 3 - 19years. Bishop’s Stortford T: 01992 804952 W: chipsplay.org Cafè Cornell An Inclusive Family Friendly Café. We are welcoming and fully accessible, and we aim to meet any dietary requirements. The cafe is open Monday- Friday 09:00am – 4:00pm. Saffron Walden M: 07535 609248 E: info@cafecornell.co.uk W: enterpriseeast.org
T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk
Toddlers and babies
Music & Movement
Mini Monster School Meets at Little Monsters • Monday - Fridays (June & July)
Jo Jingles Sewards End Village Hall. Jo Jingles offers fun, interactive music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children. M: 07485 721393 E: westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk W: www.jojingles.com
Baby Massage
Boogiewoogies United Reform Church, Saffron Walden Great Dunmow • 9:30-2pm • Unique music and movement classes Starting school in September? Make new friends with your class for babies and pre-school aged and like minded parents. Each children. school meet session includes soft M: 07837 176823 play entry.To see a list of school E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk dates and to book, visit www. W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk minimonstermeet.co.uk
Mini Monster Sensory Explorers 4 classes for ages 0-4 yrs focusing on enhancing language and listening skills through games, creative play and music. Includes free soft play. Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk
Mini Monster Baby Meet Up Have a baby? Want to meet new friendly faces? Come along and enjoy a weekly class to engage and play! Includes free soft play. Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk
Rock & Roll Baby Baby Massage and Baby Yoga classes in Radwinter. Suitable from birth. Enjoy special, focussed time with your baby in a calm and supportive environment. T: 07791745619 Mini Monster Baby & Toddler Classes at Little Monsters • Monday - Fridays E: rockandrollbabymassage@gmail.com W: rockandrollbaby.com Great Dunmow • 9:30-2pm • We have a range of play themed classes to let your Mini Monster grow. Each To feature in our next issue class includes soft play entry.For more info and to book visit www. email hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk minimonsterclasses.co.uk
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26 family
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At home
Hi I’m Katy, I own The Little Groom Room in Sawbridgeworth. I know from personal experience of being a new dog owner that grooming can seem like entering a world of the unknown! You may be thinking “When should I start brushing”, “how often should I brush”, “when should I take them to the groomers”... So I wanted to share a little knowledge to help answer a few of those questions that you may have.
When to start Grooming
You may have heard you should wait until your puppy is 6 months or even a year old before taking them to a groomers, this is NOT TRUE! The best thing you can do for your pup is to introduce them to grooming as soon as possible. You can start taking them to a groomers after they have had their second set of jabs, flea and worming treatments, so they are fully protected. Like all new places to a puppy a grooming salon may seem like a strange environment. The noise of the dryers, the clippers, the scissors all may seem scary. As groomers we want to ensure your puppy feels safe and happy whilst being groomed so the sooner they become used to visiting the salon the better.
The sooner you start brushing your puppy the better. This should be from day one of picking your pup up. e Start with a soft bristled puppy brush as they get a bit older move on to a slicker brush (one without bobbles on the end of the bristles as they can get stuck in knots and will pull on their skin). e For long haired dogs like doodle breeds, huskys, Afghans, Shih Tzus, Yorkies etc always use a comb after brushing to ensure your have removed all knots, if left they will turn into matts. e If your dog is not keen on being brushed DO NOT GIVE UP!! It is not ok to just say “my dog doesn’t like being brushed”. Allowing them to become matted is extremely unkind to your dog. e Matting causes pain and discomfort for dogs. This is because the matts pull on a dogs skin, they can also create red sores known as ‘hot spots’. They can also restrict a dogs movement and even affect blood circulation. They can also significantly affect their mood, making them unhappy, lethargic, irritable and even cause anxiety. e If you have ever seen an extremely matted dog who has to have a ‘clip off’ you think after that they look like they have a new lease of life. This is because once you remove the matts they feel so much more comfortable and the problems listed above are gone!
What to do if they don’t like the brush!
e Make it part of their routine. e Try brushing whilst watching TV. Sit together on the sofa and brush them, this can be great bonding time for your dog and you. e If they think its a game and try to chase/ eat the brush etc correct them. Do not encourage this. If they think its a game you will only make
it harder for yourself as time goes on. e Place them up on a table or work surface. This will make them know this is brushing time and they can’t run away! e DO NOT BRIBE THEM WITH TREATS! If they think they get a treat every time they are naughty and then stand still they will just repeat this behaviour as they want the treats! A treat once you have finished is ok but do not encourage bad behaviour. Lick matts are ok if they help to distract and calm your dog.
How often should I take my dog to the groomers This really depends on the type of breed you own. e Short/ double coated dogs who malt will benefit from a de-shed at least 3 times a year/ every 12 weeks. These includes breeds such as Retrievers, Great Dames, Beagles, Dachshunds, Bull dogs etc e Long/ single coated dogs who don’t or barely malt can range between 4-8 weeks. These dogs include Poodle/ Doodle breeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Fries, Brussels Griffon, Chinese Crested, Shih Tzus etc This because it depends on the length of the cut ie if you have your dog is clipped shorter the cut will last longer and you may like to leave it longer between grooms around 6-8 weeks. If you prefer their coat to be longer or fluffier you will need to maintain this cut and visit more frequently between 4-6 weeks.
For my grooming tips and advice visit The Little Groom Room online at Instrgram: @thelittlegroomroomuk Facebook: @littlegroomroom TikTok: @thelittlegroomroomuk
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T: 0790 073 5566 E: hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk
Back to school? We’ve got your back The new school year can bring excitement but we know that the extra expenses for uniforms, lunches or childcare can be daunting and quickly add up. If you’re feeling the financial burden or need advice that’s where we come in. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisers are here to help you find practical solutions and access further support if you need it, so you can feel more in control of your situation. We can help you find ways to free up extra money by checking your benefits and entitlements - are you getting all the help you can? We can also help you in finding ways to cut essential bills, or helping you build a simple family budget. Don’t struggle alone. Let’s make this school year a fresh start for everyone.
You can find more information online at www.uttlesfordca.org.uk. If you can’t easily access the internet, or need a little extra help, send us an email, give us a call, or pop into the Library in Dunmow, Stansted and Thaxted or the Old Schoolhouse in Takeley. If we aren’t there in person you can still speak to an adviser via our simple one-touch video link. Advice is always free and confidential.
Uttlesford Citizens Advice Barnards Yard, Saffron Walden, CB11 4EB 01799 618840 help@uttlesfordca.org.uk | www.uttlesfordca.org.uk
28 advertise
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MEDIA PACK 2026 Salad Days - because they’re only young once!® is the single point of reference for parents and carers of children featuring information on MEDIA PACKarts, - 2024 schools, day-care, sports, performing events, extracurricular activities, Salad Days - because they’re only young once!® is the single point of reference forAdvertising rates - print health, books and more. parents and carers of children featuring information on schools, day-care, sports,
performing arts, events, extracurricular activities, health, books and more. Distribution is free 4 times a year through primary schools, pre-schools, Price per 1 2 toddler groups, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, andschools, health clinics intoddler issue Distribution is free 4 times a year through primary pre-schools, Advertising rates - print groups, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, and health clinics in the towns and the towns and villages shown on the map. villages shown on the map. DPS £600 £550 Price per Rates are fair and competitive and long term loyalty is recognised, there 1 2 Rates are fair and competitive and long term loyalty is recognised, thereis is issue help with (if necessary) and there pay. We accept professional helpprofessional with art-work (if art-work necessary) and there is nois no VATVAT totopay. completed artwork as high resolution pdf (Please ensure that fonts are embedded for Full page £350 £325 We accept completed artwork as high resolution PDF (Please ensure that DPS £550 £500 correct output), high resolution (300ppi) jpeg or tiff files are also acceptable. fonts are embedded for correct output), high resolution (300ppi) JPEG or Please note: Microsoft Word or Apple Pages files are NOT an acceptable format for PNG files are also acceptable. Full page 1/2 page £250 £325 £225 £310 artwork, they are only suitable for supplying raw text. Email to hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk, send on CD or via WeTransfer (or similar service). Please note: Microsoft Word or Apple Pages files are NOT an acceptable 1/2 page £225 £200 www.saladdaysmag.uk format for artwork, they are only suitable for supplying raw text. Email to 1/4 page £150 £145 1/4 page £120 £115 hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk, sendCopy via WeTransfer (orPublication similar service). Issue Date www.saladdaysmag.uk Spring 24 1st Feb 1st March Listing1/8 page Issue Copy Date Publication
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1/4 page 1/8 page Artwork sizes: 95.5mm x 62mm 46.5mm Full page: 194mm x 128mm LANDSCAPEx 62mm Half page: 128mm x 95.5mm PORTRAIT Quarter page: 95.5mm x 62mm LANDSCAPE
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