Salad Days SUMMER 2025

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

Summer 2025

ISSUE 106

Nurturing individuality, celebrating excellence Places available from Early Years to Year 6

Find out more about Dame Bradbury’s and book a tour db-admissions@stephenperse.com 01223 454722 damebradburys.com

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

Contents S u m m e r

Welcome to the summer issue of Salad Days Our biggest and boldest yet! With an extra 5,000 copies hitting the streets for the buzzing Saffron Walden summer carnival, we’re thrilled to bring you a bumper edition packed with sunshine, celebration, and everything local families need to make the most of the season. We still deliver over 10,000 free copies each quarter to schools across the area, and we’re so grateful to those schools for continuing to pass our magazine into the hands of the community - thank you!

Inside this issue, you’ll find a joyful mix of carnival events, theatre showings, and school’s-out adventures, plus trusted advice for parents on everything from healthcare and family law to keeping kids busy and happy all summer long. We’ve created this magazine with love, for families just like yours - so dive in, share it around, and stay connected. Your next great local find is just a page turn away!

Tam & Lisa x

in this issue 1

2 0 2 5

2. Looking ahead for your child education 6. Nature book to explore 12. South Mill Arts Programme Photo taken by Harrison Cantel 14. Content Collective in the community from HCreative at Bury Lane Farm, Royston 15. Saffron Walden Festival Copy Date for Autumn issue 16. Diary Dates 3rd August 2025 17. La dolce Lemon Recipe Advertisers: BOOK NOW to feature in our next issue.

18. Fly Ink Tattoo Studio Contact Lisa or Tam on 0790 073 5566 or hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk 19. Sports / Activities 21. Performing Arts 26. Pre School 27. Jo Jingles celebrates 30 years 32. Psychotherapy 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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Looking Ahead: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Consider the Next Step for Your Child As the summer term unfolds, many families begin to look ahead and consider their child’s next educational chapter. Whether your child is currently in Year 5 and you are thinking about the important move into Year 7, or you are simply exploring options beyond primary school, now is the ideal time to start planning.

At Stoke College, a thriving independent day and boarding school just 30 minutes from Saffron Walden (with a direct, happy minibus route), we offer something truly special: small class sizes, dedicated teaching, and a holistic approach that nurtures every aspect of your child’s growth.

To meet increasing demand from families seeking clarity and security for the future, we are pleased to announce our Early Assessment Morning for Year 7 entry in 2026, taking place on Saturday 14th June. This optional event offers prospective students the chance to sit assessments in English, Maths and NonVerbal Reasoning, providing early feedback to parents. The results allow families to plan with confidence, knowing they have secured a place for their child in a nurturing, high-quality environment.

At the heart of Stoke College is our individualised academic tracking system. Every student’s progress is reviewed every two weeks, enabling us to step in quickly with support or challenge where needed. This frequent monitoring links directly with our strong pastoral care, ensuring that students not only achieve but also feel happy, safe and supported in school.

Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a vibrant sports and co-curricular programme, with opportunities in everything from rugby, netball and cricket, to creative arts, drama productions, debating and coding. All of this is included within our transparent fee structure, which covers clubs, meals, snacks and wraparound care from 8:30am to 6:15pm, with breakfast provided for minibus students.

While many schools have passed on the full 20% VAT fee increase to families, Stoke College has introduced a modest 9.5% rise, ensuring our offering remains accessible and excellent value.

We warmly invite families to discover more at our next Open Day on Saturday 20th September.

To learn more or to arrange a personal visit, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stokecollege.co.uk or call 01223 776226.

We would be delighted to speak with you.

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

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Discover the Difference

In Small Classes, Every Student Matters 2026 Entry Assessment Day Sat 14th June Book Now

Minibus from Saffron Walden

Independent Co-Ed Day and Boarding School | 11-18 year olds www.stokecollege.co.uk | 01223 776226 | @stoke_college Stoke_College_Salad_Days_Summer_25.indd 1

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Tutors & Support Academic

Languages

Anna Clarke BA(Ed) Hons Qualified and Experienced Tutor Primary Literacy and Maths. SATs preparation and confidence-building. GCSE Maths and English T: 01799 526134

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

Karen Kellett KS2 maths, specialising in SATs maths preparation; T: 07813 577590 E: karen.kellett7@gmail.com Kumon Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Nicola Norbury T: 01920 461457 W: kumon.co.uk Sue Herd BEd (Hons) Experienced primary school tutor for Key stage 1 & 2 English & Maths T: 01799 510 995 M: 07836 687376 Caron Johnson Qualifed teacher, experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties in KS1. Maths and English.

T: 07305 353720

Family Support Rochelle Cutler Mont Dip AMI I Can Do It Montessori Positive parenting support and gentle family mentoring to solve all your parenting challenges between 0-12 years.

T: 07950 995771 E: rochelle@icandoitmontessori.co.uk W: icandoitmontessori.co.uk

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

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

T: 07966 579345 E: nikki@nikkisammons.co.uk W: nikkisammons.co.uk SandStory Therapeutic approach, using sand and story telling, to working with children suffering with anxiety. I currently offer sessions for ages 4 to 9 years. For more information about the method check, www.lowenfeld.org/videos M: 07779718223 E: Larena22@protonmail.com

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

education 5

6 education Superworm and other wonders of nature It’s summer, so it’s time to be outside and exploring.

For this issue of Salad Days, I’m sending the children in your care underground to investigate not just the fascinating minibeasts that live there but the earth itself. I’ve chosen both fiction and factual picture books which I hope will be both entertaining and informative and which, if they’ve done their job, will encourage children to turn over a few logs and look for who’s living there.

Superworm by the astonishingly creative partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a joyful rhyming romp for very young children accompanied

by Scheffler’s gloriously witty illustrations. Superworm is a super-long and super-strong superhero who comes to the rescue of creatures in distress, like Baby Toad who hops onto a major road, or Beetle who has fallen in the well.

‘Is she drowning? Who can tell?’. But others are jealous of Superworm’s superpowers, and all his friends must use their own superpowers to come to his rescue. It’s great fun to read out loud and might just encourage reluctant children to admire the creepy crawlies in the garden.

If Superworm has whetted their appetite for what can be found underground, children should turn to Wonder World Earth: The Natural Science of Soil by Ben Lerwill and Xuan Le for the facts. With bright and lively illustrations, this book explains in simple terms what soil is, how it forms, what lives in it, and how it forms a vital part of the world’s food chain – from the microbes which recycle nutrients, to the minibeasts who are eaten by birds, from the fungi which form communication chains between trees, to the crops which grow in it and the farm animals which eat them, to the eggs, butter, cheese and meat in our picnics. As the book makes clear, soil really is a ‘muddy, magical, marvellous miracle!’, and worth exploring more closely.

These interconnections in nature are the subject of The Rabbit, the Cloud, and the Rainy Day by Nicola O’Byrne. In this very sweet simple picture book story for very young children, Rabbit sets out to go fishing but it starts to rain, and Rabbit doesn’t like getting wet.

He catches the raincloud with his fishing rod and ‘squeeeezes’ it into his bag. He is happy but Duck has to convince him just how problematic life would be without rain – no carrots, for example!

There’s also the joy of a magical pop-up rainbow. With its lovely gentle illustrations, this book will surely plant in young children’s minds the importance of all parts of nature.

www.saladdaysmag.uk For slightly older nature lovers, 100 Things to Know about Planet Earth from Usborne Books, is a treasure trove of information, from how sand can sing to how rubber ducks have been used to study ocean currents, and how 1600 balloons a day help weather forecasters get it right. There are so many fascinating facts here, set out in accessible but not over-simplified language, that it cannot fail to inspire young scientists to further research and experiment.

Human nature is just as fascinating as the world outside and I couldn’t resist including The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Brankovic, a wonderfully generous exploration of the range of emotions children experience. In the Grand Hotel, some feelings are big and some are small, some are fun and some are tricky, but no feeling is ever turned away and few stay forever. What a lovely acknowledgement that all our emotions are valid and valuable. Anger, for example, is very loud and is given the biggest room ‘with enough space to make her noise so that she can leave quickly’.

The hotel manager explains that if you lock Anger away in a very small room, she can turn into all sorts of other feelings like Worry, Depression, and Shame. Sadness, by contrast, has a very small voice, so you need to listen very carefully to what he is telling you, or he will stay for a very long time. This is quite an extraordinarily inspired and inspirational book which should be in every child’s bedroom and every primary school classroom. Pass on the message!

All these books are on the shelves at Hart’s Books (www.hartsbooks.co.uk), in Saffron Walden where Max and his team are always happy to suggest books to inform, inspire, and entertain children (and of course adults) of all ages.

Jo Burch Founder of Words in Walden

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

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It’s wise to enter a new relationship with your eyes wide open.

Whether personal or business, Tees merges legal and financial expertise to give you comprehensive support for clearer decisions.

Giving you the full picture teeslaw.com

0800 013 1165

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

Saint Nicholas School

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SAINT NICHOLAS

Built for Discovery • An independent co-educational day school for children from 3 months to 16 years • Strong academic ethos and excellent pastoral care • Competitive fee structure and wraparound care • Small class sizes • Bus routes available admissions@saintnicholasschool.net | 01279 429910 | www.saintnicholasschool.net St Nicholas School - Salad Days Advert 194mm x 128mm_Final.indd 1

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R. Jones Groundwork’s is a locally run business which has been specialising in all aspects of domestic and commercial groundwork for over 40 years.

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EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE | CHARACTER FORMATION | SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

AVANTI BROOK

PRIMARY SCHOOL

AVANTI MEADOWS

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Two growing schools

in Bishop’s Stortford Spacious classrooms and outdoor spaces Holistic and nurturing learning environment Yoga and mindfulness lessons Specialised and challenging curriculum “From the very start, pupils develop the deep consideration

BROOK

MEADOWS

for others, self-reflection and kind relationships that are at the heart of this school.”

Avanti Meadows Ofsted Inspection Report - March 2024 Avanti Meadows, Farnham Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 1FQ • Avanti Brook Primary School, Newland Avenue, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2UW AST386 AB_AM [194x128mm] Salad Days Adverts 2025.indd 1

AST386

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What’s the fairest pantomime of all?

Fri 28th Nov - Fri 2nd Jan | Tickets from £18.50

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Live on stage this December Tickets on sale now!

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

Horrible Histories - Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians

Kids Crafts Circus Clowns

Fri 11th Jul | 4.30pm & 6.30pm £18 | £16 Concs. | 5+

Tue 29th, Wed 30th, & 31st Jul Drop in 10am-2pm | £2 per child | 4+

Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Roll Up, Roll Up! Make a clown hat and tie and pose for a pic or create your own clown jumping jack.

Kids Crafts Circus Acrobats

Kids Crafts Circus Jugglers

Tue 5th, Wed 6th, & Thu 7th Aug Drop in 10am-2pm | £2 per child | 4+

Tue 12th, Wed 13th, & Thu 14th Aug Drop in 10am-2pm | £2 per child | 4+

Roll Up, Roll Up! This summer we’re at the Circus. Make a trapeze artist or spinning acrobat!

Roll Up, Roll Up – This summer we’re at the Circus. Make a wobbly juggler or juggling puzzle.

The Haunted Treasure Chest

Dinosaur Adventure Live: The Big Jurassic Storm

Mon 27th Oct | 2pm £16.50 | £14.50 Concs. | 3+

Thu 30th Oct | 11.30am & 2pm £17 | £19 Premium ‘Danger Zone’ | 4+

Packed with unforgettable characters and surprising twists, this adventure promises family fun and magic!

The adventure of a lifetime awaits… bring the family on a T-REX-IFFIC journey with our BRAND NEW dinos!

There’s so much to do at...

southmillarts.co.uk 2025 Salad Days Autumn 2025.indd 2

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Plus! Storytime at the Museum First Tue every month - 10.30am | Ages 2.5 - 5 | Free

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This is Content Collective.

A local community for business owners who are ready to stop seeing social media as a chore and start seeing real results.

Inside, we focus on: ✅ Content that brings more people through your doors ✅ Support that actually makes you feel supported ✅ Accountability, ideas, and in-person meetups that keep you consistent Whether you’re getting 3 likes or constantly wondering what to post, we’ve got your back. And yes, we meet in real life. Because building a business shouldn’t be this lonely.

The businesses featured on these pages?

They’re proud members of Content Collective - growing their confidence, customer base and content one post at a time.

A bit about me...

I’m Harrison (your local social media wingman). I help business owners annihilate content shyness, show up consistently (and easily) online and create content that actually converts to customers.

I’ve worked with brands like Microsoft and The Body Shop, as well as over 200+ local businesses in the UK. From my Content Collective community to creating scrollstopping content for your business... I’ve got you covered.

LANGLEY PARK RALLY SCHOOL Langley Lower Green, CB11 4SB

Summer Holiday Junior Driving Junior driving lessons in our manual road cars on our gravel rally track and for the more advance driver, rally lessons .

8 years + Every Tuesday and Wednesday in the holidays 15 or 30 minute lessons Junior Driving Camp Spend the day with us Driving, workshops activities and sports 7th, 14th, 21st August £50 per child For more information and to book email info@langleyparkrallyschool.co.uk

Want more information?

Send me a message on Instagram or fire me an email. @iamharrisoncantel info@iamhcreative.com

IS YOUR

SOCIAL MEDIA SCAN FOR SUPPORT

COMMUNITY COACHING CONTENT

AWARD WINNING MARKETING AGENCY BASED IN SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX

WWW.LANGLEYPARKRALLYSCHOOL.CO.UK

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Saffron Walden’s #1 Festival The Feeling East 17 Reef D:Ream Another Level Dodgy Gary Mullen & The Works Daft Funk Ibiza Orchestra Massaoke Beatles Dub CLub Cut Capers Arcane Moon Bowie Legacy Voodoo Room Guilty Pleasures Fake Tan Swiftly Taylor Carnival Procession Night At The Darts Drag Bingo Great Ball Run Community Day SPorts Day Mini Mashup and much more!

Tickets available at SWTIC or online at

www.8dayweekend.co.uk

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DIARY DATES

JULY

JUNE

Great ball run!

A large JCB will drop 1000 numbered balls down an obstacle course on Common Hill, Saffron Walden with the of the GREAT BALL RUN is to be first down the hill

8th June - world ocean day!

Children in schools may learn more about the plight of the ocean 12th-17th June Arts week During Art week, your schools maybe getting more creative then usual!

Prizes award to the top places and the slowest ball!

28th June - The Romans!

An outside play for the whole family.

Bridge End Gardens , 17-22 Castle St, Saffron Walden CB10 1BE

Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 15 in 2025. Every year on the third Sunday of June.

Father’s Day is celebrated across the country. It is a day to celebrate fathers and the crucial role they play in people’s lives, from childhood through to adulthood.

“Don’t forget not all Father figures are Dads!”

Summer holidays!!!!!

21st June - World music day!

The annual celebration takes place each june encouraging children to listen and perform in its many forms!

International Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29th to raise awareness about the endangered species and conservation of tigers.

This day was created with the aim to educate the public about the declining population and the threats possessing tigers in the wild.

Visit the tiger and other big cats at Linton Zoo… it’s local and needs our support.

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

AUGUST

RECIPE Cool, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, this classic Italian dessert is sunshine in a bowl.

National Son and Daughter Day August 11 is National Son and Daughter Day, a day for parents to show the love they have for their children, whether they’re young kids or grown-ups, and to spend some time with them making new memories.

National Beach Day Saturday, 30 August 2025 National Beach Day is celebrated at the height of Summer, on August 30.

Everyone loves to spend a warm day laying on their towel on a sandy beach, making sandcastles, and taking a dip in the beautiful sea. This is the day to celebrate that experience! National Beach Day also raises awareness about how important it is to keep beaches clean so everyone can enjoy them.

Why not try Mersey island… it’s beautiful!

Ingredients (Serves 4–6) • 200ml fresh lemon juice (aro und 4–5 lemons) • 500ml water • 150g caster sugar (adjust to taste) • Zest of 1 lemon • Optional: fresh mint leaves, berries, or vanilla ice cream for serving

There’s no better way to cool down on a hot day than with a bowl of icy lemon granita. A classic from Sicily, this frozen treat is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water. It’s fun to make (especially the scraping part!), and you don’t need any special equipment. Just a freezer, a fork, and a bit of patience.

Method 1. Make the syrup: Heat water and sugar gently in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Add lemon zest and let it cool.

2. A dd the juice: Stir in the lemon juice and pour into a shallow metal or glass dish.

3. F reeze and scrape: Place in the freezer. After 30–45 mins, scrape the frozen edges intothe centre with a fork. Repeat every 30 mins for 2–3 hours until the mixture is fluffy and icy.

4. S erve and enjoy: Scoop into cups and garnish with mint or fruit.

Family Tip: Let children take turns scraping the granita - it’s fun, tactile, and helps them feel part of the process.

If you fancy turning this into a cocktail after the kids go to bed, just add the mixture to a glass with limoncello, prosesco, and soda water. Yum!

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So what makes Fly Ink so special compared to other Tattoo Studios? our Tattoo artists are of a high creative level and being intuitive is key, the majority of our artists and all been to art school . This gives us the advantage of being able to give our clients something special, something unique & something that’s tailored to their design ideas & their body shapes. Tattoos not only have to be well made but have to be well placed because without a balance and flow a tattoo won’t look very good.

From Personal memorials and symbols of love through to larger aesthetic coverages- whether our full sleeves fall back full body pieces we aim to create something that you would not find in an average Tattoo Studio. FLY INK was founded by Peter Jarvis who has a background of fine art, design (graphic/ houses /furniture) , an animation film degree and a history of over 15 years of Tattooing.

The studio in Saffron Walden is beautifully designed and well equipped for the clients comfort and ease of mind.

Location wise we are just outside the town centre next to Posh wash We have an amazing café adjacent to our location which is handy for fresh coffee snacks and the best pizza in town at Fill’s café. We do accept walk-ins only if there are gaps with our appointments so it’s best to book in advance.

Feel free to contact us for a consultation which is also free our price ranges from £45 an hour for our apprentices to £100 an hour for our senior artists with day rate specials . See our Instagram website and Google pages for example examples of our work look forward to inking you at FLYINK an experience is just as important as the Tattoo.

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

A New Spin on Fitness, Fun, and Confidence - Introducing Kids Circus Classes!

Aerial & Circus Skills studio based in Henham, cm22 6an At Pole Fitness with Simone, we’ve created something truly special - the ultimate kids’ classes where circus meets fitness, and fun meets confidence!

What began five years ago as pole fitness classes for adults has now grown into an exciting space for children too. After adding aerial hoop to her offerings, Simone - who studied childcare and earned a degree with the goal of working with kids - had a lightbulb moment: why not combine her two greatest passions? That’s how our Kids Circus Skills Classes and Parties were born!

With over a decade of training in pole and aerial since 2013, Simone knows firsthand how empowering and joyful these art forms can be.

She’s experienced the confidence boost, mental health, and pure fun they bring - and she wanted kids to feel that too.

Our classes introduce children aged 5 - 15 to the magic of aerial hammocks, hoops, and more. But beyond the skills, kids build strength, self-esteem, resilience, and friendships in every session. We believe kids are born to shine - so let them, in the air and with the support of our empowering circus skills community!

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Langley Park Rally School Langley Lower Green, CB11 4SB Summer Holiday Junior Driving Junior driving lessons in our manual road cars on our gravel rally track and for the more advance driver, rally lessons .

7 years + perfect for those looking for something different to do, or those about to hit the road wanting confidence and clutch control.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturdays in the holidays 15 or 30 minute lessons Junior Driving Camp Spend the day with us 9am-3pm Driving, workshops activities and sports 7th, 14th, 21st August £50 per child per day For more information and to book email info@langleyparkrallyschool.co.uk

www.langleyparkrallyschool.co.uk

Sports clubs Boxing

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

Cricket Dunmow Cricket Club E: paulreid10@talk21.com W: www.dunmowcricketclub.co.uk Saffron Walden Cricket Club E: saffronwaldencricketclub@gmail.com W: www.saffronwaldencricketclub.co.uk

Football Bishops Stortford `Youth FC E: tim.molette@bsctc.co.uk M: 07740 945117 W: www.bscfc.co.uk

Dunmow Rovers Youth FC M: 07595 445425 E: secretary@dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk W: www.dunmowroversyouthfc.co.uk Elsenham Youth FC E: info@elsenhamyfc W: eyfc.org Plantation FC, Saffron Walden T: 01799 500821 E: paulbr88@googlemail.com Saffron Walden FC T: 01763 836928 E: chairman@psgfc.co.uk W: www.swcfc.club Saffron Walden PSG Girls FC T: 07595328816 E: newplayercontact@psgfc.co.uk W: www.psgfc.co.uk Thaxted Rangers Youth FC T: 07976 670409 E: martintritton@hotmail.com FB: thaxtedrangersyouthfc

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

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TikTok SUMMER DANCE AGES 6-15

SAFFRON WALDEN - THE MALTHOUSE STUDIOS

28th, 29th, 30th July 5th, 6th August

10am -1pm

£25 Book now: 07903 192094 / lisa@stingperformingarts.com

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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

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

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

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

Perform Bishops Stortford T: 02072 559 120 E: performforschools@perform.org.uk W: perform.org.uk

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

Stortford Performers T: 07949 029 967 E: emmacremnitz@gmail.com W: stortfordperformers.com

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

Music

Cantate Youth Choir E: info@cantate.co.uk W: www.cantate.co.uk Joyful Noise T: 01799 520 083 E: annecass@btinternet.com Kodaly Classes E: info@saffroncym.org W: Kodaly.org.uk Saffron Centre For Young Musicians E: kllewellyn@cym.org.uk W: saffroncym.org Saffron Walden Town Band T: 07779 266 853 E: stephthake@gmail.com Sting Choir T: 07484 865 763 E: hello@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com

St Marys C of E School T: 01799 523 384 E: info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk W: stmaryssw.org.uk

Music tutors

Dan Ketteridge (Guitar) M: 07862 278 404 E: fig6@hotmail.com Elizabeth De Vile (Piano) T: 01799 500 111 E: edevile@hotmail.co.uk James Free (sax, flute, guitar) M: 07818 334 592 E: jamesfsax@gmail.com Suzanne Reeves Violin Teacher B Sc (Mus) (Hons), M Ed, LGSM, PGCE M: 07947 815512 E: suzanne_reeves@hotmail.com

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

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Choosing the Right Performing Arts Workshop for Your Child With so many exciting dance and theatre workshops on offer this summer, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether your child dreams of the stage or just loves to move and express themselves, finding the right fit can make all the difference - not just in skills, but in confidence and friendships too.

Start by thinking about your child’s personality and interests. Do they love drama and storytelling? A musical theatre camp might be ideal. Are they constantly dancing around the kitchen? Try a dance-intensive workshop. Some sessions focus on fun and play, while others are more structured or performance-focused - so there’s something for every comfort level.

It’s also worth checking if the group is inclusive and ageappropriate. All of the local organisations have friendly teams who are happy to chat and help you decide.

Beyond technique, these workshops offer a space for kids to express themselves, try something new, and meet like-minded friends. The sense of belonging that comes from being part of a creative group can be truly transformative. This summer, give your child the chance to shine - and to connect with a whole new world of theatre magic.

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

RAD Ballet | ISTD Tap & Modern | GCSE Dance LAMDA Drama & Musical Theatre | Acrobatic Arts Commercial & Street | Contemporary | Adult Classes

Contact us now for your free trial lessons!

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

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26 pre-school

Pre-Schools Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery T: 01799 584 848 E: ashdonchildrensnursery@outlook.com W: ashdonchildrensnursery.co.uk

Barlow

Little Hands Nursery T: 01223 897 945 E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com W: littlehands.co.uk

Birchanger

Birchanger Butterflies Preschool T: 01279 810 800 E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk W: birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

Bishop’s Stortford

Apple Green Montessori Preschool T: 07788 913 444 E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk W: applegreenmontessori.co.uk Blues Preschool Nursery T: 01279 755 422 E: admin@bluespreschool.co.uk W: bluespreschool.co.uk

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

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

lavering & Arkesden Preschool T: 01799 550 380 E: claveringarkesdenassistant@outlook.com W: claveringarkesdenpreschool.co.uk

Doodledo Day Nursery T: 01279 653 318 E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com W: doodledodaynursery.com Early Birds, Night Owls, Little Ladybirds & Appletree Preschool T: 01279 771 367 E: info@earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk W: earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk

Freedom Day Care Nursery & Pre-School T: 01371 873 663 E: info@freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk W: freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk

Dunmow

Little Dunmow’s Pre-School T: 01376 339 590 E: admin@ittledunmowspreschool.co.uk W: littledunmowspreschool.co.uk

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

Jo Jingles Celebrates 30 Years of Musical Fun & Early Years Development Jo Jingles, one of the UK’s leading providers of music, singing and movement classes for babies & preschoolers is turning 30 and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate three decades of bringing music, joy and learning to children’s lives!

Since 1995 we’ve been on a mission to help babies and young children develop confidence, creativity and communication skills through music, singing and movement. Now a trusted name in early years education, with classes across the UK, Ireland, and Australia, reaching over a million children. Right here in Saffron Walden we’ve been running classes every Thursday during term time at Sewards End Village Hall for the past 20 years and this year is also extra special, with Carole Newall celebrating her 14th anniversary as franchisee!

Our classes are designed for children aged 3 months to 5 years, offering four different age-appropriate sessions that align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We take pride in creating a warm, interactive environment where children can explore music through a variety of instruments, nursery rhymes and genres. Each 45-minute class includes a mix of gentle movement, instruments & soft props and a good dose of fun to stimulate their senses and imagination. Whether it’s learning about pitch, tone, speed or volume, our classes are all about fostering a love of music while supporting your child’s development in a playful and engaging way.

The most rewarding part for Carole is watching the children grow and flourish week by week, the friendships and the joy shared between adults and children alike, all making it a privilege to be a part of so many families’ preschool journeys.

We’d would love to share the Jo Jingles magic with you – 1st class FREE for new customers when signing up for half a term with Carole: quote SD30 (limited availability, Summer & Autumn Term 2025 only). www.jojingles.com/westsuffolk/timetable 07485 721393 westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk

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28 toddlers & babies

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

Rocking Horse Nursery For babies from 3 months old.

Within the beautiful grounds of Saint Nicholas School, Old Harlow.

7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.* *excluding bank holidays and a Christmas closure.

SAINT NICHOLAS

For further information please contact us on 01279 215965 or visit our website www.saintnicholasschool.net Rocking Horse Nursery - Salad Days Advert 194mm x 128mm_Final.indd 1

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Toddlers and babies Music & Movement

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

M: 07837 176823 E: sarah@boogiewoogies.co.uk W: www.boogiewoogies.co.uk Jo Jingles Sewards End Village Hall.

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

M: 07485 721393 E: westsuffolk@jojingles.co.uk W: www.jojingles.com Mini Monster Sensory Explorers

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

Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

Baby Massage

Mini Monster Baby Meet Up Have a baby? Want to meet new friendly faces? Come along and enjoy a weekly class to engage and play!

Includes free soft play.

Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun, Dunmow W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

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

T: 07791745619 E: rockandrollbabymassage@gmail.com W: rockandrollbaby.com

Dance

Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts Saffron Walden M: 07900 735566 E: tam@stingperformingarts.com W: stingperformingarts.com Tappy Toes Dance School Bishop’s Stortford various classes M: 07770 084 373 E: stortford@tappytoes.com W: www.tappytoes.com Tiny Tempos Baptist Church, Saffron Walden Music and movement classes suitable from birth.

M: 07956 211909 E: info@tinytempos.co.uk W: www.tinytempos.co.uk To feature in our next issue email hello@saladdaysmag.co.uk

Private GP Care for the Whole Family in Saffron Walden

Cambridge Private Doctors provides personalised private GP care for families at our Saffron Walden outreach clinic, located at the chiropractic clinic on Hill’s Street. We’re available on Tuesdays, Fridays, and some Saturdays, with same-day appointments.

Our wider practice offers a six-day service with easy online booking and phone, video, and face-to-face consultations.

We care for adults and children and can liaise with your NHS GP when needed. With longer appointments, we take time to listen and create tailored care plans for your family.

Our services include: • Health checks for men and women • Child and adolescent health • Chronic disease management • Cancer screening • Cardiovascular risk assessments • Weight management • Sexual health and contraception advice • Menopause care We provide on-site blood tests and can refer into NHS services via Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Our membership scheme offers 24/7 access to GP advice, prescriptions, and referrals.

Book at www.cambridgeprivatedoctors.co.uk or call 01223 967995.

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

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32 support for families

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Less stress, more sleep When you’re raising young children, getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a distant dream — so the last thing you need is money worries or other life pressures keeping you awake at night too.

Stress about finances, work, or juggling care responsibilities can take a toll on your health and wellbeing, leading to poor sleep, anxiety, and even physical illness. When you’re already running on empty, it can feel overwhelming and can also create tension at home, making family life harder than it needs to be.

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.

With the summer holidays on the horizon, we can also help you find ways to free up extra money by checking you’re getting the right benefits, finding ways to cut essential bills, or helping you build a simple family budget. A bit of extra breathing room can make it easier to plan and enjoy those precious days out with the family.

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

Helping children believe they can do anything Stagecoach Saffron Walden Singing, dancing and acting classes for 5 - 18 year-olds stagecoach.co.uk/saffronwalden 01799 588246 Chesterfords Community Centre, CB10 1NS

Creative Courage For Life® Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited.

Apply now for September 2025 entry

The Nest Nursery Class OPENING SEPTEMBER 2025 Welcoming children from three years old, The Nest nursery class at Bishop’s Stortford College will offer a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment within its Pre-Prep school. Here, children will enter a world of discovery and wonder as they take their first steps in their education journey.

For further information, scan the QR code, or visit bishopsstortfordcollege.org/pre-prep/the-nest

Our Early Years Foundation Stage was named as a ‘significant strength’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (April 2024)