Issuu

Local Information for parents, teachers and carers of children in Saffron

Walden, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and Villages

Welcome to the Winter Issue!

As the chill sets in and the days grow shorter, we’re wrapping up the year with a Salad Days issue full of warmth, community, and inspiration for the winter term ahead.

This edition takes you right through December to February 2026, packed with seasonal activities, local events, and ideas to keep you and your family busy during the colder months. It’s theatre panto season too — so we’ve highlighted plenty of shows and performances not to be missed!

We’re especially excited to introduce our new Life & Wellbeing page, a space dedicated to local people, small businesses, and parent-focused services. From fitness and mindfulness classes to creative workshops and community groups, it’s full of opportunities to support and connect with others right here in our area.

Whether you’re looking for places to visit, clubs to join, or activities to enjoy this winter for the children, we hope this issue helps you make the most of the season — with plenty of ideas to keep the whole family smiling.

Lisa & Tam x

Contents Winter 2025

We’re looking for the next Spring issue front cover. If you have the perfect picture please send it in to us!

Copy Date for Spring issue 2nd February 2026

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

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

Design Services: Chanel Holmes @designedby_chanel

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

Howe Green House School: A Nurturing Community for Curious Young Minds

A Warm and Welcoming Start

At Howe Green House School, an independent school for children aged 2 to 11 set in the Hertfordshire countryside near Bishop’s Stortford, we have created a place where every child is known, encouraged and inspired each day. This begins in Little Oaks Nursery, which welcomes children from the age of two and offers either term time or 48-week provision, giving families the flexibility and care they need. The nursery provides a warm and stimulating environment that fosters early independence and a genuine love of learning.

Every Child is Understood and Supported

Small class sizes ensure teachers know each child as an individual, enabling them to tailor learning, build confidence and nurture curiosity. Pupils are encouraged to think for themselves, develop independence and enjoy their learning across every area of school life.

A Successful Inspection

During the summer term, Howe Green House was visited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and met all five required standards, including leadership, quality of education, wellbeing and safeguarding. Inspectors recognised that pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum and noted that “pupils are attentive, articulate and keen to learn.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Education at Howe Green House extends well beyond lessons. The school offers a wide range of clubs and co-curricular activities across music, drama, sport, outdoor learning and the creative arts. Whether performing on stage, representing the school in matches or exploring new skills and interests, pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, teamwork and a strong sense of responsibility.

Wellbeing at the Heart

Wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. Inspectors described classrooms as “calm and inclusive,” with clear routines and a culture of positive behaviour. Safeguarding was also praised for being thorough and proactive. Our aim is simple. Every child should feel safe, valued and ready to flourish.

Prepared for the Future

As pupils approach Year Six, families receive personalised guidance to help them choose the right senior school. Children leave Howe Green House confident, resilient and well prepared for the next step in their education.

We would be delighted to welcome you to see Howe Green House in action. To arrange a visit, email schooloffice@howegreenhouse.org, call 01279 657706 or visit www.howegreenhouse.org.

4 education

Are you a parent of a young person with special educational 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.

We understand how challenging it can be to support your child’s needs.

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.

Tutors & Support 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

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

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

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

Kidslingo

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

T: 07926 007797

E: jessicalp@kidslingo.co.uk

W: kidslingo.co.uk

Luciana Ferreira Day Spanish all levels

E: lucianafday@gmail.com

T: 07930 525079

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Nikki Sammons

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

Two growing schools in Bishop’s Stortford

Children at Avanti Brook and Meadows beneﬁt from a comprehensive and coherent learning journey from Pre-School right through to aged 18 and graduation from Avanti 6 | Bishop’s Stortford at Avanti Grange, our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ (2025) Secondary School.

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

Christmas Books – Traditional,

and not so Traditional, Treats

While Christmas tends to be about tradition, tradition with a twist can be fun, so I’ve chosen a couple of new Christmas picture books with a different take on the festive season, as well as reminding you of two classics, and offering a couple of suggestions for gift books – so I hope that there’s something for everyone here, just as Santa promises!

The Twelve Trucks of Christmas by Evie Day and Dean Gray is pretty much what the title suggests it will be. It’s a version of the famous Christmas counting song, but with all the trucks which Santa needs to build a merry Christmas land – including 10 tinsel-tippers, nine winter wagons, and five candy cranes, all driven by elves. Little children will have fun counting all the vehicles in the bright busy illustrations and singing new words to the well-known tune.

Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith needs to become a classic. ‘In the old days, Santa didn’t have Christmas’, it begins, explaining how Santa used to make and deliver all the presents to children all over the world through the night on Christmas Eve, but then, after an extra half hour’s sleep on Christmas morning, he would just get up and go to work. The story is about how the elves make a Christmas celebration for him. It is simply charming with soft smudgy warm-coloured illustrations which match the good-heartedness of the text.

No Christmas goes by in our house without a reading of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas and I particularly like the tiny pocket-sized edition with illustrations by Edward Ardizzone. I probably recommended this last year, and most years before that. The words are a joy to read aloud and the child’s view of, for example, the ‘Useful Presents’ like the book which tells of ‘everything there is to know about the wasp, except why’, and all the aunts who appear at Christmas, including Auntie Hannah who gets to the parsnip wine and sings mournful songs, and the other ‘small aunts, not wanted in the kitchen, nor anywhere else for that matter’ captures so gloriously the peculiar mix of Christmas Day emotions we all recognise. I’ll be recommending it again next year.

Two gift books, both of poetry, caught my eye. One is a book given to one of my children probably 15 or more years ago, first published in 1981, and still one of this family’s favourite books. It’s Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic. The reviews on the cover say it all: ‘resonates beyond words’; wry, humorous … his poems share the same anarchic spirit as Spike Milligan’; ‘the rare adult who can still think like a child’. Some of the poems are nonsense rhymes but read carefully as they all offer a new perspective on life which deserves examination. Take this one short example. Wavy Hair. ‘I thought that I had wavy hair / Until I shaved. Instead /I find that I have straight hair / And a very wavy head’. If you know a child who’d like that poem, buy them this book as there’s plenty more where that came from! Oh, and Silverstein’s line drawings are as entertaining as the poems.

The other potential gift book is Everyone Sang: A Poem for Every Feeling, by William Sieghart (author of The Poetry Pharmacy) and illustrated by Emily Sutton. Grouped under four headings; Poems to Inspire You, Poems to Make You Smile, Poems to Move You, and Poems to Calm and Connect You, it includes classics and new poems. Long and short, which Sieghard hopes will help children find poems which become ‘friends for life’. I’ll quote one anonymous Haiku. ‘Blackberries sitting / On the hedgerows looking like / wigs for baby frogs.’ The whole thing, including the gentle sketched illustrations, is lovely.

Finally, for older children, I have my favourite Arthur Ransome novel, Winter Holiday, which, in my view, beats Swallows and Amazons hands down, and which is still my listening of choice on audio tape when alone cooking in the kitchen. There’s skating on the lake, rescuing of sheep from rocky crags, mumps, semaphore messaging, the requisitioning of a houseboat locked in the ice, and a polar expedition in the teeth of a blizzard. Ransome’s vivid and nostalgic re-imagining of his childhood holidays spent on Lake Coniston was first published in 1933 but still as fresh and evocative an adventure as any child could hope to imagine being part of.

As always, all these books are on the shelves at Hart’s Books (www.hartsbooks.co.uk) in Saffron Walden and should be in all other good bookshops, along with plenty of other classics and soon-to-be classics, any of which would make special presents for children who love reading. Of course, if you can’t choose, there are always Book Tokens which give children the pleasure of choosing for themselves.

Jo Burch - Words in Walden

Opening doors for girls.

Every

Educating girls aged 3-18, since 1898.

It’s Pantomime season…. Oh yes it is!!!

There are lots of great local pantos in the area to choose from this festive season. Southmill Arts in Bishops Stortford are performing Snow White, Dick Whittington at the Saffron Hall (Saffron Walden) and both the Harlow Playhouse and The Arts Theatre in Cambridge are showing Sleeping Beauty.

Taking your loved ones to the theatre to watch a pantomime is a fun, memorable experience that creates new traditions, family bonding and an interest in the theatre and the arts.

December

7th December

Mental Elf festive fun run - Harlow Park

11th December

Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising event for Save the Children UK. Participants wear their festive jumpers at school, work, or home and donate money to the charity to support children in the UK and worldwide.

12th December

Join us for a Christmas Community Open Day at Audley End House and Gardens. Free entry for local residents within a 12-mile radius of Audley End.

Enjoy a festive day out at Audley End. Visit our tearoom, shops, stables and historic gardens. Explore the Christmas Pop-Up Market with over 40 local artisans, makers and small businesses in our historic Service Wing, Kitchens, Laundry and Dairy. 21 –29 December 2025

February

School applications

Applications for 2026 primary school places (Reception) are open now, typically from November 2025, for children born between September 2021 and August 2022, with the main deadline being January 15, 2026, and National Offer Day usually on April 16, 2026

January

16th-24th January

Camelot the pantomime

The tale of King Arthur will be performed by the Saffron Players at Saffron Walden.

14th February

Valentines Day

Show the ones you love this Valentines Day that you care by making them some home made crafts!

17th February

Beginning of Chinese New Year

Chinese new year is a 15 day celebration marked by vibrant traditions of new beginnings, family reunions and good fortune. This year is the year of the horse! What is your Chinese zodiac sign?

Half term…. Yay!!!!

Mon 30th Mar | 2pm & Tue 31st Mar | 10.30am & 1.30pm

£17 | £15 Conc. | 3+

Animation Workshop with Luke Newell

Mon 16th Feb | 10.30am - 12pm | 1.30pm - 3pm | & 3.30pm - 5pm | Ages 8+

Join us this half term for a fun, creative adventure into the world of illustrated animation! Work alongside local, award-winning Illustrator and Animator Luke Newell to learn how to bring your drawings to life.

Tue 17th Feb | 1pm & 7.30pm £24 | £29 Meet & Greet

Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this ENCHANTED tribute show featuring the incredible: Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence. The Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute

Kids Craft: Spoon Superheroes Fri 20th Feb | 11.30am & 3pm £18 | £16 concs. | Ages 5-14+

Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics, and revolting edible chemistry!

Why you feel stiffer in Winter before a run

We all love a crisp winter run… BUT best to keep injuries to a minimum coming up to the festive period! Wouldn’t want to be stuck inside eating Chocolate Orange and mince pies, unable to burn off the excess carbs, waiting for January to arrive. (or would you?)

So… WHY do we feel stiffer in Winter (and not just Runners!)

• Lower temperatures reduce tissue elasticity (Including Muscles, Tendons and Ligaments). Combine this with how the cold affects the nervous system that drives it, and hey presto, the feeling of stiffness!

• Cold can heighten pain perception in people with arthritis too! So if you are a tad older and have some creaky and slightly arthritic knees, this is possibly why you feel stiffer.

• Seasonal mood change! We have all been there. I am always very close to Emigrating to Australia… Until Summer hits. This is common and its worth acknowledging that mood can have an effect on our bodies too.

• What to Do about it ��

• Warming up- Before going out for a run, consider doing some basic warm up exercises like leg swings, high knees, heel flicks and walking mini lunges, so you can regain some needed elasticity prior to the run.

• DON’T STRETCH- We always used to stretch before exercise but there is evidence that it increases risk of injury believe it or not. Stick to dynamic, movement based warm ups

• Layering- Wearing layers so you can start warm and gradually strip off is the best solution to cold weather exercise in general (If practicality allows).

• GET STRONG- Strength and mobility will increase your general resilience when it comes to exercise! Get a PT or Physio to talk to you about some tailored exercises to suit you! Everyone is different so getting a plan is KEY

• Keep positive- find the good in the cold and embrace it. Try relaxation practices such as meditation and breathing techniques to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) to help to manage your mood.

If you need any advice in the cold months with Body or Mind, Reform can help, with Physios, Sports Massage Therapists, Personal trainers and a Psychologist we’ve got you covered!

20 life and wellbeing

Susie’s Place is a beautiful, quaint period cottage set in the heart of the Medieval town of Thaxted. With its open log fires and original oak beams, Susie Place is warm, homely and welcoming. Although it has kept a lot of its original features, its bespoke interior design gives it a quirky and unusual edge, making this a unique and unforgettable place to stay.

Please contact us for a chat if you are interested in booking Susie’s Place on 07932 689 076 or email info@susiesplace.co.uk or visit the website at www.susiesplace.co.uk

Thaxted

With its large bedrooms, reception rooms and iconic kitchen this house is perfect for both a family, group of friends for a vacation away from home, business stay or visit.

Sleeping up to 6 adults with extra room for children. Pets are welcome too.

No trip to Uttlesford would be complete without a visit to Thaxted. It is one of Britain’s most attractive and well-preserved small towns, set within open countryside halfway between Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow.

For over 1000 years people have lived in and visited one of this country’s finest towns. With its famous Guildhall, magnificent Church and restored Windmill set against a backdrop of Medieval houses it is considered the jewel in the crown of Essex.

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

Performing arts

Dance

JCL School of Dance

T: 07753 607 523

E: julialast8@gmil.com

W: jclschooldance.webden.co.uk

KBD Dance

T: 07305 113 187

E: katie@kbddance.com

W: kbddance.co.uk

Kate Plummer School of Dance

T: 07832 212 593

E: kateplum@hotmail.co.uk

Tempos Performing Arts

T: 07956 211 909

E: info@temposperformingarts.co.uk

W: temposperformingarts.co.uk

Tracey Walker School of Dance

T: 07773 062 338

E: doancecrazy.tracey1@gmail.com

W: traceywalkerschoolofdance.co.uk

Theatre Schools

Buzzy Bees Sting Performing Arts

T: 07900 735 566

E: hello@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

Graham School of Dance

T: 01279 654 423

E: info@grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

W: grahamschoolofdance.co.uk

Hyperfusion Theatre Co

T: 07909 960 490

E: sarah@hyperfusion.co.uk

W: hyperfusion.co.uk

Pauline Quirk Academy

T: 07958 913 456

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Outdoor Play - Especially in Winter

When it comes to spending time outdoors with little ones, Sarah Allington knows a thing or two. Her award-winning, FSA-recognised ‘Nature of Learning Forest School’ in Ashdon has been supporting local families to get outside whatever the weather for 9 years now.

Think Winter Means Staying Indoors? Think Again!

Far from being a risk to children’s health, winter outdoor experiences provide unique developmental benefits that simply cannot be achieved indoors. Yes, it takes effort to prepare and source the right clothing, but the rewards are immense. Children who play outdoors in all weathers develop into resilient, healthy, confident individuals who can thrive in any condition throughout their lives.

Key Benefits of Winter Outdoor Play

Physical Development

Winter sunlight supports immune function and bone health while building resistance to seasonal illnesses. The cold, fresh air is cleaner and supports lung function - research shows children who play outdoors regularly have fewer respiratory infections and stronger immune systems.

Navigating icy, snowy, or muddy terrain develops balance, coordination, and core strength. Meanwhile, winter offers unique sensory experiences through snow, ice, and frost that aren’t available in warmer months. These experiences enhance everything from temperature regulation to spatial awareness.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Even limited winter sunlight helps regulate mood and supports vitamin D production, which is essential for mental health during darker months. Studies show that outdoor time in winter significantly reduces symptoms of seasonal depression in both children and adults.

Contact with nature reduces stress hormones and promotes calm focus. Plus, overcoming weather challenges builds confidence and perseverance - valuable life skills that extend far beyond the outdoor experience. As a bonus, exposure to natural light and temperature changes promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

Cognitive and Social Development

Winter conditions provide perfect opportunities for children to practice risk assessment - a crucial life skill. Cold environments naturally increase alertness and concentration, while navigating challenging weather develops creative problem-solving abilities.

Direct observation of winter phenomena like freezing, melting, and animal hibernation creates rich learning opportunities. Working together to stay warm or manage challenging conditions develops teamwork and empathy, while children learn to recognize their own needs and advocate for themselves.

What Does the Research Say?

International studies consistently support winter outdoor play:

• Norwegian studies: Children in outdoor kindergartens show superior motor skills and fewer illnesses

• Finnish research: Regular winter play correlates with improved academic performance

• Swedish findings: Year-round outdoor play enhances creativity and problem-solving

• Japanese research: Winter forest experiences boost attention and social skills

As the saying goes: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

Top Tips for Winter Outdoor Play

1. Layer up - Thin, breathable layers keep children warmer than one bulky coat

2. Handwarmers are game-changers - Great for defrosting cold hands and toes

3. Waterproof is key - Waterproof trousers, boots, and gloves mean they can splash and dig freely

4. Keep spares handy - Extra socks, gloves, and a towel save the day

5. Warm up afterwards - Hot drinks, soup, or a bath help reset tired bodies

6. Lead with positivity - Your excitement will be contagious!

Ready to Get Started?

Winter outdoor play is worth the effort - it provides irreplaceable developmental benefits that will serve your children throughout their lives. Finding the right clothing involves trial and error, but persevere - the rewards are immense.

Sarah Allington’s Nature of Learning Forest School runs sessions throughout the year. Families can join:

- Twiglets: Parent and toddler sessions (Wednesday and Friday mornings)

- Froghoppers: Family sessions for walking age to 11 years (1st and 3rd Saturdays)

- Plus home education and alternative provision programs

Visit www.natureoflearning.co.uk to get started on your winter outdoor adventure!

*References: Harrison et al. (2020), Preventive Medicine; Rosenthal et al. (2019), Archives of General Psychiatry; Sandseter & Kennair (2011), Evolutionary Psychology*

26 pre-school

Pre-Schools

Ashdon

Ashdon Childrens Nursery

T: 01799 584 848

E: ashdonchildrensnursery@outlook.com

W: ashdonchildrensnursery.co.uk

Barlow

Little Hands Nursery

T: 01223 897 945

E: lh-bartlow@btconnect.com

W: littlehands.co.uk

Birchanger

Birchanger Butterflies Preschool

T: 01279 810 800

E: admin@birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

W: birchangerbutterflies.org.uk

Bishop’s Stortford

Apple Green Montessori Preschool

T: 07788 913 444

E: info@applegreenmontessori.co.uk

W: applegreenmontessori.co.uk

Blues Preschool Nursery

T: 01279 755 422

E: admin@bluespreschool.co.uk

W: bluespreschool.co.uk

Busy Bees - St Michael’s Mead

T: 01279 755 522

W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Busy Bees - Thorley Park

T: 01279 654 830

W: busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Doodledo Day Nursery

T: 01279 653 318

E: manager@doodledodaynursery.com

W: doodledodaynursery.com

Early Birds, Night Owls, Little Ladybirds

& Appletree Preschool

T: 01279 771 367

E: info@earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk

W: earlybirdandnightowlsclub.co.uk

Little Oaks

T: 01279 657 706

E: schooloffice@howegreenhouse.org

W: howegreenhouse.org

Sunflowers Pre-School

T: 07752 562 206

E: sunflowers.preschool17@gmail.com

W: sunflowerspreschool.co.uk

Sycamore House Day Nursery

T: 01279 465 097

E: familycareteam@allaboutchildren.co.uk

W: allaboutchildren.co.uk

Thorley Pre-School

T: 01279 503 895

E: admin@thorleypreschool.co.uk

W: thorleypreschool.co.uk

Thorn Groves Little Acorns

T: 01279 653 233

E: tglittleacorns@aol.com

Chrishall 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

Freedom Day Care Nursery & Pre-School

T: 01371 873 663

E: info@freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk

W: freedomdaycarenursery.co.uk

Little Dunmow’s Pre-School

T: 01376 339 590

E: admin@ittledunmowspreschool.co.uk

W: littledunmowspreschool.co.uk

Dame Bradburys

T: 01223 454722

E: office@stephenperse.com

W: www.stephenperse.com

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

Saffron Walden

Dunmow

Chrishall

Helping Families this Winter

Winter is wonderful but it can bring higher bills, cold homes, and extra stress. Uttlesford Citizens Advice is here to help families stay warm, safe, and supported.

We can help you with:

• Child and family benefit advice

• Disability benefits, including those for children

• Access to foodbanks and community food shares

• Managing debt and budgeting support

• Ways to increase your income and cut your bills

• Relationship breakdown and child maintenance

Our service is confidential, free and impartial and will help you find a way forward

Get in Touch

Call: 01799 618840

Email: help@uttlesfordca.org.uk

Visit our Website: www.uttlesfordca.org.uk

Talk to us by Video link from:

Great Dunmow Library

Touchpoint next to Stansted Library

Thaxted Library

The Old Schoolhouse Takeley

Uttlesford Citizens Advice

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

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,

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!

Venue: Little Monsters House of Fun,

W: www.minimonsterclasses.co.uk

Rock & Roll Baby

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

T: 07791745619

E: rockandrollbabymassage@gmail.com

W: rockandrollbaby.com

Dance

Buzzy BeesSting Performing Arts

Saffron Walden

M: 07900 735566

E: tam@stingperformingarts.com

W: stingperformingarts.com

Tappy Toes Dance School

Bishop’s Stortford various classes

M: 07770 084 373

E: stortford@tappytoes.com

W: www.tappytoes.com

Tiny Tempos

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

M: 07956 211909

E: info@tinytempos.co.uk

W: www.tinytempos.co.uk

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

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

NSPCC Volunteers Needed in North Essex

The NSPCC is seeking new volunteers across North Essex to join our Speak out. Stay safe. programme. No previous experience is required - just a genuine commitment to helping protect children from abuse and neglect.

As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit local primary schools to deliver engaging, age-appropriate workshops that help children understand how to stay safe and who they can turn to for support. Full training and ongoing guidance are provided.

To learn more about the role, you are invited to attend a virtual Volunteer Information Meeting, where you can meet NSPCC staff and volunteers, ask questions, and explore whether this opportunity is right for you. Attendance does not commit you to applying.

For further details and to register your interest, please visit: https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/schools/

Carol Service

Welcome in the festive season at our family Christmas carol service in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH)

Saffron Walden Carol Service

Tuesday 16th December

Saffron Walden Baptist Church Service starts at 7pm Retiring collection • Refreshments

Saffron Walden Baptist Church, High Street, Saffron Walden, CB11 3HD

Please show your support and help make every moment count for children and families this Christmas.

For more information please contact 01223 800807 or community@each.org.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

Kidzteens Football Academy

Bishops Stortford M: 07955259030

E: kidsteens15@gmail.com

Hockey

Blue Hornets, Felsted and Braintree

W: www.braintreehc.co.uk/bluehornets

Saffron Walden Junior Hockey Club

W: www.saffronwaldenhockey.co.uk

Martial arts

Associated Karate Schools (AKS)

E: barrettbusiness@aol.com

W: www.karateschools.co.uk

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

B.L.Tae Kwon-Do Schools

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

Budo Taijutsu, Saffron Walden W: www.mushinzui.com

Dunmow Shotokan Karate Club W: www.eska.org.uk

Haverhill & Saffron Walden

Shotokan Karate

E: gill.payne@talktalk.net

Judo E: iskjc@yahoo.co.uk

Koryoda Kids W: www.koryoda.com

Saffron Walden Judo Club

T: 07815126393

Saffron Walden Judo Tots T: 07460424506

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

Te-Ashi-Do Karate, Bishop’s Stortford

M: 07826 849388

E: allan.worrell@sky.com

W: www.teashido.co.uk

Rugby

Wendens Ambo Mini Rugby

E: chair@wendenrugby.com

W: www.wendenrugby.com

Saffron Walden Rugby Club, Henham

M: 07703 532822

E: info@swrfc.co.uk

W: www.swrfc.co.uk

Squash

Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club

E: andrewmulvey@stortfordsquash.co.uk

W: www.stortfordsquash.co.uk

Saffron Walden Squash Club

E: george.atterbury@hotmail.com

Swimming

Bishops Stortford Swimming Club

E: membership@bsswimclub.org.uk

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

32 advertise

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 schools, day-care, sports, performing arts, events, extracurricular activities, health, books and more.

MEDIA PACK - 2024

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

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

Advertising rates - print

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

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

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

Artwork sizes:

Full page: 194mm x 128mm LANDSCAPE

Half page: 128mm x 95.5mm PORTRAIT

Quarter page: 95.5mm x 62mm LANDSCAPE

Professional artwork (up to 3 amends) £15

Covers

210 x 148mm + 3mm bleedplease enquire if available.

Covers 210 x 148mm + 3mm bleedplease enquire if available.

Terms:

Payment on presentation of invoice. Salad Days reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at its discretion.

Terms: Payment on presentation of invoice. Salad Days reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at its discretion.