North essex summer 14 issue

Find what you’re looking for:

This Summer

05 News & Views - Matters of interest for local parents 12 Book Reviews - Opinions from children on the latest titles 14 School’s Out - Your essential guide to out of school care

Education Matters!

It’s Summer Time!

22 Tutors - Find educational support for your children 25 Education - Local Schools

Dear Readers,

Firstly, I would like to say a BIG hello and introduce myself as the new publisher of KidAround Magazine. And what a issue to start of with - Summer. It is packed with great things to do and amazing events that have happened and will be happening across Essex such as the Queen paying a visit to Chelmsford and Felsted and the Tour de France will be racing through in July (see page 7 for details).

There are also lots of festivals, carnivals and fetes to keep you busy; see our Great Days Out feature on page 24 and the Diary Dates section on page 34 to find out more.

Being a mum myself, I understand that trying to find things for the kids to do whilst you go to work or just to keep them occupied in the holidays feels like a big task. Our School’s Out feature on page 13 is a great source of information on workshops and activites that are happening during the summer, so you can have activities & childcare sorted nice and early!

I would also like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Tracy Thomas, who brought KidAround into our lives 14 years ago and to wish her good luck with her new company, Piccolo Media.

To all of you, have fun this summer, have friends and family round for lots of BBQ’s and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can (have an umbrella to hand though, it is the English summer afterall!).

Contact Us

(we are a friendly bunch) Publisher: Anna Hurley anna.hurley@kidaround.biz

Sales Manager: Kate Ellison kate.ellison@kidaround.biz Listings Editor: Suzanne Gardner suzanne.gardner@kidaround.biz Social Media Liaison: Tina Read Tel: 01371 238071

Contributors Steve Smith Chilligraphics

Ann

a xx

What’s On

26 Theatre Listings - Find an age-appropriate theatre show 28 Great Days Out - Plenty of fun things to do as a family 38 Diary Dates - What’s on and where to go

Family Life 44 Let’s Party - One-stop shop for a perfect party 46 Get Active - Extra-curricular and sports activities 48 Classified - Local business information 49 Wellbeing - Keeping you healthy & happy!

Early Years 50 Birth & Beyond - Information focussing on the under-fives 52 Childcare Providers - Your essential guide to local childcare

Competitions 06 Subscribers Prize 08 Magix Music Maker Software & iPhone Case 08 Faber-Castell Creative Art Sets 09 Pair of tickets to The Essex Baby & Toddler Show 10 How To Train Your Dragon Exclusive Film Prizes 12 Each review book 26 Family ticket to Friend or Foe 28 Family short break 32 Family tickets to Marsh Farm 45 DVDs & House of Magic Poster

Reader Offers

Tracy Thomas Piccolo Media

www.kidaround.biz

23 20% off first month’s fees with Ace Tuition 30 Free child entry at Barleylands 31 Kids eat free at Frankie & Bennys 49 Bliss Days buy one get one free at Clarice House 53 Free booking fee credit at sitters.co.uk

There are more competitions and reader offers at www.kidaround.biz KidAround is published quarterly by Trew Publishing Ltd. Address: 66 Baynard Avenue, Little Dunmow, Essex, CM6 3FD Tel: 01371 238071 Circulation 120,000 over two Essex editions.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. The copyright on the contents of this magazine, including artwork, advertisements, logos and articles, when generated by the KidAround team, remains with Trew Publishing Ltd. DISCLAIMER The listings in this magazine are for advice only. Inclusion in a listing does not imply a recommendation from KidAround Ltd. or any of its staff. We try to ensure the information we include is up to date and correct. However, we cannot be held responsible for any changes, cancellations, alterations or closures to or at any of the events, venues or facilities that we list.

The onus is on the reader to check.

News & Views

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 5

News & Views Colchester Carnival ‘The Magic Of The Movies’

Colchester Carnival is returning to the town on Saturday 19 July 2014.

A carnival procession will parade through the town during the afternoon, setting off from Abbey Fields around 3pm and then making its way up to the High Street shortly after. The theme this year is ‘The Magic of the Movies’. Already taking part are local band The Landed (previously known as ‘Stalker’) who were a popular participant in 2013 and also Funky Voices and Only Cowards Carry Weapons to name a few. Dance groups, bands, choirs, kids groups, community groups, charities, sports clubs, historical societies, businesses (small fee involved) and individuals are invited to get in touch and get involved! The deadline for entries is 27 June.

Throughout the day there will also be sideshows, attractions and family fun in Castle Park including performances from Stone Shuffle Jones, Vixation, Funky Voices, I AM Music, Carol Gale School of Dance and iDrum.

The event is run on a not-for-profit basis by volunteers from local charities Colchester Round Table and Colchester Ladies Circle, and all proceeds after expenses go to benefit the community of Colchester. In 2013 over £6000 was put back in to the community.

The website for the 2014 event has everything needed to get involved in the day e.g. entering the procession, and will also soon feature all of the information about the day including a full timetable of events in Castle Park.

Visit www.colchestercarnival.com to find out more.

Father’s Day Sunday 15th June Don’t forget your dad this year and spoil him on Father’s Day, which falls on Sunday 15th June.

Whether it’s giving him a big hug and a smile, drawing a lovely picture or making him breakfast.

There are lots of ways to make his day special.

6 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Felsted’s royally wonderful day!

Felsted School enjoyed the crowning moment of its 450 year celebrations on the 6th June as Her Majesty the Queen visited the School.

Following in the footsteps of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, who visited for the 400th anniversary, it was a very special occasion.

The visit include a private lunch followed by a special assembly where Her Majesty unveiled two plaques commemorating the 450th anniversary, and also the rebuilding of Follyfield boarding house, destroyed by fire in 2012.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Felsted to glorious sunshine. Upon arrival at the Lord Riche Hall, opened by Princess Anne in 1989, the Royal couple were greeted to the National Anthem, played by Felsted’s Corps of Drums.

HRH The Queen and HRH Prince Philip were presented with a painting titled ‘Carol Service Felsted School 1972’ by David Plested and were also given a leather-bound copy of ‘Garde Ta Foy: The Riche Heritage of Felsted School’.

There was also a presentation of a boot scraper, which is part of a Royal tradition at Felsted, as the HM the Queen Mother also received a boot scraper on her visit for the 400th anniversary.

Following the anniversary ceremony, the HRH the Queen was presented with a posy of flowers and a FelsTed, and the HRH Duke of Edinburgh received a Felsted tie.

Dr Mike Walker said ‘This visit means so much to everyone here. I am overwhelmingly proud to have been Headmaster at such an incredible event.’

News & Views

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 7

News & Views Children’s Art Week 2014 16-22 June

This summer thousands of children and young people will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity in galleries, museums, schools, arts and community centres all over the UK for Children’s Art Week 2014. From animation to screenprinting, photography to puppetry, Children’s Art Week will give children and young people the chance to work with artists and inspire them to create their own works of art. Over 200 events took place last year.

For a full list of activities or to find out what’s happening in your area go to www.childrensartweek.org.uk Events in Essex: Monet versus Matisse No 1 The laboratory, Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th, Friday 20th. 10am - 4pm

Poses/Poses/Poses firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1LN Saturday 21st June. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Explore the styles of the great masters Matisse and Monet through expressive mark making and collage.

Create your own collage or wool painting and help create a unique mural for the park. All ages and families.

Artist Bruce Mclean made a famous artwork called Pose Work for Plinth.

Join us to recreate this artwork with you as the poser. Great for families.

Booking is not required for this event and is open to the public.

COMPETITION To celebrate Children’s Art Week we have three Faber-Castell sets to be won, worth over £100. (see competition details next to this article). To be in with a chance of winning, please email your name, address and daytime contact number to comps@kidaround.biz by Friday 1st Aug. You can also enter via the KidAround website www.kidaround.biz Please remember to include all of the above information in the body of your email with the name of the prize that you want to win as the subject.

8 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Free School Meals

Every child in Reception class, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch from September 2014.

The government will fund schools in England to provide every child in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with a hot, nutritious meal at lunch time. The aim is to improve academic attainment and save families money – over the course of a year the average family spends £437 on school lunches per child. Universal free school meals for primary school pupils were a key recommendation in a recent review of school food produced independently for the Department for Education.

For more information on the School Food Plan please have a look at www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk Faber-Castell are offering 3 lucky budding artists the chance to win some creative goodies from their fantastic Playing & Learning range.

To be in with a chance of winning one of these fabulous sets, follow the instruction on the Children’s Art Week article.

1st Prize - Worth £52 2nd Prize -Worth £42 3rd Prize - Worth £34 Creative Craft Set Connector Paint Box Clic&Go Water Cup Scribolino Propelling Pencil Connector Clic&Go Paint Brush Easy Grip Crayons

Connector Bucket

Creative Craft Set

Connector Paint Box

Connector Bucket

Connector Clic&Go Scribolino Eraser Paint Brush GRIP 2001 Colour Scribolino Rollerball Pen Pencils - box of 12 GRIP 2001 Colour Pencils - box of 12

Faber-Castell Play & Learn range is sold at www.amazon.co.uk and www.stonegift.com

News & Views

Tour de France is coming to Essex On 7th July the world’s largest annual sporting event is coming to Essex

The Tour de France involves nearly 200 riders covering over 2,000 miles in just 23 days.

It takes place every summer and goes all around France. The beginning of the race, The Grand Depart, is often held outside of France and this year it will start in Yorkshire, then travel to Cambridge where they will race to London, travelling through Essex on the way.

Why are there different coloured jerseys?

The Green Jersey is given to the best sprinter. Britain’s Mark Cavendish is one of the world’s best in this category, reaching speeds over 40 miles-per-hour.

The riders cycle thousands of metres up Alpine mountains, with the best rider on those stages winning a red and white Polka Dot Jersey.

The White Jersey is given to the best young rider - that’s someone who’s under 25 years old.

But the prize everyone wants is the Yellow Jersey. It is worn by the overall race leader on total time since the start of the Tour.

In 2012 the Tour De France was won by British cyclist Bradley Wiggins and in 2013 the winner was another British cyclist, Chris Froome.

Is it all about individuals?

No. It’s a big team event but the Team Leader is usually the stronger rider.

The other team members work hard in every stage to protect their Team Leader. The star-man will ride behind his team mates to get into their slipstream- that means there’s less air resistance for him and it’s easier to go fast.

Where to watch?

Ahead of the cyclists comes the ‘Caravan’. The Caravan is a terrific spectacle and a great family attraction. A procession of elaborate floats and vehicles precedes the racing action. It is expected that the whole Caravan will travel the whole of the Essex section of the race. The Caravan enters the county North of Saffron Walden at 10.52 with the riders following at 12.51. They travel through the county to Epping Forest and then onto London.

For full details of the route, a spectator guide and everything relating to The Tour please visit dnn.essex.gov.uk/tourdefrance

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 9

News & Views

Discover a world of fun this summer Your children can discover and explore nature and enjoy getting messy with creative crafts this summer, and we’ll do the cleaning up!

Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service will help you to entertain the family with fun-filled activities from live animal shows in Nature’s Theatre to wild crafts, playing house detectives, meeting our new cast of characters and taking over the art room.

Children can see and touch a wide range of live animals, dress up, use microscopes, video cameras and other technology to uncover the secrets of some of Hollytrees’ and the Natural History Museums’ objects and work with experts to crack some unsolved mysteries.

At Colchester Castle and Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, visitors can meet a different character each week; handle objects, hear stories, make things and discover secrets about the lives of people who have passed through the venues.

The Family Art Room, Ipswich art School, is open for children of all ages and their adults to get creative! Explore and develop a different skill or technique each week, working with our friendly artists to help turn your ideas into a work of art. All materials provided.

Colchester’s newly refurbished Castle will provide a memorable family day out. New and interactive exhibits will wow you! Ride a chariot around a Roman Circus, hear tales of battle and bravery from a Gladiator, enjoy the breathtaking son et lumiere light projection, excavate a doctor’s grave and much more!

Plus, A series of events have been planned for children and families, which will run throughout the summer holidays.

The full activities programme for the Castle, Natural History Museum, Hollytrees, Ipswich Museum, Christchurch Mansion and Ipswich Art School will be available on the Colchester and Ipswich Museums website www.cimuseums.org.uk/whatson or you can pick up a copy of the latest events leaflet at any of the Museums’ six venues. Visit www.cimuseums.org.uk/whats-on for more information.

10 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 11

Book Reviews by local children Disaster Diaries - Zombies! by R.McGeddon Rrp £5.99 paperback www.lbkids.co.uk At the beginning of this book I found the words quite tricky.

But when I got into the story the tricky words stayed in my mind and became easier to read. The story is about a boy called Sam and his friends, Artie & Emmie, who try to destroy some Zombies that are attacking everyone. They do this by throwing water bombs which is the only way to turn them back to being human again. I think it is a little bit gross and would be good for children that like gory stories and are aged 8 and older.

Reviewed by Gracie Hurley aged 8

The Frankenstein Teacher by Tony Bradman Part of the Colour First Reader series Rrp £4.99 www.randomhousechildrens.co.uk This book is Amazing! It is interesting and the character I like best is the Doctor. The illustrations are fun and helped me enjoy the story. I was expecting the teacher to be a bad guy, but I was wrong. There are some sad bits in this story, you should look out for the poor hamster.

Overall, I would suggest you read this book. I am six and I think it is for age five and older. This book really made me think I would like to read more books by this author.

Reviewed by Robert Mackin Aged 6

Britannia Great Stories from British History by Geraldine McCaughrean and Richard Brassey Rrp £12.99 www.orionbooks.co.uk We liked this book because it is exciting to read because it has lots of short tales. We really like the story ‘Alfred and the Cakes’ because it is about the Vikings, which is what we are learning at school. Some of the characters in the book are very interesting and Alfred made me want to read on and ask questions in my head. We like all of the pictures and we think that they explain the stories well. We would like the writing to be bigger and to have more information about the Vikings fighting.

We would recommend this book to our friends at school that are learning about Vikings.

Reviewed by Year 4 Renoir Class at Windhill Primary School

Remembrance by Theresa Breslin Rrp £6.99 www.totallyrandombooks.co.uk This book is set in 1915 in WWI, England. It has a good blurb that isn’t too revealing, so it instantly makes you want to read it. The beginning is a bit confusing, but once you get into the story things become clearer. The main character, Charlotte, wants to be a nurse to help the sick people that had fought in the war. It is a very powerful book which makes you think about how things were in the war and how many lives were affected. The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger. Altogether a good book and I score it 8/10. I think this is more for girls aged 10+.

Reviewed by Mollie Tuff & Evie Smith aged 11

Little Friends series by Priddy Books Rrp £4.99 www.priddybooks.com My first impression of these two new interactive books was how lovely the illustrations looked in their gender neutral, pastel colours. They feel nice and solid and perfect for toddler hands.

Home Sweet Home Charlotte loves “lift the flap” books at the moment so this little story of Owl flying through different animal habitats appealed to her straight away. She enjoyed pointing to all the animals on each page and I then played “peekaboo” closing the flap and asking her to find each one, such as the fox in the forest or the frog in the river. A lot of learning opportunities with this book which I am sure Charlotte and I will use for quite some time.

Happy Birthday This is a touch and feel board book which tells the story of Little Puppy preparing for his birthday party with his friends. Charlotte enjoyed seeking out the textured parts on each page and best of all finding all of Little Puppy’s friends hidden behind the balloons at the end. This would make a perfect gift for a little one’s first birthday!

Happy Birthday Royal Baby

by Martha Mumford Rrp £6.99 wwwbloomsbury.co.uk The pictures in this book are lovely and colourful; Harry found them very funny. The story is also very funny and had us laughing when the grown-ups played once the royal baby had gone to sleep. This was after a frantic day of making sure the royal baby had the best party with all his favourite things (like we all do). Harry liked the fact that the royal baby loves jam as he also loves jam. It is a good, easy reading book which kept Harry amused and he has since asked that I read it to him again and again. Highly recommended and a perfect read to celebrate the Little Prince’s Birthday.

Reviewed by Harry Turner, aged 3 and his mum Lisa

Reviewed by Charlotte, 17 months and mum Kathleen

Each of the books reviewed on this page is available to win on our website www.kidaround.biz and you can see the competition entry rules below. If your child would like to be added to our list of potential reviewers, please email anna.hurley@kidaround.biz with their name and age along with your own name, address and contact telephone number.

Please indicate if your child is a particularly advanced or struggling reader, or if they have any special needs, as this will help us with appropriate book selection.

COMPETITION ENTRY RULES Unless otherwise stated, please email your name, address and daytime contact number to: comps@kidaround.biz by the closing date stated or by Friday 11th July. Only one entry per household. You can also enter via the KidAround website www.kidaround.biz or by post to: KidAround [name of competition] 66 Baynard Avenue, Little Dunmow, CM6 3FD. Please remember to include all of the above information in the body of your email with the name of the item you want to win as the subject. Competition winners from our spring issue can be found on the website: www.kidaround.biz PLEASE NOTE: Some prizes may need to be collected from one of the KidAround offices.

12 • Summer 2014 • South Essex • www.kidaround.biz 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Schools Out

Theatricool

Theatricool provides professional training in all aspects of performing arts for students aged 4-16 years in Colchester and surrounding areas. Based at Colchester Institute’s state of the art dance and drama studios, students benefit from the excellent purpose-built facilities.

Theatricool is all about having fun and building confidence whilst learning theatrical skills. A high ratio of tutors to students allows Theatricool to identify and nurture natural talent and ensure all students have a chance to shine.

All class leaders are enhanced DBS (CRB) checked and qualified to BA (Hons) level and/or are qualified industry professionals.

Theatricool offer a free taster session so you can give it a try before you enrol! You can find out more about this and book online at www.theatricool.co.uk Theatricool Summer Schools As well as providing Saturday classes during term time, Theatricool summer schools (now in their 5th year) are proving to be a popular addition to the summer holiday activity calendar. An intensive week of drama, singing, dancing and acting with daily workshops is designed for each age group, with an end of week showcase performed to family and friends.

Theatricool Summer Schools offer: • High ratio of tutors to students • Enhanced DBD (CRB)-checked staff • Tutors are trained teachers and/or industry professionals • A great way to build confidence and make new friends!

Early booking is recommended (the last two years have sold out!)

Book online at www.theatricool.co.uk or email sally@theatricool.co.uk or telephone 07736 713909 14 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Schools Out

Have a Splash this Summer!

This summer there’s plenty of fun to be had in the pools for all the family at Leisure World Colchester.

Throughout the summer children can enjoy Aqua Fun and Aqua Splat sessions with giant inflatables and floats for lots of adventurous and aquatic excitement.

Aqua Fun and Aqua Splat sessions run from 2-4pm everyday (excluding Tuesday and Friday) and cost £3.10 for juniors and £4.30 for adults.

Of course don’t forget the family favourite Leisure Pool with its fantastic flumes, wild water rapids, paddling pools, bubbles and tipping buckets. You can even have a souvenir photograph taken!

If you fancy treating yourself to a little bit of ‘me time’ then why not have a relaxing swim in the Fitness Pool?

Learn a New Skill This summer there’ll also be the opportunity for you and your family to learn some new aquatic skills or improve your swimming with Leisure World’s summer aquatics programme.

Water Safety Session - Tuesday 29th July 10am-12pm Learn how to have fun and be safe around water. Children do interesting practical and theory sessions in how to spot danger, be safe and learn lifesaving skills. 7-16 yrs Spaces limited, please book in advance £3 Lessons-sessions run from Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 2nd August.

Wet & Wild - Monday 4th to Friday 8th August & Monday 11th to Friday 15th August. 9.15 to 10am Includes canoeing, snorkelling, life saving, water polo and diving. £25 for the week

5 lessons for £12.50 (£2.50 per lesson) taught by trainee ASA teachers.

Crash Courses - Monday 4th to Friday 8th August & Monday 11th to Friday 15th August, 9 to 9:30am or 9:30 to 10am

Stages 1 & 2 (30 minutes): 9am, 9:30am or 10am

Stage 1 & Stage 2 crash course

Stages 3, 4, 5, 6+ & adults (1 hour): 9am to 10am

These lessons are taught by Fully Qualified ASA Teachers £20

Something to do every day Everyday throughout the summer holidays at Leisure World children will be able to take part in a variety of activities such as trampolining, street dance, football, archery, crafts and much more. With so much choice children can enjoy a different activity each day and even try out a new sport or skill. Why not see if your young one is a future sporting star or record breaker?

It can be tough balancing work and keeping the young ones entertained which is why Leisure World also offers all day sessions to help take the pressure off working parents.

Leisure World Colchester offers Kids Camp for young people in school years 1 to 6 and Base Camp for young people in school years 7 to 11. These sessions offer a full day of supervised activities and even include lunch.

To receive Leisure World’s holiday programmes direct to your inbox sign up to Leisure World Extra at www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/register To find out more about any of the above and for contact details on how to book visit www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk or call 01206 282000.

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 15

Schools Out Perrywood Children’s Summer Gardening Club!

A great opportunity for children to learn, stimulate their senses, but above all, have some fun!

Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries will be holding their popular Children’s Gardening Club every Thursday (9.30am – 11am) during the school summer holidays.

Each session costs £7.50 per child, which includes something to take home every week. Book for one or more sessions, activities will be different each week.

Classes are suitable for 4-10 years olds.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

For more details: http://www.perrywood.co.uk/shop/events Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries, Kelvedon Road, Inworth, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 9SX

Little Kingfishers Play Centre

A great place to play for babies and children aged up to ten years. Have fun exploring the play frame and enjoying its great features with spiral, wavey and the race slide to ball canyon, ball swing and V net bridges plus much much more. For younger babies there is a baby area which has interactive and sensory soft play. There’s plenty to keep your young ones entertained whilst you enjoy a cuppa and tasty treat in the large café seating area.

Go along and enjoy one of their money saving special offers such as; ‘Tear around and Tea’ which is available after school from 3pm and includes play and a children’s meal for just £5!

For all offers and opening times please visit www.littlekingfishers.co.uk or why not ‘Like’ them on Facebook to get up to date information along with special offers?

Let’s Party Make your child’s next birthday the most memorable yet! Enjoy 90 minutes playing in the fabulous four tiered play frame and then tuck into a tasty birthday tea in one of the party rooms afterwards. You will have a party host to meet, greet and ensure your party runs smoothly. Your party will have an appearance from the centre’s mascot, Swoop and the birthday child will receive a free month’s membership after the party to relive the great fun they had! From £8.95pp. Ultimate party add-ons are available for a little extra. Be a real VIP with exclusive private hire for all your friends and family to celebrate in style from £165 for 2 hours hire.

To book please visit www.littlekingfishers.co.uk or call 01787 375656.

Other party options include splash parties and private hire pool parties for great splashing fun! www.ssleisure.co.uk 01787 375656

East Bergholt Sports Centre

East Bergholt Sports Centre and High School have opened a 3G Floodlit Astro-turf; transforming PE for High School pupils and providing more facilities for community use. Clubs will use it for training and there will be organised leagues, coaching and playing activities. It can also be used for training for rugby and athletics.

There is an indoor 4 court badminton hall, gymnasium hall (a bit bigger than a badminton court), fitness studio, power plate room, tennis/hard courts and grass pitches. They also provide exercise classes, children’s birthday parties and coaching.

Checkout our holiday activities at www.eastbergholtsportscentre.co.uk or for more information call 01206 299340.

16 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Schools Out

Stagecoach Summer Workshops

Join Stagecoach Braintree, Colchester, Sudbury & Saffron Walden this summer for a packed, fun-filled week of acting, singing and dancing.

•

Braintree (Julie Berridge) 01376 743788

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Colchester (Caroline Maxwell) 0845 603 0880

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Saffron Walden (Laura Blackmore) 01799 588246

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Sudbury, Great Cornard (Katie Cole) 01473 601078 or via: www.stagecoach.co.uk/holiday-camps

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 17

Schools Out Summer Solutions

Summer Solutions is a holiday club programme which offers parents reliable and affordable childcare. They are based at Clacton County High School and therefore have access to all the fantastic facilities based at the school. Each programme they offer aims not only to give you peace of mind about childcare, but to provide your child with a 100% fun, and engaging educational experience for ages 8-13. All staff are qualified and experienced in Physical Education and are all DBS certified (CRB).

They are offering two entirely different programmes developed to ensure that your children have a great time but are also learning new skills and enhancing their existing ones.

Summer Solutions Active is an activity day camp which will provide both individual and team activities for all ability levels. Activities range from water polo to indoor rock climbing to football and these are just a few of the wide ranging sports on offer. Children will develop new skills in new sports, socialise and engage with new friends. Most importantly all will get the benefit of exercise and be left with a positive memorable experience of active entertainment. Rain or shine they will ensure that the children get the most out of their time.

Summer Solutions Dance Company is an intensive dance club providing pupils with the chance to learn different dances ranging from ‘Contemporary’ to ‘Street’. The children’s hard work and efforts will be celebrated at the end of the week by showcasing a performance in an evening show spectacular which parents will be invited to.

For any more information please call Nick Dawson on 07929 375436 Email at summer-solutions@hotmail.co.uk Visit their website at www.Summer-Solutions.Weebly.com

18 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Constellations

Multi-award winning international company Aracaladanza consistently delights audiences throughout Europe with their extraordinarily magical dance theatre made especially for children and families.

In Constellations, choreographer Enrique Cabrera has taken the work of Spanish abstract artist Joan Miró as his starting point and repeatedly fills his imaginary blank canvas with vivid colours, shape and movement. Wonderful dance, ingenious puppetry, and terrific digital visuals are delivered with the trademark playfulness, creativity and style which mark this company out as one of the most accessible, and one of the best.

MOKO Dance is offering FREE family activities inspired by the performance of Constellations and the world of abstract artist Joan Miró.

Go along and join them before or after the performance of Constellations in MOKO’s Artists Quarter and help create an art installation inspired by the amazing Spanish painter Joan Miró or paint your own Miró-inspired masterpiece, to be displayed in the foyer gallery and MOKO Dance website.

This activity is free and open to all fun and art-loving people and it’s suitable for children 4+ and grown-ups alike. Children must be accompanied by parents/guardians at all times. No booking required.

Should you wish to get acquainted with Miro’s work prior to your visit, please go to the MOKO Dance website www.mokodance.com where you can find information and links leading to websites featuring some of Joan Miró’s work.

See page 27 for full show information or visit their website:www.danceeast.co.uk

Schools Out

Theatretrain Having finished off our 20th Anniversary with 3,500 pupils participating in an extravaganza show at London’s O2 to an audience of 8,000, it is rather good to be performing locally in May. All students perform regularly in the West End including The London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall in shows specially created for them by Theatretrain director Kevin Dowsett and musical Director Robert Hyman.

Both centres are booked to do a Christmas show in a London venue at the end of the year.

We provide performing arts tuition to children aged 6 to 18 on a Saturday morning from 10am till 1pm. All our teachers are young and enthusiastic and we aim to provide our students with the self confidence to face any challenge.

To find out more of what Theatretrain could offer your child contact Maggie on 01787 473150 or visit www.theatretrain.co.uk All abilities welcome, no audition necessary.

Summer Holiday Camps At Felsted Felsted School is once again hosting a number of fun camps for children this summer holiday. New for 2014 is a netball camp, plus multi activity, swimming, football and hockey camps will also be running for children aged 4 to 14.

This summer will see the introduction of Felsted’s first netball camp, which will be delivered by Braintree Youth Netball Club Coaches, who have experience of developing satellite and county/regional players with England Netball Excel Academies. An excellent opportunity for your child to learn and improve their netball ability through fun games, fitness and skills. There will be two camps, one for children aged 7-9 years and a more advanced camp for children aged 10+.

Hockey and football Camps return by popular demand for both girls and boys, along with our successful swim school. Children come on leaps and bounds in dedicated sessions, from complete beginners through to improvers and those wanting to learn to dive.

Fledglings and Falcons is an extremely popular multi-activity day and weekly camp which runs for three weeks during August.

Activities include swimming, tennis, ball games, drama, arts and crafts, music, science, ICT, cookery and more.

Full dates, details and prices can be found at www.felsted.org/courses or by contacting Sally Burns, Courses Officer on 01371 822634 or courses@felsted.org.

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 19

Schools Out

Barracudas

Giving every child such an amazing experience they can’t wait to go back!

• The UK’s favourite Activity Day Camp • OFSTED registered - unbeatable ‘Outstanding’ • 80+ FUN & EXCITING activities • 4½ - 16 years • Flexible hours: 8 am to 6 pm • Experienced, qualified & caring staff • EXCELLENT value for money Barracudas offer activity day camps for childrenduring the summer holidays.

They have been running the UK’s favourite activity day camps for 23 years now! With a fantastic, experienced team they make sure your children are always having a brilliant time. Your child can try new activities, make new friends and develop new skills!

Barracudas have got your childcare covered with Ofsted registered sites, giving parents peace of mind whilst ensuring maximum FUN for kids. Their wide range of activities include archery, motor sports, fencing, arts, dance and varied sports, to name but a few! They also have fantastic roaming activities including the climbing wall, giant inflatable assault course and the criss-cross collision zorbing course. With flexible hours between 8:00am & 6:00pm, it truly is the ultimate kid’s day camp and great value for money.

So where are your nearest camps…?

21st July – 22nd August 2014

28th July – 22nd August 2014

Bishop’s Stortford College, Bishop’s Stortford

Chelmsford County High School, Chelmsford

Chigwell School, Chigwell Hutton Manor School, Hutton

Coopers’ Co. & Coborn School, Upminster

28th July – 22nd August 2014

Woodford County High School, Woodford

Brentwood County High School, Brentwood

Barracudas’ popular camps sell out fast. To secure your child’s place call 0845 123 5299 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk

20 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Fun For Kids home from home

Offering childcare for the whole family, throughout the year in a home setting.

Children meet and have fun with others in a safe and comfortable environment.

Qualified, caring staff, meeting individual interests. High adult / child ratio.

School holiday care to include clay modelling/ cooking school / gardening/ wii gaming /arts and crafts/outings/ heuristic play.

Term time early years education follows eyfs. Work with parent to provide activities to meet individual needs / interests. All the above activities and many more.

Healthy snacks provided/ hot meals available {at small extra cost} or bring packed lunch. Hourly fee rates (minimum fee applies) varied fee structures to meet family requirements.

For more information 01255 830007 or 07791 171704

Schools Out

Play & Eat At Playgolf Colchester Theatre Fun Academy

Established in 1999, Theatre Fun Academy run highly successful, affordable performance workshops for 4–18 year olds.

With weekly classes and lots of performance opportunities, they help channel a child’s natural creativity.

For children from 4 years, ‘Beginners Drama’ encourages self-expression and imagination and is the perfect preparation for Theatre Fun’s Musical Theatre Academy which children can join shortly before their seventh birthday. There are seven separate Musical Theatre classes each Saturday, catering for all ages up to 18 years and scholarships are available for talented students over 14 yrs. Based at St. Mary’s Senior School, Lexden Road, Colchester, students study singing, dancing and acting with dedicated professionally trained tutors Theatre Fun also offer ‘Ballet For Fun’ clubs on Mondays in a beautiful dance studio at St. Mary’s Lower School, Stanway. Ballet For Fun is an unpressured way of enjoying ballet, perfect for little ones from age 4 years, who love to dress up & dance.

Theatre Fun also run highly recommended school holiday workshops and an excellent ‘In Schools’ programme working in partnership with local schools in both the state and private sector.

To register for any of Theatre Fun’s courses or for more information about class times, fees or private coaching visit www.theatrefun.co.uk or contact: theatrefun@hotmail.co.uk 07715 324267

As well as Junior Golf Camps at Playgolf Colchester, they also offer great food at The Kitchen Club Restaurant which is a brand new restaurant at Playgolf Colchester, Bakers Lane, Colchester. Parents have been taking full advantage of the restaurant’s child-friendly relaxed atmosphere where there is plenty of free parking for customers..

You do not have to be a golfer to enjoy the restaurant’s bistro-style menu which is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with their wood burning pizza oven, ensures their freshly made pizzas are out of this world.

The Kitchen Club Restaurant combines a modern and tranquil feel giving you the perfect place to enjoy a catch up with friends, family and work colleagues.

The restaurant boasts an al fresco eating area to the front, and typical dishes include club sandwiches, antipasti platters, burgers, salads and of course their delicious pizzas. The Specials board adds some great alternatives which, with their Sunday roasts, means there is something for everyone at The Kitchen Club Colchester. All food is made freshly on the premises, using locally-sourced produce where possible.

They have two children’s menu’s, (babes and juniors) as they know they need different options and portion sizes - and with dishes such as breaded free-range chicken fillets, chips and beans and homemade pasta, the menu is loved by kids and parents alike. Plus, kids receive free ice cream when choosing from the kids menu. The great advantage about the restaurant is that it overlooks the driving range so kids can go and hit a few balls while they wait for their dinner (50 balls only £3.75), while parents watch them from their table in the restaurant.

For more information about The Kitchen Club, visit www.thekitchenclub.co.uk or call 01206 843333.

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 21

Tutors A guide to Tutors in your area Heathcote Tutors

11+, entrance exam and maths tuition Roger Ashford 01206 272789 www.11plusessex.co.uk 11+ Eng Mat SAT

Kumon

BRAINTREE

Ace Tuition

Tuition for 5-16 year olds. Professional and experienced teachers in English and Maths. 11 Plus, GCSE and SATs preparation. Daytime tuition also available. 01206 570700 acetuition@hotmail.co.uk 11+Eng Mat SAT Sci SEN

Kumon

Drop-in. Tuesdays 4.30pm-6.30pm, Saturdays 10am-12pm. Braintree Study Centre, St. Paul’s Parsonage.

Mrs Kunjan Pandya 01376 339009 Eng Mat

CHelmsford

Ace Tuition

Tuition for 5-16 year olds. Professional and experienced teachers in English and Maths. Daytime classes available for home-schooled students.

Iain McKenzie 07780 506615 acetuition@hotmail.co.uk 11+Eng Mat SAT Sci SEN

CLACTON

Ace Tuition

Tuition for 5-16 year olds. Professional and experienced teachers in English and Maths. 11 Plus, GCSE and SATs preparation. Daytime tuition also available. 73a Station Road.

Iain McKenzie 01255 688896 acetuition@hotmail.co.uk 11+ Eng Lan Mat SAT Sci SEN

COLCHESTER

Ace Tuition

Tuition for 5-16 year olds. Professional and experienced teachers in English and Maths. Daytime classes available for home-schooled students. Unit 3, Tollgate East, Stanway CO3 8RQ. Iain McKenzie 01206 538403 acetuition@hotmail.co.uk Eng ICT Lan Mat SAT Sci SEN

Anna Spurgeon BA Hons. PGCE

11+ tuition. Very high pass rate. Small group sessions. Twelve years 11+ experience. Call Anna on 01206 738239/ 07500 339181 11+

Colchester Tutors

Excellent results achieved in 11+, Maths, English, reading, catch-up, SATs and GCSE preparation.Individual and group lessons available. 1st group lesson free. Kate Zepeda M.A., M.Sc, 07952 645185 katezepeda@gmail.com 11+ Eng Mat SAT Sci SEN

First Class Learning

Tuition for children aged from 6-16 years in English, Maths and Science.

Mason Rd (behind The Range), Lorraine McKenzie 01206 570700 colchester@firstclasslearning.co.uk

Drop-in sessions Tues, Weds, Fri 3:30pm-6:30pm, Thurs 3:30pm7:30pm and Sat 9:30am-12:30pm at Kumon Colchester North Study Centre, Highwoods Square, CO4 9SW. Ms Elaine Plumb. 01206 615458 www.kumon.co.uk/colchester-north Eng Mat

Magikats Colchester

English and Maths tuition from ages 4 to 16. Interactive workshops on Weds & Fri 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

Extension, consolidation and remedial programmes. Boosts confidence and subject skills. 01206 513490 www.magikats.co.uk

SCHOOLSERVE Educational Consultancy

Schoolserve offers a range of personalised education, coaching and tutoring classes.

Individual attention specifically devised to meet the needs of modern students.

The Centre prepares students for the 11+ entrance examination, GCSE and SATs on a one-to-one basis.

Their tutoring classes are based in Witham, Essex and can be conducted in focused groups or on a one-to-one basis and cover a range of UK curriculum subjects and qualifications. Special needs, home schooling and adult learners are all welcome.

Schoolserve can offer certificated courses and examinations at Levels one, two and three.

Make an appointment for a free consultation and assessment at The Centre by calling 01376 502561 www.schoolserve.info

11+ Eng Mat SAT SEN

Theatre Fun Academy

Audition coaching for children applying for independent school performance scholarships or stage school auditions.

Contact 07715 324267 theatrefun@hotmail.co.uk www.theatrefun.co.uk

ESSEX

Fleet Tutors

Private tuition in your own home by qualified, experienced, CRB-checked tutors. Call 0845 6445452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

11+ Eng ICT Lan Mus Mat SAT Sci SEN

HARLOW

Kumon

Drop-in sessions Mondays and Wednesdays 4pm-6pm at Harlow Study Centre, St John’s Arts and Recreation Centre, St John’s Walk.

Mrs Chizuru Cheung 01279 423345 Eng Mat

HARwich

Ace Tuition

Community Centre, Barrack Lane.

Iain McKenzie 01255 688896 acetuition@hotmail.co.uk Eng Lan Mat Sci

MALDON

Rollett-Ed Private Tuition

Experienced Primary and Special Needs teacher available for 1:1 tuition for students aged 5 – 13 years.

Cassandra Rollett-Reed 07592 829596 www.rollett-ed.co.uk Eng SEN

Witham

SchoolServe

Educational consultancy offering individual tuition at centre or home by registered teachers.

01376 502561 or 07751 074616 or 01621 858636 www.schoolserve.info

11+ Eng ICT Lan Mat SAT Sci SEN

11+ Eng Mat

11+ 11 plus ENG English ICT Computing LAN Languages MAT Mathematics MUS Music SAT SATs SCI Science SEN Special Educational Needs

22 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Fleet Tutors: Summer Revision Courses Boost your 11+, GCSE or A-Level results with intensive, small group courses in various subjects. Students experience fast-paced and focused progress with the vast majority achieving an increase of at least 1 grade.

Learners share the invaluable resource of an expert subject tutor and the benefit of having questions answered immediately, yet course fees are considerably less than most one-to-one sessions.

For further information telephone 0845 644 5452 or visit the website www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Tutors Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential with Ace Tuition Centres Ace Tuition Centres offer a unique and well-proven method of tuition. If your child needs support in Maths or English Ace Tuition can help. Members of the Association of Professional Tuition Centres with over 35 centres in the UK, they have a reputation for delivering quality tuition at affordable prices. We cover all of North Essex from Chelmsford to Clacton.

Students attend a centre where they are assessed. This presents a picture of their present skill level and allows Ace Tuition to target areas where support is needed. All centres cater for a spectrum of abilities and ages from 6 – 16 years. Some are high achievers who need to be stretched further, whilst others simply need encouragement and support to achieve their full learning potential. Centres are located in Colchester at Mason Road (by The Range) and Tollgate East Stanway (opposite Homebase), Station Rd Clacton and a new centre in Harwich.

Sessions normally last 80 minutes which gives time for six different enjoyable activities in English and Maths. Every student follows their own individual study plan using worksheets, textbooks and software materials. The tutor is available to guide them through it. Homework is then set for completion before the next lesson.

Your child will enjoy learning with Ace Tuition, who use a variety of teaching methods to maximise the child’s learning potential. The child can work at their own pace to progress. As they achieve and succeed in reaching their learning goals their confidence will grow. Older students study with specialist teachers in English, Maths and Science.

Other improvements mean we can offer individual 1:1 tuition or home tuition. We also provide facilities to study from home which starts from £7 per week and can be combined with lessons taught at a centre if desired.

Parents get weekly reports with guidance for improvement.

For more information or to arrange a free assessment call 01206 538403 or 01255 688896. Quote Admay and get 20% off the first month’s fees.

Enjoy the benefits of summer study and beyond with Kumon Summer holidays are often jam-packed with energetic activities for children including bike riding, dancing, football and trips to the beach. But it is just as important to keep their minds active over the holidays as well as their bodies. Having long breaks from study means children can sometimes require extra support to get back into the routine of daily study and they may be out of practice when the new school year comes around.

Ensuring they continue educational activities throughout can mean they are confident, equipped and ready to tackle new work when they go back to school.

Established for over 50 years, daily study of the Kumon Maths and English Programmes can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the brain active between school terms, as well as throughout the year. As a new school year approaches, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with the core subjects of maths and English, as well as the vital learning skills which can take students beyond their school level.

Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent learning skills, rather than teaching in the conventional sense. Your child will therefore be equipped with the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others.

The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity for your child to settle into their new routine of daily Kumon study, before getting off to a flying start in the new school year.

There are numerous Kumon study centres located across North Essex.

For more information and to find your local centre, call 0800 854 714 or visit www.Kumon.co.uk

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 23

Tutors Success in September Starts in the Summer

The summer season is upon us! A time for exams/tests, school trips, end of year performances, summer fairs, sports days and holidays. Is it any wonder that by September, at the start of a new school year or even a new school, many pupils will need a few months to work back to the stage that they had reached just after Easter? Magikats’ students are different! With all year round workshops the students are able to maintain their standard and in most cases move forward during the summer months. They begin the new school year feeling confident and secure in their knowledge.

Magikats study workshops run on Tuesday and Wednesday (4pm to 6pm) at Kingsland Church, London Road, Colchester. The 11+ revision program is now underway.

Call 01206 513490 for further details or visit www.magikats.co.uk

Anna Spurgeon 11+ Tuition BA HONS. PGCE. Anna Spurgeon is a fully-qualified and experienced teacher.

She has been tutoring solely for the 11+ for thirteen years with an exceptionally high pass rate. She offers small group sessions where a thorough approach to the examination is delivered in a systematic way.

Anna Spurgeon’s lessons are highly-motivating and inspirational. The children gain in academic confidence, thriving in the energetic and positive teaching style utilised. They enjoy studying English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, nonverbal reasoning and creative writing, preparing them not just for the examination at the end but for a love of learning for life.

Anna’s small groups offer a systematic and thorough approach to the 11+ curriculum delivered in an inspiring way, resulting in exceptional pass rates.

Anna also offers assessments for 11+.

For more information call 01206 738239 or 07500 339181

24 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Goodbye Battles, Hello Happy Families...

After going to an EXTRA course, this is what parents have said: •

‘I am a calmer, happier parent. My relationship with my daughter is now what I’ve always wished it would be.’

•

‘I love being with my babies and no longer feel exhausted with parenting.’

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‘Better, calmer house – less arguments over behaviour.’

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‘No more shouting. My house is more peaceful.’

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‘My daughter is a lot more open with me as I’ve learnt to speak rather than shout.’

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‘There is a lot less atmosphere in the home; it’s a much calmer environment.’

For details and to book places visit www.extrasupportforfamilies.co.uk or call 01255 475001 Find EXTRA on Twitter and Facebook

Heathcote Tutors

As one of the best known tutors in the area, Roger Ashford of Heathcote Tutors has an enviable reputation for success-fully preparing students for the 11+. The past 12 years have seen an average, overall success rate of over 70%, - with 16 Heathcote students gaining Grammar school places for 2014 entry.

Heathcote Tutors students benefit from a friendly, focussed approach to learning which has constantly evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the entry requirements to both Selective and Independent schools.

For further details, or to book tuition, contact Roger Ashford on 01206 272789 or find more information on both 11+ and pre-11+ tuition at www.11plusessex.co.uk

Education

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 25

Theatre Listings 7th June

15th Aug

The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! Age: 6yrs+.

2pm. £7.50. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

The nation’s favourite pirate adventure novel is brought to life with a lively modern twist. 12pm/3.30pm. Various prices. West Cliff Theatre 01255 433344

Comedy Club 4 Kids

21st & 22nd June Rhythm

New Hall School presents a show with multiple dance styles. Various times. £12. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

28th June

BRAINTREE 15th June

Emily Brown and The Thing

Tall Stories present their brand new show. 2.30pm. Various prices. Braintree Arts Theatre 01376 556354

BURY ST EDMUNDS 12th & 13th June Pinocchio

Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure – to find some fun! Various times/prices.

Theatre Royal 01284 769505

22nd & 23rd June

Emily Brown and The Thing

One evening, Emily and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside their window. They set off on incredible adventures to find the Thing’s cuddly. Age: 3yrs+. Various times/prices.

Theatre Royal 01284 769505

4th – 6th July

Aliens Love Underpants

With stunning effects and original music, this fresh and funny production will delight the whole family. Age: 3yrs+.

Various times/prices. Theatre Royal 01284 769505

CHELMSFORD 3rd & 4th June

What The Ladybird Heard

Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks, with live music and puppetry. Age: 3yrs+. Various times. £11. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

Pop! A Magical Comedy Show

Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin in this mindblowing feast of illusion, comedy and a massive balloon! Age: 3 – 8 yrs.

11.30am/2.30pm. £7.50. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

28th July - 1st Aug Frozen

Musical Theatre Summer School, Essex Dance Theatre, Great Baddow. Age: 6yrs+. www.essexdancetheatre.co.uk 01245 476 335

4th – 8th Aug Grease

Musical Theatre Summer School, Essex Dance Theatre, Great Baddow. Age: 6yrs+. www.essexdancetheatre.co.uk 01245 476 335

11th – 15th Aug Lion King

Musical Theatre Summer School, Essex Dance Theatre, Great Baddow. Age: 6yrs+. www.essexdancetheatre.co.uk 01245 476 335

CLACTON 30th July

Hugless Douglas

Join Hugless Douglas in his search for the perfect hug. Age: 3-7yrs. 2pm. £11.50/£9.50. West Cliff Theatre 01255 433344

6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th Aug

Clacton Summer Variety Special Family show, with a leading cast of entertainers from stage, radio and television. Various times/prices.

West Cliff Theatre 01255 433344

Treasure Island

15th Aug

Milkshake Live!

Starring some of the Milkshake favourites, this is a brand new musical spectacular. 2pm. Various prices. Princes Theatre 0843 208 0628

COLCHESTER 7th June

Return to Shell Island

A unique family theatrical experience, visiting the island where characters from Shakespeare’s The Tempest are trying to save the world. Age: 5yrs+. 11am/3pm. £5. Book through Colchester Arts Centre 01206 500900

13th – 28th June

You Can Always Hand Them Back

This musical comedy is specially for mums, dads, and grandparents!

A heart-warming, laugh-out-loud celebration of the heroes of any family, giving grandparents the chance to show their kids what it’s really like - and for parents to see what they’ve got in store!

Various times/prices. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

14th June

Spectacular Musicals

Over 100 children from Theatre Fun Academy perform fantastic songs from amazing musicals. Ideal for families.

6pm Tickets £5 child / £10 adult Charter Hall 01206 282020

21st June

James Campbell’s Comedy for Kids A show which might or might not discuss scooters, Scottish country dancing and what we’ll do with all these gregarious giraffes. Age: 6yrs+. 2pm. £7. Arts Theatre 01206 500900

28th June

Robin Hood

Robin Hood

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company’s open air production, with intriguing plots, adventure and the fight for good against evil. 4.30pm. Dedham Vale Vineyard, CO4 5TS. 01206 366000

12th & 13th July Robin Hood

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company’s open air production, with intriguing plots, adventure and the fight for good against evil. 6.30pm (Sat), 5pm (Sun).

Minories’ Garden, 74 High St, CO1 1UE. 01206 366000

10th Aug

The Tempest

Professional company ‘The Pantaloons’ will be performing with the Colne as a backdrop. Bring a seat and picnic. Doors open 6pm, performance 7pm. £12/£8.

Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre CO5 7DN 01206 729678 www.essexwt.org.uk

29th Aug – 13th (Sept) Friend or Foe

A thrilling tale of extraordinary friendship from master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, set during the Second World War. Age: 7yrs+. Various times/prices. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

HALSTEAD 19th & 20th July

Much Ado About Nothing

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company’s open air production, with intriguing plots, adventure and the fight for good against evil. 3.30pm. Various prices.

White Colne Meadows, CO6.

01206 366000

Open air theatre setting of Shakespeare’s Globe production. Bring a blanket or chair. Doors open 6pm, performance starts 7pm. Adults £17.50, Children & Concessions £12. Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ. 01787 460261 www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

29th June

27th July

Robin Hood

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company’s open air production, with intriguing plots, adventure and the fight for good against evil. 4pm. Various prices. Beth Chatto Gardens, CO7 7DB. 01206 366000

5th July

Robin Hood

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company’s open air production, with intriguing plots, adventure and the fight for good against evil. 5pm. Various prices. The Whalebone Inn, CO5 7BG. 01206 366000

26 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

6th July

A History of Britain

A breathless race through centuries in this delightfully inventive open air show, packed with songs, sketches and silliness. Suitable all ages. 6pm (go early to join in with workshops and meet the cast). £14/£10/£40 Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ. 01787 460261 www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

3rd Aug

The Jungle Book

Animal characters are brought to life to create an enchanting open air musical show. Suitable all ages. 6pm (come early to join in with workshops and a chance to meet the cast). Adults £14, Children & Concessions £10, Families £40.

Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ. 01787 460261 www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

10th Aug

Treasure Island

Stevenson’s classic tale brought magically to life in the open air. 6pm (come early to join in with workshops and a chance to meet the cast.) Adults £14, Children & Concessions £10, Families £40. Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ. 01787 460261 www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

17th Aug

The Three Musketeers

Meet Athos, Porthos and Aramis, who join forces with D’Artagnan to foil the evil plans of the scheming Cardinal Richelieu. 6pm (go early to join in with workshops.). £40/£14/£10 Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ. 01787 460261 www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

HARLOW 1st June

HERTFORD 28th June

Dotty the Dragon

Dotty lives at the top of a mountain with her grumpy dad. One day she decides to pay the children in the village below a surprise visit. Age: 3-7yrs.

11.30am/2.30pm. £12. Hertford Theatre 01992 531500

IPSWICH 2nd June Blast Off!

The Noisy Animals are the biggest band in the world, and they’re about to blast off into outer space on an adventure round a rock ‘n’ roll musical universe.

1pm. New Wolsey Theatre 01473 295900

2nd June

Pirate and Parrot

It’s party time in Cuddlestown Park.

But wait... the guest of honour’s gone missing? Can you help the Banana Detectives solve the case? 1pm/3.30pm.

Various prices. Harlow Playhouse 01279 431945

The world’s smallest pirate meets the world’s biggest parrot. Workshop after the show aimed at parents, carers and children that explores the concept that everyone is different. 3pm (workshop at 4.10pm). New Wolsey Theatre 01473 295900

24th June

2nd June

A youth and community showcase comprising a variety of groups, dance styles, ages and abilities. 7.30pm. £10/£7. The Playhouse Theatre CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 www.playhouseharlow.com

The smash hit drama about big lies and small truths. Age: 10yrs+. 6pm. New Wolsey Studio 01473 295900

Bananas in Pyjamas

eNgage 2014

Titus

Theatre Listings

LONDON

27th – 29th June Scooby Doo

Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid. Various times/ prices. Regent Theatre 01473 433100

27th and 28th June Constellations

Wonderful dance, ingenious puppetry and terrific digital visuals are part of this extraordinarily magical dance theatre.

Age: 4yrs+. Various times. £10/£7.

Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, IP4 1DW. 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

5th – 22nd June 1001 Nights

1001 Nights collects together some of the greatest folk tales ever told, reimagined by a young girl, Shahrazad.

Age:7yrs+. Various times. £16/£10.

Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560

7th – 29th June

The Summer Book

The story of Sophia and her grandmother, who spend the summer on a remote island in Finland. Age: 6yrs+. Various times. £16/£10. Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560

2nd – 4th July

12th June – 16th Aug

This exciting performance provides the opportunity for young people and children to showcase their skills in dance. 5.30pm. £7/£5. Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, IP4 1DW. 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

Breathtaking puppetry, live music and humour bring Tove Jansson’s muchloved Moomins to life on stage. Age: 4-8yrs. Various times/prices. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon 020 8543 4888

26th July

West End Live

Moominsummer Madness

Suffolk Schools Jam!

End of Year Show

Students from DanceEast Centre perform together in a mixed bill of original works. 4.30pm/7.30pm. £7, £5.

Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, IP4 1DW. 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

21st & 22nd June Showcase performances from West End musicals, live bands, and interactive exhibits from museums and galleries.

Trafalgar Square, London. www.westendlive.co.uk

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 27

Family Fun At The Minories The Minories, Colchester’s oldest professional art gallery, now managed

by Colchester School of Art, has gallery spaces, a unique shop selling wonderful artist made gifts, cards, ceramics, artwork and prints, a wonderful Garden Café and of course a beautiful ‘secret garden’ where a wide range of events and activities are staged throughout the summer.

This summer’s outdoor theatre programme at The Minories includes a new version of ‘Robin Hood – Spirit of Sherwood’, a quirky fun version of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ and a wonderful family production of ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’.

For more information and to book tickets Tel 01206 712437 or go online to www.TheMinories.org.uk or www.essex-live.co.uk

Stay Play ExploreTM adventures in Leicestershire from £109

Choose a fantastic family short break, offering savings of up to 66%, and enjoy an overnight stay at a 4 star hotel with leisure facilities and entry to popular attractions and family experiences around Leicestershire.

Especially for the summer season, the thrill and adventure of theme parks awaits your family.

The Theme Parks Adventure short break includes a family ticket to Drayton Manor Theme Park plus one other: Twinlakes or Wheelgate. Relax in a 4 star family friendly hotel for one night with breakfast (Burleigh Court) for only £159*. Offer expires 2 November 2014.

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Drayton Manor Theme Park - one of the UK’s most popular theme parks (featuring Thomas Land and an open-plan zoo)

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Twinlakes Family Theme Park - 100 acres of attractions (including the UK’s largest indoor Aventure Centre and the ‘Wet and Wild’ water-splash play park)

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Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Park - the ultimate all-weather adventure on the edge of Sherwood Forest.

Stay Play Explore also offers the original Family Fun 4 star break with a choice of 3 out of 5 world-class attractions (National Space Centre, Twycross Zoo, Conkers, Snibston, Twinlakes Park) and a Family Adventure break offering 3 out of 5 activities (from cycle hire to tobogganing, bush craft, bowling and outdoor pursuits) for just £109 per family of four*. These breaks expire on 31 December 2014.

Offers are brought to you by Leicester Shire Promotions.

Call 0844 888 5151 or see www.stayplayexplore.co.uk *2 adults and 2 children up to 16 years. Additional child tickets are available.

28 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Great Days Out

Museum of Childhood

The Essex Sunshine Coast – Tendring Coast and Countryside

Throughout the season the district plays host to a varied programme of events.

This year kicked off with The Easter Animals Roadshow on Clacton Town Square closely followed in May by the Tour de Tendring in Harwich. In May the district proudly welcomed the Women’s Tour Cycle Race. This was a wonderful opportunity to see the world’s top female riders competing in this new international cycle race both at Clacton and Harwich.

If you missed these events there are many more great events to see: June - The Theatre on the Greensward in Frinton returns for the third year and is becoming a very popular event in the district’s calendar.

July - Tendring Hundred Show is one for all and not to be missed August - Clacton’s award-winning Airshow. See some fantastic displays and stunts in the sky Throughout the Summer Months - A variety of other family events from carnivals to town fetes throughout the district (see their website for dates & times) Accommodation ranges from holiday parks, bed and breakfasts to boutique and luxury hotels where prices remain competitive.

Easy links by road, train, coach, ferry and plane, and the centre of London only an hour or so away, makes it an easily accessible destination. You can park for free in many of our Council run car parks from 3pm to 8am.

For more information call Clacton Tourist Information Centre on 01255 686633 or log on to www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk or “Like us” at Essex Sunshine Coast on Facebook.

V&A Museum of Childhood holds the Victoria and Albert’s collection of childhood objects including: dolls’ houses, toys, puppets, games, nursery items and children’s clothing. The displays are laid out to appeal to all ages with hands-on areas for children aged nine and under. There are also staff-led activities throughout the day. The Museum is a short ride on the Central Line from either Liverpool Street or Stratford mainland stations.

Entry is free.

The summer exhibition Daydreams and Diaries, the Story of Jacqueline Wilson celebrates all things Jacqueline Wilson.

It gives visitors the chance to find out about her childhood, early career and what inspires her to write. This exhibition from Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books features original notebooks along with childhood toys, school reports and diaries. There are also extracts and illustrations from some of her best-loved books including The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Illustrated Mum and Hetty Feather. Find out about the inspiration behind them and hear how they have changed the lives of some of their readers. Visitors can explore a re-creation of Jacqueline’s childhood bedroom or make notes for their first novel on a chaise longue just like hers! Find out why Jacqueline loves writing books and what it’s like to work with wonderful illustrator Nick Sharratt.

Other temporary displays include ‘Hand Me Over Hand Me Downs’ showing 70 photographs of outfits and keepsakes from children who were adopted by UK families from China. ‘Toy Stories’ is a series of children’s portraits taken by photographer Gabriele Galimberti exploring the role and function of toys in the lives of children around the globe.

For a full list of events and activities visit their website at www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 29

Great Days Out Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village

Barleylands is bursting with free range family fun. With farmyard friends, animal activities and indoor and outdoor play, there’s so much to do! Bottle-feed animals, watch hilarious sheep races, see birds of prey in action, jump on a tractor & trailer ride and so much more. Look out for special events for Open Farm Sunday and Fathers Day in June, and discover Six Weeks of Summer Holiday Fun with a different theme every week including Ultimate Inflatables, Deadly Creatures and Crazy Entertainer Week!

Barleylands is at Barleylands Road, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 To save 20% or for further details visit www.barleylands.co.uk

Start your Summer Adventure at Marks Hall!

With over 200 acres of Gardens and Arboretum to explore, your little ones won’t be short of things to do this summer. With inspiring activities each week they can follow trails, tackle the play area and enjoy the new sandpit.

The Barn is open 10.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Sunday and is home to their Tea Room and Shop. They offer lunch from 12noon to 2.30pm including children’s lunches and a fantastic variety of delicious homemade treats and cakes.

For more information please visit their website www.markshall.org.uk to enjoy your summer at Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum.

30 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Audley End Minature Railway

Enjoy a 1.5 mile train ride through Estate Woodland and a magical visit to the Enchanted Fairy Walk at the Audley End Miniature Railway this summer.

Enjoy a picnic in the large Picnic and Play area or treat yourself to some locally sourced homemade food and drink from our Signal Box Café. Open every day from 12th July – 7th September.

Also join them for the 50th Anniversary celebrations on 14th & 15th June for a family fun-filled weekend including steam trains, live music, vintage tea tent, children’s entertainer, and much more!

Visit their website www.audley-end-railway.co.uk to find out more.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve Why not explore their 125 acre nature reserve using the Family Nature Trail? You can discover more about wildlife or even try orienteering, so it will be a hit with all your little adventurers; it’s a great value day out!

They’ve got an action packed programme of events for all ages, from pond dipping to bush craft and bat walks. Some holiday events you can drop children off and others you can enjoy as a family.

They have a Wild Evening Out on 1st August where you can find out all about night time on the reserve, and don’t miss the outdoor production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest by professional company The Pantaloons on 10th August!

For more information visit www.essexwt.org.uk or www.facebook.com/EWTFingringhoe

Great Days Out Summer at Hylands Estate

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot for a family picnic or a full day’s entertainment, the summer calendar at Hylands is bursting with ideas and events.

Boys Toys, Sunday 15 June. Father’s Day will never be the same again… … The biggest Father’s Day event in Essex returns to Hylands Park on June 15th 2014.

Taking centre stage there will not only be an Extreme Stunt Show running three different shows throughout the day featuring car crushing monster trucks, motorbike jumping and human fireballs, but there’s also an aerial display & LIVE landing on Hylands House lawn from the world’s only Spitfire MK XI and a Hawker Hurricane MK IIB aeroplane with original engines!

On top of that there areattractions and entertainment for the whole family including laser clay pigeon shooting, helicopter rides, live graffiti, free running displays, giant robots, hovercraft rides, climbing walls, inflatables, taxi photo booth, archery, skate ramps, car shows, and live music.

“We dare you to miss it!” Tickets from only £10. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/BoysToys Tuesday Toddle & Scrapbook Safari The Toddles are an opportunity for parents with pre-school children to enjoy a guided walk in the park and garden areas surrounding Hylands House’ whilst Scrapbook Safari offers primary school children a more challenging opportunity during school holidays. The walk is followed by a craft activity which takes place upstairs in the Stables Visitor Centre in the Richmond Room. Please see diary listings for dates.

Inflatable Park A fabulously bouncy park comes to Hylands this August. There will be a huge selection of inflatables for the kids to play on. Why not bring a picnic and relax whilst they burn off all that energy. Please see diary listings for dates For further information and more great events visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylandsforkids

Eat out with Family and Friends at Frankie & Benny’s this summer!

Frankie & Benny’s brings together the best of classic American and Italian food. An extensive menu includes delicious favourites such as chargrilled burgers, speciality pizzas, pastas and steaks from the grill; as well as house specials such as BBQ Ribs, New York Chicken, Lamb Shank and more. The instantly recognisable red neon sign and warm inviting interior will ease you into the Frankie & Benny’s experience before you can take your coat off. Combined with classic 50’s music, it’s a fun and friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy!

The restaurant offers great value at any time of the day! Enjoy breakfasts for £5 each, available every day until midday, or sample the Lunch menu Monday – Friday from 11am until 5pm, with over 25 delicious dishes at just £6.95 for 1 course, £9.45 for 2 courses or £10.95 for 3 courses. Plus the fantastic new Specials Menu is available all day from Sunday to Friday; a two-course meal is just £11.95, or top up to a full three course feast for an extra £2.50.

For kids up to the age of 11, Frankie & Benny’s have something for every taste, starting from just £4.25 for a main course, a dessert, refillable soft drink and fun activity pack with games and puzzles! Choices range from traditional Italian dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese and Margarita Pizza to favourites such as Hot Dogs and Fish & Chips. There’s also a selection of yummy desserts including Brownie Sundae and special Hot Chocolate Pancakes!

So loosen your tie, relax, settle into your booth seat and relish the wonderful feeling of a satisfied appetite any time of the day at your local Frankie & Benny’s! www.frankieandbennys.com

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 31

Great Day Out Enjoy a day out at Marsh Farm with the family

Melford Hall

Discover the stories behind this eclectic home.

It’s fair to say that Melford Hall has had its share of trials and tribulations, but it’s thanks to many generations, from medieval monks to the Hyde Parker family who still live here, that this home still stands.

Devastated by fire in 1942, Melford Hall was nurtured back to life by the Hyde Parker family and it remains their much loved family home to this day. It is their stories of family life at Melford– from visits by their cousin Beatrix Potter through to the visitors today, that make this house more than just bricks and mortar.

Around every corner there’s a new twist in the story – from Beatrix Potter sketches and the original Jemima Puddleduck toy, to collections of naval paintings and Chinese porcelain – everything tells a story and everyone has left their mark.

Enjoy a family day out by simply visiting the house and garden, relaxing on the sofas in the Great Hall, playing croquet on the lawn, enjoying afternoon tea in the Park room with wonderful views of the Estate or by taking part in one of their family focussed events.

For more information about what’s happening at Melford Hall, opening times and prices simply visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melfordhall or call 01787 379228 Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9AA

32 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park has acres of magical fun for everyone! This award-winning farm visitor attraction has a fun packed itinerary for all the family to enjoy a day out together. Meet all your farmyard favourites including sheep, pigs, cows, ponies and birds of prey.

Learn about the animals on the farm in one of the fun animal interactions, milking demonstration and Pesky Pet Show. Take a tractor and trailer ride through the surrounding country park, play crazy golf, have fun in the mini tractor town and the NEW maze. The kids will love all the play areas with extensive indoor play, bouncy pillows, outdoor adventure play, sand pit and inflatable slides too! You will be laughing your socks off at the Magic & Mayhem Show, watch the Birds of Prey Display and the Fun on the Farm Show too! All this fun and more is included in the entry price! The Play Barn Restaurant and Tearoom offer hot and cold menus. Finish the day with an ice-cream from the Beach Hut or Piggy Shop!

The farm has a variety of amazing events throughout the year. Peppa Pig will be at the farm on 28th & 29th June; come and see her at intervals throughout the day. The summer holidays will see super fun on the farm every day, the highlight being Kids Fest, a family festival on 8th, 9th & 10th August. Kids Fest is a magical day out, with top childrens characters, Mr Bloom, Mister Maker and more; vintage funfair rides, inflatable village, workshops and more.

For full information on this great day out and Kids Fest, visit www.marshfarm.co.uk email info@marshfarm.co.uk or call 08450 345 123.

Great Days Out

Essex Country Parks - enjoy the outdoors ‘Children should play outdoors more’ says Essex Country Parks survey

Eighty-six per cent of parents with children aged 18 or under agree that children should be playing outdoors more - says a survey commissioned by Essex Country Parks.

The results are another good reason for families to take a look at Essex Country Parks’ full diary of fun and well-organised outdoor events for the summer holidays.

Using the slogan ‘let their imagination run free’, the family-friendly trails and events are listed on the website www.visitparks.co.uk.

Highlights include Alice - The Musical at Cudmore Grove Country Park on Sunday 15th June at 5.30pm - for one evening only of fabulous family entertainment.

The outdoor staging of the children’s classic sees the Cambridge Touring Theatre Company performing at Cudmore Grove, East Mersea, for the second time, following last year’s popular production of Treasure Island.

There is a professionally run 45-minute children’s workshop beforehand at 4pm, full of games, singing, shouting and dancing. To make the evening extra fun, the audience is invited to come in Wonderland fancy dress.

Another event not to be missed is Seed 2 Eat at Danbury Country Park, which sees children taking along gardening gloves and a trowel to grow their own food on an allotment. Over the summer this monthly event takes place on 7th June, 5th July and 2nd August.

In addition, there are a number of opportunities to take along a picnic and join in with giant Garden Games in the beautiful grounds of Cressing Temple, on 23th, 24th, 30th and 31st July, and 6th, 20th August.

The Country Parks survey also revealed that 75 percent of parents with children aged 18 or under who agree that children should be playing outdoors more in their spare time also think children spend too much time on computer games, 69 percent think they don’t exercise enough, 65 percent think they spend too much time watching TV, 53 percent think they spend too much time on social media, and 7 percent stated “other reasons”.

County Councillor John Jowers, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Communities and Planning, said: “If parents agree that their children should be playing outdoors more, then it proves how essential it is for our Essex Country Parks to offer so many fun Easter events for all the family.”

ICM interviewed a random sample of 2000 adults aged 18+ in GB online between 19th-20th March 2014. The questions were only asked from respondents who have children aged 18 or under – 528 respondents. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.com For more information and a schedule of events please see their website www.visitparks.co.uk or call 0845 603 7624

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 33

Great Days Out Disco fun at firstsite this summer!

Join in at Dinky Disco and Club Dinky on Sunday 14 July in the Learning Spaces at firstsite. Each of these events feature proper DJ Stereofreakz, playing classic pop, rock, disco, hip hop and funk music from across the ages! There’s also a chill out zone and a full sensory experience featuring lights, colour, art and shapes to inspire you and your little one to move, dance and play together.

Sunday 8 June Dinky Disco for under 3s and their parents or carers, 2pm – 3pm Club Dinky for under 7s and their parents or carers, 3.30pm – 4.30pm £4 per child, £2 per adult, booking essential.

For more information call 01206 577067 or visit www.firstsite.uk.net

Outdoor theatre fun at Hedingham Castle this summer

This summer, Hedingham Castle is proud to announce a special season of outdoor theatre of special appeal to families. All the shows will be performed on the grass in front of the 900 year old Norman keep, a natural amphitheatre fringed with trees where it’s easy to banish the 21st Century.

Bring a picnic and a rug and enter a magical world of theatrical wonder.

The season begins with the Shakespeare Globe’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, a miracle of comic and dramatic suspense, and continues with the Pantaloons’ version of A History of Britain – hilariously comic history, as you won’t have been taught it. Chapterhouse Theatre returns with The Jungle Book, a musical, fun-filled show set in the mysterious Indian Jungle. A change of style, period, continent and history is next, with London Contemporary Theatre’s version of Treasure Island – Pirates!

And the swashbuckling theme continues with Boxtree’s Three Musketeers, en garde! Much Ado starts at 7pm and all the others are at 6pm. Go along early for the shows starting at 6pm to join in with workshops and a chance to meet the cast and really immerse yourself in the fun to follow. There will be a bar and limited refreshments, but do bring whatever you like. For all the productions except the Shakespeare plays, family tickets are available, and they define a family as being any car load of people as long as at least one child is with them. So take the grandparents and make a really great evening out! And if you’d like to visit the castle, a ticket to any production will admit you to the grounds throughout the day!

Full details are on our website www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk or call the office on 01787 460 261

Blake House Craft Centre

Wander around the fine variety of art and craft shops in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, where there really is something for everyone. From beautiful artwork to beaded bracelets, dolls houses to designer kids clothing and Gibson guitars to retro games, you can treat yourself or find the perfect gift.

Enjoy a bite to eat at Timbers Restaurant, let the kids use up some energy in the play area, take on family and friends with a game of crazy golf and during the summer, see if you can find your way through this year’s amazing maize maze challenge at The Original Great Maze!

Blake House Craft Centre, Blake End, Near Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

34 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Great Days Out Chelmsford Museum

Welcome to the Discovery Coast

Winding and weaving for over 360 miles along a lacy web of golden beaches, switchback creeks and ragged inlets, the beautiful Essex coastline is the longest of any English county, as well as one of the most diverse.

Best known perhaps are its fun-filled resorts like Clacton, Southend and Walton, with their gently-shelving sandy beaches and traditional piers packed with rides and amusements. But even here there are some surprises in store. Did you know for example that, at 1.34 miles, Southend’s pleasure pier is the longest in the world? Or that its beautifully-restored cliff railway is one of only a handful built to the unusual 4ft 6inch gauge format? Or that its seven miles of shoreline currently lay claim to seven seaside awards, making it one of the cleanest stretches of coast in the country?

Jostling for attention with its own famous pier as well as a quirky road train and dazzling floral displays, it may also surprise visitors that Clacton is the multiple winner of a coveted Blue Flag and prized for its watersports. Few visitors will also have heard of some of the county’s smaller gems such as historic Maldon, home to the iconic red-sailed Thames Sailing Barges that once ferried goods along the east coast to London.

Have you visited yet? In 2010 the museum opened a new building next to the Victorian House, which has doubled its size. The modern and spacious building fits beautifully into Oaklands Park.Car parking has been increased and is free. Entry to the museum also remains free. The Green Flag park has new playgrounds and tennis courts. The Museum has vending machines and a small shop.

Exhibitions in the new building include : •

Bright Sparks – a look at Chelmsford’s world-beating industries, including Marconi’s, Hoffmanns and Cromptons

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Hands-on interactives – find out what a radio wave is, how electricity works, and how Hoffmanns ball bearings defeated the force of friction

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The newly redisplayed Essex Regiment Museum

They also tell the story of the county town and district, from the Ice Ages up to the present day! Watch old cine film footage of Chelmsford Carnival whilst your children dress up!

See the English glasses that featured on ‘Flog-It’, see Grayson Perry’s pot, the much-loved brown Russian bear, Boris, and their live observation beehive.

This summer, don’t miss (some charges apply): 31 May: Wildlife Fun Day (live snakes and reptiles, ferrets and owls).

20 July – 2 November: ‘City Centred’ exhibition looking at the development of the city. Experience sights, sounds and smells.

These are just some of several discoveries you’ll come across on your visit.

Don’t miss the quiet Walton Backwaters, setting for the children’s classic Secret Water by Arthur Ransome of Swallows and Amazons fame, where little has changed since Ransome sailed here in his little yacht, the Nancy Blackett.

26 July: Make It At the Museum (craft, potters wheel and sculpting).

It’s a place that sums up this part of the world. A place where tides rule and nature and man exist in harmony under the vast East Anglian skies.

Find us in Oaklands Park off Moulsham Street, CM2 9AQ

Little-known, utterly individual and full of rather nice surprises. www.visitessex.com/familycoast

Wednesdays in Holidays - Wednesday Wonders art and crafts, quizzes for you and your children.

23 August: Do you Dig ‘Time Team’? (archaeology skills) Go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums Phone 01245 605700 Open Mondays to Saturdays 10-5pm, and Sundays 1-4pm. But please note we are closed on term time Fridays.

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 35

Great Days Out Come and meet Fireman Sam and the crew at the Dukes Polo in July The perfect summer day out for all the family The Dukes Polo will be back at Hylands House in Chelmsford in July and this time round it is set to be a fantastic family fun day out with Ben and Holly coming down on Saturday 13th and Fireman Sam and his friend naughty Norman Price coming along on Sunday 12th July.

Mix this with top grade polo, legendary soul sensations Earth, Wind and Fire Experience featuring Al McKay performing live on the Saturday evening, and a live screening of the World Cup Final on the Sunday evening and you genuinely have something for everyone … best of all, kids under 10 go for free.

Whether you’re a polo enthusiast, family or a group of friends looking for a day out, the Dukes Polo have created what is set to be one of the most unforgettable two days of 2014. Show jumping, aerobatics, live arena display, funfair rides and some of the finest food and drink around will offset the main polo event, followed by evening entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

But it doesn’t stop there on this winning weekend! On Sunday 13th the Dukes Polo will go all things Brazilian as the biggest footballing tournament in the world comes to its climax. As the polo ponies retire for the afternoon, a team of famous footballing faces and celebrities will take to the pitch for a charity football match in support of the Rhys Daniels Trust. Dukes Polo will sensationally transform itself and screen the FIFA World Cup Final LIVE on the biggest screens in the world at 8pm.

The weekend of 12th and 13th July 2014 is set to be a truly spectacular International collaboration of polo, music and sport at Hylands House for one weekend only, so don’t miss out!

Tickets are available from www.dukespolo.com.

36 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Bank of England Museum

During the summer break, from 23 July to 29 August, the Bank of England Museum presents Making Money: Design Your Own Banknote, a special event to entertain the whole family.

Visitors can learn about banknote security features and then design their own secure banknote to take home. In addition to devising new and inventive security features, children can indulge their creativity and create unique banknote designs. Which famous character will they choose to appear on their banknotes? Or will they choose a famous building or landmark instead? Their imagination is the limit! There will also be a quiz about banknotes, with a weekly prize draw.

Every day for the duration of the event, interactive talks about banknotes will take place in the Museum cinema at 1:00pm. These are on a first come first served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment!

A family fun day out is guaranteed with all the other Museum attractions, including activity sheets for children of all ages with prizes to be won, banknote jigsaws, a roller ball game, touch screens and the opportunity for some safe cracking! Visitors can also take the helm of the new boat game and set interest rates to maintain the economy on a stable course. Other displays that never fail to amaze visitors of all ages are the one million pound note and the genuine gold bars, one of which can even be held, although its weight - an astounding 13 kilos, equivalent to 28 pounds or 2 stone - will take many people by surprise!

Admission and all events are free, and there’s no need to book.

Open Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last entry 4:45pm) Bartholomew Lane London EC2R 8AH Nearest tube: Bank (2 min walk) T 0207 601 5545

Great Days Out Lots to do at Abberton Reservoir this Summer!

Essex Wildlife Trust’s Abberton Reservoir site is open daily to the public. The Middleditch Wild Play Area is a superb facility for children to explore the natural world through safe play. The play area features a tree stump that’s full of life with a V bridge across to the aerial run way. A beautiful long-tailed tits nest takes the centre stage, enabling children to climb right inside and see the eggs.

The spiders’ web climb net has a large spider to climb through and children will be able to see the world through a rabbit’s eye by investigating the rabbit burrow. To complete the circuit they will have to tackle the lily pad hop and tree root balance. There is an exciting summer packed full of fun events for all the family. They will be running marine events every Monday with activities such as sandcastle competitions, driftwood art and even a living rock pool in the visitor centre. Pond dipping will take place on Thursday afternoons, giving families a chance to meet some exciting creatures and enjoy some time at the pond amongst the dragonflies and damselflies. Evenings at Abberton Reservoir are lovely; families can explore the reserve when everyone else has gone home. Twilight Explorers runs once a month and is a fun evening for all the family. For the keen photographer there are various days for children and young people to learn a bit more about photography from the experts. There are even some fun days for the grown-ups to get involved with: pond dipping for grown-ups and some art and craft sessions just for the grown-ups.

All their events are very popular and must be booked in advance.

01206 738172 or Abberton@essexwt.org.uk

Peppa Pig visits Lee Valley Park Farms Children’s favourite Peppa Pig is visiting Lee Valley Park Farms on Wednesday 30 July adding an extra special treat to a great day out for all the family.

The much loved pig will be making a number of personal appearances to a host of excited kids at intervals throughout the day, bringing some cheeky fun to the farms for all to enjoy. Children will be thrilled at the chance to say hello to their favourite character, amongst a fun-packed line-up of other experiences the farms have to offer. Peppa Pig will be making her appearances at the following times: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30.

Lee Valley Park Farms offers a great day out for the family throughout the year with lots of fun activities for all ages to enjoy and a calendar of exciting events. It was very busy when Peppa Pig visited the farms last year; please be aware that there may be queues to enter. Advance entry tickets are available to book online at www.visitleevalleypark.org.uk which will allow a faster entrance into the farms.

There’s also the usual fun to enjoy. Meet the farm animals and make friends with cuddly sheep, giant rabbits, rare breed pigs, long-necked llamas and a loveable meerkat family.

There are also many new arrivals waiting for your visit including new lambs, piglets, ducklings and chicks.

The indoor and outdoor play areas are great to run around and explore, and the tractor and trailer ride to the dairy farm just adds that little bit more to a farm-tastic day out! There’s also a toboggan run, indoor and outdoor play areas as well as the Orchard Café serving freshly prepared food.

For more information on events at Lee Valley Park Farms go to visitleevalley.org.uk or call 01992 892 781.

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 37

Diary Dates

June

Sun 1 Open Day Activities include: Pond dipping (11am-2pm) & a guided walk (11:15am-2:15pm). This fun packed day is on from 11am-4pm. Don’t forget your wellies. Great Holland Pits Reserve CO13 0EX www.essexwt.org.uk Free eventE Sun 1 A Walk in the Park Guided walk in River Lee Country Park, focussing on the different varieties of orchids. Suitable for everyone.

10.30am–12.30pm. Starting in Pindar car park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ. 08456 770600. www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sun 1 Fun Dog Day Includes fun dog show, Essex Retired Police Dogs, free microchip service, BBQ. 11am-3pm. National Animal Welfare Trust, Little Clacton, CO16 9LG. www.nawt.org.uk Sun 1 Country Fair Birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment, arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. Cressing Temple Barns, CM77 8PD. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk Sun 1 Fishing for Beginners A practical course including water safety, equipment, bait types and fish species.

Equipment can be provided if necessary.

Age: 7yrs+ and adults. 11am – 3pm. £6.

Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE Sun 1 Big Fun Day Inflatables, bouncy pillows, magic shows and farmyard favourites. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5WP 08450 345 111 www.marshfarm.co.uk Sun 1 and every first Sun (Jul & Aug) Horse and Carriage Rides 11am-12.30pm/2-3pm. £2. Front of Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Sun 1 Farmers Market 10am-4pm. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Tue 3 First Aid CPR and resuscitation for babies and toddlers. 8-10pm. £10/person or £15/ couple. Little Goslings Children’s Centre, Great Dunmow CM6 1AZ. dunmownctfa@yahoo.co.uk 07905 454346 BE

Fri 6 - Sun 8 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Competition between the world’s best athletes, plus great entertainment for all the family. Suitable for everyone.

Admission prices apply. Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB. www.canoelondon2014.com BE

Sun 8 Lakeside Walk Cruise Cruise and cream tea, followed by a guided walk around Seventy Acres Lake.

Suitable for everyone. 3-6pm. Adult £15, child £10. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, EN10 6LX. 01992 462085 www.leevalleyboats.co.uk BE

Sat 7 & Sun 8 (& every w/end throughout June) Life Above and Below Stairs Watch Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a family meal, bump into the stable-hand, and meet Governess Miss Dormer.10am5pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40 / £9.20 / £13.90 / £40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley

Tue 10 First Aid General First Aid for babies and small children including burns, bleeds and childhood illnesses. 8-10pm. £10/person or £15/couple. Little Goslings Children’s Centre, Great Dunmow CM6 1AZ. dunmownctfa@yahoo.co.uk 07905 454346 BE

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28 Explore Saturdays Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Age: 6yrs+. 12pm/1pm/2pm/3pm. Sammy Ofer Wing Foyer, National Maritime Museum Free Event Sat 7 & Sun 8 Medieval Festival Falconry, archery, theatre, music, dance, puppets and food court. 10am-5pm.

Adult: £7, Child: £4 (age 3-14). Castle Park, Colchester. www.colchestermedievalfestival.co.uk Sat 7 Top Dog Dog handling clinic for advice and hands-on training. Suitable for everyone. 11am-4pm. Coppermill Fields car park, London E17 7HQ. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sat 7 Field to Fork Identify the seeds that are grown on the farm and match them to the end product. Age: 5yrs+, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5/ child (adult free). Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester C05 7RZ. 01621 862960 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sat 7 Photography for Children No experience necessary. Bring a packed lunch and digital camera with a strap. Age: 8-12yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £25/ child. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Wed 11 Creepy Crawlies Club Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story.

For accompanied under 5s. 10:30am12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sat 14 & Sun 15 50th Anniversary Celebratory Weekend Including steam trains, live music, vintage tea tent and children’s entertainer. Trains run from 11am – 5pm.

Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JB. 01799 542134. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk. BE Sat 14 Father’s Day Craft Workshop An opportunity for children to make their own gifts for Father’s Day. 11am4pm. Town Square, Clacton on Sea. 01255 686633 Free event Sat 14 Twilight Explorers Activities such as pond dipping, bushcraft and campfires. Accompanied children of all ages. 5:30 – 7:30pm. £5/ child. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sun 15 Dads Go Free!

Free entry for dads accompanied by a paying child. Get your voucher online. 10am-5pm. Adults £10, Children £9, Under 2s free. Save 20% online.

Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Sun 8 Alice Through the Looking Glass Quantum Theatre present Lewis Carrroll’s ever popular classic tale. Bring a picnic. 2.30pm. Frinton Greensward.

01255 686633 Free Event

Sun 15 Father’s Day Fun and games. Enjoy a free tea/filter coffee for every dad. 10am-4pm. Free after entry fee. Space Kingdom, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4XA. 0845 5212808 www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Sun 8 Open Farm Sunday Children have free entry when they say the secret password – see website for details. 10am-5pm. Adults £10 or save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Sun 15 Boys Toys Including extreme stunt show, aerial display and live landings, helicopter rides, giant robots, climbing walls and skate ramps. 11am-8pm. Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ www.chelmsford.gov.uk/boystoys

Sun 8, 15, 22, 29 Discover Sundays Explore your personal connections to the sea. All ages welcome. 11.30am1.30pm/2-4pm. Learning Space, National Maritime Museum Free Event

Sun 15 Dads Go Free!

Treat your dad to a day out. £11.50, Under 2’s & dads free. Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk

Sun 8 Nearly New Sale High quality baby, toddler and maternity clothes, toys, books and equipment.

1.30-3pm (NCT Members entry 1pm).

Entry: £2. Flitch Green Parish Hall, Tanton Road, CM6 3GG

38 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Sun 15 An Evening With Dad Includes a twilight walk around the reserve and campfire activities.

5-8.30pm. £5/person. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sun 15 Classic Cars Treat dad to a collection of classic cars on display. 10am-6pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40/£9.20 /£13.90/£40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Sun 15 Making Jumper Monsters Bring along an old jumper or t-shirt and transform it into a monster. Age: 4yrs+, accompanied. 11.30am-1pm/2-3.30pm.

V&A Museum of Childhood, London E2 9PA. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk BE Sun 15 Challenge Dad! Learn survival skills and bush craft activities with Dad. 10.15am /11.45am/1.15pm. £5 plus normal admission. RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford CM3 8ET. 0845 612 1253 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall BE Sun 15 Petunia’s Pick Celebrate Father’s Day and meet the farms’ fantastic fathers. Bring your Dad in for free! 10am-5pm. Adult £9, child £8, Under 2s free. Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF. 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms Sun 15 Father’s Day Cruise Three hour river cruise and three course roast lunch along the River Lee. 12.30–3.30pm. £25. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings EN10 6LX. 01992 462085 www.leevalleyboats.co.uk BE Tue 17 Tuesday Toddle Have a gentle stroll in the gardens then make something fabulous.

Accompanied pre-school children.

10-11.30am/1-2.30pm. £5. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605523 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands BE Sat 21 Brightlingsea Carnival Rides, stalls, car boot, music and food.

Starts at the Recreation Ground from noon. Free Event

GUIDE TO DIARY DATES BE = Booking essential FREE EVENT = No charge To the best of our knowledge, the information about these events is correct at time of going to press. To avoid disappointment, please check with event organisers before setting off.

Regularly updated diary dates listings can be found on our website www.kidaround.biz

Diary Dates Sat 21 Make a Door Hanger Make a police themed door hanger for your bedroom door. All ages. 10am – 4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum Sat 21 Lantern Making Make lanterns that can be used in the evening’s Meridian Lantern Procession.

2-4pm. £3/child. Waltham Abbey Gardens, EN9 1XQ. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Sat 21 Meridian Lantern Procession Bring along a lantern and enjoy a sunset walk and lantern procession.

Accompanied children only. 8.3010.30pm. Starting in Waltham Abbey Gardens EN9 1XQ. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sat 21 Baby & Child First Aid Course Learn key first aid skills in 2 hours that could one day save your child’s life! 10am – 12pm. £24/person, concessions available. 0844 243 6093 (option 1) firstaid@colchester-nct.co.uk.

BE Sun 22 Dogathon Join Headway for an event for dogs and owners alike including a sponsored dog walk and fun dog show. 10am-1pm.

Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR. Contact Headway: 01206 547676 Free Event Sun 22 Herbal Walk Discover what herbal plants are grown locally, ask herbalists your questions and sample remedies and teas. 2.30-4pm.

WaterWorks Centre, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7QB. 08456 770600. www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Sun 22 WWII Open Day Learn about Easton Lodge’s role in the Second World War. Includes themed craft and nature activities. Food and drink. 11.30am-5pm. Adult: £3.50, Child: Free. Easton Lodge, Great Dunmow CM6 2BB. www.eastonlodge.co.uk Sun 22 Wildlife Walk Join Colchester Natural History Society on a riverside walk. Bring packed lunch. All ages, must be accompanied.

10.30am – 3.30pm. Cymbeline Meadows (no parking available), Sheepen Bridge, Colchester 01206 853588 www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark Free Event Tue 24 - Thur 26 The 3foot People Festival Arts and crafts, enormous sandpit, mini farm, storytelling and more. Age: accompanied under 5s. 9.30am-4pm. £8.50 adult carers & children 3-5 yrs, £3 under 3 yrs. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/3foot BE Wed 25 Creepy Crawlies Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story.

For accompanied under 5s. 10:30am12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Fri 27 Fingringhoe Fledglings Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme, outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories.

10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sat 28 & Sun 29 Peppa Pig Weekend Meet Peppa Pig, plus shows and inflatables – and meet the farm pigs too. £11.50, Under 2s free. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk Sat 28 & Sun 29 Garden Party Music, dancing, cream teas, kids’ activities including storytelling and race tracks. 10am-5pm. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford CM3 8ET. Adult: £7.95; Child £3.95 (age 5-16), Under 5s free. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall Sat 28 Summer Fayre Stalls, games, bouncy castle and slide, dancing and music displays. 11am-3pm.

Adult: 50p, child: free (under 16). St Andrews School, Mandeville Road, CO6 1HL. chairfostaps1@gmail.com Sat 28 Family Film Saturday -The King and the Mockingbird Dir. Paul Grimault (1980) 83 mins Cert. U. A classic animation set in the kingdom of Takicardia. A masterpiece of lyricism and imagination. For full details visit www.firstsite.uk.net Free event Sat 28 Pirates of Penzance Open Air Theatre This production by Illyria will be staged in the beautiful gardens, completely uncovered and outdoors. Suitable for all ages 5+ 4.30pm Tickets: £14/ £12/ £9 .The Minories, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE 01206 712437 www.theminories.org.uk BE

July Tue 1 NCT Cheeky Monkey Tea Party Bring a picnic, buy cakes, face painting, outdoor toys and more. 11am - 2pm. £4/family. Stable House, Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, CO2 9NW. Sat 5 & Sun 6 (& every w/end throughout July) Life Above and Below Stairs Watch Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a family meal, bump into the stable-hand, and meet Governess Miss Dormer.10am5pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40/£9.20/£13.90/£40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www. english-heritage.org.uk/audley Sat 5 Summer Fayre Traditional fair including bouncy castles, welly throwing, hook a duck, BBQ. 10am-2pm. John Bunyan School CM7 5UL. 01376 320272 admin@ johnbunyan-jun.essex.school.uk Free Entry Sat 5 Photography for Children No experience necessary. Bring a packed lunch and digital camera with a strap. Age: 8-12yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £25/ child. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sun 6 J Classic Vehicle Show A fun day out for all the family.

10.30am-4pm. Princess Esplanade, Walton on the Naze

Sun 6 A Walk in the Park Look at tree identification and discover the woodland areas of River Lee Country Park. Suitable for everyone.

10.30am-12.30pm. Starting at Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sun 6 Farmers Market 10am-4pm. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Tue 8 – Fri 11 Open Mornings For Yr 5 pupils and parents. Please contact the school to make an appointment. 9 – 11.45am / 1.30 – 2.30pm. Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way CO3 3US. 01206 576973 BE Wed 9 Creepy Crawlies Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story.

For accompanied under 5s. 10:30am12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 11 Parents with new Babies Screening: Day Dream Cinema Grand Budapest Hotel Dir. Wes Anderson (2014) 100 mins Cert. 15.

2pm. Start £5 (includes one adult and baby). For more information visit: www.firstsite.uk.net BE

Sat 28 Summer Simmer Join a guide and discover the birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects that make their homes here. Suitable all ages. 10am-12pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Find full and updated listings online at www.kidaround.biz If you are organising an to list an event and would like it to be listed please email: diarydates@kidaround.biz www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 39

Diary Dates Tue 15 Treasures from Roman Join the Curator of Archaeology, Dr Paul Sealey, for this exclusive tour of the new Castle displays as he shares fascinating stories about some of his favourite objects. 5.30 – 6.30pm £5 pp, £4 FOCM Coclchester Castle 01206 282940 BE Tue 15 Tuesday Toddle Have a gentle stroll in the gardens then make something fabulous.

Accompanied pre-school children.

10-11.30am/1-2.30pm. £5. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605523. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands BE Flatford Mill, Essex

Sat 12 – Sun 7 (Sept) Summer Holidays Enjoy a ride on the train and a walk through the Enchanted Fairy Walk. Large picnic and play area plus Signal Box Café will be open. Normal train fares apply. Trains run from noon – 4.45pm.

Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JB. 01799 542134. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk Sat 12 & Sun 13 Tractor & Country Show Huge tractors, water zorbing, donkey rides, archery, bouncy castle & side shows. BBQ & refreshments. Support Essex Air Ambulance and meet Pilot Pete. 10.30am-5pm. Blake House Craft Centre, Nr Braintree, CM77 6RA 01376 344123 www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk Sat 12 & Sun 13 Robin Hood: Spirit of Sherwood Open Air Theatre This production by Chameleons Web will be staged in the beautiful gardens.

Sat 6.30pm Sun 5pm .

The Minories, , Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE 01206 712437 www.theminories.org.uk BE Sat 12 & Sun 13 Dukes Polo A fun family day out with Ben & Holly and Fireman Sam plus much more. 11am-11pm (Sat); 12pm-11pm (Sun). Various prices. Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ www.dukespolo.com Sat 12 Tendring Hundred Show 8am-6pm. Lawford House Park, nr Manningtree, CO11 2ND. www. tendringshow.co.uk Sun 13 Summer Fete 12pm-3pm. White Court School, Great Notley, Braintree. CM77 7UE Sun 13 Lee Valley 10k & Family Fun Run Challenge yourself to a 10k or come for a jog with the family. From 10am. £5 £12. Book online at www.entrycentral. com. Showground site, River Lee Country Park, Waltham Abbey EN9 1AB. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Mon 14 Headteacher’s Talk For Yr 5 pupils and parents. 6pm & 7.30pm. Please contact the school to make an appointment. Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way CO3 3US. 01206 576973 BE

Thur 17 Colchester Castle Up Close Tour Take an after-hours tour of the Castle from the underground vaults to the roof, exploring the evidence to reveal the story of its unique development over the last 2000 years. 5.30 – 6.30pm £5 pp, £4 FOCM 01206 282940 BE Sat 19 – Sun 14 (Sept) The Original Great Maze The Maize Maze Challenge is on! Daily 10am onwards (last entry 4.30pm). Blake House Craft Centre, Nr Braintree, CM77 6RA 01376 553146 www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk Sat 19 Summer Fayre Including live entertainment, drumming workshops and football. 11am-3pm. Golf Green Hall, Jaywick, CO15 2RH Free Entry Sat 19 Carnival & Family Day Sideshows, attractions and family fun.

11am-8pm. Carnival procession from 3pm. Colchester Castle Park and town centre. www.colchestercarnival.com Free Event Sun 20 Top Dog Dog handling clinic for individual advice and hands-on training. 9am-2pm.

Tottenham Marshes N17 0XD. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sun 20 Music at Myddelton Enjoy jazz music in beautiful gardens.

Bring a picnic, a rug and a bottle of wine. 6-8pm. Adult £9, concession £7.

Myddelton House Gardens, EN2 9HG. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Mon 21 - Sun 27 Farmyard Olympics Including welly wanging, inflatable Grand National and more! Admission £11.50, under 2’s free. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk Mon 21 – Fri 25 Wacky Races Sheep racing, mascot races, children’s races and more. 10am-5pm. Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free. Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Mon 21 Photography for Children No experience necessary. Bring a packed lunch and digital camera with a strap. Age: 8-12yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £25/ child. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

40 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Tue 22 – Fri 29 (Aug) (except Wednesdays with ‘Nature’s Theatre’) Discovery Zone Enjoy using a special indoor ‘wildlife hide’, discovery trolley, trail and microscope to explore nature. Nature’s theatre, Wednesdays in summer holidays £3pp 3yrs+. www.cimuseums.org.uk

Thur 24 Fingringhoe Explorers Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child.

Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 www.essexwt. org.ukBE

Tue 22 Wildlife Walk Colchester Natural History Society members will be on hand to help with identification of insects and flowers. 7 – 9pm. Lexden Park, Church Lane, CO3 4AA. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark Free Event

Fri 25 Beatrix Potter Day Beatrix Potter story readings and themed activities in the house and garden. 1 - 4.30pm. £2.50 per child + normal garden entry. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Wed 23 – Fri 29 Aug Making Money: Design Your Own Banknote Learn about banknote security features and design a banknote. Prize draw quiz; plus talks on today’s banknotes in the museum cinema (1pm). 10am – 4.30pm.

Bank of England Museum, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum 020 7601 5545 Free Event Wed 23 – Sat 26 “Showstoppers” Holiday Club Fun-filled bible-based holiday club (Reception - Yr 6). 10am - 12.30pm.

Plume Avenue Church, Colchester CO3 4PQ. www.plumeavenuechurch.org.uk holidayclub@plumeavenuechurch.org.uk Free Event BE Wed 23 Money, Money, Money See close up some of the fantastic coins from our collection and find out what secrets they hold. Drop-in: 1 – 3pm Free after Castle admission. Natural History Museum www.cimuseums.org.uk Wed 23 Den Building Test your family’s survival skills as you make a cosy den in the woods.

Accompanied children only. 10am-12pm.

Donation £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 23 Campfire Cooking Prepare to be amazed at what you can cook over the fire! Accompanied children only. 1.30-3.30pm. Donation £5/ child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 23 Creepy Crawlies Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story.

For accompanied under 5s. 10:30am12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 23 Bug Hunting See how many bugs you can catch and identify using sweep nets, leaf litter sieves and pit fall traps. Age: 5-11yrs+, accompanied. 11am-1pm. £3/ child. Chigwell Row Wood Local Nature Reserve. (park in layby opposite All Saints Church), IG7 6EG. 01992 788203.

BE

Fri 25 Fingringhoe Fledglings Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme, outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories.

10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 25 Harry Potter Party 10am-12pm: Under 4’s, £4. 1-3pm: 4yrs+, £6. 4-6pm: 4yrs+, £6. Space Kingdom, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4XA. 0845 5212808 www.spacekingdom.co.uk BE Fri 25 Coastal Foraging & Cooking Collect seasonal edible produce and sample foraged food cooked outdoors.

Age: 5yrs+, must be accompanied.

2-4pm. £5. Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester C05 7RZ. 01621 862960 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sat 26 – Sun 31 Aug Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The...Farms The best of the British beach holiday comes to the farms this summer. Check website for daily activities. 10am-5pm.

Adult £9, child £8, Under 2s free. Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF. 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms Sat 26 & Sun 27 Country & Garden Show A fun day out for all the family.

Fundraising event for local charities.

10am-5pm. Adult: £8, under 15′s free.

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Sat 26 & Sun 27 Archikids Festival Build bridges, design skyscrapers, climb towers, discover dungeons. Over 50+ architecture activities. Age: 5-11yrs. All around City of London. www.open-city.org.uk/archikids.

Free Event Sat 26 & Sun 27 International Horseball Competition Come and watch this amazing adrenaline sport. 10.30am-3.30pm. Lee Valley Riding Centre, Leyton E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sat 26 & Sun 27 Game & Country Fair Children’s attractions, archery, dog shows, animal roadshow, plane display.

10am-5pm. Adult: £7, Under 16s: £2.50.

Hylands Park, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ www.hylandscountryshow.co.uk

Diary Dates Sat 26 & Sun 27 Garden & Country Show Children’s activities, falconry demonstration, gift stalls. 10am-5pm.

Adult: £8, Child: free (Under 15). Marks Hall, Coggeshall CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Sat 26 Family Film Saturdays - Moon Man Dir. Stephan Schesch, Sarah Clara Weber (2012) 93 mins Cert. U. A delightful animation which tells the story of a bored Man in the Moon. For full details visit www.firstsite.uk.net Sat 26 Beatrix Potter Story Reading Beatrix Potter’s stories are brought to life by readers. 2 – 4.30pm. Free after entry fee. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 26 Summer Insects & Butterflies Join Colchester Natural History Society’s expert looking for butterfly and dayflying moth species. Age: 7yrs+, and adults. 10am – 1pm. Hilly Fields Local Nature Reserve, Colchester CO3 3QX. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark Free Event Sat 26 Twilight Explorers Activities such as pond dipping, bushcraft and campfires. Accompanied children of all ages. 5:30 – 7:30pm. £5/ child. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sun 27 Summer Festival Enjoy live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and craft activities, stalls, food, face painting, rickshaw rides and games.

11.30am-4.30pm. V&A Museum of Childhood, London E2 9PA. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Free Event Sun 27 Sea Festival and Lifeboat Day A full day of events both on and off the water for all the family. 11am. Harwich Quayside CO12 3H Mon 28 - Fri 1 (Aug) Star Track Holiday camp offering budding athletes of 8 - 12yrs expert tuition in a range of athletics skills. 3 day course also available for ages 6 - 8yrs. 10am-2pm. £58-68. Lee Valley Athletics Centre, N9 0AR. 020 8344 7230 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Mon 28 – Fri 1 (Aug) Amazing Creatures Week Meet some of nature’s amazing creatures including resident birds of prey and join in special activities. 10am-5pm.

Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free.

Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Mon 28 July – Fri 1 (Aug) Victorian Games Galore!

From skittles to quoits, croquet to chess - play like a Victorian! 10am-6pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40 / £9.20 /£13.90 / £40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley

Mon 28 Shipwrecked Spend the day shipwrecked, sandcastle competitions, deep sea trail. Bring packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am-2pm. £5.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 29 – Sun 3 (Aug) Children’s Animal Trail Look for the animals hidden in the woods. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free after admission fee. Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Tue 29 Drop in Day Explore the family nature trail, plus gem stone panning. Donation £10/family.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. www.essexwt.org.uk Tue 29 Wild About Wetlands Pond dipping, dragonfly quizzes, natural arts and crafts and a treasure trail.

10am-3.30pm. Waltham Abbey Gardens, EN9 1XQ. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Tue 29 BIG Garden Help prepare the beds and plant seed potatoes for a mid-winter harvest. Tools and gloves provided. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 2 – 4pm.

The BIG Garden, Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark 01206 853588. Free Event Tue 29 Campfire Fun Learn about fire lighting, cooking and playing games. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am-2pm. £5.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU. 01206 738172. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 30 Dinosaur!

An afternoon of dino-themed fun for future palaeontologists. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 1.30 – 3.30pm.

Donation £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 30 Dens and Dreamcatchers Build dens and make dream-catchers.

Age: 4yrs+. 10am – 12 pm. £4.10/child.

Highwoods Country Park, Colchester, CO4 5JR. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE Wed 30 Petunia’s Pick Peppa Pig will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day. 10am5pm. Adult £9, child £8, Under 2s free.

Lee Valley Park Farms, EN9 2EF. 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms BE Wed 30 Scrapbook Safari Following an exploration of the park head inside for a craft and scrapbook session. Accompanied primary school children. 10am-12pm. £6. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605523 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands BE

Wed 30 Abberton Adventurers Holiday club for unaccompanied 8-12 yr olds. Activities including pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking.

10:30am–2.30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 31 Fingringhoe Explorers Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child.

Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 31 Blustery Kites Design and make a kite to fly out on the reserve. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 31 Pond Dipping A fun pond dipping session for all the family. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 1-3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

August Fri 1 - Sun 3 Community Haystacks Daily two-hour scything workshops, “bring your own picnic” public talks, plus family community harvest festival (Sunday). £5 per workshop/ FREE family event. Walthamstow Marshes, Leyton E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Fri 1 Wild Evening Out Come for a special look at the reserve, including a bat walk and a campfire. Accompanied children only.

7.30-10.30pm. Donation £10/person.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN 01206 729678 BE Sat 2 & Sun 3 (& every w/end throughout Aug) Life Above and Below Stairs Watch Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a family meal, bump into the stable-hand, and meet Governess Miss Dormer.10am5pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40 / £9.20 / £13.90 / £40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Sat 2 & Sun 3 Medieval Festival Archery displays, weaponry, birds of prey, wood working, puppet shows, shield making. Adult: £3.50, Child: £1.50.

Grange Barn, Coggeshall CO6 1RE www.visitessex.com Sun 3 – Wed 6 Inflatable Park Huge selection of inflatables. 11am1.30pm/2-4.30pm. £5; £3.50 under 3s.

Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Sun 3 A Walk in the Park 10.30am-12.30pm. Starting at Turnford Brook car park, off Cheshunt Wash, EN8 0LU 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event

Sun 3 Farmers Market 10am-4pm. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Mon 4 – Fri 8 Star Track Holiday camp offering budding athletes of 8 - 12yrs expert tuition in a range of athletics skills. 3 day course also available for ages 6 - 8yrs. 10am-2pm. £58-68. Lee Valley Athletics Centre, N9 0AR. 020 8344 7230 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Mon 4 – Fri 8 Be a Treasure Hunter Fun-filled treasure hunts and more pirate fun. 10am-5pm. Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free. Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Mon 4 – Fri 8 Ugly Bug Safari Discover the secret life of these creepy friends and create your own to take home. 10am-6pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40/£9.20/ £13.90/£40/Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Mon 4 - Thur 7 Fun Fair Week Helter skelter, carousel, dodgems and chair-o-plane, all included in entry fee. £11.50, under 2’s free. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk Mon 4 & Thur 7 Make Your Own Marine Creatures Make marine sea creatures and help to create a marine collage. Age: 6yrs+, accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm/2-4pm. £5. Thorndon Park North, Brentwood CM13 3RZ www.essexwt.org.uk BE Mon 4 Rockpool Wonders Meet creatures in the living rock pool. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am-2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 5 – Sun 10 Sandcastle Fun Discover the new sandpit and see what you can build. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free after entry fee. Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Tue 5 Drop in Day Explore the family nature trail, plus gem stone panning. Donation £10/family.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678.

Tue 5 Woodland Arts and Crafts Be creative and make woodland crafts.

Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am-2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 5 Tudors Live Interact with Tudor characters and share their pastimes. Time and price TBC. Cressing Temple Barn, Braintree CM77 8PD. 0845 6037624 Wed 6 Sea Life Discover amazing sea creatures and make your own basking shark.

Accompanied children only. 10am-12pm.

Donation £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. BE

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 41

Diary Dates Fri 8 – Sun 10 Kids Fest Children’s TV characters including Mister Maker and Mr Bloom. Funfair rides, inflatable village, crafts, workshops.

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk BE

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Wed 6 Minibeast Mania!

Minibeast safari, games and more.

1-3pm. Starting from Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Wed 6 Bring a Sock Make a Puppet Bring a sock and make a fabulous puppet. Materials supplied. Age: 6-11yrs, accompanied. 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, 2.303.30pm. £4. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605523. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands BE Wed 6 Abberton Adventurers Holiday club for unaccompanied 8-12 yr olds. Activities including pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking.

10:30am–2.30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 6 Make It Wild!

Join the ranger to make exciting creations from natural materials. Age: 4yrs+. 1 – 3pm. £4.10/child. Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE Thur 7 Fingringhoe Explorers Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child.

Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Thur 7 I ♥ Minibeasts Boat Canal boat ride and on-land safari to learn about all things minibeasts. 1-3pm. £9. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, EN10 6LX. 01992 462085 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Thur 7 Big Dig Try your hand as a trainee archaeologist and have a go at archery and ancient art and crafts. Age: 6-11yrs. 10am. £5.95. Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree CM77 8PD. 0845 6037624 BE Thur 7 Rambling Bugs Ramble around the reserve on the hunt for bugs. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 7, Thur 14, Thur 21, Thur 28 Pond Dipping A fun pond dipping session for all the family. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 1-3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Fri 8 Mini Minibeast Safari An exploration of woodland and pond bugs and beasties. Age: 0-5yrs. 10am12pm. Donation £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. BE Fri 8 Art in the Gardens Craft a clay character, flaunt a flamboyant headdress, or design a trendy t-shirt. £3. 11am-4pm. V&A Museum of Childhood, London E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Fri 8 Alice Through the Looking Glass Open air theatre production. Bring a picnic. Gates open 5pm for 6pm start.

Adult: £10, Child: £7, Family: £30. Box office 0844 249 1895. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk BE Sat 9 – Fri 15 Clacton Carnival Week Carnival Procession on Saturday 9th, followed by a week of fun events. www.clactoncarnival.org Sat 9 Beatrix Potter Story Readings Beatrix Potter’s stories are brought to life by readers. 2 – 4.30pm. Free after entry fee. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sun 10 Essex Air Ambulance 10th Anniversary Family attractions and children’s activities. Cricket Pitch, Earls Colne Business Park, CO6 2NS. 0845 2417 690.

Free Event Sun 10 Summer Safari Gentle off-road vehicle tour with Ranger commentary. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 11.30am – 12.30pm/2.30 – 3.30pm. £8/person.

Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR. 01206 853588. www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE Sun 10 Ice Cream Family Cycle Ride Leisurely 15 mile circular cycle ride. Café lunch stop or bring a picnic. Buy an ice-cream at the end. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Starting at Old Mill & Meadows car park, Broxbourne, EN10 6QT. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Mon 11 - Sun 24 Big Fun Fortnight Bounce, jump and slide in acres of magical fun. £11.50, under 2’s free.

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk Mon 11 – Fri 15 More Summer Fun Special activities and themed fun. 10am5pm. Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free. Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

42 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Mon 11 – Fri 15 Aug Gory Georgians Travel back in time and discover the painful punishments your history teacher’s too timid to tell you! 10am6pm.£15.40 /£9.20/£13.90/£40 / Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Mon 11 Secret Life of Shells Find out what they get up to when the tide is in and meet the creatures that live in them. Accompanied children of all ages welcome.10.30am-2pm. £5.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 12 – Sun 17 Butterfly Trail Using the guide, see how many butterflies you can find. 10.30am4.30pm. Free after entry fee.

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Tue 12 Drop in Day Explore the family nature trail, plus gem stone panning. £10/family. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN.01206 729678.

Tue 12 Campfire Treasures and Treats Treasure hunt and campfire cooking.

Bring packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 10.30am2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 13 Pondemonium Find out what’s wriggling under the surface of the ponds. Accompanied children only. 10am-12pm. £5/child.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve.

South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678. BE Wed 13 Family Orienteering Learn how to use a compass before testing your skills on the reserve!

Accompanied children only. 1.30-4pm. £5/family. Fingringhoe Wick Reserve, South Green Rd, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678.

Wed 13 GPS Orienteering Challenge Can you complete the GPS Orienteering Challenge and uncover a hidden wildlife image? 1-3pm. Starting from Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Wed 13 Abberton Adventurers Holiday club for unaccompanied 8-12 yr olds. Activities including pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking.

10:30am-2.30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Thur 14 Fingringhoe Explorers Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child.

Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE

Thur 14 Trails and Tales Nature trail followed by stories and tales in the meadow. Accompanied children of all ages welcome.10:30am - 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 15 George’s Marvellous Medicine This Illyria production of Roald Dahl’s wonderful story Web will be staged in the beautiful gardens, completely uncovered and outdoors. 6.30pm. £13 /£8 /£35. The Minories, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE 01206 712437 www. theminories.org.uk BE Fri 15 Mini Dinosaurs A morning of dino-themed activities.

Age: 0-5yrs. 10am-12pm. £5/child.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN.01206 729678 BE Fri 15 StoryFest – A Day of Tales A day of storytelling. Make a bookmark or decorate a book bag. 11am-4pm. £3.

V&A Museum of Childhood, London E2 9PA. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Fri 15 Teddy Bear’s Picnic Bring a picnic and your favourite teddy bear; plus garden activities. 11am – 5pm. £2.50 per child + garden admission.

Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 16 Beatrix Potter Story Readings Beatrix Potter’s stories are brought to life by readers. 2 – 4.30pm. Free after entry fee. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 16 & Sun 17 Walton Carnival Weekend Procession at 2pm on Sat. Events including car boots, tug ‘o’ war and human table football. Walton on the Naze. www.walton-on-the-naze.com Sat 16 Top Dog Dog handling clinic for advice and hands-on training. 11am-4pm.

Gunpowder Park, Waltham Abbey EN9 3GP. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event Sat 16 Bat Walk Join a bat expert and experience the secret world of these amazing animals.

7.30-10pm. Starting from Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton, E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE

GUIDE TO DIARY DATES BE = Booking essential FREE EVENT = No charge To the best of our knowledge, the information about these events is correct at time of going to press. To avoid disappointment, please check with event organisers before setting off.

Diary Dates Mon 18 – Fri 22 Star Track Holiday camp offering budding athletes of 8 - 12yrs expert tuition in a range of athletics skills. 3 day course also available for ages 6 - 8yrs. 10am-2pm. £58-68. Lee Valley Athletics Centre, N9 0AR. 020 8344 7230 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Mon 18 – Fri 22 Ultimate Inflatables Week Including bouncy castles, slides and toddler soft play. 10am-5pm. Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free. Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Mon 18 – Fri 22 Awesome Archaeology Become a daring archaeologist on a mini dig. 10am-6pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds) £15.40/£9.20 /£13.90/£40/Members: Free. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Mon 18 Driftwood Create some beautiful driftwood art.

Bring a packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5.

10:30am - 2pm. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 19 Drop in Day Explore the family nature trail, plus gem stone panning. £10/family. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678.

Tue 19 Enter the Wilderness Spend the day exploring and making.

Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5. 10.30am-2pm. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 19 Tudors Live Interact with Tudor characters and share their pastimes. Time and price TBC. Cressing Temple Barn, Braintree CM77 8PD. 0845 6037624 Wed 20 Wild Art See what you can create using only natural materials. Accompanied children only. 10am-12pm. £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Wed 20 Campfire Cooking Prepare to be amazed at what you can cook over the fire! Accompanied children only. 1.30-3.30pm. £5/child.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Wed 20 Art of Nature Create a Nature’s Crown, Lee Valley Sprite and more. 1-3pm. Starting from Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton, E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Wed 20 Abberton Adventurers Holiday club for unaccompanied 8-12yr olds. Activities including pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking.

10:30am–2.30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE

Wed 20 Storyteller Take a magical journey through the arboretum with local storyteller Mike Dodsworth. 11am/2pm. Normal entry fee. Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk Thur 21 & Fri 22 Clacton Air Show 11am-5pm. West Greensward, Clacton Seafront, CO15 1NW. O1255 686633 www.clactonairshow.com Free event Thur 21 Fingringhoe Explorers Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child.

Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Thur 21 Big Dig Try your hand as a trainee archaeologist, plus archery and ancient art and crafts.

Age: 6-11yrs. 10am. £5.95. Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree CM77 8PD. 0845 6037624 BE Thur 21 Messy Morning Indoor session with various arts and crafts projects. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5.10.30am-12.30pm.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 22 Mini Woodland Fun Explore the woodlands with your under 5’s. 10am-12pm. £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Fri 22 Puppet Play Puppet shows and workshop. Age: 3yrs+, accompanied. 11am-4pm. V&A Museum of Childhood, London E2 9PA. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Free Event Fri 22 Ecoteering Learn how to leave trails for others to follow plus self-guided orienteering activity. Bring packed lunch. Age: 7yrs+, accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5/child, accompanying adult free. Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester C05 7RZ 01621 862960 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Sat 23 Beatrix Potter Story Readings Beatrix Potter’s stories are brought to life by readers. 2 – 4.30pm. Free after entry fee. Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA. 01787 379228. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 23 Bat Walk Learn about the fascinating nocturnal world of bats and have a go with a bat detector. Age: 5yrs+. 8-10pm. £5.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678.

BE Sat 23 Music Festival & Picnic 5pm - late! Further information to follow. Blake House Craft Centre, Nr Braintree, CM77 6RA 01376 344123 www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

Sun 24 & Mon 25 World War II: Soldiers & Spies Fall into step at soldiers school, put on your dancing shoes, and be amazed by the explosive river assault. 10am-6pm.

Price: (incl. entry to house & grounds) £17/£10.20/£15.30 /£44.20. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Mon 25 - Sun 31 Fun on the Farm Farmyard friends, magic shows, indoor and outdoor play. £11.50, under 2’s free.

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk Mon 25 – Fri 29 Crazy Entertainer Week Shows by Skittleman the entertainer at intervals throughout the day. 10am-5pm.

Adults £10, Children £9, under 2s free.

Save 20% online. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Billericay, CM11 2UD. 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk.

Mon 25 Crazy Crabbing See who can catch the biggest crab!

Plus find out more about what lives under the waves. Accompanied children only. 12.45 – 2.15pm. £5. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN 01206 729678 BE Mon 25 Sandy Shores Sand art, sandcastles and more. Bring a packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5.10.30am-2pm.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Tue 26 – Fri 29 Soldiers School Discover wartime past with hands on experience of soldiers on the front line.

10am-6pm. Price: (includes entry to house & grounds)£15.40/£9.20 /£13.90 /£40/ Members: Free.

Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF. www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Tue 26 Drop in Day Explore the family nature trail, plus gem stone panning. £10/family. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678.

Tue 26 It’s all Glow Campfire-based activities for all the family. Bring a packed lunch.

Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5. 10.30am-2pm. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 27 Dinosaur!

An afternoon of dino-themed fun for future palaeontologists. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5/ child. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN 01206 729678 BE Wed 27 Abberton Adventurers Twilight pond dipping, bat detectors and toasted marshmallows. Bring a packed tea. Unaccompanied 8-12yr olds. 5.309pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Wed 27 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Join all the main characters from Alice in Wonderland. 3pm. Admission: £TBC. Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www.markshall.org.uk BE

Wed 27 Power of Plants Find out more about flora with games and more. 1-3pm. Starting from Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton, E10 7QL. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Free Event BE Wed 27 Scrapbook Safari Following an exploration of the park head inside for a craft and scrapbook session. Accompanied primary school children. 10am-12pm. £6. Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605523 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands BE Wed 27 Alice in Wonderland – The Musical The classic tale is brought to life with music and dancing. 3-6pm. £14 adults, £40 family ticket, £10 3-18yrs, under 3s free. Grand Pavilion, Hylands Park, CM2 8WQ. 01245 605500. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands Thur 28 I ♥ Minibeasts Boat Includes water and land activities to learn about the many minibeasts in the park. 1-3pm. £9. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, EN10 6LX. 01992 462085 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Thur 28 Go Batty Illustrated talk followed by a walk through the park with bat detectors.

7-9.30pm. Adult £5.50, child £4. Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF. 08456 770600 www.visitleevalley.org.uk BE Thur 28 Teddy Bears’ Picnic Follow the teddy trail and make some teddy art. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. £5. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk BE Fri 29 Fingringhoe Fledglings Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme. Outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories.

10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, South Green Road, CO5 7DN. 01206 729678 BE Fri 29 How to Be a Wildlife Farmer Find out how we look after the farm to give us food and help wildlife.

Bring packed lunch. Age: 5yrs+, accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester C05 7RZ 01621 862960 BE Fri 29 Alice the Musical Cambridge Touring Theatre returns with another fantastic evening of entertainment, bringing Alice in Wonderland to life. 6pm. Adult: Advance £12/Gate £15, Concession: Advance £9/ Gate £12, Family: Advance £35/Gate £45, Workshop £2.50, Under 3s free.

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, CO6 1TG www. markshall.org.uk Sat 30 Family Film Saturday - Swallows and Amazons Dir. Claude Whatham (1974) 92 mins Cert. U. Set whilst on holiday in the Lake District in 1929 four children are allowed to sail over to t,he nearby island in their boat Swallow. 1pm. For full details visit www.firstsite.uk.net

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 43

Let’s Party activITY parties

Action Park, Party Kids Quad bike

parties, army-themed parties, wristband parties, Hagglund troop carrier, target paintball, motorcross, high ropes course and more. Age 6+. On the A127.

0844 683 0675 www.actionpark.co.uk Email: info@actionpark.co.uk

Animal Workshops Exotic and pet animal encounters for parties, schools, activity workshops, sensory sessions and more! Call 07790 465266 every day! www.animalworkshops.co.uk CSI Parties Brand new CSI parties for 7yrs+. Be a crime scene investigator, collect evidence, find fingerprints and identify the offender.

Call Peter on 07974 940265 visit www.csi4aday.com or email pwhent@aol.com

Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir Themed parties, exploring

the nature reserve, including fairy, detective and bug-hunting parties.

01206 738172 alic@essexwt.org.uk

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick Go wild with a party at

Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve! Loads of themes including bushcraft, explorers, pirates, dinosaurs and more.

Call 01206 729 678 or email hannahe@essexwt.org.uk

Laser Mayhem Play real ‘Call of Duty’

missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real Russian battle tanks, planes and helicopters using Laser Tag equipment. 01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Leisure World Colchester, Highwoods and Tiptree Birthday

parties for ages 3–12. For hassle free, no mess, fun-filled birthday parties visit www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk or call on 01206 282000

Little Kingfishers Play Centre

Affordable party packages for children up to 10 years. 4-tiered play frame.

Enjoy a leisure pool party with waves, slides and inflatables. Kingfisher Leisure Centre. 01787 375656 www.ssleisure.co.uk

Little Scrummers Rugby Exciting tag

rugby themed parties for 2-9yr olds with games, prizes and much more!

07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com

Runaround Kids Exciting fun-filled active parties for boys & girls. Parachute play, ball games, team activities, traditional party games & much more.

Kids entertained so you can relax! tracy@runaroundkids.co.uk 07910 212480 www.runaroundkids.co.uk Party time! Pizza making-golf-arts and

crafts and so much more. If you just want to hire the room with food and bring your own fun to the party that is fine too. Call 01206 843333 or email julie.hitchcock@playgolfworld.com

Partyman World of Play Party

includes food, play time, party host and party bags. Upgrade options: Laser Kombat, Entertainer, VIP Hire and more. www.partymanworld.co.uk 08450 345 111 info@partyman.co.uk

SD Martial Arts Energetic fun for boys and girls. Gladiator ring, sumo suits, padded swords & shields. Free class for each guest. 01206 860008 www.sd-martialarts.co.uk

SoundMagic Studios For details

of recording parties, contact Steve or Victoria on 01376 501313 www.recordingparties.co.uk

Space Kingdom “For fun that’s out of this world!” The perfect indoor play centre for every party & celebration.

Aged 0-12. 01255 435408 www.spacekingdom.co.uk fun@spacekingdom.co.uk Stagecoach Parties Colchester is now offering themed dance, drama and singing parties for 4-16 year olds. For more information, call Caroline Maxwell on 0845 603 0880 Stagecoach Parties Saffron Walden Explore the magic of utterly brilliant, stress free parties for 4-16 year olds.

Call Laura on 01799 588246

Swordplay Fun, fencing-themed

parties with a professional coach. Safe foam swords for younger children. Ages 6-13. 01206 530214 www.swordplay.eu

Swimming Pool Parties at First

Strokes Billericay 0845 838 8954 or Colchester 0845 838 8952 www.firststrokes.com

CreAtive Parties

Kimmys Mobile Petting Zoo

Fun, friendly and educational exotic animal encounters for schools, fun days and parties. 07850 427013 www.kimmyszoo.co.uk

Party places

Audley End Miniature Railway

Now offer children’s parties!

Packages including catering available.

01799 542134 www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Barleylands Parties Celebrate your birthday at Barleylands. Choose from Pizza Parties, Farm Parties or exclusive hire of the Play Barn. 01268 290229 www.barleylands.co.uk Frankie & Benny’s have a great

birthday treat with friends & family with some amazing offers, including breakfast for £5, lunch for £6.95 or two courses for £11.95 from the Specials Menu.

Furze Hill Suite Offering a relaxed and spacious venue, room hire starts from £150 and menus from £10 including drinks. Call 01277 355111 for details Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park A unique venue offering acres of birthday fun for everyone. One free adult with every birthday guest.

01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk info@marshfarm.co.uk

Party Supplies

Pirates & Princesses A 500 year old

Aladdin’s cave on North Hill, Colchester, housing a wide range of traditional toys, gifts, partyware, sweetcones and balloons. 01206 764115 www.piratesandprincesses.co.uk

The Partyman Shop - For all your party needs. Themed partyware, top childrens characters, lifesize cutouts, pre-filled partybags. 01268 661503 www.partyman.co.uk info@partyman.co.uk

Advertising in

KidAround works!

To advertise your business contact Kate Ellison on 01371 238071.

If you are using any of these services, don’t forget to tell them you saw it in KidAround it really does make a difference.

44 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Let’s Party

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 45

Get Active ARCHERY

Action Park, Multiple Activity Centre, based on the A127 near

Wickford, J29/M25. Ages 6+. Catering for families, corporate functions, schools, groups, hen, stag and kids’ parties.

0844 683 0675 www.actionpark.co.uk info@actionpark.co.uk

ART & CRAFT

Art Makers (5 – 7 years). Try out new art styles using fine materials, with a great artist to lead you making and creating. £25.00 / £45.00 booking essential. 10 June -8 July 4 - 5pm. firstsite, Colchester. 01206 577067

ASSAULT COURSE

Army Assault Course based on the

A127 near Wickford, J29/M25. Ages 6+. For families, corporate functions, schools, groups, hen, stag & kids’ parties. Call 0844 683 0675 www.actionpark.co.uk info@actionpark.co.uk

Badminton

Badminton courts are available

at Leisure World Tiptree, Leisure World Highwoods and Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

Badminton at Summer Solution

A holiday club programme for only £100 a week. Call Nick 07929 375436 or see Summer-solutions.weebly.com

climbing

Climbing at Summer Solutions

A holiday club programme for only £100 a week. Call Nick 07929 375436 or see Summer-solutions.weebly.com

Dance

Scottish Highland Dance

Theatre Fun Academy Ballet for

Stagecoach (Braintree) Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturdays 10am -1 pm, 6- 18 years, 10.15am11.45am, 4-6 years. Notley High School, Braintree. www.stagecoach.co.uk/ braintree. Call Julie Berridge (Principal) 01376 743788

Stagecoach (Braintree) Performing ats classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturdays 10am -1 pm, 6- 18 years, 10-15am11.45am, 4-6 years. Notley High School Braintree. www.stagecoach.co.uk/ braintree. Call Julie Berridge (Principal) 01376 743788

Disco/Freestyle/Street Mini Street Dance A funky, fun

Stagecoach (Colchester) Performing

For fun or to take part in exams, competitions or shows. Contact Sharon Radcliffe on 07732 580309 or email: sharon.radcliffe@googlemail.com

Stagecoach (Colchester) Performing

arts classes for 4-18 year olds, Saturdays at the Sixth Form College. Call Caroline Maxwell 0845 603 0880

Stagecoach (Saffron Walden)

Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturday mornings at St Mary’s C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, Castle Street. Call Laura 01799 588246

Stagecoach (Sudbury) Performing

arts classes for 4-18 year olds, Saturday mornings at the Ormiston Sudbury Academy Art Centre. Call Katie 01473 601078

The Company Performing Arts

dance, street dance and musical theatre-related dancing suitable for the stage. 07736 713909

Braintree Theatretrain

A ballet class for all Suits all ages and abilities, tots, teens and adults. ISTD examinations and annual dance show.

Debbie Millar School of Dance 01206 230806

Dance at Summer Solutions

A holiday club programme for only £100 a week. Call Nick 07929 375436 or see Summer-solutions.weebly.com

Jazz/Modern Dance Ages 6-12 on

Mondays (4.50pm-5.50pm) and ages 3-5 on Tuesdays (4pm-4.45pm) at Leisure World Colchester. 01206 282000

Preschool Dance Debbie Millar’s Special Classes

Stagecoach (Sudbury) Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds, Saturday mornings at the Ormiston Sudbury Academy Art Centre.

Call Katie 01473 601078

looking for the urban experience then look no further! Wednesdays 5pm-6pm.

Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

for pre-school girls and boys.

Fun sessions learning rhythm and coordination through music, movement and mime. Debbie Millar School of Dance 01206 230806

Drama/Performing Arts

Braintree Theatretrain

theatre group. Saturday mornings, Headgate Theatre, Colchester. Sarah Young 01206 851796 or 07939 401640

Theatricool Performing Arts School where you can perform theatre

Leisure World Ballet Ages 3-5 on

Mondays (4pm-4.45pm) and ages 6-12 on Tuesdays (4.50pm-5.50pm) at Leisure World Colchester. 01206 282000

The Company Performing Arts

Ballet and dance classes for girls and boys from age 2 upwards. Classes in Colchester and Clacton. ISTD & RAD examinations and shows.

01206 241845

Stagecoach (Saffron Walden)

Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturday mornings at St Mary’s C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, Castle Street. Call Laura 01799 588246

Theatretrain The company that loves

to perform. Performing arts training for 6-18 year olds. Classes on Saturdays in Colchester & Braintree 01787 473150

arts classes for 4-18 year olds, on Saturdays at the Sixth Form College.

Call Caroline Maxwell 0845 603 0880

Street Dance Age 8+ If you are

Saturday mornings, 10am-1pm at Tabor High School. If interested, please call 01787 473150 or email braintree@theatretrain.co.uk

Ballet

Sat 10am-1pm at Tabor High School.

Please call 01787 473150 or email braintree@theatretrain.co.uk

and energetic class with crazy dance moves for children aged 3-7 years.

Wednesdays 4pm-4.45pm. Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

Ballet, tap, modern, jazz & street classes for girls and boys of all ages and abilities. Classes in Colchester and Clacton. Examination and performance opportunities. 01206 241845

A registered ISTD dance school.

Debbie Millar offers classes in classical ballet, tap & modern theatre, with special classes for tots. Debbie Millar School of Dance 01206 230806

4–11 year olds. Fun classes without the pressure of exams held in beautiful dance studio in Colchester.

Contact: 07715 324267 theatrefun@hotmail.co.uk www.theatrefun.co.uk

KATS Age 11-18. Established performing

KATS Monday evenings, 5-11yrs.

4.30pm-6pm. Myland Parish Halls, Mile End, Colchester. Saturday mornings, 6-12yrs. 9.30am-11am Headgate Theatre, Colchester. Sarah Young 01206 851796 or 07939 401640

Kids Acting and Theatre Skills

Drama classes designed to build selfconfidence and encourage interactive skills. Sarah Young 01206 851796 or 07939 401640

Sing, dance & act with Theatre Fun

Academy, Lexden, Colchester. Saturday classes for 4-18yr olds run by trained professionals. Scholarships available for talented students over 14 yrs old Contact: 07715 324267 theatrefun@hotmail.co.uk www.theatrefun.co.uk

The Company Performing Arts

Drama, singing and dance classes on Saturdays in Clacton. NO termly commitment, just professional training and numerous performance opportunities. 01255 427376 www.thecompanyperformingarts.com

Theatretrain The company that loves to perform. Performing arts training for 6-18 year olds. Classes on Saturdays in Colchester & Braintree 01787 473150 Theatricool Performing Arts School Drama games and acting

techniques play a strong part in Theatricool teaching methods, with lots of fun too, of course! 07736 713909

DRUMS

Back 2 The Beat Drum Academy – Colchester 1st Class Group Drum Tuition for 7 to 11 year olds.

Steve Timms 07742 891122 www.back2thebeat.co.uk

Fencing

Swordplay Fencing classes for

ages 6-13. Tuesdays in Colchester or Wednesdays in Tiptree. Skills, games, competitions, grades and more.

01206 530214 www.SwordPlay.eu

Fitness

Teen Fitness for 13-15 year olds

wishing to use the Activa Fitness Centre, Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

Football

Ashley’s Football Coaching for 5 – 11 year olds, 5 – 6pm Weds. during School term at East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340

More listings can be found at www.kidaround.biz Do you run an extracurricular activity for children? Why not advertise it to over 66,500 families in South Essex?

Call Kate on 01371 238071 to find out more!

46 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

Football Courses for 4-6 yrs and 7-10 yrs. Sundays and Mondays at Leisure World Highwoods 01206 282000

Football at Summer Solutions

A holiday club programme for only £100 a week. Call Nick 07929 375436 or see Summer-solutions.weebly.com

Gymnastics

Colchester School of Gymnastics

Baby gym: Up to 2 yrs, Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.20am. Junior gym: 4-5 years, Mon-Fri, various times. Tiny Tumblers: 18 months-5 years. Mon-Fri 10.30am11.30am 01206 844188 www.colchestergymnastics.com

Gymnastics Free 1 hour gymnastics trial for all age groups and abilities.Wed 5:30pm/6:30pm & Sat 9:00am/11:00am Gym Tots, birthday parties & holiday courses. Booking is essential.

Email buba@eppingforestgymclub.com, 07767 167512 or visit www.eppingforestgymclub.com Iceni Gymnastics Club The Stanway School Pre-school. Saturday 10.0010.45am Recreational (No age limit) Saturday 10.30-12.00 noon and Monday 6.00-7.30 pm Contact Annette 07773 891 563

HIGH ROPES

High Ropes Adventure Course

based on the A127 near Wickford, J29/ M25. Ages 6+. Catering for families, corporate functions, schools, groups, hen, stag and kids parties.

0844 683 0675 www.actionpark.co.uk info@actionpark.co.uk

LASER/PAINTBALL

Laser Mayhem Play real Call of Duty missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real Russian battle tanks, planes & helicopters using Laser Tag equipment. 01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Martial Arts

Judo The Arena Judo Club classes for children. Friday evenings. Beginners 6pm to 7pm. Improvers 7pm to 8pm.

Call Les Nicholass 01206 672304

Martial Arts Kid Kick Karate 6-8 yrs,

Kickboxing 9 yrs+, Korean Karate 8 yrs+, Little Dragons 3-5 yrs. Junior Grappling 6 yrs+, Boxing 9 yrs+. At SD Martial Arts, Eastgates, Colchester 01206 860008 www.sdsma.co.uk

Mini golf

Open all year round minigolf

at Blake House Craft Centre. Negotiate ramps, bridges, windmills and wells on our 9 hole crazy golf course. Adult: £2.50, Child: £1.50 + club hire £5 returnable deposit. 01376 553146 www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

NETBALL

KATS Netball Club Netball at

HIghwoods for primary school girls every Saturday at 9.15am, senior girls every Wednesday at 6:30pm.

Call Kim on 07788 887923

Get Active Alice in Wonderland Stagecoach

(Colchester) summer workshop.

28 Jul-1Aug for ages 4 - 7 & 7-19. For full details call Caroline on 0854 6030880

years 5 – 6pm Thursdays during the School term at East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340

Around the World in 20 Minutes

Wild session during holidays 2pm-4pm, Monday-Saturday. Learn to swim with swim school. 01787 375656 Full information at www.ssleisure.co.uk

Stagecoach (Sudbury) summer workshop. 28 Jul - 1 Aug for ages 4 - 7 & 7-16. For full details call Katie on 01473 601078

Back to School Booster 18– 22 Aug.

Laser Mayhem Play real Call of Duty

9.30am to 12.30pm. Ages 7-13. Tailored for students wishing to boost their skills in a range of areas including maths, reading, handwriting, spelling and computer based activities. Contact the Preparatory School Office 01371 822613, prepadmin@felstedprep.org

Play

Base Camp Every school holiday. Allday, fully-supervised activity session for children in school years 7-11. Lunch incl.

8am-5.30pm from £25.50. Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

outdoor activities

missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real tanks, planes & helicopters using Laser Tag equipment.

01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Little Grasshoppers 18 mths-4yrs Fri 10am-11am. Little Monkeys crawling 4 yrs. Thursdays 10am-11.15am at SD Martial Arts, Eastgates, Colchester 01206 860008 www.sdsma.co.uk

Little Kingfishers Children up to 10

years will have great fun exploring the 4-tiered play frame 01787 375656 www.ssleisure.co.uk

Space Kingdom for fun that’s out

of this world! Amazing climbing fun, football pitch, go-karts, parties and Moon Rock Cafe. Aged 0-12.

0845 521 2809 fun@spacekingdom.co.uk www.spacekingdom.co.uk

ROLLER SKATING

Roller Skating Disco Fridays 6 –

7pm, limited skate hire – year round activity at East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340

RUGBY

Little Scrummers Rugby, exciting non-contact rugby classes for 2-6 year olds. Classes in Colchester, Stansted Mountfitchet and Cambridge.

07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com

school holiday activities

A Wiz Round The West End

Stagecoach (Braintree) summer workshop. 11-15 Aug for ages 6-16. For full details call Julie 01376 743788

Kidz Multi-Sports Club for 8 – 16

Drama Camp: Oliver Twist Production 11th – 15th August from 9am until 5pm.

Ages 8-11. A fantastic opportunity for young drama enthusiasts to take part in an exciting theatrical production.

Contact Sally Burns on 01371 822634, courses@felsted.org Fun For Kids home from home

School holiday care offers many fun activities and outings for children up to age twelve. Based in Weeley. To find out more, call Jane on 01255 830007 or 07791 171704

Fledglings and Falcons A fun multi-

activity camp, split into Fledglings, for ages 4-8, and Falcons, for ages 9-13.

14 Jul–1 Aug from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Based in Frome Court at Felsted Preparatory School. Contact the office on 01371 822613, fledglings@felsted.org

Football Camp 11th – 15th August. The

camp is held over five days and is for children aged between 6 and 12 years old. Run by qualified football coach and ex professional, Scott Forbes. For bookings, please contact Sally Burns on 01371 822634, courses@felsted.org

Hockey Camp 4th – 8th August. Ages 6-8 and 9+ A fun and effective course introducing a variety of basic skills by an experienced hockey coach. For bookings, please contact Sally Burns on 01371 822634, courses@felsted.org

Kids Camp Every school holiday.

All-day, fully-supervised activity session for children in school years 1-6. Lunch included. 9am-3pm from £21.50 or 8am-5.30pm from £26.50. Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

Kingfisher Leisure Centre Wet “n”

Laser Mayhem Play Real Call of Duty

missions based around the computer game. Hide behind real tanks, planes & helicopters using Laser Tag equipment.

01708 688517 www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Multi Sports and School Holiday Activity sections at Summer Solutions which is a holiday club programme for only £100 a week. Call Nick 07929 375436 or see Summer-solutions.weebly.com

Netball Camp 28 – 30 Jul 10am3.30pm. Ages 7-9 years and 10+ A wonderful opportunity for your child to learn and improve on their netball performance. Contact Sally Burns on 01371 822634, courses@felsted.org Perrywood Children’s Summer Gardening Club every Thursday

9.30am – 11am. Each session costs £7.50 per child, includes something to take home every week. 4 – 10 year olds. http://www.perrywood.co.uk/shop/ events

“Showstoppers” Free Holiday Club fun filled, action packed, bible

based Holiday Club for reception - yr 6 aged children Weds 23 - Sat 26 July 10am - 12.30pm. Plume Avenue Church Colchester CO3 4PQ. www.plumeavenuechurch.org.uk holidayclub@plumeavenuechurch.org.uk.

Summer Holidays Programme

Throughout the summer holidays firstsite has a programme of activities for families with children aged 4-11 years. Check the website for full details www.firstsite.uk.net

Summer Musical Theatre Week

Stagecoach (Colchester) summer workshop. 4 - 8 Aug for ages 4 - 7 & 7-19. For full details call Caroline on 0854 6030880

Swim School 28 Jul – 8 Aug, ages 4-9. Quality coaching in small groups.

Classes for non-swimmers through to improvers, highly intensive sessions with significant improvements in your child’s swimming ability. Call Sally Burns on 01371 822634 courses@felsted.org

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 47

Get Active/ Classified/ Wellbeing

Well Being Theatricool Summer School High

ratio of tutors to students. Enhanced CRB-checked staff. Tutors are trained teachers and/or industry professionals A great way to build confidence and make new friends! Early booking is recommended (the last two years have sold out!) 07736 713909

West End to Broadway Stagecoach

(Saffron Walden) summer workshop.

11 - 15 Aug for ages 5 - 16.

For full details call Laura on 01799 588246

Singing

Braintree Theatretrain

Saturday mornings, 10am-1pm at Tabor High School. If interested, please call 01787 473150 or email braintree@theatretrain.co.uk

Stagecoach (Braintree) Performing ats classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturdays 10am -1 pm: 6- 18 years, 10:15am11:45am: 4-6 years. Notley High School, Braintree. www.stagecoach.co.uk/ braintree. Call Julie Berridge (Principal) 01376 743788 Stagecoach (Colchester) Performing

arts classes for 4-18 year olds, Saturdays at the Sixth Form College. Call Caroline Maxwell 0845 603 0880

Stagecoach (Saffron Walden)

Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds. Saturday mornings at St Mary’s C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, Castle Street. Call Laura 01799 588246

Stagecoach (Sudbury) Performing arts classes for 4-18 year olds, Saturday mornings at the Ormiston Sudbury The Company Performing Arts

Drama, singing and dance classes on Saturdays in Clacton. NO termly commitment, just professional training and numerous performance opportunities. 01255 427376 www.thecompanyperformingarts.com

Theatretrain The company that loves to perform. Performing arts training for 6 - 18 year olds. Classes on Saturdays in Colchester & Braintree 01787 473150 Theatricool Performing Arts School Sing like a bird at Theatricool

where you will learn how to use your voice properly and sing a range of solo and group songs 07736 713909

Theatre Fun Academy have been

running exciting holiday performance workshops for 15 years. To see what exciting workshops are planned for Summer 2014 Visit www.theatrefun.co.uk or contact: theatrefun@hotmail.co.uk 07715 324267.

Swimming

Aquafun An inflatable session. Term-

Small group swimming lessons

Water-based teachers. All ages and abilities. Only one lesson at a time in the pool. Colchester, Harwich and Tolleshunt Major. 01206 562357 info@swimtoswim.com www.swim2swim.com

Swimming Lessons For all ages and abilities at First Strokes. Billericay 0845 838 8954 and Colchester 0845 838 8952 www.firststrokes.com

Swim School Babies to 5 years. Call

Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000 www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Swim School 5 to 12 years. Call Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000 www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk Swim School at Kingfisher from 6

months to 99 years. Call 01787 375656 www.ssleisure.co.uk

Tennis

Leisure World Highwoods has

DENTISTRY

RAISING SELF-ESTEEM

The Dental Studio

Building Confidence Course

Friendly staff, free parking, flexible appointments. Accepting new patients now! 01206 845891 www.the-dental-studio.com

FITNESS

Boxercise

Great for weight loss, coordination, balance and toning up - in fun classes.

SD Martial Arts 01206 860008

Kingfisher Leisure Centre

Work out in the gym, enjoy a class, swim in the leisure pool and relax in the sauna and spa. A class for everyone: Zumba, Pilates, bodybalance, yoga and more. 01787 375656 www.ssleisure.co.uk

Leisure World Colchester

A comprehensive aerobic workout programme that offers over 50 classes a week, including favourites legs, bums & tums or step, as well as yoga, Zumba, Pilates and more.

For more information 01206 282000 www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Life Skills courses to help raise parents’ self esteem. Contact Extra Support for Families 01255 475001 extrasupportforfamilies@btconnect.com www.extrasupportforfamilies.co.uk

RELAXATION Aqua Springs

The ultimate health spa experience.

Saunas, steam room, massage pools, salt inhalation room and more. www.aqua-springs.co.uk

Clarice House

Health Club, Day Spa & Restaurant.

Relax and unwind in sumptuous surroundings. Enjoy a spa treatment or let your tension melt away in the sauna - the choice is yours!

01206 734301 www.claricehouse.co.uk

The Trinity Natural Health Centre in the heart of Colchester houses experienced holistic practitioners offering lots of complementary therapies. 01206 561150 trinityhealing.org /

seasonal tennis courts available until September 01206 282000

Mini Tennis Provides a fun and exciting introduction to tennis using small-sized rackets and special balls. Leisure World Tennis Centre 01206 367941

TOTS CLASSES

Squidge For Preschool Children

Weekly sessions of creative fun for children and their parents/carers. Thurs 12 June – 10 July. 10am – 11am. Booking advisable. £4/£2 per child per session. firstsite, Learning Studio B, Colchester.

01206 577067

The Company Performing Arts

A fun introduction to dance, drama and song in their specially-designed tots and pre-syllabus classes. Fully-qualified staff encourage children’s co-ordination, confidence, fitness and discipline. From 2 years upwards. 01206 241845

Trampolining

Trampoline Course for 5 – 16 years,

4 – 5pm Mondays during School term at East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340

Trampolining Ages 3-15 years.

Whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills - there’s a course for you. Leisure World Colchester, Leisure World Highwoods and Leisure World Tiptree 01206 282000

YOGA

Children’s Yoga Classes fun and

relaxing excercise for children. For ages 8-14. Thursdays 4.45 to 5.30.

SD Martial Arts, Eastgates, Colchester 01206 860008 www.sdsma.co.uk

time 2pm–4pm Saturday & Sunday.

School Holidays 2pm–4pm Mon, Wed & Thurs. Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000

48 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz

CHARITIES

Families InFocus (Essex) Parent-led independent charity offering free specialist advice, information and support to any Essex family who has a child or young person with any disability or special need. 01245 353575 or visit www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk Little Havens Hospice Caring for children with life-limiting illnesses across Essex and supporting their families. www.havenshospices.org.uk

Forensics

Csi4aday Adults be a Csi4aday at Chelmsford! Collect evidence from the crime scene. Singles or groups. Call 07974 940265 or www.csi4aday.com

Parenting courses

Family-Run Courses One-off workshops and parenting courses, plus Maths and English courses for parents of pre-school and primary school children. Crèche and refreshments available. Little Lamb’s Pre-School of Mistley. Call Deborah Lamb on 01206 397255

Parenting Courses A whole range of courses and workshops for parents within the Tendring District.

Contact EXTRA: 01255 475001 extrasupportforfamilies@btconnect.com www.extrasupportforfamilies.co.uk

RESTAURANTS

Frankie & Benny’s have some amazing offers, including breakfast for £5, lunch for £6.95 or two courses for £11.95 from the Specials Menu.

SWIMMERS EAR PROTECTION

Absolute Hearing Care Provides custom-made swimplugs for keen swimmers with recurring ear problems, infections and grommets.

Available in various colours.

Appointments at The Zen Clinic, Stanway 01206 762417 www.absolutehearing.co.uk

Wellbeing Pregnancy Gingivitis What is pregnancy gingivitis?

It is the beginning stages of gum disease and this is a very common symptom in pregnant women as their immune system is weakened. If you think you have pregnancy gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) it’s advised that you visit your dentist. Between 50-70% of pregnant women suffer with this. Gingivitis is a type of gum disease and most people will experience it to some degree in their lives. Gingivitis is caused by a build up of plaque which, when left to collect, will irritate and can inflame your gums which is what causes them to bleed.

Research suggests that women are especially susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis due to the increased blood flow which occurs when pregnant. If left untreated, gingivitis can have damaging effects on the gums and bone surrounding your teeth and can result in the loss of gum and bone tissue.

It is therefore very important that you take extra good care of your gums during pregnancy.

What are the common signs?

Bleeding gums, red, swollen or tender gums and bad breath are the most common signs. If you have any of these signs it is best you visit your dentist or your hygienist.

Prevention and treatment Alongside brushing twice a day, check with your dentist or hygienist that you are using the correct tooth brushing technique. Keep up the good flossing even though you’re probably very tired and it’s the last thing you want to be doing. It does help toward the prevention of gum disease.

Continue with your hygienist. Visit on a regular basis to keep everything sparkly clean for you.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about caring for children’s teeth, the Dental Studio is happy to answer them. Feel free to contact them on any of their social media outlets: you can join the Dental Studio on Facebook or Follow the Dental Studio on Twitter

www.kidaround.biz • Summer 14 • North Essex • 49

Birth & Beyond Parent & Child Swimming Lessons

activities & parties for children up to 10 years. Open 7 days a week. 01787 375656 www.littlekingfishers.co.uk

Toddler Classes from 3 years

Parent & Toddler Fun Session

Water Babies Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000 www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Space Kingdom For fun that’s out of

Building water confidence through fun.

Call: 08455 080990 Email: info@swim-with-me.co.uk

MULTIPLE BIRTHS

Twins and Multiple Birth Club

For families with twins or multiple births and their siblings aged 0-5 years. Mon 10am-12 noon. Willow Tree Nursery and Children’s Centre. Call 01255 221473 01245 224790 / 07789 742412 music & movement

Baby Ballet for tots and preschool. A

fun introduction to dance, promoting coordination, physical fitness and agility.

Debbie Millar School of Dance 01206 230806 ARTS & CRAFTS

Dollop: sensory play for under 2s

Creative play for children and their parents/carers. Join artists each week to investigate texture, colour and shape.

Learn together through game playing and creative work. Thurs 12 Jun–10 Jul 11.30am – 12.15pm. £4 pc ps (adult included) £2 for additional children.

Book or drop-in. firstsite, Learning Studio B BABY GYM

Colchester School of Gymnastics

Tiny Tumblers : Age 18 months-5 years.

Mon-Fri 10.30am-11.30am.

Baby Gym: Up to 2 yrs. Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.20am. 01206 844188 www.colchestergymnastics.com CLASSES

Barleylands Fun On The Farm toddler

group at Barleylands. Monday and Thursday 10am to 12pm, term-time only. 01268 290229 www.barleylands.co.uk cloth nappies

NCT Nappy Library & Advisory Service For advice or to hire modern

cloth nappies to try before you buy!

Hire packages from just £5 for a 2wk trial. nappylibrary@colchester-nct.co.uk

HELP AND SUPPORT

Colchester and District NCT

If you need pre/post-natal support, from feeding advice to homebirth information, contact the national helpline on 0300 330 0700. For local activities call 0844 243 6093 or visit www.nct.org.uk/Colchester

Parenting Support Workshops

and parenting courses from Extra Support for Families for parents of under fives. Contact 01255 475001 extrasupportforfamilies@btconnect.com www.extrasupportforfamilies.co.uk

Baby Swimming Lessons At Spirit

Health Club (Colchester). Only one lesson at a time in the pool; waterbased teachers. 01206 562357 info@swim2swim.com

Baby Swimming Lessons

At Primrose (Ramsey). Only one lesson at a time in the pool; water-based teachers. 01206 562357 info@swim2swim.com

Learn To Swim at Kingfisher Leisure Centre & Hadleigh Pool & Leisure.

The start of your child’s aquatic journey Kingfisher: 01787 375656 Hadleigh P& L: 01473 823470 www.ssleisure.co.uk

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PLAY

At First Strokes Swim Schools in Billericay 0845 838 8954 Colchester 0845 838 8952 www.firststrokes.com

Caterpillar Music Colchester Music classes for babies & children 0-4 years.

Exciting themes, colourful instruments and amazing puppets. A fun and creative learning experience. 01206 296659 www.caterpillarmusic.com Email colchester@caterpillarmusic.com The Company Performing Arts

A fun introduction to dance, drama and song in specially-designed tots and pre-syllabus classes. Fully-qualified staff encourage children’s co-ordination, confidence, fitness and discipline. From 2 years upwards. 01206 241845 NURSERY OUTLET

Whites Farm Baby Barn

Independent nursery retailer just outside Colchester offering quality customer service and a range of products for all your baby needs.

01787 228000 www.whitesfarmbabybarn.co.uk Places to visit

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park - Meet the animals, Toddler

indoor play, sand pit area, mini tractor town, toddler bouncy pillow, meet a pet, children’s menu and more. Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk info@marshfarm.co.uk

Little Kingfishers Play Centre Play,

Two hours of fun for under 5’s.

Colchester Leisure World 01206 282000 www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk this world! Amazing baby & toddler play area, parties & daily activities. The perfect place to meet new friends. Visits from Jo Jingles.0845 521 2809 www.spacekingdom.co.uk fun@spacekingdom.co.uk PRE/POST-NATAL EXERCISE

Aqua Bump Works on gentle fitness

and gentle toning. Wednesday 8pm8.40pm. Leisure World Colchester 01206 282000 RUGBY

Little Scrummers Rugby

Exciting tag rugby for 2-6 year olds.

Essex & Cambridgeshire. Make friends and learn new skills! 07738 591232 www.littlescrummers.com READING

Bookstart Sing some rhymes and look

at books, meet other babies and their grown-ups at your local library. (Siblings under 5 are welcome too).

Looking for a parent and toddler group?

Want to find your nearest baby clinic?

You can find Toddler Group and Baby Clinic listings online at www.kidaround.biz

Birth & Beyond

Flying Long-haul With A Baby

Flying long-haul with a baby or toddler in tow can be a daunting prospect. However, you needn’t put your holiday dreams on hold with these top five tips from the family travel experts at Baby Friendly Boltholes Stick to your usual routine Although this can be difficult to achieve whilst travelling, babies and toddlers thrive on routine and when this is disturbed, it can be very unsettling for them. Booking a flight that departs to coincide with a nap or bedtime can make the difference between a successful journey and a nightmare journey. If you are able to settle your little one for a sleep early into the flight, they will often wake feeling relaxed and more comfortable in their surroundings. The golden rule is to sleep when they sleep.

Pack bedtime triggers Even if your little one is tired, the unusual surroundings onboard may prevent them from going to sleep. In order to help them settle, try to conduct as may bedtime rituals as you can so that they recognise that it is time to sleep. Change them into their PJs, read a story, give them a bottle. Don’t take these daily rituals for granted; they make a huge difference to your baby.

Take it in turns to entertain There’s nothing worse for parents or fellow passengers than a screaming baby on a flight. The unusual surroundings and disruption to their routine can be quite distressing and they will be looking to you for comfort. If travelling with a partner, take turns to entertain the baby so that you can both rest and don’t forget to pack their favourite toys which they associate with home. If your toddler is struggling to sit still, take them for a walk and allow them to explore the plane when it is safe to do so.

Food We all get grumpy when we are hungry but unlike adults, young babies and children cannot wait for food if a flight is delayed. Ensure you pack more than enough of your baby or toddler’s favourite foods and snacks. If your baby is on formula, you will need to pack enough in your hold luggage to last the duration of your holiday, as your usual brand may not be available overseas. Pack just enough formula in your hand luggage to last the journey though, as security will require you to open it before boarding.

Don’t overpack Although it can be difficult to travel light with a baby in tow, try to avoid carrying too much luggage, as this will just add to the stress of the journey and it is more to keep tabs on throughout your holiday. Instead, book accommodation that is well equipped for families and has all of the daily essentials that you will need such as sterilizing equipment, children’s cutlery, bedding and toys.

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Childcare Providers agencies If you call these agencies or any of our advertisers, please let them know that you found their number in KidAround.

Nutkin Nannies Essex

Professional nanny agency providing for all your childcare needs. Including Babysitting Please call Sarah on 01376 529795 or visit www.nutkinnannies.co.uk info@nutkinnannies.co.uk

Sitters.co.uk Britain’s favourite babysitters offering evening and daytime babysitters with professional childcare experience, even at short notice!

Visit them at www.sitters.co.uk or call 08447 367367

ALRESFORD Alresford Pre-school

In grounds of Alresford Primary School Ford Lane CO7 8AU Susan Richards 07724 124223 www.alresfordpreschool.co.uk

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Orchard Cottage Montessori Nursery 120 Wivenhoe Road Colchester 01206 825607 Jackie Ward aejc.ward@virgin.net

Bracken Way CO5 7PG Cheryl Barton-Wines 01206 735528 www.langenhoe.essex.sch.uk

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Bocking United Reformed Church Church Street 07804 700557 Louise Blake www.agnesdaynursery.com

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BOXTED Little Owls Preschool

Cage Lane Gill Dedhar 01206 273226 littleowlsboxted@live.co.uk www.littleowlsboxted.co.uk

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ARDLEIGH Ardleigh Preschool

Bradfield The Orchards

Village Hall, Station Road 07092 846384 Jenny Schofield www.ardleighpreschool.co.uk

T ABBERTON Langenhoe Pre-School

Bocking A.G.N.E.S Day Nursery

Orchard Barns Babies Redbury Barn Colchester Road 01206 231195 Susan Moss-Thomas

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Orchard Barns Private Kindergarten Badliss Hall 01206 231195 Susan Moss-Thomas

Bradfield Primary School Heath Road CO11 2UZ 01255 870768 Michelle Dent

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BRAINTREE The Colourwheel Montessori Nursery Denton Crescent Black Notley 01376 339139 Miss Sam Cottrill

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CLACTON-ON-SEA Chestnut Grove Kindergarten

The School House 5 Pathfields Road 01255 429029 Denise Hawke office@chestnutgrovekindergarten.co.uk www.nurseryclacton.co.uk

sT*lyH Little Pals Children’s Centre Nursery Clacton Coastal Academy Jaywick Lane 01255 687151 Gillian Smith

sT*yH Pebbles Private Kindergarten Ltd 22 Thoroughgood Road 01255 433339 Carol Thornton-Jones

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Willow Tree Day Nursery

Chingford Avenue 01255 221473 Brenda Dearsley www.willowtreechildrenscentre.co.uk

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COLCHESTER Butterfly Blue Day Nursery

Circular Road South 01206 764191 Grace Charters enquiries@butterflybluedaynursery.co.uk

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Key to Childcare Provider Icons use these symbols to discover the type of care offered by each setting

s Day Care T SESSIONAL CARE y AFTER SCHOOL club h Childminder l Breakfast Club * HOLIDAY CLUB H Creche

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Childcare Providers Butterfly Barns Day Nursery 105 Old Heath Road 01206 790174 Cathryn

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Colchester High School Nursery

Wellesley Road 01206 573389 Kate Cryne kate.cryne@colchesterhighschool.co.uk www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk

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Constantine School House

54 Constantine Road 01206 768130 Collette Wood www.constantineschoolhouse.co.uk

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Lion Walk Preschool

Lion Walk United Reformed Church (next to Body Shop) 01206 560297 (mornings only) Jaki Bridges lionwalkpreschool@yahoo.co.uk www.lionwalkchurch.org

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Oaklea Montessori CIC

Wimpole Road Methodist Church Wimpole Road CO1 2DL 01255 887902 Caroline Allen admin@oakleamontesori.co.uk

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Old Heath Preschool

Hythe Quay 01206 871700 colchester@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com

Old Heath School Old Heath Road 01206 226166 Kirsty Blackman office.oldheathpreschool@virginmedia. com

Lexden Montessori

Oxford House School

Kiddi Caru

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5 Oxford Road 01206 760863 Siobhan Brine www.lexdenmontessori.com

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2-4 Lexden Road 01206 576686 Mrs Harding info@oxfordhouseschool.net www.oxfordhouseschool.net

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Puddleducks Pre-school

Kendall Primary School Recreation Road CO1 2HH 01206 868098 Alison Renton puddleducksprenursery@btconnect.com www.puddleduckspreschool.org.uk

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Saint James’ Preschool

Saint James’ Primary School Guildford Road 07765 029987 Sarah or Geraldine

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Seymour House Day Nursery School

St. Mary’s Kindergarten 247 London Road 01206 216420 Emma Stanhope

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St Nicholas Preschool & Nursery The Community Centre Fallowfield Road, Colchester Garrison 01206 816597 Mrs Caroline Hughes caroline.hughes48@btconnect.com

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St Stephen’s Preschool

St Stephen’s Church Centre Canterbury Road 07534 911918/01206 519034 www.ststephenspreschool.org.uk

Brinkley Lane CO4 9XN 01245 852525 Emma Price Brinkley.lane@seymourhouse.co.uk www.seymourhouse.co.uk

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Smiles Daycare

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Colchester Town Centre 01206 366900 Rachael Godfrey www.smilesdaycare.org.uk

Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery

Park Lane 01787 222205 Melanie Vine www.earlscolne.essex.sch.uk

EAST BERGHOLT Cherry Blossom Nursery

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St John’s Green Playgroup

St John’s Green Primary School St John’s Green 01206 500047/01206 521088 Sue Walker

Cherry Blossom Children’s Centre Hadleigh Road 01206 298442 Liz Kettlety www.cherryblossomnursery.co.uk

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Childcare Providers Lavender Hall Kindergarten The Gattinetts Hadleigh Road 01206 299511 Andrea Lewison www.lavenderhall.com

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GREAT BROMLEY Little Dragons Pre-School

Church Meadow Bungalow Hall Road 07857 503103 Karen Montgomery www.littledragonspreschool.org

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GREAT HORKESLEY Holmwood House Nursery 151 Coach Road 01206 273827 Katy Platten/Claire Angel

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Tiddlywinks Preschool 22A Coach Road Great Horkesley CO6 4AT 01206 272669 Helen Taylor

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Gosfield Acre Wood Pre-School

Gosfield School, Cut Hedge Park, Halstead Road, CO9 1PF 07551543482 Sarah Rash sarahrashuk@hotmail.co.uk

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halstead Butterfly Montessori Nursery Bartholem Road Colchester Road CO9 2EA 01787 478434 Maryann

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HARLOW Kiddi Caru

Kiln Lane Church Langley 01279 626111 harlow@kiddicaru.com www.kiddicaru.com

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Spinney Preschool

Cooks Spinney Primary School Cooks Spinney 07525 266784/01279 435798 Guilia Pollard

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St Edmund’s Montessori Pre-School

St Edmund’s Montessori Matching Green Harlow 01279 739206 Catherine Middlemas www.stedmundsmontessori.com

Oaklea Montessori CIC

Thorpe-le-Soken Pre-School

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Ogilvie Hall Wignall Street 01255 887902 Caroline Theodosius www.oakleamontessori.co.uk

MISTLEY Little Lamb’s Preschool of Mistley Remercie Road 01206 397255 Deborah Lamb www.littlelambspreschoolmistley.co.uk

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ROWHEDGe Rowhedge Under 5’s Preschool

The Village Hall, Rectory Road 01206 729042 Deborah Carol-Head rowhedgeunderfives@hotmail.co.uk www.rowhedgeunder5s.co.uk

Rolph School Grounds 01255 863070 Sally Vagg www.thorpelesokenpreschool.co.uk tlspreschool@btinternet.com

TIPTREE ABC Day Nursery The Brambles 22 Grove Road 01621 810772 Kirstin or Sally

sT*ly weeley Fun For Kids Home From Home 10 Hilltop Crescent CO16 9HZ 01255 830007/07791 171704 Jane Webb

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HArwich Oaklea Montessori CIC

Friends’ Junior School Nursery

WItham Seymour House

Windmill Children’s Centre Mayes Lane, Ramsey 01255 887902 Caroline Allen www.oakleamontessori.co.uk

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IPSWICH Oakland Hall Day Nursery Oakland Hall Hadleigh Road Sproughton 0845 838 8955 info@oaklandhall.co.uk

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LAWFORD Busy Bees Kindergarten

Highfields School Colchester Road 01206 396291 Tina Lawrence/Maria Varnals busybeeskindergarten@gmail.com www.busybeeskindergarten.co.uk

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Little Pumpkins Pre-School CIC The Ling Hall Lawford C of E Primary School Long Road, CO11 2EF 01206 391412 Katie Turner

Mount Pleasant Road 01799 525351 Adriana Forte adminjs@friends.org.uk www.friends.org.uk

sT STRATFORD ST MARY Orchard Barns Kindergarten Higham Road 01206 323093 Shelley Ward

sT*ly Woodpeckers Nursery

Melford Road 01787 377707 Jeff & Deirdre Micklewright www.woodpeckers-nursery.co.uk

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THORPE-LE-SOKEN Margery’s Private Day Nursery Margery Wright’s House High Street 01255 862558 Christine Smith

Gershwin Boulevard CM8 1FQ 01245 213210 Caroline Clark witham@seymourhouse.co.uk

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WHITE COLNE Pippins Montessori Kindergarten White’s Farm Bures Road 01787 228567 Lynne Dear

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Wivenhoe Wivenhoe Montessori

The Pavilion King George V Playing Field 01206 827126 Joahnne Cousins www.wivenhoemontessori.co.uk

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s Day Care T SESSIONAL CARE y AFTER SCHOOL club h Childminder l Breakfast Club * HOLIDAY CLUB H Creche

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Childcare Providers

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56 • Summer 14 • North Essex • www.kidaround.biz