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Back to school again! I don't know about you but this summer has flown by for us and I can't believe we're another school year on! I do hope you all had an enjoyable Summer and found lots of great things to do. Why not stop by the forum and tell us what you really enjoyed, or if you're interested in writing up some reviews about places you visited, get in touch!
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If you have something you'd like to add to the site, please use one of these buttons to get you there quickly!
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 Start your family's new advent tradition with My Little Elf. Little Elf is 'sent by Santa' to make sure children are behaving in the lead up to Christmas, however he is also prone to create mischief (and a whole lot of giggles) himself! This set contains elf toy, scene-setting letter from Santa, elf passport, good behaviour charts, delivery label, elf report card and an elf antics ideas sheet for Mum or Dad. Find out more - and order your set today - at MyLittleElf.co.uk for fun, giggles and good behaviour!
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Essex Mums Awards
We're now well into the voting round of the Essex Mums awards and I've been totally overwhelmed by how many of you have told us who and what makes family life in Essex more enjoyable for you. Voting will end on September 10th so there is still time to vote if you haven't already done so. It's simple to have your say, just click here and vote for your favourites: www.essexmums.org/awardsvoting.html
Not long after school starts up again, we will be able to publish our Essex Mums favourites which will hopefully help parents decide what to do with their children! All winners will get a badge to put on their website, and a logo and link to their website on the Essex Mums homepage, and winners plus runners up will be part of a special feature which will last until next year and will tell parents that they are the best Essex has to offer!
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Back to School
Whether your kids are starting nursery, infants, juniors, senior school or even university, you can come and chat about it on the forum and are sure to find other parents experiencing the same thing. Come and chat about what's going on with you in our 'What's happening this year?' thread or if you have a specific issue you would like to discuss, please feel free to start your own topic in our Education section. It can be a daunting time for your kids but also for you to be starting something completely new and it can definitely help to speak to people who have been there too, or are going through the same thing.
If you want some professional advice about school, you can post in our 'Ask the Teacher' section where we have a range of teachers from nursery up to secondary who are happy to give their advice and opinion about any educational issues that are bothering you.
A lot of schools now have facebook pages and groups for parents to communicate with one another and I have been starting to get a list together here. If your school does this I would really appreciate you letting me know the link so that I can add it to our list and make it easy for parents to find the relevant group for them. If your school doesn't have a group you are welcome to post on the forum to find out if anyone else knows where one is, or start one on there yourself!
If you're looking for a bit of back to school shopping, check out the 'School' section of the Shopping Guide for some fantastic shops or if you're looking for a bargain, check out the School Uniform Shop where you can buy and sell used uniform.
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Classes and Groups
Those of you with pre-school children may well be looking for something fun to do, and will be pleased to know that all the term-time classes and groups will be starting up again. There is such an amazing range of activities for little ones, and you can find listings of them all in our Things to Do section. Within each area you can find sections for Parent and Toddler Groups, Classes, Sports and more. The Classes for Kids section of the Directory also has some great information about a few of the classes. If you're overwhelmed by the choice and would like some ideas as to what is worth giving a go, make sure you come and ask on the forum as you'll get some great feedback from other parents who have already tried them.
I am currently updating these so if you run a group yourself that needs some changes made, please let me know on louise@essexmums.org. Likewise, if you would like one of our review panel to attend one of your classes and write a review, do let me know!
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New Introductions and Meet-Ups Section
After requests from our community, the introductions and meet-ups sections have had a bit of an overhaul. It is now divided by area so you can say hello or arrange a get-together with other parents close to where you live. Take a look and see who is near you! If you're not sure which area you're in, let me know!
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Essex Mums Needs You
Would you like to be an Essex Mums Area Co-ordinator? Can you come up with ideas for meet-ups and be pivotal in getting local mums together? Could you be someone who makes a real difference to people's lives?
The role is voluntary, but with scope for earning a little income in the future if you have the right level of commitment and desire to make it work.
If you think this is something you would like to do, please let me know the area you would like to cover, based on those listed here: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=48 and I will get in touch with more details
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2 for 1 deals at some of the best attractions in Essex...
We are very excited to announce that Essex Mums is now in partnership with The Essex Pass: a fantastic new way to enjoy 2 for 1 deals at some of the best attractions in Essex.
The Essex Pass is much more than just a discount card; for just £9.99 you get access to hundreds of discounts across Essex for a whole year and typically make your money back in just one day out!
Get 2for1 deals at attractions such as Marsh Farm, Barleylands Farm Park, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Boydells Dairy Farm, Imperial Bird of Prey Academy (Trip Advisor’s No1 attraction in Essex), Harlow Falconry, Audley End Minature Railway, Epping Ongar Railway, Huntfun, Laser warfare, Brentwood ski & snowboard centre, Lakeside karting, Brentwood karting, Rye house karting, Rope Runners, Delta Force paintball, try dives at Planet scuba, Beth Chatto Gardens, Hedingham Castle, Colchester Castle, The Secret Bunker, Hylands House & more.
Also a wide range of other details, including a “kids pay £1†deal at Hadleigh Farm, 60% off Brownes fitness boot camp, restaurants, pubs, cafes & fish n chippies offering up to 50% off food and 10-20% off at many local shops. Look out for the ESSEX PASS sticker in the window.
Buy for a friend today and get one for yourself absolutely free! Click here to buy your card, just add ‘Essex Mums’ plus your friends’ name in the notes section of the cart page
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Super Hero 'Jack'!
 I hope you don't mind me sharing a story with you concerning a family local to me and their little boy Jack. It's a story I've been following since it first came to my attention because Jack is almost exactly the same age as my youngest, Dexter, and it's a stark reminder to be grateful for everything we have. Jack was born with 2 life limiting conditions; Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome and Familial Mediterranean Fever. He bravely underwent a bone marrow transplant in December last year, but is now about to go through the process again. Come on Jack! He has spent much of his life in Great Ormond Street Hospital and has been an amazing little fighter, always pictured with a smile. Jack's Great Uncle designed these charity wristbands to raise funds for 3 amazing causes that have been a lifeline for Jack and his family - Great Ormond Street Hospital, Anthony Nolan and Neptune Ward at Southend Hospital. Bands are available now, minimum donation £2.
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacks-Journey/ to follow and find out more information.
If you are local to Southend you can get bands from http://www.facebook.com/fitbugs.net
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The Tiny Toes Show is a baby and toddler exhibition, taking place in Orsett Hall Hotel on the 26th October 2014. Sponsored by Mothercare, KidAround & BabyTV. The Show has over 50 baby and toddler exhibitors, offering advice and exclusive discounts. Partyman World of Play will be providing soft play and the official ®Postman Pat will be making appearances throughout the day too. FREE expert speaker sessions (sponsored by Essex Mums) are available and can be booked in advance. Free goody bags for the first 800 visitors, includes products from Baby Tv, Organix & Mothercare. Visit TinyToesShow.co.uk for more information.
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Product Reviews
Product reviews added this month! You can see a bit about each of our reviewers here, or can go straight to the reviews here.
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Tree Fu Tom 3D Adventures
Tree Fu Tom 3D Adventures is an app compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. For the uninitiated, Tree Fu Tom is a CG animated series currently shown on CBeebies.
Read Helena's full review
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Disney Toddler Daysacks
This little backpack is ideal for little ones desperate for some freedom and independence. It’s fun enough for them to want to wear it, without fighting against wearing reins. The Mickey Mouse idea is great as it’s a very popular character and toddlers seem to adore all things Disney.
Read Allison's full review
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Organix Cereal and Snacks
I must admit baby snacks are usually bland and unappealing when you’re trying to coax a toddler to eat them, but these crocodile crisps I actually like. They’re fun to look at and get a toddler interested in them, but they actually taste nice too.
Read Allison's full review
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S corrective facial, Essencia
We are all becoming increasingly aware of the importance of looking after our skin from a younger age. However, a large number of us are guilty of neglecting ourselves to focus on bringing up our little ones or our jobs, only to look in the mirror occasionally and be shocked.
Read Sarah's full review
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Vind Fleece
This is a fleece of great quality. It’s made of 3 layers including an inner membrane that is showerproof and wind proof. It’s blue with a green inside and a red stripe around the bottom with 3 reflective spots on the back. It has zipped pockets and it zips all the way up to the top with elasticated cuffs.
Read Rachel's full review
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CoCo Crafts reversible dress
The CoCo Crafts reversible dress is a handmade little girl’s dress available in sizes from 3-6 months up to 4-5 years. These dresses are made from coordinating yet contrasting fabrics and are fully reversible, so that if there is a mishap or a spillage the dress can simply be turned inside out.
Read Helena's full review
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In The Night Garden Live
In the Night Garden has been amazing and wowing babies and toddlers on our television screens since 2007. It is a wonderful, magical land with many different colourful and unique characters which capture a child’s imagination and can easily keep their attention for the whole programme.
Read Jenny's full review
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Gotland All Weather Coat
Highly practical and versatile all weather Gotland Jacket. This lightweight polyester taslan jacket is fully waterproof as well as breathable to 5000/5000mm and comes in a longer length girls’ fit as well as a shorter unisex model.
Read Natalie's full review
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New on the Shopping Guide
Check out some of the gorgeous new shops added to the Alternative Shopping Guide this month:
If you have a shop you would like to advertise on the Shopping Guide, please get in touch on louise@essexmums.org
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 Get ready for an injection of colour this winter…
The Cololo duffel coat will chase away the cold-weather blues with a rainbow of 8 colour options and 9 customisable embroidered boggl (badge) options.
 The Cololo bathrobe, 100% luxurious cotton towelling, is perfect for drying and cuddling up with your little ones after bath time. Available in 4 colours with a gorgeous embroidered boggl, an integrated elastic belt and a generous hood for extra cosiness.
Go to www.cololo.co.uk to see our entire colour and boggl combinations come alive!
Find Cololo on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram
On sale now, shipping worldwide.
USE CODE ESSEX15 for a 15% discount
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Pregnancy & Parenting Articles
Some great articles added by our writers this month - take a look! To see all the articles we have on the site, visit the Pregnancy and Parenting section.
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Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
At each of your antenatal appointments with your midwife, your blood pressure will be taken and recorded in your hand-held antenatal notes. Taking your blood pressure is a simple and quick procedure which can identify problems during your pregnancy.
Read more
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Boy or girl? The theories of gender-guessing
Women have been getting pregnant since the beginning of time, and ever since then, their families, friends, medics and complete strangers have all been busy trying to guess the sex of the baby before it is born.
We have been guessing for so long that it is surprising that we have not come up with a DIY method of gender prediction that is guaranteed to work.
Read more
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Rhesus Negative and Anti D injection
During your pregnancy you will have your blood tested and your blood type will be recorded onto your antenatal notes. The four main blood groups are:
In each of these groups, there are then two more classifications known as Rhesus positive (+) and Rhesus negative (-). So if you are in blood group A and your rhesus blood group is positive, your blood group will be recorded as A+.
Read more
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Introducing a gluten free lifestyle to your family
Getting children to embrace different food groups into their diet can be a challenge. There are plenty of hints and tips out there usually encouraging vegetables to be disguised in sauces or dressed up as something that would be perceived to be more tasty to eat.
Read more
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Top ten tips for helping your child’s language development
1. When you buy a buggy, invest in one that lets your baby face you. For his first year, you’re his best source of entertainment, and being face-to-face means he’s able to watch you when you’re talking to him.
2. Allow opportunities for your child to communicate by using every opportunity to ask questions with options rather than those requiring a nod or shake of the head!
Read more
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Tutoring for the 11+: A Level Playing Field?
In the 1960s very few children went to prep schools and most of us just attended the nearest local state primary school. Virtually no preparation took place for the 11+ exam and generally the top 10-15% of each class passed the exam and then their parents sent them off on the bus.
Read more
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Recipes
Take a look at our recipes section for some tried-and-tested family-friendly feeds! Do you have something you would like to add to this section? If so, please share it here. If anyone is interested in becoming a regular contributor please get in touch.
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Chilli Con Carne
Chilli is one of the most versatile of recipes, and it is not only suitable for weekend entertaining but also as a tasty mid-week meal. I have used ground cumin and coriander in this recipe to make it quicker, but if you have time it's definitely worth using whole seeds, dry frying them...
Read Kate's full recipe
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Gluten-free and Dairy-free Chocolate Brownies
Delicious chocolate brownies suitable for everyone but particular good for those who are gluten and dairy intolerant.
Read Vivien's full recipe
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Craft Ideas
Our Craft Ideas section features arts and crafts for children of all ages. Just click on the image to find out how to make it! If you have any ideas, or would like to write a regular feature for this section, please get in touch! louise@essexmums.org
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 The Essex Baby Show is Essex’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, attracting thousands of visitors across Essex.
A unique family-friendly shopping and advice experience, the show features thousands of products and over 75 brands and the opportunity to hear from and meet some of the UK’s top parenting experts.
From pushchairs to nursery ideas, maternity fashion to healthcare, our experts are on hand to help you make the right choice for your growing family.
Essex Baby Show highlights for 2014 include:
- FREE workshops from Wonder Weeks and Birthing 4 Blokes
- Beautiful Baby Photo Competition
- Massive Prize Draw
- Expert Information and Advice
- Superb Shopping
** 40% off advanced tickets **
Book Now and quote EMEBS14
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Events
Lots going on this month! You can find full listings on the Things to Do section but hopefully this will give you a few ideas about what's on near you and across the county. I have added a few extra half-term events, but there are lots more listed on the website, so make sure you take a look to find fun things to do for your family, and let us know when you try something good. Oh, and remember to say you saw it on Essex Mums!
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Every Saturday: Kids AM, Vue Cinema
Every Tuesday: Tudor Tuesdays, Eastbury Manor House
2nd: Messy Play, Dagenham Heathway Library
3rd: Curator’s Museum Tour, Valence House
21st: Back to Nursery Disco for the under 3s, The Rabbit Hole
25th: Hugless Douglas, The Broadway Barking
28th: Autism-Friendly Screenings, Vue Cinema
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2nd: Family Fun in the Wildlife Garden, Wat Tyler
6th: Summer Fete, Wickford
7th: Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Towngate Theatre
8th: Street Cricket Sessions for 11-16 year olds, Wickford Memorial Park
10th 16th, & 24th, 30th: Caterpillar Club, Langdon Hills Visitor Centre
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
13th & 14th: Essex Country Show, Barleylands
13th: Allstar Mini Kickers Introductory Session, B.Active
14th: Baby and Children's Market, Hannikins Farm
21st: Kite Festival, The Wick Country Park
26th: After School Disco, Stay and Play
28th: 28th Grand Motorbilia Day, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre
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3rd – 6th: The Secret Garden, Brentwood Theatre
5th: Bat Evening, Thorndon South
6th: Peppa Pig, Old MacDonalds Farm
7th: Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary Open Day
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
19th: Family Bat Walk, Weald Country Park
21st: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary Dog Show
28th: Superhero Walk, Brentwood
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6th: RSPB West Canvey Marsh Walk
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
14th: Iron Age Roundhouse Afternoon, Hadleigh Country Park
23rd: Essex Poetry Festival, Canvey Island Library
27th – 28th: Colour Chase, Havens Hospice
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All month: Potato Picking, Marsh Farm
Every Monday: Puddleducks, Danbury Country Park
2nd: Betty's Craft Club - Design a Mug and Saucer in Ceramic Paint, Hobbycraft
4th: A Night at the Museum, Essex Police Museum
6th: Chelmer Village Family Fun Day
7th: Wild Wings, Tropical Wings
8th – 14th: Creepy Crawlies - 10th Birthday Free Entry!
9th & 23rd: Hatchlings Club, Hanningfield Reservoir
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
12th – 14th, 19th – 21st: Steven's Funfair, Central Park
13th: Mum2Mum Market, Hylands School
20th: Twilight Spectacle, Saltcoats Park
27th – 28th: Peppa Pig, Marsh Farm
27th: CITYDiversions 2014, Chelmsford High Street
28th: Art in the Park, Hylands House
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All month: Georgian Style, Hollytrees Museum
4th – 7th: Zippo’s Circus, Avenue of Remembrance
5th: Bat Evening, Tiptree Heath
6th: BioBlitz, Colchester Zoo
7th: Kite Festival, Layer Marney Tower
9th – 13th: 28th Chappel Beer Festival, EARM
10th & 24th: Creepy Crawlies Club, Abberton Reservoir
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
13th: Free Family Fun Festival, Castle Park
14th: High Woods History Trail, High Woods Country Park
18th onwards: Roman River Festival
18th – 26th: Grease, Mercury Theatre
20th: Starlight Safari Night, Colchester Zoo
27th: Children's World Fun Park, Castle Park
28th: Dinky Disco, firstsite
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5th: Free Portraits for Babies and Toddlers, Snowdon Photography
7th: Trains & Planes, Epping Ongar Railway
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
13th: Family Fun Day, Chingford
14th: Adventure and Farm Open Day, Lambourne End
15th – 26th: Flop in Art Space, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge
19th: Open Day - Kidsunlimited Epping
20th: Fayre Time Festival, Royal Gunpowder Mills
21st: Autumn Diesel Gala Plus Real Ale, Epping Ongar Railway
23rd & 30th: Baby Massage and Yoga, Zinc Arts
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7th: I Believe In Unicorns, Parndon Wood Nature Reserve
7th: Pond Dipping, Pets Corner
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
27th: It’s Autumn, Parndon Wood Natrure Reserve
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BoBo Baby Wear. Inspired, beautiful baby wear and gorgeous baby accessories at good value prices. Bows, flowers, bloomers and pettiskirts in fabulous fabrics and prints.
 For wonderfully versatile, stylish outfits for our very small friends who simply must have the very best..... For something a little bit different, look what we have for you.....
www.mybobobaby.com
Follow us on twitter @mybobobabywear & www.facebook.com/bobobabywear
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Every Monday & Tuesday: Infant Talking Toolkit
Every Wednesday: Caterpillar Club, Bedfords Park
Every Saturday: Kids AM, Vue Cinema
5th & 19th: Bedford’s Nature Rangers, Bedfords Park
6th & 7th: Upminster Windmill Open Day
6th: Monty and Mirabella, Queens Theatre
7th: Discovery Day, Mardyke Woods
8th: Phonics & Numeracy course for ages 3yrs-7yrs, Tutorial Ltd
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
11th: Havering Real Nappies Nappuccino coffee morning, Laurie Café
13th: Essex Outdoor Cinema, Oakfields Montessouri
14th: Fun Day, The Mercury Mall
20th: Meet Bea Spells-a-lot, The Brewery
21st: Private Peaceful, Queens Theatre
24th: Fostering Information Evening, Havering
27th: Charity Fundraiser Fun Day, St Laurence Church Hall
28th: Autism-Friendly Screenings, Vue Cinema
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3rd: Story Explorer, Loxford Park
4th: Let’s get ready for Preâ€school, Loxford CC
11th – 13th: Annie, Kenneth More Theatre
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
14th: Wanstead Festival
25th – 30th: Zippo’s Circus, Forest Farm
28th: Funday Sundays: Dinosaur Detectives, The Exchange
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4th: Little Rhyme Makers, John Perry CC
6th: Canewdon Village Fete
7th: Family Fun Day, The Victory Inn
10th: Disney Party, The Fun Factory
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
22nd – 27th: Rochford Art Trail
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All month: Southend and The Great War, Central Museum
Every Wednesday: Squirrel Squad, Belfairs Park
Every Saturday: Big Saturday Nights, Adventure Island
Until 5th: Creative Tomorrows Open 2014, Dencora Court
2nd: Up in Space Story Time, Jacqson Diego
5th: Clothes Exchange, Summercourt CC
6th: Fashion Illustration Workshop, Beecroft Art Gallery
7th: Family Sunday, Belfairs Park
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
13th: Giant Inflatable Day, SHSG
15th & 16th: What the Ladybird Heard, Palace Theatre
18th: Evening Bat Walk, Belfairs Park
21st: Vulcan Open Days, Southend Airport
27th: Green Bunch, Belfairs Park
30th: Barnum, Cliffs Pavilion
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Every Tuesday: The Muck-In After School Club, Thurrock Thameside Nature Park
6th: Rainham’s Mini Fair, RSPB Rainham Marshes
7th: Fire Station Open Day, Grays Fire Station
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
12th: Frozen Dress-Up and Singalong, Thameside Theatre
13th: Insect Afternoon, RSPB Rainham Marshes
14th: Heritage & Water Day, Davy Down
20th: Rainham Craft and Gift Fair, Rainham Library
27th: Mary Poppins, Thameside Theatre
28th: Tractor Day, Coalhouse Fort
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All month: North West Essex at War, Saffron Walden Museum
4th – 7th: Funfair, Saffron Walden Common
5th – 7th: Woodfest, Hatfield Forest
6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st: Life Above and Below Stairs, Audley End House and Gardens
7th: Dunmow Cricket Club Summer Fete
9th: First Aid Course for Babies and Toddlers, Little Goslings CC
11th – 14th: Heritage Days, Various Venues
16th: The Emporium, Town Hall
20th: Saffron Walden Michaelmas Fayre
21st: Lord Braybrooke's Steam Gala, Audley End Minature Railway
27th & 28th: Apple Day, Audley End House and Gardens
28th: Try Your Hand at Archery, Hatfield Forest
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 Cosy Toes Play Group
Rochford Methodist Church
Sessions start Tuesday 9th September.
0-18 months 9.30am to 10.30am
18 Months + 10.45am to 11.45am
£5 Per session running term time only
Please contact if you would like to book!
https://www.facebook.com/CosyToesEssex
www.cosytoesessex.co.uk
Contact Jess on (07917034312)
E-Mail: Jessica.cosytoes@gmail.com
At Cosy Toes sessions we combine different activities to help develop the bond between parent and child by providing stimulating and fun play, focusing on development and social interaction. Activities include Sensory play, Heuristic play, Singing and Musical interaction where you and your child will have fun playing, enjoy interacting with other children and parents.
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New Classes and Groups
A selection of new information about classes and groups added this month. Some are brand new to the site, some just have updates about new venues, details etc.Take a look at the Things to Do section for complete listings.
Classes
Parent and Toddler Groups
Updated Children's Centres Timetables
Groups for Older Children
Sport
Groups for Parents and Parents-to-Be
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 When asked which personal possessions they would rescue from an impending disaster, most people immediately think of their favourite photographs.
Father and son, Keith and Morgan Williams who are both qualified photographers run Williams Family Photographers with the help of the rest of the family and offer several packages to help capture your babies and children for posterity.
The studio is located in the picturesque riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch the studio has its own car park and you are free to leave your car there whilst you enjoy the rest of your day in the town.
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Everything else
As always, please send any events, feedback, ideas etc. to me at louise@essexmums.org. I love hearing how people use the site and ways I can improve it. The normal newsletter will be back next month - I hope you've enjoyed this overview of the website!
I hope you have a lovely month and that I'll get to see you at a meet-up soon.
Kind regards
Louise
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