THE BIG TODDLE

This was from taking part in the Barnardos' Big Toddle, supported by Lloyds TSB. Now in its 11th year it continues to be one of the biggest, brightest and best event for underfives in the country.

Thousands of children take part in organised toddles across the UK - and 35 aged between six months (albeit travelling in buggies) and up to five years old took part, leaving Deerlands for a half-mile walk around the village.

The tiny toddlers enjoyed fine weather and a well-earned drink at the end. Each child received a sticker, medal and certificate in recognition for taking part.

Deerlands was built in the summer of 2001 and opened full time in January 2002. The nursery was established to provide a well-needed service to the community and has grown from strength to strength. At present it is running almost to full capacity, there being 93 children on the register during the course of a week.

The nursery is also a family-run business set up as a diversification project due to the new building replacing derelict out-buildings on White House Farm. As a family-run business it is managed by Heidi Cook, the daughter of Sue and Graham Friedlein, who own the farm surrounding the nursery and do indeed themselves work within the nursery.

The nursery currently serves a wide catchment area, due to its rural location, with parents travelling from the Dengie area, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers and villages in between.

It is the nursery's aim to provide the highest quality care and education for children from three months to five years of age, through a safe, stimulating and caring environment.

The nursery team consists of both qualified nursery practitioners and trainee nursery practitioners and assistants. The staff are dedicated and are on a continual training programme to keep them up to date with the best current practice and ideas for the children's welfare and learning.

The nursery is divided into five areas called "home-base" rooms.

Within each home-base there are children of a similar age and stage of development, all cared for by consistent team members who work in partnership with the parents of the children in their care.

The nursery practitioners in each room work closely with key children, catering for their individual needs.

There is every facility for an exciting time for the children, and many activities to help them express themselves and learn, forming the foundation for their future.

The Big Toddle was just one of the many fun activities available for parents, children and carers to take part in at Deerlands Nursery.

For more details of forthcoming events, contact the nursery direct on 744041 or visit their website www.deerlandsdaynursery.com

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

Sunday, July 29, being the fifth Sunday in the month, the Crouch Valley Parishes held their usual combined service.

This month it was here in North Fambridge and, as an innovation, was held down on the jetty.

The service was well attended with a good representation from the other three parishes in the benefice.

Some people brought along fold-up chairs and others sat on rugs on the ground. The weather was quite kind, being dry but breezy.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Sandra Manley, who emphasised how this setting by the river naturally drew out thoughts to God's beautiful creation, the water, the wind and the fields, the fresh air and many other blessings that we all enjoyed.

The lessons were read by Jenny and Maureen and the unaccompanied singing was a pleasure.

Several of the visitors were very impressed with the settings and the service, and hoped that it might become an annual event.

Finally, our thanks to the Yacht Haven for so readily agreeing to our use of the jetty and their car parking area.

SCOUTS IN CAMP

Led by Sea Scout leader Calvin Granger, assistants Lloyd Young and Wendy Richards, together with parent helper Tony Jackson, 15 North Fambridge Scouts enjoyed a survival camp at Prances, the district camping ground at Wickham Bishops.

No tents were allowed and the Scouts had to build their own bivouacs. They were divided into three patrols, each taking part in a patrol competition involving various Scouting activities.

The competition was won by patrol number 2, led by Ben Taylor.

Note for parents - the Troop will recommence meetings on Tuesday September 11, in the village hall.

CUB SCOUTS IN ACTION

The Cub Scout Pack has enjoyed a very active programme, which included a visit to the Bradwell Training Centre and a trip on the river.

The pack is led by Peter Taylor, who is assisted by Nicola Trueman.