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Time to Talk Day

Time to change champions at a previous event in 2019. Sharon, our blogger, is on the far right

A 2015 parliament paper describes Mental Health stigma using Time to Change’s definition: “the set of negative attitudes, pre-judgements, prejudices and behaviour that can make it harder for inviduals with mental health problems to live a normal life”.

Time To Change has been challenging Mental Health stigma since 2007 on a national level, and more recently on a local level through its community hubs. I am a “champion”, or volunteer, with the Northamptonshire Time to Change Hub. Champions have lived experience of mental illness. My experience goes back to childhood, although my first diagnosis, depression, was at 21. It wasn’t something I shared. No-one did back then.

At the time that parliament paper was published in 2015, I was receiving treatment for depression, anxiety and Binge Eating Disorder. I was also rebuilding my life after literally losing everything. The reasons for this were complex, but mental health stigma and discrimination played a part, even though I did my best to assert my rights.

I had started a new job, and was open about my mental ill-health for the first time. To a point. Because anxiety attacks are difficult to hide. I was wary and careful to notice how my new colleagues responded. Most people accepted me without judgement, and it was such a relief! My new employer also allowed me the space and time to go through therapy and group work with the Eating Disorders Service, and phase off my anti-depressants when I was ready.

It hasn’t all been perfect, thoughtless comments are still commonplace. Particularly around Binge Eating Disorder, which most seem to think is about greed and lack of willpower. I have received so much diet advice over the years, even from healthcare professionals who should know better. But I’ll save that for Eating Disorders Week in March…

I first heard about Time to Change and Time to Talk Day in 2017. The message struck a chord, and I decided to write an email to my team, thanking them for their support and acceptance. I remember being so scared as I pressed “send”, then shedding more than a few tears at the kind responses I received. At this point I realised the power of sharing my story, not just for others, but for myself. My aim had been to help prevent other people from going through what I had, and yet the more open I was, the more my own self-confidence grew.

It is now 4 years since I sent that email. This Time to Talk Day I’m in recovery and talking to strangers online. It has become second nature for me to challenge mental health stigma whenever and wherever I see it. I am learning that I am enough, that I don’t have to hide who I really am. I am finding my voice. I have started to write. I have a sense of belonging I never had before. Yes, I have helped others by being a part of the Northamptonshire Time to Change Hub, but it has given me so much in return.

 

Get involved:

Time to Change Northamptonshire are holding an event for Time to Talk day on 4th February. It’s about how you can become a champion. So if you’re inspired by Sharon get involved here. 

Find out more about your local Time 2 Change hub through any of the below:

Facebook | Instagram | Webpage 

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

The Mayor of Kettering, Cllr James Burton, will be holding a small service in commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day TODAY (Wednesday 27th January).

Due to the current restrictions, the public cannot attend. However, the virtual service will be available to watch from 12pm today here:

The service will include poignant readings from the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend David Walsh, and members from the wider Kettering community.

Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi deathcamp. It is an important commemoration that teaches people of the past, and to take action to create a safer future.

Cllr James Burton, The Mayor of the Borough of Kettering, said: “it is exceptionally important that we continue to observe Holocaust Memorial Day despite the current restrictions. I am saddened that members of the public cannot pay their respects in person with me, but I urge people to remember this day safely from home and to reflect on the responsibility it gives us to work for a safer, better future for everyone, and to tackle prejudice and discrimination.”

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Catherine Matthews Social Media

A new Selfie Wall by local artist, Catherine Matthews, has been installed on Kettering’s High Street.

The interactive street art is the second piece by Catherine that has been commissioned by Kettering Borough Council, located on the Oxfam Charity shop between Natwest and Market Harborough Building Society.

The selfie wall was inspired by the newly refurbished Meadow Road Park. The piece celebrates the wild planting around the borough to support natural wildlife and reflect the green landscape. The colourful display features a bright red balloon in the centre of a green park with trees, flowers, a goose, rainbow and Kettering’s St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church in the background.

Meadow Artwork 2 (002)

The project follows on from the Council’s #StaySafe #ShopLocal campaign which continues to promote the borough’s town centres as safe and vibrant places to visit, whilst supporting local businesses. 

We’d love to see local people’s selfies! so share your photographs with This is Kettering on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or by using #ThisisKettering

For more information on Catherine’s previous artworks, click here.

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Susan Williams Art Installation
Local artist, Susan Williams, will be showcasing her Ribbon Art Installation on the gardens opposite the Council offices, by St Peter and St Paul’s church and the Manor House Museum.
The installation will be on display from this Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August.

Susan Williams MRSS studied at Kingston University and the Royal Academy, London and was an Award Winner to the Royal Society of Sculptors.  She has exhibited widely in the UK and also internationally, including exhibiting in USA, Spain, Iceland, Germany and Korea.

The ribbon installation is based on a rainbow theme and links to the pandemic in a variety of ways. 

The ribbons flutter in the wind, suggesting the sudden appearance of a stream of butterflies, reflecting the idea of people emerging from their cocoons after lockdown. 

From other views the work captures and reflects light in different ways including that of glowing candles. 

The ribbons also close up when wet emulating some varieties of flower, almost responding to atmospheric conditions.  There are other references also. Please feel free to come and chat about the artwork.

#StaySafe #ShopLocal ??

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Eat Out to Help Out in Kettering
The government’s new Eat Out to Help Out Scheme opens on Monday 3rd August in Kettering!

You’ll be able to use the scheme at participating establishments, and will receive a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner), every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as many times as you like!

This scheme opens on Monday 3rd and closes on Monday 31st August.

See below a list of some of the venues taking part nearby Kettering town centre:

  • Kafe Bloc – Sheep Street.
  • Billionaires – Sheep Street.
  • Kino Lounge – Market Place.
  • Jurassic Grill – Market Place.
  • The Old Market Inn – Market Place.
  • Costa Coffee – High Street.
  • Mcdonalds – High Street.
  • Bewiched Coffee – High Street.
  • Just Desserts – High Street.
  • Mugs Coffee House – Silver Street.
  • Pancake House – Gold Street.
  • Vintage Fleur – Gold Street.
  • Cafe Amore – Lower Street.
  • Tapri – Newlands Shopping Centre.
  • Sonora Mexican Kitchen – Montagu Street.
  • The Exotic Dining – Newland Street.
  • Subway – Mariners Way.
  • The Raj – Rockingham Road.
  • Royal Bengal – Rockingham Road.
  • Tong Thai – Bignal Court.
  • McDonalds – Orion Way.
  • KFC – Kettering Leisure Park.
  • Glebe Farm Tea Room – Rothwell Road.
  • Kettering Park Hotel & Spa – Kettering Parkway.

To find more restaurants near you and around the Borough of Kettering, click here and search using your postcode.

You do not need a voucher to use this scheme and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts. There is no minimum spend.

You cannot claim discount on alcoholic drinks or service charges.

The discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments and all diners in a group of any size can use the discount.

For updates on our newly reopened town centres, visit: thisiskettering.com/reopening

StaySafe and ShopLocal

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Email Footer
Shops and businesses have re-opened across the Borough of Kettering – with work taking place to promote social distancing and safe shopping.

Open for business

Kettering Borough Council have been working closely with local shops, businesses and other organisations, to ensure our high streets opened safely on 15 June following a lengthy period of closure due to the lockdown and coronavirus pandemic. We have provided guidance and support to businesses to introduce new safety measures to ensure social distancing and queue management for visitors. New floor stickers will promote social distancing and safe movement of shoppers around towns and show customers where to queue. Shoppers are encouraged to look out for the new signage and follow the instructions accordingly.

Businesses that would like support or guidance with reopening are asked to email economicdevelopment@kettering.gov.uk

 

Safe and clean

As well as our work with businesses, our town centres will see an enhanced cleaning regime and residents may notice our street cleansing team regularly disinfecting bins and benches. Our wardens are out and about with PCSOs in Kettering, Burton Latimer, Desborough and Rothwell, acting as the eyes and ears for any potential difficulties. Our Environmental Health team continues to monitor and review the town centre to identify any businesses with concerns / further pinch points.

Work is also taking place to make alterations to the bus shelters on Eskdaill Street. Some of the panelling will be removed to improve safety for those using public transport, by making it easier to practice social distancing.

 

FREE Parking

Parking is currently FREE in all Kettering Borough Council car parks, and will remain so until the end of July, before being reassessed.

 

Markets are back!

Markets are back! This week’s markets have been held on Kettering Market Place, where they remain until further notice, to ensure stalls are not blocking the high street and have more space. We are not currently charging for market stalls and have helped all traders set up hand sanitation stations.

 

The future

We’re also looking to improve the street scene including signage and promotional material, as well as delivering public realm improvements through Kettering’s Heritage Action Zone programme (HAZ) and providing a programme of entertainment to encourage footfall whilst maintaining social distance.

As part of this, we’re looking for local street entertainers, musicians, buskers, dancers, acrobats and more to entertain visitors to our town centres. If you think you’ve got what it takes, please contact events@kettering.gov.uk

Cllr Mark Dearing, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “As Kettering Borough’s town centres are reopening to the public, we’re working closely with businesses and encouraging visitors to stay safe and shop local. All possible measures have been put in place to help create a very safe and pleasurable shopping experience and I encourage people to support local businesses, now they have reopened, to help them get back on track.”

Rochelle Mathieson, Head of Commercial Development at Kettering Borough Council, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into helping get high streets ready for re-opening and I thank all those involved in putting these essential measures in place so quickly. Local businesses have been devastated by this pandemic and it is so important for our local economy, local employment and business owners, that we do all we can to ensure they can open safely and start to trade again.”

A webpage has been created with more information about town centres re-opening at www.thisiskettering.com/reopening

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Logo

Local sporting achievements were celebrated last night at Wicksteed Park for the Kettering Sports Awards 2019! Here are the local sporting heroes who won and were nominated by the public.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Sports Awards 2019_22
COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR: Kettering Cycling Club Cyclones

Cyclones has grown to over 100 members in its 6 years in existence. The club now has 10 qualified coaches, two of whom are only 16. Grant funding has been successfully applied for meaning that Cyclones can compete on suitable race bikes at all levels. Cyclones have 5 young people on the British Cycling Regional School of Racing Development pathways; 6 young people competing at National level in closed circuit racing and 8 competing at National level in cyclocross. The club also offer weekly family rides. The club has two cohorts of British Cycling Young Volunteers, two of whom were the youngest ever BC qualified coaches at age 14. Cyclones work to support local charities, raising £300 for a local charity by
collecting car parking charges at their cross race.

Nominees: Burton Park Wanderers FC, Hawks FC and Kettering RFC (U13 girls – The Bluebells).

Presented by Louise Preedy and Amelia Davey from Cransley Hospice.

Community Organisation - Group of the Year - Winners
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION/GROUP OF THE YEAR: Desborough Green Space Junior Parkrun

Desborough Green Space Junior Parkrun (DGSJP) aims to tackle inactivity and provide social and volunteering opportunities. The event is a free, weekly 2km run for 4-14 year olds, helping to address the rise in school children being classified as overweight or obese in Desborough. The DGSJP team secured over £5k in funding and provided safeguarding and first aid training to volunteers. Key volunteers have also attended guide running training and autism awareness. Less-active groups such as girls and disabled children have had a higher percentage of female runners over the time of running the events than boys. Since launching in April 2019, 387 different children have run over 1600 times alongside 180 volunteers who have come forward to support.

Nominees: Kettering Parkrun and SheCan…Run.

Presented by Luke Waterfield from Groundwork.

Young Volunteer of the Year Winner
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Dominik Cusk

Dominik has been assistant coach for the men’s 3rd/4th team for the last 2 years while playing for the men’s first team and, in the last year, has worked closely with the club’s junior goalkeepers. This has involved implementing his own drills and activities, showing creativity and dedication to these sessions. Dominik has passed his level 1 umpiring qualification and regularly umpires for senior teams on Saturdays, junior teams on Sundays and mixed teams as part of the summer league. He also spent 3 days umpiring at the international over 75’s tournament despite a broken arm. Dominik has been a great advocate for hockey at his school, Brooke Weston Academy, helping to run PE sessions and strengthening the pathway to club hockey. Dominik is a great ambassador for both club and hockey as a sport, acting as a role model for other youngsters to aspire to.

Nominees: Charlie Stockham.

Presented by Debbie Egan from Kettering Futures Partnership.

Community Coach - Activator Winner
COMMUNITY COACH/ACTIVATOR OF THE YEAR: Simon Aston

Simon launched the Kettering FC Ladies team in 2012 and over the past twelve months has affiliated two disability teams to the county FA at U12 and U16 levels. His commitment has seen him launch regular weekly sessions for both age groups at the club’s ground in Kettering. The teams are now supported by over 20 players with a wide range of disabilities. Players are made to feel welcome and comfortable in their football environment – most would otherwise never have the chance to participate. Simon still oversees most of the club’s youth and girl’s squads. He also contributes his time to coach young people on behalf of the County FA, offering his time for
sessions for players with Cerebral Palsy and Downs Syndrome.

Nominees: Lewis Boyall, Emily James, Gemma Simms, Howard Farrow and Benjamin Collins.

Presented by Hazel Webb from Kettering Borough Council.

Community Champion - Volunteer Winner
COMMUNITY CHAMPION/VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Gareth Edwards

Gareth has been with Kettering Town Cricket Club for 15 years even though he doesn’t play cricket. His most significant contribution is in helping to prepare the pitches week in, week out, coming to the ground on at least two evenings a week straight from work throughout the summer. He has showed himself to be a very skilled groundsman, helping to produce high quality pictures for around 90 matches each season. Gareth does not expect any acknowledgement for all this work, with many people unaware of the amount of time given by him, always prepared to help no matter what the situation. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Gareth. He has shown himself to be reliable with a wide range of practical skills, is well liked and an integral part of the social side of the club.

Nominees: Rob Parkes, Mike Annable, Nicola Cebak and John Duggan.

Presented by Sean Silver from Groundwork.

Sport School of the Year - Winner
SPORT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR: Greenfields Primary School

Children of Greenfields have had the opportunity to experience sports within the curriculum and after school. This included new sports Boccia, handball, goal ball and New age Kurling, Karate and Fencing. Staff have used these sports to run a weekly lunchtime club to encourage pupils with impairment, disability and low self-esteem to participate. Club members helped to lead sports during a ‘modern sports festival’. Children can compete against other schools, year 1 representing the district in the New age Kurling county finals and year 3/4 hockey representing Kettering at the level 3 School Sports Games. Volunteers play-leaders were trained to deliver games with younger children, developing leadership skills and confidence. A Health & Wellbeing day was organised which saw all children participate in exercise, with KS2 having a session on healthy eating. Parents joined in a Zumba session to raise money for MIND. Greenfields were awarded the Schools Sports Mark – Gold award in July.

Nominees: Bishop Stopford School, St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy – Burton Latimer, Compass Primary Academy, St Mary’s CEVA Primary School – Kettering, and Kettering Buccleuch Academy.

Presented by Paul Smith from Kettering School Sports Development.

Get Active Award - Winner
GET ACTIVE AWARD: Simon Ingram

Simon was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition of Parkinson’s disease in 2003 at the age of 36. For Simon, physical activity was always something he knew was important in helping his. In 2018, while watching Match of the Day a feature on walking football got him searching for a session in Kettering. He has become a regular attendee over the past year, from falling in his very first session to since scoring some incredible volleyed goals. Both Simon’s physical and mental health has improved and he has established himself as a key member of the walking football community. Walking football has helped Simon rediscover his love of watching football and as a result has bought tickets for his club, QPR. Simon has helped a friend start a new charity, Parkinson’s People Northants and is writing a book about living with the condition which he hopes will help inspire and educate others about the disease.

Nominees: Desborough Walking Football Club and Kettering Arena Walking Football Club.

Presented by Georgina Stewart from Kettering Park Hotel and Spa.

Disabled Sportspreson of the Year - Winner
DISABLED SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Bruce Dee

Bruce has had another great year and is continuing to develop into a fantastic para–swimmer with his times and results showing continuous improvement. His main results and achievements are 6 gold medals in the S6 category at the Activity Alliance & Swim England National Winter Para–Swimming Championships in Manchester; 4th place in the mixed classification open age 50m Butterfly British Final at the British Para – Swimming International
Meet in Glasgow; high placings in the mixed classification open age categories at the Swim England National Summer Championships in Sheffield; 7 gold medals in the S6 category alongside 2 gold and 3 bronze medals in the mixed category at the National Junior Para–Swimming Championships.

Nominees: Chris Gray, Dermot Bailey and Kieran Rollings.

Presented by Wicksteed Park.

Young Sportsman - Winner
YOUNG SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Harvey Freeman

The highlight of last season for Harvey was his performances at the GB Summer Championships where he won Gold 50m Breaststroke; Silver 100m Breaststroke; Bronze 400 Individual Medley; Bronze 200m Breaststroke and Bronze 200 Individual Medley. Harvey was part of the Northampton Swimming Club Men’s 800m Freestyle team that finished 5th and Men’s 400 Medley relay that finished 4th. In 2019 Harvey has broken 11 county records, currently joint top of the Northamptonshire ASA county record breakers table. Harvey is always on hand to help younger athletes and gives 100% to everything he does to improve his swimming skills. He has represented the East Midland Region at the McCullagh International Meet in Northern Ireland and been part of the Swim England Phase 2 Development Camps. In April 2019 Harvey qualified for the British Championships and World Championship trials in Glasgow.

Nominees: Robert Taylor, Alfie Spencer, Harlee Patrick Hooker, Ellis Panter, Logan Reid and James Annable.

Presented by Mat Tilley from Legacy Leisure.

Young Sportswoman - Winner
YOUNG SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR: Lily Carlaw

Lily competes at both Shotput and Discus and is currently U15G No1 in the UK in both events. She is Midland Counties Shot Indoor
Champion and 1st in the UK, while also setting a new PB with the 5th best all time UK throw at the England Athletics U15 / U17 National Indoor Championships. Lily became County Championships double champion, taking gold in both Shot and Discus, breaking the championship record and being awarded Best Female County Performance trophy for the 3rd consecutive year. She set a Discus PB to take the UK lead and broke the 1988 Northants Schools record in Shot. In the Mason Trophy Lily helped Northamptonshire junior girls to come 1st in the Field events. In August, Lily competed in the U15/U17 England Athletics National Championships placing second in Shot and winning discus Lily with a PB almost 4m clear of the second place.

Nominees: Kallie Walker, Amelia Cebak, Katie Gibson, Cynthia Ike, Harriet Drake-Lee, Emily Batchelor, Keris Lilly Hooker, Lucy Parker and Alice Bennett.

Presented by Sally Mills Personal Training.

Local Sportsperson of the Year - Winner
LOCAL SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Chris Gray

Chris has had a fantastic year at the bowls club becoming a regular member of the county Middleton Cup trophy team putting him in the top 24 of the county bowlers and alongside current England team members. This is a highly competitive team game which culminates at the national finals in August. Chris also regularly plays for the county in Midland county games. During the outdoor season Chris secured the Disability Bowls England men’s pairs trophy, the 2nd time he has held this title. Chris also qualified for the Bowls England national finals for the first time. Chris’ greatest achievement this year was being selected as one of the 12 bowlers to represent England at the Inaugural LBIBIS Munro Cup. The cup is for bowlers with learning difficulties and was contested between England, Wales & Scotland at Falkirk, Scotland. Two days of matches, with bowlers playing a combination of singles, pairs and triples, saw the cup being lifted by the England team. Chris played a vital part in the team’s success, scoring maximum points for England by winning both of his singles matches and both of his triples matches.

Presented by Cllr Scott Edwards, Portfolio Holder for Community & Leisure.

Lifetime Contribution to Sport - Winner
LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT: Roger Pringle

Roger has supported local cricket in many ways over a career dating back to the 1950’s. Roger started playing in the Kettering town league before moving to Corby as a successful all-rounder. He reconsidered retiring from the game in the mid 80’s instead joining Kettering Town Cricket Club where he Captained and ran the Sunday team. He hung up his spikes in 1995 and became an umpire, travelling all over Northants to officiate with honesty, integrity and a placid nature respected by players. Some ill health unfortunately prevented Roger from continuing as an umpire but in 2011 he took up the pen to become the club’s scorer. This demonstrates Roger’s love for the game and his extended support towards its administration. Now in his late 70’s Roger continues in this capacity. In 2013 Roger donated Kettering Cricket Club its first electronic scorebox, a project that would have cost the club thousands of pounds to procure and install. He was subsequently presented with KTCC’s clubman of the year award.

Nominees: Shashikant Dharshi Dholakia and Claire Simms.

Presented by Gary Sheppard from Northamptonshire Sport.

Sports Personality of the Year -Arthur Nicholson Award
SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Simon Ingram

Congratulations to Simon Ingram for winning the Arthur Nicholson Award for Kettering’s Sports Personality of the Year on top of his Get Active award! A truly inspirational man who has had a fantastic year, these accolades are thoroughly deserved!

Presented by The Mayor of the Borough of Kettering, Cllr Keli Watts.

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This_is_Kettering_Blog_Image_Halloween_1230x627

Make the most of Halloween this year around the Borough of Kettering! There\’s plenty of spooky fun days out, discos, movies, fancy dress, arts, crafts, workshops and much more for your little ones to enjoy during the October half term.

 

Halloween Museum
MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM

Come along to the Manor House Museum\’s Halloween Play Day on Wednesday 30th October from 10am until 3pm!

It\’ll be a fun-packed family day out on Kettering Market Place, with a host of FREE activities, including: face painting, crafts, the ghost train, circus of horrors, spooky storytelling, wickedly trails, musical games, a disco and much more!

Don\’t forget to put on your scariest outfit and enjoy some frightful fun.

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WICKSTEED PARK

Wicky Bear is holding his annual Little Monsters Ball at Wicksteed Park on Saturday 26th October, and he can’t wait! He and his crew will be performing some spooktacular dances as well as hosting party games and a disco, the perfect spooky treat for your little ones this Halloween. 

West Lodge Halloween
WESTLODGE FARM PARK

There\’s plenty of Halloween activities going on at the farm this year!

Don\’s miss:

SPOOKY HALF TERM FUN: Saturday 12th october until Saturday 2nd November. Loads of spooky activities to keep you entertained, including: Pumpkin carving, spooky walkways, witch\’s house tours, spooky tractor rides, panto style ghost stories plus all the usual fun of the farm.

GHOST HUNT BY TORCHLIGHT: Sunday 27th October. The ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it\’s your job to find them! Search the grounds of the farm to find all of the ghosts. There will be prizes for the winners and a spooky disco, where you\’ll get the chance to dance and meet the ghosts!

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KETTERING PARK HOTEL & SPA

On Thursday 31st October, Join the Spooktacular Kids Afternoon Tea, where you\’ll enjoy spooky dancing and ghoulish games with the team from Just Party, followed by a movie and popcorn!

Fancy dress is optional.

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KETTERING BUCCLEUCH ACADEMY

Come along to Kettering Buccleuch Academy from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November, 8am – 4pm, for the Halloween CSD Activity Camps for children in Reception all the way up to year 6!

You\’ll enjoy thriller dances, monster crafts, ghostly brownies and plenty more ghoulish activities during the half term holiday. Book online or call 01536 216431 for more information.

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BURTON LATIMER COMMUNITY CENTRE

Come along to the Burton Latimer Halloween Show at the Community Centre for a Halloween party perfect for your little ones! You\’ll enjoy pumpkins, spiders, witches, gruesome treats and atmospheric music to celebrate the spooky season.

Booking is not required for this event, and the party starts at 10am.

Halloween 2019 poster
THE CENTRE AT MAWSLEY

On Friday 25th October, come along to the Spooktacular Halloween Party for all your young ones!

Tickets are available from The Centre, which include a disco, fun & games and a Hot Dog!

robotics
ROTHWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

Are you a fan of robotics? Come along to the Rothwell Baptist Church on Tuesday 29th October from 10:30am for the October Half Term Robotics & Coding Club with iZWiZ Robotics. 

Here you\’ll create Halloween themed robotic talking pumpkins and scary ghosts! Follow instructions and learn how to use basic block programming to control motors and sensors.

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Summer Activities 2019 v2

School is officially out for summer, and there\’s plenty of things to do around the Kettering Borough to keep the children entertained! From Sports to Crafts to Play Days, there\’s something for everyone during the half-term…

kettering by the sea
Kettering by the Sea, Kettering Marketplace:

Kettering by the Sea is making a splash again this year on the Market Place, bringing you a taste of the traditional British seaside combined with a host of free activities every week for a month on Mondays through to Saturdays.

You\’ll enjoy the giant sand pit, annual National Play Day, splash fountains, magic shows, games, theatre performances and much, much more! View the full timetable by clicking the title link.

Don\’t miss the annual Summer Sticker Trail too! The trail route can be picked up at the Kettering Museum and Gallery Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10am until 4pm. Complete the trail around the town, claim your treat and be entered into the prize draw!

*FREE* Summer Playscheme\’s around Geddington, Broughton, Wilbarston, Burton Latimer, Rothwell, Desborough and Mawsley are also available throughout the event, showcasing the Jack and the Beanstalk performance from the Looking Glass Theatre and Steve the Magician magic show. Visit www.thisiskettering/bythesea for more details on times and dates.

DON’T FORGET, there’s FREE parking in all Council owned car parks during the event on:

Friday 2nd August

Friday 9th August

Friday 16th August

Summer Holiday Crafts
Summer Holiday Crafts, Manor House Museum:

Join the Manor House Museum for a fun-packed programme of children\’s activities for the summer holidays! Perfect for children aged 3+ from Thursday 25th July – Saturday 31st August.

There will be different craft sessions available every day with the opportunity for your little ones to learn new skills and express their creative talents.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot. Click the title link for more information on prices, times and contact details.

play days
Play Days, Kettering Marketplace:

Join us on the Marketplace every Wednesday during the summer half-term for a range of *FREE* things to do for all the children.

The New for 2019 Play Days comprises a number of summer activities, including: Short Story Theatre, Sports Day, Animal Magic, Family Fun Circus and more!

Visit the title link for more details. Every Play Day runs from 10am – 3pm, and the National Play Day will be held at the Museum & Art Gallery Gardens on Wednesday 7th August!

street sports
Street Sports, Kettering:

Don\’t miss the opportunity to get involved with *FREE* sports sessions led by qualified leaders in various locations around Kettering!

Build your team and compete in football, basketball or dodgeball at the end of summer tournament to be crowned Kettering Street Sports champions!

2pm – 3pm: 8-12 years.

3pm – 4pm: 12-17 years.

For more info, email leisure@kettering.gov.uk and to view the full timetable and locations of the sessions, please click the title link.

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Pacesetter Summer Holiday Sports Clubs, Montsaye Community Sports Centre:

Pacesetter offers a fantastic holiday club for your children of primary and Year 7 ages at Montsaye Community Sports Centre from Thursday 25th July – Wednesday 28th August.

They hold the clubs in a variety of different venues which all have both indoor and outdoor facilities so not even the weather can stop them from doing what they do best – sport!!

The core day runs from 9am until 4pm with a half day option available.

The extended day runs from 8:30am – 5pm.

For more information on prices and to book your place, click the title.

westlodge farm park
Family Camping, Westlodge Farm Park:

Westlodge Farm Park offer an array of family-friendly activities throughout the Summer half-term, and a perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones is to take part in one of the farm\’s family camping weekends!

The dates are as follows:

27th – 28th July and 3rd – 4th August.

Pitch your tent, enjoy a home reared hog roast, twilight walks, a camp fire, stargazing and all the fun the farm has to offer. It\’s the perfect summer, family event. For prices, click the title link.

Martial Arts Holiday Clubs
Martial Arts Holiday Club, East Northants Taekwondo Club:

The East Northants Taekwondo Club, on Northampton Rd Pavillion, is offering Taekwondo classes for children between 5-14 years old during the summer half-term!

All classes are suitable for both new and current students and begin at 9am, and finish 3:15pm, on the following dates in August:

Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th, Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd and Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th. 

Click the title link for more information, or contact 07974 813922.

knibb holiday club
The Knibb Holiday Club, William Knibb Centre:

Your children will enjoy four days of fun packed activities, including arts and crafts, a day out, a visit to Kettering by the Sea, cooking, sports and more at the William Knibb Centre from Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd August!

The activity days begin at 9am and finish at 3pm.

For more information, click the title link or call 01536 5183390 to secure your place!

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Congratulations to all of the brilliant local businesses involved in the Northants Muddy Stilettos Awards 2019! The platform that showcases the areas best loved locations.

We are proud to recognise and support the creativity and individuality of the people behind Kettering Borough\’s best businesses.

Well done to:

The Alfred East Art Gallery: Awarded Best Art Gallery.

\"Alfred The Alfred East Gallery has a regular series of changing exhibitions by local artists, as well as a permanent collection gallery displaying the work of Sir Alfred East, T. C. Gotch and others, located in the heart of Kettering.

 

Kolaine Beauty Lounge: Awarded Best Beauty Salon.

\"\" Located in Kettering, Kolaine Beauty Lounge offer a variety of bespoke beauty treatments. Delivering all beauty salon services and cosmetic procedures, the salon is devoted to help you be the best version of you.

 

No 76, Desborough: Awarded Best Bar.

\"\"Open 7 days a week, the award-winning No 76 bar offers a cosy, sophisticated atmosphere and provides a fantastic location to relax and party all at the same time, located on Station Road in Desborough.

 

Tutu Teddies: Awarded Best Children\’s Business.

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Tutu Teddies is a unique ballet and creative movement programme, written and developed by Miss Alex and linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

 

Red Lion, Cranford: Awarded Best Destination Pub.

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The Red Lion is situated in the heart of Cranford near Kettering a village steeped in history & the pub being the mainstay since the 1700’s. With over 50 years combined experience, the restaurant aims to bring people together with their love of great food and drink delivered with passion.

 

Westlodge Rural Centre: Awarded Best Best Family Attraction.

\"\"An open farm and garden centre based around a working family farm in Desborough. You’ll find a variety of farm animals, 3 miles of nature trails and 70 acres of conservation award winning farmland containing interactive sculptures. 

 

Amy West PT: Awarded Best Fitness Instructor.

\"\"Amy West offers a variety of fitness classes and invaluable knowledge into fitness and nutrition. She is dedicated to providing the best results, tailoring each programme specifically to the individual.

Warner\’s Distillery, Harrington: Awarded Best Local Food/Drink Producer.

\"\"Starting in 2012 on the beautiful family farm, the Warner\’s Distillery in Harrington began with the things that matter most and a dream to save the world from mediocre gin. Here you will find an array of unique and flavoursome gins made with the freshest ingredients.

 

The Bean Hive, Kettering: Awarded Best Gift Shop and Best Newcomer.

\"\"Located on Kettering\’s High Street, The Bean Hive sells a variety of collectibles, from patterned soft furnishings to cd\’s to confectioneries. This quirky store offers fantastic quality products.

 

Stefanie Jayne\’s, Mawsley: Awarded Best Woman\’s Store.

\"\"Stefanie Jayne\’s are a small independent boutique founded in May 2015 in Mawsley, offering dresses for all occasions for women wanting a more personal shopping experience.