13th May '17: Next Junior Beginner Courses, SP store coupons and more!

Our newsletter was sent out on Thursday 11th May to all current subscribers, with advanced information about our next THREE Junior Beginner Courses and information regarding booking.

Subscribers get priority updates regarding new classes, courses and opportunities so please do sign up if you haven't done so already here.


We are pleased to announce that we are now LIVE for early-bird Junior Beginner Course tickets at Hadleigh Park, starting on the 29th May 2017. Early bird tickets for this course will be available until 8:59am Monday 14th May where full ticket prices will go live thereafter.

In the link below you'll also find details for the next 2 courses running afterwards.

If you're looking for sneak peak into our summer plans, coupons for our clothing store and more, click below and have a read.

>> Read The May 11th Newsletter Here<<

2nd May '17: Keeping in the loop!

Hi all,

As classes have grown and developed, time away from class delivery to dedicate to Southend Parkour is often tight in between other employment and commitments.

Southend Parkour is a relatively small set-up and we will always respond at the earliest possible opportunity to all questions/contacts made with us. We work around the clock to give our loyal and new customers/students a positive service and provide everyone with all needed information wherever possible.

There's a general priority for information sharing and news will be shared as follows:

1. Email Newsletter (First place for new classes, courses and important news)
2. Website News Page (New information regarding shared here within days after newsletter)
3. Facebook page updates, events etc. (Session news, thank you, images, video, offers etc)
4. Twitter (quick updates, links, offers and news)
5. Instagram (Class pictures, training footage, useful content and inspiration)
6. Youtube (Tutorials, training footage and Parkour videos)

If you have queries about advanced bookings you can check your class bookings using the following guide: Check your bookings here: https://goo.gl/mMCD0K

Certain channels will include exceptions to the above, but in short, if you sign up to our newsletter you'll be the first to receive updates regarding Beginner Courses FIRST, alongside important updates before it's shared anywhere else.

You can sign up to all of these, via the links above. You can also check out the website's FAQ page, for other questions you may have.

Hope this helps and look forward to seeing, speaking with and moving with you again real soon!

Brad - Lead Coach and Owner.

28th April '17 - Checking your bookings

Just a quick guide for students and parents of, you are able to check when you are booked up to by logging into your booking system account.

Follow the guide below to check bookings via bookwhen:

1. Head to www.southendparkour.com/classes or visit the booking system directly via www.bookwhen.com/southendparkour.

2. Log into your account via the "log in" button at the top right of the page.

3. Once you've logged in, please click the View bookings button to view bookings made.



4. Check where you're up to and confirm whether a booking went through if unsure.

5. If you can;t remember your log in information, you can request a password change using your used email address to log in, check your spam folder if you don't receive a password reset email in a few minutes.



Hope this helps!

Brad

4th April '17 - Online Merch Store, Easter Beginner Courses and MORE!

This post has been amended from our April newsletter which can be viewed here and subscribed to here.

CLASS CHANGES OVER EASTER:

No Junior Classes (Foundations or Intermediates) will be running during the second week of Easter (Week commencing 10th April), all classes booked will be transferred over to the next unbooked week by default.

This week's (5th April) Adult Weekly Class will be help in the school gym at St Bernard's, 7pm-9pm. Book today to save your spot!

Our Next Junior Beginner Courses!

AM Session now sold out! Don't miss out!

Due to popular demand, we are running two Junior Beginner Courses back to back in the second week (10th to 14th April) of the Easter half term at Hadleigh Parkour Park. 

These courses are the entry point for all Junior Students (aged 8-16 years) and are delivered by our highly experienced and certified coaching team. - CLICK HERE TO BOOK

The first session will be running between 10:30am and 12:00pm (SOLD OUT - Waiting List Available) and the second from 12:30pm until 2:00pm.

----------------------------------------------

CLICK HERE TO BOOK - LAST FEW SPACES

----------------------------------------------

Please note: We are due to expand out classes further into areas OUTSIDE of Southend within the coming months. If you're holding out for classes nearer you, successfully completing this course will enable you to start at our Foundations/Intermediates classes in your area as soon as we launch.

NEXT SP MERCH WINDOW NOW OPEN! NEW ITEMS ADDED

We've made it easier and faster to order SP clothing, so we can get your made-to-order shirts ordered, printed and to you within a shorter time-frame.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR STORE AND ORDER

-----

TO STUDENTS: All shirts will be available to collect at any of our weekly classes or courses as soon as received from the printer.

FOR DELIVERY ORDERS: Once shirts have been received by us, shirts ordered for delivery to mainland UK will be dispatched within 3 days. 

----

For both collection and delivery orders, updates will be provided via email on the status of your order.

We are now launching a final priority order window which will close at 4pm on Sunday 23rd April 2017, shirts will be ordered that week and we're aiming for these to be ready for collection at the start of May 2017. Shirts ordered after this may take weeks longer to process.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR STORE AND ORDER

While we can't confirm all the details we'd like to just yet, our next newsletter will start sharing information about a ladies-only Beginner Course, new opportunities at Hadleigh Park as well as plans for our summer delivery.

Thanks for being a part of our journey and we look forward to continue helping you along your own!

Don't forget to follow, like and subscribe to our social media accounts to keep updated about everything that's going on!

14th March '17 - Easter Junior Beginner Courses.

Booking is now live (and spaces are being taken) for out Next Junior Beginner Courses taking place second week of Easter at Hadleigh Park - EARLY BIRD prices available until 9am Weds' 15th March.

We've now updated information via our FB Events page where you can click "Get tickets" to book your space:

AM Session FB Event Link - https://goo.gl/9S9Bf5

PM Session FB Event Link - https://goo.gl/eoDuJa

Direct booking system link showing ONLY Beginner Courses here: https://goo.gl/q8IApq

20th February '17: CLASS CHANGES THIS WEEK.

Hi, Brad here, just need to update you with planned class changes for this week. From Wednesday through to Saturday morning, we'll be taking a break from classes as I will be undergoing an operation on Wednesday which will affect my mobility for a short period of time. 

This will affect the following classes this week:
Weds Adult OutdoorThursday FoundationsFriday Foundations/IntermediatesSaturday Adult Beginners

The Start of the next Southend Parkour beginners course (From Saturday 25th @ 1:00pm) is due to be running as scheduled.

Classes should be up and running as normal the following week, any classes booked for the above sessions will be transferred to the next available unbooked week (you will receive an automated email with an update)

As mentioned previously, we are still in talks with several key partners in the area to secure suitable spaces with a view to deliver more classes across the week. Please bear with us during this busy period and keep in the loop via the social media links below.

Many thanks and apologies for the schedule change this week, Brad.

13th February 2017: Half Term Update

Quick reminder, all weekly Foundations and intermediates classes will run as normal.

On Wednesday we will be running 2 additional age separated sessions at Hadleigh Park, please visit www.hadleigh-park.co.uk to book your place.

There are no Junior Beginners session this week due to the half term so will be back for the 4th session on the 20th February.

Thanks!

Feb 1st 2017: February Updates!

Please find below the link to our February update detailing planned class changes for February and more information about our next Junior Beginners Course, which at the time of this post has only 1 space remaining.

February Update here: http://preview.mailerlite.com/o3u1h4

Classes will run as usual over the February Half Term with the addition of daytime sessions at Hadleigh Park (they're handling these sessions), visit this link for info - https://www.facebook.com/events/718127688346843/ 

Missed out or found this out too late? Subscribe to our email newsletter to be THE FIRST to receive updates about new classes, class changes and exclusive offers. Subscribe here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4 

29th December 2016 Newsletter, class changes for 2017

Last of the year!

Please find the link to our most recently newsletter sharing details about class changes, price changes and more updates. Quite an important one so please do have a read.

http://preview.mailerlite.com/o3t6d3

TL;DR Version - Update for January 2017:
More info in link above
- Class prices will be changing and block booking discount features added.
- Classes should start back up on the 4th January.
- Email will follow over the next day or two for last beginner course attendees regarding place payments

Latest Newsletter, what you missed!

Please find below the link to our most recent newsletter sent out last week to subscribers.

Remember those who have signed up to the newsletter (via the bottom of any page of our website) will be THE FIRST to receive important news, updates and offers. Scroll down to the bottom of the website and click the "subscribe to newsletter" button.

Enjoy reading: What a cracker! 2016 end of the year update! 

http://preview.mailerlite.com/c1k7x9

Updates regarding new classes, class start dates, beginners course results and more will be heading out over the Christmas break!

Merry Christmas from us and have a great time! - Brad @ SP

28th November '16: Winter Class Changes and end of year dates.

Hi all, hope you're all out moving regardless of the colder weather sinking in! A few things to update you on moving into December.

Saturday morning adult 'beginner' classes will no longer be running for the rest of 2016 and due to start back up in 2017. A new provision will be established shortly.

Please find below the final class dates for 2016 for our weekly classes:

Tuesday Tiny Traceurs Class: 13th December
Thursday Foundations: 15th December
Friday Foundations/Intermediates: 16th December
Wednesday Adult Outdoor: 21st December

Details will follow about the 2017 schedule, re-start dates, changes and special offers over the Holiday break!

Many thanks and thanks for joining us for another great year, Brad @ SP.

22nd November '16: No Friday classes this week.

Hi all!

Apologies but there will be no classes running this Friday (25th November)owing to another commitment which cannot be rescheduled. Forgot to mention in the business of last Friday!

All bookings made for the 25th Nov will be carried over to the next unbooked week unless otherwise requested. If you wish for an alternative transfer/refund, please message us before Friday 25th Nov '16.

Apologies for the change, we'll see you the following week. please make any other parents you know who attend aware.

Brad @ SP

7th November '16: New beginners course booking now available.

Yesterday, we sent out a newsletter for all subscribers with advanced links for booking the next available beginners course and now here's your chance!

The next Junior Beginners Course starts 7pm, Tuesday 22nd November at Southend High School for girls. This cohort has been condensed from 6 weeks into 5, with the 5th and final week being a longer session to finish before the Christmas break. 

Beginners courses are mandatory for all new students to gain a basic level of understanding about Parkour, movements and how to train in our classes. This will take place on a rolling basis but you will have to wait for the next once the current course has started/fully booked!

To cater for the high demand of our courses, evident from full bookings on each course since starting this specific provision, we are using a larger indoor venue and have increased the course size to accommodate for the need.

Details and booking is now live for all can be found here: https://bookwhen.com/southendparkour/e/ev-sqc5-20161122190000

Missed the newsletter? Subscribe here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4

CHANGES TO THIS WEEK: Due to a training course in London, Brad will be unable to take the Tiny Traceurs Class this week, any booked spaces will be transferred to the next available week by default. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

21st October 2016 - October Half Term

Quick update, with the exception of our Tiny Traceurs Class, ALL weekly classes are scheduled to run as normal.

In Summary:

Monday Beginners Class at Hadleigh: 6pm til 7:30pm

Tuesday Tiny Traceurs - Chalkwell Hall Junior: NOT RUNNING - SORRY

Wednesday Adult Outdoor - Southend: 7pm til 9pm

Thursday Foundations at Temple Sutton: 6pm til 7:15pm

Friday Foundations and Intermediates 5:45pm til 7pm and 7:15pm til 8:30pm

Saturday Adult Beginners at Hadleigh Park - 9am til 10:30am

We will also be running DAYTIME options through and at Hadleigh Park on Thursday 27th - Visit the following link to book and join me for a good few hours of FUNctional challenge and movement! Limited spaces available.

http://hadleigh-park.co.uk/event/half-term-holiday-activities/ 

19th Oct '16: No Wednesday class today.

There will be no adult class running tonight, please accept our apologies and we'll see you next week!

10th October 2016: No Tiny Traceurs this week

There will be no Tiny Traceurs class running this week (on the 11th october 2016). Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Any bookings made will be carried over to the next available week unless requested.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused. If you have any further questions please email info@southendparkour.com 

28th Sept '16: Newsletter sent!

We've just sent out our current newsletter for our subscribers! if you've signed up but havn't seen it in your inbox, add info@southendparkour.com to your "safe list" or check your spam folder and ensure we're not in there!

Here's a direct link to the newsletter: http://app.mailerlite.com/t1f0w5

Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4 

23rd September 2016: Don't hate; Educate - The Horsham "Ban".

For those of you who may not be aware, Horsham Council has moved to "Ban" Parkour in Horsham based on accusations of trespass, damage and disrespect to its public spaces, namely low roofing in the area. Below are a few articles to read around this news. (Please note news sources often describe Parkour inaccurately, so take things with a pinch of salt)

https://mpora.com/parkour/horsham-become-first-uk-town-ban-parkour-will-harm-good

http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/parkour-to-be-banned-from-horsham-town-centre-1-7560439

I just wanted to comment on a few aspects of this issue, sharing my views of 12 years of personal practice, coaching and community building and guiding within the Parkour scene in the UK.

This blog post goes out to Traceur and non-practitioner alike to help shed some perspective and hopefully help us collectively come to some middle ground and mutual understanding.

1. Respect for the environment:

Parkour is a practice to help individuals overcome obstacles with movement, developing skills and understanding to improve oneself. - Obstacles and environments are an integral part of our discipline, without them we do not grow, develop, learn, engage, make choices etc. The UK community (as the vast majority) has always sung from the same sheet in that we look after the spaces we use. Damage can and may occur, even in respectful practice, but we do all we can to "leave no trace" and where possible make the space cleaner to be enjoyed not ruined.

I'll call it outright here, if you aren't working with the spaces you are using, treating them with respect (ultimately they are helping YOU improve, learn and grow) but sorry, that's not Parkour. You wouldn't slap someone in the face for doing you a kind thing or teaching you something, don't do it to the spaces you are in.

To me, accessing roofing to "train" or move across is an unnecessary height risk, trespass which obviously brings negative links to whatever you are doing - Parkour or not (Unless you own the space you are on). From a common sense aspect... roofing is generally not built for humans to be jumping and landing on, putting yourself at further risk of damage to self and property.

It's quite clear what practitioners should and shouldn't be doing, non-Parkour organisations need to take care not to tar everyone with the same brush. Parkour groups, organisations and individuals on the other hand, do need to consider their actions and the messages they propagate. Parkour can be very effectively practiced low, at ground level... those with social reach and a wide audience, need to remember that they are looked up to and set the example that others may follow. We can all indirectly, negatively impact other's understanding by what, where and how we do what we do.

You can't control how people perceive your actions but you can do small things to help them not get the wrong end of the stick. If you take steps to reduce the chance that people could take your message badly, you've at least done something and this is something we try to do with our content and coaching. We try to ensure that people understand what they're doing, not just encouraging/engaging an interest with little or no further guidance.

2. Parkour is PRO-SOCIAL.

The Horsham "ban" has been procured under a Public Space Protection Order, on grounds of antisocial behaviour.... Really...?

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1132525316809206.1073741832.651277858267290&type=1&l=5286022483

The above link documents photos of our, first-hand experience of communities from across the UK and Europe coming together, regardless of gender, race, age or background; sharing their own experiences for the greatest collective good.

This, ultimately has lead to an NGB establishment, coaching qualifications, formal recognition as a practice in it's own right (or very soon at least) and THOUSANDS of lives improved and brought together by movement.

We learn together, support each other and has been the ethos of Parkour's inception, be strong to be useful; having skills and using them for the benefit of others.

3. Criminalising physical activity.

Get Active, Change 4 Life, This Girl Can, Sportivate and Get Britain Standing are just a few national campaigns to encourage people to be more physical. This part of the "ban" is by far one of the most ridiculous aspects of using the PSPO in my opinion.

I understand the need to do something, I personally agree that IF people are damaging property and this can be adequately evidenced that certain individuals or groups are in fact responsible, then I'm all for the council doing SOMETHING and short time, this may make a positive impact in terms of protecting property and spaces. This is one of the main criticisms from the local Horsham Parkour community, is that it isn't practitioners but others who access places in a disrespectful manner.

Physical inactivity is a growing epidemic, costing the Council, NHS, Government and us all billions in taxes. Anything we can do to make people more active, more self sufficient and in ways that cost very little money (Parkour is a cheap practice), we should be bending over backwards to accommodate and develop, over ban and isolate..

Finally:

As much as the news has quoted another person who has quoted £36,000 worth of damage, to what extent is this price tag other potential factors which damage property, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold, high winds and time. Older properties with older materials require updating with time and this does come with a price tag.

To put a blanket ban on Parkour in an area has happened before in places across the UK, this isn't the first, but this is the first (from my research and awareness) that a PSPO has been used specifically targeting Parkour. Parkour benefits in terms of social development, individual improvement (physical, mental and emotional), economic (as Parkour coaching and organisations find their place in a business context) and philosophically. As Dr Julie Angel shared via her interview with the BBC, we need to have the discussion about how we interact with our spaces, how they are designed.... and this is where the problem seems to lay in my opinion.

Rather than educating, communicating with communities (a pro-social activity) a Council has made a possibly rash decision from a narrow viewpoint and avoiding something to try and make it a solution.

Instead of understanding the many benefits Parkour and Parkour communities can offer the WIDER community, criminalising a mostly caring, considerate and respectful group of people who believe in sharing and supporting others through positive and self-developing activities.

I'm aware that Parkour UK are working to create this dialogue and ensure a greater level of understanding from all sides of the "issue" and come to a positive solution for all.

September 5th 2016 - Term Time Schedule is LIVE!

Our schedule for September 2016 term is now available for booking! There may be a few tweaks and additions to follow this week but this is the bulk of it! The attached image shows this week (from 5th September) with all junior classes starting back up from the 13th September.

Remember, all new students must attend the beginners course unless specified by the coaching team! (Emails to follow for the just-finished beginners cohort

Still to come: 

Start dates/location for Southend Junior Beginners Class/Course
Start dates Hadleigh Junior Foundations Classes

Details for any classes which you might be waiting on (as specified above) will be shared as soon as they're up! Look forward to seeing our regulars and newer faces at a class soon!

Our newsletter also went out with extra details and news, you can read it here and sign up to our mailing list on the right hand side of this blog page. 

Good luck back at school (Parents included!)

September 1st 2016: We're almost there!

Apologies for the slight delay in having the September Term Time Schedule up and out to you. We will definitely be live by this weekend (latest) and available for booking.

So far we can confirm:
Adult (16+) There will be no changes to the adult classes on a Weds or Sat.

Junior Classes:
Friday night classes will remain at St Bernard's both brought forward by 15 minutes. (Foundations starting at 5:45pm and Intermediates at 7:15pm).

Tuesday night Tiny Traceurs classes will remain at 5-6pm at Chalkwell Hall Junior School for ages 5-7 years.

There will be new weekly classes opening up at Hadleigh Park for at least Junior Beginners and Foundations levels ages 8-15 years.

Keep posted via this page, our news page via the website and subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don't miss out! Please hold out for the new schedule and newsletter which will explain it all :) - Thanks