Page 18 - link magazine

18 swindonlink.com • April 2011
Pram club caters for families

across the generations
A Haydon Wick baby and toddler group is still going strong after 33
years - and now some of the children who used to go are returning as
adults, with their own youngsters.
Lynda Gough, who
has been coordinating St
John’s Pram Club for 30
years, said, “it’s run by
the church for the com-
munity. Mums who used
to attend tell me it was a
life-saver when the area
was being built; they
met others who became
lifelong friends.”
Lucy Newman came as
a toddler with her mum
Pat, and now brings
LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare her own children, Jake,
aged 22 months, and five
& eduCation month old George. “Liv- Three generations at Haydon’s pram club.
For children and their parents ing closeby in Redhouse, Pat and Lucy with Jake and George
Established 1986 it was natural I would bring them to an article for us and the response
the common, Brinkworth, Wilts the club. I loved coming as a child convinced us that the pram club is
tel: 01666 510356 twenty eight years ago and my two still important to families in North
Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042 really enjoy playing with the other Swindon.
l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, children. And they get to see their “We provide family support for
secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of grandmother because my mum is those who have moved to Swindon
school club for children aged 5-11 years
one of the volunteer organisers.” and don’t see relations so often.
l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year
Pat said she helped run the club There’s always somebody to talk
l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for when Lucy was a toddler, and to, share experiences and get help.”
3-5 year olds
l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching now helps in retirement. “There The Pram Club is holding a spe-
staff and nursery nurses are several grandparents including cial Easter session on Monday 4
l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, some grandads at the club. There’s April which includes a short special
school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about a lovely caring atmosphere.” children’s service followed by a
Lynda added, “we welcome all ploughman’s lunch.
parents and childcarers. Last year The Monday drop-in runs from
numbers dropped and we looked 9.30am to 11.30am during term time
at whether there was still a need for and costs £1 per adult.
a group in this area. The Link ran For details call Lynda on 724129.
Entertainment for all offer
Many people may want to participate in celebrating a child’s birthday
- family and friends, babies, children - but how can everyone join in?
Jenni Saunders of Debutots, has come up with a great interactive
idea.Based around a story about a child’s favourite animal she comes
armed with music, games, puppets and bubbles. With adults’ help, babies
and older children get involved jumping about as different animals and
popping bubbles.
Parents can dress up and decorate the room to match the occasion or
just relax in the knowledge that all they need to do is sort out some food.
Debutots has a wide range of imaginative party packages. See the
advert at the top of the page for contact details.

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