Oxnam Parent & Baby/Toddler Group was set up in October 2003 as a way of getting the community together. The group meets weekly in school term time from 9.30am –11am in Oxnam Village Hall. We invite all preschool age children to attend with parents.
In December 2003 we applied for a lottery grant of £2500 which was spent on equipment and storage. We have purchased soft play equipment, a slide, pop up tents and tunnels, a ball pool, a play table, large lego bricks and mats as well as some small ride on toys.
We have approximately 14 adults and 16 babies/children who regularly attend our sessions. We offer a chance to chat get to know other parents and a chance for children and parents to learn social skills. We offer refreshments and work a rota system for making refreshments and often people bring homebaking along.
Last year we ran a healthy eating club and made smoothies, fruit and vegetables for all the children and adults. This was very successful and we may run again this summer as we have all the equipment needed now.
We often have visits from seesaw clothing. We are given a percentage of the sales for the group funds and get to buy clothes for the children as well.
In March 2004 we held a fundraising quiz night and raised £172 which we spent on small Christmas present for each child and on our summer outings.
We try to get a couple of summer trips in each year. Last year we visited Heatherslaw light railway at Etal near Berwick Upon Tweed. We also got funding to take the children and adults berry picking to Rutherford near St Boswells, this included free berries which were delicious!! We followed on for lunch and a play at Harestanes Outdoor Centre near Ancrum.
This year we are hoping to raise funds by compiling a recipe book for children copies available mid June 2006 for £3 or by mail order £4.50 inc. post and packing email for more information.
