Dear Members,
A very Happy New Year to you all. The Walthamstow Toy Library has a busy year ahead, with lots of half-term activities, parent courses, German- and Spanish-language playgroups, and our annual May Fair – which will be even bigger and better!
We recently had a visit from colleagues at Greenwich Toy Library. They were particularly impressed with our local fundraising efforts and the variety of activities that we offer. We are proud to be Walthamstow’s own parent-run play centre. The Toy Library has been running for nearly 40 years and provides a unique service to families with young children.
Fundraising News
Thank you for all your support in 2013. The Hallowe’en and Christmas parties raised £650. A big thank you to Fiona Lundie-Smith of Bongalong for making the under 18-months party so much fun.
There are plenty of ways you can support the Toy Library, through websites such as easyfundraising, Yellow Moon and donate4charity. Do check out ‘Can you help?’ on our website.
Unwanted Gifts – and a date for your diary!
What was your worst Christmas gift? A dodgy jumper? A book you will never read? Well, we would love your unwanted Christmas gifts. Why, I hear you ask? We need tombola or raffle prizes for our May Fair, to be held on Sunday 11th May, 11.30am–2pm.
Please bring donations to the Toy Library. We have a box ready!
Coat Collection
Students from Willowfield Humanities School are collecting coats for local people in need. If you have any to donate, then please bring these to the Toy Library before the end of January. All sizes appreciated
Leaky Roof – HELP!
Our outdoor toy shed roof is leaking. Do you have any spare roofing felt? Please contact Helen, the Centre Manager (E17toylibrarymanager@gmail.com).
February half-term fun
February half-term week runs from Monday 17th to Friday 21st February. We will be running lots of fun activities. Older siblings are welcome during this holiday week too (up to age 8). All sessions run from 10am–12pm.
Monday: Cookery workshop
Tuesday: Drumming workshop with Karamoko. This workshop is funded through the Reaching Out Project. Councillors Clare Coghill and Saima Mahmoud will attend this session.
Wednesday: Pyjama party. Come in your pyjamas and bring a teddy!
Thursday: Bubbles and balloons
Friday: Seriously messy play – don’t forget a change of clothes!
Our baby session will run as normal from 1.30–3.30pm.
Yoga
Sam Syer has started her integrated mother and baby yoga classes this week. The classes promote well-being in parenthood and are designed for newborn babies upto 12 months. There are still places available. Contact Sam directly on 07783 658 883 to book a place.
Mondays, from 17th February
Sam Wood will be starting pregnancy yoga classes from 7–8pm, and then therapeutic and relaxation sessions from 8–9pm. The new therapeutic and relaxation classes are designed for all men and women who want to get fit or learn relaxation techniques. Contact Sam directly on 07733 330 171 or email sam@gentleflowyoga.co.uk to book a place.
Deutsche Spielgruppe Walthamstow, Sundays 10am–12pm. This play group is open to all families who speak or would like to speak German.
16th February 24th August
16th March 21st September
27th April 19th October
18th May 16th November
15th June 14th December
20th July
Spanish group, Saturdays 2–4pm. This play group is open to all families who speak or would like to speak Spanish. We have members from all over the world; Boliva, Columbia, Equador, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay and Spain.
January – no session 26th July
22nd February 23rd August
22nd March 27th September
26th April 25th October
24th May 22nd November
28th June 13th December
Waltham Forest NCT Sessions
Waltham Forest NCT will be holding a second-time parents group on Friday 28thFebruary, from 12.45–2.15pm.
