Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre Newsletter July 2014

Twin-tastic News at the Toy Library!

May Fair 2014

The Toy Library is the new home for dedicated play-sessions for twins and other multiple-birth families.

Terri Harris, Chair of the Toy Library, has twin boys and understands the benefit of these play sessions ‘Twin parents are very special; no one can put you at ease like a mother with older multiples. The encouragement I received from other twin mums helped me’. The Toy Library is a member of TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association).

The Toy Library hosted a party with their twins to celebrate World Twin Day (3 July) and Twins, Multiples and More Awareness Week (1–7 July). Fifteen families joined in, the youngest twins being just 2 weeks old. For session dates, see our website or contact us via the details below

Our annual May Fair was really successful, with over 400 visitors enjoying live music, hearty food and loads of family-friendly fun activities. Nearly £3000 was raised for the Toy Library. Huge thanks to our volunteers, performers and friends at Waitrose, Asda, Challenge Network, London Sausage Company, Mr Bounce Bouncy Castles, The Village Bakery and Walthamstow Fire Station, and all those who donated prizes. Next’s year’s May Fair will be an extra special celebration, as the Toy Library marks its 40^th anniversary.

Further thanks are due to Waitrose, who have presented the Toy Library with a cheque for £230.

Thank you for your support!

Meet our New Staff

Summer Holidays at the Toy Library

We give a very warm welcome to our new play workers Falastin Warsame and Rezarta Matranxhi. Do come in and meet Falastin (works Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Rezarta (works Mondays) soon.

Sadly we say farewell to Tayaba Hussain, who recently left the Toy Library. We will miss Tayaba, but we were thrilled about her exciting new job and know that she will come back and visit us.

Our holiday-time play sessions and workshops will have a fun theme every week, starting with Animals (11–16 Aug), Seaside (18–23 Aug) and Carnival Time (25–30 Aug). Older siblings are welcome too. Please check our website or flyers for specific times and dates. There will be an additional charge for some sessions. Remember to bring a change of clothes for very messy play!

The Toy Library is closed from Mon 28th July, reopening on Mon 11th August.

Special Events

Yoga Classes

Table Top Sale Sun 14^th September, 12.30–3.30pm

Are you ready for a bit of a clear out? Or perhaps you are on the hunt for a bargain? The Toy Library will be hosting another popular Table Top sale. To book a table email Helen Crockford, the Toy Library Manager (see below).

Walthamstow Village Festival Sat 2^nd August, 1pm–6pm

The Toy Library will be running creative, crafty activities for little visitors, so do pop in and say hello. To learn more about the festival, please see http://villagefestival.wordpress.com/

Our 40^th Anniversary Celebrations

2015 will be a landmark year for the Toy Library, and this is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends. We would dearly love hear from past members, committee, donors, staff and volunteers. We encourage ‘alumni’ to get in touch via the details below and share your memories and photographs of the Toy Library with us.

‘Getting You Back to Work’ Volunteer Scheme 16^th and 23^rd September, 7–9.30pm

This new voluntary scheme aims to assist parents to get back to work. As well as new experiences gained from volunteering, participants will benefit from a range of training, as well as expert support and guidance. Deadline for applications is 3pm, Monday 18^th August. See our website for details.

Discover the therapeutic benefits of yoga. Most sessions are £54 for 6 sessions, but please contact tutors directly, or go online, to learn more about courses and drop-in fees.

Yoga Tues 7–8am / Wed 7.30–9.00pm

Contact Vanessa on 07919595665 for more information and to book a place or visit www.yoganess.org

Pregnancy Yoga Mon 7–8.10pm

Learn specifically modified breathing techniques that are ideal for pregnancy and labour, pelvic floor exercises, meditation and relaxation. Suitable for 15 weeks pregnant onwards.

Yoga and Relaxation Mon 8.15–9.15pm

Gentle yoga and relaxation classes suitable for all levels of experience. Ideal for beginners or returning to yoga or for those living with an illness or injury. Contact Sam Wood on 07733 330171 or sam@gentleflowyoga.co.uk.

Integrated Mother and Baby Yoga Mon 1–2 pm

This class aims to promote well-being in parenthood: mothers learn techniques to soothe, strengthen and boost vitality; babies are encouraged to explore their own natural flexibility and strength. For ages newborn–1 year. Contact Sam Syer on 07783 658883 / Sam_73@ntlworld.com.

And Don’t Forget!

Toy Library Needs Your Recycling!

Toy Loans

Toy loaning is an affordable way for parents to provide stimulating toys to inquisitive children. Members can hire toys and books for three weeks. All toys cost £1 to hire, except large or outdoor toys (£4). Parenting books are £1, and children's books are free. Just speak to a play worker or volunteer during your next visit.

Membership

£5 per year per family, FREE for local families on benefits.

We need lots of odds and ends for our holiday programme any of the following are welcome: large plastic milk bottles, egg boxes, kitchen roll tubes, cardboard boxes, ice cream tubs and lolly sticks. Please bring these into the Toy Library.

We always need old newspapers and magazines – so useful for messy play and creative activities.

www.walthamstowtoylibrary.orgl 020 8509 3401 l E17toylibrarymanager@gmail.com