Westbury on Trym - good for babies and preschoolers? And me?!

[Belgrano]

Hi
I know Bristol well having lived in Knowle /Totterdown for 4 yrs. After a long summer of househunting we have finally found a house that ticks all our boxes. But yikes, its in Westbury on Trym!

I don't know anyone there and all my 'mum stuff' is south of the river at the moment.

So, Westbury on trym - ummmm....tell me everything! It seems really quiet and sleepy - good cos kids don't get run over but is this bad meaning people stay in their houses and there isnt much sense of community? I'm more used to the Victorian all-crammed-in-next-to-each-other way of street living from London and Knowle. WHat's it like living in W o T? The house we love is on a wide road of fifties houses, all semis, just soooo different to what I'm used to. All the streets up there seem similar -wide 30's, or 50's builds.

We'd definitely get DD into Elmlea school. I understand from reading up on it that its brill, but DD still has her preschool yer before that. Are there any preschools likely to have spaces this late in the year or even just preschool activities nearby? So she can meet potential schoolmates. And what about playparks?

Also I have a baby of 1, so are there any baby music groups and all that stuff? Crikey, help, its like moving to a new city!!

THanks

hi there! I am a fellow WOT er!
We moved from Hamburg in 2008 and I didn't know Bristol as my family are from Northants. I REALLY wanted to move to Clifton as everyone I spoke to said it was the place to be. My husband spent some time with a relocation agent looking at houses so imagine my disappointment when my husband decided on a house in Westbury on Trym. Having lived here though now for 2 years, I can hand on my heart say it is the best decision we made. Especially regarding the two kids. So yeah it isn't really happening at night but there are tonnes of things to do with the kids. Regarding pre schools, the two I am familiar with seem very popular. DS is at Jack and Jill and that has got loads more popular since it relocated to Falcondale Road, then there is the Reedley Road one. I would just phone to be honest, I think they give priority to older children but it can't help to enquire. There is a montessori pre school on Parrys lane but can't comment on that as well as some in Westbury Park and Henleaze.
As for toddlers groups, there is a lot happening in the various churches in the area. We go to Reedley Road Thursday Morning, it is LOVELY. We do wiggles and giggles which is fab and have done Jo Jingles and talking tots
Canford Lane is the main park but can get pretty crowded at peak times. Blaise castle is also a short drive away and there are various smaller parks around.
WOT is quiet but I like that to be honest. We have lovely neighbours and people are friendly but to be honest it depends from street to street about how close knit it is. My street has mostly older people so not many kids but we are so busy in the week with various things that they have plenty of opportunity to mix with other kids and of course once they get to school and pre school, it just gets busier. If you have any questions, just ask

Hi Belgrano (And CHST!)
I'm in Westbury too and second everything that CHST has said. I have one at Elmlea and one at Jack and Jill - have met loads of people through the children and most seem very nice and friendly. A lot of people around here are not from Bristol originally so know what it is like to move into an area and have to make new friends. Can you say which road your potential house is on? Only that some roads which have previously got into Elmlea have struggled this year because of getting rid of the specific catchment area. Abbey rd for example, used to be no problem, but some children this year didn't get places.....
There is not a lot of nightlife, but it is not far into Clifton or down to the centre. Really easy for the mall too. I moved here 3 years ago, and honestly would recommend it highly.

oh grrreat! Fab news from both of you, thank you.
House is on The Dell so really really will get in - I can see the school from the bedroom window. TBH schools were the driving factor so we are compromising on other things to get the house which will definitely get in. Perhaps I'll phone those preschools tomorrow. I look forward to meeting you both - DD is 3.5 so will start reception next year. CHST and Runoutofideas - are either of yours starting next year?

the Dell is a lovely street! We lived there until we moved in Febuary :) It gets realy busy with cars at drop off times though!
Yeah my son will hopefully be starting Reception next year. Have you applied yet for schools? We have a bit longer this year (January) to apply. I have done it online already. I'm hoping that because St Ursulas is continuing as a school under a different name that it will take some of the pressure off. We would have got in last year distance wise so hoping this year that we will as well
fingers crossed
Hi Runoutofideas!!

Ah yes - you should have no problems from the Dell. My younger daughter will start next year, so the same as yours. She has only just turned 3 in August though so she'll be one of the very youngest.
The only thing I would change at Elmlea is the 3 class entry - it just feels a bit big sometimes, but apart from that I can't fault it. DD1 has just gone into Yr1 and is loving it. Reedley Rd preschool (at the Westbury Baptist Church) would be nearer for you than Jack and Jill, and a higher proportion of the children are likely to go on to Elmlea. Not sure if they have spaces though - they seem pretty popular. Jack and Jill children last year were split pretty much 50/50 between Elmlea and Westbury on Trym schools. Look forward to seeing you at the school gates!

brilliant. well you'll recognise me as the one who doesn't know anybody....;-) and hopefully the one with a new dog if things work out...

We've got front garden parking apparently cos of the busy-ness at schooltimes. I'm planning on hopefully not using it much though as I've got my eye on the front garden as a tricycle racing track for DC's!

OK, feeling much braver now. Thanks

Another WOT-er - we are just round the corner from you. DS1 just started reception today, but he's at Westbury Park primary due to having moved house half way through the application process.

It is lovely, and very friendly.

Hello, not sure who wrote 'Wiggles is fab' but thanks :o

Belgrano - get in touch when you're settled. www.wiggles-and-giggles.co.uk