moving to St Albans or surrounding area needing some mummy advice really

[greenaster]

Hi my name is Ash and I have a very active but very shy ten month old boy I am a stay at home mum who partner works in the games industry who commutes into London daily. Currently we are looking to move to the St Albans area as my partner is travelling for at least three hour a day from our home in Farnham which is a lot. We have no family in the locality therefore I have the lo 24/7 yet I would not change it for the world because I love being a mummy.

So here's the thing I have a bunch of questions and was hoping some of you lovely mummies would be able to help me with.

Does anyone have any views or opinions on the area in general?
What are good residential areas to rent in? (We would not be looking to buy until we really get to know the area.)
What is the area like for families?
Are there regular family friendly events in the area?
What are the babies groups like? Which are good for mummies who want to meet other mummies :0) I would love to be able to meet up with other mummies for coffee and play dates
Does anyone know of a good child minder that would be happy to do an odd evening to let me and my partner have a meal out?

Even if someone answers just one question it would be a help, we plan to visit a few times just to try and get a proper feel for the place as we both feel it is important to get this move right as we really want Jack to settle in and make some friends to.

Thank you lovely mummies for reading and feedback is most welcome xxx

it would probably be worth joining the nctstalbans yahoo group.
As for baby groups, there are LOADS, every day there are at least two different groups on.
It is a VERY family friendly area

Hi biblicalnames

Thank you for getting back to me, I was thinking along the same lines as you, I have just joined the NCT St Albans facebook page as it would keep me up to date info on what is happening. I was also thinking about going to a couple of groups before we move it is a bit of a hike from where we are but me and the lo can make a day of it.

Really pleased that there is a lot going on as it give me and my partner the opportunity to meet people, as we will be moving to an area where we won't know anyone and will not have a family support network nearby.

Also my lo is finding it difficult mixing with other children he is very nervous and we are trying our best to get him out and about so having a variety of regular groups will help him develop his confidence further and hopefully meet up with other children for play date

again thank you for your help :0) Ash

Join the Yahoo group a well, I reckon. And check out the children's centres, they are very active

Hi we are looking to make the move to St A's within the year, and this has been very helpful, thanks