Just moved to Colchester: any recommendations on family stuff?

[EffiePerine]

We've just moved to the North Station area and I've been looking for stuff too do, but most of the childrens centre activities seem to be a bit of a walk away (I don't drive). Any recommendations for things at this end of town or in central Colchester?

I'm also looking for childcare, but I suspect that is a whole other thread...

oh I should say I have 2 boys - 2.7 years and 4 months

Hi EffiePerine. I have a 2.7 year old DS and a 7 month old DD.

There are a few people meeting up on Friday at adventure land which is a softplay, really near to the station, I'm sure you are welcome to join them, I will probably be going too.

I'm not sure what else there is around there as I tend to go the other side of town. I'm sure somebody will be around soon though.

There is an ok toddler group at leisure world on a friday but I was told it can get very busy.

There is a gymnastics club on Brinkley Grove Road near High Woods, not too far from the station. They do lots of toddler classes and classes for older children too.

Thanks - will check out the classes. Unfortunatey DS1 has hurt his foot so soft play not a great idea for tomoz - will keep an eye out for later meetups

Hi. I hope you like Colchester. Did you know the area a bit prior to having children or is it totally new?

There is a group called Eureka that meets in St Andrews Church hall on a Wednesday. SparklyPrincess knows more about that though.

On Fridays there is either NCT group or La Leche in the Quaker Meeting house.

I second the Colchester gym club...it is very good.

You could check kidaround for more details.

There are a few of us who meet up quite regularly and not everyone drives, so perhaps you'll make the next meeting if you cannot make Adventure Land. Some of the people live quite near you too.

Hi EffiePerine I live in North Station area,up at Myland.

I have a 13yr old DS, 4 yr old DD and a 2 yr old DD.

There's a good Mother and Toddler Group at St Michaels Church Hall in Mile End Road,but it has temporarily moved to the Dog and Unpleasant Pheasant Pub a little further up.Its on a Thursday morning from 10.00am.

Theres another Toddler Group at the Methodist Church,up past the pub, on a Tuesday morning at 9.30am.

I think there is a baby music group at the Dance School opposite the Church too.

There are a few playgroups and Nurseries around here too.Theres Childsplay next to Adventureland,and Chestnut House up near Myland Primary.The Playgroups are in the Church Halls,already mentioned,except Myland Playgroup has moved during the Refurbishment to Cowdray Avenue.

Might see you on Friday,if I can get there,but won't be there until 1.30pm.

If you need anymore info,just ask on here.

Hi Effie,

I might be able to help with childcare - I am a local nanny.

This is my online portfolio dynamicnanny.blogspot.com/

Thanks Twims: we are looking at childcare outside the home as my DH works from home and needs a bit of peace! But I will def keep your offer in mind

Thanks for all the info on playgroups and childcare at the north end of the town Sawyer: I'd found the nursery in Myland (which is a bit of a trek for us) but not the one near the station which looks possible

I may even make the meet-up today...

Hi Effie - I'm at north station too - there's lots to do it town and at the country park. pick up the kidaround magazine as they've got loads of listings for groups and activities.

re: childcare - I can highly recommend Chestnut House - I couldn't fault it at all. They are really child centred and couldn't be more supportive of my dd. I sometimes walk up from the station and it only takes about 15-20 mins so is still ok to walk.

Where did you move from?

Hi Missis, we moved from London so a bit of a change for us

well there's lots to do here for families and its so much nicer not to have to rush around everywhere - we moved from East London about 5 years ago and haven't regretted it for a moment!

Another thing to do which is really nice to to hop on the train and go out to frinton for teh day - nice clean safe beaches and the kiddies get to have teh fun of going on the train and going to teh beach!

My DD1 went to Childsplay nursery to top up her 3 sessions at Playgroup prior to her starting school last year.

They ran Goverment funded sessions,as well as their normal services.It seemed a great place,if you need a recommendation.

Couldn't make it today to AL,was knackered tired after working 5 days this week,and DD1 had her first swim lesson at 4.30pm.

look forward to meeting you soon.

Thanks for the recomm re; Childplay, will email and see if I can go for a visit.

Frinton sounds lovely, we're looking forward to being near to the sea in the summer

Frinton has a really lovely beach (Frinton is where we live) & just a little further down the line is Walton which has a really lovely Pier with lots of little rides.

Was nice to meet you & DSs on Friday - hope to see you again soon

Hi, it was nice to meet you on Friday.

I found this which is the baby clinics in Colchester. I hope it helps

Hi Effie, by the way I think that my childminder has some availability because a baby that was supposed to be starting in June has pulled out (think her mum lost her job). She takes the older ones to bluebells preschool and picks them up too. If you want any other info about her - let me know. my email address is [email protected] My kids adore her and the kids she looks after all behave like a mad cute little family!