Babies and toddlers to join with older people in multi-generational Bower group
A new group based at Bower community hall will bring together people from different ends of the age spectrum.
The group – Bower Bumblebees and Honeybees – is aimed at babies and toddlers as well as senior citizens, and has been attracting a lot of interest after announcing its inception and start date.
Beginning in August, it will run on Mondays during term time from 9.30am until about 11.30am.
Bower Bumblebees and Honeybees will offer something new for the area with a focus on "loose parts and natural play" with wee ones. Activities will be outside whenever possible for the first hour, followed by cups of tea with the seniors/OAPs that join.
One of the founding members, Scye Southall, said: “I am so excited that this group will be starting soon.
"We have access to a lovely sheltered park so we are hoping to have the children out as much as possible to do activities associated with nature and the seasons, with some stories and hopefully a bit of Makaton [a language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to develop communication skills].
"We will have lots of happy and tired children by the end of the morning.”
Another mother, Sharon Dismore, said: “The element of the multi-generations in the group is so exciting. The special interactions that happen between the very young and older generations are magical – and, as a mum who hasn’t got either set of grandparents near, I value what seniors bring in their wisdom, love and laughter when interacting with children.
"I cannot wait to see my four-month-old meeting her new 'pals'."
Following the first post on social media the group attracted more than 20 enquiries in the first 24 hours from families excited about joining. The next step is working on a Covid-safe booking system and confirming the numbers that can be allowed at each session.
Once these details are in place they will be posted on the Facebook page Bower Bumblebees and Honeybees. However, the group encourages interested individuals to get in contact so they can be sent booking information once it is set up.