Many lifelong friendships have been forged, and many exhausted mums have been rescued from the brink of meltdown, while their children play in a safe and stimulating environment.
So who is behind the BLC’s children’s activities these days and what exactly is on offer? Parents and Children’s Coordinator, Georgina Bryant spills the beans:
How did you become involved?
GB. Two weeks after moving to Luxembourg I was invited along to the Zigzag playgroup with my two year old daughter! A few months later I was the new BLC Children’s Coordinator, together with my great friend Katy Clay, and we were hooked! I attended all the playgroups and made many close friendships. Two babies on and I’m still friends with the people I met on my first visit to Zigzags!
What is “Toddle Waddle”?
GB. Toddle Waddle is a playgroup in a small hall in Weimershof, Kirchberg. We put out play mats and lots of fun toys. The children are free to explore the toys and meet other children. The adults can have a cup of tea and chat freely. Just before the end of the session, we tidy up and sit together to sing some nursery rhymes.
Tell us all about the different “Pipsqeaks” events.
GB. So we usually run three playgroups per week. On Tuesday mornings we meet at the Zigzag indoor play centre. Thursdays, we meet at Toddle Waddle and two Fridays a month we meet at a members home for a play and chat.
Do you need to be a BLC member to join in?
GB. We encourage people to come along to a maximum of three playgroups. If they enjoy the playgroups and want to come along again, we ask that they become a member of the club. It is great value for money and you can also get information on all the other great events that the BLC organise.
Is it true that dads are welcome too?
GB. If their partner is a member of the BLC, we have no problem with dads coming along to the playgroups. We welcome the parent or carer that is at home with the child. We want to offer a place where parents can socialise and escape the feeling of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes occur when you are at home with young children.
Tickets to your annual children’s Christmas party sell out fast - what can kids expect?
GB. The Christmas party is a brilliant event. The children can meet Father Christmas, enjoy making some Christmas crafts, join in with some fun games and eat delicious snacks. We provide the children with a goody bag and Father Christmas delivers a small present to the children.
Describe your other annual events.
GB. Our other annual events include the Halloween party and the Easter party. We usually host the Halloween party outside in Bambesch forest. During COVID times we adapted this event to include a spooky walk around the forest, collecting creepy crafts and chocolate treats along the way. Our Easter event is also held outside. We play Easter games, create Easter crafts and provide Easter chocolates for the children to enjoy. All our events are very popular and tickets sell out very fast.
You sell out so fast that you don’t often advertise - how do you explain the popularity?
GB. I think our events are popular because we offer well-organised and fun activities for young children. We try to plan good old fashioned British party games and lots of crafts. The crafts provide families with ideas for activities that can be done during the holidays. Parents really appreciate this and give great feedback after our events. Tickets are amazing value for money and we make sure there are lots of fun things for the children to get involved in.
Is the BLC exclusively for British ladies?
GB. No, you do not have to be British to join. This is a common misconception. We welcome any nationality. The only prerequisite is that you speak some English. We are an English speaking club but apart from that, anyone is welcome to join.
For more information about the BLC and its kids activities go to blc.lu or email kids@blc.lu
