‘Bump and Babies’ meet once a week in The Queensbury in Walm Lane
A mother and baby group in Willesden which offers vital respite to new mothers are celebrating their second birthday today.
‘Bumps and Babies’ gives local mothers the chance to come and meet others and make new friends in relaxed surroundings. The group meet every Tuesday, at the Queensbury Pub in Walm Lane, Willesden.
The venue, which is currently under threat of closure due to a planning application to turn it into flats, is transformed into a baby friendly environment while parents are able to meet others in a similar situation.
Sharmine Chowdhury-Tse, who set-up the group, told the Times: “It’s somewhere people can feel comfortable and there aren’t many other venues like it.
“I think new parents are often thinking about ways they can socialise and make friends and it seems hard at first but this gives them that chance.”
The group, who enjoyed a cake and celebrations for their birthday, also organise activities including mums and dads nights out.
Bumps and Babies forms part of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the largest charity for parents with young families, with which Ms Chowdhury Tse is a volunteer.
She added: “I don’t really see where else we can go, the Queensbury have offered us exclusive use and allow us to use it early before their official opening.”
The plans for the redevelopment of The Queensbury are due to be drawn up by developers Fairview new Homes and will then be voted on by Brent’s Planning committee.
Bumps and babies has also been nominated for the most outstanding baby and toddler group as part of the What’s on for Little Ones awards while Ms Chowdhury- Tse has picked up a nomination for most outstanding community group volunteer for children, babies or families
For more information about the NCT go to http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/north-west-london
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