Oasis Children's Venture in Stockwell

On Friday the sun was shining and Milo and I decided we had sung Wind The Bobbin Up one too many times and headed somewhere new and wonderful - the Oasis Children's Venture Nature Garden. This is truly an unexpected wildlife Oasis in the heart of the city. We were a little puzzled by how to get in, but finally discovered the lovely brass bell to the left of the gate and finally a very friendly Marisa let us in.

The Nature Garden has so many hidden corners it is very exciting for little ones to explore and is completely safe. There are vegetable patches, a tree-house, scare-crows as well as plenty of woodland and grassy verges perfect for picnics. As Milo is still a crawler he couldn't quite take part in the nest making with clay and straw and preferred to climb up and down the tree-house (which is complete with binoculars for essential birdwatching).

He also enjoyed trying to spot cars and buses through the fence (he adores cars at the moment) but I'm pleased to say it was very hard to catch sight of them as the garden does separate you from the hectic city surroundings! I soon realised it was impossible for Milo to truly get in the spirit of the Garden without getting down and dirty so I let him crawl around on the pathway and he adored putting wood chip into his wheelbarrow and even having a little nibble now and then (not recommended!).

The Under 5s group is every Friday from 10.30-12 with an optional donation of £1 but I think it's worth every penny !

Latte-mama and Milo

My Mr. Milo has just had his modelling debut on the wonderful www.latte-mama.com website. Latte-Mama is the lovely kids' clothes company set up by Lambeth Mummy Isra. The clothes are designed in Sweden and are cute, quirky and very affordable so I highly recommend you check out the new Spring/Summer collection. We have this great Marc Cardigan which is certainly unique and stylish -  our little man gets comments wherever he goes!

Little 'Green' Animals required

A request from the Green Party in Lambeth (particularly for Queen fans!)
 
Hi all,
 
Next Monday (5th March) at 10am former Queen guitarist Brian May will
join Caroline Lucas and our Mayoral candidate Jenny Jones in Battersea Park
to launch our animal manifesto.
 
We'd like some local Lambeth Green children to dress up as animals to
be included in the photo. I understand that this might be difficult
for children of school age but if anyone is free and could bring their
child that would be great.
 
We can compensate for travel, will make sure there's fruit and juice and
can even provide costumes if needed. We're trying to arrange a face painter
too. It shouldn't take more than half an hour.
 
If you're interested, please phone me on 07825511927.
 
Thanks!
 
Joe Williams,
Lambeth Greens,
Mayoral Election Press Officer.

Ruby Rhymes rocks!

Last Tuesday we checked out Ruby Rhymes.

From the minute Ruby starts her Tingaling welcome song you can't help smiling and swaying and my friend's little one danced about for the whole session. The group was big when we went which could be overwhelming for little ones but this just highlights how fun and popular this group is.

The Brixton sessions are £5 per family and £3 for unwaged families. and at 10.30am on Tuesdays so they do coincide with Brixton library storytime but the best things are the space, funky catchy tunes and Ruby's enthusiasm. I was also impressed how she remembered so many of the kids' names too. I'll be reviewing Ruby's CD soon which I'm sure we'll be bopping along to as soon as we press play!

There are many Ruby Rhymes sessions across Lambeth.  They all start at 10.30am and last 50 minutes, including an organic juice and rice cake/biccy break.

No enrolment, just turn up and join in!

Monday: Herne Hill United Church, corner of RedPost Hill and Herne Hill, SE24

Tuesday: Trinity Congregational Church, St Matthews Road, Brixton SW2 Small church situated halfway along St Matthews Road, directly opposite Tenants hall. Entrance is on left side of church.

Wednesday: Clapham Youth Centre, 61 Lyham Road, Brixton SW2 5DH (corner of Mauleverer Rd)

Thursdays: Streatham Friends Meeting House,11 Redlands Way, Roupell Estate. Brixton Hill, SW2 3LU.  

Friday: The Brix at St Matthews, St Matthew's Church, Brixton hill, SW2 1JF.

Email: rubyrhymes@gmail.com for further information.