How embarrassing!  Our last post was over a YEAR ago!  We have the usual excuse that we are too busy playing in the woods to be sitting at computers blogging about what we do...but still...we must do better!  This is my summer resolution.

Let's make up for it with some recent news:

1) Tomorrow is our BIG TODDLE to support Barnardo's work with under-5s.  We have raised £145 online (so far) plus donations given in 'real money' using sponsorship forms - an unknown amount.  If you'd like to sponsor us go to this page.

2) This summer, as well as meeting weekly as usual, we will have some additional sessions for slightly older children.  The sessions will be aimed at 3-9-year-olds - we could call them our 'graduates'! - but in usual VYFWBP style, bring any older or younger ones you need to bring.  One of them will be POND DIPPING (always beloved), hopefully with the support of the local wildlife trust, and the other will be MINIBEAST HUNTING with the excellent Graham Banwell of the OPAL project. Dates to be confirmed.

There is nothing like the thrill of the chase...all children have hunters' instincts!

More generally, how is our group doing? Thriving!  We have lots of new and enthusiastic members - and their parents aren't so bad either.  In recent months we've been making 'perfume', planting in the wildlife area, playing in dens and tunnels, painting, treasure hunting, 'camping', enjoying lots of songs, making elderflower lemonade, hearing stories about the animals who live in the park.  We go round with the seasons, and for old hands like myself it is a lovely thing to revisit activities we last did a year previously.

And best of all - the group is very hardy these days.  The weather makes almost no difference to how many families turn up - and a good thing too, this very damp and soggy year!