To celebrate Mother’s Day, Content Beauty/Wellbeing has joined with Caldesi Cookery School to offer a day of cooking and pampering.  Please click here for more information.

What a Christmas gift!  Oomphalos was nominated for a 2009/10 Neighbourhood Leadership Award, for changing the lives of younger people.  The award, sponsored by the City of Westminster, Metropolitan Police, and NHS Westminster, recognises people who help others and take a leading role in their community. 

Leader of the Council, Colin Barrow, noted, “It’s been touching to read so many heartfelt stories about nominees who devote time and energy into getting local people together and improving their lives.”  He added, “Reading these nominations has shown me that there are whole networks of people in Westminster who are prepared to give their time for others, which fills me with confidence for the future of the city.”

Although Oomphalos was not ultimately shortlisted, to be nominated is exciting.  My most sincere admiration and respect to those on the shortlist, all of whom are trying to make a positive impact on children’s lives.

‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through Asia House
No creative movement class’s jungle animals were stirring, not even a mouse.
Little ones’ paintings were set out to dry with care,
As were dreamcatchers, chimes, and other art class ware.
Children sang a couple of Jojo’s songs before being tucked into their beds,
While visions of Miss Ayumi’s fairies danced in their heads.
And papa watching BBC News as I did some cleaning,
We were settling down for a quiet evening,
When outside there arose a bit of a clatter,
I arose to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I went to follow the hum,
Only to find Mr. Percussion, Ben, with some of his drums.
When also to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Soléne, the French instructor, with her usual good cheer.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Through the front door Santa Claus came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his toe,
And on his shoulders were little patches of snow.
With a wink of his eye and in a voice rather firm,
Santa said, “I’m really looking forward to Oomphalos classes next term.”
To my surprise, he said he noticed a few new classes,
Like Nurturing Danceways and Tiny Dancers.
He said Mrs. Claus was interested in Touchy, Feely, Messy! and he in I ♥ Art,
And then said he’d love to chat more but really must dart,
He had stockings to fill and presents to put under trees,
Oh that Santa is quite the busy bee.
And I then heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

Thanks very much to everyone for coming out to celebrate the launch of Oomphalos!  It was wonderful to meet you all and see the little ones’ smiling faces.  Click here to view party photos.

Photography courtesy of storme sabine photography
w: www.stormesabine.com
e: photo@stormesabine.com
m: 07967 606227