| Sheena Broadhead Chronicle correspondent Young mums living in villages around Freshford now have somewhere to meet on a regular basis. Rachel Brant and Liz Matthews of The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) have set up an open house covering the areas of Freshford, Limpley Stoke, Wellow, Hinton Charterhouse, Midford and nearby villages. New mothers and those at home with young children can meet up for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday morning between 10am and noon. Rachel Brant from Freshford explained: "When I first moved here a couple of years ago, I wanted to meet local people with young children. "There had been weekly open houses in Bath, Bradford on Avon and Frome for some time, but nothing similar in the villages. "I already knew Liz, who is training to be an ante-natal teacher with the Bath NCT, and we had the idea of setting up a group ourselves. "I got involved with the NCT in Berkshire when my first child was born nine years ago and now I have a one-year-old as well, so it will be a good way for me to meet people. "At the moment we all meet at my house but, once we have an established group, we may rotate the venues so that people can take it in turns to be the host, if they wish." Co-organiser Liz Matthews from Midford added: "I used to be a health visitor and a nurse and I thought this would be good fun. I like talking to people and it keeps me in touch with what is going on. "We aim to be a support group for new mothers who can put them in touch with professional experts for help and advice." New mum Michelle Dixon-Dawson, accompanied by 11-day-old baby daughter Mia, said: "I'm looking forward to the open house next week. It has helped me enormously to be able to talk to people with shared experiences who I can ask for advice." The coffee mornings are open to both NCT members and non-members. For more information contact Rachel Brant on 01225 722434 or Liz Matthews on 01225 830232. |
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Open house organisers Liz Matthews (far left) and Rachel
Brant (far right) Picture: Sheena Broadhead
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