First Friends Playgroup

Dates to take note of!

2011-10-28T09:51:00.002+02:00

Here are some important dates till the end of the year!!!!

* 26 October: Halloween. Making (not so scary) spiders......
* 2 November: Usborne Books will be visiting us again. Besides English books, some German books will be available too.
* 30 November: Sinterklaas party at the Spelewey. Bring a small gift (EUR5,-) for your own child and something yummie to share for morning tea. (RSVP please: firstfriendsvoorhout@gmail.com)

Last year's Sinterklaas Party

* 21 December: Christmas party and final session of 2011. Come along for some mince pies and X-mas fun!!

Family Picnic 2011

2011-05-16T09:27:00.003+02:00

Will it?...Won't it?...Is it still on?...A raindrop! :(

.... IT'S ON!!

Picnics in the Netherlands always have a level of nervous excitement and uncertainty. While there is nothing more certain than death and taxes, there is nothing more unpredictable than a sunny day in the Lowlands.
Ultimately, picnic weather prevailed and we had a great afternoon outdoors with lots of good food and company. The kids ran around to their hearts' content (with fathers in tow) while the mothers relaxed and chatted! Thanks to everyone for a lovely time!

Olmenhorst Spring Fair Outing

2011-04-28T11:00:00.004+02:00

Get into spring! After last years extremely enjoyable outing to the Olmenhorst Spring Fair we thought it would be a great idea to repeat it. The Olmenhorst is a beautiful apple and pear orchard in Lisserbroek. Once a year they hold a big spring fair. There are lots of stalls with foods to taste and clothes and home decorations to purchase. A great day out for the mums, dads and kids. There is a playground for children and a some farm animals will be around as well.

The fair will be held all weekend from Friday 10 till Monday 13 June. For those who would like to meet up and have a browse around the stalls together we will meet on Saturday 11 June at the front entrance at 10.30. Hope to see you there!

Tip: Tickets are €11.50, but if you pre-order tickets online before 8 June, they are only €9!
website: http://www.olmenhorst-voorjaarsfair.nl/

Regards,
The Committee

FF meeting in Noordwijk 4 May

2011-04-28T10:18:00.003+02:00

Hello all,

As it is school holidays in Voorhout next week (Wednesday 4 May 2011) there will be no First Friends in de Spelewey. For those who would still like to meet up and have fun-filled morning we will meet at Eeterij de Beleving in Noordwijk. They have a nice indoor and outdoor playground, so plenty of entertainment whatever the weather will be like:-)

Eeterij De Beleving - Kraaierslaan 7 - 2204 AN NOORDWIJK website

Time to meet up 9.30 - 11.30

Hope to see many of you there.

Cheers,

The Committee

Spring Picnic in the Park

2011-04-26T09:44:00.002+02:00

It's time for a picnic again! Everyone is welcome to come to our family picnic in Park Rusthoff, Sassenheim; it's a fantastic park with a kinderboerderij, cafe, loads of dog poop-free grass for the littlies to run around safely on, parents to relax a little...
Who: the Families
Bring: Picnic blanket, food to share for late picnic lunch/early dinner
Where: Park Rusthoff, Sassenheim (info)

Park Rusthoff, Sassenheim weergeven op een grotere kaart
Date: 15 May 2011
Time: 3pm

There is a small children's farm and toilets in the area. Parking is available on the street around the park.

Spring Clothing Sale

2011-04-18T19:58:00.002+02:00

The Spring Sale was a great success! It was a lot of fun; some cupboards got cleaned out (and some were filled again with more goodies) and we raised a little extra €€ for new toys for First Friends.
Thank you to those who kindly donated their clothes and toys, and to those who attended and made a monetary contribution to the sales. It's nice to be part of a community to pass around great kid's stuff.
The left-0ver goods are being donated to a variety of good causes- so nothing will go to waste.

First Friends Voorhout Sinterklaas Party 2010

2011-04-14T21:26:00.005+02:00

Finally! We received photos from Photographer Piet who returned to Spain and forgot to email the photos! Better late than never...

The good boys and girls sang their hearts out, hoping that the Good Sint would hear and drop in!

There was a flurry at the door, and behold! Sinterklaas, escorted by TWO zwarte pieten!! The excitement was almost too much to bear...

Present time- Thankfully, everyone had been good; everyone received their present. It was a relief when not one boy or girl received canings...

Sometimes up close is too close...

A BIG thank you to the Organising Committee & Friends who made everything possible!

Ideas requested

2011-04-08T12:02:00.002+02:00

We're compiling a list of toddler-friendly spots in the Bollenstreek region (Leiden, Voorschoten, Voorhout, Sassenheim, Noordwijk, Katwijk, Oegstgeest + more).
If you have good tips for family outings, kid-friendly places, please email them to firstfriendsvoorhout@gmail.com, or place a comment under this post. Stay tuned.....

Spring Clothing Sale

2011-04-04T09:46:00.005+02:00

Spring has really arrived with sunny weather and smells of spring flowers! Yeah! And for many of us the urge to get to start to clean out the attic of "old" but still very useable children's clothes and toys! Well, First Friends can help you (dispose) of your well-kept kiddies stuff because we are organising a

SPRING SALE ON WEDNESDAY THE 13TH OF APRIL FROM 09:30 UNTIL 11:00 AT DE SPELEWEY, BREUGELHOF 8, VOORHOUT.

The idea is to bring your second hand children's clothing, toys, books or anything in good shape to First Friends. We will stall them out on a big table. We will not price them. It is up to you what you want to pay for the items you take and donate in The First Friends donation box. At the end of the morning, you can either take your own items back home or we will donate them to "Humanitas".

With the money donated into the First Friends donation box we will buy some better and new toys for everyone to play with. If you have some clothes or toys for us but cannot get it to us in Voorhout, we will come and pick it up. You can ring Lisa on 0646046918 or email us firstfriendsvoorhout@gmail.com

Hope to see you at our Spring Sale or any other Wednesday at De Spelewey in Voorhout!

Dates to note

2011-02-19T20:11:00.003+01:00

23rd February: First Friends runs as normal in the school holidays

2 March: Because of Provincial Elections, the Spelewey is unavailable for FF. We will be meeting up in a restaurant with a kids play area for coffee & cake.
Place: Eterij de Beleving Kraaierslaan 7 , Noordwijk
Time: 9:00-12:00
Directons: Google Map
Hope to see you all there!

End of Year Sinterklaas Party 27 November 2010

2010-11-14T15:56:00.004+01:00

The days are short and the sky is grey....it's that time of year again, and time for the First Friend's End of Year Sinterklaas Party. There'll be activities, a kids disco and special guests...

Practise singing along as loudly as possible, that's the only way Sinterklaas and the Zwarte Piets know where to bring the presents!!

Date: Saturday 27 November 2010
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm (the playground is open to the public after this time)
Place: Vogelwijk Speeltuin, Nachtegaallaan 25, Leiden click for the link
Who: First Friends Families and Friends
Entrance: Free! A gift from First Friends :)
Bring: please bring a small gift for your child(ren) and some food (biscuits/cake/dips etc) to share
RSVP: Please respond via our Facebook site or leave a message here...

click here for parking information

Autumn Break & Hallowe'en

2010-10-15T09:19:00.002+02:00

There will be no First Friends next Wednesday (20 October) as it is in the autumn school holidays.

However, we will be back the following week (27 October) with Hallowe'en activities. Hope to see you then!

Start of First Friends

2010-08-26T11:51:00.001+02:00

1 September: FF recommences for the new school year. Hope to see you there!

End of Year Picnic

2010-07-28T09:54:00.001+02:00

A beautiful summer's day, a good turn-out and plentiful delicious food- Success guaranteed! Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Holidays, See you in September!

Usborne Books

2010-06-14T16:35:00.000+02:00

Usborne Books will be visiting FF on 23 June- Come to place your orders for great quality and value English books for kids.

9 June meeting in the park

2010-06-01T13:25:00.003+02:00

Due to the National Elections, the Spelewey is unavailable on 9 June. Instead, we'll meet in the lovely Park Rusthoff, Sassenheim for a play, picnic & general lie about in the grass.

10 am till...? Address: (behind the Hoofdstraat, Sassenheim. http://www.parkrusthoff.nl/

End of Year Family Picnic 4th July

2010-06-01T13:21:00.002+02:00

Who: the Families
What: Bring food to share for late picnic lunch/early dinner
Where: Park Rustohoff, Sassenheim (info)
Date: 4 July 2010
Time: 3pm

There is a small childrens farm and toilets in the area. Parking is available on the street around the park.

Olmenhorst Ladies Day Out

2010-06-01T09:55:00.001+02:00

The Spring Fair at Olmenhorst was a gorgeous spring day with plenty of sunshine, fresh and original markets, a lovely atmosphere and of course, great company!

Hot off the Press!

2010-05-26T17:56:00.002+02:00

The recent article in the Witte Weekblad (Teylingen edition): see link.

First Friends viert feest
Redactie - 19 mei 2010
VOORHOUT - First Friends, een club van ouders die met hun 0 - 4 jarige kinderen wekelijks bij elkaar komen, vierde woensdag 19 mei haar derde verjaardag. Bijzonder is dat de volwassenen uit alle werelddelen afkomstig zijn: Australië, Zuid-Afrika, Engeland, maar ook Polen, Ecuador, Duitsland en België.
First Friends is er voor alle ouders. Mannen zijn van harte welkom, maar in de praktijk blijken alleen moeders de wekelijkse gang naar de Speleweij te maken. Macha Hoog Temmink is een van de organisatoren: 'We zijn een gezelligheidsclubje. Ons doel is om sociale contacten te brengen voor mensen die in deze regio komen wonen, of die van een fulltime baan door het krijgen van een kind in een parttime baan terechtkomen en andere moeders willen leren kennen.'
De ochtend begint met het zingen van een welkomstliedje, waarna de kinderen met elkaar kunnen spelen en de moeders een kopje koffie drinken. Vervolgens zingen jong en jonger samen Engelstalige en Nederlandstalige liedjes. First Friends loopt puur op vrijwilligers: de bezoekers betalen 4 euro per keer dat ze aanwezig zijn, maar helpen ook mee met het afruimen en opruimen van het speelgoed.
Hoog Temmink: 'Hier komen zowel Nederlandse als buitenlandse families; we staan open voor iedereen. Het is een enorme meerwaarde om mensen uit andere culturen te ontmoeten. We spreken Engels, Pools of Chinees met elkaar en de kinderen pikken ook wat op. Mijn dochter Sophie zingt bijvoorbeeld thuis Engelstalige liedjes.' Behalve de wekelijkse bijeenkomsten op woensdag vanaf 09.30 uur, wordt eens per acht weken een buitenactiviteit op zaterdag gehouden, zodat de vaders ook mee kunnen gaan.

Correction: Macha Hoog Temmink! = Mascha Hoexum-Moerenburg!

First Friends turns Three!

2010-05-19T23:20:00.002+02:00

The big 3! In its first three years, First Friends has welcomed about 180 families from over 15 nationalities through its doors and been the founding place of countless more friendships.

We celebrated this anniversary with a cake that was as delicious as it was beautiful! Thanks to Mascha for this beauty!

It was a actually a pretty normal morning at FF: that's pretty special in itself as we had old and new visitors (lovely to see Liz W. again), welcomed 2 new babies, crafts and cake!

We even had a local newspaper journalist visit (keep your eyes open in the local Voorhout news!)

The spectacular finale: a pinata with all sorts of party goodies!

A sincere 'Thank You!' to everyone that has made FF a success in the past and present- Cheers to many more years to come!

Koninginnedag 2010

2010-05-19T22:55:00.002+02:00

The spring festivities in the Netherlands is always kicked-off by the Koninginnedag celebrations, when the whole country goes a little crazy partying. We had the traditional 'knutselen' of crowns:

Koekhappen

a gezellig time!

A regular day at First Friends

2010-05-03T11:57:00.005+02:00

Play-doh biscuit factory

Feeding Time!

Toys tidied away, Singing Time!

Hoera! Hooray! Cheers!

2010-04-28T21:36:00.003+02:00

First Friends is turning three!!

We are excited to celebrate the 3rd birthday of FF and invite everyone to come for a little party...

When: Wednesday 19th May

Where: Spelewey 9:30-11:30

There will be cake for everyone, surprise activities for the kids and hopefully a visit from the local paper.

We hope to see you there!

5 may No First Friends!

2010-04-28T21:34:00.001+02:00

Due to the Bevrijdingsdag Festivities (Liberation Day), there will be no FF on the 5th of May. We will resume as normal on 12 May.

National Elections- No First Friends

2010-04-21T22:18:00.004+02:00

Please note that on the 9 June 2010 there will be no First Friends as the National Elections are taking place and the Speleywey will be used as a voting location.

We may organise an alternative meeting place (e.g. in the park)- WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Sale on Tokens!

2010-04-21T22:13:00.004+02:00

We are currently having a Spring Sale on tokens:

Usually €4 per Wednesday morning, or
a booklet of 10 tokens for €35

Now... 12 for €35 . Get them while they last :)

Available at the sign-in table on Wednesday mornings.

Sat 22 May Ladies Day out at the Fair!

2010-04-18T10:29:00.008+02:00

It's the amazing spring fair at the Olmenhorst Organic Apple Farm in Lisse- come and enjoy the stalls, atmosphere and meet up for a (picnic) lunch.

Some Info:
Plan: Arrive whenever it suits you, meet up for (picnic) lunch at 12, bring a mat!
Tickets €7.50 online, €10 at the gate
Parking €2.50
Website: http://www.olmenhorst-voorjaarsfair.nl/default.htm
RSVP: comments box here or via Facebook event page

Contact phone numbers for the day: 06-51324522 (Kelly)

Dates for summer holiday break

2010-04-16T22:05:00.002+02:00

To note in your calendars:
Wed 30^th June : Last day of FF before summer break
Wed 1st september: Start date (2 weeks after schools start)

Dutch News in English

2010-04-12T09:40:00.003+02:00

Here is a useful site that translates the top daily news stories in the Netherlands.
Dutch News Website in English

2010-02-28T20:49:00.000+01:00

Hello all,

Unfortunately we have to cancel our First Friends Meeting of this coming Wednesday 3 March as De Spelewey will be in use as a polling station for the local elections.

Looking forward to seeing you again on Wednesday 10 March.

Kind regards,

The Committee

Free Coaching and Counseling

2010-01-28T14:27:00.005+01:00

Fiona Bennett (ex-FF attendee) is finishing her training and internship as a counsellor. She is able to offer free coaching and counseling.

This is a great opportunity for people to have sensitive and supportive help at no cost. Some common issues that Fiona is trained in dealing with:

difficulties with settling into and moving away from The Netherlands
the challenges of living abroad
family/marriage stress
the adjustment to parenthood
breaking habits and losing weight (it’s all in the mind!)
careers and lifestyle developments

If anyone is interested they can contact Fiona by email fi.bennett.66@gmail.com or by phone 062-835-9067.

Drinks Evening!

2010-01-28T14:14:00.003+01:00

Shake off the winter frost, come for a drink and chat!

Thursday 4 February, 2010
8 pm
BOERHAAVE: HOTEL CAFE RESTAURANT
Herenstraat 57, Voorhout

RSVP (via mail or this site) preferred
All Welcome!

We're Back!

2010-01-21T21:06:00.002+01:00

First Friends is back! Same time, same place just getting into the swing of things again. We've had very good attendances in the first few mornings, so 2010 looks like it's going to be a healthy year for FF! Hope to see you soon :)

First Friends 6 Jan CANCELLED!

2010-01-05T12:11:00.001+01:00

Due to the dangerous weather conditions (slippery roads) the start of FF has been delayed till next week...Please pass on this message to those that you have contact with!!

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas!

2009-12-16T21:41:00.001+01:00

16th December was the last Wednesday of 2009 for First Friends. We had lovely Christmas goodies (Paola's divine pear tart and the kids devoured Lorena's gorgeous christmas cupcakes in no time), a knutsel project for the Christmas tree and the usual gezellig chatter and music.

First Friends will return in full force on the 6th of January 2010 - hope you see you then!

The Committee thanks everyone for a fantastic year- while we've said goodbye to some as they've gone to school or left to other destinations, we've also welcomed many new faces; First Friends continues to be enjoyed by many. So, thank you for your support!

Hope Christmas is wonderful wherever you may be and cheers to a safe New Year back at the Spelewey!

Sinterklaas Party!

2009-12-05T22:43:00.007+01:00

The big day had arrived, Sint Nicolaas' birthday party. It was SO much fun! We danced, ate, conversed, jumped, laughed....and the kids had a great time too!

The First Friends Childrens Choir Performance

Sleepy Bunnies

We set the shoes in the hallway, sang the pepernoten song loud and fast and...suddenly there was this great banging on the door! Gasp! Who could that be? We raced out but mysteriously, the hallway was empty, but the shoes were not. They were filled to the brim with goody bags and not to mention the gigantic sack filled with presents!! Thankfully, all the babies and boys and girls present had been good as everyone received a gift from Sinterklaas. THANK YOU SINTERKLAAS!!!

Thanks to everyone who came and made it a fantastic success!!

* check the facebook site for more pictures

Our "Play Doh from Colleen's Kitchen" Recipe

2009-11-17T11:10:00.003+01:00

Here it is:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup (half) salt
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
4 teaspoons creme of tartar
2 cups water
a few drops food colouring

Cook together all the ingredients on a medium heat stirring constantly. Mix and scrape from the sides of the pot until the mixture leaves the side of the pot. Remove and knead until smooth. Cool and store in the fridge. If it is still sticky when you have removed it from the pot then cook it again for a few minutes longer. Eet Smakelijk!

Kids Songs

2009-11-17T11:02:00.001+01:00

Since when is anything free without strings? Since NOW! This website has good great kids songs (english) that you can download for FREE, the only obligation is....is that you do something nice for someone else! How hard is that?!
click on this link or go to this site: http://www.scottylulu.com/downloads.html

Spooky Halloween

2009-11-12T14:10:00.004+01:00

Halloween was celebrated this year with spooky cupcakes (the kids were not very scared by them unfortunately), facepainting and balloon decorating.

End of Year Sinterklaas Party!

2009-10-26T20:44:00.007+01:00

Come one, Come All! The First Friends End of Year Sinterklaas Party is going to be a big one! We're hiring the Vogelwijk Speeltuin and there'll be activities, a kids disco and you-know-who may just make a special appearance...

Date: 5 December 2009
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm (the playground is open to the public after this time)
Place: Vogelwijk Speeltuin, Nachtegaallaan 25, Leiden click for the link
Who: First Friends Families and Friends
Entrance: Free! A gift from First Friends :)
Bring: please bring a small gift for your child(ren) and some food (biscuits/cake/dips etc) to share
RSVP: Please respond via our Facebook site or leave a message here...

click here for parking information

Ladies Night...UPDATED!

2009-10-23T22:26:00.006+02:00

Set this date in your diaries....Thursday 12 November, 2009 is Ladies night! For a hip & happening night of fun with the girls- be there!!!

Date: 12 November 2009
Time: 20:30
Place: 't Alternatief, Hoofdstraat 29, 2181 EA Hillegom
Website: www.t-alternatief.nl

Click here to RSVP via our Facebook event site

Toy Appeal

2009-10-20T15:43:00.003+02:00

Hi Everyone
We are looking to update the toy selection at First Friends and before we rush to the shops we thought we would see if anyone has toys to donate to us. As we have very limited storage space, we can't accept everything (Please see the list below of our needs). The toys will be for babies and children so please only nearly-new or excellent quality items.

Please email to : firstfriendsvoorhout@gmail.com if you have donations!

Thank you in anticipation
Colleen and the Committee

The List:
Garage and cars
Cooking pots, pans, spoons etc
Tea cups and tea pot
Easy to assemble, simple train set
Musical Instruments
Soft balls (not fabric)
Farm animals or dinosaurs
wooden puzzels (max 8 pieces)

Family Day

2009-10-19T13:19:00.006+02:00

Too cold to play outside? Many of us would go insane in the winter without going somewhere like Bubble Jungle, Leiderdorp - Come join our Family Day before it's too late. There are giant jumping cushions, giant lego, giant balls, giant...everything! Coffee and Tea (and other refreshments available for purchase) to revive the weak!

Date: 29 November 2009
Time: 10:00-12:00
Address: Kinderspeelparadijs de Bubbeljungle, Vlasbaan 7, 2352 AH Leiderdorp
(Shopping area 'de Baanderij', next to Karwei)
Bubble Jungle Site Click here
RSVP via our Facebook event site

Pleased to meet you!

2009-10-19T13:01:00.018+02:00

It's still fresh in the new First Friends year and we'd like to take the opportunity to introduce the Committee Members. The committee meets about once every 2-3 months to organise essential business (from paying the bills to buying the biscuits) to planning the fun stuff, such as the monthly craft activities, special events and social activities.

nearly all of us are here somewhere in this picture...
Present:
Angelika Angerer (Germany)
Kelly Chan (Australia)
Miriam Deutsch (Germany)Kate Lewis (UK)
Lisa Longdon (England)
Lorena Salazar (Ecquador)
Laura Thanner (Italy)
Mascha Hoexum-Moerenburg (The Netherlands/New Zealand)
Monique Heyneke (South Africa)
Wendela Seyger (The Netherlands)

Past:
Clare Berril (UK)
Winnie Chan (Hong Kong)
Anna Chiappone (Italy)
Colleen Cropp (South Africa)
Nicoline Krijzer (The Netherlands)
Belinda van Midden (Mexico)
Elizabeth Wassenaar (Founder- England)
Leigh Bampton (Australia)
Paola Formica (Italy)

Towards the end of the (school) year, when there are some members stepping down, others who are interested in joining the committee are invited to maintain the smooth running of the group. Please email us if you have interest in joining the committee.

Usborne Books visits First Friends

2009-10-18T21:40:00.001+02:00

On the 4th of November, Usborne Books will visit First friends- you invited to come and look at the wide range of fantastic childrens books. These are great ideas in time for Sinterklaas and Christmas!

Welcome Back!

2009-09-02T21:33:00.002+02:00

It was good to see everyone back safely and happy to be back in Voorhout!

Today was the first Wednesday back from holidays and we celebrated with crafting name tags for every (man,) woman and child- most useful considering that the short-term memories of mothers and young children are notoriously feeble!

Hope to see you on a Wednesday morning soon- if you have ideas for activities or social events, do email us!

Gearing up for the new year...

2009-08-22T22:35:00.007+02:00

Things are in motion for the re-commencement of First Friends, fret not!

Important Dates:
Wednesday 2 September First Friends Recommences

Meetup at Ikea

2009-07-22T20:51:00.006+02:00

Some may scoff, many are secretly cheering inside: but the one truth is, you will not walk out without buying something!

What: Meet up for a coffee/cake/lunch/play
Where: RESTAURANT, IKEA Haarlem, Laan van Decima 1, 2031 CX Haarlem
When: 10:00am Wednesday 29 July, 2009

Come and let the kinders play with a barnslig, ekland or duktig while we sip our caffe!

Happy Holidays! Fijne Vakantie!

2009-06-25T11:33:00.005+02:00

As our closing song says, It's time to say goodbye, Hi-ho cheerio, it's time to say goodbye! We had our last meet-up for the school year on the 24th of June, and it was lots of fun with everyone decorating their own photo frame to put our group picture (above) into. Thanks to everyone for supporting another great year, lots of new people came, some kids are leaving for pre-school- good luck and hope to see you every now and again!

Keep checking this site for summer events- if you want to organise a get-together, just place an announcement in the discussion board or mail us!

We wish for everyone a safe and happy holiday- First Friends recommences on 2nd September...See you then!

Coming up: Last First Friends meeting for the year!

2009-06-10T20:04:00.007+02:00

24th June will be last official First Friends Playgroup meeting for this year! We take a break for the summer holidays and will resume sometime in August (the exact date is not yet known....keep checking this site for updates!)

There will be casual get-togethers in parks, beach, playgrounds from time to tome. Keep checking this site for updates on social activities throughout the holidays- if you've got a suggestion for a meet-up, leave a message in the comments box (under) with your email address!

1st July Picnic

2009-06-10T12:23:00.009+02:00

Even though it's the first Wednesday of the First Friends Summer Break, there's still something to do!
What: Picnic/play
Date: 1st of July, 2009
Time: 3:30pm onwards
Place: Warmond Beach google map link
Parking: around the Albert Heijn, the Jachthaven (directly next to the pedestrian bridge to the beach).
Tip: Follow signs to 'Recreatie Eiland Koudehoorn'.

Leave a message below if you think you'll be there!

Looking for Contributors

2009-06-10T11:11:00.001+02:00

Do you have an idea for a feature on the blog? Do you want to write a little article for this site? We're always looking for new ideas and/or contributors- if you want to write in your own language, that's great too! Email kellysemailaddress AT yahoo.com.au if you have something to say!

COME AND HAVE A CHAT...

2009-06-09T21:08:00.013+02:00

(Correction to this blog post: the First Friends forum has been disabled the function been replaced by the Facebook Group)
...but you have to make your own coffee in our First Friends Forum. Use this place to continue conversations interrupted by screaming babies, to ask someone for help, to get some sympathy after the baby screamed from 2 am till 6 am, to see if someone wants to go to the park on Friday- the possibilities are endless!

In short, let's stay connected beyond the Wednesday mornings!

We all know that the internet is the substitute social life for parents with young children...Signing up is simple, so GO TO THE FORUM NOW!

BLOG is in TRIAL MODE!

2009-06-09T14:53:00.002+02:00

PLEASE click everywhere on the blog, add your comments wherever you can- try it all out!
Also, the formation of a facebook group won't be priority at the moment- as not everyone will have facebook and this makes the information on the blog more 'see it only if you want it'. If you think a Facebook group is useful, let us know...

Welcome to First Friends

2009-06-09T14:15:00.014+02:00

First Friends was founded in August 2007 and is the 'brainchild' of Liz Wassenaar. She aimed to provide a safe, friendly environment for children to play in and for parents to meet and be able to make contacts and to feel part of a community. Essentially, First Friends has been the place where many of us have met our first friends after relocating to the area!
The Playgroup meets on Wednesdays at the Spelewey (click here to see a map) during the Dutch School Terms, between 9:30 and 11:30 AM. The morning usually begins with singing, followed by free-play for the kids with toys, books, play-doh etc. The morning is rounded-off by singing and sometimes even dancing! Once a month, a themed activity (featuring craft, play or learning) is organised.

First Friends is currently run by a committee of volunteers and is funded by the contributions from visitors. The play sessions run smoothly thanks to all who help out with tidying up, washing up, sweeping etc etc.

In addition to the Wednesday mornings, the committee also aims to periodically organise social events (with and without the kids).

Come and play too! :)

Address: De Spelewey, Breughelhof 8, 2215 AB, Voorhout.
Cost: €4 per session / €35 for 12 sessions
Website:www.firstfriendsvoorhout.blogspot.com
Email: firstfriendsvoorhout@gmail.com

Summer Holidays

2009-06-09T10:58:00.013+02:00

First Friends will go into recess during the Dutch school holidays...but don't panic! There are alternative 'activities' planned. Picnics, visits to playgrounds, beach days, forest scavenges to names a few. Keep your eye on this site for updates!

1 July Picnic Warmond Beach
29 July Meet-up @ IKEA
*NEW!*12 Aug Play Date @ Vogelwijk, Leiden

Summer Break-Up Event

2009-06-09T10:55:00.003+02:00

A night out (parents only) is in the planning for sometime in July...stay tuned

Looking Forward to Spring!

2009-06-09T10:53:00.004+02:00

Let's face it - it's easier looking after little ones when the weather allows them to run around outside...so roll on the Spring! We have lots of fun things planned for both Wednesday mornings and for the 'Mum's Only' social nights!! Do come and join in the fun! For more info email Colleen at colleen.cropp@gmail.com

Leiden Parent and Toddler Baby Group

2009-06-03T20:58:00.000+02:00

The Leiden Parent and Toddler Baby Group has invited FF to join them on wednesday morning for a play date!

WHERE: Speeltuin Vogelenwijk, Nachtegaallaan 25, 2333 XT Leiden see MAP
WHEN: Wednesday 12 August, 9.30-11.30
COST: € 1 per family suggested voluntary donation to cover costs of refreshments and crafts
WHAT: the Vogelwijk is a fantastic playground with heaps for little to big kids- waterplay too!