Information on Loughborough

Austin powers into town to open new children's centre

Posted on 18/06/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

16 June 2009

Austin powers into town to open new children's centre

Rugby legend Austin Healey is getting ready to waltz into Melton to open a new children’s centre.

The Leicester Tigers and England star, also famed for his foxtrot after an appearance on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing TV show, will cut the ribbon at Fairmead Children’s Centre, in Drummond Walk, on Thursday, June 25.

Family man Austin, who has four young daughters, will join councillors and the local community in celebrating the centre’s official opening.

Activities including face-painting, a climbing wall and music and movement sessions will take place outside the centre from 3pm, with the official opening ceremony kicking off at 4pm.

Children’s centre co-ordinator for the Melton district Kate Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to be opening our third children’s centre in Melton.

“Fairmead Children’s Centre will provide a wide range of activities and services for pre-school children and their families, including parent and toddler groups, training and employment support and stay and play sessions. It will be a real asset to the community.”

The children’s centre programme in Melton is a joint initiative involving Leicestershire County Council, Melton Borough Council and partners such as health services and the voluntary sector.

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Cllr David Parsons said: “This centre will be a major asset to Melton, representing just what can be achieved when local organisations work together.

"Families will now have access to a range of local services, right on their doorstep.”

Melton Borough councillor for the Sysonby Ward, Cllr Joe Orson said: "The family support services on offer will be accessed by many in the north of Melton Mowbray and mums, dads and kids are all looking forward to Austin Healey opening the Fairmead Children's Centre."

Parents can find more information on children centre services by contacting the Family Information Service on 0116 305 6545 or emailing: family@leics.gov.uk

 

Photo Opportunity:

Reporters and photographers are invited to the opening of the Fairmead Children’s Centre, 64 Drummond Walk, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1JF, on Thursday, June 25 from 4pm to 5pm with the ribbon-cutting taking place at 4.30pm.

Reporters will be able to photograph Austin and interview/photograph councillors, officers and parents as well as have a look round the centre.

Please contact Lis Gibbs on 0116 305 5298 or email egibbs@leics.gov.uk to confirm your attendance

Background:

The children’s centre programme aims to bring a wide range of services for families under one roof, including parenting support, advice on benefits and looking for work, library services and child health clinics.

In Leicestershire, children’s centre activities are delivered not only in children’s centres but also in other venues such as community centres or church halls, to help ensure these services reach rural communities.

Fairmead is one of 27 children’s centres in the county and is part of a £16million county-wide programme which will see 42 children’s centres created across Leicestershire by 2010.