Summer fun on the move

IT USED to be the case that while parents wined and dined, children were sent to the car with a packet of crisps and a bottle of pop. But now a local organisation is offering children a proper treat while their parents are raising a glass elsewhere.

Sugarplum, set up by part time nannies Louisa Du Rose and Sarah Townsend, is a mobile crèche unit that caters for almost any age. The nannies, with 20 years of experience between them, attend a mixture of workshops and parties to ensure kids have good fun in safe environment.

Mrs Du Rose, 28, who lives in Carlingcott, near Peasedwon St John, said: “We don't just sit and read to the children. We have reptile workshops, or do do some craft activities. At the moment we're touring the villages around Bath , and have been in Wellow this week doing a craft holiday camp for three to ten year olds. But a lot of people have said there's nothing to do for 11 to 14 year olds, so we're thinking of trying to incorporate them as well.”

Mrs Du Rose has been working as a nanny since she attended City of Bath College to study for a diploma in childcare.

Miss Townsend fell into the nanny profession when she was offered a job looking after the children of one of Prince Charles' bodyguards.

The couple met when Miss Townsend stood in for Mrs Du Rose after she took time out to do a ski season.

“There was some jealousy because she was taking over my kids, but we got past it,” said Mrs Du Rose. “We don't want to be nannies forever, but we do want to work with children, so this seems ideal. The ultimate goal in about ten years in to franchise the business.”

The pair are currently working in village halls, marquees and fields, and arrive with a van full of goodies to entertain the children.

“If we're doing a corporate event, like a family fun day, they'll give us a marquee or a tent or, if it's a sunny day, they'll give us a field and pen us in like sheep,” added Mrs Du Rose.