Ellesmere entertains

Story & photos:Taibah Khan

As I entered Ellesmere Children's Centre to the sound of steel pan drums, I saw the centre's colourful gardens and various bric-a-brac stalls in the grounds, run by volunteers and parents.

Inside, so many things were happening including a Bollywood dance workshop with parents and children dancing.

There was also an indoor play area, as well as Henna and face painting. Sharon Curtis, one of the event co-ordinators, told me a little about the event,

"We've been running this event for over 14 years now. It's a fun family event and gives everyone a chance to engage with different cultures in the community. It's a great way for parents to get involved with the centre too.''

Shazia Shakoor has a fouryear- old daughter who attends the centre. Shazia commended the centre because it had been so accommodating to her needs as a working mother,

''My daughter Aliya really enjoys it here, she's been attending on and off since she was one.''

David Critchley finds working at the centre "eye-opening" and enjoys the "humble, relaxing and enjoyable environment." He really enjoys working with children and relishes the opportunity. "As there are so few males working in childcare, it's great to have an opportunity to be a positive male role model."

Along with the henna, other health and beauty treatments were going on, such as massages and make-up. For such a small location, there was a vast variety of stalls, selling hand-made cards, cakes, design-your-own t-shirts and even one for your very own air-brushed tattoo.

Ellesmere entertains photo gallery

Photos from the event at Ellesmere Children's Centre 2010.