40th Birthday Sports and Fun Day
This year the Lewisham Toy Library celebrates its 40th anniversary and to celebrate we are planning an exciting day filled with fun activities for all of Lewisham's children and their families. This free event will be held at the Ladywell Arena, in Ladywell Fields, on Sunday the 17th June from 1-5pm. There will be a teddy bear's picnic (please bring your teddy), a fancy dress parade (come dressed up or use one of the Toy Library's own costumes), arts and craft tents (make a father's day card), outdoor toys, a bouncy castle, and marquees set up with soft play areas for young ones and babies. There will be races, from the classic egg and spoon to the more frantic space hopping, and a variety of bikes and other sports which will utilise the arena's excellent facilities. As well as these more physical pursuits, there will be story telling, musical performances , and singing classes throughout the day. And every birthday must have balloons and a BIG cake.
Aims & Organisation
The aim of the Toy Library, as set out in its constitution, is the education of children aged 0-8 within the London Borough of Lewisham by the provision of educational and stimulating toys and play equipment.
This is achieved by
The Toy Library is staffed by a part-time Toy Librarian and a volunteer. We welcome volunteers to support the staff in toy cleaning. The Toy Library is open to the public for three two-hour sessions each week and a five and a half hour session on the 1st Saturday of every month. Membership is available to all families, childminders, carers and Not-for-profit groups in the London Borough of Lewisham. Members pay an annual subscription of £24 for families and carers unless they are in receipt of Income Support (proof required), in which case membership is free. Childminders pay £15/year by providing their Childminding Certificate and Groups can join for £50/year. There are no additional hire charges on top of the toys.
The Toy Library continues to depend fundamentally on the grant it receives from the London Borough of Lewisham which contributes towards the Toy Librarian's salary. We are also grateful to the Capital Community Foundation who enabled us to hold two bike days in Lewisham Parks.
Review of progress and achievements
The Toy Library has enjoyed another successful year under the guidance of its Management Committee.
As of October 2010, membership stood at 200 families, carers and groups and childminders.
Legal Information
The Lewisham Toy Library is a registered charity, number 271496. It is governed by constitution dated 10 May 1976, and amended on 8 May 1996.