By Community Correspondent Philippa Hennessy For those of you who have been feeling a little bit sorry for the Village lately, what with the credit crunch taking its toll and slowing down trade, then cheer up, because I have been promised that the colour and vibrancy is soon to return.

The Play House, which is replacing Rocco (the children’s boutique on Church Road) is exactly what the name implies - it’s a house for pre-school children to come and play in. But, it’s more than just a house - a range of classes (each 50 minutes long) that cover play activities, arts and crafts, music or dance run by highly trained performers (all CRB checked) catering for ages 0-5 years, encourage children to explore, share and make friends through song, dance, stories and games. There are even classes for Dads and babies on Saturdays that focus on sensory skills. There is a maximum capacity of seven children per class (ten for the messy time classes) to ensure that each child gets more attention and on sunnier days there is a garden that the children can play in. Over 2’s can be left in the care of Play House staff for an hour or so while you go shopping, sit in Star Bucks or have a facial - I have no doubt that this is something most of us Mums will embrace. The master mind behind this initiative? Don Rae. Rae is the creative director of the Don Rae Academy of Movement & Arts (D.R.A.M.A), he has over 2 years experience working at Gymboree Play and Music, and more recently founded Brit Camp, a summer camp for children. The classes at The Play House are designed on his experience incorporating dance, drama and singing along with arts and crafts.

Currently undergoing renovation, The Play House will officially open it’s doors at the end of this month to coincide with the carnival atmosphere that the Tennis Championships brings to Village life for two weeks of the summer every year. There will be face painters, singing and dancing, as well as lots of bubble play for all the kids.