These Prams Are Made for Walking... Locked down parents need to escape, writes Jennie Duncan
I made the decision to set up Aboyne Pram Walks to enable local mums to meet up in larger numbers during the Covid-19 restrictions. I was lucky to know many lovely mums and babies from my street but was conscious that others might not be so fortunate. I also wanted my 10-month-old baby girl, Amelie, to have the opportunity to see lots of different faces after spending the majority of her life in lockdown. Aboyne Pram Walks follows the Covid-19 guidance of the Scottish Buggy Group. Since January, buggy groups have been popping up all over Scotland enabling babies and parents to enjoy some socialising. All attendees must complete a track and trace form before attending and a rigorous risk assessment ensures everyone is kept safe. Our walks have been attended by over 25 different families. Toddlers recently enjoyed a forest toddle and play in the woods. New mums and smaller babies have enjoyed pram walks around Aboyne and the Bell Wood. Picnics on the green in Aboyne have been the biggest success with the little ones enjoying playing together whilst the mums exchange sleep strategies, birth stories and adult chat! Aboyne Pram Walks is taking part in the Barnardo’s big toddle on July 3rd. This is a national event that encourages the littlest of leggies to get out walking and raise some funds for this worthwhile charity. We have currently raised £800 and counting! A huge thank you to all of those that have donated so far. You can find our JustGiving page at: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/aboynebigtoddle2021. We still have spaces for other little friends to join us – the more the merrier! We have lots more fun events planned including a daddy take-over, forest activities, picnics and more pram walks. If you would like to get involved please find our Facebook page, Aboyne Pram Walks, or email us at aboynepramwalks@gmail.com A huge thank you to everyone in the community that has joined us on our walks come rain or shine and made each event so much fun. Amelie has enjoyed meeting lots of new friends and I have loved lots of chats and laughs!
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