FAMILIES in Solihull are helping Gymboree Play and Music celebrate a double milestone this summer, as the children’s enrichment programme marks its 50th anniversary.
Over the past 18 years, Gymboree Play and Music Solihull has welcomed hundreds of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families through its doors, helping children build confidence, curiosity and creativity through play, learn, music and art classes.
As part of the celebrations, local families are reflecting on the role Gymboree Play and Music has played in their lives, with some now returning with a new generation of children.
For Emma and Chris Penn, Gymboree Play and Music has been a constant throughout the early years of all four of their children.
Emma said: “Gymboree Play and Music has been a huge part of our family’s life for the past ten years. We first joined when our eldest child was a baby, and we’ve now brought all four of our children to classes.
“As parents, you try lots of different activities over the years, but Gymboree Play and Music has always been the one thing we’ve continued to come back to. The classes create dedicated time to focus on having fun together, building confidence and making special memories.
“The team in Solihull have always been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and we’ve loved watching each of our children develop through the different stages.
“For our family, Gymboree Play & Music has been so much more than a weekly class – it’s become part of our family’s story.”
Jennie McGee, manager of Gymboree Play and Music Solihull, said: “It’s incredibly special to be celebrating 18 years in Solihull at the same time Gymboree Play & Music marks its 50th anniversary.
“Over the past 18 years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of local families through our doors and sharing some of the most important moments in their children’s early years. We’ve seen babies grow into confident, curious children, and many families have become a valued part of our Gymboree community.
“What makes this milestone especially meaningful is seeing families return over the years, whether that’s with younger brothers and sisters, or even with a new generation of children.
“It shows the lasting impact that learning through play can have and the special place Gymboree Play and Music holds in so many families’ lives.”
