Manic March

I HAVE decided to post a monthly blog to keep you up to date with Musical Minis news. I will be writing about the month that's gone rather than what will be happening, as with the best will in the world, after 20 years running Musical Minis, I know that some of the things planned just don't happen when they should!

March was a busy month at Musical Minis Head Office. There was a great deal to do following our annual franchise meeting at the end of February. After a few frantic weeks most things have fallen into place - franchisees have received and been trained on our latest policies, their income and costs have been collected for detailed analysis, Facebook and Twitter sites have been established for those who want them, newsletter systems are in place and many more things. I'm continuing to explore possibilities for Musical Minis 21st anniversary later on this year.

The busiest franchisee in March was Liz Rowe in Ayrshire. We were delighted that Liz renewed her Franchise Agreement for a further 5 years in March. This means that nearly 40% of our current franchisees have decided to renew and carry on running their franchise - a clear indication that Musical Minis is working for them and they're enjoying what they're doing. Liz celebrated her 5th anniversary with a huge charity family fun day in Kilmarnock on March 21st. The event went brilliantly with tickets sold out and all attendees having a great day whilst raising lots of money for the Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick.

Jo Weaving, our South Wales franchisee, helped her class members celebrate St. David's Day. The festivities continued through the whole week so that each class was able to participate. Some children dressed up in Welsh costume, Dewi Dragon came down from the mountains for story time. Happy Birthday was sung in Welsh and each child was given a Welsh cake at the end of the class.

Franchisees throughout the UK ran Easter classes at the end of term. Great fun was had by all and 'Chook,Chook, Chook, Chook Chicken' is still ringing in everyones' ears.

Also in March, Musical Minis was delighted to have received a triple nomination in the 2010 What’s On 4 Little Ones Awards, which recognise the best activities and party entertainment for children across the UK. We've been nominated for three categories:

• Best National Baby and Toddler Development Activity (newborn to 2 years),
• Best National Pre-Schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years). and
• Four franchisees have been put forward for Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s. They are Debbie Caygill - Newcastle, Liz Rowe - Ayrshire, Leena Thakker - Oxford and Jo Weaving - South Wales

I would like to thank everyone who nominated Musical Minis, enabling us to get through to the Finals. I would be really grateful if you could vote for us again. From now until the end of April 2010, you can log onto http://www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards.asp to vote for Musical Minis.

I am also delighted although really astonished to have been nominated for a MAD award for this blog! If you would like to vote for me please visit http://www.the-mads.com/index.htm 

As you can tell it was a very busy March at Musical Minis. With the start of term after Easter I'm sure April will be even more productive.