I knew that the place I grew up would be the same place that I bring up my own babies. I wanted to travel, to see the world, to experience different cities, but I had always known that when it came to starting a family, this place is home.
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My family live here, and everywhere I look, I have memories of growing up. There are so many beaches on our doorstep, so many parks, schools and small communities. Sure it has its issues, there are bad parts of town as there always are, and it does boast an incredibly high teenage pregnancy rate, but this was my home, and this is my children's home.
Bringing them up here, we have spent a lot of time at the Children's Centres, from antenatal classes, breastfeeding support groups and the health visitor to messy rock'n'roll toddler groups and courses. The Children's Centre organises a 'Play Day' every summer for the community, a completely free event for families, and this year's theme was healthy.
All children received free water and fruit, there was bouncy castles and characters to meet, information about local services and healthy start incentives and the chance to make a smoothie on a pedal bike. The mobile farm was there, letting the children get close to the sheep and pigs and there were displays from local groups like Judo and majorettes. The weather was sadly not what was hoped for in early August, but it was only the parents stood under umbrellas, whilst the children ran free, reminding us that being outdoors whatever the weather is completely healthy.
