Three Melksham mums are set to open an interactive play café in the town this summer.
Sarah Hodges, Lisa Hargreaves and Ali Turrell – who met through the local drama group Melksham Music and Drama – are behind Mighty Minis Play Café, which will feature themed role-play zones including a medical centre, theatre, construction area and salon.
The café, which will be located at Avonside Enterprise Park, aims to provide a creative and interactive space for young children to learn through play. A café space for parents and carers will be located within view of the activity zones.
“We wanted to create a space where children can explore, learn, and build confidence through interactive play,” said Sarah, Lisa and Ali.
“With six children under five between us, we understand the need for a local, engaging environment for families. We have backgrounds in special education and child development, business and marketing, and this is a project that developed from our friendship after meeting at Melksham Music and Drama.
“We’ve got some amazing local sponsors. For instance, Melksham Music and Drama are sponsoring our theatre, so there’ll be a space where children can come and put on their own little show; Melksham Hospital and Community are sponsoring our medical centre, so children can role-play at being doctors, dentists and opticians, and if your child is having their first appointment, you can role-play with them about the visit.
“We’ve got a hairdressers with pretend tools to be able to cut and style hair, and a construction site for building, making and fixing – all alongside an absolutely amazing café!
“We haven’t got an opening date yet, as there is a lot of work to be done, but we would like to be open by the summer holidays.”
Speaking on the launch, Chris Williams of Create, asset managers for Avonside, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Mighty Minis Play Café to Avonside.
“The launch of Mighty Minis continues Avonside’s mission to support independent businesses and make Melksham an even more interesting and dynamic place to work, play and relax.
“They’re a fantastic addition to our growing line-up of creative, independent businesses. The riverside unit they’re moving into is currently being refurbished and will be available mid-summer – it’s a perfect fit for their vision and for Avonside’s evolving community.”
Pictured: Sarah Hodges, Lisa Hargreaves and Ali Turrell
