Sponsored by Mapio Financial
Now it’s time to celebrate all the lovely people’s Faces we missed during Lockdown 2020.
This is the 6th Winners Blog – see if you or anyone you know was nominated below. Remember to check the other winners blogs HERE and check back each Monday and Thursday through July to see if you were nominated in any other categories too.
Initially we said that we would only publish the nomination comments when we got 5 or more but having read them all, we’ve decided to ditch that rule! Everyone who received a nomination deserves to read their message/s of thanks & support!
Thanks to our amazing sponsors of this category, MAPIO financial – we have some lovely certificates to give out to all nominees. We hope that it will be a lovely reminder for you in the future about how grateful the York community are for everything that you do and how much you have been missed.
If you are a nominee & you would like to claim your certificate then please fill in this quick form here so that we know where to send it to!
If you know any of the nominees, please be sure to tell them they’ve been nominated! We want to spread this lovely news far & wide.
Love from Emily & the team at York Mumbler x
P.S Coming next on Thursday 20th July is the “We’d have been lost without you” celebration blog.
If you are a winner, feel free to DOWNLOAD OUR WINNERS BADGE to display on your social media too.
All at ArtVentures York
- Great business who have innovated to offer something unique for babies toddlers and kids virtually during lockdown. Lovely people, friendly, super professional and always offering a great service. A real attribute to York
All at En Pointe Dance School
- My daughter misses her wonderful dance teachers who are so encouraging and passionate about what they do!
All at Monday monkeys Haxby
- Such a lovely group of ladies In blue who welcome us each week and chat. They take babies off tired mums and Give you a coffee! Missing them totally!
All staff at Muddy Boots
- For all your hard work and support during this time.
All Staff at St Paul’s Nursery
- Both my children have attended St Paul’s and it such a magical place, mainly down to the kind loving staff. They have provided at Home learning which has been amazing but it’s not the same as seeing those lovely faces on a day to day basis
- Because they are all incredible, supportive and wonderful people.
All the Staff at Creepy Crawlies
- Miss the staff and facilities here. Totally lost without it and can’t wait for it to reopen!!
Allison Freeman – York Army Museum
- Alison and her team are great at sharing their expertise and allowing the students to have hands on experience of the technology used in warfare since the eighteenth century. This allows them to deepen their understanding of how and why warfare changed so much in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Amelia – Water Babies
- Amelia has taught Ernest since he was 10 weeks old and his confidence has just blossomed in the water and this is all thanks to Her! Amelia creates a calm welcoming atmosphere, but injects fun into every lesson which captivated the children and is clearly why they love swimming and her! She has such passion for her role, and with care and reassurance she gets the best out of all of us in her lessons!
- Me and Oliver miss Amelia\’s happy, smiley face and all the fun we have at water babies.
- This is our water babies swimming tArcher and she is awesome. She always has a smile on her face and is an exemplary teacher.
Ami Stott – Rhythm Time
- Used to be the highlight of our week. Ami is so happy and a fun music teacher
Chloe Markham
- Positive energy & encouragement
Chris at Dannie Lea Hairdressing
- Chris is so fantastic cutting my son’s hair – he is such a lovely guy and my son sits happily whilst Chris just gets on with it. He is always really welcoming and friendly.
Craig Long
Dave & Cheeky Monkey – Number Fun live
- Your 10am sessions helped bring structure, fun and learning to our day during lockdown.
David – Minifigs and bricks
- Always great service with a smile
Debbie & Team – Millfield fitness studios
- They inspire , push , and support me on my fitness journey
Debbie Mennell from Baby Swimmers
- Because Debbie is an amazing swimming teacher always smiling and she is so food with the children and always makes them feel at ease.
- Both my children miss their Saturday morning swimming classes with Debbie and can’t wait til they restart.
- her swimming class is great, and has helped our baby enjoy the water
- Incredible swimming teacher, so good with teaching technical skills.
Denny – ibalance yoga Yoga teacher
- miss the class and how you always make me feel better
Diddikicks York coaches Callum and Josh
- Our daughter likes playing football in the garden but has missed her coaches.
Dorothy Marlen from Gentle Beginnings
- Dorothy’s a wonderful person full of wisdom and kindness.
Emma Hartley-Tiny Tumblers
- Emma always wears a smile and has a welcoming personality. Her dedication to ensuring your child has an amazing party, is commendable. Nothing is ever too much for this wonderful woman!
Erin Dominguez
- For being such an inspirational coach to all the fantasy girls and for her hard work and zoom classes over the lockdown.
Gemma Robinson – Reading fairy
- This was the highlight of our week
Gleanna – Baby Sensory
- So gutted to have missed out on the last few months of our Baby Sensory classes in Haxby 😭
Hannah Ley – Water Babies
- Hannah makes every class such fun and Florence’s confidence has really grown in the water. We are both really missing classes but Hannah has been in contact with us frequently always offering advise when needed or just for a chat. We can’t wait to get back in the water with Hannah!
Heidi Richardson – Baby Swimmers
- Amazing, fun swimming teacher, great rapport with parents and little ones
- From baby swimmers. My son was so scared of swimming and didn’t enjoy it … until he met Heidi. Heidi has gained my sons trust and he looks forward to his lessons every week. He has missed seeing her and mentions her often.
Jane – Baby Swimmers
- We miss our swimming sessions with Jane
- Extremely caring swimming teacher, fabulous empathy with parents and children as well as great teaching skills
- He’s seen Jane every Friday for 4 years, the classes are so much fun, he learns so much and his swimming and lack of fear is amazing! We can’t wait to go back!
- Jane is our swimming teacher and she has certainly been missed during the lockdown! Not only is she a great teacher, but she is such a lovely lady.
- Our baby loved Jane’s swimming lessons with games and songs and LOTS of splashing (which she encouraged!)
Jane – little swimmers
- My little one misses her smiles and fun at her lessons, it’s our favourite time of the week and it thoroughly missed! Jane has known Rory from 6 weeks and he’s just about to turn 1 so she’s been a huge part of his little world!!
- Cause my daughter loves her swim lessons and always had a smile for Jane! We also enjoy her lessons and she make you feel ever so welcome
Jen Colleen and Nicole – JC Barbers
- Always happy helpful and awesome with kids big and small
Jess Hardcastle – Jazz Hands
- Miss Jess is a wonderful dance teacher, who makes classes fun and friendly. The group I dance with are brilliant and we learn so much. Together we get to do our grand showcase performing to our family and friends! We miss you!
- Miss you guys
- Both me and my children are all missing going to Jess’ dance classes. She’s always there with a smile on her face and such motivation to get us dancing.
- Jess is an inspirational dance teacher. She started her own school a few years ago and set up an Adult Beginners class. I joined and have learnt dance routines and performed on stage in the end of year production. I’ve gained in confidence and dance ability and really enjoy it. Can’t wait to start again.
- Jess is an outstanding dance teacher who really brings out the best in her students. Her experience with musical theatre is evident in her sell out shows which are simply brilliant! She has been a fabulous teacher to both of my daughters who are different ages and character and somehow managed to get my shy eldest daughter to perform on stage within months of joining her class, something I had tried to persuade her to do unsuccessfully for years in previous dance clubs. My youngest daughter was recently asked to write about who inspired her for a school assignment and her first choice and number one inspiration was Jess! Whilst missing Jess and Jazz Hands in these difficult times we have had the pleasure of watching the DVD of the brilliant show from earlier this year in the hope that things will return to normal soon and they can prepare for their next dance extravaganza!
- Jessica is truly an inspiration to our daughter. Her fun classes and committed efforts to the whole company encourages our daughter to do well.
- Miss Jess and her amazing classes. Both myself and my son go every week, really missing seeing Jess and all our dance family.
Jo Nichol – Café No 50
- She owns cafe no 50 in haxby , she’s always welcoming with a coffe and cake , wonderful person.
Judy and Louise – Coral Magson Swim School
Kara Palmer – Nails Envy
- My amazing nail technician. Not only makes my nails look great she is such a kind funny person. Nail night isn’t just popping to get my nails done it’s 8 friends sitting around my dining room table laughing, crying, drinking, eating & treating ourselves. Kara brings us all together.
Kate – Avocado Events
- I love the regular events put on by avocado from story telling at Waterstones to the great participatory sessions in the Toddler tipi. Can’t wait for some of these to be available again to spend time with other mums and for the kids to have fun.
- Really miss meeting up at lovely venues with lovely mummies to talk/listen to speakers or specialists. Especially the John Lewis sessions they always felt very ‘glam’.
- We are missing the Teepee events this summer
- We have missed there wonderful welm organised events. The last one we went to was a baby event at waterstones in York and it was such a fun day and we really camt wait for the events to start again.
- We really miss attending Kate’s fab events for children. They’re always so well organised and so much fun! Hopefully we can go again soon!
Katherine Peak & Vanessa Hanley – My Baby Can Dance
- Miss the fun classes!
- They are both so fun and bubbly, keep our little ones on their toes. They are excellent teachers and leaders of babies and toddlers classes at My Baby Can Dance.
Katie – Dream Time Baby Massage
- Katie’s baby massage sessions offer a chance for mums And babies to come together in a safe and relaxing environment. It was the highlight of our week from my daughter being 4weeks old. Now, many friends adore Katie’s sessions too. A very special class. 💕
Katie O’Brien – Water babies
- Our Thursday morning swimming lessons always kept us going. My little boy James absolutely loved swimming and, thanks to the fabulous Katie, he was is now so confident in the water. Can’t wait to get back!
- We miss our weekly swimming lesson with Katie water babies. My daughter loves swimming and is so confident in water thanks to lessons since she was tiny first with Amelia and then later with Katie. Really hope we get a chance to finish course and say hello to Katie.
Katie Ventress School of Dance
- My daughter is missing her dance family massively and can not wait to return!
Kelly Clarey – Pat Veale School of Dance
- From the onset of lockdown PV School of Dance, and our fabulous Kelly Clarey, have continued to run online dance classes for all ages from the comfort of the children’s homes. Thus enabling them to continue to pursue their passion, dance with their friends, express themselves, maintain confidence, spend time with their adored dance teacher, feel valued, supported and loved through this difficult period. We are so blessed to have Kelly and the school helping to keep our childrens’ minds healthy, happy and active when everything else around them is falling away – it can only be of great benefit to them in the future. And #dadsdancingday was fabulous – testimony to Kelly’s draw and children’s adoration of the art form, that had so many Dads dancing with their children in celebration of Fathers’ Day yesterday 20th June 2020!! Kelly is an absolute superstar ⭐
Kelly McTighe – Energise
- An amazing face at Energise in Acomb, coordinating, training up and running classes for Healthwise Mummies like me!
Linzi Ainley – swimming with Linzi
- From swimming at Carr school, I have been taking my grand daughter since she was 9 month old and she trusts linzi when she’s in the water.
- My children love her swimming lessons. They have been trying to ‘swim’ in the bath and paddling pool. We miss her fab classes.
- Our 2 year old has missed his swimming teacher so much. She’s definitely a face he will be so happy to see when she is back up and running.
- Linzi has taught both my girls to swim and they have loved every second of all of her lessons. Swimming is the one thing that they have really missed during lockdown and cannot wait to start back up.
- Linzi’s swimming classes are so much fun. We love all the singing, jumping and splashing about to build essential skills in the water. Our little one goes swimming with grandma and Linzi is always so welcoming for kids and adults alike. She never makes the little ones do anything they don’t like but gently encourages and builds their confidence. Linzi had a tough time with injuries keeping her out of the water so we can’t wait to see her back in the pool again.
- My little girl and I live our Friday swimming lessons and we’ve really missed being in the pool practicing our tiger arms and singing all her favourite songs with Linzi! Can’t wait til lessons with Linzi can start back up again.
- My two children love learning to swim with Linzi so much and haven\’t stopped asking when they can return. Instead we have had to recreate our swimming lessons in the paddling pool, I will be very happy to hand the reigns back to Linzi soon :).
- Swimming has been so important to my child and we both miss it and Linzi. It’s just something you can’t recreate at home!
Louise Jakobsen – Coral Magson Swim School
- Louise is great with my son and makes his swim lessons so much fun.
- Louise is just so cheerful and helpful all the time. She really is lovely
Louise Lawrence – LingoTot York
- Fab after school Spanish club!
- We loved our weekly French for Tots classes with Louise! A lovely group, and Louise always brought a smile to our faces every Tuesday.
Mandy – York sport swimming classes
- we have spoken about mandy her swimming teacher along over lockdown. Mandy is patient with the children and gentle encourages them to learn to swim all at the children’s pace
- She goes above and beyond for all kids and she has known my little one since her was 6 months old she works tirelessly to get kids comfortable in water and hasn’t been able to work through Covid
Martha Gevaux – Little Green Rascals
- Martha is the manager of LGR Poppleton. Ever since we started at the nursery in 2018, she has been warm, friendly, and she genuinely seems to love all the children like her own. She spends loads of time in the baby room with new starters (despite always having lots of other commitments, including making all their yummy dinners), so all the children have a really special bond with her. Prior to lockdown, she gave all the parents her private mobile number so that we could contact her during lockdown for anything we needed, even if it was just a chat with someone other than a toddler!! Since the nursery has reopened, she has done an amazing job to make it feel safe, but also just as welcoming and homely as ever before. She really is a credit to the nursery.
Messy Beans
- The owner was unable to run these fun, exciting and sociable sessions for people who really enjoy them.
Michaela Scott – York Mother Nurture
- Michaela, Is am amazing herbalist and therapist. She has a font of knowledge at her finger tips and if not dedicates herself to research to understand how best she can help you, which is exactly what she did in my experience. Her extensive research has helped me make a significant change in my health, which the consultant said wouldn’t happen!
- Michaela’s massages are incredible. She really supported me throughout my pregnancy. Especially as I had extra problems and had a lot of pain. She soothes my aches and pains and helped me relax and enjoy my pregnancy despite the issues. Michaela is so knowledgable and catered for all of my personal needs and preferences. She also helped me connect with lots of mummy groups and support which have been extremely helpful to me as a first time mum. I was really hoping for post pregnancy massages but haven’t been able to due to lockdown. The sooner I can go back the better!
- Michaela’s massages are incredible. She really supported me throughout my pregnancy. Especially as I had extra problems and had a lot of pain. She soothes my aches and pains and helped me relax and enjoy my pregnancy despite the issues. Michaela is so knowledgable and catered for all of my personal needs and preferences. She also helped me connect with lots of mummy groups and support which have been extremely helpful to me as a first time mum. I was really hoping for post pregnancy massages but haven’t been able to due to lockdown. The sooner I can go back the better!
Miss Donya (En pointe)
- Such a nice caring, inspiring teacher.
Miss Emma Bailey Hague
- Because she is a bubbly, energetic and enthusiastic teacher that makes learning Fun!
Miss Tycals magical emporium
- Miss the Harry Potter themed events for my Hogwarts fans. Truly magical!
Miss Waite, Mrs Hann and all the staff at St Pauls
- We have missed seeing you all throughout lockdown
Niamh cottle
- For being such an inspirational coach to all the fantasy girls and for her hard work and zoom classes over the lockdown. We miss you 😊
Nicola Betts – Tiny toes music and York well-being choir
- Our very energetic and uplifting tiny toes music leader, and choir master. She brings the music to life
- Nicola is the choir leader of York hospital Wellbeing choir and she is amazing! She has a wonderful smile, she is caring and so encouraging. It’s the best thing I did to join this group. I have had health issues and Nicola has helped me so much with her warmth and friendship. The singing is an absolute tonic and I can’t wait to get back.
- Nicola is the person who leads and teaches the Wellbeing choir at York hospital. We used to meet once a week and sing lots of different songs. Nicola is full of positivity and fun. she makes us laugh but also gets us to work hard at achieving a good sound. I really miss the sessions and all the people who attend.
- We miss our choir sessions . Nicola works so hard, getting us all warmed up for our sessions fun breathing exercises. Improves all our lung function! Then she provides all our song sheets and her expertise is off the chart. What she has accomplished with us all, from very sing along to accomplished choir performing for Mind and performing in JR theatre. Our quality of life has been amazing because of all her hard work.
- We miss our choir sessions . Nicola works so hard, getting us all warmed up for our sessions fun breathing exercises. Improves all our lung function! Then she provides all our song sheets and her expertise is off the chart. What she has accomplished with us all, from very sing along to accomplished choir performing for Mind and performing in JR theatre. Our quality of life has been amazing because of all her hard work.
- It’s always such a joy to be with such a positive person, and joyfully sing for an hour tiny
Raie-Clare and Heather from Coral Magson Swim School
- My youngest son loves Raie-Clare and my eldest thinks Heather is fab. Both are professional, welcoming, encouraging and fun!
Ruth – York inspirational Kids
- Ruth and her team run a forum online for other parents to talk to one another and offer help and advice . They set up brilliant events that all children with additional needs an their siblings can get involved in where there wouldn’t otherwise be the opportunity. They run Sports clubs for kids that embrace additional needs and are a welcoming place. There’s so much more that they do that I’ve not covered but they give hope and enjoyment to often very weary parents, and a whole host of opportunities to children who otherwise would miss out.
- They organise great events for SEN children: crafts, pets, parties, parties, learning sessions, etc
Ruth Thompson from YIK YAK
- My grandson has missed Ruth who takes a group of teenagers from YIK YAK called inditeens each month out to give them independence and develope their social skills to places like the cinema
- Ruth is there for everyone while also going through hard times herself. YIK is a life line for so many people the groups activities and parents group’s Ruth runs is missed terribly in the SEN community. Adults, teenagers and children have all missed her face terribly during this time and I know I speak for so many to say she is a true inspiration. X
Sam – Sounds Right Phonics
- We miss the sounds right phonics classes so much. May daughter has enjoyed the classes for over a year and they have been part of our routine. She misses Sam and Robot Reg.
Sam (who runs baby & toddler & preschool activity sessions) Creepy Crawlies Before lockdown
- I used to take the children that I childmind most weeks to Creepy Crawlies & we loved joining in with the activities that Sam provided in the activity room. She always puts so much thought & planning to provide fun, messy & stimulating activities for the children to join in with & lots of fun in her music & movement class. We look forward to returning when it is safe to re-open.
Snappy
- A safe place for respite for our special needs daughter
Steven Pafett from Ouch Potato, Acomb.
- Steven is a great motivator and fitness instructor, PT general advisor in keeping us healthy. He will be firm in classes and counts doing 100 burpee as ‘fun’ but he makes us laugh and I am looking forward to being back in the actual gym to see his face!
Tamars Driscoll
- Because she is always so welcoming and warm hearted
- Never ever says no
- She makes everyone smile! Even when your not feeling like smiling! You just can’t help it when she is around!
Tiny Tots – Jennie and Carol
- My daughter misses going to Tiny Tots in Bishopthorpe Village so much, it’s run by Jennie Woodings and Carol Henk. My daughter has been going since she was 4 months old, she’s now 3 and has barely missed a week! It’s been hard trying to keep up with her routine but Carol and Jennie have personally emailed me to ask how she was and how my pregnancy was going and now ask about my newborn son
Tiny Tumblers
- Normally when school is out Tiny Tumblers do little pop up soft play. Obviously with the current situation that is not possible. Tiny Tumblers have been amazing! For a company that specialises in parties and pop up soft play they have gone above and beyond by putting activities on their Facebook page, sent out little craft packages for children with certificates to say they have passed the lockdown, and they have done that for free just out of the goodness of Emma’s heart! It’s just been a really lovely touch They have even managed to set up slumber party/soft play kits for parents/children who’s parties have had to be cancelled so that children don’t miss out!
Tony from Minster Cleaning
- Tony is our regualr cleaner for my office. We’ve not had him in since March as the office closed down, but we used to see him three times a week. Working from home isn’t the same without his cheery demenour and can-do attitude. All of us really miss him!
Tricia Goodall Phonics Stars™️ York
- Tricia is hardworking, kind, passionate and a dedicated individual! Committed to supporting children and families within York. Determined to make a difference!
- A passionate and dedicated individual! Committed to supporting children and families within York. Determined to make a difference!
York swimming academy
- We miss seeing the lovely staff and getting our girls swimming to an amazing standard!
Zöe Murray-Ross – Water babies
- She is our Water Babies teacher and is just amazing! She is doing a big bike ride for charity for the NHS in August, cycling to all the pools while also working from home for the MOD and being a mum of 3!
