Lisa's on right track as she combines food with play fun for childrenA Totnes mum is on the right tracks after opening a unique mother and toddler play centre next to Totnes railway station.
The Play Station is both a cafe providing healthy snacks and delicious home-baked cakes, and a warm and safe play area for children aged up to six.
The mum-of-two behind the scheme is Lisa Wensley, from Rattery, who has transformed the old Dairy Crest social club on the Dartington side of the station into a wonderland of inside and outside play. It is suitable on both rainy or sunny days and is just a short walk from the shops. For just ^2.50 they can stay as long as they want to stay.
Parents can watch their children play in the soft-play area, paint and colour with crayons, dance and sing in the cartoon 'disco' area, and climb on the specialised equipment.
She said: "I've tried to create a warm and safe environment for children to play and parents to meet and chat, where they can buy healthy food, home-made snacks and decent hot drinks".
She added: "As far as I know there's no place quite like it in Totnes. Young mums ^ and dads for that matter ^ can come along with a bunch of friends and their children can make as much mess as they like. Alternatively, they can come on their own with their child or children and meet like-minded people. Any young mum will tell you sometimes you just want some adult company during the day. And they will also know that inviting five friends and their children round to their own home could see it wrecked in no time."
Outside there is a picnic area, a space to have a kickabout, plenty of area to run around, and even a marquee for when it rains.
Lisa added: "As well as the regular games and pastimes, we are also holding creative arts and crafts sessions for four to six year-olds over the next six weeks. The taster session is free and then it's ^20 for six sessions. It is a fun opportunity for youngsters to learn, create and explore new skills, materials and techniques in a relaxed and playful environment."
Lisa stressed the Play Station is not a cr^che and parents must keep an eye on their children. "We are pleased to provide this facility and while we have attempted to make it as safe as possible, the very nature of children's play activity means accidents can happen.
"We cannot therefore accept any responsibility for injury or damage to children or clothing while using this play area. Parental supervision is essential as it is not supervised by our staff."
However, she stressed 'there is no reason why mum shouldn't sit with the children while Dad does the shopping ^ or vice-versa. "And it's a great place to wait for a train to arrive with granny and grandad on board," she said.
People are also welcome to contact Lisa with a view to renting out the space for classes or special events. For more information visit Lisa's website
www.theplaystationtotnes.co.uk 
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