Blog - Archive for January 1970

Franchisee Donna is honoured by Mumpreneur UK

Donna Taylor honoured by mumpreneur UK

South Leicestershire franchisee, Donna Taylor, was thrilled to receive an email this week from Mumpreneur UK telling her that she had been chosen by them in their Top 100 List of best small businesses for 2011.

Laura Rigney from Mumpreneur UK told Donna:

"If you haven't already seen our list of top 100 Mumpreneurs - then CONGRATULATIONS.......you're on it!  The competition was stiff and there were so many entries that it took us 4 weeks longer to go through them than we had originally allowed.  Once again, Congratulations!".

Posted: Thursday, 5th January 2012 by Tracy
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Meet the lovely Suzanne Horton - Greater Manchester franchisee

Suzanne Horton with one of her Puddle Ducks

When Construction Lawyer Suzanne Horton started looking for a career change in order to spend more time with her family and have more flexibility and independence she came across the Puddle Ducks baby and toddler swimming franchise.  Suzanne had always been a keen swimmer and swim competitively during her school years.  She therefore immediately loved the Puddle Ducks concept and was impressed by the high quality of the lesson programmes, the teacher training programme and level of technical oversight.

Posted: Wednesday, 21st December 2011 by Tracy
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Congratulations to Jo Gribben - Teacher of the Term

Jo Gribben - Teacher of the Term

This term, we feel particularly honoured that the amazing  Damian Hughes, international speaker, best-selling author and sports psychology consultant, chose our Teacher of the Term.  Damian has worked with some of the UK's greats including Sir Richard Branson and Sir Roger Bannister.

After reading the nominations, Damian said: 

"These are really impressive. As a Dad of a 2 year-old-boy, I can really empathise and understand a lot of the emotions and feelings that are expressed by these parents and I find it so reassuring that your teachers are so lovely and caring.

Posted: Friday, 16th December 2011 by Tracy
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A HUGE welcome to our newest Franchise in Gloucestershire

Charlie and Jodie - our Gloucestershire franchisees

WELCOME to Charlie Goodenough and Jodie Coles who have just launched our latest franchise in Gloucestershire.  How exciting!

Charlie and Jodie were both Puddle Ducks teachers for Bristol and Bath.  Charlie said "Myself and Jodie had a conversation one afternoon whilst our boys played, and realised that we both wanted even more of a challenge and to further our career - and nothing but Puddle Ducks would do!" They decided there and then to set up on our own.

Jodie was an Airline Manager prior to having her son Archie in 2008.

Posted: Monday, 5th December 2011 by Tracy
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Puddle Ducks is Best Overall Franchise

Co-Founder, Jo Stone, receiving her Overall Best Franchise award

What a day Wednesday 30th November turned out to be!  Jo was asked to present a seminar on Puddle Ducks' story at the Smith & Henderson Best Franchise Conference ... where she found out Puddle Ducks were finalists in four awards, and came away with two of these including Best Overall Franchise.

Our story started back during the Summer holidays when we were invited by Smith & Henderson to benchmark our franchise operation and receive some valuable, anonymous feedback from our franchisees.

Posted: Friday, 2nd December 2011 by Tracy
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10 Reasons to Work From Home

More coffee when you work from home?

Today, the office in Duck HQ is very quiet.  It is usually quieter on a Friday as many of our staff work part-time and take Friday as their day off, but today it is quieter than usual.  Why?  Because two members of staff are working from home today.

I am always stunned at the reluctance some companies have about allowing their staff to work from home.  I hear concerns voiced such as “but they won’t be able to concentrate” and “we can’t get hold of them as easily”.

Posted: Friday, 25th November 2011 by Tracy
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MPs Support Franchising and Women in Business

MP, Caroline Dinenage with members of bfa

I was excited last week to learn that the BFA (British Franchise Association) arranged a meeting with MPs to discuss franchising.

The consultation, attended by a total of 30 MPs, follows the recent Natwest BFA Franchise Survey, which showed that more than 90% of UK franchisees are reporting profits.

The study further revealed that the rate of commercial failure in this field is currently less than 4% a year – making franchising between six and 10 times stronger than conventional business start-ups.

Posted: Monday, 7th November 2011 by Tracy
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Our Wonderful Kate Plays in Strictly Gershwin

Shall We Dance

For any of you who happen to follow me on Twitter @swimfranchisor, you may have spotted that this afternoon I was totally mesmerised by the wonderful Strictly Gershwin show by the English National Ballet at the Liverpool Empire theatre.

And what made the production even more exciting for me, was that the lovely Kate Hext was performing on stage throughout.  Kate is both a wonderful friend, and an amazing musician.

Posted: Saturday, 5th November 2011 by Tracy
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How Can Aquanatal Help When Pregnant

Aquanatal Classses - healthy exercise for pregnancy

Our lovely friends at Askamum have posted a wonderful article on their site all about the benefits of Aquanatal - for bump and for baby.

Posted: Thursday, 3rd November 2011 by Tracy
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Best Franchise Awards - 1000 Franchisees Participate

Recently, all Puddle Ducks Franchisees were asked to complete an independent and anonymous survey asking questions about what it is like to run a Puddle Ducks franchise.

This was rather nerve-wracking for us here in Duck HQ!  Of course, we were sure that we had great relationships with our franchisees, but when asked anonymously would the results really live up to our expectations?!

We needn't have worried!  It turns out we have been submitted for an Award at the Best Franchise Awards in November as 94% of our franchisees would recommend our franchise.

Posted: Friday, 21st October 2011 by Tracy
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Oooh ... We've Got The Badge!!

Puddle Ducks: Highly Commended at mumpreneuruk 2011

Last weekend, Jo and I went to the MumpreneurUK conference in Warwickshire.  We had a great time meeting loads of other women business owners and listening to some really inspirational speakers and seminars.  It was especially wonderful to meet several business owners who also brought their children to our classes.  An especially BIG "Hello!" to you!!

The day got even more exciting when the awards were announced - and Puddle Ducks received the HIGHLY COMMENDED award for Best Interactive Business ... and now we've got the badge to prove it.

Posted: Wednesday, 5th October 2011 by Tracy
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Luisa is our Teacher of the Term

Luisa is smiling at learning she is Teacher of the Term

Luisa Mackey from Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire was delighted to learn that she has been awarded the Puddle Ducks ‘Teacher of the Term’ for Summer 2011.

 The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by Yzzy Howell, Director of WAHM Ltd. & Mama Pack Ltd.  Mama Packs are the UK’s only ethical natal pack and are distributed by a number of our Franchisees.  Yzzy is very proud of the fabulous packs but also the very supportive parenting forum on the website at www.mamapacks.eu/forum.

Posted: Wednesday, 14th September 2011 by Tracy
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Back to School Swimming Lessons

Back to School Swimming!

Ooh - exciting times - the start of the New School Year.  We hope you have all come back feeling totally refreshed and raring to start the new term.

September is traditionally "Back to School" time - so of course we are especially keen to promote back to school swimming.  It is incredibly sad that there are still hundreds of children who leave primary school unable to swim, despite swimming lessons now forming part of the National curriculum.

Posted: Tuesday, 6th September 2011 by Tracy
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Puddle Ducks “Mumpreneurs” Reach Finals of National Business Awards

Wahay! We're FINALISTS in the 2011 Mumpreneur Awards

We’re so excited - we’ve earned ourselves a place in the final line-up of The Mumpreneur Awards!  These awards are aimed at celebrating parents throughout the UK who manage the difficult task of juggling business with family life, something that Jo and I have learnt a great deal about over the last ten years!

Our business and our friendship is very much wrapped up with our families – we met each other at antenatal classes, had our first babies on the same day back in March 2001, and have never looked back.

Posted: Friday, 26th August 2011 by Tracy
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Come and see us at the Baby Show - for free!

Win tickets to the Manchester Baby Show 2011!

We LOVED meeting so many new faces at the Birmingham Baby Show back in May, so we are REALLY excited to be attending the Manchester show too on 2nd – 4th September 2011.  There will be five lovely North-West franchisees and their staff (Chester and Wirral, Mid Cheshire, South Lancashire, Greater Manchester and East Lancashire) all looking forward to meeting new and current Puddle Ducks during this fabulous three day event.  The Baby Show claims to have “everything you and your baby need – in one place”.

Posted: Thursday, 18th August 2011 by Tracy
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Aqua Natal Classes for Pregnancy

Relaxing aqua natal classes are perfect for you and your bump

September will be an exciting month as we launch our first Puddle Ducks Aqua Natal classes.  We’ve spent months preparing and designing the perfect programme and are so excited that we are nearly there.

 Born from a desire to share our love of water with you and your baby as soon as possible, these classes are designed for all stages of pregnancy.  They will combine relaxation with cardiovascular exercise, the perfect physical preparation for labour in the soothing and cool comforts of water.

Posted: Thursday, 28th July 2011 by Tracy
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Raising Money for the Tommy's Splashathon

We supported Tommy's Splashathon AGAIN this year

The wonderful people from Tommy's sent us an email to thank us for our efforts in our Splashathon this year.  Here it is - with HUGE thanks to all our customers for their generosity and enthusiasm.

"We’re so grateful to Puddle Ducks for Splashing for Tommy’s over the last few years.  The support everyone involved has given us – teachers, mums, dads and the little Splashers themselves - has been outstanding.

 Thanks to your fundraising efforts, we’re making real progress in helping more mums and dads experience parenthood.

Posted: Tuesday, 5th July 2011 by Tracy
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Business Support for our Franchises

Tracy and Jo with employees from the Federation of Small Businesses

It's not very often we get invited out to lunch!  Usually it is a quick sandwich and a cup of tea, sitting at our desks.  Jo and I were therefore rather excited when we were contacted by the Federation of Small Businesses and invited out to lunch.  How could we refuse?!  They presented us with a small plaque, to thank us for introducing all our franchisees to them.

The Federation of Small Businesses is a membership organisation which protects and supports the needs and interests of small business owners across the UK.

Posted: Thursday, 30th June 2011 by Tracy
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National Baby Swimming Week

National Baby Swimming week June 20th-26th 2011

Huggies Little Swimmers has declared this National Baby Swimming Week - so we couldn't let that pass without a comment, could we?

We're hoping to share your stories through Facebook and Twitter @puddletheduck.  Our wonderful @babyswimexpert will answer any questions you have on baby swimming too.

Have fun and let's tell everyone the amazing benefits of swimming for Mum, Dad, toddler and baby!!

Posted: Monday, 20th June 2011 by Tracy
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Good luck to all our swimming graduates who start school in Sept

Good luck to Taryn and all our 4 year olds starting school in Sept!

Re-enrolment time is swinging around again - already.  It always seems such a long time in advance when we send out the emails in June for classes in September.  You must think we are mad!! But please, please book in as soon as possible!  We really, really want to know you are coming back before we finish this term. 

Even if you've been able to have fun in a pool with your baby on holiday, it is really important to get back into the routine of classes in September, the start of our new year, really.

Posted: Thursday, 16th June 2011 by Tracy
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Puddle Ducks helped me to walk - Ena's story

Beautiful Ena

Our Newcastle franchisee emailed me recently with this story, saying "I just wanted to share this lovely story from one of my Kickers - you must feel so proud that your programme has helped a child such as Ena – I know I do as her teacher :0)":

"Our daughter Ena was born with a problem with her heart and has already undergone 3 open-heart operations all before her 2nd birthday.

Posted: Wednesday, 25th May 2011 by Tracy
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Ali in British Gas Great Swim training session on Windermere...Brrr!

Ali - fifth from the left looking rather diddy but very brave!

As an open water swimmer, I have my idols and  I was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity this week to attend an open water training session with one of them – the Olympian Cassie Patten. 

The media day was arranged by the British Gas Great Swim Series and was held at the breathtaking Lake Windermere.   A small group of open water swimmers (including TV presenters OJ Borg & Jamie Darling) assembled around an extremely cold and extremely choppy lake, all of us wondering what was in store.

Posted: Monday, 23rd May 2011 by Ali
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Teacher of the Term Spring 2011

Jodie Coles - Puddle Ducks Teacher of the Term Spring 2011

Jodie Coles from Puddle Ducks Bristol & Bath was delighted to learn that she has been awarded the Puddle Ducks 'Teacher of the Term' for Spring 2011.

The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by our resident under and overwater photographer Colin Farrow, owner of Colex Photography (www.colexphotography.co.uk).

Posted: Thursday, 19th May 2011 by Tracy
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We're going to The Baby Show – fancy joining us? For free?

Book The Baby Show dates in your diary - see you there!

There’s a lot of excited hustle and bustle at Puddle Ducks HQ at the moment, because five of our fantastic franchisees are going to be exhibiting at The Baby Show! Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 20th-22nd May, The Baby Show is pegged as ‘the perfect day out for you and your bump or baby’ – and this year is set to be its best yet.

Posted: Thursday, 28th April 2011 by Tracy
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Swimming in 21 degrees!

Not actually my girls swimming in Spain... but the nearest I could get.

So here I am, sitting shivering in the office with the sun streaming down outside and wondering exactly what this is all about (where's MY holiday?), when I get a text from my Mum: "girls just swum in the pool - 21 degrees - now enjoying hot chocolate".

Posted: Wednesday, 20th April 2011 by Tracy
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Swimming in Pregnancy

Physiotherapists recommend swimming for pregnancy

A blog post especially for new mums and mums-to-be this week!

Since many of our customers go on to have another baby, we thought it would be interesting for you to read what recommendations a qualified physiotherapist would give regarding swimming.

Posted: Monday, 18th April 2011 by Tracy
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So what is leadership all about?

Tracy Townend - owner of Puddle Ducks

I was delighted when Manchester Metropolitan University invited me to write on their guest blog about my views on leadership.

We had recently held our fabulous franchise conference at Manchester airport, and I decided to share some thoughts from this event.

Please check it out: MMU Leadership Blog

Posted: Friday, 1st April 2011 by Tracy
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The number one activity for babies and toddlers?

Please vote for my fabulous swimming classes!

For the last two years, Puddle Ducks has been a finalist in the What's On 4 Little Ones Awards.  We'd love to be a finalist again in 2011, and perhaps...maybe...whisper... a winner?!!

Do you love your classes?  Your teacher? 

Could you spend 10 seconds voting - please?

Here's the link: Vote For Puddle Ducks - you'll find us in categories 2 and 3

Thank you SO much from all of us x x

Posted: Thursday, 31st March 2011 by Tracy
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Of course we've got some male baby-swimming teachers - part I

Ryan and Colin - our first two male baby swimming teachers

A week or so ago, I posted a video on Facebook by Judi Dench and Daniel Craig highlighting inequalities that still existed for women.  Interestingly, the first comment was by a man asking how many men were on our books?

Actually, there are not very many – but perhaps more than you would have thought.  And we think they are all great!  I asked Kerry Parr (Chester Franchisor), Ali Beckman (Technical Director) and Colin Farrow (photographer and teacher) what their thoughts were on male teachers in Puddle Ducks.

Posted: Friday, 25th March 2011 by Tracy
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Will Any of Our Baby Swimmers Make it to the National Squad?

The wonderful Rebecca Adlington OBE winning Gold at the Beijing Olympics

My I-Phone has spent a week recovering from constantly being picked up and logged into Twitter for a full seven days.  The reason?  It was the British Gas National Swimming Championships in Manchester.  

As well as following ‘British Swimming’ on Twitter, I was also following some great swimmers, past and present, who were involved in the championships, either competing or commentating/reporting.  These included Rebecca Adlington, Keri-Anne Payne, Liam Tancock, Steven Parry and Karen Pickering.   All kept me up to date with results, dramas and new faces to watch out for.

Posted: Monday, 21st March 2011 by Ali
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Baby swimming in Worcestershire

Kate Attwood - franchisee for Worcestershire

I just LOVE my first visit to a new franchise.  Seeing their office, and visiting them at the pool - it's like Christmas and first day of school all rolled into one!

Last week, Jo and I were lucky enough to visit Kate in Wonderful Worcester for a couple of days.  What an amazing city!  I am really looking forward to going back and spending a bit more time there.

Kate launched her business at the beginning of 2011, having been a solicitor for years prior to "taking the plunge".

Posted: Wednesday, 16th March 2011 by Tracy
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Birthdays

It was my birthday last week, and I was lucky enough to be teaching with several other wonderful teachers.  What a great excuse for a bit of baking - there's nothing better than sharing cakes with friends and family on your birthday, is there?

And it reminded me of a great photo that I was sent back in October.  One of Tracey's customers in South Lancs loves her Puddle Ducks classes so much that she had a Puddle Ducks birthday cake.  How fabulous is that?

And it has got me thinking .... Puddle Ducks is ...life but swimmingly.

Posted: Wednesday, 16th February 2011 by Tracy
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Our programme ... behind the scenes

I LOVE swimming all on my own...

We are confident that the Puddle Ducks teaching programme is the best in the UK and possibly the world!  How can we be so sure?  Because we have spent nearly 9 years developing it - and the work is still going on!

We are members of forums and discussion groups with experts from around the world (including the World Aquatic Baby and Children Network - WABC).

Posted: Monday, 7th February 2011 by Tracy
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Win a year of free swimming lessons!

Yippee! A whole year of Puddle Ducks coming up!

Is your friend frazzled at work?  Is your colleague looking for a career change?  Is your relative really bored?  Win a year’s worth of free lessons by introducing them to our Puddle Ducks franchise opportunity!

We will give you a FREE YEAR of lessons if a new franchisee signs up who you have recommended!

We will also give the new franchisee ADDITIONAL marketing materials worth £300 to ensure maximum launch impact.

We would love to see Puddle Ducks classes spread a little further around the country in 2011 and hope that you, our best “adverts”, can help us.

Posted: Wednesday, 15th December 2010 by Tracy
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Thank you to Jo in East Lancs

Jo Gribben - franchisee for East Lancs

Are you a customer of Jo in East Lancs?  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Jo a couple of weeks ago.  Jo brings so much enthusiasm and energy to her business and clearly loves it. 

I love hearing the different stories from our franchisees.  How they all come from such different backgrounds and have their own stories to tell about why they joined us.  Jo worked for BT for years and years - how brave was she to suddenly leave and set up on her own?

We're glad she did though.  Jo is passionate, organised, creative and thorough.

Posted: Monday, 15th November 2010 by Tracy
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Meet Our New Dabblers Teachers

Ali, Jim and Charlie - our new wonderful Dabblers teachers!

I think every teacher must have a favourite programme to teach. 

For some it is the tiny, tiny Floaties with their adoring, and often rather nervous, parents.  Fo others it is Splashers or Kickers as these babies and toddlers start to realise how much fun it is in the water.  More importantly, they start to realise just what they are capable of.

For other teachers it is the thrill of a new and nervous Little Dipper letting go for the first time, or putting their face confidently into the water.

Posted: Thursday, 21st October 2010 by Tracy
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We've Been Baby Swim Teachers for a Whole Week!

Our fourteen new baby swimming teachers say "Hi!"

It's just a week since our fourteen fabulous new baby swim teachers completed their Puddle Ducks training.  Last Friday, they all went home exhausted, and exhilerated.  Now they can sit back and think "I'm a baby swimming teacher!  For Puddle Ducks! I've been a Puddle Ducks baby swimming teacher for a WHOLE WEEK!"

I was lucky enough to examine many of them for their STA qualification on the Thursday, and then examine our two newest franchisees (Carolyn Sharpe - franchisee for Newcastle and Kate Attwood - franchisee for Worcestershire) on the Friday.

Posted: Thursday, 14th October 2010 by Tracy
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Christmas in October?!!

..don't forget to listen to our theme tune on the website too!

Well, it's the first of October and already I am hearing friends tell me how many Christmas presents they have not only bought, but even WRAPPED!

I guess we all fall broadly into two camps - "organised" or "last minute"  - and I confess to being strictly in the latter.  I love mulling over ideas, and listening to the ideas of my girls during the Autumn months, but really dislike purchasing (much) before December.  By then though, I know just what I want.

Posted: Thursday, 30th September 2010 by Tracy
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Visiting Puddle Ducks West Country

Lindsay

Myself and Jo spent a great couple of days last week, with the lovely Lindsay Mann, franchisee for Puddle Ducks West Country.

Lindsay actually lives just outside Bristol, but her territory is south of there and covers much of Somerset, Wiltshire, North Dorset and the West Country.  We were lucky enough to watch her classes in a beautiful location in Waterrow near Taunton.  Followed by a wonderful lunch in the local pub, The Rock Inn.

Posted: Thursday, 23rd September 2010 by Tracy
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Raising over £6000 for Tommy's

tommy's THE BABY CHARITY

WOW - you are all AMAZING! Can you believe that Puddle Ducks raised over £6000 for Tommy's during our Splashathon activities last term? Thank you SO much.

We must make a couple of extra special mentions.

Firstly - congratulations to Mrs Louise Hay from Nottinghamshire who raised £235. Secondly, congratulations to Faye Burrell and all her customers from Wakefield. Faye and her customers raised an astonishing £1870 and were the HIGHEST FUNDRAISING SWIM SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY!

Well done to everyone - and a BIG thank you, from all of us at Puddle Ducks, and of course from Tommy's.

Posted: Monday, 13th September 2010 by Tracy
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Teacher of the Term Summer 2010

Jen Scheuber

Jen Scheuber from Puddle Ducks South Cheshire was delighted to learn that she has been awarded the Puddle Ducks Teacher of the Term for Summer 2010.

The competition, which was run through the Puddle Ducks customer newsletter and Facebook page, was judged by Sam Willoughby, Director of What’s on 4 Little Ones.

This is what Sam had to say:

“Wow! That is an honour - and what a hard task! All the teachers have such lovely, heart-felt nominations. You can feel the appreciation coming right off my screen from all the parents who have taken the time and trouble to nomination.

Posted: Tuesday, 13th July 2010 by Tracy
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We were STILL FINALISTS!

Finalist Ali meets Mister Maker at the Whats on 4 Little Ones Awards

Although we were disappointed not to win at the What’s on 4 Little Ones Awards, we are still thrilled to have reached the finals and would like to thank ALL our customers for supporting us through the nominations and voting process.

Posted: Tuesday, 29th June 2010 by Tracy
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Underwater Photographer Earns his Puddle Ducks' Wings!

Colin

Puddle Ducks underwater photographer from Colex Photography, Colin Farrow, spent an intensive week at the beginning of June, training to become a Puddle Ducks teacher.

It was another fabulous course, run by our technical director, Ali Beckman. Colin trained alongside two further Mid Cheshire teachers, our newest franchisee (Jo Gribben for East Lancs) and Chester's Ryan Forster.

We caught up with Colin after the training to ask him all about it:

How did you first get involved in baby swimming?

I have been involved with Puddle Ducks for a number of years as I have taken both over water and under water photographs of the babies and children.

Posted: Tuesday, 8th June 2010 by Tracy
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Ali Beckman Meets Sporting Legend Duncan Goodhew

Ali with Duncan Goodhew and Carol (Head Coach for Swinton ASC and Ali's Mum)

It was an exciting evening when our Technical Director went to a Masters swimming event – with Olympic Gold Medallist and MBE Duncan Goodhew.

Earlier this month, Ali, a keen and competitive swimmer herself, was delighted to be invited to a Masters class with Duncan Goodhew. Afterwards, she chatted to Duncan and told him all about Puddle Ducks. Ali said later “Wow, he is such a fabulous guy. So passionate about swimming and an inspiration to all swimmers, young and old! I’m so excited.

Posted: Tuesday, 1st June 2010 by Tracy
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We're Finalists!!

The finalists for the prestigious What’s On 4 2010 Awards have just been announced – and Puddle Ducks, is delighted to have discovered her business is amongst them!

The award programme, supported by Prima Baby and Pregnancy magazine, celebrates the best activities across the UK, as nominated and voted for by parents. Puddle Ducks is finalist for the Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (open to any class or activity for pre-school children that runs across most of the UK). The competition was very tough with groups and teachers nominated from across the UK.

Posted: Friday, 21st May 2010
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Southampton Franchise Baby Swimmers Win 'Face of Puddle Ducks'

Baby swimmer Esme wins Face of Puddle Ducks

Three babies from the Dorset and Southampton franchise (Esme Mowlem, Freddie Turner and Millie Porter) were thrilled to learn that they had won the “face of Puddle Ducks” and will appear on all the company’s national advertising for 2010.

All children attend Puddle Ducks pre-school swimming classes in Poole and Bournemouth and were selected from thousands of underwater photographs taken throughout the country for Puddle Ducks.

Photographer, Colex Photography, says " the photos from this particular photo shoot were outstanding - all the babies were so enthusiastic and the water quality was beautiful".

Teacher and local franchisee, Jane Bozic says: “I am so excited that Esme, Freddie and Millie have won this.

Posted: Monday, 10th May 2010 by Tracy
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BABIES WHO SWIM WILL OUTPERFORM PEERS IN LATER LIFE

Puddle Ducks Baby Swim Teachers Feb 2010

The following article appeared in the Daily Express Friday 30th April 2010. Of course, none of us are surprised - are you?!

'BABIES who are taught to swim outperform their peers later in life, a study claimed last night.

Experts found that teaching them to swim helps develop a range of skills including balance and movement.

Scientists studied 19 children who had swimming classes for about five months from the age of two to three months and a control group of 19 non-swimmers.

Posted: Tuesday, 4th May 2010 by Tracy
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New Baby Swimming Franchise

We are delighted to announce we have another franchisee!

Jo will be launching in the Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton and surrounding area over the next few months.

Welcome to our expanding team!

Please click here for details of our amazing child friendly franchise package.

Posted: Thursday, 29th April 2010
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Baby Swim Business Wins Three Major Nominations for National Awards

Puddle Ducks are thrilled to have been nominated in three categories in the ‘What’s on 4’ 2010 Awards:

1) Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity (newborn to 2 years)

2) Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years)

3) Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s (Ali Beckman)

These awards are voted for by parents across the country – last year Puddle Ducks reached the finals and we are so excited about the possibility of winning a category this year.

PLEASE VOTE for Puddle Ducks now!

Posted: Friday, 12th March 2010 by Tracy
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Baby Swim Teachers Soaring to New Heights

Puddle Ducks Baby Swim Teachers Feb 2010

Eight intrepid candidates from around the country have spent an intensive seven days at the Manor House hotel in Alsager, Cheshire learning how to become a Puddle Ducks baby swim teacher.

Posted: Thursday, 11th March 2010 by Tracy
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Franchise Conference a HUGE SUCCESS!

Puddle Ducks Franchisees 2010

February is probably the most important month in the calendar for Puddle Ducks Franchising Ltd. At the beginning of the month, once again we held our national franchise conference.

This year, ten franchisees and five members of staff from Head Office met together for a fabulous day at the prestigious Crewe Hall. We enjoyed a meal together with staff from Mid Cheshire the night before in a private dining room. The conversation flowed freely as everyone caught up with each other’s activities and generally got to know the growing team.

Posted: Wednesday, 17th February 2010 by Tracy
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Thank you to Pink Spaghetti

Underwater Pink Spaghetti Baby

We were thrilled when one of our customers pointed us to the 1st December 2009 blog entry on www.pinkspaghetti.co.uk. Puddle was there - fronting a lovely testimonial by business owner, and long-term Puddle Duck's customer Caroline Gowing.

Caroline said of Puddle Ducks "Puddle Ducks are specialist at what they do, but they are also parents, and they have a passion for getting it right. At 4 Charlotte was doing lifesaving skills, which are done regularly, and now at 5 she is confident doing front crawl, back stroke, breast stoke, treading water and more.

Posted: Wednesday, 16th December 2009 by Tracy
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Eight New Puddle Ducks Baby Swimming Teachers

Today, eight new Puddle Ducks baby swimming teachers earned their wings.

Top (L-R) are Sarah Roberts, Vanessa Watts, Luisa Mackey, Lindsay Mann and Liz Gabriel. Bottom (L-R) are Kerry Parr, Nicola Wilson and Tracey Hargraves.

All ladies have been in and out of the swimming pool and classrooms for seven days - often working twelve hour days. As Sarah told us at the end of the course: "we are all exhilarated but exhausted!"

The candidates were put through their paces by STA Baby Swimming Tutor and Puddle Ducks Technical Director, Ali Beckman. Ali was full of praise for the hard work and humour that all the candidates put into the course.

Posted: Friday, 4th December 2009
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Puddle Ducks at the World Aquatics Baby and Children's Conference

We are very excited to have had Puddle Ducks represented at the recent World Aquatic Babies and Children’s Conference (WABC) in Brighton. Ali Beckman is a teacher for Mid Cheshire but is also works at Head Office for the Baby Swimming Franchising company. Ali met with leading swimming teachers from around the globe to share new ideas and we look forward to seeing some of these appear in our baby and toddler swimming programmes in 2010.

Posted: Friday, 27th November 2009
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Splashathon 2009 results

Congratulations to all the Puddle Ducks who took part in the 2009 Splashathon held in June. We managed to raise a fantastic £7,900 for Tommys across our franchise network.

We'd like to thank all those who donated. We exceeded the target of £5000 and next year we will be setting a higher target!

Jane Brewin Chief Exec of Tommy's says "Every penny you have raised will go into our vital, life saving research into pregnancy complications and premature birth. Your help is taking us one step closer to our goal to give every baby the best start in life."

We will shortly be announcing our top fundraisers.

Thanks again

Posted: Thursday, 12th November 2009
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See us on you tube

Puddle Ducks makes you smile

Take a look at our video "Puddle Ducks make you smile" on You Tube. Its impossible to watch without smiling .......

Posted: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
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We are a finalist in the Whats on for Little Ones Awards 2009

Thank you so much for your votes, they have all counted.

We are pleased to announce that we have been voted finalist in the Whats On for Little Ones Awards for

- Best National Toddler Development Activity

For more details, please click here.

Many, many thanks!

Posted: Monday, 11th May 2009
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Founders of Puddle Ducks talk about their business

Tracy Townend and Jo Stone, co-founders of Puddle Ducks tell the motherswhowork website their success story.

Posted: Thursday, 23rd April 2009
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Highest Mark in Swimming Industry Award

We are pleased to announce that Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire were delighted to be awarded one of the top Swimming Industry awards in the , by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA). With distinction!

The STA STAmark scheme recognises outstanding swim schools who have achieved the highest standards of business, operations and teaching programmes. This National award is recognised and fully aligned with British Standards and demonstrates that Puddle Ducks exceeds industry requirements in these areas.

Owners Tracy Townend and Jo Stone commented “we were thrilled to receive such a high accolade.

Posted: Friday, 6th March 2009 by Jo Stone
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Huggies Teacher of the month

We are pleased to announce that Ali Beckman from our Mid Cheshire team is the national "Huggies Swimming Teacher of the month".

Ali says “I was Puddle Ducks’ first employee, and it has been an amazing journey. As well as my teaching I am also involved at Head Office in teacher-training and developing our programmes, something which comes naturally as I develop both myself and my children in the classes. I love the fact that our children adore the water and to see them relaxed, happy and even smiling underwater is still an amazing feeling.

Posted: Friday, 6th March 2009
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WHATS ON 4 LITTLE ONES 2009 AWARDS CAN YOU HELP PUDDLE DUCKS TO WIN?!!

We are absolutely delighted to tell you that as a result of all your nominations, Puddle Ducks has been nominated for EVERY award in the National What’s On For Little Ones Awards. Thank you!

Voting has now begun. Why not click on: http://www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards.asp and select Puddle Ducks Swimming - in all the three catagories Best Baby, Toddler and Pre-School Activity?

Many Thanks

Posted: Tuesday, 3rd February 2009
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Plush Discount for Puddle Ducks

Plush Hotel near Bristol have been kind enough to create a special “Shoppers Sleep-over Package” for all members, friends and family of any Puddle Ducks swimming classes.

For a special rate of £99 per room per night you can shop until you drop (perhaps in the fabulous Cabot Circus), then relax in the evening with a complimentary bottle of wine or a visit to the luxury pool and jacuzzi complex.

Terms and conditions apply, and please mention promotional code XMAS08PD when you book.

Posted: Monday, 8th December 2008
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Discount at www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that Puddle Ducks customers can receive a 5 % discount on all orders at www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk. Just type in the discount code "puddleducks mum" (sorry Dads).

For details of all their baby products, please visit www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk.

Posted: Tuesday, 11th November 2008
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WHATS ON 4 LITTLE ONES 2009 AWARDS CAN YOU HELP PUDDLE DUCKS TO WIN?!!

We are absolutely delighted to tell you that as a result of all your nominations, Puddle Ducks has been nominated for EVERY award in the National What’s On For Little Ones Awards. Thank you!

For most categories, the next round of online voting will be in February 2009, when once again we will be asking for your support.

Posted: Sunday, 12th October 2008
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Splashathon 2008 Results

Mid Cheshire Dabblers did the Splashathon in PJs!

Well done to all the Puddle Ducks who took part in the 2008 Splashathon held in June. We managed to raise a cool £1300 for Tommys.

We'd like to thank all those who donated. We didn't quite make the target we aimed for, but maybe we will next year!

Thanks again.

Posted: Tuesday, 30th September 2008
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Puddle Ducks is 5 years old

Evangeline and Puddle at the party

Puddle Ducks are thrilled to be in their fifth year of running swimming classes. To help us celebrate, we are offering all customers a 15% discount on merchandise purchases over £15. Please quote code PUDDLE5 on your order form. The offer will end on 18th July 2008.

Please see our merchandise page for more details of our great-value products. Why not buy one of our fantastic hooded towels – suitable from Birth – age 8 or more or purchase our Duck Glove Puppet for great bathtime fun!

Posted: Friday, 2nd May 2008 by Jo Stone
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Splashathon 2008 - lets try to make £10,000

Puddle Ducks are delighted to announce they will be supporting Tommy’s, the baby charity by taking part in their annual event, Splashathon.

Posted: Monday, 17th March 2008
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We have a winner!

What fantastic colouring!!

Well done to three year old Samuel Townley who has won Puddle's Colouring Competiton. His prize of a hooded towel is now with him.

If you want to colour a picture in for fun, print it from Puddle's Page

Posted: Wednesday, 16th January 2008
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