News Archive

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. You must be very proud too!

I would like to make Jen Scheuber the Teacher of the Term this term. Amanda has highlighted how Jen has professionally managed a major issue for her business whilst maintaining the communication to her customers keeping them happy and continuing to give great lessons whilst this was all going on. Well done Jen!”

Jen was nominated by customer Amanda Newall. Amanda wins a £10 credit towards future courses. She wrote:

“I'd like to nominate Jenifer Scheuber for Teacher of the Month. Her franchise had a really rocky start with Llyndir Hall pulling out of classes mid-term. But Jen, although greatly upset, didn't get angry and wallow in the unfairness of it all, she pulled out all the stops to find a new venue to suit as many of her previous clients as possible, kept us all well informed and came out with an even stronger franchise. She's also just as fun and happy as a teacher as she was before. Ben loves her.” Amanda Newall

We were delighted to receive so many other nomations - congratulations to all the teachers involved and thank you to their customers. All nominations can be found on the following individual news pages:

Faye Burrell (Wakefield and South Leeds)
Alison Lewis-Dale (Chester, Wirral and Liverpool)
Helen Smurthwaite (Chester, Wirral and Liverpool)
Danielle Molyneux (Wakefield and South Leeds)
Jane Bozic (Poole, Dorset and Southampton)
Nici Bennett and Vanessa Watts (Mid Cheshire)
Sharon Smith (Mid Cheshire)

Posted on 13th July 2010 by Tracy

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. Here’s the report from our Technical Director, Ali Beckman, who visited Brighton for the ceremony:

“Attending the Awards Ceremony was an amazing experience and I wondered if Oscar Award Nominees were as nervous as I was on the day!!!! As I sat there supping champagne, patiently waiting for it to start I suddenly felt very nervous and wished I had opted for a soft drink!!! The ceremony was opened by the founder and owner of What’s on 4 Ltd, Sam Willoughby and hosted by the popular CBeebies presenter Phil Gallagher aka Mister Maker.

With the ceremony underway, I realised just how much of an honour it was to be a finalist especially when I heard how many nominations there had been. Puddle Ducks were in the top four for ‘Best National Pre-School Development Activity (2 to 5 years) in the UK’ and I was also in the top four for the ‘Most outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5’s’.

For this latter award there were 49 nominees and altogether there were over 27000 votes cast! Although we didn’t gain the top spot, knowing we were in the top four of both these categories left me feeling very proud at our outstanding achievement.

The Awards Ceremony finished with Mister Maker mingling with the guests and their children which of course was the highlight of my children’s weekend! I left feeling very positive and proud that I was able to fly the flag for Puddle Ducks at this prestigious Awards Ceremony and I have no doubt in my mind that we will be back there next year and who knows what might happen!”

Posted on 29th June 2010 by Tracy

Underwater Photographer Earns his Puddle Ducks' Wings!

Colin, Puddle Ducks' underwater photographer, is now a trained teacher too!

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.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Through my experiences as a Puddle Ducks' photographer I wanted to gain more insight into the methodology behind the lessons.

Do you feel intimidated by being in a mainly female work environment?

Not in the slightest, a large proportion of my work involves me interacting with Mums and children

Do you think the parents or children react differently because you are a male teacher? Does that matter?

Yes, initially parents and children react differently to males, but they soon get used to the teacher

What do you enjoy most about teaching babies and children?

I enjoy watching the interaction between the babies, children and their parents as they experience the freedom of water play.

What would you like to achieve over the next five years?

I hope to continue to strengthen my knowldege of the how babies and children learn.

What would you say to other men considering teaching swimming – especially to babies and small children?

Go for it, it is a very intensive but rewarding course to undertake.

Your business is photography....why did you decide to take this course?

I have always been a keen swimmer and to be able to pass my love of swimming on to others through being a teacher is something that I am very proud of. My photographic connections with Puddle Ducks has allowed me to see the enjoyment and excitement that babies, children and Mums and Dads get from their time in the lessons. I also believe that my understanding of the skills the babies and children learn through their lessons at Puddle Ducks will enable me to use this knowledge when taking photographs of the babies and children.

Posted on 8th June 2010 by Tracy

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.”

Duncan Goodhew achieved Gold for the 100m breaststroke in the Moscow Olympics in 1980, as well as Bronze in the relay team and was awarded an MBE for his services to sport a year later. He is a highly sought-after motivational business speaker and leader and has written a book on self-motivation called “Sink or Swim”. Duncan was as dyslexic who lost his hair at the age of 10 – both events he claims helped to shape his determination to succeed when he found out he was “quite good at swimming”.

But much of Duncan’s time and energy at the moment is dedicated to being president of the Swimathon – “the world’s largest fundraising swim” which supports Marie Curie cancer care. Duncan has been involved since its inception in 1986! In an exclusive interview for the Swimathon, Duncan says “I still find the event incredibly exciting. The root of this must be how it enables normal people to do extraordinary things. Everyone’s challenge is very much their own - but not only do their efforts benefit themselves, they benefit their country and the charities.”

Could Puddle Ducks get involved in the Swimathon this year? Watch this space....

Posted on 1st June 2010 by Tracy

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. These highly prestigious awards attracted over 27,000 votes this year and over 2500 nominations for a handful of categories.

Tracy Townend, Director of Puddle Ducks Franchising Ltd says “this is fantastic recognition of all the hard work that our franchisees and teachers put into creating and offering the most exciting baby and toddler swimm programme in the UK. Our customers are so enthusiastic about our business. It is thrilling to watch them develop into little swimmers at such a young age and see the look of joy on their faces every week. We’d like to thank all of our customers who took the time and trouble to vote for Puddle Ducks.”

All the finalists have been invited to an awards ceremony in the Brighton Expo Centre on Sunday 27^th June, where the winners will be announced by Phil Gallagher, from CBeebies Mister Maker. We have all our fingers crossed that we will back with an award!

What’s on 4 founder Sam Willoughby said: “This last stage of our awards has to be the most exciting and all of our finalists should be very proud. It’s been very close in many of the categories, with the winners often changing from day to day. I can’t wait to reveal the winners in June.”

Posted on 21st May 2010

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. Both Esme and Freddie have been coming to classes since they were only weeks old and Millie joined when I established Puddle Ducks locally. They have really enjoyed the lessons and developed as little swimmers.”

Mum Zoe Mowlem says: "Esme loves her lessons and kicks, splashes and smiles her way through them, it's the highlight of our week! Right from the start our lessons have been an excellent opportunity for me and my husband to bond with Esme and have fun learning new skills. We're honoured and excited that Esme's photo has been selected to be one of the faces of Puddle Ducks."

Each child will receive a £50 voucher towards Puddle Ducks classes.

Posted on 10th May 2010 by Tracy

BABIES WHO SWIM WILL OUTPERFORM PEERS IN LATER LIFE

Babies who swim with Puddle Ducks outperform their peers

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.

A session might involve having babies dive under water, jump from a pool edge and balance on the hand of a parent while reaching to pick up floating objects.

When the children were five years old the swimmers had better balance and moved more easily than non-swimmers. All other factors, such as the parents’ education, housing and economic status, were the same.

Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, who carried out the study with Lancaster University, said: “It’s exciting that specific training for young babies has an effect later in life.”'

Posted on 4th May 2010 by Tracy

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 on 29th April 2010

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 on 12th March 2010 by Tracy

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.

Tracy Townend, Managing Director of Puddle Ducks said “The course is incredibly hard and we always warn the candidates to expect tears at some point! All of them are so passionate about baby swimming, they put so much energy and enthusiasm into their training and are excited about returning to their local franchise to put all their training into practise”

The candidates, who came from as far afield and Wakefield and Dorset, will all start their new baby swim classes after Easter.

Posted on 11th March 2010 by Tracy

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. Lindsay sang a confident rendition of Humpty Dumpty and Luisa managed to speak for a whole minute on sheep!

Friday morning and we were down to business! Sarah M rolled out the new customer database platform which was accompanied by “oohs” and “aahs” around the room as franchisees saw the potential it offered. This was followed by a series of presentations by Tracy and Jo as they explained changes in the pipeline for 2010. In the afternoon, our wonderful new franchise director, Sarah Roberts, introduced herself and her role within the organisation. Sarah also lead a useful interactive session. Sarah is already helping to develop the business strategy for Puddle Ducks Franchising and will be identifying key measures to support franchisees in developing and managing their own business plans.

The late afternoon saw each franchisee in the pool with Ali who rolled out our most exciting changes to the teaching programme yet. So much development has been happening, primarily from our observations from our Swim Academy children but also from experience that Ali gleaned from around the world at the World Aquatic Baby Conference this year. We can’t wait to start teaching the new programme around the country after Easter.

All the franchisees were engaging and positive with huge levels of passion, commitment and enthusiasm. We are all extremely excited about what we can achieve together over the next 12 months.

Posted on 17th February 2010 by Tracy

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. As well as important life skill, and exercise, it is also fun and something loved by children - the perfect class!"

Thank you Caroline - we are thrilled that you have enjoyed your baby swimming classes with Puddle Ducks so much and we wish you lots of luck in your new venture.

Posted on 16th December 2009 by Tracy

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. Ali said "I am so excited that in this group are five amazing new franchisees and three fabulous teachers for the Mid Cheshire franchise. All of them will make fantastic teachers, spreading our Puddle Ducks teaching methods around the UK"

Posted on 4th December 2009

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 on 27th November 2009

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 on 12th November 2009

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 on 24th June 2009

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 on 12th May 2009

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.

Further information »

Posted on 23rd April 2009

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. We are proud of our business processes, the way we have developed our programme and look after our customers and our staff. Now our customers can be assured that they really are coming to some of the best swimming classes in the country”.

Jo said “The assessor, Steve Franks told us that he was so impressed that without doubt we deserved to receive a distinction. He commented on the enthusiasm and professionalism of our teachers and said that our systems were some of the best he had ever seen. In particular, Steve said we had tremendous strength in our use of our website and of technology making communication with our customers extremely strong. We were told we had a solid business foundation with a fantastic franchise package and that he hoped we would continue to grow both locally and through franchising.”

By the end of this year, all franchises will be assessed for the award within the first two years of operation. We are confident that they too will achieve a high accoloade!

Posted on 6th March 2009 by Jo Stone

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. When I see a Puddle Duck who has been with me since a few months old, swim 5 or 10m at just three years of age I almost cry with pride! I still have the same passion for Puddle Ducks as I did when I first started and can honestly say it is the best job in the world.”

Mum Emma with Lucy, 2 years says “Ali's lessons are always fun, entertaining and educational. To be an excellent teacher you have to have a certain 'something'. You either are an excellent teacher or you aren't. It's a part of your personality. Ali is a natural, she has the 'it' factor. However she also works extremely hard - she is always prepared, she knows her stuff and she delivers in a totally exhilarating way. My daughter is only two but I can actually see her swell with confidence when Ali praises her. Lucy wants to please her and tries her hardest. This is because Ali has built up such a lovely relationship with her. In our class the children have improved so much. Ali knows when to 'push' them but never goes too far so that it knocks their confidence. We have LOVED Ali's lessons. She certainly deserves to win!”

We are all thrilled with the award - well done ALI!!!!

Posted on 6th March 2009

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 on 3rd February 2009

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.

Further information »

Posted on 8th December 2008

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 on 11th November 2008

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. We will let you know when!

For two special awards, your comments now will make a difference! These awards will be judged by a panel of judges:

• Most Outstanding Activity or Class Leader
• Best New Activity

If you are able to submit any further comment for the judges in either of these categories, then please click on: http://www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards.asp and select these categories to add your comments.

Posted on 13th October 2008

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 on 30th September 2008

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 18^th 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 on 2nd May 2008 by Jo Stone

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.

What is Splashathon?

• Tommy’s Splashathon is a national, community based event, that encourages parents to take their babies and toddlers swimming, whilst also raising funds for Tommy’s, the baby charity

• Hundreds of swim schools, swimming pools and individuals around the UK hold a Splashathon event each year in May and June

• Splashathon is for parents with babies and young children

• Participants raise sponsorship money for their ‘Splash’ by undertaking a challenge Splashathon 2008 is sponsored by swim wear company Splash About

The event has been running for 8 years and has successfully raised over £800k in total for Tommy’s work. 2007 was the most successful Splashathon ever with a total of £190,000 raised and 550 splash events held nationwide.

Who is Tommy’s, the baby charity?

Tommy’s exists to save babies’ lives because right now in the UK one in four women loses a baby during pregnancy or birth. We fund research at our centres in Manchester, London and Edinburgh and provide information on the causes and prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. By 2030 we want to halve the number of babies who die during pregnancy and birth. For further details please view the tommy’s website www.tommys.org

For more information please see your own Franchise's Minisite available from your "About my Class" page.

Posted on 17th March 2008

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 on 16th January 2008

Local Baby Swimmers Win 'Face of Puddle Ducks'

Baby swimmer Esme wins Face of Puddle Ducks

Local Franchise babies Esme Mowlem, Freddie Turner and pre-schooler 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.

Teacher and local franchisee, Jane Bozic says: “I am so excited that Esme, Freddie and Millie have won this. Both Esme and Freddie have been coming to classes since they were only weeks old and Millie joined when I established Puddle Ducks locally. They have really enjoyed the lessons and developed as little swimmers.”

Mum Zoe Mowlem says: "Esme loves her lessons and kicks, splashes and smiles her way through them, it's the highlight of our week! Right from the start our lessons have been an excellent opportunity for me and my husband to bond with Esme and have fun learning new skills. We're honoured and excited that Esme's photo has been selected to be one of the faces of Puddle Ducks."

Each child will receive a £50 voucher towards Puddle Ducks classes.

Posted on 1st January 1970 by Tracy

Local Baby Swimmers Win 'Face of Puddle Ducks'

Baby swimmer Esme wins Face of Puddle Ducks

Local babies Esme Mowlem, Freddie Turner and pre-schooler 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. All photographs were taken at Portfield School Pool in Christchurch.

Teacher and local franchisee, Jane Bozic says: “I am so excited that Esme, Freddie and Millie have won this. Both Esme and Freddie have been coming to classes since they were only weeks old and Millie joined when I established Puddle Ducks locally. They have really enjoyed the lessons and developed as little swimmers.”

Mum Zoe Mowlem says: "Esme loves her lessons and kicks, splashes and smiles her way through them, it's the highlight of our week! Right from the start our lessons have been an excellent opportunity for me and my husband to bond with Esme and have fun learning new skills. We're honoured and excited that Esme's photo has been selected to be one of the faces of Puddle Ducks."

Each child will receive a £50 voucher towards Puddle Ducks classes.

Posted on 1st January 1970 by Tracy