It was a cold, wet and generally miserable day. I was certainly glad that we had arranged an indoor activity today but I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive. I had been sent a newspaper link from one of our families showing that the Rainbow Factory had been broken into and ransacked. You can read the article here. We never had any intention of NOT going but were a little nervous about what to expect and from reading the article the damage done was quite large. We needn't have been. I don't know how hard the staff had worked to get everything back up to scratch but they must have worked relentlessly. One of the parents said to me after that if they hadn't known about it via the newspaper there simply would not have known. The place was impeccable. When we arrived we were greeted at the door by the happiest and smiliest people I think I have ever met! The enthusiasm and excitement of the team at Rainbow Factory, even after what must have been a very challenging week, was palpable and it fizzled in the air. 
Once we had found all the emotions we could we moved onto a craft area where we put our emotions onto wish buckets and decorated with colours and glitter. Each of these activities totally engrossed the children. I don't think I've ever seen them sit so still...
Several of the children enjoyed the centre in their own way. The fancy dress and the hidey holes in the tents were particularly popular with some. And there was plenty of opportunity for the parents to relax and take 10 minutes for themselves while the rainbow staff entertained the children. I personally found the time to catch up with parents and actually have a chat instead of running around after my own children! Always appreciated.
Our wonderful visit ended with a packed lunch for the children in the rainbow room where they tucked into sandwiches and gingerbread men. The adults weren't forgotten either and we treated to buns and some very tasty sandwiches and good old fashioned pots of tea. The proper way!
All in all it was a lovely trip out and we were made to feel so welcome. Even when we left (well after closing time) the staff were still so happy and enthusiastic and after chatting to them I learnt that it had been one of, if not THE, busiest days they had had since opening. Personally...I want to know the secret and source of their energy...maybe it's the magic that is entwined throughout the building? Whatever it was, I can't wait for our next trip.
The Rainbow Factory will be holding lots of Christmas activities in the runup to Christmas including a performance of The Shoemaker's Christmas Wish which will be hosted from 8th -24th December at 11am and 6pm. Join Charlotte the shoemaker for a magical reimagining of the classic fairytale The Elves and the Shoemaker. Featuring live music, song and dance, this Christmas cracker is bursting with fun and laughter for all the family...
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