WHEN the founders of Beanies Children's Centre took over the Beanos record shop premises around 18 months ago, they were determined to succeed.
Since then, Karen Cartwright, Prima Brotherhood and Hina Shah have gone from strength to strength, repaying the faith Beanos' owner David Lashmar had in them when he relinquished his beloved building in Middle Street, Croydon.
In the past 18 months, the trio has increased the number of activities available to young children and their mothers who use Beanies as a town centre meeting place. The Beanies' trio have been particularly successful in building its reputation as a venue for children's parties.
So successful, in fact, that they have decided to adapt part of the ground floor of the building with the aim of widening the party appeal to adults.
Mrs Cartwright said the range of children's parties now covered everything from traditional games and discos to themed sports and arts and crafts events.
They have also been working closely with students from the BRIT School in Selhurst, who often organise the entertainment.
Mrs Cartwright said: "They bring a real wow factor to the children's parties. There are not many party venues in the town outside of the bars and this means we can now offer facilities for adult birthday parties, Christening celebrations and wedding receptions."
