FRAN Harrop has been entertaining babies, toddlers and their parents for nearly three decades with the help of Jo Jingles.
She’s even got customers returning to her classes with the smallest members of their families having sung and danced with Fran during their own formative years.
Jo Jingles is the worthy winner of our latest Best of 2023 award – Best for Kids – and Fran couldn’t be happier.
Each week, we will be searching for the best St Helens has to offer in different categories and we’ve given out 15 awards for 2023.
The winners so far:
Best for Hair – Hair by Alice Michelle
Best for Pies – Blackburn’s
Best for Nails – Kreative Kirsty
Best for Roast Dinner – The Brown Edge Pub
Best for Cocktails – The Townhouse
Best for Breakfast – Shakey J’s
Best for Fitness – Ashley-James Ward
Best for Fish and Chips – Paul’s Fishbar
Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza
Best for Pets – The Dog House
Best Independent Shop or Business – Stone Tyres
Best for Dessert – Antonia’s Cakes
Best for Beauty – Chantel Louise
Voting for St Helens’ Best Gym is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best Beer Garden.
Next on the list was the search for St Helens’ Best for Kids and Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens took the latest Best of 2023 crown.
Fran Harrop and Jo Jingles
Fran runs classes in venues throughout St Helens, Wigan and Warrington having started 27 years ago with her first one in Eccleston.
Every Friday she has five classes at The Nest in Eccleston, Thursdays are spent in Lowton and Great Sankey, and Pipsqueaks Play Café in Orrell hosts sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Fran said: “The demand for classes was amazing, even from the beginning.
“I have always had a loyal following of families and they have supported me over the past 27 years.
“Many have brought their first, second, third and even fourth child to my classes and some of my customers have been attending for more than 15 years!
“Jo Jingles classes are full of fun, interactive music, singing and movement for children aged between three months and five years.
“They’re a blend of learning and entertainment with an educational slant and they contribute to your little one’s overall growth and development.
“There are so many benefits, including improved language and communication skills, social skills and following instructions as well as taking turns, improve physical coordination and motor skills, and overall physical development, many without even realising!
“Our classes empower children to grow, learn and flourish in an inclusive environment where lifelong memories and friendships are made.
“They are a stepping stone to further learning and developing a lifelong love of music and they’re loved by children and their adults.”
Fran has welcomed babies and toddlers to her Jo Jingles classes for 27 years
But what do families think about Fran and Jo Jingles? Why did they think they should win our latest Best of 2023 title?
Happy parents said: “Fran is brilliant with the kids and they all love her.
“We’ve been to five or six different groups with my nine-month-old and can honestly say that Jo Jingles is the best.
“High energy, loud and engaging – the kids can make noise and move around to get involved.”
The best thing about Fran’s job is that “it doesn’t feel like work” and “it’s a pleasure to go to every class”.
Fran said: “I look forward to seeing all of my Jinglers and their grownups and seeing everyone’s happy, smiling faces.
“Every class is filled with laughter and friendships – we’re just one big happy Jingling family.
“To be nominated for this award was brilliant but to actually win St Helens’ Best for Kids 2023 is amazing.
Little ones love the bubbles at Jo Jingles
“There are so many other great class providers nominated and featured on the shortlist.
“I really do have the best families who come to my classes not only each week, but for years.
“I have second generation Jingers now as my Jinglers are bringing their own babies to class.
“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me as without you, I wouldn’t still be doing what I love.
“I cannot thank you all enough for choosing Jo Jingles to be part of your little one’s early years education.”
For more details go to facebook.com/JoJinglesWarrington
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