The English Speaking Mother's Group is a young and dynamic association which was officially created in 2001 but existed informally for many years. It was founded by a couple of English mums living in Lyon, who wanted to get together with their children on a regular basis. The tradition continued and expanded and we have now become an actual association with around 70 members, which is run by volunteers and is overseen by a committee.

As our name suggests, we are a group of Anglophones and English speaking foreigners, primarily mothers (although some of our members are Dads!). Most of us are British natives, but we have also welcomed members from other English speaking countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and so on. 

Our purpose is to provide a supportive, relaxed, friendly environment for English speaking parents and their children where Anglophone traditions and cultures can be upheld, shared, maintained and promoted.  The most important criteria for membership is the ability to speak fluent English because we aim to nurture the English speaking tongue.  We meet up regularly with our children (and sometimes without the kids too!).  Members speak English with other members and also with each other's children when we meet. All our events and activities are conducted in English so the group is a great way to perpetuate and strengthen English speaking heritage.  

The regular bi-monthly playgroups and activity groups are the cornerstones of the English Speaking Mother's Group and they take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoons of every month at our hire hall.  Wednesdays were chosen to coincide with the fact that many regional schools close on Wednesdays to allow children to pursue other cultural interests and with this in mind we often organize creative, musical and sporting activities for the children to take part in.  For further info about our Playgroups and other regular calendar activities and events please click on "FAQs" and "More Information".

Members pay a 30€ annual subscription fee and receive a monthly email newsletter containing diary dates for all the activities and events organized for that month. The member's section of our website and newsletter editorials share useful information on all sorts of subjects with the aim of helping newcomers to France or the Lyon area adjust to the Lyonnais way of life.

The membership fee pays for our event expenses, tea and coffee refreshments, some basic kitchen essentials and hygiene products which are used during our Wednesday Playgroups, and covers the cost of materials used in the children's craft activities. The fund also permits us to replenish our children's book and video libraries with up-to-date titles and pays for treats such as hiring a bouncy castle for the Summer Party!

If you are interested in joining the group and wish to find out more, please don't hesitate to send us an email at;  esmglyon@gmail.com

We hope to see you soon!

English mums Lyon; English parents Lyon;