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Mum from Icklingham near Mildenhall to launch children’s play business in Bury St Edmunds in former Vanilla Hair and Spa




A former manager of a betting shop has embarked on a new venture offering unique play sessions for children.

Kelly Marie White, 38, of Icklingham, is set to open Little Wood Worms in Bury St Edmunds in Churchgate Street at the end of the month.

The premises has stood empty for over three years, having previously been Vanilla Hair Salon and Spa.

Kelly Marie White is set to open Little Wood Worms, a children’s play business, at the end of the month. Picture: Kelly Marie White
Kelly Marie White is set to open Little Wood Worms, a children’s play business, at the end of the month. Picture: Kelly Marie White

The new space will feature all wooden play equipment such as a wooden cafe, hairdressers, house and doctors’ surgery to encourage role play. There will also be a sensory room, reading space and a cafe area for parents to grab a hot drink and a piece of cake.

Kelly said: “I’ve got three kids myself and I took them to a place which was like this and I thought it would be nice for Bury to have one. I feel like all we have is soft play.”

“I feel really passionate about this and I want it to be a success. I want kids to enjoy it and I also want parents to be able to sit down and have a conversation.”

The shop on Churchgate Street was previously Vanilla Hair and Spa and has been vacant for over three years. Picture: Google Street View
The shop on Churchgate Street was previously Vanilla Hair and Spa and has been vacant for over three years. Picture: Google Street View

The new business has been six months in the making and Kelly looked at premises in Mildenhall but said the former hairdressers in Bury was perfect.

Having previously been a manager for Coral bookeepers and more recently working at the social club in Burwell, Kelly wanted a a career change and be able to bring her children to work.

She said she is excited to open.

Kelly, 38, has three children. Picture: Kelly Marie White
Kelly, 38, has three children. Picture: Kelly Marie White

“I want it to be a nice safe place for kids to play,” she added.

“It will help kids use their imaginations – not running around climbing on things.”

Little Wood Worms is aimed at newborns to seven-year-olds.

It will be open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 12.30pm; Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.