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The BCT was formed in 1978. We are an international, English-speaking, non-profit-making organisation providing help and support to young families in Belgium. We are an entirely voluntary organisation, run for our members, by our members.   
Now The BCT has 1,200 members, representing more than 60 nationalities. 15 local groups operate across and beyond Brussels. Craft, music, play and activity sessions are held on every weekday at our Imagine premises in Wezembeek, while a variety of interest groups and networks include a Book Club, Belgian Schools Network, Working Mums Group and Business Network. Pre- and postnatal support services include our new Pregnancy in Belgium evenings, ever-popular prenatal courses, postnatal early days supporters and breastfeeding counsellors. Our information team deals with a wide range of queries, we have a well-used library of books on pregnancy, childbirth and parenting and our Small Talk magazine is sent to members 10 times a year and is also available online. ~
1978 Anne Coles & Sylvia McGinnis - both trainee UK National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding Counsellors - put an advert in the Bulletin which found 22 women who met and formed an NCT group in Brussels. The group included Cathy Condon who later trained as a Breastfeeding Counsellor and then tutor. Sylvia moved back to the UK and became a prenatal tutor, was instrumental in establishing the first European prenatal teacher training scheme in 1990 and later became the visiting tutor for several years.
1980 100 members.
1985 Brussels Childbirth Trust (BCT) officially formed after the NCT decided it could not have ‘overseas‘ groups.
1990 400 members. NCT training of prenatal teachers started in Brussels. First Annual Dinner - 55 people had a Chinese-style buffet followed by a promises auction.
1991 BCT acquired its first TENS machine. Events and t-shirt sales raised £5,150, which was given to the Blue Peter Romanian Orphanage Trust.
1992 First group of Brussels-trained Breastfeeding Counsellors (Renate Smith, Astrid Masson and Linda Lloyd) qualified.
1995 In May, BCT took over sole use of Vossem House, previously shared with a playgroup, but a negative fire assessment prompted the move to Imagine in December. The first Christmas Funday was held.
1996 New logo developed.
1997 BCT International Group and the Supporters Group started. Toddle for Children in Need raised 51,569 Belgian Francs (about €1,300)
1998 800 members. BCT took over the organistion of the training scheme for its prenatal teachers.
1999 21st Anniversary celebrated with strawberries and Champagne at the Summer Funday, where the tombola raised 18,000 Belgian Francs for the Children's Cancer ward at Gasthuisberg, and a ‘Posh Frocks’ Ball in the autumn. The BCT became registered as an asbl (an official ‘not-for-profit’ organisation), under Belgian law.
2000 1,000 members. Website developed - 67 members joined online. . Moved to bigger premises, with exclusive use, in Imagine. Introduction of in-house training for breastfeeding counsellors. BCT Newsletter adopted magazine-style format. 17 prenatal classes held. BCT Millennium Ball enjoyed by many.
2001 5 new breastfeeding counsellors completed their training. 'Having a Baby in Belgium' talks increased from once every 6 weeks to once a month due to demand. Approximately 900 people attended 2 Nearly New Sales. More than 2,000 activities completed at the Christmas Funday.
2003 25th Anniversary celebrated with a Teddy Bears Picnic and balloon race for our younger members and a ‘Silver' Ball for the less young ones. 56 different nationalities represented in the membership. 2004 1,100 members. Redesign logo and publicity materials. 2005 Cycling safety event held for 7-11 year olds which was fully booked almost immediately it was announced. New 'Welcome Pack' developed for members. 2006 1,200 members, with more than 60 nationalities represented. 15 local groups, 11 'Having a Baby in Belgium' talks held. 26 prenatal courses. Personal support offered to more than 156 couples by breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal early days supporters. 2 Nearly New Sales, a Summer Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Chateau de la Hulpe and hugely popular Christmas Funday. Redesigned and extended website, with members-only sections. First Volunteers' Social. 2007 Redesigned magazine which also went 'glossy'. Glamorous Summer Ball at De Venkel in Kortenberg which featured a charity tombola in aid of Child Focus. Most successful Nearly New Sales. BCT Allergies, Business and Cultural Events Networks introduced. New online booking system for prenatal courses launched. 2008 30th anniversary celebrated with a huge Birthday party which was attended by over 180 families. A special anniversay BCT logo was created. Imagine was refurbished with new paint, toys and fittings. First BCT open house was run. A comprehensive membership survey was conducted with over 40% responding. Medical Professionals placed on the website. 2009 - Interest Talks on the environment, asset planning and parenting held for all members. Personal and proffessional seminars offered to volunteers. Highest profit ever for the Nearly New Sale. Highest number of prenatal bookings with 28 courses running. First family disco. First bike event for 3-6 year olds held. Launch of a wide range of BCT branded publicty materials. |
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