Happy days (From Barry And District News)

Happy days

AS PREVIOUSLY reported, Windsor Road Playgroup, Barry, closed for good on Friday, July 18, 2003, after 30 years of service to the community.

On Saturday, July 19, a reunion was held with an invitation offered to everyone associated with the playgroup.

It could have turned out to be a very sad occasion, but renewing old acquaintances, talking to former pupils, the general air of pleasure, made it a happy event enjoyed by everyone, with hardly a tear in sight.

Thanks must be extended to Jane Hutt AM, who spent time with us prior to her Saturday morning surgery.

Also to, members of the United Reformed Church who organised refreshments, to everyone who sent cards, gave us flowers and other gifts, to former colleagues, to Terry Marsden for making a video of the celebrations, to parents and children, grandparents, all of whom made the reunion a success.

Special mention must be made of Lee Thomas, a young Rugby player who is a member of Pontypridd Rugby Team. Lee spent the morning at the reunion, signing autographs and chatting to children and adults present.

Although not a former pupil of the playgroup, he substituted for Ben Thomson, who was a former pupils and is now a member of the Harlequins Rugby Team, playing in South Africa at the time.

Meeting youngsters we hadn't seen since their playgroup days was very rewarding when we were told of their achievements in life, academically and as responsible adults and parents. We could not ask for a better outcome from the Early Playgroup Movement.

Dilys Colbourne Former leader of the Windsor Road Playgroup Crossfield Road Barry