Playtime over at Porthkerry Road (From Barry And District News)

Playtime over at Porthkerry Road

A POPULAR Barry playgroup that has been running for 37 years is to close its doors for the last time in July.

Marion Farmer who helped set up Porthkerry Road Methodist Church Playgroup in 1967 said: "Literally hundreds of children have attended the playgroup over the last three-and-a-half decades, and in recent years we have had the pleasure of looking after the children of the children who first came to us.

"Sheila Rees and myself have been with the playgroup for every one of those 37 years. We have enjoyed every minute of watching nervous children arrive at two-and-a-half years of age and leave at four confident and ready to start in school nursery.

She added: "Unfortunately these days, there seems to be more and more paperwork which means less time to spend with the children. Also, in the near future the church will be moving to a new community/church centre on the waterfront.

"With all these changes, the leaders have decided that, sadly, the playgroup will have to close in July."

On Saturday, June 26, Porthkerry Road Methodist Church Playgroup holds a coffee morning from 10am to noon in the schoolroom.

The organisers would be pleased to welcome any children and parents who have attended the playgroup during the past 37 years to come along and share their memories as the leaders say goodbye to the premises they have used for so long.

Mrs Farmer said: "If you have photographs of yourselves in playgroup, please bring them along so we can all remember those happy years together."

The group was set up in 1967 by a group of churchwomen with young children.