ON FRIDAY, July 17, it was PhillyBear’s playgroup's, based at Barry 5th Sea Scout Hall in Everard Street, annual trip to Barry Island beach.

Unfortunately the weather was not the sunshine that was predicted and it was raining and gloomy.

They went down to the Island to see if the weather was going to improve but decided to go with plan B.

Instead of setting up the gazebo and all the blankets and toys they decided to do a walk along the beach.

They went to Barry Dock Train Station to wait for all the children. For a couple of children this was the first time they had been on a train and the parents were worried but there was no need as the children were so excited to go.

Most of the children have been on other trips with PhillyBear’s so know what to expect and so they were very excited.

They caught the 9.15am train which was empty and they had the carriage to themselves so the children could go and sit by the windows and look where they were going. All the children were very excited even though the train was only going two stops to the Island.

After a walk down to the promenade and a toilet stop they took group photos under the western promenade.

By this time the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to come out so they took the children down on to the sand.

As this term's topic has been about the beach and pirates and princesses they went on a treasure hunt to see what they could find. The children found shells, stones, sticks and seaweed.

Some children did not like holding the seaweed. They also went to see the lifeguards as they were putting out their flags and surfboards and had photos with them. The children then loved having races in the sand and making sand angels.

They walked down to have a look at the new climbing wall and to hunt for dinosaurs as that is the next topic for PhillyBear’s Playgroup. Some of the children had a go at the climbing wall which is a fantastic new facility at Barry Island. The group also went to look at the new huts.

They then walked back down to the western promenade where they had a picnic and then ice creams at John Zeraschi’s Prom Bar.

Each child lined up with their money to pay for their own ice cream. As the weather had improved the children sat on the grass to enjoy their ice creams.

On the train ride back all they did was talk about the beach and going on the train.

As the train pulled into the station the children could see their parents waiting for them and could not wait to tell them all about their morning. Many of the parents commented on how much the children enjoyed the trip and how well they slept that night.

PhillyBear's Playgroup has now been registered with Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) for the outside area which the scout leaders have worked very hard to get ready and they will be starting an afternoon playgroup from September on a Thursday and Friday.

As the group run during the school holiday they have a couple of trips planned.

One trip is to Tesco for the farm to fork tour which last time was enjoyed by all. This trip has been specially requested by one of the children who is leaving in September to start school and they will be visiting Pets at Home to have a talk about the animals.

They wish all children who are starting school in September good luck and will miss them.

PhillyBear’s Playgroup, based at Barry 5th Sea Scout Hall in Everard Street, Barry, caters for children aged 18 months to 5 years old and has a big indoor area and lovely garden. They run a lunch club with school drop-off to local schools.

The afternoon playgroup starting in September still has spaces available, if you would llike more information or would like to visit the group please contact Philippa on 07757 665363.