AFTER more than a quarter of a century, a dale village’s mother and toddler group is to close.
For the past 26 years, Mums and Monsters has seen a wealth of pre-school children turn up at Newsham Village Hall each week. Group organiser Rose Davies has decided to call it a day. Mrs Davies, who qualified as a nanny in 1969 and took over running the club 23 years ago, said: “I think the time has come now as I’m 70.
“The core of our toddlers will be moving to pre-school in the autumn and it seemed like a good time to stop.”
She added: “We have enjoyed our Monday mornings and have met so many lovely children and their carers along the way.
“It has got to the stage now when a lot of the mums who come I have met when they were at the youth club.”
The group was started by Clare Alsop in 1994 and has provided mums from Newsham and the surrounding villages the opportunity to get together, have a chat and a coffee while their “monsters” enjoy activities and play.
Mrs Davies added: “Numbers have dropped off dramatically in the past couple of years and there is so much more available for the tots now so it seemed liked a good time to call it a day.
“Things have changed over the years and there are so many more things for youngsters now and many mums are going back to work where they have childcare facilities.
“However, when I put the notice out that we would be closing we’ve seen more people coming through the doors. If anyone wants to take over that would be great and I would be happy to help.”
In its heyday the group had 22 toddlers on a regular
basis, but numbers have dropped to just five regular attendees. She said: “Hopefully someone else will take up the baton and keep it going.
“All the toys the club has are being kept and as we use the village hall there is no rent to pay.” The group was due to host its last ever session on Monday, July 15, with a picnic on the village green and outdoor activities. Anyone who would like tohelp can call Rose Davies on 01833 621300.
