MUMS and TODDLERS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

1999-2009

At the end of 1998 leaflets were distributed around the houses in the immediate area of the church, and information was placed in the local doctors' surgeries and baby clinics.

On the 22nd of January 1999 Rona, Angela and Joyce waited to see if anyone would attend the first day of this new initiative, the start of a Mums and Toddlers group. It was with a great sigh of relief that we welcomed nine mothers along with their little ones on that first day!

Over the past ten years it has been our privilege to welcome approximately two hundred and thirty families, bringing with them over three hundred children. We soon had to have a waiting list, and unfortunately some of the children already started nursery before their turn came. We have not only had the pleasure of getting to know mothers, but also fathers and quite a few grandmothers.

During the following years Rona and Angela both left the area, and we have been pleased to have a continuation of leaders - Hazel, Joanna, Tilly, Jean and for one year, Alison. Unfortunately Tilly (one of the grandmas) had to leave us due to ill health.

Over the years we have had two evenings when we have invited the mums along to listen to Irene Howatt and Marjorie McKay. These events were well received by all who attended. Also for the past three years we have had a Christmas Celebration, when we have had David Leech, Jim Boyd and John Fellows as speakers. These meetings were followed by a light tea.

The Mums and Tots takes place on a Monday from 12.30 - 2.30 p.m. and Friday from 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. We take a subscription to help cover the cost of drinks, toys, donations to the church and also charities outwith the church. These charities have included Primavara, working in Romania; Grace Third World Fund, working in India; S.A.N.D.S.; Mission Africa; M.P.S. Society and the Taylor Scott charity.

We have a picnic in the local park, weather permitting, at the end of the summer term, and a party at Christmas, with Santa! A photographer comes along towards the end of the year, so that the families have lovely photos of their children to pass on to other family members and friends.

The children are presented with an egg at Easter and a book and sweets at Christmas. For the last two years we have been able to present a Children's Bible to each child as they leave us, at three years old, to go on to nursery.

On the 31st of January 2009 we are hoping to have a get together for all those who have attended the Mums and Toddlers since that first meeting. It will be a pleasure to meet once more with those who have passed through our doors. It has been an honour to be able to get to know so many families, and we pray that they too will have received a blessing by coming along and being able to share their joys and sorrows with us.