Toddler group in Felpham celebrates its silver jubilee

The anniversary will be marked with a special day at Felpham Methodist Church at 10.30am on September 13.

A short service will be followed by a get-together to which former as well as current members are invited. Refreshments will be served in the church hall.

Kathleen Gatford, the group's founder, said: "Come and meet old friends and help to make it really special. It will be nice to catch up with people we have not seen for a few years."

She started the group when her daughter, Gillian, and her friend, Pat, were looking for a toddler group for their daughters.

The church's then minister, the Rev David Clark, gave them 25 to get started. The initial Monday meetings were soon joined by Friday sessions to meet the demand.

Those 20 families at the start have grown into about 50 at each of the twice-weekly meetings.

"It seems a long time ago when we started," said Mrs Gatford. "The group has been very successful. It has grown and grown and grown.

"Hundreds of children have passed through the group. We are now getting the children of the first children who came along. It's lovely to see it go through the generations."

The group's 21st birthday celebrations attracted a church full of well-wishers. It is hoped the latest anniversary will be equally popular.

Anyone who would like to attend should email [email protected]

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