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©2011 St. John Evangelist, Horsham
St John's Toddler Group
Lindsey, mum of 21-month-old Nathan, writes, ‘There is a toddler playgroup in our parish and it’s another gem in the
crown jewels of our parish community. We couldn’t tell you exactly how long ago it started or who initiated the group
but we can tell you that it has been going for at least ten years and the benefits are still being felt.
‘Slavka van Dooren remembers looking after her niece and bringing her to the toddler group ten years ago and it
helped her to get to know people and make friends. Slavka is the very efficient mum of Carl, aged 2½, and currently
at the helm; her hubby gallantly assists in packing and unpacking the toys. The aim is for the playgroup to be run by
mums for mums (and carers/grandparents etc). We all help where we can. The singing corner, setting up and
packing away toys, craft table, snack time for kiddies and all important coffee time for grown-ups are all places we
can contribute.
‘During December and January the group collected nearly new baby equipment for the Oasis Pregnancy Crisis
Centre as a way of realising that during Christmas others aren’t as fortunate as we are. We handed the goods over
a few weeks ago and the centre was extremely grateful. We hope to do such collections a few more times through
the year. We also held a short Nativity Service in the church led by Deacon Tom and it was heartwarming to see the
little ones singing together with parents who came along especially. We hope that this will become an annual event.
‘Comments from happy adults include, “I find myself coming back because the atmosphere is lovely and welcoming
and there is a wide range of toys,” “I read about the playgroup in the newsletter and come because I enjoy being a
part of the parish community,” “The socialising aspect for me and my daughter and the fact that the group is well
managed is why we come regularly,” “The people that come and the children are lovely!”
‘The playgroup is run on Wednesday mornings from 10-11.30am. If you are looking after littlies aged 0-4 years,
please do come and join in.’
Since she wrote this article, Lindsey’s new son Jesse has been born. Warm congratulations to the
Warwick-Godfrey family!
crown jewels of our parish community. We couldn’t tell you exactly how long ago it started or who initiated the group
but we can tell you that it has been going for at least ten years and the benefits are still being felt.
‘Slavka van Dooren remembers looking after her niece and bringing her to the toddler group ten years ago and it
helped her to get to know people and make friends. Slavka is the very efficient mum of Carl, aged 2½, and currently
at the helm; her hubby gallantly assists in packing and unpacking the toys. The aim is for the playgroup to be run by
mums for mums (and carers/grandparents etc). We all help where we can. The singing corner, setting up and
packing away toys, craft table, snack time for kiddies and all important coffee time for grown-ups are all places we
can contribute.
‘During December and January the group collected nearly new baby equipment for the Oasis Pregnancy Crisis
Centre as a way of realising that during Christmas others aren’t as fortunate as we are. We handed the goods over
a few weeks ago and the centre was extremely grateful. We hope to do such collections a few more times through
the year. We also held a short Nativity Service in the church led by Deacon Tom and it was heartwarming to see the
little ones singing together with parents who came along especially. We hope that this will become an annual event.
‘Comments from happy adults include, “I find myself coming back because the atmosphere is lovely and welcoming
and there is a wide range of toys,” “I read about the playgroup in the newsletter and come because I enjoy being a
part of the parish community,” “The socialising aspect for me and my daughter and the fact that the group is well
managed is why we come regularly,” “The people that come and the children are lovely!”
‘The playgroup is run on Wednesday mornings from 10-11.30am. If you are looking after littlies aged 0-4 years,
please do come and join in.’
Since she wrote this article, Lindsey’s new son Jesse has been born. Warm congratulations to the
Warwick-Godfrey family!
