Playgroup’s tearful farewell

Date published: 18 July 2014


An emotionally-charged party yesterday marked the end of 47 years’ work by a devoted team of carers.

Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup finally closed its doors at St Anne’s church hall, Lydgate, to caring for thousands youngsters across the borough.

Tearful parents and children presented special hand-crafted gifts, flowers and chocolates to the team whose heartbreak decision to shut the playgroup shocked the community.

It was forced to close because four of its trustees are retiring and they could not find new staff and volunteers with appropriate skills to continue.

Kath Humphreys, one of the joint play group leaders, who joined in 1981, said: “We have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of parents, children and carers.

“Some of them have gone to so much trouble to make cakes and bring flowers and presents along to the party. And we’ve all been deeply moved by their messages of goodwill.”

Kellie Hollingsworth (27), and her husband, Paul, from Limeside, have two of their five children at the playgroup.

She said: “One of our children is autistic and the difference the playgroup has made to his pro-gress has been remarkable. Everyone of the team really goes out of their way to ensure each child is given great personal attention to help their development. When we learned the group was closing we just couldn’t take it in at first. Our children loved being here.”
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