Special day for special group

40th Anniversary of Saddleworth Playgroup for Children with Special Needs.

THE Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup, which meets in Cooper Street, Springhead, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Saddleworth Women’s Institute originally helped to fund it, as there was no facility of its kind in the area at the time.

But since local government reorganisation in 1974 it has covered the whole of Oldham borough, and as well as paid workers, it is run by a group of volunteers and voluntary drivers.

The playgroup held an open day for parents with a party and celebration lunch on Thursday.

Play leader Cath Humphries has been there for 25 years — one fewer than and her colleague Sue Jones. She said: “We attract a lot of children by word of mouth and we have a waiting list for September and in 2009.”

The group caters for 16 children, with 12 attending at any one session, Monday to Thursday mornings.

Half of the children have special needs, and a variety of therapists and services drop in — from music, to the service for visually-impaired children.

The youngsters and their parents are pictured at the celebration party, with volunteers, supporters, play leaders and friends.