Sadness as playgroup enjoys its final trip

A sunshine day out for children, parents and carers was tinged with sadness.

The trip to Blackpool by Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup was the last before it closes its doors after 47 years of dedicated community service.

The shock news, revealed exclusively in Thursday’s Chronicle, has brought widespread reaction from the community.

The playgroup, which supported thousands of families and children with special needs across the borough, made the decision because four of its trustees are retiring and, in addition, it cannot find new staff and volunteers with appropriate skills.

The playgroup, based at St Anne’s Church Hall, Lydgate, will close after the morning session next Thursday.

Parish Councillor Brian Lord, chairman of Saddleworth School governors, warned other charity-based organisations could face a similar dilemma.

He said: “There is a desperate shortage of qualified helpers and trustees themselves are simply getting older and retiring.

“Charities are finding recruiting trustees and helpers a major problem.

“We need younger people willing to learn the skills to take up the challenge because all kinds of worthy ventures are being hit by this great shortage of people to carry them forward.

“Unless new, younger people come forward this problem could be mirrored across the borough,” he warned.

Jennifer Greenwood, chair of Love Lydgate, said: “It’s sad the playgroup can no longer continue.

“It has been one of those special organisations that form the backbone of community life, just getting on with the job without fuss or fanfare and really making a difference to people’s lives.

“We were delighted when they decided to come to Lydgate and we have enjoyed working alongside them and having them as part of our village life.

Saddened

“They will be very much missed,” she added.

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