Church group celebrates 20 years of child’s play
NEW STUFF ... Marilyn Merrin, centre, with children and their new play equipment at Grange Road Baptist Church in Jarrow.
A PARENT and toddler group in South Tyneside has celebrated its 20th birthday by splashing out hundreds of pounds on new toys.
Over the past two decades, between 300 and 400 babies and toddlers have been welcomed to the weekly group at Grange Road Baptist Church, Jarrow, plus parents, grandparents and carers.
To mark the group’s special birthday, officials have spent £500 on acquiring new toys for their young members.
The group is run by Marilyn Merrin, wife of the church minister, the Rev Roy Merrin, together with Joyce Pritchard, Pat Spedding, Maureen Hamlin, Vi Scott, Winnie Swift and Doris Amour.
Mrs Merrin said: “We meet on Monday mornings during term-time.
“The children play with a wide variety of toys, large and small.
“Recently, the group has spent £500 on new toys.”
She added: “We charge £1 for the first child to take part in the group and an additional 50p for other children in a family.
“It is a real joy for us to see the children developing social skills, as well as learning through play.
“It is also a great opportunity to get to know their carers.”
The parent and tots group meets at the Jarrow church between 9.30am and 11.30am every Monday.
Other attractions include juice and biscuits for the children and coffee, tea and biscuits for the adults.
Grange Road Baptist Church is just a few minutes’ walk from both Jarrow Metro and bus stations.
For more details, call Marilyn Merrin on 489 1405.
Twitter: @shieldsgazette
Email to a friend
Print this page- Transfer Rumours update May 16: Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR, Manchester City, Swansea
- Transfer Rumours update May 15: Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, LIverpool, West Brom, Birmingham, Bolton
- Transfer Rumours May 17: Sunderland, Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City, Manchester United, Fulham, Huddersfield
- Transfer Rumours May 15: Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, LIverpool, West Brom Birmingham
- Transfer Rumours update May 14: Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Derby, Burnley, Portsmouth, Tottenham
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Jarrow
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.