By Rebecca Tait
Every Thursday, the peace and quiet of Rodley church hall quickly fills with laughter and chaos as doors open to its weekly playgroup Rodley Young Ones.
The group is led by Vicky and Linda, who have been friends for 64 years.
Vicky saw there was a need for it, decided to put herself through a childcare course to qualify and hasn’t looked back since.
“I took on the group 44 years ago when I needed somewhere to take my own daughter but it was coming to an end,” Vicky said.
Over the years the group has adapted and evolved in many ways, and now caters for babies from birth to school age with parents staying for the duration of the session too.
Each week is well thought out and tailored to meet the needs of the individual children. Toys are carefully selected helping to encourage and build interactions and development. The children help tidy up before free play, which usually consists of getting all the bouncy balls out for a game of football.
Despite being named Rodley Young Ones the group is inclusive to all, with families coming from surrounding areas including Pudsey, Bramley and Calverley. “We’re open to anyone who wants to join,” says Vicky.
The group is just as much for parents’ well-being as it is for the children’s, offering the chance to escape the house, enjoy some adult conversation and have someone else make them a brew.
It’s a place where close friendships can be made by all generations.
Two parents who attend first met at the group 16 years ago as first-time mums, and have continued to return with their other children ever since.
“We introduced our husbands who are now good friends and we have even been on holiday together, just from meeting here,” they laughed.
A couple of weeks ago due to illness, the playgroup was cancelled and a group of parents who didn’t know each other arranged a visit to the park instead.
“It’s not just for mums either, we have several dads attend too, one of which came to the playgroup himself when he was a boy. That’s why the group means so much to me, after all these years it’s become so personal and I’m so proud of what the family’s attending have contributed to the group,” Vicky adds.
There are also a number of Grandparents who come along. One said: “I’ve made my own friendships through the playgroup and it opens up new doors for me and my granddaughter.
“I hear about other events and activities in the area which is helpful for me as I don’t live locally.”
Rodley Young Ones is a non-profit group, fees are kept low to make it affordable to everyone ranging from £1-2.50 (depending on the child’s age) and includes a hot drink for the grown ups and juice and biscuits for the kids. Doors remain open throughout the school holidays, when older siblings are welcome to join.
After over four decades, Vicky and Linda show no sign of closing the doors.
Over the years, the group has faced several challenges, most recently COVID-19 which forced them to close for two years.
“This was a really scary time, but proved just how important the group is to local families, it made me even more determined to reopen and the first session back saw everyone return,” remembers Vicky.
You can find the group at Rodley Church Hall, Wesley Street, Rodley, on Thursdays from 9am-11am . There is no need to book, just turn up.
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