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At the beginning of this year, after much work over the Christmas holidays, a new playgroup was opened at St Jude's, Peterborough. It thrived from day one with over 11 families attending for crafts, prayer, play and snacks.
It was hoped that the garden would be used for outside play but it quickly became apparent that the garden required rather a lot of work. A local charity, the Peterborough Lions, very kindly helped with weeding, clearing and fencing and with further help from members of St Jude’s congregation, the garden began to take shape. It was around this time that Revd Keri Noddings, Priest-In -Charge of St Jude’s, heard about the Gen 2 grants scheme that offers small grants to support the development and continuation of work with children and young people across Peterborough Diocese. After making the application, St Jude’s were delighted to receive £500 to spend directly on their garden project. It was decided that they should purchase summer play equipment including a mud kitchen, paddling pool, water play tools, a sandpit and a tent and there are plans to purchase messy and sensory play equipment along with a garden bench for parents in the near future.
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Now the garden is a happy haven for all attending the playgroup with children eager to spend time outside. Revd Kerri says ‘ we are so grateful to Gen 2 for providing a safe and happy play place for our local parents to bring their children. Our aim at the beginning was to reflect God`s welcome to families and to children in our community. With thanks to both our community and to the Gen2 team we have been able to achieve this and we are very thankful.’