A plea to support an under-threat mums and toddlers group in the village of Walford, near Ross-on-Wye, has been made this week by a regular ‘customer’.
“As the recession hits Ross-on-Wye shops and businesses, it’s perhaps not too much of a surprise to find that a local group looks as though it might be shutting its doors for good,” said regular user Robin Bornoff.
“It’s not a business or a trading company, but Walford Mums and Toddlers. I can’t tell you how sad I felt when I heard this news.
“After 12 years of attending many toddler groups, this is the one I have religiously turned up to. It’s my one morning off a week.
“In a world of running around trying to catch up with what you should have done yesterday, Thursday mornings are my oasis of calm, where my child can play in a safe, friendly, small group, and where I can relax, perhaps for the first time that week, and have a chat and a cup of tea,” she said.
“Do you know of many groups where people still come back after their children have gone to school?
“They even run fun days during the holidays, for all the family, and these are well attended, although unfortunately can’t carry toddlers.
“What makes it even more sad is that the group received a grant a couple of years ago to buy toys, craft materials and some large play equipment, which is now sitting largely unused in a locked cupboard.
“We can stop Walford Toddlers closing for good,” she said.
She said it just needed people to go along, with a friend or two, and walk into a new group “with the guarantee of a very warm welcome”.
“So, next Thursday from 9am to noon, come to Walford Mums and Toddlers at the Scout Hut next to Walford Parish Church,” she said. “Appearances can be deceptive, and remember it’s what’s inside that counts. Please support this local group.”
