Playgroup’s �120k appeal for new home

A PLAYGROUP has launched a �120,000 appeal for a new building.

Hemingford Playgroup needs the money to replace its current mobile home, in St Ives Road, Hemingford Grey, which has become cramped and outdated.

Supervisors say toddlers need more space to play and staff do not have vital facilities, such as toilets and a kitchen.

Fundraising efforts have got off to a bumper start, with �1,500 from an exclusive village film premiere of the Green Knowe book adaptation, From Time to Time, but organisers admit: “If we rely on small donations, we will be waiting 100 years.”

They hope to get a grant to pay for the upgrade but have appealed to residents to donate towards the building.

Zoe Lattimer, who resigned as chairman of the parents’ committee to concentrate on fundraising, said: “The building we have now had only a 15-year licence originally and is incredibly old and decrepit.

“There is no kitchen and no adult toilets, which means staff have to use small nursery toilets.

“Because the premises are so small, a new building would help us increase the number of children we take.”

Committee member Rivka Furbank added: “Parents have been hoping to get the new building for about 10 years because it is coming to the end of its life.

“One of the main things needed is space. At the moment it is very compact, and something much more substantial is needed.

“If we get the new building, it is something that will last for many, many years.”

Ms Furbank, who organised the special showing of From Time to Time at Hemingford Pavilion, which attracted 300 viewers, said the future of the playgroup was important to the life of the village.

“From a personal point of view, my daughter is three, and being part of the playgroup has really helped me to get to know people in the village.

“As well as having a group of children who are friends, it creates a really nice community atmosphere among the parents.”

INFORMATION: To donate to the appeal, contact Hemingford Playgroup on 01480 496141.