Little Lambs’ News It is with a sad heart that Barbara, Ann and Jill announce the closure of Par Little Lambs. Although we have managed to keep numbers fairly stable since the end of the COVID years, we are now at a point in time where we will only have 3 returning little children in September. Whilst we have attracted a number of new parents/family members with young children over the past two years they have either not returned following their first visit, or attended so infrequently that it appears we are not their first choice of a ‘go to’ activity on a Tuesday morning. Next February Little Lambs would have been running weekly during school term time for 25 years! What an extraordinary achievement! We give thanks for the late Fr Colin Thurston’s vision, who saw a need for such a group within the community all those years ago. The need is still very much required - but today - family choices have changed, and in the present economic climate those choices have to be made around which nursery is able to take a child – even a baby - for their very early years learning. It is gratifying that there are so many excellent local venues for our parents to choose from. Our Tuesday morning group has brought together friendship and laughter, fun and wellbeing for a great number of parents and grannies, toddlers and babies. We expect many readers will remember the days when 20/24 toddlers attended each week and there was a waiting list of up to a further 20…. some children never actually reaching the top of the list! Fr Colin’s wife Barbs – a founder member - is still very much involved but the rest of the volunteer team have joined at various stages throughout the 24 years. We will very much miss our involvement with the children and adults and all the activities we have managed to create, but especially - the loss most felt - will be the children’s annual Nativity Play. What an extraordinary, UNIQUE re-telling of the Christmas Story those little ones have managed to produce each year. It has become very much a ‘must see’ on the pre-Christmas calendar for many people in the area. We extend our love and best wishes to the children leaving us for school in September and we wish the remaining 3 children happiness at a local nursery. We will never forget our time with you all, so look out for us on a Tuesday morning…. you never know where we might show up in the future! We hope you will remember us when you say the Little Lambs prayer with your child. The Little Lambs Prayer Dear God May everything, I do today; My work, my rest, the games I play; Be done for love of you. God Bless all my friends and family. God Bless all children - especially those who are sad, and God Bless me. Thank You Jesus……. Amen Jill, Barbs, Ann, Fr Derek, Louise, Amanda, Angie, Jane, Karen & Dave, Jan & Rachel