Rafford Toddler Group’s new facilities supported by tsiMoray’s Moray Climate Action Network Fund
A pre-school children’s group in a local village has invested a grant of just under £1000 in facilities for its members.
Rafford Toddler Group (RTG) used the £975 from tsiMoray’s Moray Climate Action Network Fund to pay for a new garden, and messy play area, as well as carry out activities related to wildlife and changing environments.
Volunteer coordinator, Anne Parkinson, was delighted with the investment towards RTG’s ‘Big Dig’ project.
She said: “We were delighted with the generous grant which makes such a difference to small groups like ours. The funding focussed on sharing our playpark with wildlife.
“The group enjoyed making bird feeders for the garden, as well as taking part in nature-based crafts. Favourites were making paper plate songbirds with old song sheets, March hares and corrugated paper hedgehogs - anything that allowed glue, paint and paper!”
She added: “It is lovely to be able to share in gardening activities with children who may not otherwise get the chance to sow, plant and harvest at home.
“The toddlers love projects about worms, spiders and butterflies so it is exciting to be able to let them see these minibeasts in their natural habitats.
“We get real pleasure from experimenting with new ideas for arts and crafts.”
The group is run at Rafford Village Hall by a volunteer on Tuesdays from 9.30-11am during term time, attracting around 15-20 families every week, with attendees ranging in age from newborns to 4-year-olds.
The sessions are informal with “free range children and yummy refreshments”.
Donations of £1 or more are welcome to help cover costs as the group grows.
RTG is planting out bulbs and spring plants in its new raised beds where, later in the summer, flowers will be grown to attract wildlife. A nectar garden is already attracting bees.
RTG’s facilitators thanked attendees’ family members for helping to move bark chip over recent weekends.
Anne added that RTG is also “immensely grateful” to re-use centre, Moray Waste Busters, for their continued support.
She said: “Many of our resources are sourced from Moray Waste Busters. One of our favourite activities is painting on rolls of wallpaper and bubble wrap generously dropped off there by the community.
“Once the weather improves, our giant turtle sandpit they donated will make a welcome appearance in the playpark, along with some dinosaurs to roam in the new garden!
“We look forward to being able to hold more outdoor activities now that the playpark has a toddler-friendly activity corner with more opportunities to explore and make discoveries!”
See the Rafford Parent, Baby & Toddler Group Facebook page for more information.
