BOUQUET OF THE WEEK

THE founder of a community playgroup in Pontprennau that has been running for 14 years has been given an Echo Bouquet of the Week.

Alma Magill established and ran the mother and toddler group at the Pontprennau Community Church Hall, which often sees over 50 people attend, after she was approached by a member of the church group.

At the time Alma was running her own toddler group, but agreed to start the community group.

She said she would accept the bouquet on behalf of the team of volunteers that run the mother and toddler group, who include Tracey Courtman, Caro- line Atkinson and Domini Tansey.

“It’s wonderful,” said Alma. “But it really is a team effort. I could not run the group without them. The greatest feeling is having people coming in to the group for the first time, not knowing anybody, and then making lifelong friends through the group.

“Some members of the group have moved away now to the other side of the country, but we still keep in regular contact with them.”

Alma was nominated by Kirsty Pearson. Kirsty came to know about the group after suffering a personal grievance, and Alma reached out.

She said: “Within the group there have been many parents who have struggled emotionally, financially, physically and mentally for a variety of reasons.

“Alma reaches out to everyone, providing essential support to those who are a little more vulnerable.

“She is always there with a keen ear ready to give advice and support or even to just listen. She’s got such a mothering aura, it’s just her nature.

“She makes you just feel so comfortable in her presence.

“I just think she’s an amazing woman for supporting so many mothers over the years and giving us an amazing place to come once a week. All as a volunteer.”

The play group runs on Wednesday mornings at Pontprennau Community Church Hall at 9.45-11.15am.