Parents centre has provided support for 30 years
BALCLUTHA Parents Centre is perusing its past as it prepares to mark 30 years in South Otago.
Centre president Nicola Law said preparations for a special day of celebration on June 24 were well under way.
However, before then, there were gaps in the group’s history she wanted to fill.
‘‘Past members have been pretty diligent at keeping cuttings from local papers and the like, but there are still some big gaps in the timeline we’d like to find out about,’’ she said.
‘‘We’d love to hear from any past committee members or other local people who might be able to fill in some of the blanks, in time for our anniversary gettogether.’’
Mrs Law said the celebration on June 24 would be held at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha, and was for past and present members and their families only.
However, new recruits were welcome to find out more about the centre during the preceding National Parents Centre Week.
‘‘We’ll have our doors open for all our regular groups and activities from June 18, so everyone’s welcome to come along and have a look.’’
The centre, at 6 John St, was well used by local families, and offered mutual support, friendship and resources to parents of 0 to 6yearolds, she said.
‘‘Like all voluntary groups we’ve had peaks and troughs down the years, but we’re seeing up to 30 children here pretty regularly at the moment. I think the fact we’re still going strong after 30 years shows there’s a need for a parents centre in our communities.’’
Amid celebrations on June
24, there would also be time for reflection, she said.
‘‘We’ll be lighting a candle for Louise Mills, who passed away two years ago and did so much for the centre.’’