Old Kilpatrick Playgroup defying local closure celebrates success

In January, the Post spoke to a group of women named the 'magnificent seven' who were desperate for a place for their little ones and grandchildren after so many closures nearby.

Now six months on, OK Stay and Play in Old Kilpatrick celebrated with a party yesterday (June 25) before closing for summer.

An ice cream van, petting zoo and bouncy castle were just some of the efforts volunteers put on for their 'summer extravaganza'.

The morning included a surprise appearance from 'JJ' from Coco Melon.

(Image: Newsquest) Then it was time for a ceremony to mark the kids that will be moving on to nursery in August.

Dripping in ice cream, the kids donned their graduation caps, as proud parents thanked the volunteers for their endless generosity in hosting the event.Graduating kids were given scrolls and a book to take away (Image: Newsquest)
With more than 50 attendees a week, the group is going "from strength to strength" expecting more joiners after summer.

The group has also been awarded funding by Arnold Clark who gave £500 and the Youth Fund from West Dunbartonshire Council gave £3,240.

Parents expressed their gratitude for the six months they have enjoyed with the group calling it 'brilliant.'

A petting zoo was there to let the kids meet different animals (Image: Newsquest) Gillian Belshaw, mother of Charlotte pictured brushing a bunny, said: “This group is great, it's good for the kids to come and get outdoors and play with toys. I just saw this place on Facebook and it's ideal for my hours.

“We come on a Tuesday and it’s a good two hours where if the weather is nice the kids can get outside, and I can have a cup of tea with other mums.

“It's good to get up and out of the house and have variety.”

One member Jacqui told of her pride in the group which started with nothing and has ended up with a container bursting with toys from generous donations.

Jacqui McCormack, one of the founding members, said: “We started with not one penny in the bank. Now over two days, we are getting more than 50 kids. It goes to show that there is a big need for this in the community.

"With some of the grants we are going to renew some of the toys and create a sensory room for kids. Some kids need a more quiet space and we want to make that."

An ice cream van gave out sweet treats to kids and parents (Image: Newsquest) Amanda O’Hanlon, a parent volunteer, said: “We came along when they opened up here. My daughter loves it and we come along every Tuesday and Thursday.

“It's great for the kids, absolutely brilliant. I can't believe they have started it from scratch, I mean, look at it now, look how busy it is.

“There isn’t anything else around here, this is it.”

The group will now break up for summer and then commence again when the schools reopen.

They operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.