Posted on: 22nd July 2025

Every Thursday, the peace and quiet of Rodley church hall quickly fills with laughter and chaos as doors open to its weekly playgroup Rodley Young Ones. 

The group is led by Vicky and Linda, who have been friends for 64 years.

Vicky saw there was a need for it, decided to put herself through a childcare course to qualify and hasn’t looked back since.

“I took on the group 44 years ago when I needed somewhere to take my own daughter, but it was coming to an end,” Vicky said.

Over the years, the group has adapted and evolved in many ways, and now caters for babies from birth to school age with parents staying for the duration of the session too.

Each week is well thought out and tailored to meet the needs of the individual children. Toys are carefully selected, helping to encourage and build interactions and development. The children help tidy up before free play, which usually consists of getting all the bouncy balls out for a game of football. 

The group is just as much for parents’ well-being as it is for the children’s, offering the chance to escape the house, enjoy some adult conversation and have someone else make them a brew.

Two parents who attend first met at the group 16 years ago as first-time mums, and have continued to return with their other children ever since. “We introduced our husbands, who are now good friends, and we have even been on holiday together, just from meeting here,” they laughed. 

A couple of weeks ago, due to illness, the playgroup was cancelled, and a group of parents who didn’t know each other arranged a visit to the park instead. 

“It’s not just for mums either, we have several dads attend too, one of which came to the playgroup himself when he was a boy. That’s why the group means so much to me, after all these years it’s become so personal and I’m so proud of what the family’s attending have contributed to the group,” Vicky adds.

There are also a number of Grandparents who come along. One said: “I’ve made my own friendships through the playgroup, and it opens up new doors for me and my granddaughter.

Rodley Young Ones is a non-profit group, fees are kept low to make it affordable to everyone ranging from £1-2.50 (depending on the child’s age) and includes a hot drink for the grown ups and juice and biscuits for the kids. Doors remain open throughout the school holidays, when older siblings are welcome to join. 

Photo shows friends: Vicky and Linda, of Rodley Young Ones. Photo: Rebecca Tait

Read the full article here.