A RETIRED couple who have spent more than a decade running play groups for youngsters held their final one this week.
Barbara and Ron Cooper, aged 77 and 81 respectively, are both former teachers who lead the Tuesday play group held at Gawber Church Hall.
Barbara had previously taken an early retirement from St Mary’s School, where she taught year one children, to help look after her grandkids something that inspired her to get involved with the group.
She told the Chronicle: “We started off looking after our grandchildren and taking them to groups like this they’ve grown up and are all in their teens or older now, but we carried on.
“These groups are special, but toddler groups can fold when parents leave and go back to work, so that is where we stepped in.”
The couple from Gawber have run the play group for around 15 years and have seen children come and go with multiple generations enjoying it.
Barbara added: “We have loved every minute that we’ve spent here, we’ve been the continuous presence.
“Sometimes parents would come with their child, and then come back later down the line when they had another baby.
“We had one woman come in with her grandchild recently, who used to bring her own daughter here in the past.”
At this week’s group, parents and children held a small celebration for Barbara and Ron and presented them with gifts, including a voucher for the Wagon and Horses Pub in Oxspring.
As much as the couple have loved their time at the group, they are planning on taking a break and enjoying their retirement after the final one on Tuesday.
Barbara added: “Some parents asked if we could have a little party as part of the group, all the kids had some food and then we had a little presentation after.
“It was a superb surprise from them all, and Tuesday is always a busy day.
“We don’t really have any plans for now though, we’re just going to enjoy our retirement I think.”
Despite calling time on their involvement, Barbara and Ron look back with very fond memories of being with the group.
They’ve helped put on activities like crafts, dancing and singing, but it’s hard for them to pick out a favourite moment.
Barbara added: “While there hasn’t been a particular stand-out moment, it’s been a pleasure to meet so many mums here.
“We’ve also met people who are still friends many years on which is important.
“One of the best things is when we all have a sing at the end of the group, and when you sing at little children who are one they look at you quite puzzled.
“But when they get a little bit older they suddenly start singing songs all the way through to you.
“That’s so rewarding and I will miss that.”
