A playgroup is hoping the Examiner’s Wish campaign will prove a big help just when they need it.

Bolster Moor Under 5s Playgroup has met at Bolster Moor Chapel for more than 30 years.

However, dwindling congregations caused the church to close last month.

The playgroup still meets there but the Yorkshire Baptist Association plans to sell the land and building and the playgroup has until spring to find a new home.

Playgroup manager Christina Smith said while the immediate future was uncertain there was no way the playgroup would close.

“We certainly won’t be beaten,” said Mrs Smith. “Whatever happens we will continue. We just don’t know where.”

The playgroup committee is currently scouring Bolster Moor for new premises and wants to stay in the village if at all possible.

“We don’t want to go far but if we have to move out we want to remain as close to Bolster Moor as possible,” said Mrs Smith.

It is the first time that the playgroup has entered the Wish competition and Mrs Smith said it had come at just the right time.

“As yet we don’t know what it will cost us to move.

Examiner Wish logo
Examiner Wish logo

“We may have to pay more in rent and may have to buy new equipment or smaller equipment.

“Whatever happens any money we receive from Wish will be very useful.”

The group, which has eight staff, is a registered charity and relies on fundraising to supplement the fees received from parents.

The group takes children aged two to four years old and currently has 43 youngsters.

Mrs Smith said the playgroup, established more than 40 years ago, had an excellent reputation locally for the quality of its child care.

“All our staff are very long standing,” she said. “I have been here almost 14 years and one member of staff, Janet Clark, has been here for 30 years.

“We pride ourselves on being warm and welcoming with a homely atmosphere for the children to have a good time and enjoy learning.”

The playgroup, run by a committee of volunteers, is working with Bolster Moor Community Association to find new premises.

Click here to find out more about our Wish campaign.