Every month we submit an article to Great Shelford's monthly magazine. Here is our latest contribution for the June 2025 edition.

Time to Play

“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also the Father who sent me”
Mark 9: 37

In the spring of 1974, three members of Great Shelford Free Church – Mary Smith, Elsie Moody and Edna Winterflood – started a playgroup in the church hall that would serve mothers with infants in the community, in a welcoming, supportive, safe and informal setting. There were very few facilities then for mothers with small children, and the team recognised that while children are a gift from God, parenting is hard work!

Come and Go Playgroup started on Wednesday mornings with few guests and a variety of donated toys and books, a painting table and, later, a slide. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits were provided, and the atmosphere was happy and relaxed, with mothers making new friends whilst their children played nearby. Over the years, the playgroup team grew and changed, extra helpers joined, word spread and soon carers with children were coming from both the Shelfords and surrounding villages.

When our new hall was built, more space became available and extra activities were introduced: music, painting, playdough, story-time, nursery rhymes and puzzles. Mary retired from nursing and was persuaded back on to the team: Penny Kite became leader. There were other, more formal considerations: safeguarding checks on all helpers, new fire regulations, rules relating to social services and kitchen hygiene. To reflect both the Ofsted definition and changing times, the playgroup became ‘Little Steps Toddler Group’ working in tandem with our new church venture – Tiny Toes baby group for the (roughly) under 1s. 

Since then, we have been through COVID, spending many weeks meeting on Great Shelford recreation ground, and although we are back in our building, we still have occasional outdoor trails. Little Steps Toddler Group continues to thrive on the enthusiasm of carers and children, with a dedicated team of helpers. The Free Church has always given wholehearted encouragement, and the group itself has supported a huge range of good causes and charities, including an ongoing Freecycle, with items being passed on to Fenland Family and Baby Bank in Wisbech. From those small beginnings Little Steps has grown and flourished. It is owing to the dedication, hard work and prayers that we thank God for 50 years of serving this community.

Penny Kite

If you would like to join, or simply to know more, please email administrator@shelfordfreechurch.org.uk

Little Steps meets on Wednesdays from 10-11.30am: Tiny Toes meets from 1.30-3pm.