5 May 2008

Turning 21 at Tahunanui

Back in the 1970s a group of parents wanting a safe place to get together with their children started something that would make a big impact on the Tahunanui community.

The Tahunanui Community Centre is still going strong and will mark its 21st with a special family fun day on Saturday 17 May. The celebrations will also acknowledge and farewell Gill Bartlett, who as coordinator for 18 years, has helped guide the centre to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.

“The wonderful feeling at the centre is a reflection of the staff’s commitment and the vision of the original founders - people like Janet Matheson and Judy Greer,” Gill says. “Over the years I’ve seen children and their families gain real benefits from the friendship and support the centre offers.”

The centre has kept up with the changing needs of families and now offers a preschool programme three times a week; play group twice a week, a school holiday programme, after school care, a 60+ programme and parenting courses as well as providing a venue for other agencies such as Plunket.

Children can progress from the centre’s play group and pre-school to the Kindergarten next door. The centre also has strong links with the Tahunanui School and the uses the Muritai Centre facilities for its after-school and holiday programmes.

The Family Fun Day programme starts at 12.30 at Burrell Park (behind the centre). Acitivities include story time with the Nelson Youth theatre, old fashion games, stalls and rides. At 4pm there’s a get together at the centre and everyone is invited to celebrate its achievements and toast the future.

ENDS

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