What a year we have had. 2022 saw us slowly return to fully being able to hold fund raising events. The pandemic restrictions meant some of the events had to run in a slightly different way- jumble sales were held outdoors and re-branded as yard sales and we held our first Easter fair, also in the playgroup garden.
Some of the improvements this year were necessary and some have been long term wish list items.
At the start of the year we realised the mud kitchen cover and shade would need to be replaced following some harsh winds and storms. We had a new hard canopy built in the Easter holidays and had some rails and decking replaced- making this area of the playground fully accessible to all children.
The inside of the playroom was repainted at the same time. This job had originally been scheduled for the summer of 2020! The roller blinds were repaired and some adjustments were made to the storage in the kitchen area.
Throughout the year various purchases have been made of toys and craft items. The children and staff have particularly enjoyed the new Happyland toys and a new scene set up always creates some excitement. The art and craft cupboard has continued to be well stocked and well used by the Playgroup artists. We have been very grateful to receive items from Amazon as listed on our wish list. Shoppers can search for the Uplands Playgroup wish list when choosing items to make up an order- these items are delivered directly to Playgroup and often used immediately!
We are so pleased that we have been able to end the year with our biggest purchase for a few years - a made to measure play terrace. Providing all weather play area. Our builders used composite decking, artificial turf and wooden picket fencing to create this area. We can not wait to start playing in this new area.
Fund raising events this year have included the yard sales, Easter Fair, jumble bag collections, home made brownie and cookie sales. raffle prize draws and tombola's
. The first Uplands Summer sizzle for 3 years was a great success and it was fabulous to see the members of the school community flock into the playground to take part in this popular event.
In July we also held our first Chilli and Quiz event- the hot summer evening meant we were able to enjoy an evening in the Playgroup garden that had been transformed into a Mexican cantina for the evening. Lots of spicy food and competitive spirits made for an excellent night.
In August we were on the map as one of the venues for the famous Stroud Yard Trail. Shoppers came from across the town to get some bargains and enjoy a coffee and a breakfast roll prepared by our friends the Stroud Valley Guides.
We were also able to renew our fund raising partnership with The Fountain pub and held our first event there since before the pandemic. This was a singing bingo night and while its hard to exactly describe what that is- again another excellent night out. The pubs halloween party also included a fund raising event for Playgroup.
At the start of December we held a Christmas party for all families and we are looking forward to more family events in 2023.
Thank you to all members of the community - far and wide for your continued support for Uplands Playgroup. During this next year the Playgroup will celebrate 55 years of being part of Uplands and you will not be surprised to learn that we have planned some events to mark this anniversary.
Our popular cookies and brownies are now a feature at most events
Singo Bingo - An amazing fundraiser and one of the busiest nights of the year for the Fountain Inn
2022- Our first Summer Sizzle for 3 years. It was great to welcome families back
The new play terrace. Ready for use in January 2023