25th Anniversary, Playschool
Maureen McLaughlin of the
County Childcare Committee was one of the founder members of the Playgroup. On
Friday July 13 2007, at the 25th Anniversary she said during an event in St
Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre to mark the occasion, “In the St
Johnston, Trentaghmucklagh and Killea are, the catchment area for the Playgroup
– there are 188 children under two years of age and that is a lot for this area.
Stepping Stones provides the childcare for these children. We would be
advocating that every pre-school child should have free access to pre-schooling.
If you are talking to anyone with regard to funding tell them that you want free
access". She added that in 1981, “The Area was very polarised. There were the
Catholics and Protestants, simple as that. Things have moved on but I must pay
tribute to the late Master Shannon and Jim Roulstone for their help in the early
days.” Playgroup Chairperson Emer Houston acted as MC for the celebration. She
unveiled a plaque commemorating the Playgroup's quarter century of growing
success.