A much-loved Westbury group offering support and friendship to families with young children has celebrated its 35th anniversary.
First Steps to Worship, based at All Saints’ Church, was launched in 1989 by curate Rev Dorothy Bellamy as a welcoming space for parents, carers, childminders, babies and pre-schoolers to come together for fun and friendship.
Peter Jane soon joined the group to play guitar during sessions, while Sharon Jones, one of the first members in 1990, later took on a leadership role once her own children had grown up.
To mark 35 years of community service, members past and present came together for a special celebration, with cake, balloons and refreshments provided by Mothers’ Union members Jean Jane and Hilary Price.
Sharon said, “We are very grateful for the support of Peter, Jean and Hilary over all these years.
“We had to celebrate our 30th birthday on Zoom during Covid instead of the big party we were intending to have. However, this meant that past members could join in from all around the country.
“People joined in from Devon, Wales, London and Scotland. We had 80 people taking part – the highest online congregation for a service during that Covid period. I think this shows how fond people are of First Steps.
“I am still friends with people I met here when my children were small. It can be lonely when you have a baby or toddler – places like First Steps are invaluable.”
First Steps to Worship meets every Wednesday during term time at 9.30am in All Saints Church. The hour-long session includes a story and songs, followed by refreshments and time for adults to chat while children play.
New members are always welcome.
