Future for playcentre still in doubt

The fate of the Lansdowne Playcentre remains uncertain after an emergency meeting was called to decide its future.

The Wairarapa Times-Age last month reported the plight of the centre, which has a plummeting roll and a lack of funding and qualified volunteers.

Wairarapa Playcentre Association president Amelia Williams had set down an emergency meeting on September 18 at the Roberts Rd playcentre to discuss whether the organisation would be revived or closed.

Association spokeswoman Anne Palmer said up to 30 people had attended and it was decided to keep the centre open until the association's AGM to be held later this year.

"If the playcentre is well-attended over that time, it's more likely we'll keep it open," she said.

A final decision on the centre's future would be made by January, she said.

The Wairarapa association operates six playcentres and a playgroup in the region and there had also been an ongoing struggle to attract staff to playcentres in Eketahuna and Featherston, which had sufficient roll counts and funding.

The Lansdowne Playcentre would be holding a Monday morning session, Mrs Palmer said, starting from October 29.

There was also a casual play session running each Wednesday at the playcentre for two hours from 12.30pm. The cost is $2 each family and enrolment is not required.