Stratford Parents Centre enjoy playing on a new floor

Playing on the floor has never been so comfortable at the Stratford Parents Centre.

New carpet has been laid at the Miranda Street centre after it was granted $7400 from the Taranaki Electricity Trust to carry out improvements.

Stratford Parent's Centre president Felicia Piddington says she is happy with the new carpet which is soft to walk on due to its extra thick underlay.

She says it replaces an old brown carpet which smelt bad and was dusty when they pulled it up.

"This will improve the comfort for babies and make things a lot more comfortable for everyone."

Felicia says the grant meant three rooms could be carpeted and lino laid in the art room and kitchen.

She says the centre has also received a grant from the Trust Community Foundation to do up a room which is used as a library and quiet space. The money will be used to buy a heat pump as well as bean bags and a new couch.

Felicia says members have been busy tidying up the centre — painting the walls and setting up a new space called the nature room.

The room features natural materials for the children to play with including stones, shells and leaves as well as a carpentry table and a chalk wall.

The centre hosts a playgroup on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9.30am and noon and holds prenatal classes four times each year.

Felicia says there are 25 families currently registered as members and casuals also attend.

The goal of the centre is to provide ongoing support for families and provide a place for children to play.

Stratford Parents Centre turns 30 this year and is organising a celebration to mark the anniversary.

They would like to hear from past committee members and people who are interested in being involved.

Please contact stratford@parentscentre.org.nz