Play time gets a lot more fun

There is going to be clay sculpting, painting, carpentry and messy play galore at Stratford Playcentre with the formal opening of the centre's multi purpose room on Monday morning.

Lizette Bretherton, president of the Stratford Playcentre, says the extension project is something the centre has had on its wish list since last year.

"Our secretary, Nadine Moore, put out grant applications at the start of this year and we were very lucky to receive funding and start work quickly."

Kaumatua from the Whakaahurangi Marae blessed the centre's extension on Monday morning after an official ribbon cutting by mayor Neil Volzke.

Neil says it is always a great occasion to be invited to an extension of a facility, "in particular this group who only a few years ago were struggling to stay open. But with the enthusiasm of the members building it back up, Stratford Playcentre is going from strength to strength".

Lizette says the extension is not the only addition to Stratford Playcentre. After a range of fundraising projects last year the centre has been able to build an equipment shed for all of the outdoor equipment.

Stratford Playcentre also now have a rowboat, thanks to Jamie and Zane Bolger, and mud kitchen, thanks to Tracy O'Sullivan and ITM Stratford, as a part of the outdoor play area which the children are exploring for the first time this term says Lizette. Stratford Playcentre received grant money from Taranaki Electricity Trust and TSB Community Trust. The multipurpose room was designed by Wayne Bloor of Define Structure Architects and was constructed by Quintin Oakes Builders. The equipment shed was built by Matthew Hopkins Builders.