The Herne Toddler Group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary — marking five decades of offering a welcoming, supportive space for local families. A thanksgiving service and teddy bear picnic at St Martin’s Church brought together past and present members, volunteers, and leaders for a joyful milestone.
Founded in 1975, the group was the idea of two local mums — Fay, a foster mother, and Wendy Dilnot — who saw a need for somewhere that stay-at-home mothers could go to meet others and give their children the chance to socialise. At that time, there were no local nurseries or childminders, and isolation was a real challenge for many.
“I was one of those mothers,” Wendy shared. “I had no family nearby, two under-fives, and no car. I used to walk from Greenhill to Herne every Tuesday to help run the group.” The group began meeting on Tuesday afternoons in St Martin’s Hall — and it still meets there today.
Over the decades, the Herne Toddler Group has grown and adapted. It now welcomes not just mums but dads, grandparents, carers — anyone looking for a friendly, low-pressure space for young children to play and mix before starting school.
At the anniversary celebration, Wendy and co-founder Jean White were joined by local councillor Grace Paget to unveil a commemorative plaque that will hang in St Martin’s Hall. Children made golden hand cut-outs during the service to represent the generations who’ve passed through the group. Afterwards, a teddy bear picnic was held in the churchyard, complete with a special celebration cake cut by long-time former leader Joan Ball, accompanied by her knitted bear.
Wendy’s daughter Katy, who once attended the group as a toddler herself and later helped run it, reflected on what has helped the group continue for so many years:
“My mum Wendy (co founder) was delighted to hear from a grandparent that when he goes to toddlers he feels welcomed along with the children to have a safe and friendly place to play.
“This was and still is the ethos of why this group is still running today.
“Thank you to everyone who goes today and future parents/carers of children and of course the fantastic people who volunteer to run the sessions.
“From an original toddler myself, to a mum today.”
As the Diocese of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú continues to take steps toward its Bold Outcome to double the number of children and young disciples in our diocese, Herne Toddler Group offers a model of how simple, local beginnings can grow into lasting community impact.
Find out more about church groups and activities on the .