Sun beams for Sunbeams at 40 with Innellan and Toward Family Cente

In the sunniest spot in Cowal on Saturday 9th June, dozens of families and all generations relaxed on the lawns of Castle Toward, enjoying live music from The Mossy River Band.

This was the Innellan & Toward Family Centre celebrating 40 years of work with local children, seeing the sun shine for Sunbeams’ 40th Birthday.

The children revelled in a treasure trail, races, face painting and the chance to meet Iggle Piggle and Fireman Sam – while the grown-ups worked their way through the tea and cakes. No great effort required.

One of the Sunbeams Nursery mothers, Rachael Brown – of Rachael’s Cakes – created a beautiful birthday cake, which was cut by Julie Bracey, one of the original Innellan Playgroup babies and Ella Gerrish, the newest member of Family Centre (with mum Jamie) while everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday to you’.

Ann Campbell, Project Development Worker at the Family Centre says: ‘We all had a wonderful day at Castle Toward relaxing in the sun and watching the children have so much fun.

‘There was a real sense of the whole community coming together and building friendships, which is a large part of what Innellan & Toward Family Centre is about.

‘We were delighted to have the support of so many local people and businesses and have to thank Actual Reality for the use of the castle grounds; the Mossy River Band for great entertainment; Fyne Face Painting for such creative designs; Rachael’s Cakes for a fabulous (eatable) work of art; Party Headz for bringing such special guests (including Mickey & Minnie Mouse); Dae it Yersel’ for the use of their gazebo; Ardyne Farm for the tractor; and Neil Clifford Gardening Services for the very generous donation. ‘

As ever our supporters donated an amazing array of home baking and tombola prizes and we raised over £300, while having a great time.  We were also delighted to receive some kind cash donations from local people.’

Anyone interested in supporting the worthwhile service the Family Centre provides, or in finding out more about their work, can contact Ann Campbell:

• by phone on 07754 866396,
• by email on ITFCAS@aol.com
• or viat their Facebook page ‘Innellan & Toward Family Centre’.

The Innellan and Toward Family Centre operates two Parent and Toddler Groups, Sunbeams Nursery, Puddle Ducks Outdoor Nursery sessions, Mud Skippers, Mini Movers and an After School Art Club.

It is open to families from across the Cowal peninsula.