Caerphilly's Family Groups Enjoy a Day Out in the Brecon Beacons

Many thanks to Tracey Lee-Hoy for sharing the following report and photos with us of  St Helen's Family Groups' day out at the Garwnant Visitor Centre in Merthyr on 12th April.

"A wonderful day was had by everybody on Saturday at the Garwnant Visitor Centre, Merthyr. We enjoyed a lovely picnic and the children had a lot of fun in the adventure playground on the flying foxes, kicking the football, on the swings and skipping ropes. 

After lunch and a long catch-up, the group packed up lunch and set out on the Green Walk, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the beacons, observing the changing landscape and just enjoying the fresh air in each others’ company. 
After our walk, we headed for the tearooms and relaxed while the children played out on the lawn. Over afternoon tea the group decided that the May Family Group Outing would be to either Rhossili, Rest Bay or Margam Country Park and if there is enough interest we may put on a bus.  Costs will be kept to a minimum and the date will be decided soon.  Details will be in the Family Groups' Newsletter."

Click here to download a form and sign up for the May Family Group Outing (completed forms can be handed in to Tracey, Stephen, Deb or Simon.)




For more information or to join St Helen's Family Groups please contact Stephen on 07807806058 or sign up via the parish website

If your parish has any great ideas for Family Groups or details of upcoming events, reports or pictures that you would like to share on this Blog please contact the MFL Project Office

Baking, Bowling and a Busy First Year for St Bernadette's Family Groups

Chris Robertson reflects on the packed first year of Family Groups in St Bernadette's parish, Scunthorpe

"I cannot believe that it is a year since Fr Peter McGrath and Gwen Winterscheidt first visited and helped us to set up Family Groups in our Parish. Now, one year on, the Parish has four groups which are still in the “forming” stage of development.  Over the year several groups have gathered for a chat and refreshments before/after Mass. Some have met in members' homes for games nights/quizzes and nibbles and most groups have been bowling. Following a suggestion from the children, one group embarked upon a baking session in the parish centre.  We have also hosted an Easter egg hunt; picnics in the park and several groups have organised House Masses. One group put on a trip to the National Trust's Nostell Priory and Parkland where everyone enjoyed a picnic in the courtyard and a walk in the grounds, as well a tour of the house with its paintings and Chippendale furniture and rounded off the day with an ice cream.

I have gate crashed a few groups events to see how they are getting on. In every one that I have been to the atmosphere has been brilliant. The adults, children and young people have got on well and really enjoyed themselves. However, I know that every group has its challenges and we keep praying that more people will join us for the events we plan and organise. When Father Peter and Gwen visited us in October, the shared table evening was a huge success - thank you to all those who came and brought goodies. Thanks also goes out to our own Father Peter (his savouries were delicious) and Harry for their support. The team building that was carried out that evening was superb."

If you are interested in joining one of St Bernadette's Family Groups or would like more information please call the main parish telephone number: 01724 844895 for the parish coordinators' contact details.

If your parish has any Family Groups news, details of upcoming events, reports or pictures that you would like to share with other Family Groups on this Blog please contact the MFL Project Office