Cylch Meithrin Arberth is appealing for help as it is facing the threat of closure due to a lack of funds.

A registered charity, providing a Welsh-medium pre-school setting for children aged two-and-a-half up until the age of four, the Cylch Meithrin is based in Bloomfield and currently has 24 children attending daily, as well as operating a full waiting list for the termly intakes.

It is one of the busiest Cylch Meithrin’s in Pembrokeshire and with the recent closure of another playgroup in Narberth, is the only pre-school setting in the area.

Many people are unaware that Cylch Meithrin Arberth runs on grants and relies heavily on fundraising, with the fees parents pay covering a very small amount of the running costs; it is not (as most people think) subsidised by the Government. Cylch Meithrin’s outgoings mainly include rent, wages, and food for the children, leaving very little to no money to spend on new resources and toys for the children.

“There are currently three members on the committee and it is down to us to organise and run fundraisers, as well as collect fees and pay the staff wages, apply for grants and write to local businesses asking for help,” said one of the members. “We are all full-time working mothers and are finding it increasingly difficult to get other volunteers on board to help us.

“Unfortunately we have had to raise the cost of the sessions to try and cover the expenses, but we still do not have enough money left over to buy new resources which would greatly benefit the learning of the children.

“Any donations of resources would be greatly appreciated, as would sponsorship for room hire. It would be extremely sad to see this wonderful educational setting having to close its doors. We have contacted several businesses seeking donations from their five pence carrier bag charges and sponsorship for room hire, but have had little to no response.

“We would like to thank all of the businesses who have donated raffle prizes and cash donations to the Cylch in the last few months, including; Enigma Hair and Beauty, Wisebuys, The Creative Cafe, Bargain Box, Tan Y Castell, Redford Caravan Park, Folly Farm, GD Harries, Narberth and Whitland Round Table. Thank you to Narberth Fire Station for letting us hold our Car Wash and to Narberth Civic Week for giving us a stall during the carnival and a bucket for collection during the parade.”