Lyndon Methodist Church, Solihull

News

Carole Woodward

Carole Woodward has been involved in the life of Lyndon Methodist Church since the early 70s, first as a Girls’ Brigade Officer and then through her involvement with our Nursery.
When her children were young she worked in the then Lyndon Playgroup as a helper before taking on the role of leader in 1973 when Eileen Kirby past the baton on.
Carole recalls those early relaxed days with a smile. She remembers that most days they had 30 children just for the morning and that they met in the hall and the lounge. The curriculum was straight forward with a time for playing games, craft activity, refreshments and some singing. Carole remembers that most of the planning went on walking to the Church Centre in the morning with her friend!
Education never stands still and soon Carole was managing increased regulation and compliance. The Playgroup became a Nursery taking 25 children for a morning and afternoon session. Then followed a Wrap Around Service with Daylesford School and a Breakfast Club. When I was stationed as Minister here the Nursery also ran a second site offering Nursery provision at Yardley Methodist Church too.
Carole has been at the forefront of all this development and says that there have been times when it has been hard work keeping up with the pace and scale of the change. What has sustained her has been the talented team of staff who work with her and the cheerfulness and brightness of the children. Carole has been a hands on manager who has loved the day to day care of the children; delighted in their conversation; enjoyed their stimulating play and has taken great satisfaction in promoting their development. She freely admits that in return the children have kept her young in outlook for which she is very grateful.
In all of this she has been well supported by her husband James whose woodwork and craft skills have been much in evidence from repairing chairs, restoring toys and building constructive storage space.
Carole we thank you for your 36 years of service to the church in this place and to the children who have been part of this community. We wish you many blessings in your retirement and following a good rest the blessing of a fresh project. We can’t see you sitting down for long!
With love and prayers
Rev Julia