Over Covid, we found that many of our young families and children struggled to connect online, and the absence of their chatter and presence in church has been keenly felt - it felt so very empty without them!

We've been steadily building that up over the last year, and it's been wonderful to hear them chattering away in the children's area, taking part in services and generally making sure that their presence is felt! Our revived Tea & Tales has also been warmly received with many children and families now counting it as part of their weekly rhythms. But as we are committed to making sure that our children and young families are at the heart of our church life, we felt it the right moment to appoint someone to help us develop what we do even more.

We also have the privilege of working with our neighbouring Altrincham CE Primary School. Lots of discussions have been had over the year, and we wanted to strengthen and develop those links, so as we were putting together our job description, working within and with the school became a big part of it.

So last month we were delighted to appoint Dee. Dee is a warm, generous woman full of life and energy! She has a heart for children and young families, helped no doubt by the fact that she and her husband Nick have three of their own children, and she is keen for them to explore and develop their faith, whilst also providing support and a listening ear to all that need it. Dee will both be developing groups mid week and on Sunday mornings here at St George's, and, on the school side, will also be helping lead assemblies, and starting some lunchtime groups up too.

So do watch this space as we discern what our next steps are as we seek to enable children to thrive at St George's - there are so many ideas flowing; the questions will be which ones we do and in which order!