Helen is the current co-ordinator of Playgroup, held in the St Barnabas Hall every Wednesday morning during term time.

"St Barnabas Hall is special to me as it was there that we were part of the start up of Lifestreams 17 years ago.

I can remember sitting with Rev. John Day and other parishioners and coming up with ideas for the name of the service that was soon to become Lifestreams.

And then I was part of the team with Vicki Gilmour who started mainly music up all those years ago.

We didn’t know how many families would come, but we trusted that if we offered mainly music, the families would come. And indeed they did.

I have been part of the Messy Church team since its inception – it used to be called Rainbow Promises.

And that has been a real blessing to see how God can touch people’s lives and help them feel like they have a place where they belong.

I have been Co-ordinator of Playgroup since August 2011 and we meet in the Hall every Wednesday during term time. To be able to journey alongside families as they go through those early stages of parenting has been such a blessing and a privilege.

I have watched my darling God daughter Rena be baptised and confirmed in the Hall at St Barnabas by Bishop Victoria. What an honour that was.

We as a family used to attend Antioch in the Hall, which was a lovely alternative to the morning worship, where our teenage boys could attend with their friends.

And I have been to many funeral afternoon teas in the Hall where we have been able to share memories of the person who has recently died. What a celebration of life that has been.

I have even been asked to speak to the AAW about my role in Playgroup and Bible in Schools which was an honour – even though it was a bit scary for me!

Steve & I have been part of the Dinners for Eight for many years and have enjoyed the dinner in the Hall at the end of the season with all the participants. We have enjoyed the Quiz Nights and other parish functions over the years – full of fun and laughter. There have been 21st birthday parties and a 50th party in the Hall which we have attended.

It is just a hall, but there have been so many wonderful memories of lots of activities and events held within the St Barnabas Hall - upgrading it will ensure that we are able to use it for many, many more years."