Margaret Larsen was one of a team of founders for Mainly Music in Lawrence in 2006, after some of the area’s mothers requested a local group be set up.
Mrs Larsen said some families had been travelling to Milton to attend the musical playgroup, and wondered if anything could be arranged closer to home.
"Well, we looked into it, and about three months later, after a bit of bookwork and set-up, we ran our first session.
"It’s been a very satisfying journey since, so it’s a bittersweet feeling to be leaving it, albeit in good hands."
The sessions, which take place at the Lawrence Presbyterian Worship Centre, involved lightly-structured music, story, activity and interactions for preschoolers and their families.
The emphasis was on fun, socialising and friendship, Mrs Larsen said.
"I had one lady say to me at our last session, ‘it’s been a saving grace for meeting people and joining the community’.
"And that’s what it’s all about really, for newcomers and long-standing residents to get to know each other and strike up friendships and those support networks locally."
She said numbers attending had waxed and waned according to local "baby booms", growing as large as 25 families attending at times.
"We had four sets of twins one year, which was great fun."
She said a highlight had been getting to know so many local young people and their families.
"You get to see them grow up.
"We’ve even had some second-generation Mainly Music-ers coming through, including one young lady who used to come with her grandmother, and now attends with her own children."
Mrs Larsen said she was now forced to step away as she and her farmer husband — now both in their 70s — were retiring to Mosgiel.
"I like to keep busy, so I’m sure I’ll find some local groups to join in Mosgiel once I see what’s there.
"I know the group’s in good hands here, and I just hope it keeps going and bringing people together locally."
