A NEW group that gives girls in Milford Haven the chance to play and learn together has been given a cash boost.

A cheque for £150 from the town’s Round Table was presented to 3rd Milford Haven Rainbows at a group meeting on Friday, January 17.

Set up by Julie Drinkwater, whose granddaughter had spent months on the waiting list for town’s existing Rainbows group, the club is open to girls aged five to seven from the Milford Haven area.

As well as helping develop girls’ senses and social skills, and teaching them about nature, eating healthy, saving energy, different cultures and travel, the group will also help feed the town’s the Brownies groups.

Presenting the money, which will be used to buy resources for the group, including paper, pens, games and educational material, was Round Table member Martin Wilcox.

He commended the new group for giving local children a chance to play and learn together, while also giving parents a break.

Twenty-one girls have already signed up, with three spaces left to fill.

Julie, an experienced Rainbows and Brownies leader, said the Rainbows programme to ‘look, learn and laugh’ allowed girls to “be themselves”, without worrying about peer pressure, and helped improve confidence.

Having recently departed from the traditional Rainbows promise to “do my best to love my God and to be kind and helpful,” Julie said the group was now even more inclusive, and welcomed children of all faiths, as well as atheists.

“The success of the organisation is proof that it’s still got appeal today,” said Julie.

“It’s changed with the times, and is open to everybody.”

As well enjoying games, arts and crafts at weekly meetings, held at St Katharine's and St Peter's Church hall, in future the girls will also have the chance to go on trips and nature walks, as well as being encouraged to help out with local projects.

“We really do want to help support the community, especially as they have supported us so much,” said Julie.

Donations for the fledgling group have also come from the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire Trefoil Guild and South Hook LNG.

For more information, or to volunteer with the Rainbows, telephone Julie on 01437 768416.