Councillors see toy library thrive after awarding £1,000 grant
Councillors have visited Romsey Area Toy Library (RATL) to see the impact of the Councillor Community Grant awarded towards the cost of relocating the service and buying new high-quality toys to loan out.
After having to stop due to venue they were using closing , RATL contacted Test Valley Borough Council’s community engagement officers, who worked with councillors to find and help fund a new, central space for this important community-run project.
The £1,000 grant from Abbey ward councillors helped the toy library move to Age Concern Romsey & District and buy toys for families to borrow. Councillors Sandra Gidley and Nik Daas visited the new venue to see the difference the funding has made.
Councillor Sandra Gidley said; “It’s fantastic to see the toy library back up and running in such a central location. This service helps families save money, reduce waste and enjoy quality toys without the cost of buying them. The partnership with Age Concern is a brilliant example of how we can bring different parts of the community together.”
Councillor Nik Daas added; “The toy library is a real asset for Romsey. It’s great to see our grant being used to support families and create opportunities for intergenerational activities. I’d encourage anyone who can volunteer to get involved - it’s a simple way to make a big difference.”
During their visit, the councillors joined Elaine Grimwood from RATL and Carole Lamb, chairperson of Age Concern Romsey & District, to explore the new space – and enjoy some of the toys.
The new space links RATL with Age Concern Romsey & District, as they had a room that was underused, and the partnership means both organisations can support the community. The hall in Love Lane offers level access for pushchairs, nearby parking, and good public transport links. Being more central makes the service easier for families to reach and raises awareness of the toy library in the town.
Both organisations are excited about the future. They’re planning to run special sessions where older people and young families can spend time together in the hall. These activities aren’t just fun, they’re proven to boost wellbeing and help people feel more connected. Imagine grandparents sharing stories while toddlers play, or families learning new skills from older generations. It’s a chance to build friendships, reduce isolation, and create a real sense of community. By bringing different age groups together, the partnership hopes to make the hall a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Borrowing toys saves money, reduces waste, and helps families try lots of different toys. The annual subscription is £30 – far less than buying new toys – and could even make a thoughtful Christmas gift. Sessions run every Monday in term time from 10am to 12pm, giving families the chance to choose toys to take home and enjoy.
RATL and Age Concern Romsey & District are valued local services, and both need volunteers to help them to keep their services going . More helpers would allow the toy library to open more often for example , including evenings and weekends.