Our History
2016
VVe secured two large grants from the Lottery and Children in Need. The funding provided us the opportunity to develop the Horizon’s Project
2015
Due to the broad array of services we provided the Trustees re-branded the Charity. The new name ‘Families First Bedfordshire’ supports our whole family ethos
2014
After 28 years service, Kate Martinow (Centre Director) retired. She started her involvement as a volunteer and was the entrepreneur behind our successes
2012
VVe secured funding to build a new extension to our premises. It provided us with a large community room, offices and a reception area
2010
VVe had been open for 25 years which was a huge milestone for the Charity. VVe also achieved our PQASSO accreditation to confirm our quality of service
2008
The Nursery and it’s garden had a facelift during 2008. The building was extended to provide additional classrooms due to the demand in the area for childcare
2007
Mandy Conlon, the Specialist Services Manager was invited to Downing Street to meet Tony Blair to talk about our charity and the services we provide
2004
The Charity became one of the Lead Agencies for Bedford’s first Sure Start Children’s Centre programme. A service we are still delivering to this day
2002-2003
The centre opened it’s first support group for women who had experienced domestic abuse. The following year Smarteez Neighbourhod Nursery was opened
1998
After a Lot of searching the charity moved from the Scout Hut to 30 Meadway. Teens and Tot’s opened, the first group in Bedford to support teenage parents
1993
The centre was at risk of closing due to Losing core funding. A protest march to County Hall by the staff, children & parents to deliver a signed petition saved the day!
1991
Due to the success of the Play Group and Drop-In the committee re-branded the Charity as “Goldington Family Support Centre” and started offering counselling
1990
The committee of the Goldington Drop-In agreed to open a new playgroup at the Scout Hut. It opened in April 1990.
1987
After the Playgroup closed the drop in continued under the new name “Goldington Drop-In”.
1985
The Bunyan Playgroup moved to the Scout Hut on Church Lane but unfortunately went bankrupt in 1987
1984
The ‘Bunyan Playgroup’ in
Goldington opened it’s first Parent
Drop-In, 2 mornings a week, after identifying a need for the families accessing their childcare provision