A GRANDMOTHER who dedicated her life to ensuring children from all walks of life were part of a playgroup has died.

Barbara St Claire, who worked for the Hammersmith and Fulham Council-run play session group, the One O'Clock Club, for 25 years, died last Friday (19) at the age of 66 following a battle with Alzheimer's.

The mother of two started working as a play leader for the club when her sons were very young and then stayed on because she loved children.

Thirty to 40 children would pack into the various centre's she worked at over the years, in Ravenscourt Park, Purcell Crescent and mostly in Bishop's Park.

The One O'Clock Club was shut down a few years ago but Barbara, who lived all around the borough for 35 years, but mostly in Dawes Road, Fulham, was always getting former pupils, many in their early 20s, greeting her with enthusiasm as they bumped into her on the street.

Daughter-in-law, Kelly St Claire, who is married to Louis, 40, said: "It was something she loved doing. She wanted to do a job where she could have kids and ended up staying because she just adored being around kids.

"Barbara was unbelivably good at engaging with kids and when she looked after our children she put us to shame because she always had at least three activities on the go to keep them entertained!

"In the last few years she was severely affected by two forms of dementia, which she ultimately died of. It's very sad but it would be lovely if all those kids and their parents that Barbara brought so much joy to, could come to her funeral or just remember her how she was."

Barbara's funeral will be held at 11am next Tuesday (July 30) at Slough Crematorium. Everybody is welcome and a tribute fund in her name has been set up with The Alzheimer's Society. Donations can be made online at www.alzheimers.org.uk or by calling 0845 306 0898.