Min - I'm a bit too far away too! My MG didn't work out either... such a pity!
I take Gab to playgroup on Fridays (I take Paige too... she's the daughter of one of the girls from my MG.. I look after her 4 days a week) and it's really good. I get along well with the other parents and the girls are getting use to it. They love playing with all the different toys and watching the bigger kids doing their thing.

Next week the playgroup is splitting into 2 and going to someone's house for a cuppa just to get to know eachother a little better. Should be interesting!

Our membership fees aren't too bad. It's only $20 a term... which I think is pretty good. I am sure if you shop around, you could find something that suits you.

Our playgroup is church-based. While I'm not a religious person, I don't really mind singing songs and listening to Christian stories... I don't see the harm. Others felt a bit funny about it and decided to not continue but, each to their own. You've gotta feel comfy, right?