A popular preschool, which has its highest-ever number of children on roll, has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
There was fun, even in the rain, for the children, staff and parents at the birthday party earlier this year.
Children go to St Nicholas Preschool at Hurst from the village, but also from Wokingham, Woodley, Twyford and even Arborfield.
Claire Guile of Winnersh, the preschool’s manager for eight years, said: “Fifty is the most children we’ve ever had. We have a waiting list for places. We’re allowed 26 children at a time, so they’re spread across the week.”
The preschool’s facilities at Hurst’s small village hall have kept improving. This is thanks to caring staff, committees, parents and supporters over five decades. Hurst Show has been a regular benefactor.
The hall’s outdoor toilets, the boys’ section without a roof, were long ago replaced by indoor ones.
In about 2009, the bramble-filled area behind the hall was cleared to create a spacious garden.
“The committee, staff and others built the large climbing frame looking like a castle with a concrete tunnel under it. The tunnel was big enough for a child in a wheelchair,” said Claire a former primary school teacher.
“The castle was replaced 10 years later to modern safety standards and keeping the original tunnel. A new doorway means children can go straight from the hall into the garden.
“Parents looking around to bring their children here gasp when they see the Castle Garden. It’s a special place and much-loved.”
The children plant, water, and pick fruit and vegetables in the allotment area.
Claire loves her job: “We have a good team of ten staff, the committee and of course our parents. My three girls all came here.”
The Ofsted registered charity preschool was rated as Good last year.
The aim is to help children’s independence and self-confidence, preparing them for school. They learn through play.
Claire’s husband Simon was landlord of the Green Man pub, Hurst for 12 years until 2010.
Among the guests last Saturday was Sue Rockall from Hurst, who with her late sister-in-law Elsie Carter in 1973 started a playgroup which developed into today’s preschool. Elsie had been involved in something similar in Maidenhead and took charge of the new Hurst group.
“The village hall caretaker Rita Poole and Lynne Neville also helped. My son Jake was one of the first children. There were 18 or 20 children at first and we were open in the mornings. The hall was used by others so we cleared everything out each day,” said Sue.
