A MUCH loved Woodley preschool celebrated a special birthday with its children, their families, and former pupils.
Visitors to St James Church Pre-school’s 50th birthday celebrations enjoyed a fun morning of play activities, singing and dancing, a visit from Woodley town mayor Cllr Juliet Anderson, and cake.
There was excitement and a party atmosphere at the St James Church Centre, on Kingfisher Drive, where preschoolers were able to enjoy a range of games and toys as well as taking part in toddler action songs, to the delight of their families.
“We’ve had an amazing turnout today,” said manager Elaine Hawkes.
“We wondered whether the wet weather might put people off, but the day has been brilliant, and it has been wonderful to see so many faces again after many years.”
The success of the preschool is its strong community.
It retains many of its former families – and toddlers – a number of whom returned for the group’s anniversary.
In fact, several members of the team attended the preschool as tots themselves.
Elaine’s daughter Joanne Brown is deputy manager.
“What’s happened in the last 50 years?” she laughed, pointing to a sea of pictures of smiling infants.
“I’ve grown up.
“Here I am in these photographs.”
Elaine said: “My children all came through the preschool, and some of our committee members were among the first youngsters to attend when it was initially set up.
“We’re personal, we’re small, and we have low child to teacher ratios.”
Cllr Juliet Anderson was delighted to be able to celebrate with the preschool, and to help cut a cake specially made for the anniversary.
She said: “It is extraordinary that the organisation has been going for 50 years, and testament to the people who work here and run it.
“Some of them have been here for a long time, and there’s a reason for that.
“They have created a community.
“We don’t have a huge number of preschools in Woodley but this is probably the oldest, and best established.
“It’s really well loved, and has just had a fantastic report.
“Reaching 50 years is quite an achievement.”
Asked what the next five decades will bring, Elaine said: “Our sessions are all full, and we will continue to be a community hub for Woodley and beyond.
“Here’s to the next 50 years – onwards and upwards.”
St James Church Pre-school has 32 children on its books, with 20 able to attend each of its nine sessions through the week.
Breakfast clubs and lunch clubs are also available, with youngsters able to attend from two years of age until they start school.
For information, visit: www.st-james-preschool.com
