EXBOURNE pre-school will be celebrating its 20th birthday with a party tomorrow (Friday) ? and anybody who is or has been involved or interested in the group over the years is invited to join in the fun. The event begins at 2.30pm, and there will be face painting and activities to keep children occupied whilst adults will be able to enjoy a cream tea. The pre-school and toddler group started out as the idea of Frank Guy in 1987 as an opportunity for families in the area to get together. In those days, just three or four families attended once a week. Today the pre-school is fully accredited, and registered to accept eighteen children at each of its daily sessions. Held in Exbourne Methodist Church Hall, it is now well equipped with a contained outside play area and a wide range of toys and equipment. Val Letheren was one of the first mums to take her children to the new group in 1987. She later qualified as a pre-school leader and is now Exbourne?s longest serving member of staff. Val said: ?It is wonderful to think that the pre-school has been part of the community for two decades. I have children attending at the moment whose parents came here as pre-schoolers, it?s odd to think I am now educating a second generation!? Chairperson of the group Catherine East was keen to thank the Exbourne community for their help with fundraising over the last 20 years. ?We are especially lucky to have a wonderful relationship with the church which allows us to have sole use of the premises so that, unlike lots of other pre-schools, there is no need to pack away equipment at the end of a session,? she said. One of the pre-school?s most popular fundraisers is their mid week café, held once a term, at which a three-course cafe meal is served for just £3.50. For further details of the playgroup and its activities, please call 01837 851538.
