A PURPOSE-BUILT nursery in the grounds of Bere Alston School could be open by June 2003, the general meeting of the Bere Community Project heard recently.
The project — which previously raised the funds for the community sports hall at the school and is involved with plans for a wheeled sports area — is now fundraising for the Action for Bere Childcare nursery, which would include facilities for before- and after-school clubs plus a holiday club.
This would provide a complete system of childcare from pre-school up to secondary school age on the same campus.
The estimated cost of the ABC nursery building and equipment is £80,000-£100,000, to be sourced from Government, charitable trusts and local fundraising.
During 2002, it is hoped to complete a business plan, visit other groups and their premises and draw up a detailed building plan. Devon Design Practice have offered advice and a site meeting.
It is envisaged that the building will begin in 2002/2003 with a possible opening date being Village Day in June 2003.
The meeting heard that fundraising during 2001 had been reduced owing to foot and mouth, but in 2002 efforts would be increased considerably.
There was the possibility that charges for the sports hall would have to be increased due to the doubling in price of insurance cover.
Officers elected at the meeting were: chair, Fern Hughes; vice-chair, George Nash; treasurer, Roger Backaller; secretary, Sue Painter; committee, headmistress Kim Wild, Pat Willcocks, Pru Barnes, Clare Packer, Caroline Rae, Paul Graeme-Drury and Jane Nash.