Mayflower 40th Anniversary
Mayflower Playgroup Celebrates 40 Years
About 200 people gathered at Christ Church, on 15th September 2013 to celebrate Mayflower Playgroup providing quality care and education to pre-school children for 40 happy years. This was followed by a celebration lunch for past and present staff.
The “Free Church Playgroup” was first registered in September 1973 for children to “play in a planned social environment…and develop their potentialities.” At the time the idea of pre-school education was still in its infancy and it took a while to gain support. There was a charge of 25p per session and initially it was for 2 mornings per week. The first Supervisor was Jean Firth who along with previous supervisors Pam Davis, Carolyn Jolly and Mary Warburton were able to join in the celebrations.
Caroline Nicholls, the current supervisor said:
“Although the scope of the regulations has greatly increased and the move to government funded and OFSTED inspected playgroups has changed the level of administration necessary, the essential goals have remained.
“We aim to provide a stimulating and safe environment where children can learn through play and to welcome and serve the local community whatever their background or beliefs. We also are a distinctively Christian playgroup with regular teaching about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith along with a celebration of our diverse culture and a warm welcome for local families to the church family.”
Mark Ventham, Committee Chairman said:
“We would like to acknowledge all the staff and helpers, past and present for all their hard work and dedication to serving the children and families connected with Mayflower. We are also delighted that the team has achieved “Outstanding” in recent inspections. God has been very good to us over the past 40 years and we hope that we can continue to serve him by serving others and to help children learn through play all about life in God’s world.”
(Click on picture for larger version)
Staff Past and Present at the 40th Celebration including Jean Firth the first Supervisor (2nd row 3rd from left)
Click here to hear the sermon at the anniversary service