Playgroup has its own story of Christmas triumph

Christmas celebrations have marked a “triumph” for the district’s only free nursery as staff and families celebrate the official opening of their new home in time for January.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Dec 2014, 11:05 BST
Cllr Blacklock at the official playgroup openingCllr Blacklock at the official playgroup opening
Cllr Blacklock at the official playgroup opening

The Spring Playgroup moved into Kenilworth Sports and Social club in September 
in hope of offering more services and better suit its families.

And as they celebrated their first three months with a Nativity play to round off the Christmas term, the nursery was officially opened by Warwick district councillor Ann Blacklock.

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Cutting the ribbon to celebrate the move, Cllr Blacklock (LibDem Kenilworth Abbey) said: “It’s a great pleasure to declare the Spring Playgroup open. This time last year, who would have guessed you would have all been so happy in this great setting. You have come so far.”

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The charity group has been open in the town for years, but began a new chapter in September when it moved from The Kenilworth Centre to the Upper Rosemary Hill social club.

The new space gives the nursery a dedicated area away from club activities, access to outdoor play space and overnight storage.

The move was hailed by staff as the ideal setting as many of the club’s members already have children enrolled in the play service.

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Candy Evans, chair of trustees, said: “The Christmas story is one of hope and our move this year has been a triumph of hope.

“We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our staff, volunteers, parents and many other organisations in Kenilworth – particularly the sports and social club.

“So many people have given their time, resources and funds to get us here.

“We are really looking forward to the opportunities our new home brings.”

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The playgroup is Warwickshire’s only free care provider for pre-school children, as well as offering special-needs care and training.

Since moving it has already been able to extend its opening hours to include an after-school club.

It was previously run from The Kenilworth Centre but issues arose over lack of overnight storage space for equipment and tenancy agreements.

The team benefited from a Kenilworth Community Forum grant earlier this year to help create their own space and separate family access within the club.

For information on places, or what the team can offer, contact supervisor Jackie Cross on 864443 or visit www.springplaygroup.co.uk