MEMORIES of life at a village nursery are being sought to help celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Evenwood Primary School’s nursery first opened its doors to youngsters in September 1993. Almost a quarter of a century later, staff are now preparing to mark the milestone and are calling on past pupils and parents to share memories of their time there.
An open day is being planned for Saturday, July 7, when photographs will be on display. They will also be used to create a memory book.
Former nursery teacher Jill Swinbank taught at the nursery when it first opened and has remained a part of the school ever since. She is currently the school’s fundraising co-ordinator and is trying to gather sufficient funds together for a new climbing frame.
She said: “I think it will be lovely to see people and to hear people’s memories of the nursery. If people have any old photographs we would love to see them or if parents have kept things such as cards made by their children in the nursery, we’d love for them to get in touch. My memories of the nursery are of it being a really good community nursery where parents became friends.”
The facility was officially opened by Cllr John Armstrong in November 1993. The late Raymond Gibson, who was chairman of the school’s board of governors at the time, also attended the opening ceremony along with county officials. At the time the nursery, which cost £96,000, was described as “the best thing that had happened in Evenwood for years”.
Mrs Swinbank said: “We started with an empty room and £3,000. Out of that money we were told we had to buy everything.
“We were given a list of things we had to have which included a cooker, fridge and tables and chairs. We started with nothing but over the years it has built up.
“Before we had even opened the doors, I’d started fundraising. I think we have raised more than £200,000 since we opened and we’re still doing it now,” she said
Evenwood Primary headteacher Lindsey Vollans, who also taught in the school and the nursery in the 90s, said: “I’m really excited to meet some of the children and parents I knew way back when. I love looking at old pictures and remembering things we did.”
Mrs Swinbank added: “Although it has been there for 25 years it is now in the 21st century and they are always looking for ways to improve. It is still moving forward. Mrs Hill, who taught here for 35 years, has retired but now her daughter-in-law, Charlotte Hill, is the early years teacher so that has continued on.”
Anyone with old photographs or memories can contact the school on 01388 832047 or email Mrs Swinbank on g.swinbank100 @durhamlearning.net.
