We celebrate 55 years - September 2023

The dream of a Pre-School Playgroup for Newborough became a reality in September 1968 by a group of dedicated local women. The group; Brenda Kettle, Elizabeth Rea, Judy Jakes, Rita Wooley and Bebe Stewart put a lot of hard work in getting the venture off the ground. The old Village Hall was the venue for the venture. The aim of the playgroup was, and still is, to offer high quality pre-school education and development. The pre-school also offered the mothers the opportunity to pursue other activities whilst their children were being looked after through high quality childcare. Much of the funding for the group through the years has come though a variety of fundraising activities. These have included things like; jumble sales, Christmas fayres, music nights, bingo, horse racing nights and many more over the years. You name it, they have done it. Some of the items purchased in 1968 were some small red chairs. They are still in use today some 55 years later. It can be assured that for some of the children attending the Pre-School Playgroup today that their parents or even their grandparents could possibly have sat in those same chairs. The playgroup now operates in the new Newborough Village Hall. Between the times when the old hall was demolished and the new hall built and opened the playgroup continued to operated. For this period the children were taken by coach to either Northborough Village Hall or Eye Community Centre. Although some of the founder members still live in the village they have all now retired. The current manager, Debbie Gunns, has been working with the playgroup for 23 years and plans, along with other dedicated members of staff to continue for many more to come.

The 55 year celebration was held on Saturday 15th September at Newborough Village Hall. The hall was open for the afternoon for anyone to visit and share memories. There was an abundance of photographs for the past 55 years to bring back a flood of memories for many who attended. Many stories of years gone by were shared. The afternoons activities included the cutting of the birthday cake specially made for the occasion. Newborough playschool is regularly inspected by ofsted and has a current rating of "Good".