A ROMSEY pre-school is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Woodley Pre-School is a community group based in the town, that offers care for children from three-years-old.

This year, they are celebrating their 50th year open to the historic market town.

Fifty years ago, Woodley Playgroup was started by a local mother, Beaula Perrot, who wanted to organise a group for mums to come together and socialise.

By the 1970s, demand was higher for places, so they also used the Old Scout Hut next door.

The Old Village Hall was then demolished in 1987 and then rebuilt, meaning the group was able to hold more open sessions before moving in to the new Woodley Village Hall.

Five years later, the Old Scout Hut was then rebuilt, meaning the school moved across to the new facility.

In 2004, the head of Cupernham Infants School approached the group and invited them to move to a classroom on their site, with the pre-school still currently situated on the site.

Chair of the pre-school committee, Kerry Reuberson, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our achievements, we think we have managed quite a lot in our 50 years and it was a great day for pupils and staff all round.”

The event that took place last Friday also saw previous employees being invited back to celebrate the occasion with cake and other refreshments.

The school’s celebrations were also matched by another pre-school marking the same milestone.

More than 200 people flocked to Chandler’s Ford to celebrate it.

There were residents of all ages at the tea party held at the Dovetail Centre on Saturday to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Peter Pan Pre-School.

Set up 50 years ago by Chandler’s Ford resident Dorothy Reed, the pre-school has been managed by Gill Hillier for the past 25 years.

She said the celebration brought together former staff members, children and parents and they all enjoyed tea, cakes and a puppet show.

“It has been an amazing afternoon, very emotional.

“We met old staff who worked here, it was lovely. The turnout was amazing,” she said.

The pre-school is owned by Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.

“We are a not-for-profit pre-school and we are here for the community.”

She added: “The community has always supported us really well and I hope we can support them as well.”