news story

14th December 2009

MP Opens New Wick Pre-School Premises

Steve Webb MP, staff and children from Wick pre-school, and supporters at the official opening on Saturday 12th December

Wick pre-school has opened the doors of new premises at the former caretaker’s cottage of Wick Village Hall, after five years of planning.

The pre-school was established in 1969 and originally occupied the Church Room at St Bartholomew’s Church. In 2005 the group moved to the larger premises of Wick Village Hall and began looking to find a space of their own, big enough to accommodate the 26 children that now attend.

The caretaker’s cottage adjacent to the Village Hall had the potential to be used but over the past 10 years had fallen derelict.

After several years of fundraising and preparation, earlier this year planning permission was granted to refurbish the Cottage and in April the group secured a £75,000 funding grant to complete the project. Building began in August and the official opening by Northavon MP Steve Webb took place on Saturday (12th December). Rotten stairwells and broken floorboards were replaced, the centre chimney stack was removed and a new coating of paint has created a bright, lively and secure space for the children.

Steve Webb, who had supported the group’s funding applications, said:

“I was very excited to see the new facilities that children at Wick pre-school will be able to enjoy. The pre-school, led by Tia Harris, and project manager Paul Dawson, together with a large number of helpers and committee members have done a great job. As well as the professional contractors, many hours of voluntary work have gone in to making the new premises look great. Everyone should feel very proud of what’s been achieved.”

Following the official opening, the finishing touches will now be added to the premises ahead of 5th January when the pre-school will be fully up and running in its new home.