DOZENS of current and former parents and children, along with committee members and colleagues, have said a fond farewell to two stalwarts of Court Fields Community Pre-School in Wellington.

Manager Clare Padfield and deputy manager Geraldine Jenkins both retired at the end of the summer term after working at the pre-school for the past 31 years.

More than 90 people attended the tea party, which staff and the committee kept secret until Clare and Geraldine arrived with their families.

In recognition of what they have done for Early Years Education in Wellington, staff from other local pre-schools, along with current and former advisers from the County Early Years Team, also attended.

Administrator Liz Powell-Gill said: “Court Fields Community Pre-School has been fortunate to have had such dedicated staff who have provided the first steps in education to so many children in the Wellington area for so many years.

“Working within Court Fields school grounds meant that Clare and Geraldine had the chance to see former pre-school pupils as they progressed through secondary education, some coming back to pre-school to do work experience.

“They saw photos each year in the WWN of ex-pupils attending their prom or receiving their GCSE grades. Families provided updates of former pupils starting work or graduating university.

“They had even started to see former pupils returning with their own children to join the setting.

“The surprise tea party was a chance for people to express their thanks for all Clare and Geraldine have done to make Court Fields Pre-School such a popular setting and to wish them both a happy, long and relaxing retirement.”