Jubilee bash for nursery

Stoneygate Nursery School, in Stoneygate Walk, is toasting its 70th anniversary with a grand ceremony next month which will include the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Alan Hackett and his Mayoress and wife Joan.

At the ceremony Coun Hackett will be presented with the original school log book, which contains details of hundreds of past pupils, and there will be a display of old pictures, articles and written memoirs from pupils.

And staff at the nursery are currently looking to track down past pupils, parents, teachers and governors from the school in time for the reunion on Monday, February 4.

Opened in 1932 Stoneygate was regarded by many as 'a sunshine home for tiny children' and catered for many young children in this area.

Miss Julie Morrow, headteacher at Stoneygate, said: "We really want anyone with any old pictures or memories to get in contact.

"This is a special milestone for a nursery school and we are looking forward to the next 70 years."

The Stoneygate anniversary comes at a time when Preston Borough Council are encouraging people to party to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee with a bang.

Free party packs, including a checklist and helpful contacts for people to plan street parties and events, have been prepared by the council.

Mayor Alan Hackett said: "The Queen's Golden Jubilee is a very special event and we are keen to help local people celebrate.

"Back in 1977 Preston was awash with red, white and blue and street parties galore.

"We hope the local community will be ready to throw similar parties that we'll all remember in another 25 years."

Packs are available at the next Area Forum meetings on Thursday, January 10, at St Andrew's Parish Hall, Ashton, Thursday, January 17, at Longsands County Primary School, Thursday, January 24, at Ribbleton Hall High School, and Thursday, January 31, at Preston Town Hall. Each meeting starts at 7pm.

To find out more about the Stoneygate Nursery anniversary event call 01772 257865.