Published: Wednesday, 27th May, 2009 4:42pm

Silver celebration for community nursery

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A LOCAL nursery - proud to be here after 25 years - is set to commemorate its years of family fun in a celebration.

Erskine Community Nursery chairperson Brenda Mackenzie said: 'The nursery was at first a temporary measure and no one expected it to last this long. We"re really proud to still be here.'

The mum-of-two added: 'We all work really well together - it"s a great team. We have a good reputation within the community too, which obviously helps. We rely on word of mouth, and a second generation is now coming into the nursery.

'All of the staff are aware of all of the children and their needs. As a parent, it"s really nice to know that there"s always somebody there for your child.'

The parents" committee - as well as the youngsters - are kept busy with fundraising. Brenda said: 'We raise money for nursery outings.

'We also do social nights at Erskine Bowling Club where the staff and parents are getting to know each other, outwith the nursery environment.

'We"re a registered charity, but we try to raise money for other charities too. The children are thoroughly involved in raising money - we"ve done Mary"s Meals" backpack appeal, the Pedal Push tricycle challenge for ChildLine, and more. It"s great for the children to know that they"re helping other children.'

The nursery - which 36 children now attend - started up a quarter of a century ago as "the Rising 5"s". The then headteacher of Rashielea Primary School asked Gretna Edgar, the leader of a local playgroup, to help set up much needed provision for pre-school children using a classroom in his school.

Brenda said: 'It evolved from Mrs Edgar"s playgroup - mainly through demand. There was only one other nursery in Erskine at that time, and Erskine has obviously grown so much.'

After ten years, the Rising 5"s had to find a new home - and parents helped find the group a new location in St Anne"s Primary, thanks to the head teacher there, Margaret Watson. After two years at St Anne"s, the group went into partnership with Renfrewshire Council and became known as Erskine Community Nursery.

The celebration - promising heaps of family fun - will take place on June 13 and everyone is welcome. More details in next week"s Gazette.