A nursery celebrated its 30th birthday with a night to remember for invited guests.
Kinder Park Nursery has been a fixture on Carlisle’s Warwick Road since 1991 when a previous nursery business was bought by Joanne Routledge.
In the years since, the nursery has doubled in size and welcomed literally thousands of young people and families through its doors.
Celebration guests included current and former staff, supporters who’ve helped the nursery over its three decades, plus family and friends.
Joanne said: “We love a party and this seemed like a landmark that really deserved a special celebration.
“So many people have helped us over the years and we wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in one way or another.”
Guests were entertained by fire-eating juggler Stuart Terry as they arrived, with magician Martiny and singer Adam Teasdale inside the nursery which was festooned with balloons and decorations. There was champagne, canapes, special Kinder Park Nursery anniversary biscuits and teddy bears for children.
Joanne said: “I didn’t want anyone to bring presents or anything but by the end of the night the hall was filled with bouquets of flowers, other gifts and cards. Everyone was so lovely, it was fantastic to have their support.”
Joanne, who lives in Scotby with husband Brian, bought the building and rebranded the nursery when she was just 22 and had completed her National Nursery Examination Board training at Carlisle College.
Kinder Park now employs 20 people, has more than 110 children on its books – from six months to school age – and has been graded outstanding on three consecutive occasions by Ofsted. The business has had to be built back up twice after it was devastated by the floods of 2005 and 2015.
