Celebrating Forty Years of Poyntzpass Community Pre-School

Poyntzpass Community Pre-School is celebrating an incredible 40 years this year, having been registered in 1985.

To mark the occasion the Pre-School organised a fundraising Afternoon Tea in Poyntzpass Community Centre on Sunday 2 November where committee members mingled with parents and guests on the day with sandwiches and delicious fresh cream sweet treats in abundance.

Welcoming everyone Geraldine Markey, Chairperson of Poyntzpass Community Pre-School said "It’s a real pleasure to stand here today as we celebrate an incredible milestone 40 years of Poyntzpass community Preschool. Forty years of laughter, learning, tiny footsteps, and big dreams. What a journey it has been!

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to recognise the committee past and present. A devoted team of volunteers who came together to ensure a safe, caring, and fun environment where local children could take their first steps in education. Over the years, countless committee members have given their time, energy, and ideas to keep the preschool open. Without a management committee we simply can't operate. So thank you to all…. And on that note, we do have a spare seat at the table - if anyone was wanting to join."

Geraldine thanked staff for all their work over the years. "It’s the staff who make this place so special. They’re the ones who greet every child with a smile, nurture their confidence, and make learning such a joy. The commitment and warmth of our teams throughout the years have touched hundreds of young lives and that’s something truly worth celebrating."

Where it all Started

Thousands of children have attended the group over the years with indeed some of them now bringing their own children to it.

It all started though with one person - Sheila Magennis.

Sheila had went down to the primary school with her youngest child and Principal Gerry Davis said 'You're just the very one to start a playgroup'

As Sheila explained "I had no idea what a playgroup was. He said 'There's a new hall there, there's nothing in there - just start it!'. He gave me about three or four half bottles of paint, half a dozen paint brushes and half a ream of paper and said 'get on with it'. So I rang the Citizens Advice Bureau to find out what a playgroup was and then I got in touch with NI Preschool Playgroup and I got some information there."

The playgroup started with six children in Poyntzpass hall, it was hard work and there was no funding at all for it for the first three years. In the beginning it was all voluntary, they charged 50p a child per day and Sheila raided her home for dolls, lego, jigsaws or whatever toys she could find.

Getting commitment from people is always challenging. As Sheila explains "Nobody ever committed to leaving their child in at any time, they just came in and we were glad of the 50p's"

The group was able to go for two hours a morning in those first two years, then ACE came along and they provided funding which meant that Sheila and two playgroup assistants were able to be paid. For the first few years the hall committee let them use the hall for free until funding came along which was a major help. "The Tufty Club was another great resource, they gave you jigsaws and books. Playgroups could also get ten books a month out of the library.

Sheila was involved with the group for ten years and she loved working with the children and was so happy to be at the function 40 years later. "I'm delighted to see it going as well as it is. It is great to see" she added.

Geraldine Markey concluded "As we celebrate this special anniversary, let’s look back with pride and forward with excitement. Here’s to the committee members, the staff, the families, and most importantly the children who make Poyntzpass Community Preschool such a special place."

With all the talented people who have been committed to the group over the years and the current committee Poyntzpass Community Pre-School is certainly in safe hands.