Last Friday saw the end of a six-year project to secure the future of All Saints church in Lymington. Services in the church ceased in 2013, but Lymington PCC were determined that this lovely building should not stand idle but should continue to be used for the benefit of the community. The solution was for the PCC to retain the Chancel of the church for occasional Christian worship and to lease the Nave, Hall and grounds to a nursery and pre-school provider. In 2015, a tender exercise was carried out and Tops Day Nurseries were selected.
There then followed a lengthy period of consultation and discussion with the Church Commissioners, the Diocese of Winchester and the NFDC Planning and Conservation departments about the changes needed to enable this historic building to be used in this way. In October 2020, planning permission was finally granted and this year has seen a new underfloor heating system, together with low and high temperature radiators being installed; new toilets built for the children, the whole building redecorated and new LED lights fitted. Outside, an acoustic fence has been built around the play area and new hedges planted.
It was therefore with a huge sense of achievement that the PCC and Tops Day Nurseries arranged for the Mayor of Lymington & Pennington, Cllr James Hoare to come and re-open the buildings. 70 guests, including two former mayors, were present as he, the Vicar of Lymington the Reverend Canon Peter Salisbury, and the managing Director of Tops, Cheryl Hadland, proudly watched two pre-school children undo a ribbon at the door to declare the buildings open.
Following the reopening the nursery is now ready for the next cohort of children to benefit from the opportunities Tops Lymington can offer and therefore, there is also the opportunity for new colleagues to join the team.
Photos:
- Cheryl Hadland - Managing Director of Tops Day Nurseries, Cllr James Hoare – Mayor of Lymington & Pennington, and Revd Canon Peter Salisbury – Vicar of Lymington with commemorative plaque
- Cheryl Hadland - Managing Director of Tops Day Nurseries, Cllr James Hoare – Mayor of Lymington & Pennington, and Revd Canon Peter Salisbury – Vicar of Lymington with children at entrance
About Tops Day Nurseries:
Tops Lymington is part of the Tops Day Nurseries family and is a nursery and preschool providing Early Education and Care to children aged 3 months to 5 years. Tops focuses on following the children’s individual needs and interests, setting up activities to support their development in a fun and stimulating way. Children at this nursery are also able to go out on trips with staff to explore some lovely parks and woods nearby.
Parents benefit from flexible bookings, like the rest of the Tops Day Nurseries across the South, where they can book to the nearest 15 minutes. Other benefits include sustainable outdoor and indoor environments, no added sugar or ultra-processed food menus and a great range of extra-curricular activities.
Find out more; https://www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk/
We’re always on the lookout for interesting and exceptional people to join our fun, motivated family – Tops Lymington are currently hiring for a variety of positions including Level 2, Level 3 Early Years Educator, Casal Nursery Practitioner and Nursery Room Manager.
Discover the benefits of working with us and get in touch; https://www.topsandaspirecareers.co.uk/