'We want to emulate the Queen' (From Bucks Free Press)

Rainbow Pre-school in Cookham Rise aim to emulate the Queen as it gears up for 'silver jubilee' party

11:20am Sunday 24th June 2012 in Cookham By James Nadal

THE founder of a long running pre-school, which has helped nurture over 1,000 children, hopes to emulate the Queen as it gets set for its own jubilee.

Britain may have finished celebrating Her Majesty's big day but Rainbow Pre-school in Cookham Rise has not finished partying this summer.

Next month it will mark its 25th anniversary and youngsters will gather for a special silver jubilee day.

Organisers want as many former pupils and parents to come and join the celebrations.

Cookham Rise resident Kathy Rickman jointly founded the organisation with Mary Heap in 1988, aided by staff Mollie Laughton and Becky Pinniger.

Mrs Rickman said: “When I was thinking about 25 years I hadn't connected it to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to start with but it's riding on the back of it, it's good to continue the celebrations.

“We might not get to 60 but who knows, did the Queen think so?

“It's the same as the tribute to the Queen, showing that same loyalty and commitment and sticking to things. It's people dedication.”

Over 100 parents have been part of the committee or staff members through the years.

Lorraine Brown and Allison Bond are the current team leaders.

Former school teacher Mrs Rickman, who taught at Ellington School in Maidenhead, started up the pre-school after a kindergarten closed.

It was able to be revived at Cookham Rise Methodist Church on Lower Road.

Mrs Rickman, now Chairman, said parents could not thank the church enough for being its HQ.

“For me it's good to know that there's somewhere the children can come and learn to socialise and play and for parents to be involved in their child's early education,” she said.

“I think the first five years are the most important for building foundations for children.

“Above all I love seeing them have fun, I like seeing them learn through play.”

She appealed for all the pre-school's 'old boys and girls' to attend the party on July 7.

“When people come, it's great to think the part the preschool has played in their lives, a really important part,” she said.

“That's where it really begins.”

The party will include painting, play dough, trains, cake decorating and garden activities.

Ploughman’s lunches and cream teas will be on offer for parents.

It runs from 10am to 4pm at the Wesley Hall, Cookham Rise Methodist Church, Lower Road on July 7.

For more call 01628 533 150.