A NEW manager will be making their way to Potters Gate Children’s Centre this week.

Having worked at the children’s centre for the past 11 years, Mary Schrick had her last day as the centre manager on Monday (December 31).

Mary (pictured) said that she was leaving the position due to the daily commute from Newbury.

She said: “I’m really sad to be going, but I’m looking forward to not having the commute!”

Mary will be taking on a new role as a family group conference co-ordinator in Newbury, where she will co-ordinate family meetings.

“It’s good to have a new challenge,” she added.

Potters Gate Children’s Centre was listed as a proposed site to become a satellite centre as part of Surrey County Council cuts.

The public consultation – which has been open since October 30 – will end tomorrow (January 4), but Mary told the Herald the council “hasn’t said what a satellite centre looks like”.

“But there will be less universal services and more targeted work,” she continued.

“It’s good I won’t be here to see the changes.

“I’ve really enjoyed working here – I love it. If it wasn’t for the commute, I wouldn’t be leaving.

“I wish them all the best for the coming year with the consultation.”

Hollie Brightman will be taking over as acting manager “for the foreseeable future”, according to the Potters Gate Children’s Centre website.

She started as a parent helper, before becoming an outreach worker and now manager.