CHILDREN and parents came along to the Willows nursery farewell party at the Millennium Centre last week, armed with flowers and ’thank you’ cards.

On July 14, the Liphook nursery officially closed its doors after more than 15 years of looking after pre-school children from the village.

Jackie Finlayson, Jan Bowley and Jill Cooke launched the Willows Nursery School in January 2001, based in the pavilion building at Liphook recreation ground, and over the years have taken care of more than 620 children.

Jackie said: “Some of the children used to drop in to say hello when they were at Bohunt School and have kept in touch with us.

“We have had some wonderful parents who always offered to help us as well as all the lovely children we took care of in the last 15 years and we want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support.

“Over the years, we organised several fundraising events, took the children on trips to Liphook fire station and to local school productions. We had a lovely fun day at the church centre and, of course, our own summer and Christmas parties.

“One of our little girls is now part of the GB gymnastics team and winning medals."

She added: “We all felt a bit sad at the farewell party. Having to say goodbye to the children and parents is always quite hard, especially this time – since this is also the end of The Willows Nursery School.

“Both Jan and I are carrying on as registered child minders in our own homes in the village and we are now waiting for Ofsted approval. We hope to start up working together in September. Jill has decided to retire and spend more time with her family.”

Last August, the nursery was served with an eviction letter by the trustees of the Bramshott War Memorial Trust, who decided to close the pavilion building at the recreation ground with immediate effect.

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council agreed for the nursery to move temporarily to the Millennium Centre for a year – the arrangement ended on July 14.

The nursery had been trying to locate alternative premises to move to, but the staff have been unsuccessful, as all village and church halls are already booked out on a regular basis.

Anyone interested in childminding services should call Jackie or Jan on 07765 675175.