A playgroup leader who saved a village setting from closure after getting a desperate knock on her door has received an emotional farewell after stepping down after nine years in charge.
Bev Fowler took over the running of Woodchester Playgroup in 2016 after a parent came to her house seeking help when the previous leader stepped down, leaving the setting in danger of closure.
What started as a plea for assistance became a calling that transformed the future of the setting and the scores of children and families who the playgroup has cared for and nurtured since.
Mrs Fowler, 52, was joined the following year by Cherril Wenban, 52, who in recent years became her deputy and special educational needs coordinator, and together they formed the beating heart of the playgroup, which is a charity and is committee run.
They achieved a Good Ofsted rating for the setting in 2023 but after almost a decade together they have both made the difficult decision to step down from their roles to spend more time with their families.
At a farewell presentation for the pair, Rachel Lee, 46, chair of the playgroup committee, said: “Having worked alongside both of them as a committee member for six years, I’ve witnessed first-hand their unwavering dedication through every season of our playgroup’s journey.
“We’ve celebrated the highest highs together – our Ofsted report that filled us all with such pride – and we’ve weathered the most challenging lows, such as navigating the uncertain waters of Covid when everything we knew was turned upside down.
“Thank you for everything you’ve given us. Bev, thank you for answering that knock at the door all those years ago, and thank you for the countless ways you’ve enriched our playgroup.”
After receiving flowers and gifts from the children and parents bidding them goodbye, Mrs Fowler said the send off was “quite overwhelming and very emotional”.
“Being a part of the children’s early years has been so special,” she said. “It has been a privilege to lead and develop Woodchester Playgroup into the nurturing environment it is today.”
Mrs Wenban said working at the setting “hasn’t just been a job it’s been a passion”.
“I have enjoyed eight years of watching children blossom and grow,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have worked with the Woodchester Playgroup community.”
Woodchester Playgroup, which is situated in the grounds of Woodchester Endowed Church of England Primary School in North Woodchester, has appointed Sophie Cooper as the new playgroup leader and she will begin in September.
Mrs Cooper, 37, who has been playgroup manager at Cashes Green Playgroup for the last two years, said: “I have worked in childcare for over 15 years and have gained a lot of experience to complement my passion for working with young people, as well as being a mum to two teenage boys.
“I look forward to working with everyone to provide a fun, educational and nurturing setting, within the local community. I have lots of ideas, as well as lots of energy to ensure the playgroup continues to maintain its high standards. I look forward to meeting everyone in September.”
Places are available at Woodchester Playgroup and anyone wishing to enquire can contact Mrs Cooper at woodchesterplaygroup@eygloucestershire.co.uk.
