Pre-school children treated to pony and a politician
THE chief minister found himself upstaged by a Shetland pony when he was invited to join Pre-School Duval to celebrate its 30th birthday.
Deputy Gavin St Pier joined Dolly for the pre-school’s celebrations, and while he did not get quite as much attention as the four-legged guest, he was presented with gifts and cards.
‘We wanted someone special to invite for our 30th,’ said pre-school owner Jacqui Nicolle-Butcher, referring to Deputy St Pier.
‘We thought it was appropriate and we really are thankful how Gavin has led the team and led us out of lockdown.’
Deputy St Pier had a job to do, however, since as well as the occasion marking the pre-school’s anniversary, there was also a presentation to the children who would be going into Reception after the summer holidays.
All 21 of them were given a book, handed out by Deputy St Pier, and were then allowed to pat Dolly.
Mrs Nicolle-Butcher also had a gift from the pre-school to teacher Janet Simon, who has been with it since it started. A keen collector of vintage teddy bears, she was given a Steiff teddy bear with hemp fur to add to her collection: ‘It’s been a fantastic 30 years and I’m looking forward to the next 30,’ she said.
And there was a presentation, too, for Deputy St Pier, who was given a journal, a special cardboard tie covered in stickers, and laminated greeting signs featuring the names of all the children.
Mrs Nicolle-Butcher said she had set up the pre-school because she loved working with children and teaching.
After moving into Duval Lodge she started the pre-school on the ground floor, but later on her husband built an extension which is now used by the school.
She said lockdown had been a challenging time: ‘We missed all the children,’ she said. ‘It was very difficult during phase four because we weren’t allowed to sing.’
Phase five changed all that, though, and the youngsters demonstrated their singing talents with a rousing chorus of Horsey, Horsey, Don’t you Stop in Dolly’s honour.
