Family-run Kenilworth nursery celebrates 40th anniversary - and wants to hear and record your happy memories over the years

The nursery now caters for more than 100 children every day
Pauline Weighell (centre) with her oldest daughter Emma (left), Sarah her youngest daughter (right) and Sarah's son Atticus who is at the nursery now. Photo suppliedPauline Weighell (centre) with her oldest daughter Emma (left), Sarah her youngest daughter (right) and Sarah's son Atticus who is at the nursery now. Photo supplied
Pauline Weighell (centre) with her oldest daughter Emma (left), Sarah her youngest daughter (right) and Sarah's son Atticus who is at the nursery now. Photo supplied

A family-run nursery in Kenilworth is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Castle Nursery, Preschool and Out-of-School Club are marking the milestone by asking its children and parents – past and present – to share fond memories of their time as part of its community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

First started by resident, Pauline Weighell, the setting now caters for more than a hundred children each day and provides care for a number of children whose parents once attended Castle.

Pauline Weighell with the celebration cakes. Photo suppliedPauline Weighell with the celebration cakes. Photo supplied
Pauline Weighell with the celebration cakes. Photo supplied

“At the time, I had just had my first daughter, Emma”, recounts Pauline. “As a teacher I felt, and still feel, that those first few years are so important in establishing a lifelong love of learning.

"The local nursery had just closed down, so I decided to start Castle in our home on Tulip Tree Avenue, and later in our home in Quarry Road.”

The nursery later relocated to Castle Sixth Form on Rouncil Lane, before finally moving to St. Nicholas Primary School, with a setting for younger children now based on Priory Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the turbulent time caused by the pandemic , Pauline believes that marking Castle’s 40th birthday by applauding the outstanding achievements of its staff and children is important.

She said: “We want to be able to thank the thousands of families who have supported Castle over the last 40 years.

"It would be great to hear from residents who may have attended Castle, or who now have grown-up children that did so, so that we can share their happy memories and perhaps even some inspiring stories from our alumni’s own life achievements with our current cohort.”

During the pandemic Pauline has had to take a step back from the nursery, which is now managed by her youngest daughter, Sarah Bromley , and her husband, Mat, both teachers who share Pauline’s passion for early years education, and whose involvement continues to make Castle a truly family enterprise.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sarah feels that Castle’s 40th birthday is also a celebration of her mother’s vision of a 'magical environment for children to play and develop'.

She said: “My mum still takes great pride in Castle, and, whilst she’s not been able to attend the setting during the pandemic, we’re lucky that technology has allowed her to keep in touch with the children, with her reading stories and providing activities via zoom each week."

Pauline added: “We’re all looking forward to a time ahead when we can be together and celebrate properly,” says Pauline.

“In particular, I’m very excited about watching Sarah and Mat’s son, my sixth grandchild, Atticus, enjoy his time at Castle.”