CHILDREN who went to King William Playgroup when it first opened 25 years ago took a trip down memory lane when they celebrated the provision’s quarter-century birthday.

The playgroup, which operates out of Savernake Social Hall from 9am-3pm every Monday to Thursday, celebrated the milestone with a special birthday party.

Staff, parents and children also took the opportunity at the party, on April 23, to showcase a time capsule to celebrate the anniversary, which will be buried as part of the planned development work for the site’s outdoor space.

Teresa Smith, the playgroup manager, has worked at the setting for 13 years.

“It’s an amazing achievement to have reached 25 years and we thank the community for all of their support over the years,” she said.

“The past few years have been very busy, extending provision, securing the building as well as fundraising, I’m very proud to have been a part of it.”

As part of the celebrations youngsters dressed up and enjoyed a 90s-themed disco, as well as an anniversary cake donated by Laura Oakley.

Children also received a 25th anniversary memento mug, inscribed with each of their names.

King William Playgroup opened in 1990, with just seven children on the register, including Peter McGunigall, now 28, who was one of the first children to attend the charity-run playgroup.

Over the years the playgroup has continued to grow, and now boasts 48 children on the role.

Peter’s mother, Tracey McGunigall, was one of the founding members of the playgroup and was a volunteer before becoming a member of staff.

“It’s been amazing seeing my children and now grandchildren attend the setting. I still get great joy when a person remembers me and says hello, whether 5, 15 or 25 years old.”

As part of the anniversary and coinciding with planned development work for the playgroups outdoor space, the playgroup were very proud to display their bespoke, handcrafted time capsule, which will be filled with suggestions from the children and buried on the site when the outdoor space is developed.

The next steps for the playgroup are to develop the outdoor space, generating a vibrant all-weather area, with provision of multi-purpose surfacing, canopy shelters, fencing and planters, with an estimated cost of £20,000.

The playgroup are always on the look out for donations and support to keep them going. Anyone who is able to help can contact the playgroup on 01793 527678 or kingwilliamplaygroup@hotmail.com.