Under 5’s from Hathersage and Grindleford pre-schools have come together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season at a magical evening of candlelight and carols at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.
Undeterred by the ferocious wind and rain, children and their families followed a winding path of brightly coloured lanterns through woodland to the Estate’s Moorlands Centre where staff welcomed them in with cheery carols. The children were invited to walk through an advent spiral of winter greenery and add a candle to the display, until the room was lit by flickering candle-light. Staff were delighted to see so many entranced little faces!
The event marks a period of close collaboration between the two organisations since Grindleford Pre-school came under new management in September 2012.
Kath Bransby, Supervisor of Hathersage Playgroup, said “The children were delighted with this magical experience. It has been a great opportunity to see families from right across the local area come together in celebration”.
Chair of Grindleford Pre-school, Jane Campbell, commented “We are so grateful to Hathersage Playgroup for welcoming us into their world and providing us with such inspiration and support. Grindleford Pre-school is revitalised and the proof is the delight the children now take in their time with us”.
The event ended with a hearty supper for all at the Estate’s popular café.
For further information about Grindleford Pre-school, call Jane Campbell on 07786 574 676 or email grindlefordpreschool@gmail.com