A dedicated and “adored” pre-school leader stacked the chairs in the church hall for the final time last week as she retired after over 45 years in charge.
Sheila Aldridge started Phoenix Farm Pre-School at the Methodist church on Wollaton Road back in the early 70s.
Her own son was the first child to attend and was rapidly joined by other children in the area as word spread about the group Sheila had set up to give local parents a bit of a break during the week.
Sheila was joined on her final day by staff, parents and children at a party held to mark her final day as leader and also the end of the pre-school – which will now close following Sheila’s decision to retire.
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Parents were full of praise for Sheila and her efforts.
Parent Dale Evans said Sheila and the staff were like “a second family to her”.
She said: “I was in a rotten relationship for years. Over those years they went above and beyond and often did things for me they didn’t need to.
“I once came in to the pre-school crying on my birthday after yet another argument. When I got back to collect the children later the staff were waiting with wine, chocolates and a cup of tea. You can’t get that anywhere else now.
“They are really the very last not-for-profit place going in Gedling.”
Former staff member Barbara Benner was also quick to praise Sheila.
She told Gedling Eye: “I worked at the pre-school and it was one of the happiest times of my life.
“We were like a family and Sheila went above and beyond what she should have done to help me in some dark times.
“The children adored her and all still do and my children still adore her to this day.”
She added: “Sheila will be so missed in the community.”
