Mirfield pre-school ‘overwhelmed by kindness’ at donation of new wooden train engine
Staff and children at a Mirfield pre-school have been left “overwhelmed by kindness and generosity” after receiving a wooden train engine for its outdoor play area.
The new feature at Church House Pre-School has been made and donated by Birstall Wood Turning Club, which is based in Mirfield, following the deterioration of the nursery’s previous wooden engine.
The engine pulls two carriages which the children use to grow herbs.
Claire Welch, manager of Church House Pre-School said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by the amazing members of our community.
“I think the children’s noses pressed against the window as our new engine arrived says it all.
“The children absolutely love it, and we cannot thank them enough. I am personally overwhelmed by the whole project. What a team!”
The pre-school also extended special thanks to the woodturners and community members whose skills, generosity, and support helped bring the project to life.
A spokesperson for Birstall Woodturning Club said: “Although we are known as the Birstall Woodturning Club, we have been based in Mirfield for the last 16 years and feel very much part of the community.
“When we heard that the pre-school needed a replacement planter train, the committee agreed unanimously that it was a project worth supporting. It was great to see the children enjoying the new train.”
The pre-school was recently visited by Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater who met with children, staff, and representatives from Mirfield in Bloom who were involved in the project.
Kim said: “It was a pleasure to visit the preschool and see the new wooden train engine that has replaced the much-loved original. Outdoor play is such an important part of early years learning, and it’s wonderful that the children can once again enjoy this fantastic feature.
“The new engine will provide opportunities for imaginative play, creativity and social interaction for years to come.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in making this replacement possible and to the team at Church House Pre-School for their continued commitment to providing a nurturing environment for local children.”
The new train engine now takes pride of place in the pre-school’s outdoor area, providing opportunities for creative play and adventure for years to come.