Marsh Bears Pre-School officially opened by Lord and Lady McKenzie

Lady Diane and Lord Bill McKenzie were among the guests and formerly opened Marsh Bears Pre-school Nursery, sister of Farley Bears, before an invited attendance.

The nursery, based at Futures House, The Moakes, Marsh Farm, was purpose-built from a shell.

Lady McKenzie congratulated the owner Monaza Malik, manager Nicola Rezzag-Lebza and staff on producing such a well planned excellent facility which had something for every child to enjoy and learn from.

She added: “The nursery will be welcomed by parents and carers in Marsh Farm.”

The nursery opens for children on Monday, April 11, and youngsters can now be registered.

Before the opening ceremoney the guests were entertained by staff from both Farley Bears and Marsh Bears to some comical Spiderwoman dance routines.

Mrs Rezzag-Lebza welcomed the guests and Mrs Malik thanked individuals who had helped in building the new nursery and had assisted in the success of Farley Hill.

On behalf of the guests Ken Cameron, nursery co-ordinater and one of the volunteer staff talked about the journey over the previous five years when the Bears first nursery opened on the Farley Methodists grounds.

He spoke of the enthusiasm and work ethic of Monaza in preparing for the final Ofsted inspection and the joy felt by all concerned when the licence was granted and the nursery opened in September, 2012.

He praised Mrs Malik’s fortitude and courage over the dark days after her husband Altaf passed away but was determined that their dream of opening two nurseries would not fall by the wayside.

Guests were taken on a tour of the nursery and its facilities before enjoying a buffet lunch.