The Eastern Suburbs Pre-School is marking 50 years with current students Delton Manson and Amber Baker. Photo / Ben Fraser
The Eastern Suburbs Pre-School is marking 50 years with current students Delton Manson and Amber Baker. Photo / Ben Fraser
Mandy Chrystie thinks there's something pretty special about the Eastern Suburbs Pre-School - and chances are there'd be plenty of families out there that agree.
The pre-school celebrates its 50th year this year - no small feat for the community-run operation, according to manager Mrs Chrystie.
Originally set up bya group of parents half a century ago, the centre operated from a local church before a major fundraising effort by a group of parents saw them raise $50,000 to help get them into their own centre.
Mrs Chrystie said these days the pre-school ran two playgroup sessions and another five kindergarten sessions each week. This Saturday they're holding a special spring fair to celebrate the centre's 50 years as well as help raise the money they need to redo their driveway.
Mrs Chrystie said she believed the pre-school was one of the oldest ones in Rotorua and said that strong community support was a key to its success.
"What makes this place special is the fact that it is still thriving after all this time and is a non-profit community centre."
The Spring Fair takes place on Saturday and includes plenty of entertainment for the whole family including bouncy castles, a fire truck for the kids to check out, food and a raffle.
Mrs Chrystie said she thought it was the first time the centre had run a spring fair. It will be held from 11am-2pm at the centre on Bronte Pl.
