Berrynarbor Pre-school in North Devon has successfully reopened its doors, thanks to a remarkable fundraising effort from parents and the local community. This beloved institution, which has served families for more than 40 years, was on the verge of closure due to a significant financial crisis. The situation arose when it was revealed that the pre-school faced an urgent need for £9,000 within a week to remain operational.
In response to this alarming news, an emergency meeting was convened on October 28, 2023, where parents and community members immediately pledged to help. Their collective efforts resulted in raising approximately £18,000, allowing the pre-school to continue its operations after the half-term break. Despite this success, the pre-school still requires an additional £15,000 to secure its long-term future.
The financial troubles of Berrynarbor Pre-school reportedly stem from an alleged misappropriation of funds, which is currently under police investigation. Although no further details are available, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Parents rallied together, launching a series of fundraising initiatives that included a GoFundMe page set up by parent Charlotte Jones, which has garnered nearly £7,500. Local businesses have also demonstrated their support by organizing events and donating proceeds. Community gatherings, such as a disco, yoga sessions, and bingo nights at the Manor Hall, contributed to the fundraising efforts.
Lee Cox, chair of the pre-school committee, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. In an interview with the North Devon Gazette, he stated, “The amazing thing was the atmosphere at those events; it almost felt unbelievable what was happening, because they really came together and it was such a positive vibe.”
Despite the encouraging progress, Cox cautioned that the pre-school is “not completely out of the woods yet.” He emphasized the need to rebuild an emergency fund to ensure stability and to secure the additional funding required.
Various fundraising events continue to take place. For instance, the Sandy Cove Hotel hosted three days of cream teas with all proceeds directed to the pre-school. The Bent Peg contributed £5 from every Sunday lunch sold on October 26, while Hele Bay Pub raised £120 through a quiz night. Additionally, On A Hill Garage at Lynton Cross is donating a portion of every MOT fee from bookings made before December 19 to support the pre-school.
The Berrynarbor Pre-school still has vacancies for children aged from 18 months to school age, with no geographical limit on its catchment area. Interested parents can find out more or register their children by visiting the pre-school’s website.
The pre-school’s fundraising efforts are ongoing. Those who wish to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page dedicated to the cause. To stay updated on future fundraising events, the community is encouraged to follow the Berrynarbor Pre-school’s Facebook page.
This significant community effort highlights the strong bonds within Berrynarbor, showcasing how collective action can make a difference in times of crisis.
