Hundreds head back to school to toast to Altrincham's Homeland Day Nursery's 25th birthday

More than 300 adults and children, including past and present pupils, attended a fun packed afternoon at the Navigation Road nursery on Sunday May 7.

Kids enjoyed a bouncy castle, wet sponge throwing, face painting, tombola, raffle, naming the teddy and guessing the number of sweets in the jar, as well as stalls selling knit wear, cakes, bracelets and temporary tattoos.

Stretch and Grow gave a demonstration of the skills they promote and Anne-Marie, a peripatetic music teacher, who has been attending the nursery for 20 years, entertained all with her guitar and singing session.

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Kui Man Gerry Young OBE DL, and his wife Joanne, officially opened the event, thanking all staff for their hard work over the past 25 years.

Past pupils Evie Curtis, 12, and Billy Curtis, 8.  They did a "fab job" selling bracelets and applying temporary tattoos

Alice Apel, owner, said how proud she was her team at Homeland, led by Lisa Roberts, Clare Payne and Diane Curtis.

Some of the staff members have been at the nursery since it opened in the early 90s.

“It is lovely to see past pupils, now old enough to be parents themselves, coming back to visit us, and relive their fond memories of all the fun and learning they shared when at Homeland,” she said.

“Parents called in to share the success of their children, who started their learning journeys with us here. It is lovely to find out about all of their adventures and achievements.”

Margaret and Graham Bowen opened the nursery back in 1982, and it was taken over by Tim and Alice Apel in 2005.

“Everyone had a super afternoon,” said Alice.

“Here’s to the next 25 years.”