Sharma joins celebration of pre-school teacher’s 27-year-service

On Friday 20th July, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, Alok Sharma, was invited to Newbery Lodge pre-school in Tilehurst on the occasion of the retirement of its manager Marilyn Johnson, who has served the community for 27 years.

At the event, which was attended by children, parents and other friends of Newbery Lodge, Marilyn read the last story of term to the children. Alok then spoke to all of those gathered to highlight the contribution Marilyn has made to the young children of Reading, explaining that she joined Newbery Lodge in October 1985 and over the years has provided childcare and early years education to more than 500 children. Alok then presented a leaving gift to Marilyn on behalf of the pre-school.

Alok said: “It was an honour to be invited to present Marilyn with a memento of her fantastic work on behalf of the children and parents of Tilehurst over many years. Parents who were taught by Marilyn decades ago have sent their own children to the pre-school to be taught by her and they were all out in force to celebrate Marilyn’s unique contribution. We all wish Marilyn the best for what will hopefully be a somewhat less hectic retirement!”

Peter Capel, Committee Chair of Newbery Lodge pre-school, said: “Newbery Lodge opened in 1973 and its unique setting provides a homely quality for the little ones. Our main strength is our staff, most of whom are long serving, but all of whom are dedicated and care a great deal about each and every child that attends Newbery Lodge.”

Peter continued: “As a previous committee member said a few years ago, Marilyn has transformed Newbery Lodge from ‘the grubby little hut in the park’ into a thriving pre-school that has recently obtained a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. This achievement is testament to all the hard work Marilyn has put into Newbery Lodge over the years.”

Photo: Alok with Marilyn and parents and children at Newbery Lodge pre-school