Jilly Cooper unveils new home for Nigel Hunter Nursery
05/10/2007
Awakening the senses through colour and play, a new sensory room and garden will be lighting up the lives of youngsters with special needs at the new Nigel Hunter Nursery (NHN).
The nursery moved into its new home, Thames Lodge, at the end of 2006. The former Gloucestershire Royal Hospital gatehouse was completely refurbished by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide a purpose built therapy centre.
Founded more than 20 years ago, today 12 health professionals provide specialist therapy through play for 30 babies and toddlers at the NHN.
It will be officially unveiled by Bisley author Jilly Cooper at an Open Day on October 31.
The sensory garden has been created by a team of volunteers from Bovis Homes, whose heavy equipment and diggers transformed the area of scrub behind the building into a beautiful space. The Pied Piper Appeal donated £9,000 to equip the new sensory and soft play room.
King’s School sixth formers helped complete the planting and will continue to maintain the sensory garden in an initiative organised by teacher Carol Barber, as part of the city school’s Community Volunteer Programme.
“The sensory garden and room add an exciting new resource for all children, especially those with hearing or visual impairment,” said paediatrician Dr Marie Owen. “We are most grateful to Pied Piper Appeal, Bovis Homes and the King’s School for their generosity in providing equipment and volunteers to help us realise this dream.”
The NHN welcomes young children, from birth to three years, requiring
a specific therapy or assessment programme, or whose disability prevents
them from accessing mainstream education. Staff provide support for parents
and aim to enable youngsters to eventually enter mainstream education.
Volunteers tirelessly raise funds for new equipment.
Consultant paediatrician Thomas Kus is a member of Churchdown Male Voice Choir, who have organised a Russian Spectacular at Cheltenham Town Hall. Proceeds from the event on November 10 will be donated to Friends of the NHN.
And in spring the Friends plan to join forces with Coleford Opportunity Centre and Milestone Holiday Activity Scheme for a three charity bike ride and fun day at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean.
“Without the support of our many friends and benefactors, the
nursery would not be able to cater for the needs of the very special
children who attend,” said Dr Owen. “We look forward to welcoming
them all for our Open Day and Opening Ceremony on October 31.”
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