BUSHY Leaze Children and Families’ Centre in Alton held a ‘Big Birthday Bash’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the nursery on its site in Easterbrook Road.

And it more than lived up to its name as it was packed with fun and activities.

The event was organised by the Friends of Bushy Leaze and the staff and it celebrated all three aspects that make up the complex – the nursery, family centre and outreach team – and just about every fun activity was on offer, including a visit from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The big bash was opened by former headteacher Luath Grant Ferguson, who talked a little about the history of the site and how the nursery had taken its name from the nearby ancient Bushy Leaze woods.

Neighbouring Anstey Junior School had kindly leant the use of its playing field for some of the bigger attractions and also made a perfect landing site for the air ambulance, which was greeted with cheers as it touched down.

The youngsters were invited aboard but just then the crew got an emergency call and had to take off. But it wasn’t long before it returned and the children had the chance to look over the helicopter, which proved to be one of the highlights of the day.

Another top attraction were the Storm and Scout Troopers who were around the grounds demonstrating their skills, as was a convincing Jack Sparrow in his pirate’s costume (aka town councillor Dean Phillips).

A bouncy castle did a roaring trade and there were space hoppers, a chance to razzle dazzle or try out circus skills, as well as enjoy music by district bands.

There were also special activities for the five year olds and under in the nursery garden, which gave parents a chance to see it in full bloom.

Among the visitors were many past headteachers, staff and pupils and there was also a birthday celebration cake with plenty of refreshments, including Pimm’s, burgers and strawberries and cream.

To mark the 20th birthday, the Friends of Bushy Leaze presented the nursery with a large carved wooden squirrel, which is their logo.

Business manager Clare Allen said the idea behind the Big Birthday Bash was to create a fun day for everyone, adding: “It certainly was a fun day, the place was packed.

“We are so grateful to the Friends of Bushy Leaze for all their work and help in making it such a success.”