Busy Bees still going strong after 30 years of looking after children

The orange and black balloons were released by the children at Busy Bees playgroup to mark its 30th anniversary.

This makes it among the oldest playgroups in the Bognor Regis area.

Manager Elaine Maskell said: “There were about 24 of the 34 children on our books there for the launch. The balloons went up into the sky perfectly.

“The children all cheered as they let go after a countdown from ten and all the parents clapped as well.”

Every child has also been given a special mug with the dates of the anniversary.

Last Friday’s event at the Busy Bees’ base at St Mary Magdalene Church Hall in Bersted Street was followed by an afternoon disco the next day.

Mrs Maskell has been in sole or joint charge for 22 years.

“I’ve got a very good team of seven staff who all work together very well.

“The parents have always supported us as has the church,” she said. “We’ve moved with the changes and benefited from word of mouth.

“I’ve now got parents who were children here bringing their own children.”