Jim Allcock, aged 60, met three-year-old Sophia Moore at Croft NurserySchool in his first visit in 50 years (pictured). He was tracked downafter head teacher Barbara Breakwell wrote a letter of appeal to theNottingham Evening Post which was spotted by Mr Allcock's sister.
Mr Allcock, who joined the nursery in 1952, told the local paper, 'I'msad that it's closing - it's still a nice, pleasant environment. It'stucked away and quiet. I've known all my life that I was the firstperson on the register. I've often thought I would like to comeback.'
The nursery opened in 1952 to accommodate children born in the post-warbaby boom and has seen 5,168 pupils through its doors in its 56 years ofoperation. It is closing as part of the school organisation programme ofrationalisation by Nottingham council, which says there is a surplus ofplaces in nurseries and schools.
As well as Croft Nursery School, the council plans to close down twonurseries and three primary schools to make room for training centresand the increasing demand for more student accommodation. NottinghamNursery School, being built in Radford, is to open in September.
Mr Allcock has been invited to attend the Croft nursery's open day on 21June as a special guest. The event will celebrate the school'sachievements and will feature entertainment such as cheerleading, tapdancing and magic shows.
Ms Breakwell said, 'The phone hasn't stopped ringing from people whowant to come to the open day. The nursery school has been very much thecentre of the community for a long time. But our building is old and thenew provision will be in newly-built 21st century accommodation.
'The nursery has brought a lot of happiness to people over the years,'she added. 'It has always been happy, welcoming and warm, and I hopethat carries on.'
