Families treated to a wonderland at Gissing Children’s Centre fundraiser

Families tumbled down the rabbit hole and into the world of Alice in Wonderland at the weekend, all thanks to a popular pre-school.

Gissing Children’s Centre in Lower Street hosted an event in aid of funds on Saturday, with a woodland trail to meet some of the characters from the classic book and themed activities along the way.

Centre manager Linda Nash said that, even with the changeable weather, the day went really well.

She said: “We had about 120 children join us and, with parents, we had about 300. It was such a success and we had great feedback from all those who attended.”

The trail, which went through two meadows, over a pair of bridges and into the woodland, culminated in a Mad Hatter’s tea party, with the children tasked with making a series of craft items.

Ms Nash said: “We had around 150 Cheshire cat tails made, which children stuffed and got to wear. There was a rose-making station for the Queen of Hearts garden, they played croquet with flamingos and there was also a mini-sack race.”

With the tickets, what was made from a book sale on the day and refreshments, it is estimated that the day made around £1,300.

“I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone that came,” added Ms Nash. “Though we get funding for the children here, this is a great help with staff costs, as we have 14 full-time and part-time members and our ever-rising running costs.

“I would also like to thank all of our staff and volunteers who have a connection with the centre who really got involved.

“We would not be able to do things like this without them.”