There was cause for celebration at Highbury Lodge Day Nursery in Hitchin as beloved Nursery Practitioner, Eileen Duckett marked her milestone 70^th birthday.

Having joined the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Highbury Road 17 years ago, Eileen is an integral part of the team who has helped to positively shape the lives of hundreds of children, as well as taking part in countless fundraising ventures, contributing to the £30million plus total raised by Childbase Partnership for charity in the past 30 years.

As part of the special festivities, colleagues decorated the nursery with balloons and banners, as well as presenting Eileen with flowers and a series of presents throughout the day. The children were also delighted to gift Eileen their handmade cards, before singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and watching her blow out the candles on her cake.

During her career at Highbury Lodge, some of Eileen’s highlights have included a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ trip to South Africa to visit educational projects with fellow Childbase Partnership colleagues, company balls and festivals, as well as making memories with the children closer to home such as swimming lessons and trips to the pantomime in Stevenage.

Highbury Lodge Day Nursery Practitioner, Eileen Duckett explained;

“I had a lovely birthday and was made to feel very special by my wonderful colleagues and nursery children. I have so many cherished memories from my time at Highbury Lodge and am hugely grateful for the friendships I have formed over the years, which have led to fantastic celebrations with the team including weddings and baby showers.”