Blues Preschool and Nursery: Retiring manager Kim Craythorne enjoys week of celebrations for 34 years’ service
The woman who has been at the helm of Bishop’s Stortford’s Blues Preschool and Nursery has retired after 34 years of “distinguished service”.
Kim Craythorne, 67, spent an emotional week ahead of the Easter holidays bidding farewell to children and parents past and present, staff and trustees.
Since first joining the team as a nursery worker in October 1990 after her own daughter, Hannah, attended the preschool, she went on to become its manager in 2013 and was the driving force behind its relocation from a portable cabin at The Bishop’s Stortford High School to a new purpose-built home at Cox’s Gardens on the Havers estate in October 2022.
But now she is handing over the reins to enjoy some more free time in her garden, having officially stepped down on March 28.
During her last week, Kim enjoyed a reception with the town’s mayor, Cllr Richard Townsend, and received a personal message from Stortford’s MP Josh Dean. She enjoyed send-offs from parents and former staff and was presented with a book of memories from her time at Blues.
“The retirement of Kim, after 34 years of distinguished service to Blues, was commemorated with a week of extensive celebrations,” said trustee Emma Jeffries.
“The Mayor graced the event on Wednesday (April 2), extending personal congratulations to Kim and formally meeting the newly appointed Manager, Jordan Guy, followed by a comprehensive tour with members of the board of trustees.
“Though unable to attend, MP Josh Dean conveyed his sincere appreciation and best wishes through a formal communication to pass on his heartfelt congratulations to her on her retirement and for her exceptional long service to the Blues Preschool and Nursery – what a remarkable achievement!”
She added: “Overall it really was a tremendous celebration of Kim’s achievements over the years and all of us at Blues wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude for everything that she has achieved.
“It was a very emotional week, her daughter came to one event as she was the reason Kim started working here and she knew all the history and how much work her mum had put into it.
“It was limited speeches though as we were all getting too emotional!” said Emma. “To have stayed with the Blues for that period of time is incredible and really it was Kim that secured the new purpose-built setting that we now have. It will be her legacy.”
New manager Jordan is Kim’s former deputy. She has recently steered the preschool through its latest Ofsted inspection.
