Forty-nine years ago today, on 25 August 1961, Belle Tutaev, a young mother in London, wrote a letter to the Guardian which was headlined Do-it-yourself-nurseries. The letter called for a large-scale national petition to be presented to the then minister of education (David Eccles) demanding more nursery schools and play facilities for under-fives. Belle received over 150 letters in response and collected nearly 4,000 signatures on her petition. Thus the Pre-school Playgroups Association was born. Those of us who were involved during the first 20-odd years are hoping to organise a reunion during the golden jubilee year to celebrate the pioneering days of this socially very significant movement. If you would like to know more, please write to Cath Armstrong, Feldon House, Newbold on Stour, Stratford on Avon, CV37 8TY, or email cath.armstrong@yahoo.co.uk.
Jill Faux
Carlisle