POPPIES nursery celebrated its 20th anniversary by inviting children, parents and guests to a tea party last Thursday, (5 June).

The nursery was opened in June 1994 by the Queen when it was part of the Royal British legion Training College.

Elaine Harrison, owner/manager, has been with Poppies since the start. Although military postings has seen the coming and going of staff there is still a core of long-standing staff.

With waiting lists for places continually increasing Elaine decided to expand the business and opened the sister Poppies at Perham Down in August 2001.

The invitation list included the Queen, who unfortunately couldn’t attend, but sent a response.

The day did, however, see many faces from Poppies’ past, including the first manager, Sue Stuart, and former parents and children were also in attendance.