Happy Days celebrations!

There was great excitement at Happy Days Community Childcare in Ballymoney on Saturday afternoon as many people came along to help celebrate the official opening of the new Multi-Sensory Garden and the third anniversary of the Centre.
SWEET GIRLS. Pictured are members of staff at Happy Days Childcare Centre, who helped serve up some tasty treats at the opening of the Sensory Garden on Saturday.INBM22-14 045SC.SWEET GIRLS. Pictured are members of staff at Happy Days Childcare Centre, who helped serve up some tasty treats at the opening of the Sensory Garden on Saturday.INBM22-14 045SC.
SWEET GIRLS. Pictured are members of staff at Happy Days Childcare Centre, who helped serve up some tasty treats at the opening of the Sensory Garden on Saturday.INBM22-14 045SC.

Special guest Sarah Travers (UTV) took time from her busy schedule to join in the celebrations and marked the very special occasion by cutting a ribbon at the entrance to the colourful garden.

Over the past few months there has been a great deal of work to ensure that the vision of providing a dynamic outdoor learning environment has transformed an area of grass into something exciting and wonderful. The Multi-Sensory Garden provides an inclusive, sensory, fun and stimulating area for children of all abilities and ages who attend Happy Days.

The project was made possible through the effort of staff, parents, The Conservation Volunteers, skilled workmen, Church volunteers and some financial support provided by the Northern Childcare Partnership and Barclays Bank.

THE FIRST CUT. UTV presenter Sarah Travers, pictured about to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Sensory Garden at Happy Days on Saturday with Pastors Jonathan and Yvonne Payne looking on along with Assistant Manager Jenny Caldwell and Manager Lyndal Speers.INBM22-14 046SC.THE FIRST CUT. UTV presenter Sarah Travers, pictured about to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Sensory Garden at Happy Days on Saturday with Pastors Jonathan and Yvonne Payne looking on along with Assistant Manager Jenny Caldwell and Manager Lyndal Speers.INBM22-14 046SC.
THE FIRST CUT. UTV presenter Sarah Travers, pictured about to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Sensory Garden at Happy Days on Saturday with Pastors Jonathan and Yvonne Payne looking on along with Assistant Manager Jenny Caldwell and Manager Lyndal Speers.INBM22-14 046SC.

There was great excitement as the children investigated and explored the garden, enjoying the entire ‘sensory experience’! They were also very enthusiastic about the ‘ball pit’, face painting and nail art. Special cartoon characters Upsy Daisy and Woody helped to complete the party atmosphere. During the celebrations, children, parents, friends and invited guests came along to enjoy the festivities and some tasty treats at ‘Afternoon Tea’.

Lyndal Speers, the Childcare Manager commented: “I would like to thank everybody who willingly contributed their time and talent so we can enjoy this beautiful garden which will be a great asset to the children’s learning and development. We at Happy Days appreciate that so many people took the time to come along and make this 3rd anniversary a special day.

“I would like to pay tribute to the staff for their ongoing dedication in making Happy Days such a successful Day Care Centre.” Pastor Jonathan Payne, Chairman of Happy Days, said: “Within three years we have exceeded all expectations. I believe this success is down to great teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment backed up with a real spirit of excellence. Many thanks to all the team and to every parent and to the Church of God who prayerfully support on a weekly basis this wonderful Children’s Centre.”