Volunteers pitch in for nursery's make-over

The community of Haywards Heath came together over the weekend to help a pre-school '˜in desperate need of a makeover'.
Holly Armstrong (middle), owner of the pre-school next to Ross Conquest and his work colleagues. Picture: Steve RobardsHolly Armstrong (middle), owner of the pre-school next to Ross Conquest and his work colleagues. Picture: Steve Robards
Holly Armstrong (middle), owner of the pre-school next to Ross Conquest and his work colleagues. Picture: Steve Robards

Bolnore Village Pre-School, in Middle Village, Haywards Heath, currently rents the hall at the Woodside and use of the play area – which was in desperate need of the re-vamp.

After a mum of one of the children at the pre-school posted an appeal for help on social media site, Facebook, support from the community quickly came rolling in - which started from Ross Conquest, 26, of, Wickham Way, Haywards Heath, who had commented on the appeal post and offered to install artificial grass for free.

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Holly Armstrong, 36, of Maidenbower, Crawley, owns the pre-school, which has been open since 2011, said she has been left ‘touched’ and ‘overwhelmed’ after the kind help.

Holly Armstrong with her daughter Olivia and Ross Conquest. Picture: Steve RobardsHolly Armstrong with her daughter Olivia and Ross Conquest. Picture: Steve Robards
Holly Armstrong with her daughter Olivia and Ross Conquest. Picture: Steve Robards

She said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Ross Conquest and his team for their generosity, kindness, and hard work.

“The transformation to the play area has been unbelieveable and has already made such difference to so many people, big and small.

“I would also like to thank Hanson for the donation of limestone; Parkers building supplies for the sand, cement and timber; Morris Leslie for the Digger, Dumper and compactor; Boo Boo cafe for the hearty breakfast given to the hard working lads on Saturday morning, Bolnore Co-op for providing lunch and Haywards Heath Town Council for the grant towards the cost of the artificial grass.

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“Ross’s selfless donation of time and expertise has been overwhelming and in such a unsettled world it is wonderful to have stories like this to make you smile.”

Ross Conquest and his team have helped transform the pre-school's play area free of charge. Picture: Steve RobardsRoss Conquest and his team have helped transform the pre-school's play area free of charge. Picture: Steve Robards
Ross Conquest and his team have helped transform the pre-school's play area free of charge. Picture: Steve Robards

After gaining donations and from many local businesses, Ross, director of Conquest Hard Landscaping Ltd, managed to reduce the costs of the overall project from £5,000 to £2,000.

He said: “I saw the appeal on Facebook and wanted to help straight away as I didn’t like the thought of kids coming home all muddy due to the poor grass. Although the kids love it – it is a nightmare for parents!

“I decided I needed to do it properly, so I called around local businesses, which resulted in getting free diggers and dumpers and all sorts, which saved a fortune for the school – as they don’t have a lot of money.

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“It turned into a bit of a DIY SOS job and all my work lot were well up for it which was great.”

After shot of the pre-school's play area with Ross making some finishing touchesAfter shot of the pre-school's play area with Ross making some finishing touches
After shot of the pre-school's play area with Ross making some finishing touches

The 26-year-old lives with his partner and daughter, Marley, who is two and a half. He added that the pair are thinking of Marley joining the pre-school, so this was another reason he wanted to help out.

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Before shot of the pre-school's play areaBefore shot of the pre-school's play area
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