A NEW nursery is now open at a freshly renovated village hall with decades of history in Mayland.

Business partners Jayne Philpott and Sophie Kerr have opened Piglets and Friends Pre-school at the Henry Samuel Hall.

The hall, in Steeple Road, is believed to be one of the first demountable buildings in the UK and fundraising for the work to restore the hall began more than a year ago.

It was originally purchased by Joseph Fels in 1908 and was used as the village school for children of agricultural workers in the area.

It was then purchased by Henry Samuel in 1912 and eventually passed as a gift from Henry’s widow in 1924 to be used by the village.

Mayland Parish Council is now the sole trustee of the hall and residents have gathered to support the restoration.

Now up and running, the building has new windows, new cladding, new accessible toilets, a new kitchen and more.

The new pre-school is officially Ofsted registered, offering childcare to children aged from one to five years old.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Opening: Jayne and Sophie at the open dayOpening: Jayne and Sophie at the open day (Image: Jayne Philpott)

The pre-school has a generous outdoor area with a range of games for youngsters to get involved in.

The owners say they are excited to finally be open after spending months preparing to open their first pre-school together.

Jayne said: “After many years in the childcare sector we are both extremely excited and proud to be opening our own pre-school at the Henry Samuel Hall, Mayland.

“We will be offering childcare to children aged one to five following the early years curriculum in a safe, warm and stimulating environment where each child is recognised, supported and valued as an individual to achieve their potential.

“The Henry Samuel Hall was a school many years ago, so it is amazing that the hall will be used again for Piglets and Friends Pre-school and other community clubs and events.”

There are still some spaces remaining and the owners are encouraging parents to get in touch.

For more information, go to the Piglets and Friends Pre-school Facebook page or email pigletsandfriendspreschool@hotmail.com.