FOR 30 years Karen Best has worked with young children at Bow, first running the toddler group and then as pre-school supervisor.

She retired this month and a tea party was held for her, with the guests being many of the children and families.

As guest of honour, Karen received lots of cards, gifts and a big bouquet of flowers in the pre-school’s colours.

Born in Erith, Kent, Karen lived in Exmouth from age one until 35 years ago when she married Mike at Holy Trinity, Exmouth.

Karen had qualified as a primary school teacher and because there were not many jobs about when she left college she did supply teaching until she became a house parent at Farringdon House School, Farringdon.

Then came a teaching job at Exbourne Primary School, Mike and Karen were then married and living in Bow. After their second son was born Karen stopped teaching and, through her own children, became involved with running Bow toddler group and then supervising at Playgroup as it was then. 

"It has always been a part of the village hall. Changes over time have brought lots more paper work, but that is happening everywhere," said Karen.

"Numbers have increased greatly from some sessions only having about eight children in the afternoons with 15 to 20 at the morning sessions. Now we are on record numbers of 33/34 each day.

"We only ran three morning sessions originally and then progressed to all-day and then increased to four days in a week. It has always been a pack-away pre-school, every time for 30 years getting equipment out and packing it away again every day we meet.

"We changed the name to Bow Bears Pre-School as well. Ofsted has changed again asking for more and more within the inspection.

"From being on tenterhooks because they could easily arrive with no warning, to in the last few years, actually being told the day before that an inspection was about to happen.  

"I’ve been honoured to have my grandaughter at pre-school and have seen lots of ex-pupils become mothers/fathers with their children now at Bow Bears. We’ve also had ex-pupils on work experience," said Karen.

She enjoyed playing netball at school and then at Crediton since getting married and still plays when she can! She was chairman of Crediton and District Netball League for several years but is now vice chairman.

Karen added that she enjoys gardening and flower arranging. She and Mike both enjoy cruises and hope to enjoy many more in retirement.

"Thank you everyone for the wonderful afternoon you gave me, the presents and well wishes and everything and thank you to the staff for all those wonderful years," said Karen.

The community room at Bow Village Hall where the playgroup meets was decorated with banners all drawn by the children, tables each with a posy created by Karen, lots of cakes made by Claire, Erin, Rachel and the pre-school and cream teas.