Celebrating 20 years of the Country Play Den

CHARTWELL – The Country Play Den in Chartwell celebrated its 20th birthday on 7 April, with a party and reflection on the children it has taught.

April 9, 2018

Robyn Kirk 2 minutes read

Scarlett Clements on the pony, brought to the venue by a former Country Play Den mom for the children to have rides on during the party. Photo: Robyn Kirk

On 7 April the Country Play Den in Chartwell celebrated its 20th birthday with a fun party and looked back on two decades of watching children grow.

“The school was started by my mother and the principal, Bridget Jones,” explained Belinda Jones, the school’s vice principal. “It started off as a playgroup for her first grandson, Devon, in her garage and just grew larger as more children wanted to join.”

Bridget Jones set up a Memories Table at the party, with memorabilia from the opening of her playgroup back in 1998. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Bridget Jones shows off the first-ever logo she designed for the Country Play Den. Photo: Robyn Kirk

With the help of property owner Bruce Warren, the school moved out of Jones’ house and to its current location in Longleat Avenue. The Country Play Den currently cares for about 60 children, ranging in age from four months old up until six years.

“Today at the party there are a lot of fun things for everyone to do… there’s a tots corner for the younger children, a pony for the children to ride, jumping castles, food stalls and a raffle,” Belinda added.

“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years; I’m so excited and happy because what more does a person want?” Bridget Jones told the Fourways Review.

“I want to carry on at the school as long as I can.”

About 100 people attended the celebration, among them some of the first former students of the playgroup who are now in the last years of high school or starting university.

Belinda Jones, vice principal and Bridget Jones, principal, stand in front of the birthday cupcakes as the party got underway. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Cindy Hulsen stands out in the sun while her daughter Harper, who attends the play den, takes a nap in her pram. Photo: Robyn Kirk

“My daughter Danielle was born in 1999 and came to the Country Play Den when she was 14 months,” explained Helen Knight. “Then my son Patrick came a little while later as well.

“Bridget became a sort of granny to them. It’s a lovely school which has become a sort of extended family and home away from home to us, and that’s why we’re here celebrating today. The relationships formed here have lasted for my children’s lives.”

The Jones family set up a special Memories Table at the party, showcasing items saved from the first year of Country Play Den’s existence and featuring photo albums and letters Bridget has received from former pupils who are now all over the world. There were special birthday cupcakes baked for the occasion, and after Belinda Jones gave a speech to the gathered crowd everyone sang Happy Birthday to the school.