19/07/2026
As another academic year comes to an end, and as this is my final end-of-year message before retiring, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and to say a heartfelt thank you.
Firstly, on behalf of the whole staff team and myself, thank you so much for the many lovely cards, kind messages and generous gifts we have received over the past few weeks. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and appreciation have meant more than you could possibly know, and I have been truly touched by every single one.
After 18 wonderful years at Holcombe Brook Methodist Pre-School, it is time for me to say goodbye. Looking back, I feel incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. It has been a privilege to serve the Ramsbottom community, supporting so many wonderful children and their families through those precious early years. Like any journey, there have been challenges along the way, but there have been far more highs than lows, and I leave with a heart full of happy memories.
I have been fortunate to work alongside some incredible people over the years. Many colleagues and parents have become lifelong friends, and I have always been so grateful for the unwavering support of Holcombe Brook Methodist Church, the home of our little pre-school. Our sincere thanks also go to David Somerville, our Chairperson and Minister, who is also retiring this summer. David, thank you for always being such a wonderful advocate for our pre-school and for your friendship, guidance and support. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside you, and I wish you every happiness in your retirement.
One of my greatest achievements has been seeing the amazing team we have today. I truly believe I leave the pre-school in the safest of hands. Jackie, Dale, Laura, Jodie, Sam and Pip have created something very special. They are dedicated, passionate, caring and completely committed to giving every child the very best start in life. They love and nurture every one of our little people as though they were their own, and that is something very special indeed.
A special thank you to Jackie, who has made managing the pre-school so much easier with her positivity, enthusiasm and ability to bring out the very best in everyone. Thank you to Sam for all the hard work she does behind the scenes, ensuring the pre-school runs so efficiently and for the constant support she has given me every single week. Thank you to Dale, Laura, Jodie and Pip for your endless care, kindness and commitment. They say a truly amazing team is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget—and I couldn't agree more. I have been incredibly lucky.
Our annual Leavers Show was once again a wonderful celebration of our children. A huge congratulations to all of our pre-schoolers who were simply amazing. They worked so hard over the past few weeks, performed with confidence and enthusiasm, and never failed to make us smile. Watching them on stage having so much fun was an absolute joy, and we couldn't be prouder of every single one of them.
A huge thank you to our very own 'Danny Boyle', Laura, for producing, directing and choreographing another spectacular show. Thank you also to our own 'Darcey Bussell' and 'Shirley Ballas', Jackie and Jodie, for all their creativity and support with the choreography. Behind every great performance is an incredible backstage team, so thank you to Dale and Pip for ensuring everything ran safely and smoothly throughout every rehearsal and performance. Your care and attention meant our children could shine with confidence.
Thank you also to our fantastic Parent Representatives and Committee Members for your continued commitment and invaluable support throughout the year. Without your dedication, our pre-school simply could not function as successfully as it does.
As we say goodbye, we also have a few special farewells. We wish Pip every success as she leaves us to join the new pre-school at St Mary's, Hawkshaw. Although Pip has only been with us since September 2025, she has become a much-loved and valued member of our team. We are so proud of her and wish we could have kept her for ourselves! She will be greatly missed, and we wish her every happiness and success in her exciting new role.
It also gives me great pleasure to welcome Louise Watson, who will become the new Manager in September. Louise and I have worked together for a couple of days each week since April, and I know she will step into the role with confidence, warmth and dedication. I have every faith that she will continue to build on everything that makes our pre-school so special. Louise, I wish you every success, and remember—you know I'm only ever a telephone call away if you need me.
Finally, to every parent, grandparent and family who has entrusted us with the most precious people in your lives, thank you. Thank you for allowing us to share in so many magical moments, to watch your children grow in confidence, independence and happiness, and to be part of such an important chapter in their lives. It has truly been an honour.
To all of our wonderful children moving on to 'Big School', we wish you every success on your new adventure. Be brave, be kind, keep smiling and never stop believing in yourselves. We can't wait to see your first-day photographs and hear all about your new adventures.
To those returning in September, we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting year.
As I close this chapter, I leave with immense pride, gratitude and so many treasured memories. Thank you for allowing me to spend the last 18 years doing a job that I have genuinely loved. The children, families, staff and church community have all played a part in making this such a special place, and I will miss you all more than words can say.
You came as strangers and left as friends.
Have a wonderful summer, make precious memories with your families, stay safe, keep smiling and always be kind.
With my heartfelt thanks and very best wishes,
Tracy Lowe
