IT WAS a week to remember for a Malvern pre-school principal who was named in the Queen’s birthday honours list and celebrated the birth of her granddaughter.
Alice Bennett was awarded an MBE for services to Early Years Education and said she did not think the week would be topped.
The 59-year-old, who has been at Madresfield Early Years Centre for 21 years and has worked as part of Early Years for about 30 years, said she was ‘honoured’ to receive the prestigious title.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” she told The Observer. “You don’t know anything about it until that letter comes through the post.
“It is so wonderful and such a good scheme to really reward those beavering away in society who perhaps wouldn’t get that recognition. It is a lovely process and I am honoured to be part of it.
“I couldn’t believe what I was reading, I had to get my husband to check it as it was such a shock.
“It was quite a week, I don’t think I can top that.”
The Hayswood Farm site opened its doors to just 24 children back in 1994 but now welcomes 188 youngsters each day and Mrs Bennett paid tribute to her ‘amazing’ staff.
“I must share this with my staff team,” she added. “Since forming Madresfield Early Years Centre I have had the most amazing set of staff who have been loyal, right behind me, and all the endeavours they have made have been considerable.
“I love every day. When I walk through the nursery and the children rush up to me and want to tell me all their news I love it.
“It is their unconditional love day after day which is most rewarding and makes me love my job.”
