A CHILDREN's centre based in Wrexham saw one of its managers depart after 30 years of service.

The Venture, which is an integrated children’s centre based in the Wynnstay ward of Caia Park, bid a fond farewell to its early years centre manager, Karen Davies on Wednesday.

Ms Davies first attended The Venture parent and toddler group on its first day of opening in 1987, as a parent with two small children, Nicola, ten months, and Karl, who was two years-of-age.

Helping out as a volunteer, Ms Davies later began working for The Venture as a playgroup assistant in 1989 and around 20 years ago, she took the reigns as the manager as well as chairing the Caia Park early years forum for several years.

Ms Davies, said: "I’ve loved working at The Venture.

"I've met loads of lovely people and the support I’ve received has been incredible.

"The girls I’ve worked with have been great.

"We’ve laughed so much and cried too.

"Manager Malcolm King and Julie Humphreys, who is the finance officer and administrator have both given me so much support over the years.

"I will miss them."

The Venture, originally titled, 'Wrexham Adventure Playground Association (WAPA)', was established in 1978 in response to the high volume of youth crime and the lack of facilities in Caia Park.

During her time at the centre, Ms Davies saw the centre receive good Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection results and most recently, in 2018, came first in the parents choice category and second in playgroup of the year at the Wrexham Family Information Service Annual Childcare Awards.

Malcolm King, who is the manager at The Venture, said: "Karen has worked tirelessly to ensure our 'flying start' early years centre offers exemplary childcare, and generations of local children have benefited from the support Karen and her team have given to the community.

"It's the end of an era for the children’s centre but we thank Karen for over 30 years of dedication to us and wish her the very best for the next chapter in her life.

"We very much look forward to seeing her in the future."

Ms Davies was also involved in the centres milestone 40th anniversary in July last year and now plans to spend her more time with her mother and grandchildren, and has already planned to return as a volunteer in the future.