Community asked to support Tigers nursery after overnight fire
Parents and members of the local community are being asked to support Tigers nursery in Thatcham following a major fire that caused significant damage to the site earlier this week.
Fire crews were called to the nursery on Turnpike Road at around 1.30am on Tuesday morning. Crews from Newbury, Theale, Hungerford, Mortimer and Whitley Wood attended the scene, along with support from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were faced with two buildings involved in the blaze. Crews used hose reels, jets and an aerial ladder platform to bring the fire under control. Thankfully no one was inside the building at the time and there were no reported injuries.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire investigators have said that at this stage there is no indication that the blaze was started deliberately, although the level of damage has made the investigation challenging.
Parents connected with the nursery are now appealing for help from the wider community as Tigers begins the process of recovering from the fire.
One parent, Leanne Mckrill Pratt, contacted Kennet Radio to ask if the station could help share details of how people might be able to support the nursery while it works to get back on its feet.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money towards replacing equipment and supporting the nursery as it recovers. The initial fundraising goal has been set at £2,000, although organisers say any contribution from the community would be greatly appreciated.
Alongside financial donations, parents are also hoping to organise a collection of useful items for the nursery. Suggested donations include clean preloved books and toys, nappies, creams, sippy cups, children’s plates and cutlery, as well as small furniture such as tables and chairs or indoor and outdoor sand and water trays. Clean second hand children’s clothing may also be helpful.
The group is also asking whether anyone in the community may be able to offer their time to help with repainting, repairs or rebuilding work once access to the site is possible.
Local businesses and organisations may also be able to help by offering stay and play sessions or discounts to families who are now having to arrange alternative childcare, or by helping staff with transport if they need to travel to a temporary site.
Details of where physical donations can be dropped off are expected to be confirmed soon.
Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can find more information here:
https://gofund.me/8c48ed4a5