Owner of Aberlour childcare service Speyplay given big send-off after closing during lockdown
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THE owner of an Aberlour childcare service which closed for the last time during lockdown has been given a big send-off by parents.
More than 120 children passed through the doors of Speyplay Child Care Services during the 16 years it was open, with owner and manager Carol Newlands having a big influence on the lives of many local children.
Mrs Newlands, who has four children of her own, opened Speyplay in 2004 and operated it from her own home. She was planning to stop the service next year but brought that date forward due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
She said: "I have four children myself so I opened Speyplay as a way of working from home and it grew into a lot more than that.
"It became popular and I took on staff but it was still in my family home the whole time. I looked into moving it elsewhere but it never worked out.
"It was busy and manic but it went really well. It did take over the house but we have a big garden so it was ideal for the children to spend time outside.
"I was planning on closing next year, as my youngest is going to high school, but decided to close prematurely due to covid.
"It was a huge decision and it was very tough but I wanted our home to be somewhere for my family to be safe and, with all rules and regulations, I didn't want to finish on a low where it wasn't so enjoyable."
Speyplay could look after a total of 12 children at a time, from babies right the way up to primary seven pupils.
Although the group was started by Carol and her sister, Sarah, it employed four people throughout the 16 years – with the last of those losing her job as a result of the closure.
As for Carol, when one door closed another one opened and she is now the manager of St Peters and Millbank nurseries in Buckie, which she is enjoying.
But Speyplay didn't close quietly, with Carol surprised on her doorstep by a group of grateful parents wishing to thank her for all her efforts over the years.
"I had absolutely no idea, but they surprised me at my back door with lots of presents," Carol said.
"I was completely overwhelmed, blown away and found it quite emotional. It was very kind.
"I feel that I was just doing a job and I didn't do anything extraordinary.
"I got a voucher for a hot air balloon ride, something I've always wanted to do and have had on my bucket list. That was a massive surprise.
"I got a lovely cake and some cash, too, which I'll probably use to get a keepsake.
"I'm just so blown away, it's far more than I deserve."
Carol finished by remembering the good times and thanking all of the families that have had a child pass through the doors of Speyplay.
"Our trips in general were always good," she said. "We went to Loch Morlich, Ballindalloch Castle and enjoyed trips to the beach and the woods when the weather was good.
"Supporting families going through strange times was also nice.
"I have had many fantastic families who have been so supportive and have enjoyed having these families involved with mine. I feel I have a big extended family now.
"I just to thank all of the families, the staff and my own family for supporting all of this. It has been a huge part of my family and my working life."
