It’s the jewel in the crown of Corby’s childcare history.
Pen Green was founded in 1983 in a room above the Raven by Cllr Jimmy Kane and other people interested in giving young people in Corby a better start in life.
Based in the former Samuel Lloyd school, initially locals didn’t want the childcare facility there as they were worried about it attracting the ‘wrong sort of families’.
But since it opened, the facility has grown to become a world leader in its field.
It offers a nursery, a family centre, a range of helpful classes, groups and courses for parents and now it even has a higher education facility offering degrees for local parents.
And we’ve been there to capture it all on camera. Take a trip down memory lane with some wonderful images taken between 2005 and 2023 at the centre in Rockingham Road.
37. Pen Green through the years
The staff and successful students at Pen Green's Community Education class celebrate passing their exams in 2007. Photo: Liz Kearsley
38. Pen Green through the years
Parents collect their new certificates in understanding child learning in 2008. Pictured are Tina Kemp with not-so-keen daughter Alix Kemp, Michael Carroll, 4, and Mum Fiona Easton. Photo: Alison Bagley
39. Pen Green through the years
Children from the nursery receive a cheque in 2008. Pictured from left: back row: Summer Brown, four, Inaya Morelund, four, Kian Smart,four and Jame McCuskey, four. Front row: Seren Divine, four and Emily Griffin, four. Photo: Liz Kearsley
40. Pen Green through the years
Three generations of one family at Pen Green. Staff member Tess Brewster with her mum, former staff member Di Brewster and twins Lennon and Lachlan Mackenzie, three who attended the centre back in 2008. Photo: Doug Easton