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.
5. Pen Green through the years
Pictured enjoying the Angel Delight, spiders and worms in 2011 is Julia Korzycka, 3. Photo: Tony Waugh
6. Pen Green through the years
A little pumpkin at Pen Green centre's Halloween party. Photo: Alison Bagley
7. Pen Green through the years
Pictured are 16-month-old Maisey Miller with her auntie, and creche worker, Fiona Carroll, and 13-month-old Evie Fleming with her mummy Cherisse, a centre volunteer. Photo: Tony Waugh
8. Pen Green through the years
Masonic Lodge of Unity, Corby, provided £750 for Christmas parties for the nursery children in 2011. Pictured are deputy head Angela Prodger, George Peel from Unity Lodge with Mr Mudge and Pippa and children. Photo: Alison Bagley