'Been here since God was a boy': Nursery teacher retires in Glasgow

Alison Stalker is retiring from Winter Gardens nursery in the East End and celebrating her career of more than 40 years with children.

The 63-year-old, from Campbeltown but now lives in Stepps, made friends for life at her work and credits her team for getting her through very hard times.

This included her cancer battle and loss of loved ones, but her love of youngsters and incredible support network “pulled her through it”.

Alison, pictured middle, is with colleagues Karen Walker, left and Nikki Black (Winter Gardens Nursery head of centre) at right. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Alison has been working with kids for more than 40 years (Image: Sourced)

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Alison is pictured with children who currently attend the nursery- Andi Campbell, left and Layla McColm at right. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Alison, pictured 3rd from left, is with colleagues, from left- Kelly Corrigan, Maggie Dearie, Alison, Nikki Black, Angela McDade and Karen Walker. (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Alison told the Glasgow Times: “The team I work with has been amazing both professionally and personally. 

“They have supported me through really difficult times in my life, I don’t know where I would be without them.

“I lost my dad in a horrific accident which was a very difficult time for me, it was just one month after my wedding.

“It was hard but the team showed up for me in a big way which helped me so much.

“They also supported me through breast cancer after I lost a lot of confidence.

"They pulled me through it and reminded me to just take things one day at a time.

“I am very close with the head of the nursery Nikki and all my colleagues who have been so much more than colleagues, I know leaving isn’t me saying goodbye to them.”

Former nursery pupils Orlah Daly and her brother Elliott Telfer pictured with Alison. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Alison has loved being a nursery teacher (Image: Sourced)

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Head of the nursery Nikki Black, 50, said: “Alison always says she has been here since God was a boy.

“She is a huge part of the community and has such a strong passion for the families around here.

“Her sense of humour is incredible and lets her have very personal and compassionate relationships with people, that's why generations continue to come back to us when they are all grown up.

“She has a big understanding of what the community needs and how to support people, you really feel her presence within the nursery and we are really going to miss her.”

Alison gets a hug from former pupil Erin Smith and her son Bennie Currie. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Alison is pictured with Tony Jaconelli whose children were all taught by her. (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Winter Gardens staff put on a party for Alison to celebrate her retirement and invited plenty of friendly faces. 

The nursery welcomed back generations of youngsters, who have now grown up, to send off their much loved ex teacher.

Seeing them returned “meant everything” to the nursery teacher who credited her “honesty” in being key to building lifelong relationships within the community.

Former nursery pupil that Alison taught, Millie Tominey age 11 hugs her. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Alison added: “I have always loved children so working with them has been amazing.

“I had a privileged upbringing and my parents taught me you should treat people as you want to be treated, so that is my rule in life.

“I always try to be very understanding and honest with the community I work with which lets me build good relationships.

“It means everything to see the wee children grown and flown come back to us, it is absolutely amazing.”