Tributes to tireless and devoted Blackpool teacher and nursery boss Terri Bridge who leaves a legacy of love and compassion

One of Blackpool’s longest serving educators Terri Bridge, who only officially retired after selling her much-loved nursery business last year, has died aged 87.
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The great-grandmother, teacher, businesswoman and “lover of children”, who was at the heart of education in the resort for more than six decades, died on January 14, after an illness.

Hundreds of tributes have been sent to family and posted on social media for Mrs Bridge, who was synonymous with her ‘Smarties parties’ on Fridays for generations of families, who she taught at St Kentingern’s Catholic Primary School in Newton Drive for 25 years.

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After retiring from teaching in 1991, her achievements in educating pre-school children reached new levels when she opened her first nursery Layton Hill, in Layton, which later moved to Carr Gate in Cleveleys.

Blackpool teacher and educator Terri Bridge, who enjoyed a career stretching more than 60 years.Blackpool teacher and educator Terri Bridge, who enjoyed a career stretching more than 60 years.
Blackpool teacher and educator Terri Bridge, who enjoyed a career stretching more than 60 years.

The nursery was the first in Blackpool to be labelled ‘outstanding’ by education watchdog Ofsted, which gave that rating twice more.

Her daughter Collette Bridge Madden, speaking to the Gazette for the family, said the mother-of-five was an “inspiration” and loved by children and families alike.

She said: “The messages that have come in and some of the stories that have been shared show just in what high regard mum was held.

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“If a parent had had a bad time or was struggling with their nursery fees mum would be there to support. She ensured none of the children ever missed out. The little ones loved her.

Terri Bridge celebrates her retirement with family, friends and colleagues early last year.Terri Bridge celebrates her retirement with family, friends and colleagues early last year.
Terri Bridge celebrates her retirement with family, friends and colleagues early last year.

“Everyone was treated with care, compassion and respect and that is why her colleagues and staff thought so much of her. She was known for her generosity but wouldn’t

shout about it. A very kind lady but glamorous, she always liked to stand out from the crowd.”

Mrs Bridge was also a long serving parishioner of St Kentigern’s, a parish council member, and founder of the church’s children’s liturgy programme.

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Her husband Michael, who she was married to for 59 years, ran the Bridge Furniture store and Mrs Bridge took some time out of her own business to care for him during his own ill-health with Parkinson’s. He died in 2015.

Mrs Bridge was born in Liverpool in 1933 before being evacuated to Blackpool during the Second World War. She was the first member of her family to enter higher education and completed her teaching training at an education college in Rugby.

A funeral service for Mrs Bridge was held at St Kentigern’s Church and Carleton Crematorium on February 4.

Long time colleague, Melanie Williams, the nursery manager who took over from Mrs Bridge said: “Terri said she provided a bridge between home and school and felt strongly that children flourished when they were happy, healthy, secure and valued and this perfectly sums up Terri’s whole ethos around early years childcare.

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“Her main priority at all times was that the children came first and the wonderful nursery environment she created and nurtured always ensured that happened.

“She was so passionate about the nursery and the importance of delivering high quality early years childcare.

“This was completely infectious to those around her and made us as a team strive to provide the best start

for children. Terri was a warm, kind and generous lady who had such an amazing rapport with the children – they always just loved her – and this also extended out to the parents and families. Terri respected them greatly and always valued and appreciated their input.

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“Layton Hill was a truly special place. It created long standing friendships that have spanned 25 years-plus and to us Terri was so much more than a boss. She was someone we were extremely proud to call our friend and she will be greatly missed by us all.”

A parent writing on the Layton Hill Facebook page said of Mrs Bridge: “Terriʼs passion for children and for providing the best possible education has always been an inspiration to me and I know to so many other people.

“I feel privileged to have known her and so glad that my own son was able to experience the love, care and joy that shone out of Terri and her staff at Layton Hill. She made a huge difference to every life she touched.”

Mrs Bridge is survived by children Paul, Julie, Collette, Simon, eight granddaughters, three grandsons, and great granddaughter.

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