The Ringwood Uniting Church Preschool was established in 1959 to meet the large demand in the growing area. Today, the preschool offers two groups each of four- and three-year-old kinder.

Elizabeth Jones, who has been the preschool's director for 22 years, said about 3000 children had attended the centre in its five decades.

She said her personal highlights included "watching the awe and wonder as the children find insects, watch chicken and duck eggs hatch, and master a new skill".

Other highlights were visiting the older folk at Ringwood Uniting Church Day Care, sharing facilities with the children from Ringwood Biala and the annual Christmas presentation.

"Having children come back when they are in secondary school to do work experience or meeting them working or shopping is also a delight.

"More recently, the variety of families from different cultures has added to the multiculturalism of our preschool and this has been a wonderful experience for staff, parents and children."

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the preschool will hold an open day from 1.30pm-4.30pm on November 7.

There will be a mobile farm, face painting, dancing performances by the children, afternoon tea and the cutting of the birthday cake at 3pm. A 50th anniversary kinder cookbook will also be on sale for $15.

The Ringwood Uniting Church Preschool is at 2 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Details: 98701707.