The work of an Ipswich playbus pulled out of retirement has been awarded almost £100k to continue serving the community.

If you were a child in Ipswich from 2003 onwards, the chances are that you grew up with Maggie.

Likened to an enormous preschool on wheels, Maggie has been trundling up and down our town for the past two decades, welcoming little on board for playtime, stories and plenty more besides.

After 20 years, the time finally came for Maggie to retire last September.

Playbus coordinator Mandy Potter was delighted to announce that new playbus, Dennis, would be taking up the mantle.

Mandy runs the free play sessions along with playworker, Lindsey Beddow.

Ipswich Star: A generation of Ipswich youngsters hasgrown up squealing with delight at the sight of Maggie’s beaming face rounding a corner. Image: Charlotte BondA generation of Ipswich youngsters hasgrown up squealing with delight at the sight of Maggie’s beaming face rounding a corner. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: Playbus coordinator Mandy Potter runs the sessions, along with playworker, Lindsey Beddow. Image: Charlotte BondPlaybus coordinator Mandy Potter runs the sessions, along with playworker, Lindsey Beddow. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

A former London bus, Dennis was expected to be on the road in October.

However, Maggie was able to relax and enjoy her retirement for just one week before being called back to work.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dennis’s conversion from public bus to playbus has been delayed, and Maggie was soon back on the road once more.

Work has now resumed, and it is hoped that Dennis will be up and running later in the year, giving Maggie the chance to enjoy a well-earned rest.

However, the valuable work Mandy and the team have been doing in the community has not gone unrecognised.

Funding from BBC Children in Need has just been awarded to the charity, totalling £98,049.

This amount will be spread over three years, and will be used to support their early years play sessions.

“This is fantastic news,” said Mandy. “2024 will see “Dennis”, a newer and more modern playbus, currently under conversion, arrive on the Ipswich roads to take over and continue the playbus service for future children and their families for many years to come.

“The Ipswich Community Playbus Charity is so very grateful to BBC Children in Need.”