School’s out for Barbara

Barbara Howard retiring from Royton Hall Primary School. Back row l-r, Daniel Johnson, Macy Parkin, Nathan Tomassi, Joshua Sencicle, Lauren Haigh. Front row l-r, Mya Ward, Barbara, Bethan Jones.

LIFE’S a beach for Barbara Howard who celebrated her retirement after 31 years at Thorp Primary School with hot dogs, cocktails and a limbo contest.

The 57-year-old, from Grotton, has been a teacher for 36 years and previously worked at Whitegate End Primary and Eustace Street Nursery.

Barbara’s young charges marked her retirement with a beach party in the Royton school hall and it was a double celebration as yesterday was also Barbara’s birthday.

She said: “I will really miss the children and I have seen so many youngsters pass through these doors who have grown up and then sent their children here.”

She added: “I would like to thank Barbara Dockray who has worked alongside me in the nursery for the past 27 years.

“I will spend my time now just relaxing, walking the dog and doing the garden.”