THREE members of staff at North Bradley Primary, who have collectively dedicated more than 50 years to the school, have bid farewell to pupils and colleagues this week.

Headteacher Janette O’Brien, admin officer Lynn Harmsworth, who has worked at the school for 24 years and teaching assistant Hazel Gavin, who has been there 13 years, are all retiring today (July 22).

Mrs O’Brien, who started at the school 17 years ago, said that while her final day will be filled with great sadness, she will remember all the great times she has had.

“There have been many, many memories that have made my time here wonderful,” she added. She said: “I think the loveliest thing that I’ve realised over the years is to see children after they have left the school and when they come back and tell us about what they are doing. It is great to hear the things they have done in their lives and how they are still confident and independent which is what we try to teach them here at North Bradley.“We had a reunion for anyone who had anything to do with North Bradley Primary last month and we were amazed by the incredible amount of people that turned up.”Mrs Harmsworth is the longest serving member of staff and is the first face visitors to the school meet – an asset which Mrs O’Brien said will be a great loss to the primary.“She has been such a welcoming face for everyone using the school from the parents and staff but also the children who love her,” she added. “Lynn is the one that says hello on their first day and she’s the one who looks after them when they aren’t very well so I know she will definitely be missed by many.”

Despite many staff changes, come September pupils will be welcomed back to school by new headteacher Kelandi Ash.