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Barbara chalks up 40 years

7/ 5/2008

TEACHER Barbara Winnell has been described as the "epitome of loyalty" after chalking up 40 years at the same school.

Miss Winnell will blow out the candles on a fantastic career in summer, but the celebrations started early as Tameside mayor Councillor Michael Smith presented her with a cake to mark her 65th birthday.

She began working at Russell Scott Primary School in 1968 and has taught generations of infants over the years.

"I’m almost part of the fixtures and fittings," she said. "It will be a wrench to leave after so long, but I’m not cutting myself off competely. I’ve volunteered to come in a couple of days a week and help out in the classroom.

"It’s amazing how much education has changed. New technology now plays a huge part. Blackboards and chalk have vanished and been replaced with interactive whiteboards. Using a computer is just second nature to children of six and seven nowadays. They are so much more confident and outgoing. They used to get bikes and dolls for birthdays. Now they get i-Pods and Nintendo DSs!"

Miss Winnell has lost count of the number of former pupils who now have children of their own at the school.

She added: "I can remember when the school had to move to Clare Street in 1981 because the M67 cut through our playground. A lot has changed but I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else.

"I aim to keep busy in my retirement. I have a great-niece who is a toddler so I’m sure I’ll spend a lot of time babysitting in the next couple of years."

Headteacher Stephen Marsland said: "Barbara has devoted her life to the children of Denton. We’ve had parents choose our school because she taught them in the past. Consequently they know what a great start they had in life as a result. She is someone with integrity, strong values and commitment. We’ll miss her around the place."