Welfare assistant at St Laurence's Primary School in Chorley retires after 45 years

By Emma Downey
Published 8th May 2024, 10:22 BST
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She started in 1979.

A welfare assistant at a Chorley primary school has retired after 45 years of service.

Welfare assistant at St Laurence CE Primary School, pictured with children, retired from her role after last Friday.Welfare assistant at St Laurence CE Primary School, pictured with children, retired from her role after last Friday.
Welfare assistant at St Laurence CE Primary School, pictured with children, retired from her role after last Friday.

After 45 years keeping the children of St Laurence CE Primary School at Highfield Road South safe Thelma Warburton, who started in 1979, retired from her role after last Friday.

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A special celebration was held for her last week where staff and pupils paid tribute to her hard work over the years.

Thelma, pictured with flowers that were presented to her at a special ceremony to thank her for her 45 years of service.Thelma, pictured with flowers that were presented to her at a special ceremony to thank her for her 45 years of service.
Thelma, pictured with flowers that were presented to her at a special ceremony to thank her for her 45 years of service.

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Thelma’s husband Joe, daughter Pauline and son Alan all attended her special celebration.

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Thelma’s husband Joe, daughter Pauline and son Alan all attended her special celebration in which she blew the whistle for the last time. Thelma’s husband Joe, daughter Pauline and son Alan all attended her special celebration in which she blew the whistle for the last time.
Thelma’s husband Joe, daughter Pauline and son Alan all attended her special celebration in which she blew the whistle for the last time.

She regaled the children about the changes she had seen over the years such as children serving lunches at the top of the table, pink and green custard and the different games they used to play.

Headteacher Emma Marquis said: “The children made an arch for her to walk through, sang beautiful songs for her and read poems and memories to thank her for all her years’ service to the generations of children she has cared for.”

“Thelma was very emotional with the wonderful send off from everyone at school and she will be greatly missed.”

Related topics:Primary schoolWorkChorleyLancashireMemories

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