A fitting farewell to much-loved ‘Queen of the Castle’
A much-loved depute head teacher was given a send off fit for a queen as she retired after 25 years.
Audrey Patterson was known as ‘ Queen of the Castle’ at Cochrane Castle Primary School and her leaving day celebration had an air of royalty as she marked the end of an era at the Johnstone school.
Pupils past and present from Cochrane Castle and St David’s all lined the streets with signs to wish her well as she ended her 25-year career at the school.
Since joining as a student teacher in 1995, Audrey has remained at Cochrane Castle where she has become well known and loved by staff, pupils and parents for more than two decades.
She was moved to tears as she was treated to a royal tour in a chauffeured car — courtesy of her husband — where pupils and parents from over the years cheered her on.
Acting depute head Fiona McLeod said Audrey was blown away by the spectacular gesture.
She said: “She is the absolute heart and soul of the school.
“We all love her and we could go to her with anything, and that is the staff, the parents and the pupils.
“She was there for everyone.
“That’s why we felt it was really important that the community celebrate with us.
“We took her on a tour around the streets surrounding the school and it was there that we had arranged for former pupils and parents to cheer for her.
“She was completely blown away. It all moved her to tears as she had no idea any of it was happening.
“She is thought of as the Queen of the Castle so we are so glad we could give her the send off she deserves.
“We are all going to miss her here so much.”