School’s out for caretaker, 82
AMAN who could be the oldest school caretaker in the West is stepping down at the end of term after nearly 30 years in the job.
Hugh Howells, 82, will begin his well-deserved retirement from Fosse Way School in Radstock.
The former Clarks Shoes worker started as a ‘temporary caretaker’ in 1991, when he and wife Angela moved to the town from Bath.
He has been at the Somerset school ever since.
Mr Howells, who was born in the Welsh village of Brynamman at the foot of the Black Mountains, said:
“These last 30 years have been the best years. It’s been fantastic.
“I can honestly say it was a pleasure to go in every day. It was unbelievable and I shall remember it for a long, long time.”
He has given the following advice to his replacement: “You have to have that care for the children.
“You need to be able to get along with them – and with everybody else.”
Discussing his plans for retirement, he said: “I do like to go cycling and walking to keep myself active and fit.”
Mr Howells is already planning his next cycling trip along the local Collier’s Way cycle path.
School site manager Andy Sellars said: “It’s been a real joy working with Hugh. He has always been a cheerful colleague with a clear love for his role as caretaker.
“Hugh’s sense of humour will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Fosse Way’s executive principal,
Emily Massey added: “He will be greatly missed. We all thank him for his dedication to the school, staff and children over his 30-year career. His cheerful whistling and ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude cannot be replaced.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Hugh and we all wish him a very happy and restful retirement.”