After 35 years of helping children at Crocketts Community Primary during lunch times, Pat Newman is retiring.
The Smethwick dinner lady, aged 71 first started at Crocketts Lane Infant School in 1981. Pat then spent a few years at other Smethwick Primary schools before returning to Crocketts in 1984.
School children, staff and special guests including three generations of Pat’s family were all invited to a special presentation for Pat at the school.
Pat Newman was very touched by the presentation and celebrations. She said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Crocketts Primary.
“I’ve worked with a brilliant team of ladies and we’ve had some laughs over the years. I’ve stayed so long as it’s been a pleasure to work with good people.”
Lynne Paino, headteacher at Crocketts Community Primary, said: “Pat was our longest serving member of staff, in fact a lot of our staff weren’t born when Pat started working with the school.
“We will certainly miss Pat and we wish her good health and very much happiness in her retirement.”
Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “Hundreds if not thousands of children will remember Pat – after all she has seen at least two generations come through the school over the years.
“I wish Pat well in her retirement, she certainly deserves a rest after so many years of service to the children of Crocketts Community School.”
