Long-serving staff retire from Bowerhill Primary School

Gardening and grandchildren are on the cards for two members of staff from Bowerhill Primary School who will be retiring at the end of the term, after 25 years at the school. 

Maureen Poulsom and Sylvia Crabbe have both worked at the school since it was opened in 1991 but now have decided to move on to pastures new.

Maureen helped the first headteacher Mike Rix, set up the school back in 1991. Her role has developed over the years from clerical officer through to administration officer with the Local Management of Schools, through to Finance and Personnel Officer with the Academy Trust of Melksham, managing all finance and personal items for the school’s 60 staff and 400 pupils, successfully keeping the school financially secure.

Maureen said, “I am sad to be leaving but I’m also pleased because now my husband and I can do want we want to do without having to fit it around the school schedule. I’ve recently moved house and the garden is around 7 acres, so I’m thoroughly looking forward to being able to spend my time in my garden.

“25 years is a very long time and not many people stay at the same place for that long, so I do feel a sense of achievement.”

Sylvia began as Midday Supervisory Assistant at Bowerhill School in September 1991 and then became a Teaching Assistant in 2004. Sylvia now works as a Senior Midday Supervisor, responsible for the other Midday Supervisory Assistants. In recent years, Sylvia has been a school governor, elected to represent the support staff.

Sylvia said, “I do feel sad to be leaving because it’s the end of an era, but I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life and being able to spend time with my new granddaughter who was born earlier this month.

“I will miss everyone at the school, everyone is so lovely and we are like a family so it will be hard to leave.”