Life has been an education for Edna

6:33pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A WOMAN who has had a 60-year relationship with Belmont Primary School has retired.

Edna Aspden, 65, who has always lived in Belmont, said she had mixed emotions about leaving her post as school secretary.

She began her association with the school in 1948 as a four-year-old pupil. She said: "When I first came to the school there were open fires in every classroom and the caretaker used to go round stoking them."

She later returned as a member of the PTA, and has been school cook, caretaker, a welfare assistant and school secretary. Her own children have also attended the school.

She plans to spend her retirement taking holidays, gardening and making a wedding cake for a close friend.

Many parents presented gifts to Edna, who said: "The parents have been absolutely brilliant. It's been a privilege meeting them."

Head Chris Hoddle said: "Edna has devoted her life to the village and the community. She'll be difficult to replace."