SIX school staff with 150 years’ service between them are retiring from a Bolton school.

John Aldred, Carol Brooking, Bev Keating, Mary Meredith, Ann Sweeney and Dr Alan Watson are retiring from Canon Slade next Friday.

Each of the six had a long and varied career at the school. Mr Watson was head of chemistry and at the school for 42 years, history teacher Mr Aldred was there for 32 years, PE teacher Mrs Brooking 27 years, food tech teacher Mrs Keating 33 years, English teacher Mrs Meredith 24 years and cleaner Ann Sweeney was there for 21 years.

Alan Mottershead, Head of Canon Slade said: “When an individual member of staff dedicates most or all of their career and working life to one school, then the community benefits greatly from that investment of their time and energy and skills.

“This dedication brings stability and continuity, but it also means lasting friendships and abiding loyalty. In times of rapid change and upheaval in education, such commitment is doubly welcome.

“Canon Slade School is deeply grateful to the members of staff who have given so many years of outstanding service to the students of our school. We shall miss their good company each day. We wish them most well for a long and healthy and happy retirement.”

Former student Dan Wildsmith said: “Mr Aldred was the most engaging teacher in the Sixth Form. He always had a laugh with us but got his point across brilliantly. Anyone who could make studying the Rise of the Third Reich amusing, as well as interesting, gets my vote as a great teacher.”

“I wish you all the best in your retirement and want to thank you for making studying History interesting. I went on to study History at University mainly due to the enjoyment I took from it at Sixth Form and that was largely down to you. I’m sure you will be sorely missed by all at the school. All the best, Steven Hayes.”