AFTER dishing up the dinners at an infants school for more than 30 years, Joy Morgan has finally hung up her apron.

Mrs Morgan started work at Slade Green Infants School in 1971 and is reluctantly leaving now because she has reached retirement age.

But the school was determined to make her birthday and last day at the school very special. On her birthday, just days before she retired, she was showered with presents and flowers from parents and children.

The school held a special assembly when each class presented her with a specially made card.

The whole school sang songs for her including Slade Green's adopted anthem, Reach for the Stars.

The children and staff in the school's hearing impaired unit joined in by signing the songs.

On her last day, there were more gifts and some special mementoes from the school.

Paying tribute, headteacher Catherine Still said: "Mrs Morgan has seen so many children through the school, including the children of ex-pupils.

She has been a friend to both pupils and staff and will be greatly missed by everyone."

November 22, 2001 14:26