Queen of trips says final goodbye after 39 years

Linda Howard, who has spent her whole teaching career at the Rastrick school, was given the perfect send off as children, former pupils and teachers said their goodbyes at a special tea party.

Starting in 1975, she has seen many changes from the school building to teachers but never had the desire to leave.

“The one thing that hasn’t changed is the super network of children and parents of the Field Lane estate,” she said. “I have always enjoyed working with the children and parents as they very nice, welcoming people. It is the case that I am teaching the children of the parents that I taught years ago.

“One instance is one little girl who was in my very first class is now a support assistant with me so it is like everything has come full circle.”

In a special retirement assembly and to celebrate her 60th birthday, children handed over a big box of garden tools and she is already planning on using them in her spare time.

Mrs Howard also said some of her fondest memories apart from the trips out have come recently with the Queen’s Jubilee, where pupils received a letter from the Queen.

“I have never wanted to leave Field Lane as there is a special atmosphere and camaraderie of staff and delightful pupils,” she said.