A staff member at a Walthamstow primary school is celebrating 50 years of working there and says the secret to longevity is "enjoying the job".
Ann Ashworth is a midday assistant and cleaner at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Longfield Avenue, Walthamstow and on Monday (May 12) celebrated half a century in the job.
She said: “50 years doesn’t feel like an achievement - it just comes with enjoying the job.
"I don’t even think 50 years have gone by in my mind - I love what I do and I’ve enjoyed myself and that’s why I’m still here.
“It’s the atmosphere here – its always been a lovely, friendly school and I love being here with the people and the children."
Natalie Holden, headteacher at St Patrick's, joined the school as a four-year-old pupil only a matter of months after Ann started her job.
She returned to teach at the school before leaving in 2010 and in January this year returned as its boss.
“I told my children the other day that she had done 50 years and they were both shocked that she was still here.
“We’re so proud of her, not only to stick at a job but to stay in the same place for 50 years.
“A lot of our staff have worked here for a number of years and have known Ann for all of those years – she is a friend to them as well as a colleague."
Ann joined the school in 1975 and says it has changed hugely over time, with classrooms being built and a kitchen being installed.
She recalled that when she joined, there were only six classrooms and the dining hall was in a separate building up the road which she had to lead children to during lunchtime.
"We couldn’t function as a school without them, otherwise our teachers and teaching assistants wouldn’t get a break," she said.
A special assembly was arranged on Monday (May 12) for the children to acknowledge Ann's achievement and a staff celebration was organised after school.
“Eventually we’ll arrange a proper night out as well because Ann always comes to the staff nights out," said Natalie.
“Ann is viewed with great fondness but we all know that if she means business, she means business.
“Staff love Ann because she’s a great laugh – whenever we’re out, she's there and having fun with us, often joining in on karaoke."
Ann has not give much thought to retirement but she hopes she can retire at St Patrick's.
“I know that one day I’m going to have to retire and it’s probably sooner than I think.
"I’ll probably gradually cut down my hours going forwards - I hope I can continue a little while longer."
Natalie added: “She’s still got loads of life in her – she’s no different to what she used to be."
