Chippenham school secretary bows out after 28 years

10:30am Sunday 28th December 2008

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After 28 years of dedicated service, Rachel Penny, secretary at St Mary’s Primary School in Chippenham, has logged off her computer for the very last time.

Mrs Penny, 60, of York Close retired on December 19, 28 years to the month since she began working as the school secretary.

Her association with the school spans 55 years, from when she attended as a shy five-year-old back in the 1950s when the school was called St Margaret’s.

Mrs Penny still has fond memories from her school days.

She said: “I can remember many things, funny and sad about the school.

“We used to think the nuns glided round on wheels as we never saw their feet under their habits.”

Mrs Penny said she has seen many technologies change in her time, from using a Remington typewriter through to the first computer. She said: “Times change, but children stay the same.

“The years at St Mary’s have flown and I will miss everyone very much, but I am now ready to spend time with my family.”

The school held a special mass and presentation to Mrs Penny on Friday as a thank you for all her hard work.