Long-serving trio say their farewells

9:00am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

THREE teachers with almost 100 years of service between them at the same school retired on Tuesday.

Nibs Webber, Phil Wade and Graham Legg all left John Mason Secondary School, in Wootton Road, Abingdon.

Mr Webber, 60, was the longest serving teacher after teaching PE and leisure and tourism at the school for 38 years.

He is looking forward to playing more golf and said he did not plan to have too much time on his hands.

He said: "I'll probably come back here and do a bit of supply teaching if they need me. I'd still enjoy coming back and listening to how it's getting on."

The John Mason post was Mr Webber's first teaching job and he has served under seven different headteachers. All four of his children attended the school.

He said: "Every kid is an individual and just being part of their education and maturity has had its benefits. Seeing them grow - that's the biggest thing - through trips and rugby, and seeing them develop is a thrill."

The school was also geography teacher Mr Wade's first teaching job and he taught there for 34 years. Subsequently an IT teacher, he was a member of the senior management team.

Mr Wade, 56, who has two grown-up children, said: "The camaraderie of the staff and being part of a team has been important.

"I will miss the real education, the social side of it, the talking to the pupils."

He plans to spend his time travelling, gardening and playing golf.

Mr Legg, 60, was the school's special needs co-ordinator for 27 years. His three children all attended the school.

He said: "I plan to do no paid work for six months to get my head together for this new chapter of my life. I need to do a bit of decorating and a bit of walking, a bit of art and a bit of music, and then eventually look for some part-time work in education as education has always been a bit of a passion for me.

"I am a bit of a restless soul, so I can't see myself sitting around for too long."

Mr Legg said he would miss his pupils.

He said: "For me, it's the buzz of being a special needs co-ordinator, as you can see students with learning difficulties making progress. That's one reason why I have stayed so long."

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