A special assembly took place at Cotgrave Candleby Lane School this week to bid farewell to a midday supervisor who has worked at the school in various roles, for an incredible five decades!
Mrs Rosemary Bulman has clocked up 52 years at the school and attended as usual on her final day. But before she embarked on her duties, there were a few surprises in store for her.
During the morning assembly, where children celebrated the Harvest Festival, Rosemary and departing teacher of ten years, Irenka Arroyo-Goodman (Teacher of Spanish), were both given farewell gifts to mark their final day of service to the school and its children.
But to mark her incredible length of service meant the school couldn’t leave it at that for Rosemary, and her kitchen pals had been secretly cooking up a plan to make her day especially memorable.
To the unmistakable sounds of the rock anthem ‘The Final Countdown’ by Europe, a favourite with rocker Rosemary, her colleagues from the kitchen stormed on to the scene and with an adapted set of lyrics, gave their own version of the iconic song.
Variously dressed as rock stars, -and food items…including a banana and at least one chicken, Rosemary’s colleagues with help from children, gave Rosemary’s final assembly a rock concert finish.
Rosemary’s midday colleagues said later in a statement, “Rosemary you have been such an inspiration to us all, we thank you for being you, for seeing through three generations of families and being amazing to work with. We hope you enjoy your retirement. All our love, your Midday Team.”
Rosemary says she has been a midday helper, Governor, and helped children to read during her time at the school. She says many things have changed, but trying to get children to eat cabbage or peas is still as hard as it was when she first started. “Children still prefer mince and potato, apple crumble and butterscotch tart,” said Rosemary, “…though sausage and mash is favourite at the moment!”
Rosemary says she hope to revisit the school in future. “I have loved working with children, and often get stopped when I am out and about by former pupils, some of whom have their own children attending the school. I have seen many changes over the years, worked with many head teachers, and have remained here because I just loved the work and being with the children.
“I will miss everybody, the children and staff and the girls I work with. I will still be nearby though, because I still live in the same house I first moved into in 1969!”
Rosemary says she would like to leave a message for the children on her final day, “Always look after yourself and your friends, and be proud of yourselves. And give me a wave when you see me out and about!”
Claire Lindsay is Headteacher at Cotgrave Candleby Lane School, and she said, “After 52 incredible years of service, Rosemary has sadly decided it is time to retire. The kindness, care and dedication she has shown during this time has been amazing. She has led the midday team with positivity and always with a friendly smile. Her presence has shaped lunchtimes for thousands of children over the years and we will truly miss her unwavering support and the warmth she brought to our school every single day.
“She has been such an important part of Cotgrave Candleby Lane, -part of our history. We wish her a wonderful and relaxing retirement.”
Chris Wheatley OBE is CEO of The Flying High Partnership, a primary only multi-academy trust of which Cotgrave Candleby Lane was the founding school.
Chris said, “Rosemary has seen this school, and thousands of its children, grow and change over the years. In fact, she was on the interview panel when I first came looking for a job many years ago, and thankfully they took me on, changing the course of my own life in the process.
“When I think of Rosemary, I believe she can have no real idea of the huge and positive effect she has had on not only Cotgrave children in her care, -but of all the staff who have worked alongside her too.
“She has carried out many roles in service to the school, and has undertaken every role with care, putting children first. Who could have wished for better? We know how lucky we have been to work alongside such a fantastic and caring person who has devoted an amazing 52 years of her life to the school and to generations of its children. She will be sorely missed by us all.”
Photograph: Rosemary Bulman is pictured centre next to Chris Wheatley OBE, CEO of The Flying High Partnership, and is surrounded by her all-singing-and-dancing colleagues. (Pic: Lou Brimble)
