'Amazing' woman says farewell to Cotgrave school after more than 50 years of service

An "amazing" staff member said goodbye to a Nottinghamshire school after spending more than 50 years working there. Rosemary Bulman has spent decades working in various roles at the Cotgrave Candleby Lane School in Cotgrave.

Rosemary said: "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." On her final day, she told the pupils: "Always look after yourself and your friends, and be proud of yourselves. And give me a wave when you see me out and about."

Rosemary, who has worked as a midday supervisor, a governor, and helped children learn to read, hopes to revisit the school in the future. She joked that over the decades many things had changed, but trying to get children to eat cabbage or peas is still as hard as it was when she first started.

Adding: "Children still prefer mince and potato, apple crumble and butterscotch tart…though sausage and mash is favourite at the moment." She attended the school as usual on her final day but was greeted with a number of surprises.

This included a farewell gift during the morning assembly and a special rock concert. Her colleagues in the kitchen stormed into the room singing their own version of The Final Countdown, and were all dressed as rock stars or food items.

With help from the pupils, Rosemary's final assembly has a rock concert finish. Her colleagues later shared 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.”

Claire Lindsay, head teacher at Cotgrave Candleby Lane School, described Rosemary as always having a "friendly smile." Stating: "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 continued: "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.” Rosemary was also on the interview panel when Chris Wheatley OBE, the current CEO of The Flying High Partnership which runs the school, applied for the job.

Chris stated: "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."

He continued: "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.”