AFTER spending more than 40 years studying and working at a Rudheath school, a former pupil turned employee is ready to enjoy her retirement.

Jane Macready studied at Rudheath High School as pupil between the ages of 11 and 15, before returning to work in the canteen in 1978.

Having spent a majority of her 36 working years in the office, Jane admits a lot has changed at the school – not least becoming the University of Chester Academy Northwich.

“I worked under three headteachers, so it’s changed quite a bit,” said Jane. “I started in the office in ‘83 after beginning in the canteen as my mum worked there.

“Both of my children (Darryl and Julie) went there and I know people who now have grandchildren at the school, students always come back and say we remember you Miss!”

Jane said her retirement is yet to sink in, but she is looking forward to spending more time with two-year-old granddaughter Alice and husband Paul, who she previously featured in the Guardian with in November 1969.

“We both lived down Greenway Drive in Rudheath,” explained Jane. “So the Guardian headline was ‘Near Neighbours Marry’!

“We love to spend time with Alice, she’s such a little love. When I was working I would just have her on Tuesdays but now I guess I’m available whenever they want me! I expect she’ll keep us just as occupied.

“Paul and I also like camping and we have a Land Rover, so we like going to shows about four times a year.

“At the moment it’s as if I’m still on holiday, though, it will probably be a shock next week when half term has finished.”

However, Jane is not expecting to be away from the school for long.

“It’s going to be very strange and I will miss everyone at the school very much, some have been there for a long time too, but people do keep moving on and retiring the same as I have,” she added.

“But I’m going to go back as an invigilator for the exams and I’m sure I will go back with Alice quite regularly, so they will probably see quite a bit of me still.”