PUPILS at Ramshaw Primary School were a little teary when they sang a special “leaver’s song” during an end of term assembly.
The song is normally sung to wish older pupils good luck as the move on to a new school, but on this occasion, it was part of a special thank you and goodbye for headteacher, Dominic Brown, who is retiring after 13 years in the school’s top job.
Mr Brown, who has also been headteacher at St Chad’s, Witton Park, for the past ten years, was overcome during the assembly, when he was presented with a specially made message board, made to resemble him and a large cake.
He said gifts of a leather bound journal and a fountain pen would come in especially handy when he sets off on his travels overseas.
He promised children he will put together stories of his voyages, which begin at the end of January.
He added: “One of my twin sons teaches in China so my wife and I are off to see him and spend about a month there visiting him.”
He said they hope to tour all the sites including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army.
Then, while his wife flies home, he intends to retrace the silk road route, taking public transport and “travelling like a local” through some of the lesser known areas including Samarkand and Tashkent, in Uzbekistan.
Mr Brown anticipates his first travel adventure will take about two months.
He added: “I’ve wanted to do the trip for a long time.
“I’ll be doing it alone and every time I get to one of the bigger towns, I’m going to head to the library to find out everything I can about the area and the local traditions to write the Tales of the Silk Road.”
Mr Brown promised the children he will return to the school and said: “I want to say thank you for all the beautiful cards, messages and presents and, of course, the cake.
“And thank you for 13 wonderful years here. It’s not everyone who can say they get to go to work with friends, but I work with some of the loveliest people I know.
“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive parents and governors.
“I know Bishop Auckland doesn’t get the best press, but I wouldn’t work any where else.”
Teachers Liz Sturrock and Debra Colegrove will share headteacher responsibilities in the new year and say they couldn’t wait to welcome Mr Brown back to hear some of his travel tales.
