THERE were tears aplenty as staff, parents and pupils of Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School bade farewell to their popular caretaker.
Julian Robinson, who was best known for his cheerful singing through the school corridors, retired last week after 35 years of dedicated community service.
A special assembly was held on Thursday, March 31, to celebrate his time at the school.
During the event children sang their own version of a Simon and Garfunkel’s song, singing: “Here’s to you Mr Robinson, we will miss you more than you will know, ho ho ho…”
Members of staff, school governing body, friends’ group and parents each paid tribute to the retiring caretaker and presented him with gifts, including a bird bath, seedlings and a garden bench with a plaque recognising his service to the school.
Headteacher, Alison Lazenby, said: “Julian has been the fabric of the school and I think he always will be. It is not a sad day, it is a celebration of the 24 years Mr Robinson has been at the school.”
She recalled how Mr Robinson “can’t walk down the corridor without singing” .
School governor Jennie Lee said Mr Robinson had been a staff representative on the governing body since 1999 where he had “gone above and beyond” .
She added: “He did a sterling job as a governor and is highly respected by parents and staff alike.”
Teachers described Mr Robinson’s antics in the staff room and how he had a number of sayings, including “it”s a nanny state” , and “punctuality is the key” .
One parent said: “Thank you for being you and being friendly, kind and generous.”
The school also noted Mr Robinsons’ previous involvement in the community association, the parish council and the 5s and 3s dominoes.
Gill Hutchinson, of the school’s friends group, said: “He always helped us to help out.
“You know if you needed something Mr Robinson will know what to do – what are we going to do without him?”
In response, Mr Robinson said: “Looking back, it has been 35 happy years. I will miss this place, but I intend to come back on a voluntary basis.
“I am overwhelmed by what you have said and what you have given me today and I really appreciate it.”
