Staying power – Netley primary school loses governor, gains a friend

Published: 08 July, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

SHE is described as an “institution” at Netley primary school in Euston, carrying out all manner of jobs from gardening to embroidery teaching.

But now, after 25 years’ loyal service to the William Road school, Peggy Double is retiring as its longest-serving governor. 

Teachers past and present gathered on Tuesday to give her an emotional send-off, but the 88-year-old, from nearby Robert Street, assured staff she would not be going far. “I’m standing down as governor, but I’m going to become an official ‘friend’ of the school so I’ll be coming in to help out,” she said. 

Ms Double joined the school governors after retiring from her full-time job as an accounts clerks. 

“Cathy Brogan, who was headteacher at the time, said she could always use me listening to the children reading,” she said. “Twenty-five years later I’m still here doing all sorts of things, from teaching knitting to gardening to taking kids on school trips.”

Current head Judith Evans added: “She won’t have to come to evening meetings any more but she’ll still be very much a part of the school. She’s an institution.”