Marlene bids farewell to Butterknowle after 25 years

THERE was scarcely a dry eye at Butterknowle Primary School at the end of the term as pupils, staff and parents bade farewell to a stalwart volunteer of more than 25 years.

Marlene Lowe, who had children at the school, started out as a midday supervisor and later became involved with the school’s breakfast club some 26 years ago.

She is also a prolific fundraiser and became known as the queen of raffles.

The school had a special cake made in the shape of a book of raffle tickets and showered the volunteer with gifts on her final day at the end of the term.

Ms Lowe said: “I am happy and sad. I will miss the children and the parents. Over the years I have worked with so many head teachers and secretaries.”

As part of the year end assembly, during which various awards were handed out, the school leavers put on a production of extracts from Roald Dahl's book Mathilda.

Ann Barmby from Barnard Castle Rotary Club presented each of the school leavers with a unique illustrated dictionary to help them as they enter secondary education.