Surprise retirement party for dedicated pre-school workers

A surprise retirement party was held to celebrate almost 70 years of dedication by two pre-school staff.

Supervisor Doreen Stagg, who has worked at Twyford and Ruscombe Pre-School for 39 years, and Cynthia Haynes, who has worked there for about 29 years, both retired at the end of term.

Staff held a surprise party for them at the pre-school in the Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, on Saturday, July 19.

Doreen, 70, said it was 'lovely' to be together with everyone, including people she had worked with a long time ago.

"I have really, really loved it," said the Brook Street resident of her work.

"The children, they just make your day really. They have been so interesting and funny and I have just loved being with them."

When she first started, Doreen was asked if she would cover half a term and never left.

The grandmother-of-four said she is planning on spending her retirement by going on holiday and volunteering.

She added she would like to thank everyone for the party and presents and that she was 'very touched' by it all.

Assistant Cynthia, who enjoys visiting National Trust properties with her husband, Tony, said the party was 'a big surprise'.

"I basically thought it was more for Doreen really, she had been there for 39 years, it took a while to sink in that I was included as well," said the 68-year-old Gingells Farm Road resident.

Cynthia, who has a two-year-old grandson called Oliver, added she has 'lots of lovely memories' from her time there.

There was cake, balloons, cards and presents at the celebration for the two ladies.