Fosse Way School’s much loved caretaker retires When Fosse Way Special School in Westfield closed its gates at the end of the summer term it bid farewell with heartfelt gratitude to a staff member who had been a dependable and reassuring presence at the school over many years: caretaker, Hugh Howells. Hugh was first appointed to the positon of ‘temporary caretaker’ at the Fosse Way in 1991. This July, as he reflected on his long employment at the school, Hugh concluded emphatically: “These last thirty years have been the best years. It’s been fantastic!” Hugh Howells was born on the 5th April, 1938 in the Welsh village of Brynamman. He moved to Bath in 1961 to take up an engineering positon with C.I.C Ltd, a subsidiary of the Clarks' shoe company. When Clarks' announced the closure of the factory in 1991 Hugh found himself facing an uncertain future. Undaunted, he and his wife Angela took the decision to move from their home in Bath to Westfield. It was soon after this that Hugh spied an advertisement for a seemingly short-term caretaking position at nearby Fosse Way and decided to apply. So began what was to prove the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter in Hugh’s working life. Each working day for Hugh commenced with unlocking the gates and doors of the school before warmly greeting staff and pupils with the good-humour and enthusiasm for which he swiftly became known. Over the years, Hugh found himself called upon to assist with a multiplicity of diverse and unpredictable tasks. “Nothing was too much trouble and every day was different”, he commented. Over the years Hugh saw Fosse Way change exponentially as state-of-the-art new buildings were added, mobile classrooms removed and – as the school’s reputation grew – student numbers soared from about 70 to more than 200. Hugh’s amazement at the changes he had seen since 1991 were summed up with the words: “It’s a different school all together!” Despite these exciting developments, Hugh was 34 - The Westfield Warbler
quick to identify some features Fosse Way have that remained constant: “I enjoyed the atmosphere and the camaraderie” he says, “I’ll miss it!” Having demonstrated much relish for practical activity throughout his working life it is unsurprising that Hugh has no plans for a retirement filled with ease and sedentary repose. “I do like cycling and walking to keep myself active and fit” he says, adding that he envisages future cycling trips along the local Collier’s Way cycling track. Hugh says he also foresees spending many happy hours tending the flowers and shrubs planted by Angela at their Westfield home. Thinking back over his many years at Fosse Way, Hugh Howells concluded: “I can honestly say it was a pleasure to go in every day. It was unbelievable… and I shall remember it for a long, long time.” It goes without saying that Hugh will be much missed by staff and pupils alike at Fosse Way, who are united in wishing him a long and happy retirement. On hearing of Hugh’s decision to retire, site manager Andy Sellars commented: “It’s been a real joy working with Hugh. He has always been a cheerful colleague with a clear love for his role as Caretaker. Hugh’s sense of humour will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” Fosse Way’s Executive Principal, Emily Massey added: “Hugh is a much loved member of the staff team at Fosse Way. He will be greatly missed. We all thank him for his dedication to the school, staff and children over his 30 year career. His cheerful whistling and ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude cannot be replaced. It’s been a pleasure to work with Hugh and we all wish him a very happy and restful retirement.”
