Governors’ long service awards

Dedication and commitment

19 June 2007 - The Reception Rooms, Council House

In June we were delighted to ask the Lord Mayor of Plymouth City Council, Councillor David James, to present awards to city governors who have served schools for over 16 years, at a reception at the Council House.

In opening the eighth annual governors’ long service award ceremony the Lord Mayor stated "As a former governor, in both primary and secondary schools, I know how great the workload can be and how difficult it can be to keep pace with the rate of change, but I also believe that there has never been a better time to be involved in schools. The Every Child Matters Agenda has really begun to change the life chances of children and young people for the better and locally there are so many exciting initiatives involving our schools that makes Plymouth an exciting place to be. Some governors are now working as leaders of a federation of schools - a steep learning curve but the skills of the governors mean that they will be successful."

He went on to say "As governors you are right at the heart of the change process and I know your dedication and commitment will ensure that the change process is as seamless and painless as possible. I know you have all given a significant number of hours devoted to your school, or indeed schools; attending meetings, making crucial decisions and planning a vision for the future of your school but I know you have found them enjoyable and rewarding and your determination and efforts are driven by the benefits that the children gain from your work."

Stuart Farmer, Assistant Director (Lifelong Learning) of Children’s Services was also proud to be associated with this event. “The work of governors as a part of the leadership group in school is so important - and the input that is given is vital to the successful development of our city schools."

28 governors received awards at the ceremony.

30 years and over

• Mrs Val Gregory - Elburton Primary School, Plymstock School
• Mr David Williams - Tamarside Community College

20 years and over

• Mrs Jane Blonden - Plymstock School
• Mrs Leila Butler - Eggbuckland Vale Primary School
• Dr Rosemary Evans - Courtlands
  The Learning Campus
• Mr Michael Fletcher - Devonport High School for Girls
• Mr Alan Hart - Barne Barton Community Primary School
• Mrs Kathryn Hole - Hyde Park Junior School
• Father Michael Kirkpatrick - Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
• Cllr Dr John Mahony - Montpelier Primary School
• Mrs Judith Marks - Oreston Community Primary School
• Cllr Mrs Patricia Nicholson - Boringdon Primary School
  Devonport High School for Girls
• Mr Vernon Pinches - The Learning Campus
• Mrs Peggy Radmore - North Prospect Community Primary School
• Mrs Margaret Riseborough - Southway Primary School
• Mrs Jill Straw - Lipson Vale Primary School
• Mr Aubrey Trevains - West Park Primary School

16 years and over

• Rev Timothy Dickens - St Edwards Church of England Primary School
• Mrs Audrey Easter - Barne Barton Community Primary School
• Mr William Gray - Bull Point Community School
  Barne Barton and Bull Point Federation
• Mrs Joan Hodges - Chaucer Primary School
• Mr George Maskill - Goosewell Primary School
  The Cathedral School of St Mary
• Mrs Ann McDonald - Hillside Special School
  Downham Special School
• Mr Derek Walker - Leigham Primary School
• Mr David Willis - College Road Primary School

Outstanding services to school governing bodies

A new award was given to recognise the work of governors who have supported governing bodies through periods of immense challenge. The recipients are chosen by the Local Authority for their outstanding achievements.

• Mrs Pat Holwill - St Budeaux Foundation Church of England Junior School, Tamerton Vale Primary School, Knowle Primary School, Plymbridge Nursery, School and Children’s Centre
• Mr Keith Scott - St Budeaux Foundation Church of England Junior School, Hyde Park Infant School, Salisbury Road Junior School

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