Susan Renfrey retires after 30 years of childminding

Photo: SJ Photographers

Susan Renfrey with some of the many children she has minded

One of Rochdale’s longest-serving childminders, Susan Renfrey, from Shawclough, has retired at the age of 69 after 30 years of looking after children.

A retirement party was held for Susan by her husband, David, and their children at Rochdale Football Club on Saturday to celebrate her 30 years as a childminder. Around 130 guests attended, including many of the children and their families that Susan has looked after over the years.

Son Daniel said: “Unfortunately not everyone she has looked after could be invited to the party as we struggled to find a venue big enough to cater for all of the people that we wanted to invite."

Daniel’s best friend, Joe Jones, who was minded by Susan in the 90s, said: “It was a brilliant party. Sue hasn't changed a bit. It was also really strange seeing people I hadn't seen for years all grown up.”

Alex Armstead, who was also looked after in the 90s by Susan, added: “It was a great night reminiscing with old friends I hadn't seen for a while about things we used to get up to."

One parent said: “We have known Sue for about 30 years and she doesn't seem to have aged, which is surprising given the number of kids she has minded."

Susan began childminding during the 1980s when her son Daniel, now 31, was born. After the birth of her second son, Scott, now 26, she pursued childminding as a full-time career.

Since then, Susan has looked after 100 different children ranging from nearly new born babies to pre-teens, including many children who attended local primary schools such as Healey and Shawclough.

During her 30 years, Susan has become a very well-known figure in the community. In the early days, she was easily recognisable by the Volvo 240 estate cars she used to transport the children around in. She has been a familiar face at many different play groups and schools over the years from Christ Church to Thrum Hall.