Paul Topping retires from Whitworth Community High School

Retiring site supervisor Paul Topping with Whitworth Community High School governors receiving presents from Deputy Head Teacher Philip Donoghue

Paul Topping has retired after nearly 25 years as site supervisor of Whitworth Community High School.

During his time at the school he has seen many changes, not least in the school buildings.

“When I started there was not a sports hall,” he said. “The Head’s room was also the staffroom, there have been a lot of changes and the school has got much larger.”

Paul was a time-served bricklayer before becoming a miner and working in Agecroft Colliery in Salford.

“I finished at the pit on the Friday and I started working here on the Monday,” he said.

“As well as being site supervisor, because of my background, I also carried out maintenance work.”

Ill health led to Paul, from Norden, to take early retirement at 61 and he is waiting for hospital treatment.

He said: “I then intend to travel and the world is my oyster. I don’t like touristy areas, I prefer somewhere off the beaten track and I would like to go to Vietnam and Cambodia.

“I have known so many members of staff while I have been here and I will miss them. Only two members remain who have worked here all the time I have, Julie Ann Ellis, PE teacher, and Diane Longstaff, Catering Manager.

“One thing I’ve really enjoyed was when Debbie Goff, Head of Creativity, would put on a show and at the end you would get the reaction from the audience.

“I will miss lots about Whitworth, especially the staff, but I won’t miss having to shovel the snow.”

Paul was presented with his retirement gifts by Deputy Head Teacher Philip Donoghue at a breaktime reception with staff and governors.