POPULAR Jill Jones has not quite been secretary at Whitecross School since France was Gaul, as the school newsletter amusingly reports, but her retirement marks the end of a remarkably long association with local education.

After being educated at Lydney Grammar School, Jill went to work in the education department at Shire hall for six years before joining the staff back at Lydney, which was to amalgamate with other schools to form Whitecross in 1973.

"As school secretary Jill's commitment went above and beyond the call of duty," the newsletter reports.

"She helped with school productions and concerts, parents' evenings and social events. She took part in school trips – most notably the 1975 ski trip to Switzerland – and the sponsored walk, helping to supervise the children.

"Always willing to enter into the spirit of things, she dressed up for the carnivals and non-uniform days in ever-more-outrageous costumes. Who could forget her as a Baden Powell Scout or a Dalmatian, to name but two?"

Jill's most outstanding contribution after 40 years of tending to the needs of pupils and staff alike is reckoned to be her dedication to school camps.

From her schooldays to the end of the 1980s she spent her annual summer holidays at the camps and her enthusiastic help and support, together with that of her husband Tony, is legendary.

Over the years she has made many friends among pupils, parents and staff and will be greatly missed in school life.

"She has earned her rest, and we all wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement," the newsletter concludes.