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Friday, November 14, 2008, 08:00
Pupils, parents and governors at Blackshaw Moor school joined together at a special assembly to say goodbye to the person they called Aunty Tess.
Mrs Bradley, who also celebrated her 60th birthday on Friday, was presented with gifts from pupils, parents and governors including a framed picture of Dovedale Stepping Stones, flowers and £150 raised from a collection.
Pupils produced a book which included pictures of themselves so she would remember them.
Mrs Bradley, who is married to Robert and has three children and five grandchildren, said: "I have loved the job and all the children.
"I have seen many youngsters who started years ago return to the school with their own children.
"It will be strange not coming to the school and I will miss it. I am doing up my house at the moment so I hope that will keep me occupied."
Headteacher Jill Tillmanns praised the work of Mrs Bradley over the years.
She said: "Tess has been an excellent servant to the school.
"She has worked here for 32 years with commitment and devotion.
"Tess has not only been an excellent cleaner and janitor, she has become a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed by staff and pupils."
Governor John Kenny said: "Tess has given exceptional service to the school.
"She is well known outside the school and is known as 'Aunty' to everyone.
"She has kept the school in exceptional condition and has always highlighted any problem immediately."
Pupils at the school also praised the woman they know as Aunty.
Bill Walker, aged eight, said: "When I finish sports club she help me sort out the messy pile of clothes we leave behind."
Lottie Moss, aged eight, said: "Aunty Tess is kind because when I hurt my arm in dance class she helped me and made me feel better."
Another pupil Megan Goldstraw added: "If I lose anything she always finds it and puts it on my peg for me in the morning."
Pupil Lydia Bradley knows Tess better than most because she is her grandmother.
Lydia added: "It has been really great having my nan working at the school."
Pupil Robert Beswick thinks that the school is the cleanest in the world.
Robert, aged eight, said: "I like Aunty Tess. She always says hello to you when you come to school. I think we've the cleanest school in the world."
Following the assembly and presentations, a birthday cake was presented to Tess and a buffet was held.
Pupils of Blackshaw Moor school waved goodbye to school cleaner and janitor Tess Bradley who retired on Friday after 32 years' service. Pupils pictured are, front, from left, Lydia Bradley, Ebony Meigh, Ben Wheelton and Jessica Bradley. Back row Adam Trafford.
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