Warwickshire school worker Janet Nelson honour for 40 years of dedication
JANET Nelson has a double cause to celebrate this month.
On Friday (14th June) she received a Medallists of the Order of the British Empire and the following Friday (21st June) she marked 60 years of marriage to husband, Derek.
The 83-year-old, who lives in Butlers Marston, was included in the King’s Birthday Honours last week for services to education at Kineton C of E Primary School where she has worked and volunteered for 40 years.
“I first started volunteering at the school and then got a job as a classroom assistant and midday supervisor,” Janet told the Herald. “When they started bringing in teacher governors, I became a governor and have been doing it since then, about 20 years.
“I can’t seem to give it up. I still go down to the school to hear children read and help with maths.”
Over the decades, Janet has seen hundreds of children pass through the school, including a few who have now returned and she is now working with.
She has no plans to end her long association with the school any time soon, vowing “as long as I am well, I’ll keep going on.”
Janet added that she was “really, really surprised” by the honour. “I can’t believe it,” she said.
Derek, who is retired, has done his bit over the years, making sure Janet could be at the school by caring for their children, Karen and David, who are now grown up.
As for the big anniversary, the couple celebrated with the family at daughter Karen’s home in Ettington.
