Fantastic Mrs Fox retires after 35 years at Louth school!

A treasured teacher and wonderful friend is retiring after spending a lifetime at a local primary school.
Mrs Fox is retiring after 35 years at Eastfield.Mrs Fox is retiring after 35 years at Eastfield.
Mrs Fox is retiring after 35 years at Eastfield.

Alison Fox, the longest-serving member of the teaching staff at LaceyField, has taught countless numbers of children in her 35 years 
at Eastfield Infants and Nursery Academy in Louth.

“I can’t believe it has been 35 years,” she said. “I have enjoyed working in the same place as I live. The town has a real sense of community.

“The school’s always had a strong team ethos and I have been fortunate to work alongside some fantastic colleagues.”

Alison will retire at the same time as husband Paul, head teacher at St Michael’s CE Primary in the town.

The couple met while they were studying to be teachers at Bishop Grosseteste College in Lincoln.

Originally from Hull, Alison’s first job was at Eastfield.

The couple settled in Louth after Paul landed jobs initially in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and then Holton le Clay.

Their two children, Andrew and Helen, went to Eastfield and Lacey Gardens.

Both are involved at Louth Methodist Church – where Alison plays the piano - and the couple had always planned to retire together.

“We’re going to spend time visiting family and friends,” she said.

The couple will also pursue interests in walking, going to the theatre and music, as well as supporting the church.

Alison has spent her career in early years, moving from reception to Year 1.

She led the reception and nursery unit for many years before going part-time last September.

She said: “I have loved teaching the younger children. It is much more than education at that age, it is about their all-round development.”

Alison has been on a rota at LaceyField, responsible for vulnerable children and those of key workers for one day a week during the pandemic.

“It is a strange end to my career but I’ve enjoyed being part of the team supporting the children,” she added.

LaceyField’s Executive Principal Emma Beveridge thanked Alison for her years of dedicated service.

“It is incredible to think Alison has been at the school 35 years,” she said.

“She has been an inspirational figure to the children who have passed through her classroom over the years.

“I would like to thank her on behalf of all those children and staff who have been lucky enough to have had Alison as a teacher, colleague and friend.

“She will be sorely missed, and we wish her and Paul a richly-deserved, long and healthy retirement.”

Assistant Principal Mary Waters said Alison was held with “incredible high regard and affection”.

“She has been treasured by children, families and her colleagues for her enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the school she has served,” said Mary.

“Mrs Fox has been an inspirational teacher, leader, mentor and member of our community, whose involvement runs throughout our town.

“She will be sadly missed but friendships made over the years will last forever.

“Her legacy will be remembered through the huge number of lives she has impacted throughout her career.”