Popular and long-serving St Bart's librarian retires

A POPULAR and long-serving librarian at St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury is retiring at the end of the month.

Mrs Judith Thomas joined the school in 1991 as library assistant and was promoted to librarian four years later.

She also, in part thanks to her love of local history, took over responsibility for the schools’ archives.

Mrs Thomas said: “I have been privileged to be the school’s archivist and have spoken to so many interesting former students and staff about their family and connections to the school.

“The work has also taken me to The National Archives where, a few years ago, I obtained the military records of Curnock and Patterson.

“I also spent hours in dusty cupboards and attics at the old Luker and Wormestall buildings before our move, digging out old school photographs.

“It is wonderful to see all the whole school photos, dating from 1865, reframed and displayed around the school.

“I will miss hearing students recommending books to their friends that I have selected for the library and seeing a reluctant reader buried in a book, completely absorbed.”

Her highlights at the library include the Year 7 Reading Challenge in 1995, winning the regional heats in 2011 and 2013 for the Kids’ Lit Quiz in Oxford and coming second in The Times Spelling Bee regional semi-finals in 2012.

Headteacher Julia Mortimore said: “Judith has been involved in so many activities and her expertise has been highly valued.

“We wish Judith a long and happy retirement.”

A retirement tea part was held at the school last week to thank Judith for her contribution to the school.

For more schools news, pick up a copy of this week's Newbury Weekly News and turn to pages 20-21