AN incredible milestone has been reached by Swanmead School’s secretary.

Ann Kivett celebrated 25 years at the school after starting work there in October 1988.

She has worked as a typist, secretary, clerk to the governors and, more recently, personal assistant to head teacher Mark Walker.

Mrs Kivett said: “When I came for my interview as clerical assistant with head teacher David Smith and chair of governors Renee Hatfield I’d have never dreamt that 25 years later I’d still be at Swanmead.

“I used to work three days a week down in the same office I actually work in now, but in those days I used a typewriter!

“One of my jobs was to type the school newsletter on to a stencil and then get covered in ink running the newsletter off.

“Staff also used a Banda machine if they needed several copies of documents for the classroom – we had no photocopier.

“Sue Spurway came and joined me in my office two years later, and by that time we’d started to use computers – how technology has advanced over the past 25 years.

“I really enjoy working at Swanmead and it certainly is a big part of my life. I hope to make it to my 30th year here.

“I work with a fantastic team of people, and that’s why I’m still here.

“I’d hoped to be still working at Swanmead when my grandson starts at the school, but I think I might be too old. Who knows?”

Mr Walker said: “This is a remarkable feat. Ann’s dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to Swanmead are unrivalled.

“We’re incredibly proud of her achievement and delighted that she shows no signs of stopping.

“Ann has seen many changes in the school in her time here – the longevity of her time here is startling.

“Many staff weren’t even born when Ann started working at the school, and I myself was aged only 11 and had just left primary school!”