Archive - Thursday, 9 May 2002


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Surprise was on the menu for Jeff

A BARRY teacher has reached a milestone point in his career, and is still raring to go.

Jeff Giggs has worked in Romilly Junior School for 30 years.

Last week he was given a surprise party by his colleagues and a cut glass tankard to commemorate his dedicated service.

The Knap resident has been a familiar face to children and parents for three decades, and has no plans to retire in the near future.

He said: "I started teaching in Cardiff 34 years ago, but commuting between Barry and the city was tough. So I came to Romilly, and I love it here."

The active 54-year-old has always been highly involved in the sports side of the school, and is known to have a real flair for art.

Head teacher at Romilly Junior School, Bob Williams, said: "Jeff has been teaching here for years, and he has become a face people know and love. He's now teaching children whose parents he took through the school. It's a constancy you don't find so much these days."

Jeff's wife, Bobby, was in on the surprise plans. She told Jeff that they were going into a Chinese restaurant in Cardiff Bay to meet a few old friends on Thursday, May 2.

But when he got there, Jeff was shocked to find all his colleagues waiting for him. He added: "Nothing had been mentioned about the party and present, so I thought nothing about going to meet some pals. But when I walked into the restaurant, I didn't twig for a few seconds. I first thought it was a huge coincidence everyone from work was there."

Jeff has no thoughts of leaving the school. He said: "every day is a challenge, and it keeps me young. I'm going to carry on until I can't any longer. I love the job, and I can't imagine doing anything else."