ST Peter’s School in Wrecclesham reached the end of an era with the retirement of much-loved caretaker Mick Sturgess.

Mick has been caretaker at St Peter’s for 25 years and is known to many generations of Wrecclesham residents.

On Wednesday last week a special assembly was attended by former colleagues and friends to say ‘goodbye’. Pupils sung a song written and dedicated to Mick, while staff came together to sing an uplifting number which reflected the joy and positivity that Mick has brought to St Peter’s over the years.

Mick, who has worked for six headteachers in his 25 years, said: “When I came to St Peter’s it was a middle school and became a primary school in 1994.

“Now with modern new buildings and 430 pupils, the school looks completely different but St Peter’s still has the welcoming and caring ethos that has made it such a happy and memorable school for so many Wrecclesham people and a fantastic place to work.

“I do enjoy showing past pupils or governors around the school. They can’t believe how much it has changed.

“There have been lots of happy memories. No two days are the same working as a school caretaker. You need to be ready for anything that could happen. One time that does stick in my mind is the day that the school caught fire.

“There was a lot of damage so it was a shock at the time but luckily everyone was evacuated safely.”

Mick joined as caretaker at St Peter’s when the Farnham site of Crosby Doors closed in 1991. His skills in carpentry and woodwork have been a great asset to the school and many have admired the eye-catching scenery he created for school productions over the years.

Headteacher Sarah Dunning said: “Mick has been the caretaker that every school wishes they had. Nothing is too much trouble for Mick.

“He is one of life’s givers, often coming in to open the school up when he should really be at home. He has a flexible approach and often comes up with a solution to a something that has seemed logistically impossible.

“Mick is part of the community and knows the families so well. He is extremely popular with pupils, parents and staff. As a school we also need to thank Mick for his services to the school as a governor.

“He has always been totally committed to the future development of the school and the school experience that we offer the pupils. As well as the ins and outs of the school’s working day, Mick also knows the history of St Peter’s which has proved invaluable as a governor.”

Pupils commented that Mick is “great fun”, and makes everyone laugh with the costumes he wears on dress-up days, and that everyone is jealous of the winner to the competition to be Mr Sturgess’s helper for the day.

St Peter’s parent community are also sad to see Mick retire. A representative from the PTFA said: “Mick is wonderful. We are indebted to the support he gives us for our fundraising.

“He makes sure that we have everything we need to stage our events and also deals with practical issues and health and safety aspects. He is always upbeat and keen to help.”