Ron Dickinson is stepping down as a school governor at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School, where he has governed for 30 years.
Ron began as a governor when his own children were at school and has spent 25 years as the Chair of Governors, before stepping down to become the Vice Chair.
Over the years he has seen former pupils become teachers at Willerby Carr Lane and his own child has become a teacher too.
As a governor, he oversaw significant milestones for the school – from the merge of the infants and junior school to the interview and appointment of teachers, and covid. Most recently, Ron was involved in the recruitment of the school’s new Headteacher, Laura Widdowson, following the retirement of the former Headteacher, Sean Smith.
Ron said: “Over the 30 years I’ve got out more than I’ve put in. There is so much satisfaction of being part of a great team, supporting senior management and ensuring the children are getting the best education.
“I am lucky in that I retired at 52 and so it meant I’ve been able to give more time to the school. Being a governor is different to normal working life, and it has been great to work with some wonderful and inspiring teachers and fantastic fellow governors.
“Some of the highlights for me have been the merge of the infants and junior school in 2008, the girls football team reaching the final in Coventry and appointments of excellent teaching staff.”
In recognition of his long service as a school governor, Ron was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace earlier this year. Willerby Carr Lane School will also be holding a celebration event for Ron in the last week of term, where he will receive a certificate of appreciation from East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman, Cllr Linda Johnson, and a letter of thanks from the Executive Director of Children, Families and Schools, Merlin Joseph.
Daniel Williams, Chair of Governors at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School said: “Ron has been one of those rare constants in the life of the school. He has seen generations of children grow up, with many returning years later as parents and entrusting the school with their own children. That says a great deal about the community Ron has helped to shape.
“His influence has reached far beyond the school gates, through the children, families and staff whose lives he has touched over the years. The legacy he leaves is one that will pass from one generation to the next, strengthening both the school and the wider community for years to come.
“When I stepped into the role of Chair, Ron’s advice to me was simple: whatever decision we make, we must always keep the children at the heart of it. That principle sums up Ron’s approach to school governance and is something I will continue to carry with me. We are enormously grateful for everything he has given to Willerby Carr Lane.”
School Governors help shape the future of local schools, support staff and pupils, and ensure high standards of education. If you’d like to make a meaningful impact on children’s education by becoming a governor:
Apply: eryc.link/applyschoolgovernor
Find out more: eryc.link/schoolgovernors or email: governor.support@eastriding.gov.uk
PICTURE:- Ron Dickinson and wife, Gill, at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
