FAKE moustaches and silly ties were the uniform of the day recently for the 700 pupils and 80 staff of Les Quennevais School.
The school decided to surprise and honour Eddie Gough, the longest-serving member of staff who retired this week after 33 years.
During Mr Gough’s time at Les Quennevais, his moustache and hideous ties have become legendary, so the school felt that it was only right to mark his departure by referring to his trademarks.
And when the man himself arrived at school on ‘Eddie Gough Day’, he was lost for words.
‘I still can’t speak about it without emotion,’ said the 60-year-old. ‘It was probably the most wonderful day I ever had during my time at Les Quennevais.’
Mr Gough was educated at De La Salle College between 1959 and 1967 before taking a sociology degree at the University of Essex and a PGCE with the University of Zambia. On graduating, he taught in Zambia between 1972 and 1974.
Mr Gough was first appointed on a temporary basis to Les Quennevais for the summer term of 1975, and was then made permanent. He became head of middle school in 1979 and head of humanities in 1981, a position from which he stepped down in September 2005 in preparation for retirement. Since then he has remained as a teacher of humanities.
Since 1995 Mr Gough has also been charities co-ordinator at the school – a voluntary unpaid post – and during that time his efforts have led to around £70,000 being raised. The head of drama, Emily Stones, will now be taking over this position.
Speaking about his time at the school, Mr Gough said: ‘In 33 years the children and staff have been extremely kind, supportive and generous to me. I have enjoyed my time at Les Quennevais immensely.’
Head teacher John Thorp said that it had been an honour to work with Mr Gough. And he was glad that the day held in his honour had been such a success.
‘Eddie has been a fantastic servant of Les Quennevais and its students over the many years he has been here,’ said Mr Thorp. ‘He has taught not only the current generation of students but many of their parents too. We are very sorry to see him go, but we all wish him a long and happy retirement.
‘Eddie’s trademark was that he wore infamously loud novelty ties and had a noticeable moustache. They are the two things students instantly recognise about him, so holding this day was a great way to celebrate his retirement. The amazing thing was that 700 students and 80 teachers managed to keep the whole thing a secret from him.’
The school has established the Eddie Gough Fund as a tribute to his many years as charities co-ordinator. The fund makes micro-loans to individuals and groups in developing countries. For more information, visit www.kiva.org/lender/lesquennevaisschoo9852.
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