THE end of the academic year saw a senior teacher at Friends School, Saffron Walden retire after 37 years of service. A series of celebrations were held in honour of the significant contribution made by Martin Hugall, but probably the most poignant was

THE end of the academic year saw a senior teacher at Friends' School, Saffron Walden retire after 37 years of service.

A series of celebrations were held in honour of the significant contribution made by Martin Hugall, but probably the most poignant was the governors' dinner. The five headteachers under which Martin has served all attended and enjoyed an evening of old stories and fond memories.

Martin started teaching at Friends' School in 1972 in the biology department and has had a significant influence in many other areas of the school.

Besides being involved in the boarding life of the school and developing the School Council, he founded the school's Motor Club. More recently he was responsible for developing the school's website and will continue to maintain it after he leaves.

He became deputy headteacher in 1988 and remained an integral and respected member of the senior management team.

Martin said: "I have enjoyed my time at Friends' immensely; the Quaker ethos makes it a very special place in which to work and my changing role has made for a very exciting career.

"I have had the privilege to teach many children of parents I have taught in the past, including several governors and members of staff."

Anna Chaudhri, previously at Chelmsford County High School, takes up the position of deputy headteacher at Friends' School in September.

Pictured are the five headteachers under which Martin Hugall (third from left) has served; Graham Wigley, Jane Laing, Andy Waters, Sarah Evans and John Woods