CONNIE Norman, head of Rose Hill First School, announced her retirement in November 1977 after 40 years of service as a teacher.

Although she began her career in Croydon, Mrs Norman soon returned to her birthplace to teach at South Oxford Girls' School, and spent seven years at St Christopher's School in Cowley before joining staff at Rose Hill.

Mrs Norman, who had led the school since 1949, said: "I was head of the infant department in the early days because women were not considered suitable for taking charge of secondary children.

"There has been a great improvement compared to classes of 56 pupils in absolutely appalling conditions with limited stocks.

"But now that the county council's cuts have taken effect a lot of the progress has been lost."

Mrs Norman planned to retire to her home in Littlemore, but not before taking a three-month round-the-world cruise, a trip she and her husband Bill had planned before his death the previous year.