NEW arrivals, promotions and retirements are a regular feature of life in the schools of Furness.

The Mail, on Monday, September 25 in 1995, noted: "Greengate Junior School dinner lady Vera Bryant received a rousing send-off from pupils when she retired after more than 26 years feeding youngsters in Barrow schools.

"Starting at St Bernard's RC School in January 1969, she moved to Greengate Junior School six months later.

"On Friday, her last day, the children sang her a special song and presented the popular cook with home-made cards and a present."

Vera, of Wallace Street, Barrow, said: "I've enjoyed my years at the school and met a lot of wonderful people."

At the start of July in 2008 a mural, and arts annexe and a new school library was officially opened at Greengate Junior School.

Headteacher Colin Smith said: "Previously the library was located in a corridor of the school and although it was well used we realised we required more space for the children.

"We are confident that we have created a wonderful new learning space for the children to use and enjoy."

The Mail, on July 2, noted: "The new arts annexe leading from the library will be used as a packed lunch area during the day and be transformed into an arts block in the evening for adult learning, with a range of evening classes from pottery to arts and crafts.

"The total work cost around £350,000."

The Mail, on December 11 in 1995, noted that Greengate pupils brought music to Barrow's Dalton Road to raise money for the Save the Children Fund.

Thirty pupils took part in a national carol singing event with more than 300 Adams Childrenswear stores throughout the country.

The article noted: "Parents and customers gathered in the store to hear renditions of Frosty the Snowman and Little Drummer Boy."

The Mail, on December 22 in 1997, noted: "A treat was laid on for 40 Roose Road area pensioners at the Washington Hotel courtesy of the staff and customers.

"The pensioners were treated to a dinner, a play put on by the children of Greengate Junior School and a sing-song and entertainment from staff.

"The treat, the first pensioners' party at the Washington Hotel was organised by landlady Karen Doyle and her husband Nick."

Pensioner Bella Minnican praised the young Greengate singers.

She said: "The choir were lovely."