'It will be a real loss to the community': Arden nursery boss bows out after 32 years

Ann Robb will leave her post as head of the Jimmy Dunnachie Family Learning Centre at the end of the month, with staff members and close friends speaking about the work she has done over the years.

Sandra Ross, a child development officer at the centre who has worked by Ann's side for 30 years, said: "She'll be missed by us all so much.

"We haven't been able to organise a party or anything like that because of everything that's going on, so we really wanted to show her our appreciation for all the work that she has done and give her the recognition she deserves."

Pic: Mark Gibson

Ann has worked at the centre since 1988, and championed for the nursery to be named after Pollok councillor Jimmy Dunnachie.

Sandra said: "She has done so much for the community, it will be a real loss after Ann leaves.

"She was the one that really pushed for the centre to be named after the local councillor at the time, Jimmy Dunnachie.

"Even up to today, she goes above and beyond to support local families with things like courses to help parents get back to work and we often get told by people that, because of Ann's work, they were given the best start for themselves and their child.

"Ann has made such an impact in the local community."

Pic: Mark Gibson

Ann was originally planning to retire in June, although this was delayed due to the coronavirus.

Sandra said: "When she delayed her retirement, she wouldn't tell us when she would be going.

"She kept joking that she would come in one day and that would just be her last, but we got it out of her eventually.

"We couldn't let her leave like that and not give her the proper send off that she deserves.

"The centre will definitely not be the same without Ann, for the staff, parents and the kids.

"She has been involved in the upbringing of so many generations of Arden kids for the past 30 years and I don't think she will realise just how much she has done for the community."