Retired schoolteacher Martyn Coombs has been presented with life membership to the NASUWT following many years of active service.
The Bedale resident began his teaching career at Bedale High School under the headship of the late Roy Mitchinson who was followed by David Impey.
Under Dr John Critchlow, the school was recognised by Ofsted as a Beacon School and following his retirement, Coombs became the school union representative under Graham Turner.
He worked actively with subsequent head teachers Mick Jolley, Sian Rees, Tony Waldren and Tom Kelly to ensure new initiatives were introduced effectively and with the support of the union.
He became the Richmond and Hambleton NASUWT secretary and represented the district on the North Yorkshire Federation and the Regional Committee in Leeds.
He was president of the North Yorkshire Federation and chaired the regional conference in Harrogate as well as attending national conference in Manchester.
He organised the annual Christmas recruitment and retention social for many years at the New Inn, Thrintoft and many social events, often based at the Bedale Sports Club and Community Centre.
He subsequently became an accredited caseworker supporting colleagues throughout the region.
“Being called into so many different schools to support colleagues who had health or financial problems, redundancies, support plans or were in dispute with the school for a wide range of issues, was something I revelled in, especially when we had a successful outcome.
“Negotiating settlements with the school and NYCC HR was challenging but worthwhile.”
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