A MINIBUS driver and former joiner has left a school after nearly half a century in the job. 

Students at St David's College in Llandudno came together to say goodbye to Hywel Williams.

Hywel, 78, has retired twice already but couldn't resist coming back to the school.

North Wales Pioneer: Pupils bid the farewell to Hywel who has retired after nearly 50 years.Pupils bid the farewell to Hywel who has retired after nearly 50 years. (Image: St David's College)

He worked as a joiner for St David's as part of the Estates Team and more recently, as a minibus driver. He started working for the independent boarding and day school in 1974 after spotting an advert in Llandudno job centre.

Hywel has loved "every minute" of working at the school. He admitted he will miss seeing pupils who he has ferried to homes, train station, airports and appointments for decades.

North Wales Pioneer: Hywel worked as a joiner for St David's as part of the Estates Team and more recently, as a minibus driver.Hywel worked as a joiner for St David's as part of the Estates Team and more recently, as a minibus driver. (Image: St David's College)

He has left his mark over the years when carrying out repairs and upgrades; the estates team keeps coming across his name while stripping out walls and doors.

He has noted the date on the back of plasterboard and other materials, and has even given a name check to his own children and their ages.

Hywel, who is married to Linda and has three children, said: “When I first started working at St David’s I was being paid £30 a week. I was 30-years-old and I’m leaving aged 78, it is unbelievable really.

“I love it here, the camaraderie amongst the estates team and the children, I see them coming in looking so small and nervous and I always assure them they’ll enjoy it here and indeed within a few months I see them totally transform and gain more confidence.

North Wales Pioneer: The 78-year-old loved “every minute” of working and will miss seeing the pupils.The 78-year-old loved “every minute” of working and will miss seeing the pupils. (Image: St David's College)

“Sometimes in the mornings when I’d pick them up in the minibus one of them would pipe up that they hadn’t had any breakfast so I’d take them to McDonalds on the way to school-they always loved that.

"I’ve actually retired twice already but I couldn’t resist coming back, but my wife is poorly now and I need to look after her. 

"She used to joke to me that I was married to the school."

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Hywel on occasion would dress up as Father Christmas but stopped as the Year 5's unfortunately instantly recognised him and would say “Hi Hywel”.

“I have so many fond memories but we did get a few complaints during the time of the Falklands War when we had a party at the school, we let off fireworks at 1am waking up the residents of Penrhyn Bay," Hywel added.

“People were worried about what was going on and we had to put leaflets around apologising the next day.

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“I’m leaving here for the final time workwise, but no one ever really leaves the school it’s a very special place and I have no regrets working for St David’s for almost 50 years it’s just a shame it’s gone so fast.”

Andrew Russell, headmaster, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our beloved maintenance/estates team member, Hywel, who has been an integral part of our school community for nearly half a century.

“Throughout his tenure here, he has shown unwavering commitment, dedication, and professionalism in ensuring that our school is a safe and functional environment for our students and staff to thrive in. His tireless efforts have contributed to the smooth operation of our facilities and the overall success of our school.

“Hywel has not only been an outstanding employee but also a valuable member of our school family. He has always been approachable, friendly, and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He has been an excellent role model to our students, inspiring them with his work ethic and dedication.

“As we say goodbye, we want to express our gratitude for his exceptional service to our community. We will miss his presence, his humour, his lengthy stories and fond memories and his very positive attitude. His legacy will live on in the fabric of the buildings (his signature behind every newly erected partition over the past 50 years) and in the memories of all the Old Davideans and staff who love him dearly."