7th July 2010

Gudbuy T'Jane

by Ian Leaver

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Jane Rudon, who retires this summer, taught in Leicester from 1973 and has been an integral part of Leicester NUT since, at least, 1990 when I moved to the city. She has been Secretary of Leicester NUT since 1996 and has also been President, Minuting Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Initially Jane shared the Secretary role with Andrew Hind, before taking over in her own right in 1997. For the past eighteen months, I have been privileged to share the role with her.

Working so closely with Jane for three days a week has given me an insight into the completely professional way in which she works. Teachers in Leicester owe Jane a huge debt of thanks for the support that she has given over many years. The thorough and meticulous way that she ensures that all procedures are negotiated and adhered to means that the support that NUT members in Leicester receive cannot be beaten. The working relationship that she enjoys with Local Authority Officers and Human Resources Advisors, meaning that she is able to negotiate openly, belies the tough stance that she takes when supporting members of the union.

Her support for other political and Trade Union causes, means that she is a regular face on demonstrations and rallies.

[Jane, Nic, Andrew – Fight Against Cuts, Nottingham 1997]
Jane with Nic and Andrew at a Fight Against Cuts rally in Nottingham in 1997

[Jane, Nic Gavin, Christine Blower, Leicester NUT meeting, 2005]
Jane with Nic Gavin and NUT General Secretary, Christine Blower, at a Leicester NUT meeting in 2005

As a mentor for me as I take over the role of Secretary, I couldn't ask for more. Just as she does when supporting members in schools, she always has time to explain processes and make sure they are understood. The high regard in which she is held can also be seen by the comments that I receive from her ex-colleagues on the NUT's National Executive (on which she served for four years).

She is retiring to spend time with Kerrigan, who retired himself a couple of years ago, and they have already planned four weeks in Greece in September, when the rest of us will be back at work!!

[Jane and Kerrigan in 2006]
Jane and Kerrigan in 2006

I know that we have not seen the end of Jane's support for the NUT and I have already made her promise to come back for the 2011 quiz, as my glamorous assistant for the seventh year running.

I know that you will want to join me in wishing her a very long and happy retirement.

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