Lin bows out

By Meg Kennedy

For over 35-years she has been the first face to greet visitors at St Brigid’s Primary School, but Lin Bowers will soon be walking out the gates one last time.
Ms Bowers has been the secretary at St Brigid’s Primary School in Ballan for over three decades and recently announced her retirement, finishing at the end of the school term in April.
Ms Bowers said she’s “quite excited” to know this chapter is closing and is “really looking forward to the future with [my husband] John.”
“I’m just going to chill out and relax. We do have plans further down the track, but nothing concrete as yet,” she said.
As for what she will miss the most, Ms Bowers said she will “miss the children”, having seen generations of students pass through the school.
“Every day is different. Even though you’re doing the same work each day, it is different, because the children are just so gorgeous,” she said.
“I also work with some wonderful teachers, I will miss that contact,” she said, joking that “I’m sure they are never too far away, if I need a fix I’ll just go into school!”
Since arriving in Ballan in 1975, Ms Bowers has contributed to many facets of the Ballan community; from the Ballan Tennis Club, the local Mother’s Club, to the Gordon Parish – the latter making up a “big part” of her life.
As for what draws her to be so active in local clubs and events, Ms Bowers said that “it’s just a wonderful community.”
“It’s lovely to walk down the street and know people, say hello, have a smile and talk to people,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful community here in Ballan. We feel part of the community now, so it’s really quite special.”
Lin will be farewelled at an afternoon Mass at 1pm on Friday, 5 April, at St Brigid’s Church, Ballan (96 Inglis Street).
The service will be followed by an afternoon tea.