AN OSWESTRY GP receptionist has hung up the telephone for one last time following 37 years of service at the same practice.

Muriel Marston started at The Caxton Surgery as a temporary worker in June 1987 when the practice was based in Church Street and called it a day last week to retired.

Muriel said she has loved every day of her working life at The Caxton and will miss the team terribly.

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“My colleagues, past and present, have been my friends for 37 years and I will miss them all so much,” she said.

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“I have loved every aspect of the ever-changing job over the years and the wonderful people we get to meet and support every day.

“Now is the time to support my family and enjoy a slower pace of life.”

Muriel, who turned 75 this year, continued in her full-time role while bringing up her three children, Craig, Scott and Kirsty, and in 1998 returned to the front desk on records and appointments which she says she loved.

Muriel continued between the reception desk and other services at the surgery until reducing her hours to four days and then three days in much later years to enjoy time with her husband Graham and family.

James Bradbury, practice manager, said: “This is an extremely emotional day for all, especially Muriel and her colleagues who have worked alongside each other for such a long time.

“Muriel has been a dedicated employee for 37 years and seen many changes through the practice and the NHS as a whole.

“She has gone from paper prescriptions and handwritten patient notes and files to the computerised system of today.

“Muriel has never been fazed and embraced every change with enthusiasm and pride.

“She will not only be missed by her colleagues and friends here at The Caxton but also by our many patients who Muriel has supported face to face and over the phone for 37 years.

“Words cannot express how thankful we are for Muriel’s service and the positive impact she has made on us all.”

Alison Lee-Birch started work at the surgery as a school leaver and has worked with Muriel for 35 years.

"Muriel has been the 'work mum' for so many of us 'girls' for so long and has been an inspiration to us all,” she said.

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“We have amazing memories with colleagues past and present and have enjoyed an exceptional and very special friendship both in and out of work,” Alison said.

“Muriel has seen many of us get married, have our children and see our families grow, alongside her own family and her inspirational career.

“Fondly known as 'Mu' by so many of us, she has taught, supported and shown us all what true hard work and dedication looks like. We will miss Mu greatly as she begins her new much deserved chapter."