Kevyn Barnikel first joined the schools in 1959

A popular figure, whose association with Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools dates back to 1959, will be hanging up his keys this week.

Kevyn Barnikel is retiring from his caretaker role at Monmouth School for Boys’ Hitchcock Sports Pavilion on Friday afternoon (21st May).

Mr Barnikel, who lives in Monmouth and is well-known in the town, has held the role for the past 12 years.

He was previously the caretaker at the old site of The Grange for 26 years.

A keen cyclist, he first joined the schools in 1959 working on the groundstaff at Monmouth School for Boys for six years with cricket coach Sonny Avery, the former Essex professional.

Mr Barnikel has worked at the schools for a total of 44 years in three different roles.

After getting married in 1965, Mr Barnikel left the groundstaff to work at Stelrads but returned to the schools to become caretaker at The Grange in 1982.

Mr Barnikel says he will miss the buzz of the schools and seeing the boys playing sport, but he is looking forward to retirement and spending more time working in his garden.