Leisure is now on the menu for Helen
A BELOVED dinner lady is hanging up her apron after nearly 50 years working at a Valley school.
Kitchen supervisor Helen Hoyle is hanging up her apron at the end of the academic year after working at St Mary’s RC in Bacup for almost half a century.
The 66-year-old started as a trainee cook when she left college in 1972 and four years later, started working in St Mary’s.
She told the Free Press she thought it was a “nice place to work” and was convenient for her as she lived in the Valley.
Fast forward 50 years, Helen has finally decided to say goodbye to the school canteen.
“I’ve got mixed emotions about retiring I’m really excited for this new chapter but it’s going to be sad and really strange on my final day,” Helen said.
“Although I’ve worked in St Mary’s for most of my career, I did also go to other schools if someone was able to man the kitchen in Bacup, and I’d also provide other meals for schools in the area that don’t have the facilities.
“So although I’ve spent 50 years doing this, I’ve been to other schools too.”
During her time, Helen has served generations of children in her kitchen and she even used to serve to a couple of pupils who are now working as teachers at St Mary’s.
Helen added: “There’s been so many generations of families I’ve served, with parents of pupils that attend the school who I would have served when they were here!
“I do remember quite a lot of them as well and it’s a Catholic school primarily so there’s a lot of big families and some of them look familiar to me or I remember their family name. I do remember the girls who are now teachers at St Mary’s being good girls!”
When asked about what her retirement will look like, Helen added: “I’m looking forward to booking a holiday in term time and having more time on my hands!
“I’m going to meet friends for lunch and visit people I know across the country. I’ve made lifelong friends and that’s what I’ll miss most about the job, the people.
“It’s been hard work but it has been good.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time and doing my bit to serve the local community.
“It’s been a happy 50 years.”