We recently bid farewell to Pam Smith who has retired from Longlands after 12 years working as our cook.
There was hardly a dry eye in the house on Pam’s final day as we showered her with gifts to say thank you for her service at the home.
Pam came to Longlands in 2009 after the other care home she worked at closed down.
Several of our current staff, including our Manager Tina, also came from the same home, so she came to us with the very highest of recommendations, and definitely didn’t disappoint.
During her 12 years with us, Pam has been responsible for cooking all the meals for our residents, ensuring they are as tasty and nutritious as possible.
Pam says: “The residents are involved in the production of the menus and they would tell me what they liked the most and what they didn’t.
“I would then make dishes based on these preferences whilst also following guidelines on nutrition to ensure the residents were getting served food, they enjoyed were but good for them as well.”
Pam, 66, says the thing she will miss the most about working at Longlands is seeing the staff and residents.
She says: I have really enjoyed working at Longlands. It has always had a nice atmosphere and the staff and residents are lovely.
“I will miss working there and even now I have retired I still find myself thinking what I will make for the residents at the weekend.
“It’s a hard habit to break!”
Longlands Manager Tina Kendall said: “Pam has played an important part in Longlands becoming a five-star rated care home, through the amazing home cooked food she made for our residents.
“She will be missed by residents and staff alike and we wish her the very best in her retirement.”
In her retirement, Pam is looking forward to spending more time with her husband Brian and going for trips out with him, as well as seeing more of her grandchildren.
