84-year-old dinner lady celebrates 50 years at Washington primary school
A dinner lady is celebrating her 50th year at a Washington primary school with tea, cake and a special assembly.
Brenda Bradshaw, 84, first starting working at Albany Village Primary School, in Crossgill, back in 1976 as a lunchtime supervisor.
She grew up near the Sunderland Royal Hospital before moving to Washington 51 years ago.
Recalling how she felt on her first day at Albany Village Primary School, she said: “I felt like a fish out of water.
"I spent the previous ten years at home looking after my family so this was something new.”
Brenda has spent 50 long and happy years at the school, also becoming a school governor three decades ago.
She said: “I have always been happy here.
"I lost my husband Brian ten years ago and this place really helped me.
"Children never change and this job kept me sane. It gets me out of the house each day.”
Simon Tate, chair of governors, first met Brenda at just five years old when he attended the Washington school.
Simon, 53, said: “She helped with countless bumps and bruises and made us feel safe and at home with her lovely smile.
"She made sure we were all well fed and made a long-lasting difference.”
He added: “You are an icon. You were my dinner lady and now you are there for others, so thank you for that – and congratulations on 50 years.”
Stephen Jones, head teacher, said: “Brenda shows no signs of slowing down and as our lead lunchtime supervisor, last year renewed her paediatric first aid certificate.
"She is always prompt into school to help organise the other lunchtime supervisors and can greet all of the children by name."
Kimberley Richardson, director of education for Together for Children Sunderland, said: “Congratulations. This is an amazing milestone.
"Fifty years of servuce shows how dedicated, loyal and committed you are.
"You are truly an inspiration and have made a positive difference to so many children.”
Brenda celebrated her 50th anniversary on Friday, September 4 with a special school assembly and tea and cake with her family.
Brenda said: "On my first day of school I felt like a fish out of water, now I own the water.”