Lesley’s 40 year milestone honoured at Resthaven
At the Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards on 7 July, 2017, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, was honoured for an incredible 40 years of service.
This is a remarkable feat, especially considering she was initially only meant to stay for six weeks!
‘The Matron at the time [now known as the Residential Services Manager] lived across the road from me,’ says Lesley. ‘She said, “You wouldn’t like a job for six weeks would you?”
Then a stay at home mum to three small children, Lesley says, ‘I told Matron I’d have to ask my mum if she could watch my little ones.’
‘When the six weeks was finished, the Matron said, “Please stay,” and it turned into 40 years, didn’t it!’
‘I started on weekends, sometimes on tea duty, sometimes cooking the sweets in the kitchen.’
‘I remember the first night I started, and I wasn’t really shown or told that much. I wondered how I’d ever remember everyone’s names!’
‘It was very different then – there was one big dining room with 84 people all in there together, four at a table.’
‘It’s grown and changed so much.’
Lesley recalls how much she enjoyed working at Resthaven straight away. ‘I was brought up as an only child with older parents, so I was used to being with older people,’ she says. ‘I just fitted in.’
Lesley also loves speaking with residents and hearing their stories.
‘My favourite thing about the job is the people,’ she says. ‘I’ve met some very interesting characters over the years!’
Lesley has no plans on retiring yet, either: ‘Whilst I am starting to drag my feet a bit, the thought of having to say I’m retiring – I can’t do it, it makes me so sad!’ she says.
‘I think Resthaven is just an amazing organisation. What can I say? I wouldn’t have been there this long if I didn’t think we’re doing a really good job.’
‘It doesn’t feel like 40 years – it’s gone so fast.’
‘But life does, doesn’t it?’
Congratulations, Lesley, and thank you for your service!