Alison Hopkinson, a dedicated dinner lady and cook at Greenfield St Mary’s in Oldham, recently celebrated an impressive milestone of 40 years of service at the same primary school she attended as a child. This incredible achievement was recognized with a special assembly where messages from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and MasterChef winner Simon Wood were shared.
Reflecting on her long career, Hopkinson expressed her happiness and fulfillment in her role, emphasizing that every day working with children is a new and rewarding experience. She mentioned that although some aspects of school lunches have evolved over the years to offer healthier options and more variety, children still have a soft spot for her traditional meat pie.
The headteacher of the school, Susan Hall, praised Hopkinson for being an integral part of the school community and embodying its core values of safety, care, respect, and achievement. Her dedication and passion for her work have left a lasting impact on generations of children who have passed through the school.
Receiving a heartfelt letter from Jamie Oliver himself and being surprised with a special assembly in her honor, Hopkinson was deeply touched and emotional. Despite reaching the impressive milestone of 40 years, she has not yet made a final decision about retirement, jokingly mentioning that she might just show up for work on a Monday morning out of habit.
As she looks back on her four decades of service, it is clear that Hopkinson’s commitment to providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment for children has been unwavering. Her contributions to the school community have been recognized and celebrated, showcasing the profound impact that dedicated individuals like her can have on the lives of others.
