Dinner lady celebrates 50 years at same school

A dinner lady is celebrating 50 years of service after dishing up thousands of meals to hungry children at the same school.

Dilys Brunt began her culinary career in 1976 and has spent her days at Fairfield Infant and Nursery School in Buxton, Derbyshire, ever since.

Colleagues, pupils and families were set to celebrate her milestone with a special event on Friday and she has also been nominated for a lifetime achievement from the Jamie Oliver School Meals Awards.

Brunt, 77, said: "Serving generations of families has been very special."

After joining Derbyshire County Council as a catering assistant five decades ago, Brunt said she had witnessed huge changes in preparing school meals – from the equipment she uses to changing menus and nutritional expectations.

But she said at the heart of it all was her love for looking after the children, ensuring they were well fed.

"That's what has kept me here all these years," she said.

To honour her dedicated service, the school is throwing a party on Friday in her honour where she will be presented with a certificate.

Staff, pupils and families have also been invited to share comments and memories about Brunt as part of a project to celebrate her milestone anniversary.

Brunt said: "Things have changed massively, equipment, food guidance, influences and standards.

"There used to be a lot more manual work, we would chip potatoes, batter our own fish and joint our own meat.

"You learn, you adapt and you keep the children at the centre of what you do. That's never changed."

Asked what she was most proud of she added: "Serving generations of families has been very special.

"Seeing children I cooked for bring their own children to school - being part of the community like that means a lot to me."

Headteacher Jenny Allin said: "Dilys is an invaluable member of our school team and is pivotal to the running of our school. Dilys is hardworking, kind, adaptable and always goes the extra mile.

"She has this amazing ability to not only remember the names of all the children in school but also what they like to eat.

"She truly deserves this celebration of 50 years of service – not just any service, but a high quality, outstanding and loyal service to our school and our Fairfield community."

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