Best wishes to two of our school catering assistants who celebrate their 80th birthdays this month, while still serving up dinners to children in Blaenau Gwent.
Sonia Blanchard and Gillian Morris both reach the milestone age this month and neither are ready to hang up their aprons just yet! They both still love the job which they say keeps them healthy, happy and feeling good. They love seeing the children’s happy faces and hearing their stories every day.
Grandmother Gillian Morris was born and bred in Nantyglo and works at Ysgol Gymreg Bro Helyg. Before that, she worked at the former Nantyglo Comprehensive School just up the road.
Great grandmother Sonia Blanchard has worked at Cwm Primary School in her home village for more than 40 years.
Both ladies describe the schools where they work as ‘one big family’ who are all really supportive of each other.
After 33 years in the job, Gillian still enjoys a good rock n roll dance around the kitchen and sneakily turns the radio up as they prep for lunchtime. When asked why she still works at the age of 80, she said: “I just love it, and it keeps me fit and healthy! It’s so rewarding, and I love seeing the children’s faces and sharing stories and jokes with them.”
Gillian is also picking up some Welsh phrases from pupils at the Welsh medium school, “it’s amazing to hear them talking in Welsh,” she says.
Gill and pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg
Sonia, who also celebrates 60 years of marriage to husband Idris in the same month, says she loves coming to work every day. “I always like being busy and having a goal and for me that’s work and helping out with my great grandchildren,” she says. “I really enjoy the lovely company from the girls in the kitchen and from the children. It’s been wonderful seeing generations of families coming through.”
Sonia and pupils at Cwm Primary School
Both Sonia and Gillian will be celebrating their big days with their families, and we’re sure there’s a few surprises in store.
We wish them all the very best and thank them for their service to our children and young people here in Blaenau Gwent.
Gill Morris
Sonia Blanchard