Private School News

RGS Worcester cook serves up 30 years of service

Cheerful cook Julia Pugh has today (October 7) dished up an astonishing 30 years in the canteen of a local school.

She has been behind the counter in Britannia House on the Upper Tything since the 7th October 1979 and has witnessed several major changes and events along the way.

Originally starting in the Alice Ottley School Boarding House – Baskerville House – on Shrubbery Avenue, helping the Cook, Julia moved on to the Senior School (now RGS Worcester) site working in the pantry with vegetables, before moving to puddings, Assistant Cook and now Cook.

Mrs Pugh looks back on her times at the school with great fondness and warmth. She reminisces about Alice Ottley School Birthdays, the choc-ices on the lawn and the famous after school teas. Not to forget the shock of serving boys in 2007 after the merger and how the school and kitchen has grown with such speed.

“It has been a fantastic journey working at the school and I have loved every moment. The 30 years seem to have flown by and I can’t wait to see what happens in the coming years at RGS,” commented Julia.

“I remember my first day like it was yesterday, all the nerves and wonder about starting a new job, but just how friendly and welcoming all the staff were – cooks and teachers alike. I really do love the job. It has its challenging moments, but we are a great team and it’s a pleasure to serve the school,” added Julia.

“Thank you to everyone for such a great surprise.”

“She is always in a happy mood and gives everyone a warm welcome,” commented Brigitte Keen, Eurest Kitchen Manager at RGS Worcester.

“It is a delight to work with Julia. I feel very fortunate in having her and such good staff. We are a close-knit group and work really well together.“

“Numbers at the school keep going up, but we have all adapted well in the kitchen and still offer real quality, even with laugh or two along the way,” added Brigitte.