Dinner ladies turn 80 with no plans to retire

Two dinner ladies who celebrate their 80th birthdays this month say they have no plans to retire as the job keeps them “fit and healthy”.

Great grandmother Sonia Blanchard and grandmother Gillian Morris said their work gave them a sense of purpose and added she loved the children’s company.

Sonia has worked as a dinner lady for more than 40 years, while Gillian has spent 33 years in the job, both at schools in Blaenau Gwent.

“It’s been wonderful seeing generations of families coming through,” said Sonia.

She has worked at Cwm Primary School in her home village near Ebbw Vale, for more than 40 years.

“I always like being busy and having a goal and for me that’s work and helping out with my great grandchildren,” she said.

“I really enjoy the lovely company from the girls in the kitchen and from the children,” she added.

Gillian, from Nantyglo, works at Ysgol Gymreg Bro Helyg in the village.

Before that, she worked at the former Nantyglo Comprehensive School just up the road.

“I just love it, and it keeps me fit and healthy,” she said, adding that she was also picking up some Welsh phrases from the pupils at the Welsh medium school.

“It’s so rewarding, and I love seeing the children’s faces and sharing stories and jokes with them.”