Dinner lady hangs up her apron after over 31 years at Carradale Primary

A DINNER lady, who has dished out more than 251,000 school meals over 31 years, has hung up her apron.

But even though Sheena Ramsay, 62, has quit catering, she will continue to bake for her Argyll community.

She said: “I have not retired yet, it’s not my style. As I say in life, if you want something done, ask a busy person.

“I’ve got a request to make a Christmas cake for the church’s ‘Guess the weight’ game. I’ll bake for Macmillan this weekend, I said that I’d make some meringues for that, too.

“I’m always baking but I tend to give it away.”

Sheena joined Carradale Primary, Campbeltown, as a cleaner in 1985 and joined the kitchen a year later.

After training on the job, Sheena soon became head of catering and has worked without any helpers for the last 20 years.

The skilled cook revealed she would miss working with the children.

She said: “Over the years, I have seen children come and go and then I have seen the next generation of their families come to eat.

“I have had a lot of letters thanking me for making their children eat properly.

“You just have to encourage them to try something new.

“I will miss the children. We are all just one big family.”

Sheena’s two daughters, now 37 and 39, also went to the school, although they didn’t get special treatment.

She said: “When one of my daughters went to secondary school she used to be told by friends, ‘You shouldn’t eat that because your mum wouldn’t want that.’”

Even though she left last week, Sheena can still see the kitchen where she worked from her house.

In recognition of her service, she was presented with a silver quaich and an apron made by the children.

She said: “I was overwhelmed and I wasn’t expecting it.”

Can you beat Sheena? If you have served more meals than her, or know someone who has, we’d love to hear from you. Email fhargreaves@sundaypost.com or write to The Sunday Post, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee, DD4 8SL.

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