Staff Members At Derbyshire Home Awarded For Combined Service Of 35 Years

Sheila Fowkes (L) and Wendy Turell (R) celebrated their long service awards

Two staff members were recognised for their services at a Derbyshire home which combined totalled 35 years.

Sheila Fowkes and Wendy Turell both work at MHA Maple Leaf House in Ripley and were awarded long service awards along with some flowers.

Sheila has been working at the home for 20 years whilst Wendy completed 15 years

A party was also arranged for the two where staff and residents were present.

MHA Maple Leaf House provides nursing dementia care for 48 residents.

Sheila, who works as an activity coordinator said:
“I worked in another care home as a senior carer / activities person and a relative of someone I was caring for worked here at Maple Leaf House.

“I came for the interview and thankfully got the job straight away.

“I have never looked back, this has been the best job I’ve ever had and I thank my ‘Lucky stars’ I knew the lady who got me the job.

“I have seen so many changes in my 20 years and I think the most challenging has got to be during the pandemic, but we all got through it and we are all getting back to normal.

“It is so nice to be able to have open days, parties and other communal events.

“20 years has been a long time, but I’ve always enjoyed working here at Maple Leaf.

“I have no intention of retiring yet and have no intention of this changing in the near future, but will work here until I do finally retire.”

Wendy added: “ I have always been a domestic assistant at the home and I never would have thought I’d still have been here now, the 15 years have flown by.

I really enjoy engaging with other staff and residents, I’ve always been happy here. It’s a nice place to work and I can see myself retiring here.”