Southfield House in Spalding, Lincolnshire, recently celebrated the 40 years of service of Mrs Tracy Creek.

During her long service, Tracy has had a variety of roles within the home.  She started as a Carer, aged 17, on what was then the Youth Opportunity Scheme.  When a permanent carer vacancy came up, she interviewed for the role and was successfully appointed.

Tracy worked as a Carer until The Orders of St John Care Trust took over 16 of the Local Authority homes in Lincolnshire in May 1992.  At this time, she changed her role to Kitchen Assistant to juggle her work/life balance and raise her children.  As a member of the kitchen team, she worked her way up through cook then chef.

Tracy said: “I love working at Southfield House and have made many lovely friends over the years, and the residents have become my extended family.”

Gill Clark, Area Operations Manager, and Rachel Kelman, Head of Care at Southfield House presented Tracy with her 40-year Long Service Award, flowers and vouchers.

When Gill asked Tracy what advice she would give to fellow colleagues or new starters beginning their career in the care sector, Tracy replied: “I’ve loved my roles in the home and on days when you feel down, turn it into a up day.”

Tracy also commented that one of her highlights over the years was when she was awarded a Bronze Medal of Merit for services to the social care sector from BASMOM (British Association of the Orders of Malta) in 2019 in London.

Rachel Kelman, Head of Care for Southfield House, added: “Tracy has been a loyal and reliable member of the team.  The kitchen is the heart of every home and is definitely so here at Southfield House.  The food is always excellent and residents always comment on how good it is.”