Mar 2024
Rodley House celebrates over 120 years of dedication at long service awards event
l-r Jane Matthews, Cook, Karla Tutton, Home Manager, Julie Fluck, Carer
Six team members at Rodley House care home in Lydney have been celebrated for their long service to social care. The team include Jane Matthews, Cook, and Julie Fluck, Carer who together have achieved 75 years’ service at the care home. Staff were presented with certificates and flowers in appreciation of their dedication to care. Senior Managers including OSJCT Chief Executive Dan Hayes joined the special event.
- Jane Matthews, Cook, 45 years’ service
- Julie Fluck, Carer, 30 years’ service
- Virginia Robins, Carer, 20 years’ service
- Alison Tonge, Carer, 10 years’ service
- Jennifer (Jennie) Beddis, 10 years’ service
- Sharon Davis, Housekeeper, 5 years’ service
Home Manager, Karla Tutton, said: “Today’s event has been brilliant. We are extremely fortunate to have such a loyal team. It really is a happy home.
“All our team members are fantastic and deserve recognition. We are extra excited to mark Jane’s 45 years and Julie’s 30 years of long service to Rodley House. Jane’s dedication and loyalty is remarkable, and she is a very talented Cook. Our residents appreciate everything she does to produce tasty and traditional food. Jane recently supported the home, when we were without a Catering Manager, and ensured that Rodley House kept its 5-star kitchen rating. Julie is a loyal, passionate and committed carer who will go the extra mile for residents.”
Local singer Wolfren performed at the home as part of the event.
Jane Matthews, Cook, 45 years’ service
Jane joined the home in 1979 aged 18 after completing her City & Guilds qualification in catering. Jane recalls her starting pay as £1.05 per hour in 1979. At that time, Rodley House was run by Gloucestershire County Council, but was taken over by OSJCT in 2005. She has had several managers and has always taken the changes in her stride. Jane’s favourite part of her job is making cakes for theme days.
Jane’s husband has also worked at Rodley House. He joined as a Gardener in 1991, the same year that the couple’s son John was born. Jane met Philip when her cousin, who worked at Rodley House as a Carer at the time, set them up on a blind date.
On why she has stayed at Rodley House for her entire career, Jane said: “I enjoy company and particularly the social interaction with residents and colleagues. Rodley House has a wonderful family atmosphere and being local to me is a bonus. I can’t imagine my life without Rodley House.”
Julie Fluck, Carer, 30 years’ service
Julie joined Rodley House as a Carer in 1993 whilst studying for a social care degree. Julie is a loyal, passionate and committed Carer who will go the extra mile for residents. It was Julie’s idea to host a wedding reception for the daughter of a resident so that they could make a very special memory together. The team at Rodley were delighted to organise this special event.
Reflecting on more than 30 years as a Carer at Rodley House, Julie said: “I’ve always had a passion for care. I have worked alongside very supportive staff over the years, each one working together to create a positive environment for the residents of Rodley House. We pride ourselves in providing them not only with care but a friendly environment. Instead of feeling like they are living in a nursing home our residents enjoy this big family home, where anyone is welcome.”