Caterer moves on after 30 years

A WOMAN who worked in the catering team at Rupert House School in Henley for almost 30 years said it felt “strange” to leave.

Michelle Trevethan, 57, prepared and served around 4,600 lunches to students at the school during that time.

On her final day earlier this month, pupils prepared a farewell surprise by serving Ms Trevethan her lunch and presenting her with flowers.

Ms Trevethan, who lives in Henley, said seeing the children and teachers everyday was one of the highlights of her time at the school.

She said: “To watch the children going into school as little ones and them growing up and all having different personalities, it’s just fun to be around them and chat to them at the same time as working and doing the service and their lunches.

“We used to walk with them up to the field and watch them do their sports day but , generally, it has been just about being on the school premises, where it is so lively.

“There is always something different going on and you can just mingle with everyone.

“I have lots of fond memories I have brought back home with me from being at Rupert House.”

Ms Trevethan said when she first saw the position advertised in the Henley Standard, she had never worked in catering before.

She said: “My two girls had just started school and I just thought, if I could get this it would be the perfect job for me to still have time with them when they are off school on the holidays.

“It was all new, I didn’t have a clue what I was going to go into but I picked it up along the way and learnt as I went on.”

Ms Trevethan, who now works at Gillotts School, said it felt “strange” to leave but that she felt it was the right time.

She said: “Going to a new environment feels very strange.

“I’m enjoying it, I do miss everyone at Rupert House but I just thought it was time for a change.”