Margaret makes a meal milestone after 30 years (From Warrington Guardian)

Margaret makes a meal milestone after 30 years

SCHOOL bosses cooked up a surprise for veteran chef Margaret Mailey as she dished up her 300,000th meal.

Margaret, who has worked at Crewe's Hungerford Primary School for more than three decades, was visited by the county council's vice-chairman Barrie Hardern.

She had no idea she was approaching the meal milestone, but staff at the school had secretly planned the tribute with CBS Catering who provide Cheshire's school meals service.

Margaret joined the school in 1972 and became meals supervisor in 1991.

She was also presented with a bouquet of flowers from teachers and pupils, a large crystal fruit bowl and gifts from her colleagues in the school kitchen.

She said: "This celebration was totally unexpected and a lovely surprise.

"I have always enjoyed working here because it's a lovely, friendly school and I have been here so long that I am now serving meals to the children whose parents also attended here."

Margaret has been invited to a garden party at Tatton Park this summer in recognition of her long service.

Headteacher Glyn Lowe said: "Pupils and staff have enjoyed Margaret's tasty meals for more than 30 years - so we were delighted to help her celebrate serving her 300,000th meal.

"We are all very proud of Margaret and we hope she enjoys many more happy years at the school."

Watched by pupils and staff Margaret was presented with the council's Chairman's Award, which recognises exceptional achievement.

After sampling one of her meals, Councillor Hardern said: "I offer my congratulations to Margaret both for reaching this impressive milestone and for her committed service to Hungerford Primary School.

"She has every reason to be proud of her achievements, and I hope receiving the Chairman's Award conveys just how much she is appreciated, not only by pupils

and the

staff but

also by

Cheshire

county

council."