SPOTLIGHT – SUE RICHARDS
The final Spotlight of the year shines on Sue, Catering Assistant extraordinaire!
Sue was born in Bournemouth but has called Codford, near Warminster, home since she was just a week old. Growing up in the close-knit village of Codford, she attended the local primary school, before moving on to New Close School at the age of 8. The Avenue School was Sue’s secondary school when it was a secondary modern in the 1950s before Kingdown School was built.
After leaving school in 1959, Sue aspired to become a nanny, and her career path naturally gravitated toward childcare and the education sector. She dedicated her professional life to nannying and looking after children. Sue married and raised two children, eventually moving from Codford to Warminster. Beyond her family life, she is an enthusiastic gardener and an avid skittle player, often participating in local community events. Her commitment to service is exemplified by over 30 years of involvement with St John’s Ambulance, where she has contributed her time and skills to help others.
For more than 23 years, Sue has been a beloved figure at Warminster School, earning a reputation as one of our “national treasures”. Her warmth, wicked sense of humour and dedication have endeared her to pupils, parents, staff, and Old Verlucians alike, making her an integral part of the Warminster community.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
Over 23 years.
Describe a typical Warminster day for you?
I’m an early bird, so the breakfast shift suits me down to the ground. It’s an early start, but it’s lovely saying good morning to the children and having the rest of the day to myself. I also enjoy seeing parents and pupils when I work a match tea or evening function, and I’m always pleased to see our oldest OVs at the annual Macdonald Boys Lunch. After 23 years, it was time to reduce my hours at Warminster although I do love working at an OV event as it’s lovely to catch up with them.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
Our pupils and OVs.
Living in the Warminster area all your life, do you remember Warminster School when it was Lord Weymouth’s?
Of course. At 8 years old I travelled on the school bus from Codford to Warminster and two Lord Weymouth boys took me under their wing and looked after me. They looked very smart in their red caps and blazers. I have never forgotten their kindness.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
I would choose to work with the Grounds Team. However, I don’t think my knees are up to it and sadly I can’t garden as much as I used to. Maybe I could assist the drama department instead as I LOVE the theatre and often take trips to the West End. Past school productions have been amazing – Lion King and Matilda were fantastic.
What would surprise us about you?
I am a champion Skittles player. There is a Wiltshire pub league, and I like the camaraderie, competitive spirit and social side of it all. People might not know that I also have a wicked sense of humour and love to have a laugh.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nanny and look after children. When I was at school, unfortunately girls were not often encouraged to think about a career or life after marriage.
What did your school reports say about you?
I was extremely good at school. If you were ill behaved, you would be subjected to one hundred lines and a jolly good telling off from your parents too!
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t get married too young. Live life, travel and do what makes you happy.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Above all, be happy.
You have recently celebrated a big birthday… are there any hidden ambitions still to achieve?
I recently turned 80 so no further serious ambitions at my time of life. However, I do like to travel so possibly a few more holidays and weekend breaks perhaps. I have a lovely trip planned at Christmas in Great Yarmouth – a Chandlers Coach trip with friends. It makes a difference to have an itinerary planned for you and a pickup and drop off from your doorstep. We are looking forward to it.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
My rings and jewelry as they have sentimental value – but let’s hope we don’t have to think about that!
Biggest bugbear?
Rudeness. It doesn’t cost anything to be polite.
Favourite musician/group?
Cliff Richard. I am a big fan of Cliff and the Shadows. My husband purchased tickets for a concert in Salisbury once, and we had front row seats. However, I am still upset with my younger sister as she managed to meet Cliff during the concert and did not get an autograph for me! I am cross as she wasn’t really a Cliff fan – she was more of an Elvis Presley admirer…
Guilty pleasure?
Two things – chocolate and a cold glass of chardonnay.
What is your MasterChef signature dish?
Roast lamb with all the trimmings.
Favourite TV programme/boxset?
Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife and any medical dramas. Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses appeal to my sense of humour too.
Last book you read?
A Dilly Court book – Rockwood Chronicles. There are 8 books in the series.
Last movie watched?
Matilda with my 6-year-old great-grandson Leo.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Judi Dench. We are similar in height, however, she is much older than me.
Favourite tipple?
Tia Maria and coca cola or a glass of chardonnay.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Malta – beautiful architecture and churches.
Social Media?
No thank you! What’s wrong with meeting people in real life?