Lilac Lodge care worker marks 30th year work anniversary

It was a work anniversary that care home support worker Sue Plant was too modest to mention.

However, Emma Gibb, the eagle-eyed administrator at Lilac Lodge, noticed when checking staff records that Mrs Plant had just completed 30 years’ service at the care home in Gorleston Road, Oulton Broad.

On Tuesday,  7th November home manager Zena Stotter arranged a surprise presentation for her longest serving member of staff.

To the applause of colleagues, she presented Mrs Plant with a card, flowers, chocolates and gift voucher.

Mrs Stotter said: “It is an amazing achievement. Lilac Lodge became Kingsley Healthcare’s very first home when Daya and Sumi Thayan acquired it in 1999, but Sue had started working here six years before that.

“Sue knows the residents really well and she has a fine attention to detail as a carer. It’s been a pleasure to work with her.”

Mrs Plant, 62, who has three sons and four grandchildren, said: “I only live 10 minutes away in Oulton Broad and can walk to work. I started part-time and became full-time as the boys grew up.

“Under Kingsley’s ownership the home has been vastly improved with the addition of features such as the conservatory.

“The favourite part of my job is interacting with the residents and joining in their singalongs. The ladies have taught me some really old songs.”

She said she fortunate to work with great colleagues and it was an exciting time as the home had just got the use of a minibus for resident outings.