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House builder bids farewell to Queen of Puddings

- 14 Jul 17

After nearly 18 years of feeding staff at Bovis Homes' regional head office, Jenny Arnold is finally throwing out her straw boater and hanging up her apron to start her well-earned retirement.

Much-loved catering manager Jenny has been serving up home-cooked dishes at the Bishop's Cleeve office since 1999, and having never taken a day off sick, has been an unwavering presence in the restaurant kitchen.

"It has been a delight working for Bovis Homes," says Jenny. "I've enjoyed every minute of it and I'm so sad to be leaving. I've met so many lovely people during my time here and it has been so nice to get to know everyone - it's like one big family!

"I'm going to start my retirement with a short holiday - but I will most definitely be back for a visit! This time though, I'll be the other side of the serving hatch!"

With help from her part-time assistants Di and Susan, Jenny, who will turn 70 at the end of the year, has the responsibility of feeding over 100 staff every day and her dishes have never disappointed.

"Jenny will be hugely missed by everyone here at Cleeve Hall," says her line manager, Ali White. "She's probably the most popular member of staff - everyone knows who she is and she knows everyone!

"She always makes new starters feel very welcome and knows everyone's likes, dislikes and dietary requirements and will always go out of her way to make sure everyone is fed!

"Her happy, smiley face will definitely be missed at lunchtime and we'll also miss her fantastic puddings!"

Having always credited her chocolate crunch and pink sauce as the reason she got the job at Bovis Homes, Jenny's home cooked meals have been very popular and stem from her previous job at Drakes Broughton C of E First and Middle School in Pershore where she was a catering manager for 18 years.

Jenny started working for Bovis Homes when the office moved from Lansdown Road in Cheltenham and was in charge of setting up the kitchen.

"Jenny started it all. She had to sort out the whole kitchen, menus, equipment - everything," adds Ali. "She's well known for running a tight ship and we've never once had any problems in the kitchen. The food is always ready and perfectly cooked every lunchtime - she's just so organised."

Jenny will now be passing the responsibility on to an external catering company who will be taking over the running of the restaurant.