Chef from Dawson Lodge celebrates 25-year work anniversary

Verity Sims, Chef Manager at Dawson Lodge care home in Southampton, celebrated her work anniversary with a party that colleagues, friends and family attended 

Verity Sims began working at Dawson Lodge in 1998 and hasn’t looked back since! During her time at the home, Verity has seen some remarkable events, like the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 where the home took part in a street party and Verity made a big cake that the whole community enjoyed! In 2021 Verity also won our annual Chef of the Year competition, beating other contestants and wowing the judges with several delightful dishes.

Verity has always enjoyed getting to know her residents and learning about their lives and learning a few recipes from them as well! Among the residents, Verity is a beloved figure and everyone at Dawson Lodge enjoys the chance to have a cup of tea and a chin wag with her.

In honour of her remarkable milestone, her colleagues and the residents at Dawson Lodge held a small party in her honour and gave her some flowers and a bottle of champagne! 

Verity said:

Working for Anchor over the years has been amazing, I have met people from all walks of life and heard their amazing stories! Two days are never the same and although there have been challenges along the way, I’ve loved every minute.

I’ve witnessed a lot of changes in the last 25 years, technology has become a huge part of our lives and so much has developed in the care sector too. One thing that’s never changed is I’ve always enjoyed chatting with everyone over tea and cakes and felt like I’m part of one big family here!

Mitchelle Perry, Manager of Dawson Lodge care home, said:

Verity is a fantastic part of the team and a much beloved figure at Dawson Lodge! It’s incredible to think she’s been working here for 25 years.  I’m delighted for her, and I think everyone here is too.

It’s thanks to Verity that residents enjoy delicious and nutritious high-quality meals but more than that she’s always made sure to put our residents at the centre of everything she does. She’s been an absolute inspiration to me and all her colleagues, thank you for everything Verity!

Click here to learn more about Dawson Lodge care home. To find out more about our approach to meal times in care homes, click here.