Head Chef Mandy – a true legend!
On Friday 16 June 2023, we had an amazing retirement celebration for the Mandy Whitehead – Lukestone’s Head Chef – in Sir Thomas Wyatt Beefeater, London Road, Maidstone.
Our Home Manager, Milana, and BSO, Terry, were the driving force behind the surprise party and the entire Home had been keeping this party a secret from Mandy for an entire month!
Although the surprise decorations were only on midway when Mandy arrived early at her party, the look of surprise on Mandy’s face was all that we could have hoped for. She was shocked and lost for words seeing all the familiar faces; waving, clapping and cheering on her as soon as she entered the scene.
After Mandy had settled from the surprise, she gave big hugs to everyone who had come to celebrate her. Even former staff members had come for her farewell which only goes to show just how much of an impact she has had throughout her years at Lukestone Care Home.
Mandy has worked for Nellsar for 17 years and is the longest serving Chef in the company; She has worked at several of the Homes over the years, joining Lukestone in 2016. She was showered with love and presents at her retirement party, which also doubled as birthday celebrations with Mandy’s birthday being just three days later on Monday 19 June.
There was food, drinks and loads of laughter at every table with a total guest list of 30 people. Mandy was crowned as the main protagonist of the party and a huge cake was brought out in her honour at the end. This was shared to everyone – even the Beefeater team who had been the kindest of hosts on this joyous evening.
Mandy has been the heart of Lukestone so her retirement had to be special, and it was one that will be talked about for years to come as a true legend has retired.
