Three former Cadbury’s factory workers relive their sweetest days in Bromsgrove care home

 

Three care home residents and former chocolatiers were ‘wispa-ed’ back in time for a Willy Wonka themed day.

When the team at Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, discovered that residents Alan Walters, 87, Carmel Boston, 85, and Sheila Bretherton, 92, all worked for Cadbury’s in their younger years, they were determined to ‘twirl’ back time.

Sheila worked as a cookery consultant and home economist from 1959 to 1967 writing recipe books for Cadbury. Her job saw her travel to the USA on many occasions, visiting New York and Washington. While working for Cadbury, Sheila met her husband Edward Bretherton, who was working in the factory as a design engineer, and in 1961 the chocolate loving duo married. Shelia’s favourite chocolate is the Dairy Milk Whole Nut.

Commenting on the day, Sheila said: “I really enjoyed the day and had an amazing time, it made me think about the marvellous job I had. 

“When I had the interview for Cadbury, I didn’t know very much about it. I am still very grateful for the opportunity, working at Cadbury was one of the most special moments of my life. The costumes were very good, and the gift was very thoughtful. Thank you, Cadburys”. 

Carmel and Alan last stepped foot in the chocolate factory 30 years ago. Carmel worked as a secretary in the head office and her favourite chocolate has always been Bournville, while Alan, who worked as an engineer ensuring that the boilers were operating smoothly, enjoys a classic Dairy Milk.

On the day, residents enjoyed a fudge-tastic afternoon reminiscing about their careers and took part in a chocolate truffle making workshop, with the team who were dressed especially for the occasion as oompa-loompas. Topping the day off, the team reached out to Cadburys to share the trio’s long history working at the factory, and Cadburys sent them a host of chocolate goodies as a present. 

Commenting on the day, Alan said: “I fondly remember inspecting the boilers to make sure all was in working order. My favourite part of the day was the costumes and the gift from Cadbury.” 

Carmel said: “Thank you for the chocolate gift, Cadbury!”

The chocolatey afternoon formed part of Chandler Court’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past career or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Lilly Dahms, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “Alan, Carmel and Sheila often share wonderful stories of when they used to work at Cadburys, so when they expressed that their dream was to twirl back time, we were thrilled to help make it happen.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality. We were delighted to have created such a memorable day for Alan, Carmel and Sheila, the team loved hearing all their chocolatey top tips.

“Thank you to Cadbury for surprising the residents with plenty of chocolatey treats!”

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.