A Suffolk cleaner will ‘miss nattering with the students’ after calling time on a 37-year career at Suffolk New College.
Sharon Cooper, 65, from Ipswich finally hung up her broom after three decades of working at Suffolk New College.
The mum of two – and grandmother of five – first started working for the educational establishment in 1988.
During her original interview, she was asked if she could hoover – ‘I said yes and that was that – I was given the job’, she said.
But after two new hips and a dodgy knee, Sharon is looking forward to a more relaxed pace of life as she looks ahead to her retirement.
“It’s been hard work – but it’s been my job to keep the place tidy,” she said.
Before working at the college, Sharon left school at 14 and was employed at a livery yard ‘getting horses ready for the posh kids’.
She then worked for a printing firm called Blake Marketing and also spent 18 years at Clifford Road School as a dinner lady and cleaner.
But the majority of her career was spent at the Rope Walk based campus, a place where both her daughters, Holly and Amy studied, and where her grandson hopes to study in a couple of years time.
Looking back at the old days, Sharon said: “It was great in the old building (formerly called Suffolk College). We used to have Christmas parties and were given half tickets to go to the Suffolk Show. I just loved that old building.”
Then she moved to the new build and hasn’t looked back.
Sharon continued: “The students have taught me a lot. It’s been very interesting. Not everyone sees you – but you see everything. I could write a book about my time here. I’d call it – I had my eyes opened.
“I’ve enjoyed having a natter with students (and staff) and I’m going to miss that. We have had such a laugh.
“One of the biggest things I’ve seen over the years is how the students dress.
“It’s great how they can express themselves today. We’ve had fairies, people wearing fake tails, and some in pyjamas. One day someone came in wearing a wedding dress – they are all their own characters – that is so nice to see.”
Sharon continued: “I’m retiring because my body has had enough, and I’m most looking forward to doing nothing. I will enjoy pottering around and gardening. Overall, looking back, I’d say Suffolk New College was hard work and interesting. They have been good to me – they have been very understanding. I’ve had some beautiful cards.”
Yunis Ali, 18, from Ipswich, is a student on business level two who will miss his daily talks with someone he was very fond of.
He said: “I spoke to her (Sharon) two years ago – found out she was very nice and I’m going to miss her. Working here for 37 years – what an achievement. I’m impressed. She is the nicest person and I’ve never seen her in a bad mood.”
Head of marketing, Craig Shimmon said: “We very much class ourselves as a big family at Suffolk New College and we are very sad to see Sharon go. She has been a wonderful servant of the college, and we wish her all the very best in her retirement.”
Her good friend and colleague Karen Andrews from the college said, “It’s going to feel strange not seeing her face every lunchtime. Her smile and stories have been such a bright spot in my day. I’m so glad our coffee catchups and gossip sessions will continue, though. Sharon has been a wonderful friend, and I’m lucky to have her in my corner.”
On retiring, some of Sharon’s retirement gifts included a bouquet of flowers, several bottles of Baileys, vouchers, a vase, a sewing box and lots of crafting gifts.