Debbie Stringer is a dedicated member of the catering team, who has devoted half a century to working at Pocklington School. A celebratory drinks reception and afternoon tea to mark this significant achievement was held in the dining hall on Wednesday 11 September 2024, exactly 50 years to the day since Debbie started working at the School aged 16.

Alongside current staff, several retired colleagues including Andrew D’Arcy, Gwen Walton, Iain Pinder, Steve Ellis, and Norina Boothman came along to mark this special occasion.

Once guests had arrived and the event was in full swing, the Headmaster, Toby Seth, gave a speech highlighting Debbie’s extraordinary dedication and unwavering service to the School before presenting her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in appreciation. Following this, OP President, Charlie Lambert (01-08) presented her with a Pocklington School gilet as a gift from the Old Pocklingtonian Association acknowledging the countless meals she has prepared for OPs over the past five decades.

Reflecting on the event, Debbie said: “I’ve had a wonderful afternoon and have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with everyone. I’ll be back to work tomorrow though!”

Headmaster, Toby Seth said: “This is an astonishing achievement. Nobody else on the current staff body comes close to matching Debbie’s herculean effort, and she’s still going! She approaches every day with professionalism, good grace and good humour and we are indebted to her for her exceptional service and wish her many more continued happy days here at Pocklington School.”

After the celebration, Debbie took some time out to reminisce about her career at the School:

“I was still at school myself when I first began working part-time on the tea shift at Dolman under the guidance of Bill and Peggy Semple. Bill was the Caretaker and Peggy was the Head Cook. In those days, Dolman had its own kitchen and dining room, and the boarders ate all their meals in the house. It was in 1974 when I left school at the age of 16 that I started my full-time role as a cook. Mr Barter, the Catering Manager, interviewed me and shortly afterwards I started at School House working under Head Chef, Mr Smith. I was one of four cooks catering for around 250 boarders; there were a lot more boarders in each house back then and it was an all-boys school. It was a little daunting to begin with. I was quite shy and nervous, and it was a very male dominated environment, but I soon got used to it.”

Over the years, Debbie has seen a lot of changes. “When I first started, grace was said before meals, and each table had a designated server who would collect the food from the counter and serve it to everyone at their table. There was a washing up rota for the boys and those who’d been in trouble were given extra chores to do as punishment such as wiping down all the tables. Despite the formalities and rules, we had a good laugh with the boys; they were friendly and fun to be around. I remember them coming back to the counter asking, ‘Please sir, can I have some more.’ Some had homesickness so we tried to look out for them, and Mrs Semple was like a mother figure to them.”

A major change happened in 1983 when the central dining hall was opened. “Mr D’Arcy and Mr Barker headed up the Catering Department at the time. With the new, spacious kitchen and dining facilities, everything became more modernised. The food was served in portions, and we plated things up individually rather than having servers, which made it seem like we had a bit less interaction and conversation with the pupils. Around this time girls began to be admitted to the School too, which was another big change.”

Each new headmaster made changes which kept the job interesting and ever-changing. “For a brief period, I worked over at Lyndhurst School (now known as Pocklington Prep School) when it was at the other side of town. Mr and Mrs Baker were Housemaster and Housemistress at the time, and I covered for the catering manager who was on leave for a few months. It was a nice change to work with an older team and see a different part of the School.”

Debbie’s passion for her job is evident. “I really enjoy my job and being creative. I particularly enjoy making desserts and cakes. Outside of school, I also make special occasion cakes. I’ve made cakes for some of the headmasters such as christening cakes; I made a millennium cake and cakes for School balls. The creative side of the job along with a few other factors have kept me here all these years.”

“For example, when I first started, the School sponsored me to attend college to get my City & Guilds qualification in catering. The job fitted in around my family life, and the long holidays were a great perk – while my friends were working all year round, I was off during the summer which made them very envious! This was before the School introduced summer lets so I didn’t have to work at all during the summer holidays. Although this has changed now, we still enjoy generous holidays compared to many other catering jobs.”

Debbie also has fond memories of the numerous events she has catered for. “I enjoyed catering for the FOPS dinner dances and the Sixth Form balls when they were held in the dining hall. I loved seeing all the pupils arriving in stretch limos and tractors for their prom! We even had a beach-themed event featuring a paddling pool with real fish!”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Debbie’s job is meeting Old Pocklingtonians (OPs) during the Summer Reunion lunch. “Seeing how people have changed since their school days, especially those who have returned to Pocklington as teachers, and listening to their stories and accomplishments, is fascinating. It makes me realise that we still share a bond, and knowing I have played a small part in their lives gives me a great sense of pride.”

Despite having the option to retire, Debbie has no immediate plans to stop working after 50 years at the School. “I will carry on working full-time for now, but I’m considering gradually reducing my hours to part-time. This would give me more time to focus on making occasion cakes again in my spare time.”

Thank you, Debbie, and congratulations on an incredible 50 years at Pocklington School!