On Friday 28 August 2020 we celebrated that Justine Richardson has worked for Bristol Childcare for 30 years. We held a small socially-distanced party with a presentation, cake and non-alcoholic fizz in the garden at The Priory with staff and children and Justine’s family and friends.
Saffia Bullock, Managing Director says “Justine was employed by my parents, Bruce and Sue Farr, in 1990. It was her first job straight from college. She started as a nursery practitioner then worked her way up from Deputy Manager to Nursery Manager to Group Manager. After a serious illness and long period of recuperation, Justine returned to work and now heads up the team at The Priory. She is a fantastic role model to staff.
“We are celebrating Justine’s sense of fun, her creativity and resourcefulness – she is always upcycling things at her sewing machine, making blankets and peg bags from old nursery uniform. She has a passion for childcare; she is committed and dedicated, 100% reliable and always does what is needed to get the job done. She loves singing and she has an infectious laugh!
We are very proud that Justine has been working for us for 30 years and are delighted to celebrate this today.”
Sue Farr, co-founder of Bristol Childcare says “I remember at interview that Justine told me that one of her teachers at college, studying for the NNEB, was Miss Bastin. I knew that if Justine had been taught by her, she was worth snapping up! Justine has been with us through good times and bad and we have lots of happy memories.”
Recalling her interview, Justine says “I remember Sue asking me if I could cook and when I said yes, she said I could have the job! I then went on holiday and broke my leg, but I still came back to work! It doesn’t feel like 30 years, I think because every day is different when you work with children. There is always something to look forward to.”
Sally King, Deputy Manager at Mornington House who has worked for Bristol Childcare with Justine for 21 years, wrote and performed a song to honour the occasion. Sally says, “Justine and I liked to write special musical nativities – we had an Abba theme and a Beatles theme, so it seemed apt that I write a song for Justine.” The song is to the tune of The House of the Rising Sun.
“She’ll go the extra mile
Help you out when you’re in need
She cares about the future
Of your company.”
“You’ll never find a better girl
Who always works so hard
Spends hours reading Nursery World
And shares it all out loud.”
Thank you Justine for 30 years of hard work, commitment, fun, care, singing and laughter.
