Hanging up the apron strings - Simon Youngs

Hanging up the apron strings

After 38 years of service, Simon Youngs has stepped down as Catering Manager to begin a new chapter on sunnier shores. A well-known and much loved character, who has served thousands of Old Worksopians over his time at the College; he will leave a huge hole in our day to day life (not least on the golf course!). We caught up with the man himself as he begins his new life in Spain with his lovely wife Anna.

“My earliest memory of Worksop College is walking down the drive on 2nd October 1983, my first day at work, thinking I had walked into my old school, Ardingly, as they are both Woodard Schools built in red brick. When I entered the Catering Department I was greeted with “hey up duck you alreet” and I remember thinking blimey they don’t even speak English in Worksop….

I have fond memories of all the Headmasters and the Headmistress and enjoyed working with them all. Clearly one will always stand out, as Roy Collard was there when my children were there, but I soon realised he was clearly a great man as he supported West Ham - believe me there are not too many of us that far from London.

“I first met Simon when I came for my interview in 1990. Immaculately suited, he exuded a confidence that made me feel as though I had zero chance of being appointed. Happily for me he was there to supervise the lunch, rather to be Head of Languages. The Senior Common Room always saw him as one of their own, displaying the highest of standards and with the welfare of others at heart, he was a friend to all of us and the source of quality gossip.” Colin Paton SCR 1990 - 2017

OW Pete Wheatcroft with Simon

Three of the longest-serving members of the Catering Department - Simon, Jean and Bev

Simon with his wife Anna Simon’s last day

Unfortunately, the swing room was only built three years ago, but I can assure you that if it had been there in 1983, I would have definitely been in there more than in the Catering Department. I was very lucky and privileged to have been involved with the School Golf program for many years, it allowed me to get to know the pupils in a different setting from the Great Hall where I usually saw them, which I always think helped me gain a better understanding of what they liked and didn’t like.

say no, but we as a Department always tried to find a way to deliver what the School required, when it needed it, no matter how impossible it may have seemed at the time. Seeing both my children, Jamie and Jacob, (Pelham), go through the School was a privilege that not many parents get to see first-hand, the fact that they “There are so many people I miss at have turned into fantastic young the College as I have made so many men is a credit to friendships there that I hope will continue for the rest of my life.” Worksop College and I will always be grateful to the School for all that they did for them.

Although there are many pupils I remember well, the one who probably stands out is Peter Wheatcroft, the School’s first golf scholar, who I still see from time to time at Old Worksopian golf days. He was the trailblazer for all the pupils who have been through the golf program which now, under Jonathan Cook, will continue to go from strength to strength.

I think the thing that I am most proud of is all the work we did to modernise the Catering Department. We realised that anyone could Worksop College, to me, was never just a job, it was a community, a family, that in my time there grew into the fantastic modern School it is today. I was incredibly lucky to work with such a professional group within the Catering Department, who always tried to deliver their best to all at all times.

There are so many people I miss at the College as I have made so many friendships there that I hope will continue for the rest of my life.”