Maureen Jean Collison, 4 July 1942 – 21 February 2024, was catering manager at Emanuel School from 1987 until 2003. Longer-standing members of staff will remember Maureen’s formidable and loving character. She is remembered as someone who was pleasant to work with and simply ‘got on’ with things.
Joyce Acan, a much-treasured member of staff, remembers Maureen fondly. She recalls that when she joined Emanuel as a young lady, Maureen always made sure that she was always alright, affectionately referring to her as ‘Joycey baby’. Joyce pays tribute to Maureen’s influence as a mentor and manager and gives her credit for the fact she is still working at Emanuel over 20 years later.
Another former colleague, Jenny Bonner, also mentions the fact that Maureen trained her from being a Kitchen Assistant, to Assistant Cook and then Manager. A firm but fair boss, Maureen always had time to listen, and would sit in her office with her team to talk through anything that was troubling them. Back then, the kitchen staff referred to themselves as ‘family’ and it is very easy to see why. Money collections were made for birthdays, as well as social ‘family’ trips which included visits to the seaside, Christmas drinks with nibbles and a boat trip.
Both Joyce and Jenny remember when all the food was prepared on site. Maureen’s recipes for treacle tart and jam roly poly were outstanding and custard was available every day. Sausage rolls were made and left to rest in the refrigerator overnight before being cooked to perfection the following day. Even mince pies and Christmas puddings were made on site by the catering team. Jenny recalls one Christmas when a huge batch of Christmas puddings were made. However, it wasn’t until the very end that someone noticed they had forgotten to include the eggs! As a result, they had to start again from scratch.
Maureen will be missed by friends, family and colleagues alike, but her hardworking legacy continues in the kitchen of Emanuel School.
Anna Cuthbertson, Development and Alumni Manager