A much-loved “singing and dancing” school dinner lady has hung up her apron after 32 years.
Paula Murkin spent the last 27 years dishing out meals to hungry pupils at Northfleet School for Girls where she became a familiar and popular presence.
The 65-year-old began her career in the canteen at Dover Road Primary School, now Copperfield Academy, before making her long-term home at Northfleet.
It was at the secondary school in Hall Road where her sense of humour, high energy and habit of getting common dish names wrong became something of a lunchtime tradition.
“They tell me what’s on the menu before the girls come in,” explained Paula.
“But I’d forget and just say something like ‘talktolelly’ instead of tortellini – they would roll about laughing.”
Over the years, Paula became known not just for her laugh but also the stories she left behind, including the day she accidentally dropped her glasses in the gravy.
“I put them through the dishwasher and then wore them again,” she explained.
She says the best part of her job was always the team she worked with.
“This team – they’re the A-Team. They’ve made it all so special,” she added. “It’s the laughter I’ll miss most.”
Her manager, Danielle Hollingham said Paula had been at the heart of the kitchen for nearly three decades.
“She’s been an absolute asset to the kitchen and everyone at NSFG will miss her,” she said.
Colleagues Katie Allen and Alison Ridout, who worked alongside her for more than 15 years, said her energy and warmth had a huge impact on the whole team.
She was always first to help. ‘I’ll do that!’ she’d shout, then rush off
“We’ve taken our lunch breaks together for years,” said Katie.
“She was always first to help. ‘I’ll do that!’ she’d shout, then rush off.”
Others remember Paula for keeping spirits high during even the busiest lunch shifts.
“She’s always singing, always dancing,” said Liza Priestley. “She just lifts everyone’s mood.”
School food changed dramatically over the decades, and Paula saw it all – from daily chips and burgers to a more health-focused menu.
“We used to serve burgers and chips every day. Now it’s once a week, and there’s a lot more salad,” she added.
“They’re still not too keen on the fruit though,” she joked.
And Paula says chip day remains a firm favourite.
“The queues are horrendous. But I love chips too!”
When asked for her favourite dessert she says it’s chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce.
“We’re not allowed gypsy tart anymore. We used to make it years ago, but not now,” she explained”
To mark her retirement, colleagues treated her to a meal out, and on her final day she stayed for a staff buffet before heading out to celebrate with family at Mamma Mia, an Italian restaurant in Rochester.
Looking ahead, she’s planning to enjoy her retirement at a slower pace, with one new addition.
“I’d love a small dog – maybe a cockapoo,” she said. “Something that doesn’t shed, so my daughter-in-law can look after it if we go away.”
Paula and her husband, who is also retired, are hoping to spend more time walking, travelling and simply enjoying each other’s company after years of busy routines.
“We’ve both always worked, so we haven’t had much time together,” she said. “Now we’ll be able to just enjoy life.
“It’s like bringing the romance back. It’s a new chapter for us – and yes, it’s romantic!”
She has three children and four grandsons, aged between 10 and 15, all living in Higham.
“I’ve been picking them up from school since the eldest was one.,” she added. “That’s 14 years of school runs – I’m Grandma on call!”
