Ex-Cadbury workers at Bromsgrove care home relive sweetest days

When the team at Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, discovered that residents Alan Walters, aged 87, Carmel Boston, aged 85, and Sheila Bretherton, aged 92, all worked for Cadbury’s in their younger years, they decided to treat them to a Willy Wonka themed day.

Sheila worked as a cookery consultant and home economist from 1959 to 1967 writing recipe books for Cadbury. Her job saw her travel to the USA on many occasions, visiting New York and Washington. While working for Cadbury, Sheila met her husband Edward Bretherton, who was working in the factory as a design engineer, and in 1961 the chocolate loving duo married. Shelia’s favourite chocolate is the Dairy Milk Whole Nut.

Sheila said: “I really enjoyed the day and had an amazing time, it made me think about the marvellous job I had.

"When I had the interview for Cadbury, I didn’t know very much about it. I am still very grateful for the opportunity, working at Cadbury was one of the most special moments of my life. The costumes were very good, and the gift was very thoughtful. Thank you, Cadburys”.

Sheila Bretherton, resident at Care UK’s Chandler Court, with Carol Duval on W.W.J T.V. in Detroit (Image: Chandley Court)

Carmel and Alan last stepped foot in the chocolate factory 30 years ago. Carmel worked as a secretary in the head office and her favourite chocolate has always been Bournville, while Alan, who worked as an engineer ensuring that the boilers were operating smoothly, enjoys a classic Dairy Milk.

On the day, residents enjoyed an afternoon reminiscing about their careers and took part in a chocolate truffle making workshop, with the team who were dressed especially for the occasion as oompa-loompas. Topping the day off, the team reached out to Cadbury’s to share the trio’s long history working at the factory, and Cadbury’s sent them a host of chocolate goodies as a present.

Alan said: “I fondly remember inspecting the boilers to make sure all was in working order. My favourite part of the day was the costumes and the gift from Cadbury.”

Carmel said: “Thank you for the chocolate gift, Cadbury.”

The afternoon formed part of Chandler Court’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward.

Lilly Dahms, home manager at Chandler Court, said: “Alan, Carmel and Sheila often share wonderful stories of when they used to work at Cadbury’s, so when they expressed that their dream was to twirl back time, we were thrilled to help make it happen.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality. We were delighted to have created such a memorable day for Alan, Carmel and Sheila, the team loved hearing all their chocolatey top tips".