A chef has decided against early retirement to become the head gardener at the care home where he has worked for more than 40 years.
Michael Cozens has worked at Cromwell Care Home, in Huntingdon, as head chef since it was a private hospital.
He said: “I started at Cromwell back when it was a private hospital.
"I used to wear the traditional chef’s hat, and we’d serve a-la-carte to patients in their rooms.
“As the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, it’s always been such a grand place.
"They’ve extended over the years, and it’s changed from a hospital to a luxury care home, but I just love working here."
Mr Cozens said he decided against early retirement because he loves the home and the residents.
He said: “I’m getting older and want to work less hours by taking early retirement, but I love all my residents and colleagues, many of whom I’ve worked with decades, so I didn’t really want to leave.”
The chef, who knows the 63-bed home well, often helps with general maintenance.
After helping mow the lawns and tidy the garden, the idea of a new role was born.
He has already started his new position as head gardener and has plans for the garden.
He said: “The garden has huge potential; it just needs a bit of love and attention.
"I’m keen to involve the residents as much as possible in the plans and the work and I’d love to introduce a vegetable and herb garden that the kitchen can use.”
Mr Cozens added: “I’ll miss cooking and the chance to try new menus and ideas with the residents, but the garden is my next big challenge.
"I just hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew with everything that needs doing.”
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