A cousin living in Chesterfield offered me a place to stay whilst I decided where I wanted to live. Sheffield itself no longer felt right for me, even though I was working there, and a fresh start beckoned.
With my 60th birthday looming I was not expecting to get a mortgage. However, after finding an old terraced house at a very good price I tried my luck… and I was accepted! The house needed lots of love and attention but was in an excellent location. There were local shops, a doctor’s surgery, it was on the bus route and close to Chesterfield town centre. The neighbours were friendly and helpful – perfect for my new life.
It was quite a journey to my job at Meadowhall but I had brought back from Jersey my old but trusty Mini. There were old friends in Sheffield and family members to catch up with. My son and daughter and their families lived elsewhere but I saw them often. My first grandchildren had arrived and they enjoyed coming to visit Gran E’s little house.
My time at Debenhams went well but yet another change of direction was suggested. My oldest friend Joyce – we had first met at Grammar School – who’s daughter, at the time, had a high-end fashion outlet. She had three young children and needed help at the shop so she could reduce her hours. Having had experience – many years previously I know – and being very keen on clothes and fashion, I was delighted by the idea. I eventually worked with her for eight years!
During this period my son, his wife and two young daughters returned to the UK from Germany and came to live in Sheffield. Both he and my son-in-law were keen football fans, a good excuse for weekend visits with all the grandchildren! So the family were often together, a very happy period for me.
My life was full and interesting. Joyce and I went on lovely holidays to far-flung places. I joined a group of friends forming a wine club, meeting monthly at each other’s homes for food, wine and lots of chat. I attended yoga and keep-fit classes.
The shop was busy and successful, with a core of regular customers who became firm friends. Years happily rolled by, but then there was a hiccup! Whilst dancing the can-can with my eldest granddaughter, ending with the jumping splits, there was a fall and we all ended in an untidy heap. One of my legs was twisted underneath, resulting in ongoing pains down my right side – I didn’t realise how serious these were.
After months of pain only alleviated by GP prescriptions my physiotherapist daughter suggested I consulted a specialist. They immediately identified the problem. My pelvis was twisted and was push against my hip bone. The solution was a hip replacement – what a shock! My life was turned upside down for a while. The consultant advised “no more splits!”
Fortunately the operation was a success and my recovery swift. During this time another major change took place. Joyce’s daughter decided it was a time for her to sell the business and move on to pastures new.
I’d heard through the grapevine that June, a former boss from my pub period, had taken a cafe in Castleton; off I went to check it out. She was really pleased to see me. During a long catch-up chat I mentioned I was looking for my next work challenge. Luckily she offered me a position straight away, baking in the cafe kitchen.
It was a lovely country style cottage cafe. June had good taste for setting the atmosphere and providing appropriate food choices. The idea was for a wide range of home cooked dishes, so it was perfect for me! A slight drawback was the journey to and from work, over the moors and valleys. This was lovely in the good weather but could be quite difficult through the winter months. I kept at it for a couple of years until one dark, stormy, icy evening I slid off the moorland road. Luckily I was not hurt, but very shaken up! After this experience, and another chat, June suggested I produced for the cafe from home. So for another few years it was back to home catering, June’s husband collecting all my stuff and delivering to the cafe twice a week. This continued until the cafe was sold, allowing me more time for holidays, grand children, clubs and groups.
Gran E Bakes 