A lovely lunch

Technology class?

Wednesday

M found a thing on Facebook. A school in Stiperstones (Stiperstones CE) was serving light lunch and tea for the community. Put together by the year 6 students, they handle the whole thing. They take the orders. They make the food. They serve it. They handle the money. Lovely. The place was maybe a quarter full when we went in. Four tables down one side with a few people and one long table on the other that was eventually packed ~ surely all relatives. There was a sign encouraging us to be patient. No problem. 

We were waited on by a very nice young lady. Apron over her “Leavers” t-shirt. Apparently, this was the last lunch of the year. These students are moving on!! (get it? “Leavers”) I had my first proper tea and a tuna sandwich. When she asked me what kind of bread I wanted I asked her what she would have. She blushed a little, “white bread”. “White bread it is then!”  M had a baked potato with beans and cheese, I believe. All quite good. It was fun to sit and watch as they took orders and ran them back to the kitchen. Every once in a while, a kitchen worker would come out with food, place it on the order up table and ring a little bell.  The waiter would then run over, grab it and deliver it with a smile. Very nice.

After my main course I spoke with the teacher in charge. I let her know I was a teacher back in the U.S. and that I was really impressed with what they were doing. They fully account for the items they purchase, time spent and then incoming funds. She told me that it was actually part of their joint school technology program with Newburry. They do various things at various grades. The first years, she told me, would be building birdhouses tomorrow. I was impressed but she kind of seemed bored with me.  She asked if we’d need anything else and I mentioned I’d also like some cake and went back to sit with M.

The young lady came back and took the cake order. Victoria Sponge with a Burberry jam I believe. So yummy.

While eating I see the teacher talking to a fellow near the kitchen. Oh, she’s telling him about me I think… sure enough he comes sauntering over and then goes into much more detail about what they do and seems genuinely pleased at my interest. I think he is the headmaster for the school. Anyway, it was a great conversation and gave me some ideas for my own finance program back home. I got their school address ~ I’ll send them something from Monterey, hopefully.  If I’m super clever, maybe we can figure out a Zoom or something.  Hmmm.   

My food and the menu:

Hmm. No matter where you find yourself, check out something local put on by someone local. It might just be the best part of your day, week, month or year.

M paid in cash. I still don’t have any British money. I left a $5 tip. :-) I see a money conversion lesson coming!!!!