A lifelong wrestling fan, Glastonbury’s Lynda Wilson brings the same enthusiasm to her work as she does to cheering on her favourite wrestlers.
From watching Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks at Glastonbury town hall with her dad to following today’s stars on Netflix, her passion for wrestling mirrors her 25 years at St Benedict’s Nursing Home – long-standing, full of heart, and never lacking in commitment.
Lynda, 62, started work in the laundry at St Benedict’s, run by White Care Group, in March 2000 and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years – the time’s flown by!” said Lynda. “When I started, I never imagined I’d still be here all these years later, but I love what I do. It’s more than a job; it’s like being part of a big family.
“It’s not just about washing clothes – the laundry team are very much part of the home. When we pass through the lounge on our way to deliver laundry to residents’ rooms, it’s a chance for a chat, to see how they are doing, and share a friendly moment.”
When she first started at the home, the laundry was in an outbuilding, where the car park now stands. Over the years, the home has expanded, and the laundry was relocated to The Deanery, which houses the home’s dementia care unit.
Philip White, who now runs White Care Group, fondly remembers Lynda from the days when his father, David, led the company.
Lynda’s loyalty, dedication and warmth have made her a much-loved member of our team. We’re incredibly grateful for her 25 years of service and the care she brings to her job role every day.”
Outside work, Lynda and her husband James, are proud grandparents to three grandchildren – Candice, 15; Leo, 8; and Destiny, 7.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching wrestling on Netflix; a passion for sports entertainment she has had since childhood. She vividly recalls watching legendary wrestlers like Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy battle it out at Glastonbury Town Hall with her dad.
“My husband always goes on about how wrestling’s staged, but I just ‘suspend belief’ and enjoy it,” added Lynda. “I only watch it when he’s out, though, otherwise, he spoils it for me!”
St Benedict’s is part of a third generation, family-run business, run by White Care Group, which has other homes in Shepton Mallet and Taunton.
