article by Aileen from Lanark

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What it is like to work in New Lanark

In October 1999 I went to New Lanark Hotel for six weeks as part of work experience but another person left and my key worker Ginty got me the job as kitchen porter.   

I would work 5 days out of 7.   Some days I would start at 8 am in the morning and finish at 4.30 pm in the afternoon.   Other times I would start at 3 pm in the afternoon and finish at 1.30 or later in the morning.  

It was hard work running between two kitchens, one on the second floor and the other on the third.   The second one is for your breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea.   The third one is for functions, like meetings, dances, weddings and discos.   

I was there for 4 years before I took ill.   I asked for a transfer to the Mill Pantry.  My job there is Kitchen Assistant.   I now again work 5 days out of 7.   I start at 8.30 in the morning and finish at 5 pm in the afternoon, but some times I am asked to work a bit later.   However, when it is quiet I some times go to clean at the Village Store, the Visitors Centre, Robert Owen’s House, the Mill Workers, The Counting House and the School.   The Counting house is only cleaned once a year for the opening day.  

I have made a lot of friends in the ten years I have been there. 

Aileen Stewart

Webmaster replies

Hi Aileen, You seem to be enjoying your work in New Lanark.

Personally, I think you are on commission from the New Lanark Tourist Board!  Keep them rolling in please.

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