Passionate chef shuns retirement to become head gardener in care home where he’s worked for 42 years

Michael Cozens, who has worked as head chef at Cromwell Care Home for 42-years has decided against early retirement – instead, opting to stay part-time as the home’s new head gardener. 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. “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.” Knowing the 63-bed-home so well Michael often helps with general maintenance, and it was after helping mow the lawns and tidy the garden that the idea of a new role just for him was born. Patience Mvubu, Manager of the Abbey Healthcare home said: “Everyone loves Micheal. He’s a real character and part of the home and we’d all miss him if he left, especially our residents. “We have many long-standing staff and with Micheal it is a real family affair with his son Adam also working at the home. “We have large grounds, so it just made sense for Micheal to become our new gardener and finally get on top of the estate which is overgrown and underused in areas.” Micheal has already started in his new role three-days a week and has plans underway for creating new shaded garden areas for family visits, growing vegetables, and creating more seating areas for residents. 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.” He 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.”