25 Years of dedication and love earns local hero top prize ... After weeks of heart-warming nominations, the Torch Theatre is delighted to announce that Nicola Wilson of Goodwick Primary School has been crowned the Best Dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire!

Nicola's incredible 25-year journey in school kitchens has touched countless lives, earning her recognition not just as an exceptional cook, but as a pillar of her school community who truly embodies the spirit of caring – which is what makes dinner ladies so special.

The competition, launched in celebration of the Torch Youth Theatre's upcoming production of 'The Bangers & Chips Explosion', received numerous touching nominations from across Pembrokeshire – including one nomination for an entire dinner lady team! However, Nicola's story stood out as truly extraordinary, not only for her quarter-century of unwavering dedication to the children she serves, but also as the only dinner lady to receive multiple nominations.

Starting as a kitchen assistant before taking on the head cook role, Nicola has become legendary for her attention to detail – knowing every single child’s allergy, intolerances, and preferences. Her commitment runs so deep that when she had surgery a few years ago, dinner numbers at her school halved until she returned, demonstrating just how beloved she is by the students.

One nomination revealed the depth of her dedication: “To her it’s not a job, she loves the kids, she was going to retire last year but she can’t bring herself to leave!”

Another nominator praised her exceptional care: "She knows exactly who has what allergy or intolerance. She pays attention to every single child in that school. The children absolutely idolise her and she definitely deserves this."

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch said: "Nicola's story perfectly captures what this competition was all about. Twenty-five years of service, combined with such genuine love for the children she serves – it's truly inspiring. The fact that she was planning to retire but couldn't bear to leave the kids says everything about her character."

He continues: “When we read that dinner numbers halved in her absence, it really drove home how much these unsung heroes mean to their school communities. Nicola represents the very best of what dinner ladies bring to our children’s lives every single day.”

Amelie, the current Youth and Community intern noticed: “I have never seen a community rally around each other like this before, the impact these dinner ladies have had in Pembrokeshire is really something to be proud of.” 

Tim added: "We are over the moon with all the love shown for dinner ladies across Pembrokeshire through this competition. The response has been incredible! Now that you've shown us how much these wonderful people mean to you, we encourage everyone to go and show them directly. They deserve to hear these kind words every day, not just during competitions."

Nicola received a delicious sausage hamper from Gate 2 Plate in Haverfordwest, as well as two tickets to see 'The Bangers & Chips Explosion' – a fitting reward for someone who has dedicated her career to feeding and caring for others.

Torch team members were unanimous in their decision, with Nicola's combination of professional excellence, personal dedication, and genuine love for the children making her the clear winner.

Torch Youth Theatre members present The Bangers and Chips Explosion from Monday 21 July to Wednesday 23 July at 6:30pm. Tickets £10 full / £8 concessions. To book tickets visit torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.