Elaine shocked in a good way by late-shift surprise

A well-loved team member at The Captain Noel Newton (Oakham) enjoyed a surprise farewell party.

Shift manager Elaine Carnie, pictured (front centre) with colleagues and former colleagues, including pub manager Cayley Stubbins (far right), has retired after more than a decade working at the pub.

Cayley said: “Elaine usually worked a morning shift, but I had asked her to come in for a later shift – and she wasn’t very pleased.

“When she arrived to start work and realised that it was for a party, which was a complete surprise, she was very shocked and emotional.”

Elaine, 66, joined the team on the opening day at The Captain Noel Newton as a bar associate, progressing to shift manager in her 12 years there.

Cayley added: “Around 150 people came, throughout the afternoon and evening, to wish her all the best, including former colleagues and managers.

“Elaine is a well-known and much-loved staff member, as well as being the heart and soul of the local community.

“We all wish her the very best for her retirement, giving her time for herself and with her young grandchildren.”