Saying farewell after nearly 50 years of loyal service: All the best Deb

The end of an era can be hugely exciting and a little unnerving at the same time. The team at Bhandal Dental Practice in Coventry now has to say an emotional goodbye to a well-loved and respected member of staff – that is one such era.

Deb Walker has been with the practice for 49 years and August 30 sees the closing chapter in her working life when she retires.

Coventry is thick in Deb’s blood as she grew up and went to school in the town, becoming a dental nurse straight from school.

As a mere teenager Deb started her first day as a dental nurse on 11 August, 1969 working for Mr Timms and Mr Robinson who owned the Foleshill Road practice at the time. David Lewin took over the reins after they retired, followed by Amrik Bhandal, now the current owner.

The dental surgery was much smaller then, standing on the site of the current car park. In 2003 the whole team moved into a brand new purpose-built building that we reside in today – Deb has seen the evolution of the Foleshill Road practice over almost five decades. 

“I have made many friends throughout my time in dentistry some of whom I still see socially many years later,” says Deb.

She has progressed through the ranks over the years to become Practice Manager and is now office based, busying herself with administration instead of patients’ teeth!

“I will miss working with a great team of dentists, nurses, receptionists, and of course my colleagues in the office. There are always great stories to listen to that I will miss.”

After many years of juggling work and caring for her mother, who sadly recently passed, Deb is looking forward to a well-earned rest and spending more time with her husband in their second home in Portugal, when he too retires next year.

There will be plenty of time to spend with friends and family too, including their son who lives with his wife outside of Coventry - her parents live in Derbyshire which is a part of the country Deb and her husband love to visit.

“Although after having a knee replacement in May of this year I am having a second one done in November of this year so I guess you could say I have that to look forward to!” – always the optimist is our Deb, we’ll miss you loads and wish you the best of luck and adventure in your retirement.