Getting to know you... Julie May

25 years and counting…

November 05, 2024

She’s a familiar face to regulars at Hopton-on-Sea, and is much loved among her colleagues. And having recently been recognised at Potters Resorts’ Long Service Awards, we sat down for a coffee and a chat with ‘Mama Jules’.

Julie May has enjoyed a long career. Born and raised in Lowestoft, Suffolk, she enjoyed a brief stint working for an estate agent upon leaving school. Since her college days though, she’s been making people happy in hospitality. From silver service banquets at Gunton Hall to a friendly face behind the bar at Royal Ascot Golf Club.

But for the last quarter of a century, Potters in Hopton-on-Sea has proudly called Julie one of their own.

Julie May serves drinks to guests at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-SeaJulie is celebrating 25 years at Potters in 2024

“My husband Dave had been working at Potters since the early 90s. He was friendly with Brian & Judy Potter, and Brian had asked me if I wanted a part-time position in housekeeping. My son Daniel [who we’ll come back to later] was little but going to school, so it fitted perfectly with the school run. Back then, the hotel hadn’t yet opened so I was working in the bungalows.

“I arrived for my first day on a Monday. I’ll always remember meeting the head housekeeper who didn’t know I was coming! Anyway, a few phone calls later and I was quickly shadowing one of the team on a row of bungalows. I stayed there for 11 years.”

Gaining her name

Her experience in functions and events would see her helping at the newly-built Zest Rooms in 2010. But very quickly, her talents had been nabbed by the Bars Team.

“When I joined it was a very young team, and some of them would jokingly ask if I’d be able to keep up. They called me ‘Mama’ and the name just stuck. Even now, 14 years later, I’m known as ‘Mama Jules’ to everyone across the resort.

“I might be like an old Mama, but I work incredibly hard. And I’ve done my fair share of late nights and kept pace with all the youngsters.”

The Long Service Awards at Potters Resorts

The Long Service Awards

Julie is one of 800 dedicated team members who make every guest’s experience exceptional.

And every year, to honour and recognise their unwavering commitment, Potters hosts the Long Service Awards; a special event that celebrates team members who have reached special milestones, be it 5 years, 10 years or, in Julie’s case, 25 years!
The atmosphere is one of celebration and appreciation, where team members are treated to an afternoon of lunch, drinks, and heartfelt speeches.

Long Service Awards at Potters ResortsJulie and some of her colleagues were joined by Judy Potter, John Potter and members of the Senior Management Team for the Long Service Awards earlier this year

"I always look forward to these awards. We’re so grateful for everything each and every one of our team members does for our guests, and this event is just a small token of our huge appreciation."

- John Potter

A family affair

Julie’s husband Dave, who sadly passed away in 2019, had played a key part in Julie joining the team back in 1999. In 2008, her son Daniel joined the team as a casual bars team member, before finishing his lifeguard training and moving into Palms, where he’s worked as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and now as Duty Manager.

Julie May in the lobby at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea

“Dave worked for the Potter Family and did a bit of everything. He was a porter, painter, driver. He’d done bits and pieces over the years for Brian’s father, Hector Potter. And he would even be asked to play table tennis with a young John Potter! When he passed away, his wake was paid for, our Design Team created the order of service, and Judy Potter would call me regularly to chat.”

"The business has changed so much over my 25 years, but it still has that feeling of being part of a family."

- Julie May, Bars, Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea

Memorable moments

The years have not been without some memorable moments, and so many she can’t recall. But she laughs while recalling a story of getting her till card stuck in a Christmas tree during service. “I pulled it down and dragged it around Zest without realising. Everyone was laughing and I didn’t know why until I couldn’t get through the kitchen door!

“Halloween was always fun too in the Atlas Theatre, as the Potters Theatre Company would come behind the bar all dressed up and frighten the team. I remember one of the girls was terrified of clowns and fainted in the washrooms!”

The World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-SeaJulie plays a key role in keeping guests happy during their visit to the World Indoor Bowls Championships, every January

Favourite times of the year

As for Julie’s favourite time of the year at Potters, her answer is quick. “World Bowls in January. I’ve worked in the refreshment garden during the championships since my first year here, even while I was working in Housekeeping. Back then, we’d come over after our shift and help clear all the tables used by day visitors. But since I’ve worked in Bars, I’ve been serving visitors with food and drinks. I do all the food with James [Etherington] from the kitchen and get each day ready. It’s a really busy month but I enjoy it.

“I also like the Christmas and New Year Breaks. For the last 15 years I’ve sat on the wine table outside the restaurant taking pre-orders for the big countdowns. I see so many familiar faces which is lovely, and I know exactly what they’re going to order!

Julie serving some drinks at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-SeaYou’ll normally find Julie in the Bowlers Bar at Hopton-on-Sea

The past and future

“If I look back to my days on Bungalows, especially during the school holidays, I remember families visiting and now I’m seeing those kids all grown up, and bringing their children. That’s when it hits home how long I’ve been here. The years do fly past.”

On that note, we turn to the future, and whether we can look forward to seeing her celebrate 30 years in 2029: “Ha ha yes, probably for that one. And then that’ll be it I expect, it’ll be retirement after that. Even though Shaun Smith [Hopton-on-Sea Resort Manager] has said I’m not allowed to retire for World Bowls. If it’s not me sitting there, it might be a cardboard cutout!

“In my 25 years here, I’ve never had an interview, and I’ve never been called to the office for anything, so hopefully that’s a good sign!”

It sure is ‘Mama Jules’, and Potters is lucky to have you. Thankfully, by the sounds of things, for a good few years yet.

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