Ex-apprentice turned head chef returns to Royal Yacht Squadron

For National Apprenticeship Week, Ernest ‘Bill’ Hill, a resident at an Island Healthcare home on the Isle of Wight, was given a tour of the place he spent 47 years, from 1944.

Scroll down for video

Aged just 16, he started there as an apprentice and eventually became head chef.

Current staff at the historic yacht club, including its head chef, showed him round and treated him to tea and cake.

Bill Hill revisits the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes for National Apprenticeship Week.

Bill saw how high-tech the kitchen has become since his departure and recalled some of the VIPs he catered for.

He said: "Prince Philip used to come down to the kitchen – he always came on a Thursday during Cowes week.

"Lord Mountbatten always bought his friend David with him and always had a police officer on his motorbike outside.

"The police officer once stopped me and charged me £30 for speeding – so I said to him, don’t you expect any more breakfast from me!

"It was brilliant to go back – but the place has changed so much!

"It’s great to know that it’s thriving though and that my hard work over the years hasn’t gone to waste."

When Bill worked there, there were up to four chefs (depending on the season) and a part-time porter. These days there are four full time chefs and 22 kitchen staff in the summer.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from today (February 7 to 13).

Ian Bennett, the Managing Director of Island Healthcare, said: "It was wonderful seeing Bill back in his old stomping ground.

"He still knew his way around and it was great to see it sparking so many happy memories."

Other trips for residents are being planned, including to Lloyd’s Bank.

• CLICK HERE for apprenticeships at Island Healthcare