Some of Lincolnshire Co-op’s longest-standing colleagues are celebrating after amassing 380 years of service between them.
Awards have been given to 13 staff who’ve hit milestones in their careers with the society, ranging from 25 years to 40 years and even half a century for one colleague.
They’ve been thanked for their dedication with awards and gifts, and, for those who could attend, a long-service dinner.
Colleagues celebrating 25 years were either given a commemorative watch or £300 in Lincolnshire Co-op vouchers. Those reaching 40 and 50 years were given £500 in vouchers.
Margaret Wilkinson, from Lincoln, joined the society’s old food store on Silver Street in 1977, starting with six months in the Youth Training Scheme. 40 years later, she’s one of the friendly faces manning reception at head office in Lincoln.
“When I started through the YTS scheme, we used to go across Silver Street to the bank to get the change with a shopping trolley and then walk back through the street with it to the food store,” she said.
“I feel incredibly lucky as I’ve made so many friends working for Lincolnshire Co-op over the years. My sister worked for the society for over 25 years as well.”
The awards at the dinner were given out by chief executive Ursula Lidbetter and president Julia Romney. Other colleagues are being presented with their awards in the workplace.
Head of people and performance Heather Lee said: “We’re delighted that these long-serving colleagues have reached such milestones. They should all be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and it’s lovely to be celebrating with them.
“Each of our colleagues plays a part in bringing ideas, energy and resources together to help local communities and causes across our trading area, and are all a testament to the society.”
The full list of long service awards is:
25 years
Samantha Sellars, Ruskington Food Store
Sylvia Wilkinson, Springfields Filling Station in Spalding
Jacqueline Beeley, Birchwood Food Store in Lincoln
Karen Wenlock, Metheringham Food Store
Nicholas Wood, Transport department, Lincoln
Debra Abbott, City Square Food Store in Lincoln
Jonathan Lee, Cabourne Avenue Pharmacy in Lincoln
Malc Dixon, Louth Funeral Home
Gary Wells, Pharmacy warehouse in Lincoln
Sorren Ashmore, Supply team, Lincoln
40 years
Margaret Wilkinson, head office in Lincoln
Janice Varley, Long Sutton Food Store
50 years
David Tomlinson, transport department, Lincoln
