Colleagues Honoured with Long Service Awards

Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues have been celebrated after serving their communities for an accumulated total of 370 years.

The 13 dedicated recipients come from business areas including food stores, pharmacies, post offices, funeral homes and travel branches. All reached the milestone of 25 years of service and three colleagues received their 40-year long service award.

Jane King celebrated 40 years at Heckington Food Store after joining the team as a teenager. She said: “I grew up in Heckington and it’s always remained such a close-knit community. Some of our regular customers come in extra early each morning just to have a chat. They ask after my family, share the local gossip, and give me book recommendations!”

Jane King

Jane works alongside her childhood friend, Julie Stubley, and says the team always brighten her day. She added: “I feel really lucky to be in a job I love, and I can’t believe I’ve been here for 40 years. The Heckington community has certainly had an impact on me, and I’d like to think I’ve had an impact on it.”

At Tritton Road Funeral Home in Lincoln, David Gault was awarded his 40-year long service award. He said: “I joined the society through a government scheme for young people, and I didn’t even have a job title! I started at Lincolnshire Co-op’s first funeral branch, which was on Lincoln’s Portland Street at the time.

David Gault

“The people I work with has changed over the years, but the high standards have always been the same.”

As a Funeral Director, David believes you look at life differently. He said: “I’ve met a lot of people over the last 40 years, many of whom have left a profound impression on me.

“I value being able to care for people at some of the most difficult times of their lives, and although I can’t take away their grief, I’ve always tried to alleviate some of the pressure of bereavement.”

Colleagues celebrating 25 years were awarded £300 in Lincolnshire Co-op vouchers, and those reaching 40 years received £500 in vouchers.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of People and Performance, Heather Lee, said: “It was my honour to be able to present this year’s long service awards to these dedicated colleagues.

“Our longest serving team members are a huge asset to the society and their communities. We’re proud to celebrate them, recognise their commitment and thank them for all their continuing hard work.”