Celebrating colleagues’ long service

Long-standing team members from Lincolnshire Co-op are celebrating after amassing 745 years of service between them.

Awards have been given to 28 colleagues who’ve hit milestones in their careers with the Society ranging from 25 years to 40 years.

They’ve been thanked for their dedication with awards and gifts, and members of staff who could attend were presented them at a special long service lunch.

Colleagues celebrating 25 years were either given a commemorative watch or £300 in Lincolnshire Co-op vouchers. Those reaching 40 years received £500 in vouchers.

Customer Services Assistant Tracey Pollard has been an employee of Lincolnshire Co-op for 40 years. She currently works at Parklands Food Store in Lincoln, and even met her future husband Mick while working at the old City Square Food Store in Lincoln.

Tracey said: “I can look back fondly over the past 40 years and I’ve worked with some amazing colleagues over the time. I even met my husband who works here too, and we’ve now been married for 30 years!”

Tracey recently moved to Parklands Food Store after she spent 39 years at the old City Square Food Store in August. Since the move she’s been made to feel at home.

“I’ve just started at this store, but it feels like I’ve been here for a lot longer. I’ve been made me feel welcome and I even see some of the customers from my last store. It’s been great to meet new people and work with those you can call friends.” she added.

The awards at the lunch were given out by Lincolnshire Co-op Chief Executive Ursula Lidbetter and Vice President Margaret Tranter. Other colleagues are being presented with their awards in the workplace.

Spilsby Food Store Manager Julie Thacker started at City Square Food Store 40 years ago alongside Tracey Pollard. She has worked at multiple food stores across Lincolnshire since then including Skellingthorpe, Welton, Cherry Willingham and Wragby.

Julie said: “I’ve been here 40 years and the job is always evolving. When I started, we didn’t have scanners and you would get your dividend in stamps.

“I love seeing customers and taking time to speak to them. You get to see people grow up and you see families start to form.

“Everyone here is like my family. The team are like my kids and it’s fulfilling to see them become motivated and driven.

“It doesn’t feel like 40 years because I’ve enjoyed it so much. Every day has been a joy.”

Head of People and Performance Heather Lee said: “Together, each of our colleagues play a part in bringing ideas, energy and resources together to help local communities and causes across our trading area.

“We’re delighted these long-serving colleagues have reached such milestones. They should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and it’s lovely to be celebrating with them.”