Sandy retires from our North Hykeham store after working there for 48 years

A big thank you to our much-loved colleague Sandy Saul who's just retired from our Lincoln North Hykeham store after working there for 48 years.

Sixty-six-year old Sandy first worked on the fresh counters at the old site in North Hykeham before moving to the new premises in 1999 when she started to work on the night shift.

She said: "I was 15 and had just left school; it was Easter time. My sister's father-in-law worked in the butchery department at the store and told me there were jobs going so I rang up for an interview.

"I went for the interview and the gentleman said 'would I like to start next week?'. He gave me the uniform the same day. My first day was a Tuesday and I went in for 9am start and went home at 12 noon. My mum and dad thought I'd been sacked, but it was just my half day!

"I started on fresh – meat and all the fresh stuff and bread were altogether at that time. I remember slicing the cheese up, wrapping it and pricing it up."

Sandy says the best part of her time at the store is the friendships she's made.

She said: "I've made a lot of friends over the years; we've had laughs and we've all cried together. I'll really miss the colleagues, but I do plan to meet up with them once a month.

"I live just across the road from the store too so I will be popping in to do my shopping."

Sandy has been married to Brian for 43 years, and has two children, James and Kim, and five grandchildren. She briefly left when she became a mum, but returned soon after. She is looking forward to spending time in her garden in her retirement.

Di Brodie, the store's GM and George trading manager who's worked at the store alongside Sandy for 42 years, said: "She's a lovely colleague who's very well liked by everyone here. A lot of colleagues, past and present, came in to see cheerio to her. She will be missed."

And store community champion Paula added: "Wow! Thank you for all your service Sandy, you definitely deserve to put your feet up and enjoy your retirement."