Colleagues and customers celebrate our Bedminster store's 30th birthday

A big thank you to everyone who helped our Bedminster store celebrate its 30th anniversary – including seven colleagues who've worked there since it first opened back in 1988.

Our magnificent seven colleagues who've worked at the store when it opened are Bev Hamilton, Teresa Phillips, Gail Adams, Sheila Hutchinson, Hazel Brice, Linda Martin and Carol Smith.

They're all pictured above with store manager Richard Jones and Somerset and Avon Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, who joined in the celebrations.

The store's community champion Brenda Wright, who first started working at the store in 1989, organised a series of special events to mark the milestone, including musical entertainment by former Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Ellis Chick, songs by pupils from Hotwells Primary School's choir, as well as a display board of photos and news articles featuring the store through the years ... and a birthday cake!

Brenda said: "The day went really well. Everyone had a really nice time, and it was a great community atmosphere.

"Lots of our regular customers came in, had some birthday cake and enjoyed a chat with the long-serving colleagues, who they've got to know well over the years."

General store manager Richard Jones said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day for customers and colleagues. It was great to recognise the fantastic service of the colleagues who have been at the store since day one.

"There was a nice buzz in the store, customers really enjoyed the choir's performance in particular, and we're delighted with how it all went."

As well as joining in the celebrations, Ms Mountstevens also opened a new mobile police unit in our car park, where officers will be available to chat to customers.