Three hard working employees are hanging up their aprons after a combined 67 years’ service for a North East family firm.
Retirement bells are ringing for a trio of counter assistants at Dicksons who all finish their final shifts in June.
Angela McNeil deserves a well-earned rest after working in the same Dicksons store for a staggering 42 years. The 59-year-old started her career when she became a ‘Saturday girl’ at the age of 17.
After passing her exams, the then teenager changed her plans from studying typing at college and decided to work full time at the Wallsend store in North Tyneside. She said:
“Some people thought I was silly for passing up the chance of college, but I always think I was lucky. There I was already earning a wage and I’ve never looked back. Many of my friends on the course didn’t even end up with a job.
“Back then Michael and Christine Dickson really took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. I’ve worked with so many lovely people, including my manager Karen, they’re more like your family than colleagues.”
The mum-of-one, who is now planning a holiday, and to spend more time with her poorly father, admits she’s going to be emotional. She said:
“I am going to be a wreck during my final shifts I know it. I’ve already started crying before I’ve even left as customers keep coming in to say goodbye. I know I’ll still be popping back in to see everyone though – it won’t be the last they see of me.”
Susan Stamps has wild plans for her retirement after achieving 16 years with Dicksons. The 67-year-old, who works at the Laygate store in South Shields, has compiled a bucket list. She said:
“I’ve got a right bucket list to get through; clay pigeon shooting, yoga and pottery for starters. I was also wanting to go paintballing, but I’ve been told it can hurt so I might have to settle for laser quasar instead.”
Susan, who has been based at many of Dicksons 35 stores during her employment, says it’s been a pleasure to work with so many wonderful people.
The mum-of-one said:
“Honestly, it’s been an absolute pleasure, I’ve had so many fantastic managers over the years, Ashley, Sue and Elaine, to name a few.
“I will naturally miss all the girls, but we are going to head down to the beach and celebrate on my final day as it’s also my birthday.”
Finally, Jacqui Spurgatis, 64, is clocking off after serving customers for nine years.
Jacqui, who was based at the Prince Edward Road store in South Shields, is planning an exciting adventure. She said:
“With retiring I’ll be able to do more things volunteering work with the animal shelter. But at the end of the year, I am going to visit my son in America, he lives in New Jersey, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Jacqui, who lives in West Boldon, says it’s the customers who have made her job so special and she’s even served a few famous folks. She said:
“The people who come into our shop are so lovely, they are always telling me I have a beautiful smile, I really will miss seeing the regulars.
“I must have made thousands of saveloy dips over the years, I’ve served a fair few Sunderland football players too,”
A cheeky Jacqui can certainly remember who her most famous customer was though. Laughing, she added:
“Well it has to be Michael Dickson, he has an MBE now you know, he’s definitely the most famous.”
Elena Dickson said:
“We would like to thank Angela, Susan and Jacqui, for all their hard work and loyal service over the years. We wish them all the very best with their retirement plans and we hope they stay in touch.
“Family is so important to us all here at Dicksons and it’s so heartwarming to know colleagues form such strong bonds with each other, both inside and outside their places of work.”
