Becky gets emotional send-off retiring from Melton supermarket after 39 years
Becky Woodcock has amazingly worked at the Tesco store in Melton Mowbray since 1987 and she was given an emotional send-off this week after taking her retirement.
Colleagues and customers gave Becky a well-deserved round of applause as she was presented with flowers, chocolates and a garden gift voucher after completing her final shift at the Thorpe Road supermarket.
She says she will miss her workmates – some of whom have worked with her there since her first day 39 years ago – and the many regular shoppers who have become good friends.
Becky, who has been the store’s designated ‘community champion’ in recent years, told the Melton Times: “After 39 years I was ready to leave but I am going to miss my Tesco family and all my customers that I have grown up with, sharing the laughs and the sad times, and they will still hopefully be a big part of my life.
“I have loved being involved with different charities and supporting my local community - this truly is my thing, meeting so many people and being the bridge between the store and the community.”
Her memories are still crystal clear of her very first shift at the Melton Tesco store, when it was very different on both sides of the till.
"I started in 1987 when the superstore was just foundations," Becky recalled.
“My first job was stock control manager, then in the cash office, then the community champion and on the tills.
"The job has changed a lot over the years – when I started nothing was computerised and managers were known as Mr and Mrs.
“It was spotted pink dresses and no trousers for the ladies who worked there.”
She has enjoyed meeting some famous faces there over the years, including actor Bob Grant, who starred in On The Buses, and TV food presenter, Chris Bavin, when she filmed in the store with him for the show, ‘Eat Well for Less’.
Shopping habits have changed drastically since the 1980s – Becky commented: “These days a lot of shopping is done online but we still get our regulars.
"It's like a corner shop feeling, catching up on what's gone on that week.
“For some, we are the only face they see that day so it's important to be able to chat to them.”
Becky says she will particularly miss her involvement in the charity fundraising and support side of her job.
The Tesco Stronger Starts campaign made a big impact on local schools, she said, and providing raffle prizes for local groups was also important.
"I have so many memories from my years with Melton Tesco,” said Becky.
“From going to see the Bay City Rollers with the girls and enjoying barbecues at Trevor's to making a charity calendar doing an obstacle course at the local rugby club when I was meant to be helping serve fruit and water to the players.”
She has enjoyed helping Melton Lions with the seniors concert and will continue to and also memories of being a record breaker with the Tesco Dance Beats, when danced for 24 hours at Wembley Stadium.
Becky added: “I have made so many friends over the years, colleagues, managers, groups, etc, and my lovely customers, and I’m going to miss them all.”