'I started working here at 15 - now I'm retiring after 75 years '
'I started working here at 15 - now I'm retiring after 75 years ' 10 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mike McBride BBC News NI Lyndsay Sinclair Sadie Jefferson said she has many great memories from her years of working For more than 75 years, customers in a small seaside town have been greeted by the same familiar face behind the counter at the local pharmacy. Now, Sadie Jefferson, who began working in the shop in 1951, has decided to call time on a career spanning more than seven decades in the very same building. She started working at the pharmacy aged 15, and has cherished memories and friends from her decades of toil. "I met so many wonderful pharmacists through the years, but for me it was always the people - some of the families in this town that I know span four generations." Ray McConaghy Sadie Jefferson (then Douglas) pictured in September 1951 with pharmacist John W. (Jack) McConaghy When Jefferson first began working in the pharmacy in Portrush, County Antrim, it was known as JGW Boggs Medical Hall. Over the decades, the ownership changed several times, becoming RG Macaulay's, Herons, Lloyds Pharmacy and, eventually, Gordons Chemists. But despite the name above the door changing, Jefferson has remained a constant presence, serving generations of local families with a smile. Speaking to BBC News NI, she admitted that retiring after so many years felt quite strange, but said she had absolutely loved every minute of her time in the shop. Sadie Jefferson started her pharmacy job at the age of 15 in 1951 Talking about getting her first job, she said: "The pharmacist was looking for someone to work for him, and it was actually my sister who told me to apply. "To tell you the truth, it was quite hard work back then. "You had to make up all the medicines, prepare the tablets, and have them ready to go very quickly." Gordons Sadie Jefferson being presented with flowers by the manager of the Gordons branch in Portrush, Lyndsay Sinclair, on her retirement Jefferson believes the reason she stayed so long was because of the people she worked with, and so many of the lovely customers she got to speak to on a regular basis. "I've known so many of them since they were born, and now some of them are retiring as well," she said. Ray McConaghy Sadie Jefferson says she was fortunate to work with some fantastic people at the pharmacy over the years Skydiving landings can be a bit tough Jefferson said a real highlight of her time was the many fundraising opportunities she had. "I did a skydive when I was 80, well I did two skydives actually, to raise money for the Northern Ireland Hospice," she said. "It was fantastic, just an amazing thing to experience, it's a bit of a shock to the system when you're up in the plane looking down. "You just need to watch your ankles, because the landing can be a bit tough." Robert Gordon, from Gordons Chemist, says Sadie has not only been a valued employee, but also a fantastic servant for community pharm
Unbelievable! 75 years of dedicated service? Thats like having the same teacher for decades. Retiring after such an extraordinary career is a testament to the invaluable work done and the people youve impacted. Heres to another 75 years of achievements and inspiration!
Wow, Sadie Jeffersons dedication and longevity in the community are truly inspiring! Its remarkable how one person can have such a profound impact on a town for over 75 years. May her retirement bring her all the happiness and peace she deserves for her incredible journey.
Its remarkable to see such a long-standing commitment to environmental conservation. 75 years of dedication speaks volumes about passion, resilience, and the enduring impact of ones work on the planet. May your retirement be filled with well-deserved relaxation and reflection on a life well-lived.
Sadie Jeffersons dedication is a testament to the power of community and hard work. Her 75 years of service to the town are a true inspiration, and we should all strive to make a positive impact in our own communities for as long as possible. May her retirement bring her peace and happiness, and may we all be inspired to give back to our communities in our own unique ways.
Absolutely inspiring! 75 years of dedicated service speaks volumes about loyalty and a passion for the job. Its a true testament to the hard work and commitment of those whove made a difference over the decades. Cheers to a well-deserved retirement!
Sadie Jeffersons dedication is truly inspiring. Its remarkable to think of the countless lives shes touched over the decades. May her retirement be filled with relaxation and cherished memories.
Sadie Jeffersons dedication is a true inspiration. Her 75-year commitment to the pharmacy, from a young age, highlights the lasting impact of community service and the importance of preserving traditions. As we celebrate her retirement, lets remember the valuable contributions shes made and the legacy she leaves behind. #CommunityService #Retirement
Absolutely inspiring! Thats 75 years of sustainability, innovation, and making a real difference for the environment. What an incredible journey of dedication and impact!
Wow, its incredible to think about the amount of time and dedication that goes into a career. Starting at 15 and retiring after 75 years is a truly remarkable achievement. Its a testament to the hard work, passion, and perseverance of the individual throughout their life. Its amazing to see how far theyve come and to think about all the experiences and memories theyve created along the way.
Sadie Jeffersons dedication is a shining example of community service and the power of perseverance. Her 75-year career at the local pharmacy is a testament to the importance of preserving traditions and fostering a sense of belonging. We should all strive to make a lasting impact, like Sadie, by giving back to our communities for as long as we can.
Sadie Jeffersons decades of service at the local pharmacy are a true testament to the impact of one persons commitment. Her story reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the value we place on consistent, trustworthy relationships.
Sadie, your service speaks volumes. Retirement? More like recharging batteries for another century of adventures!
Retiring after 75 years of service at the same pharmacy is a testament to dedication and community. May Sadie Jeffersons retirement be filled with peace and memories of a job well done.