The East of England Co-operative Society has said goodbye to one of its longest serving employees, with a career spanning more than four decades.

Ann Pike started with the former Ipswich Co-operative Society in 1967 as a Checkout Operator at the Ulster Avenue, Whitehouse, Ipswich store, and now 42 and a half years on she is retiring.

From Checkout Operator, Ann worked her way up to Store Manager at the Whitehouse store, and also managed stores at Camden Road, Garrick Way and Barham, before returning to Whitehouse as Relief Manager and finally the Meredith Road store that she has retired from.

She has seen many changes over her four decades with the Co-op, especially in the equipment used in stores, from tills operated with a handle back in the sixties to the computerised systems in use today. 

Ann said: “I’ve had a really good 42 years, I’ve always been happy at the Co-op.  All in all I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Andy Moore, Food Retail & Pharmacy Controller, said: “Ann has given the Society a lifetime of service and we wish Ann and Ray a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Her plans for retirement including spending some time with her husband Ray sorting out their bungalow in Ipswich, before heading off to their caravan at Great Yarmouth once the weather improves.  Her four children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren will also help to keep her busy!

Note to Editors:

The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and has over 200 trading outlets which are located in 74 towns and villages, including the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.

The Society’s diverse business activities include: supermarkets and food stores, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts, motor dealership, training academy and events and conference centre. 

For further information:
Laura Bennett, Public Relations Officer, East of England Co-operative Society,
Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ    
E-mail: l.bennett@eastofengland.coop