AFTER loyally shopping at her local Co-operative store for 76 years, a Pershore pensioner may have become the group’s longest serving and most faithful customer.
On Tuesday, 90-year-old Georgie Nelmes, of Cherry Orchard, Pershore, celebrated the milestone at her local Co-op on Racecourse Road, where she was presented with a hamper filled with her favourite treats.
The pensioner first signed up to become a member of the Co-operative Group in July 1936, and has been earning points to claim her annual dividend ever since.
Mrs Nelmes said: “Things have certainly changed since I started shopping with the Co-op all those years ago. In those days I couldn’t have dreamt of the products I see on the shelves today.
“I was shopping with pounds, shillings and pence and, of course, I told the shopkeeper my membership number each visit to earn my divi. Today I really enjoy my shopping trips as the staff are so friendly and I was surprised and touched they have organised a little presentation for me.”
Back in the early days Mrs Nelmes was picking up basic groceries at Co-Op stores across the county but these days she visits the Racecourse Road shop three times a week treating herself to more indulgent items, with a particular favourite being chocolate biscuits.
After she has chosen her shopping, it is delivered to her home.
Store manager Kevin Pritchard said: “Georgie is a very well known and popular customer in our store, and staff really enjoy chatting to her and helping her with her shopping.
“Last Christmas her taxi was delayed in picking her up due to the terrible weather so we invited Georgie to take a seat and gave her a cup of coffee to warm up.
This has now become a regular ritual, an accolade she is certainly worthy of after 75 years of membership.”
