Home   Ashford   News   Article

Great-grandad, 90, celebrates birthday by working at Sainsbury's

A great-grandad says he has "no plans to stop" as he celebrated his 90th birthday by working at his local supermarket.

Eddie Swan began working at the Sainsbury's Bybrook, in Ashford, 25 years ago - at the age most people retire.

Eddie Swan celebrated turning 90 at Sainsbury's
Eddie Swan celebrated turning 90 at Sainsbury's

Mr Swan has lived in Ashford his entire life and has a colourful selection of memories from his time in the town.

He said: "I was born in New Street and then moved to Barrow Hill Cottages.

"We had to move because, in 1943, a German plane was shot down after bombing the Hayward's garage which is roughly where Lidl is now; the engine went straight through our house!

"Thankfully, myself and my sister were both at school and my mum was down at the market at the time, it was really fortuitous.

"My friend was working in a greengrocer that was hit by the crash. He told me that he was lying down after it hit the building, and he could feel this wet spot on his head and he thought he had been injured.

The Hayward’s Garage bombing happened on March 24, 1943. Picture: Steve Salter archive
The Hayward’s Garage bombing happened on March 24, 1943. Picture: Steve Salter archive

"Back in those days you could get coffee in a bottle, and one had been damaged and was dripping down on his head!"

The great-grandad-of-one, who worked at the Headley Brothers printing firm before he started work at Sainsbury's, now lives in Gorse Mead, South Ashford, with his partner of 30 years.

He regularly drives to the Warren Retail Park store, which has changed a huge amount since he first started working there.

He explained: "I started working at the store when they first opened it and I've seen it extended twice at least since then.

"When I first started I was a greeter, someone who gave people their carts or baskets. I didn't want to work on the tills, so I collect the cardboard now.

The great-grandad previously worked at the Headley Brothers printing firm
The great-grandad previously worked at the Headley Brothers printing firm
Mr Swan remembers the 1943 bombing. Picture: Steve Salter archive
Mr Swan remembers the 1943 bombing. Picture: Steve Salter archive

"The job has changed a lot over the years but things aren't much different for me now that we have coronavirus.

"The only real change for me is that everyone is wearing a mask!"

Mr Swan's team presented him with a balloon, card and a badge to celebrate the special occasion.

He said: "I know it might sound silly but I reckon it's one of the things keeping me alive, keeping on the go and getting things done.

"I'm working with a great bunch of people and I get to meet loads of people on the job.

Mr Swan's family was lucky to avoid the 1943 bombing. Picture: Steve Salter archive
Mr Swan's family was lucky to avoid the 1943 bombing. Picture: Steve Salter archive
Mr Swan has been working at Sainsbury's Bybrook for 25 years. Picture: Gary Browne
Mr Swan has been working at Sainsbury's Bybrook for 25 years. Picture: Gary Browne

"I've got absolutely no plans to hang up my coat, as long as they want me and don't think I'm too old I'll keep going!"

Ian Howcroft, store manager at Sainsbury's Bybrook, said: "Eddie has been with Sainsbury's for more than 25 years and we want to take this as an opportunity to show our appreciation for all his hard work.

"We're delighted to have Eddie working at our store, he really is a valued colleague and adored by the customers.

"On behalf of the Bybrook team, I'd like to wish Eddie a very happy birthday."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More