Marion Green's Retirement
Report and Photos from Kelly Green.
Marion Green started working at the Island Store (also known as the canteen) when she was only 16 years old. "It was my one and only job" she told me with a tear rolling down her cheek. She had been working there almost 50 years! Marion celebrated her 65th birthday on the 4th June 2024 but the party was held on the 14th June.
Marion Green
On Friday afternoon, the island store staff put on a wonderful spread of food and refreshments. There was also a beautifully decorated cake to celebrate Marion's retirement. All the staff awaited for Marion to arrive.
It was very emotional. Marion told me that she first started working on the shop floor and then worked her way up to assistant head! She said, "I am really sad to leave, I got along with all my colleagues and we had a great laugh." Marion spent most of her days working on the till, tapping up customers' purchases.
Amanda Swain, the now head of the island store said, "When I first started, I too was only 16. I worked alongside Marion and she was the one that taught me ordering, stock control and invoicing. I am very grateful that I had her as a mentor! We will all be very sad to see her leave but wish her the very best in her retirement."
The afternoon celebrations where thoroughly enjoyed. There was a toast made to Marion, after which she said a few words. Everyone then got stuck into the delicious food prepared by Danny Swain and Glenda Rogers.
Colleagues toasting Marion (L-R) - Front: Marion Green, Anushka Hahn, Rhoda Rogers, Brenda Swain, Margaret Rogers, Francesca Green, Jackie Lavarello, Glenda Rogers; Back: Danny Swain, Debbie Swain & Island store manger Amanda Swain.
Former Island Store manager, Lorraine Repetto, who is currently in Cape Town said, "Over the years Marion has seen the department evolve from tallying customers' shopping on paper, to a calculator, manual till system and then onto an electronic system. I've had the pleasure of working with Marion since 1985 when I was first employed in the Finance Department and then more closely from 2007 when I became the Head of the Island Store. I would like to wish Marion all the best on her retirement and hope she can now spend time fulfilling her hobbies."
Judy Green who ran the island store in the 1980's fondly remembers working with Marion. She too also learned the same skills Amanda did from Marion. Judy, who is already retired, wishes Marion all the best.
The afternoon ending with a slice of cake and goodbye hugs.
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| Cake presented by Glenda Rogers & decorated by Amanda Swain | |
Marion with her colleagues at the island store (L-R) - Back: Amanda Swain, Jackie Lavarello, Debbie Swain, Brenda Swain, Anushka Hahn, Francesca Green, Danny Swain
Front: Marion Green, Glenda Rogers, Margaret Rogers, Rhoda Rogers