Milklady retires from Sheldons dairy after 30 happy years

Diane Povall has retired from Sheldons dairy after 30 years.

The 70-year-old cherishes all her happy memories working for this family business which has served Knutsford for more than half a century.

"I have loved every minute of it," said Diane, from Mobberley. "It has been absolutely great. The Sheldons have been like family to me."

Diane, who has a son and two grandchildren, started her job driving one of the milkmen round.

"I was his chauffeur and then I got my own round," she said.

Getting up at 3am and working outside in all weathers posed no obstacle for this dedicated lady.

"I just put my waterproofs on and got on with it," she said. "I am very sociable person and love meeting people.

"We had some laughs, it was great fun."

Diane was always willing to go the extra mile for customers.

"I always have time for older people," she said. "Some would ask me in for a cup of tea. Others would ask me to take a card and post it for them or fix an electric light bulb."

John Sheldon,Chris Sheldon, David Sheldon wish Diane Povall a very happy retirement

John Sheldon,Chris Sheldon, David Sheldon wish Diane Povall a very happy retirement

Afterwards, Diane delivered newspapers for a while and then worked in the office, helping with orders and admin.

Over the years, the dairy has diversified greatly and is now operates like a corner shop on wheels, serving more than 6,000 customers.

Products available range from bread, cakes, BBQ packs, chocolate, biscuits, soft drinks, eggs and cooked meats to compost, charcoal and pet food.

READ > Schoolboy wins £1,000 worth of books in story writing competition

The dairy provided a lifeline for many elderly and vulnerable people during lockdown.

"It is unbelievable how much it has changed from when I first started to what it is now," said Diane. "You don't need to go out of your house, you can get a meal delivered. Fruit and veg, meat, cheese, yoghurt, cream, you name it.

"I have my milk delivered. When I retire I'll be down every week to get the rest of my shopping from them."

Avid crown green bowler Diane competes in the league for Crosstown Bowling Club and plays dominoes in the winter.

She will have plenty to keep her busy.

"I've got a big garden and I love decorating and walking my dog Toffee," said Diane. "I will miss the social side of the job, they pull your leg no end but I give as good as I get.

"I can't thank them all enough for what they have done, all the staff and the milkmen.

"They are all lovely and have been really good friends."

Chris Sheldon, whose dad David started the dairy in 1965, and now runs the business with brother John, said: "Diane is absolutely phenomenal. She has been really loyal and dedicated to the business. She has been a jack of all trades.

"She will be missed. Lots of people know her and want to speak to her rather than anyone else when they ring up.

"We hope she will still come in and see us."