Milkman’s goodbye after 43 years and 10m pints
A milkman who has delivered more than 10m pints throughout his career has finished his final round.
Grandfather Philip Collins, 64, from Sandling, has worked his delivery route for 43 years and retired on Saturday.
Following in the footsteps of his uncle, Mr Collins became a milkman after leaving the Merchant Navy.
He said he has enjoyed chatting with his customers, some of whom he has been delivering to for several generations.
He has kept fit by walking thousands of miles over the four decades.
When Mr Collins first started in the trade, only bottles of milk were delivered and customers left their order for the following day inside an empty bottle.
Now orders are placed and paid for online and shoppers can buy groceries and even bird food and compost alongside their milk.
Experienced milkman Dave Hornsbury will take over the milk&more round.
Mr Collins, who has witnessed thousands of sunrises while getting up early on his rounds, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time and I’ll be sad to say goodbye to it.
“I wish Dave all the best. I know he’ll look after the customers well.”
He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Christine, his children and grandchildren as well as taking up gardening.
Neil Mackinnon, Parkwood depot manager said: “Philip’s been a great member of the team here at milk&more.
“He’s a modest man but has always been a great team player and we all wish him well in his retirement – he deserves all the best.”
The company has about 1,500 milkmen and floats delivering to 600,000 homes.