More than Seven Decades of Service at Portrush Pharmacy
For over 75 years, customers in the small seaside town of Portrush have been greeted by the same familiar face behind the counter at their local pharmacy. Sadie Jefferson, who began working in the shop in 1951, has now decided to retire after a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades in the very same building.
She started her employment at the pharmacy at the age of 15 and holds cherished memories and friendships formed throughout her extensive tenure.
"I met so many wonderful pharmacists through the years, but for me it was always the people - some of the families in this town that I know span four generations."
When Jefferson first began working in the pharmacy located in Portrush, County Antrim, it was known as JGW Boggs Medical Hall.
Over the years, the pharmacy underwent several ownership changes, becoming RG Macaulay's, then Herons, Lloyds Pharmacy, and eventually Gordons Chemists. Despite these changes, Jefferson remained a constant presence, serving generations of local families with a warm smile.
In an interview with NI, she expressed that retiring after so many years felt unusual but emphasized how much she loved every moment spent working in the shop.
Reflecting on how she obtained her first job, she said:
"The pharmacist was looking for someone to work for him, and it was actually my sister who told me to apply.
To tell you the truth, it was quite hard work back then.
You had to make up all the medicines, prepare the tablets, and have them ready to go very quickly."
Jefferson attributes her long career to the people she worked with and the many customers she regularly interacted with.
"I've known so many of them since they were born, and now some of them are retiring as well," she said.
Memorable Fundraising and Skydiving Adventures
Jefferson highlighted some of the memorable fundraising activities she participated in during her career.
"I did a skydive when I was 80, well I did two skydives actually, to raise money for the Northern Ireland Hospice," she said.
"It was fantastic, just an amazing thing to experience, it's a bit of a shock to the system when you're up in the plane looking down.
You just need to watch your ankles, because the landing can be a bit tough."
Recognition from Gordons Chemist and Community
Robert Gordon, founder and owner of Gordons Chemist, described Sadie Jefferson as "a force of nature" and remarked on her widespread recognition within Portrush.
"Everybody wants to call in here and say hello to Sadie," he said.
"Even if they aren't needing anything, Sadie just seems to have this huge following that has just grown and grown over the years.
We celebrate milestones here in Gordons. We would throw a little celebration for anyone who has served 25 years with us, but Sadie has been in this shop three times that amount, so it just really is incredible.
Sadie actually started working in this shop three years before I was even born."
Colleagues and Locals Reflect on Sadie's Impact
Kathryn Dobbin, relief pharmacy manager of Gordons Portrush, expressed it was a "huge honour" to have worked alongside Sadie Jefferson for over six years.
"Sadie is just a great lady, she has time for everyone, she is so well known to the locals here and I'm so sad to see her go," she said.
Jenny Elliott from North Coast Travel, located a few doors down from the pharmacy and a Main Street worker for about 30 years, shared her experiences of regularly visiting the pharmacy.
"Sadie was always so pleasant to deal with, always full of fun, such a lovely lady and also just a real character here in Portrush."
Karen McMath, an employee at Jingles Giftshop in Portrush who knows Jefferson personally, commented on the impact of her retirement on the community.
"She is one of the most caring people you could possibly meet and even though she won't be working I think we will still see her out and about collecting for charities and keeping busy," she said.
Plans for Retirement and Advice for New Workers
Regarding her plans after retirement, Jefferson indicated she does not intend to slow down.
"I am involved with the heritage group here in Portrush, which is all about promoting the town and preserving its history, so I attend that once every month, which is really enjoyable," she said.
"I also love gardening so I will be doing a lot more of that now and I also love going out for coffee with friends."
When asked to offer advice to young people starting new jobs, Jefferson emphasized dedication and commitment.
"Just try your best and make sure you are committed is all I can say," she said.
