Council employee Anne Jeffery celebrates 80th Birthday today
Published: 9 November 2020
Big Birthday wishes to Anne Jeffery, Exeter City Council's oldest employee, who celebrates her 80th Birthday today (Monday).
Anne has been working for the Council's Home Call alarm service for the last 14 years and is currently showing no signs of slowing down.
Steve Carnell, Engineering, Waterways and Parking Services Manager, said: "For over thirteen years Anne has been the friendly voice on the end of an alarm call for many of our elderly and vulnerable residents. Her exceptional people skills and empathy for the needs of older clients have been a huge asset to the service."
Anne said: "I am always having a lecture from both family and friends 'Why are you still working?' they say. They think that I am 'daft' still working. They cannot seem to understand that I truly enjoy my job!"
Anne said that success was getting an ambulance on time to someone who is in distress. "We must have patience with the clients, as one day we may be one ourselves!" she added.
Asked for the best thing she has achieved in her job, Anne said: "Difficult question - I sometime think that when we receive a call from a client and they state 'I did not touch my pendant', is it just someone to talk to? Or when they ask you 'what time are you bringing my lunch? Many stories we can tell, but are not to be printed. Let’s just say that we must have a sense of humour!"
Previously Anne was Resident Warden at Wandsworth Borough Council until she retired at the age of 65, which seems like a lifetime ago now!
Before going to London she was with the City Council as Resident Warden at Shillhay. She was also Warden for Flowerpots and Aldens and has been awarded certificates from the Chartered Institute of Housing. She has also worked up at Russet House as a Controller, where the Home Call service started.
"I was Telephonist at Digby Hospital for years until “someone” decided to close the Mental Health units," she said.
Anne has been married for nearly 60 years. "My husband reckons that if he was in prison he would be granted time off for good behaviour – I cannot think of any!" she said.
She has four boys and 10 grandchildren. "They were all due to be coming to the party - we have not been together for many years as the boys were all in the forces and someone was always away!" she said.
"When I finally finish I shall miss both my colleagues and my job, but as it is said – when one door closes... another one opens!"
Final word goes to Steve, who said: "I’ve long admired Anne’s youthful outlook and strong work ethic so it comes as no surprise to me to see her reach this fantastic milestone."
Congratulations Anne and have a great day!