Chris Jenkins celebrates 50 years as Cinderford milkman

THE FOREST of Dean community has celebrated a remarkable milestone of Chris Jenkins, who has been serving locals as a milkman for 50 years.

Chris started his career at the age of 11 with a Saturday job for Parkdene Dairy in August 1976, getting into the business through his grandfather Ted Johnson, who worked there.

Once he left school aged 16, he started full time on the milk round, and two years later he also joined Cinderford Retained Fire Service, where he served for 28 years alongside his work with Parkdene Dairy.

Chris took over the business in January 2000 and now runs it with his wife Karen Jenkins, continuing to serve the local community whom he cherishes.

Chris said: “Fifty years has shot by! I’ve got the best job in the world.

“I have in the past had many employees that I would like to personally say a big thank you for their service. I’d also like to thank my customers old and new for the loyalty and friendship they have shown me over the years.”

Parkdene Dairy was founded in the early 1960s by Harold Wilkes. When he decided to semi-retire, his son Paul Wilkes and son in-law David Williams took over the business. During this time, there were around ten milk rounds in Cinderford, with David and Paul purchasing many of them. Following the retirement of Paul and later David, Chris took over.

In 2005, Chris purchased a small round in Littledean and in 2012, he acquired three rounds in Coleford and its surrounding area. Now, the business serves around 650 loyal customers - eight of whom Chris delivered to when he started at 11 years old.

A post to social media which celebrated Chris’ milestone showed the love and respect the community has for their milkman. Dozens of comments thanked Chris for his hard work and dedication over the years.

One comment said: “You are such a hard working chap, and always happy, you’ve done Cinderford proud.”

Another said: “Well done Chris, the best milkman ever. Thank you for delivering our milk for nearly 40 years! Always laughing and joking even in the bad weather.”

Chris puts in many hours throughout the week, ensuring the customers get what they need. He said: “It’s not a tough life, it’s a hectic life - but I don’t know any different!”.

Chris is still passionate about the career he has been dedicated to for decades, and he explained the community is the reason behind it.

He said: “I’d put that down to the customers. They are brilliant, they are fantastic. Occasionally I’ll get a week away and I’ll get many letters saying ‘enjoy yourself, you deserve it’.

“My customers are absolutely brilliant, and when me and Karen got married, little did I know, when we came out of the church, there were about 50 of my customers stood there.”

If you are interested in becoming a customer, you can call 01594 826534 or email [email protected]