For the last 15 years a smile has been brightening trips to a Spalding store and it was recognised at the recent Pride of South Holland Awards.
Angie Stevens was presented with the Service With A Smile award after several nominations were received from members of the public.
Customer service is her job title, but there can be few who make such an impression they’ve even been invited to parties and even someone’s wedding as a result.
But that has all happened to Angie.
The certificate now has pride of place on the wall at the Sainsbury’s Holland Market store where Angie moved to after previously being the assistant manager at the old Red Cross charity shop in Spalding.
Just before Christmas she was given a special badge to mark her 15 years at the store.
“It was a complete shock and I only knew I’d been nominated for a Pride of South Holland Award two weeks before the ceremony,” Angie said. “I know of one person who nominated me as they told me so after, but there are others too apparently.
“It was just a massive surprise and I really didn’t expect to win.
“The person I know who nominated me said I had a personality that could light up a black hole which is such a lovely thing to say.
“I love the contact I have with the customers and it’s nice that, over the years, I recognise people and have seen some grow up.
“I’ve been to weddings and parties of customers. It’s just a lovely job to do and so satisfying helping people.”
Away from work, Angie has a daughter, Laura, and granddaughter Ava who turned eight this week.
She was presented her Pride of South Holland Award by guest of honour and Falklands veteran Simon Weston CBE, at a recent awards ceremony.
“It was an honour to have the award presented by him,” she continued. “He is an amazing guy.”
In the nominations received, one also mentioned her charity work, helping raise £10,000 for Macmillan after surviving breast cancer and £912.50 for Sport Relief with a sponsored silence.
“Angie kept quiet for a whole nine hours for Sport Relief,” it said. “If that doesn’t sound like an effort, then you clearly don’t know Ang.
“She tries her best to make the store environment a wonderful place to work and shop, and it really is that with her around.”
Another nomination said: “Working in customer service can be stressful yet Angie serves with joy and commitment showing how much she enjoys her job and the daily connection with the people of Spalding.”
