SIX women are celebrating a combined service of more than 20 years at a Fraddon store this summer.

The colleagues at M&S Kingsley Village have a close connection, with Holli Darch working alongside her sister, mother and aunt, as well as her sister and mother-in-law. 

Gail Parker, who works as a baker in the store, joined when it first opened back in 2019 and she said her experiences with various colleagues and regular customers have provided her with some of the best memories of her career so far. 

Gail’s niece, Holli Darch is the youngest of the six women and started working at M&S Kingsley Village in October 2020 after taking inspiration from her five relatives. Along with Gail, Holli’s sister, Chloe; mother, Kate; sister-in-law, Donna and mother-in-law, Julie were all already working the shop floor of the Cornish M&S store, so for Holli it only felt right to follow suit. 

Gail said: “I’ve worked at this wonderful store since the day it opened, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a pleasure to come into the store each day and work alongside so many fantastic people, including my amazing family! I really enjoy working in the bakery department because it’s what I know best and it’s a great spot to have a friendly natter with customers.”

Holli and her family have also played a huge part of the store’s major renewal last summer. She recalls the experience, saying: “It’s been amazing to see how our store has changed and improved.

“I work in the foodhall and I’m so proud to see how it has expanded to accommodate new and regular customers.

“The atmosphere when we unveiled the bigger and better store was incredible and a highlight of my time working at M&S.” 

Julie, Donna’s mother said: “My career at M&S started nearly two years ago.

“After working in management at another retail store, I fancied trying something new and M&S Kinglsey Village felt like a natural fit seeing as my daughter, Donna, worked there and loved it; so I thought, why not give it a try! I have really enjoyed working here ever since and there’s always something new to learn which I love.”

Bea Cudmore, store manager at M&S Kingsley Village, said: “We say we feel like a big family at M&S Kingsley Village, so it’s only right to actually have family amongst us! Holli, Chloe, Kate, Gail, Donna, and Julie are all incredible hard workers, and we see it every day.

“It’s a pleasure to witness their endless good humour and fun and of course their family bond. It’s been great getting to know them all and to have them as part of the team.”