'˜Much loved' employee marks 50 years at Lancing pharmacy

Grandfather of three Dennis Jarvis said he was ‘just amazed’ by the response of customers at Rowlands Pharmacy in North Road, who have praised his friendly service over the decades.

“I was surprised,” the 71-year-old said. “I knew we always got on well, but I didn’t realise how they felt about me.”

On reaching the half century mark last Monday, he said: “I feel amazed that I’d done it.

“I’d always wanted to – not many people can say they’ve been in the same job for 50 years.

“I put it down to all the staff, previous and present, who have been here to help me.”

Mr Jarvis, who lives in Broadwater, has worked in a pharmacy since leaving school, starting out in Shoreham for five years before being joining the pharmacy in Lancing.

While he has done ‘all sorts’ at Rowlands over the years, from managing to handling the paperwork, he now works mainly at the counter – which he enjoys the most.

“I just love meeting people and talking to them all,” he said.

“I always try to be cheerful and to chat to people when I can.”

Despite reaching the milestone, Mr Jarvis said he has ‘no sights on giving up’ and hopes to continue working for the next few years, as he said: “It would be the customers I’d miss.”

His colleague Susan Brewer, who has worked with Mr Jarvis for around 16 years, said: “He is such a well loved member of the community.

“Everyone in Lancing knows him, some since there were just a baby.

“He is an absolute star.”

Customer Margaret Price, who has lived in Lancing for 20 years, said Mr Jarvis was ‘an institution’. “He is such a lovely man, I can’t praise him enough,” she said. “Everyone comes out of there with a smile on their face.”