As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join us in reminiscing with our Otter teams as they share their cherished memories, reflections, and emotions from their time at Otter Garden Centres.
Prior to my working life at Otter I had always worked in offices.
This was before my two children arrived on the scene. When the youngest started School I decided to look for a part time job and an opportunity came up at Otter.
I met with (MD) Jacqui for my interview. I remember that it was a Friday – she told me at the interview that I had got the job and could I start on the following Sunday.
My role was working in the main shop on the tills.
By lunchtime on the first day, I wondered what I had let myself in for, it was so busy!
Later on that day I was asked to go and collect some wire netting from the warehouse which was right at the back of the site ad by the end of the day my feet were killing me!
In the early days I would sometimes get called over to help out in the Furniture Department, mainly on Sundays. That was with John Vaughan, who was then the Furniture Manager.
It was John who with Malcolm White organised for the first container of furniture to come in. I believe it was cane furniture.I occasionally helped out in the plant centre and in the yard selling bedding plants and in the restaurant – wherever I was needed.
After a couple of years I moved into the Furniture Department and when John retired, I was promoted to the Furniture Manager. I now have a wonderful team of five people. I assist with the buying for all the sites, so I go to the furniture trade shows to view all the new trends which is always a very exciting time.
We used to sell a lot of wooden and cast aluminium furniture, cane sofas and lots of cushions and the old-style plastic tables and chairs.
We’ve come a long way since then and now sell a large range of furniture including resin weave, extruded aluminium, cast aluminium, benches, gazebos, parasols, bean bags, BBQ’s, fire bowls, pizza ovens, heaters and indoor furniture plus all the accessories.
We have lifestyle displays which has brought a whole new image to our department. Amazing and inspirational are just a couple of comments from our customers.
I enjoy my role as the Furniture Manager because I like the variety of duties. We are extremely busy during the Spring and Summer months and I love the buzz of the whole centre. It is very satisfying when you assist a customer with their decision making on their purchase. I enjoy working as part of a team and being involved with the buying process.
During the winter months, we are quieter on the Furniture Department so we help out on other departments, where needed. This could be pricing the giftware or clothing, display or tills. No day is the same. It’s all part of the day – filling in wherever needed.
I have always enjoyed working for the family business which is completely unique. All the family have commitment and accountability at the forefront for both the staff and customers. They’re ‘hands on’ which means they have a complete understanding of the business. Their values are so strong. I’m so pleased that I never went back into an office to work.
Wendy dressed up for Ottery Tea Dance
In the early days we used to have a fashion show modelling some of the clothes that we sold at Otter. The coffee shop was made into a catwalk and we’d have to model all sorts of clothing – pyjamas, wellies, scarfs etc.
I remember a particular Tulchan top with flowers all over it. We used to dress up for events too. Once we were dressed in Victorian dresses and when the bulbs came in the Spring we’d dress up in Dutch clogs. I remember helping with the Grotto just before the pandemic prancing like a reindeer across the road with the children and their parents.
All these events create special fun memories but most of all I have loved working with some wonderful people over the years which include Pam, Judy, Graham, Cherie and Anita to name a few. I have also enjoyed working with all the youngsters and am proud to have helped and nurtured them to become the successful adults that they are today.
When my children were young they would sometimes come in to help with the stock take. Jacqui’s children Sabine and Arron would be there too. They would help for the first five minutes and then all run off and play hide and seek around the shop!
All the staff events that have been hosted by the family have been amazing. I have had a balloon ride, Christmas parties, summer parties, quiz, karting and my favourite being the Otters awards evening.
To summarize, I would just like to add that I have enjoyed and still enjoy the many years that I have worked at Otter. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
We work hard, have a laugh and are one big team who all look out and help each other.
A huge thank you goes out to Wendy for opening up and sharing her wonderful memories with us.
Her stories truly bring the spirit of Otter Garden Centres to life! We’re so grateful for her dedication and passion over the past 32 years.
Keep an eye out for more heartwarming tales from our amazing team as we continue our 60th Anniversary celebrations!
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