Jeff's helping hand

Come rain, hail or shine you will find self-confessed ‘Mayor of Brookfield New World' Jeff Henwood out in the carpark tending to his kingdom.

The affable and delightful 43-year-old grocery trolley assistant last weekend celebrated his 25th anniversary of working at the supermarket, a mammoth milestone which he is proud of.


Brookfield New World grocery trolley assistant Jeff Henwood with customer and friend Dianna Jeffery. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'The carpark is my domain and I look after it, I said to one customer recently that I consider myself the Mayor of Brookfield New World,” he says with a chuckle.

During the last quarter of a century Jeff's seen a number of changes at the supermarket, which includes two changes to the carpark layout, plus four different styles of trolleys.

The supermarket's also run a couple of trials using powered trolley carriers, which he says 'didn't work out”, and gives the impression he wasn't heartbroken by the result.

But one aspect which has happily remained are the customers; they're a big reason why he gets out of bed in the morning.

'I just really enjoy helping people, like carrying their groceries out to their cars, making sure they're safe and having a bit of a chat with them.”

Jeff's also on the supermarket's health and safety committee too. 'The first two years when I started I was a little bit shy, it took me a while to get to know the customers as well as the staff, but this job has taught me to be more sociable with people.”

Brookfield local Dianna Jeffery, who has known Jeff since he was eight, visits Brookfield New World for two reasons: 'To do my shopping and to see Jeff”.

The 71-year-old says Jeff is so good with the customers that most know him by name, and if he's not working they all wonder what he's up to.

'Even when it's pelting down with rain he's out there in his wet weather gear and he's helping all of the customers,” says Dianna.

'Jeff is so well mannered and always great for a chat. He gets all the gossip and he's also a bit of a shoulder to lean on when you need it. Jeff is a great listener.”

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3 comments

Agree

Posted on 01-05-2016 11:09 | By claires

He's an asset to the store. Always has a smile to share come rain or shine!


71 !

Posted on 01-05-2016 12:24 | By Amnesia Oasis

Diana is 71 ?? Doesn't look a day over 50. I want to know her secret.


Jeff

Posted on 02-05-2016 10:27 | By jennifer re

Congratulations Jeff!!!!. You may remember me. Jennifer in the little red Toyota. I have now shifted to Auckland to be near family but we still get Sunlive on our computer & I saw the article on you. You are an asset to New World. Im sure you will be spoiled reaching this milestone. Well Done & warm wishes to you. You made my visit to New World always special.


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