After starting work at 14, Norman the milkman retires after more than four decades (From Stroud News and Journal)
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After starting work at 14, Norman the milkman retires after more than four decades
3:50pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News
By Hayley Mortimer, Reporter
Norman Banyard is retiring at the end of the month having worked as a milkman since the age of 14
AFTER more than four decades of waking up at 3.30am, popular milkman Norman Banyard is looking forward having a lie-in when he retires at the end of the month.
Norman, 55, has been delivering to residents in Stroud, Bisley, Eastcombe and Chalford since he was just 14 and regular customers have included Laurie Lee and Jilly Cooper.
On Saturday, March 30, he will hand over his last pint after 42 years.
"I am looking forward to a lie-in," said Norman.
"It will be a nice change not having to go to bed at 9.30pm and waking up so early."
Norman wakes up at 3.30am to drive to the Dairy Crest depot in Gloucester before starting his round.
Through rain, snow and ice, over the years Norman has delivered to hundreds of customers in his pick up truck.
He started his round while he was still at school when there were just two types of milk to choose from but he says he can now deliver more than 250 different products.
"I delivered some bags of compost to one customer recently," said Norman, who lives in Court View, Stonehouse with his partner Paula.
"A lot has changed over the years but the biggest difference is the declining number of people having their milk delivered.
"I used to deliver to every house in the street but now most people get their milk from the supermarket.
"I have had some wonderful customers over the years and I am very grateful for their support," said Norman, who has two daughters and a grandson and now plans to take up building work in his spare time.
