Milkman Of The Year 2009
UK - Ian Kay is celebrating having beaten thousands of entrants to win the much-coveted title of Milkman of the Year 2009.
22 December 2009
2 minute read
Ian, aged 41 was nominated by hundreds of his loyal customers, and judged by a panel including representatives from Dairy UK and Highland Spring. The awards showcase the very best in the industry, and provide a great opportunity to remind the public of the heritage of the milkman and how they are a unique part of British culture. Ian fought off fierce competition from his fellow finalists, Graham Heasman, Ian Smith and Kevin Roberts to scoop the title.
For the past 24 years, come rain or shine, milkman Ian has delivered thousands of pints of milk a week to his customers in the areas of Highfield and Winstanley. While the rest of us sleep, Ian arrives at the depot at 1:30am, ready to load his float with milk and other groceries to be delivered straight to his 472 customers’ doors. His devotion to the job, friendly, cheery smile and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in his local community has won the judges approval.
Newly crowned Milkman of the Year 2009 Ian said, “I am over the moon and absolutely delighted to have won the title! The competition is about having the best customers, and not just about being the best milkman. I see my customers as friends, and have built up a great rapport with them over the years. Because I start my round so early in the morning, I really am the eyes and ears of the community. I want to thank my customers for all their support, and look forward to sharing my news with them.”
Edmund Proffitt, Processing Manager for Dairy UK and the awards organiser says, “Ian is what the milk industry is all about. His customers are his friends and he always goes that extra mile to keep them safe and happy. He relishes the community spirit and has lots of passion and enthusiasm for the job. The country’s milkmen deliver much more than just milk - from groceries to gifts and hampers. They are the familiar trustworthy doorstep delivery service that many of our customers, especially the housebound, rely on. Ian is a great ambassador for our industry and I wish him well for the next year in his new role!”
Runners up are Graham Heasman, a Dairy Crest milkman from Tunbridge Wells, Ian Smith, a milkman from Swadlincote and Kevin Roberts, a BMB milkman from Anglesey.
TheCattleSite News Desk
