Havant woman works her final day at SSE after 43-year employment at the firm

Lynda Eames, from Havant, had her final day at SSE on Thursday, December 12.

The 61-year-old was born in West Ham, but moved to Havant 50 years ago where she attended Oak Park School and Havant College.

After a year of studying at the college, Lynda started her role in the dispatch department at the firm on July 5 1976 at just 17 years old and has worked at the firm ever since.

She says she has many fond memories of working with the business, especially meeting many friends over the years.

She also said she has seen many changes to the industry during her time working for the company, which is based in Havant.

She said: ‘People can’t believe it when I tell them what it was like when I first starting working here. There was smoking in the office and we used to get paid weekly by cash in little brown envelopes.

‘Back when she started working for the company, everything was done on paper and when the 80’s hit, the office had just one computer for everyone.’

Lynda said she was worried about getting emotional on her last day and said: ‘I had the tissues ready.

‘It was a nice day in the end. I had a few tears but lots of laughter and sharing happy memories. They did a speech for me and i got lots of presents too.

‘I had mixed emotions about leaving but overall it was a nice day in the end.’

Lynda’s husband, Mark also retired this year and the two of them are looking forward to life after work but have plans to both remain busy.

They are hoping to work on their bungalow and garden together, as well as visit friends in Australia.

They will also continue with their hobbies together during their retirement, as Lynda enjoys dancing and Mark spends his time watching driving events for vintage cars including hill climb events.