Heathfield’s ‘national treasure’ Simon Hudson announces retirement.

Heathfield’s ‘national treasure’ Simon Hudson announces retirement.

Simon Hudson has been the welcoming face of Waitrose Heathfield since its opening on 23 September 2015 but, after eight years’ of service Simon will finally say his goodbyes after he has worked his last day later this month. Regulars to the store will have enjoyed his customary friendly greeting, engaging chat and his willingness to go above and beyond. Social media has long been full of praise for him and the love and appreciation felt for him palpable. He will be missed.

Born in Pembury Hospital he grew up in Cranbrook and used to visit Heathfield in his youth for table tennis matches in the 1970s. He now lives in Horam.

Simon’s early working life was spent in the civil service. Then as a registrar for births, deaths and marriages, followed by a period as an administrator for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, an organisation which gives advice on the repair of old buildings. In fact, conservation is one of Simon’s passions, in particular old windmills and watermills. He is even a member of a group that owns and runs a working windmill at Wicken in Cambridgeshire, milling and producing flour to this day.  A big dream is to see the windmill at Cross-in-Hand repaired.

Many people will also know Simon from his involvement in the Cake & Wine Club Choir and the Young at Heart Community Club Charity. Simon intends to expand his volunteering in retirement and in October he will be launching ‘Simon Shopping for You’ a FREE shopping service for anyone who needs help to pick up provisions, prescriptions or other items. All he will ask for is some petrol expenses. Anyone interested in the service can contact him via simonshoppingforyou@gmail.com

Simon commented: “ Living and working in Heathfield has been a pleasure and a privilege. Getting to know a wide range of people in the town has been very rewarding. Heathfield is such a friendly place it feels like coming home again. In my retirement I hope to continue to be part of the community and I look forward to bumping into many friends on my travels around town.”

We all wish Simon an enjoyable retirement and look forward to reporting on his future projects!