“END OF AN ERA”

The end of an era is often hard to describe in words, but when you see one, you surely know what it is.

Friday 28 November 2025 is truly the end of an era. After 38 years working in JM&W DARLING, my dear cousin is retiring. Jacks, as I have always called her, is hanging up her many ‘pharmacy’ boots and is going to enjoy her much deserved retirement in Cornwall.

Over those many years, she has had a range of roles, job descriptions and titles, none of which either individually or even collectively get close to explaining how important and essential she has been to the development, running and continued success of our family business which has sought to serve South Tyneside to the best of our ability.

There is almost no aspect of the business that has not benefitted from her hard work and loyalty. I saw at first hand, how much my dear late parents came to rely on her, as she tirelessly went about her many and diverse duties. She was a huge support to them both in their twilight years, months and days, and I will be forever in her debt for the love, care and security she provided to them with both Paul and I living in London.

Similarly, she was a cornerstone when the responsibility of running the business landed on my late brother Paul’s shoulders. Jacks was at the heart of everything. I used to think of her as the glue that was at the very core of the business and its continued success.

Since Paul’s untimely and tragic death. I cannot easily find the words to describe how important she has been to the smooth running of JM&W and to describe just how much her astonishing work ethic has helped me through those difficult days.

Jacks, none of this would have been possible without you. You are too modest a person to realise just how fundamental you have been for our company. You are much loved, and you will be sorely missed. If anyone has ever truly earned their retirement, it is certainly you. I wish you all the happiness in the world as you bring down the curtain of life at Darlings and begin the next phase of your life. Thank you so much for everything you have done so seamlessly over so many years. It is simply the end of an era.

Ian