Newbury Boots pharmacy dispenser bids fond farewell after more than 40 years at the Northbrook Street store

After more than 40 years as the face of the pharmacy, one Newbury dispenser is hanging up his gloves, writes Daria Zapodeanu.

Andy Paczko, 65, has worked for the Boots pharmacy since 1982 and said a lot has changed over the years.

But, after working every day throughout the Covid pandemic, Mr Paczko has decided to take early retirement and enjoy some time travelling to see family and friends in Poland and Portugal.

Prior to him joining the team at Boots, Mr Paczko undertook a three year course in pharmacy dispensing, but was discouraged by the low salaries available for his expertise.

So instead, he delved into management and security, before deciding to return to his roots and take up a post as a senior pharmacy dispenser at Boots, in Northbrook Street.

Mr Paczko, who grew up in Newbury and went to Turnpike School, described his environment as continually changing throughout the years, with colleagues coming and going and the system altering drastically.

But his smiling face was the one constant for staff and customers alike.

“I’ve worked here more than most of these girls have been alive for,” he laughed, as he reminisced on his long history with the company.

Mr Paczko has also witnessed changes in the pharmacy industry and said he missed the old practices of making up the ointments, creams and medicines.

“Now they all come in boxes,” he added.

Despite unwanted change, he said he can appreciate the highlights of his 40 year job, as he shared how the customers and staff members drove him to continue working for such a long period of time.

He said he “got so many wonderful wishes and presents” from the people he served, feeling appreciated as an important member of the community.

“It’s really, really unbelievable,” he said, as he reflected on all the kind farewells, cards and presents.

Colleague, pharmacist Claire Padersen, said they would all miss Mr Paczko’s jokes.

“He will be missed by everyone,” she added. “Customers will miss his football chat and the sofa in the staff room won’t be the same without him.”

And as he waved goodbye on Friday, Mr Paczko said: "There won't be many people that would do 40 years in the same job. I shall miss it.”