The concept of a milkman dropping off jugs of farm-fresh milk and cream on the doorstep seems old fashioned, but it’s still something that happens in villages and small towns around the world. One such village is the centuries-old cathedral city of St. Albans, about 20 miles northwest of London, England.
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For the past 47 years, Michael Tutton MBE has filled that role, but he’s also meant much more to residents. Each day, “Mick the Milk” was up before dawn to load his milk float, then he’d visit with residents as he made his rounds. While he delivered milk, eggs, and other necessary items, he also dispensed wisdom, laughter, and kindness.
No family milestone went unnoticed by the attentive milkman. If someone had a birthday, he left a small piece of candy or special yogurt on their stoop. He loved doing charity runs and other events, raising thousands of dollars over the years that went right back into the community. Even the local dogs love Mick!
In 2023, Mick’s long tenure as unofficial guardian and grandfather to St. Albans came to an end. His milk float was damaged beyond repair, and he decided it was time to retire. Naturally, his beloved residents couldn’t let him go without a proper send off!
Without telling him, they started a GoFundMe and planned a big party at the Portland Arms, their local pub. Mick couldn’t believe it when more than 200 people showed up to present him with a check for over £15,000 (about $19,329)!
“The local community captured our love for Mick as one of the family,” said Kate Crick, or organized Mick’s retirement party. “All of us were so proud to reflect the one-man cradle to the grave care that Mick has given us over 47 years.”
Mick’s wife Jane, daughter Lorna, and granddaughter Florence were able to attend the party, and a good time was had by all! Mick was moved by the support of his community, and sad to bid farewell to a job that has meant much more to him than income.
“It was amazing, a joy,” he said. “They told me it would be a few people but then suggested a few more, and I was quite overwhelmed by how many actually turned up. It was very emotional.”
“I’m definitely going to keep in touch with everybody I can,” he continued. “My heart is there. But if I go for all the cups of teas that I’ve been invited to I’ll never see home again!”
We’re certain that’s true!
It’s clear that this milkman made a huge impact on the world around him, simply by being kind, caring, and considerate of others. Congratulations on nearly 50 years on the job, Mick!
You can find the source of this article’s featured image here.
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