Davina Bruce – Delivery Woman of the Year
Our doorstep milk delivery woman, Davina, has been nominated as one of the nation’s Dairy Heroes by The Grocer. In a challenging year for the industry, Davina stood out for her outstanding service during the coronavirus pandemic. For more than 40 years, Davina Bruce has been turning up at the McQueens Dairies depot in Kirkcaldy, Fife, to prepare for her doorstep milk delivery round. Having originally helped out on her father’s milk float from the age of 12, Davina followed in his footsteps.
Keeping the doorstep milk deliveries in the family
Her passion for delivering fresh milk, eggs and fruit juices to the people of Kirkcaldy continues to be a family affair. Davina’s son Bob – who joined McQueens in 2011, was promoted to depot manager at the start of this year.
“He’s not bad. Sometimes he can get a wee bit stressed,” Davina, 61, explains down the line from her home in central Fife. “He doesn’t tell me what to do because he knows I’ve done the job for so long I don’t need to be told.” When the pandemic took hold, she saw her doorstep milk delivery round go up in both size and length of time as more people signed up for deliveries. Customers were also adding extra products to their orders which was new. That surge in demand has continued into the autumn.
“Every week, new runs are getting made and new drivers are getting started. Things are picking up, and sometimes you don’t have enough hands,” she explains. “During the lockdown, when everyone was upping their orders, sometimes I’d have to do 2 runs to the door as I couldn’t carry it all. I’m quite wee, but I’ve got extra-long arms now.”
Staying Safe during Lockdown
While business has been booming for milk deliveries, coronavirus rules did mean Davina wasn’t able to see her two grandchildren. So when restrictions eased and she got to see them again, it was what she describes as her “biggest high”.
“It was brilliant getting extra-tight hugs. I’d missed their cuddles. I used to see them every day. It was a big wrench when I could only get to see them through the window.” “My spirits were kept high and you would get drawings and thank-yous. Kids would be writing on the paths with chalk saying thank you for their doorstep milk deliveries. It was brilliant and really touching.”
Davina’s Doorstep Milk Deliveries
It’s not just Davina’s doorstep milk delivery customers who appreciate her. McQueens Dairies chairman Mick McQueen describes her as “a shining example and a model employee” who never takes a day off. “Our customers love her to bits.”
Last year Davina celebrated her 60th birthday and was presented with a gift by Mick and Meg McQueen and the company nominated her as their Women of the Year So, after more than 40 years of delivering milk and groceries under her belt, will Davina be hanging up her boots any time soon?
“Some days it’s really hard going,” she says. “Particularly in the winter with the dark nights. I always say I’m definitely not doing another winter, but I’m still here – and we’re coming into the winter again.”
We hope it’s a long time yet before Davina retires and we are delighted with her amazing recognition in The Grocer.
Join thousands of happy McQueens Dairies customers and enjoy fresh daily milk delivered straight to your doorstep before 7am with our local milkmen. Add on alternative milk, yoghurt, juice or just choose a milk and eggs delivery. Place your order in our online shop.
