Oldest milkman in the West celebrates 90th birthday… by doing milk round
Milk delivery veteran Derek Arch has been at the job for 76 years after delivering his first bottle as a schoolboy of 14 in 1942
THE oldest milkman in the West is celebrating his 90th birthday today — by starting his round at 5.30am like he has done for 76 years.
Derek Arch delivered his first bottle as a schoolboy of 14 in 1942.
He said: “I won’t stop until I drop down dead on someone’s doorstep.
“My wife likes me working because it keeps me out of the house.”
His grandad founded the Coventry business, D Arch and Son, in 1873.
Derek added: “Some of my customers I’ve served for 60 years.
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“We’ve saved about four elderly people’s lives in our time — they’ve collapsed indoors and I’ve found them.”
He now delivers with son Stuart on their 1950s float — with business booming as customers return to using glass bottles to cut plastic waste.
Stuart, 59, said: “I’m proud of Dad — working keeps him fit and young.”