The Island’s longest-running fruit and veg wholesaler, DJ Hunt, is celebrating 60 years of continued service to the Isle of Wight – a milestone recognised by Red Funnel this week. Derek Hunt, the cross-Solent operator’s longest-standing freight customer, was welcomed aboard Red Osprey with his family and friends for a buffet reception on Thursday to celebrate his continued custom over 6 decades. Established in 1964, Rookley-based DJ Hunt remains a family-owned and operated business, delivering fresh produce all over the Island, in addition to home delivery. This week’s party was put on by Red Funnel’s Freight Team, as a thank you for the company’s continued custom. Fran Collins, Red Funnel’s CEO, wrote a thank you card to Derek, saying:
“I am honoured to extent our heart felt gratitude as you celebrate 60 years of travelling with Red Funnel. Your loalty has been a mainstay and inspiration to generations of our colleagues and customers, and its people like you htat make us love what we do. “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Here’s to 60 years of shared travel across the Solent!”
Speaking in 2015, when Red Funnel’s marked more than 50 years of custom, Derek said:
“A lot has changed since I first made my journey to the mainland. I loved the old ferries that I used to travel on, but the new ones are just super. “When I started travelling with Red Funnel I had to fight for a space on the 07:30 ferry on a Monday morning, as that’s when the first one left. Now it’s fantastic that there are so many early morning sailings to accommodate everyone. “Red Funnel has always been very good to me, and I’ve never had any disagreements with the company. I’m very impressed, and it means a lot to me that they’ve gone to so much effort for my party”.
Great ! And thanks very much for all the lovely vegetables over the years sir !…… bless ya ! ..
Congratulations to a super family and all the hard work. His son was kind enough to take the trouble to be a witness when someone bashed my car and ran off when I first came to the Island. Never forgot that. Hugs to all of you!
I wonder how many ‘sea’ miles he has done ???
liked his country music he had a few players come from the states to hisbarn, i remember him at redhill when we lived at southford
Well done Derek, 60 Years that’s great. My mum (Jean) worked in your shop good old days.
Pete Cave
Congratulations Derek, but, my how you have changed. I remember you from back in the days of triumphs, trouville and huckleberry hound. How the years have flown by. Race you to 90.
David Hunt