After two years of service at Tewkesbury Abbey, labradors Eric and Flo will be retiring from their roles as Assistant Vergers to enjoy a relaxing retirement at home.
Eric, 11, and Flo, 10, belong to the Abbey’s Head Verger, Chris Skepper, who originally asked if he could bring his labradors to the Abbey with him on a short-term basis. Visitors are invited to meet Eric and Flo, and stroke them, if they would like to. They are so well behaved and provide a relaxing and calming environment for those who meet them.
Since Eric and Flo started working at the Abbey, they have been very popular, attracting visitors and media from across the world.
Chris Skepper said: “Eric and Flo really enjoy their work at the Abbey and get excited when I put their lanyards on them, they know exactly what they are going to be doing.
“I made the decision that it was time for Eric and Flo to retire from their full-time role due to their age, and how cold the Abbey gets over winter, but I’m sure they will both miss coming to work.
“Although they are retiring from their full-time roles, they may still visit the Abbey on occasion.”
The date for their retirement is Wednesday 1 October. Tewkesbury Abbey will be hosting a special retirement party for them at the Abbey from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, to which everyone is welcome – along with their pups.
Tewkesbury Abbey has always had an open policy with dogs, so although Eric and Flo are regular attendees at the Abbey, it was not new for dogs to be seen around the grounds.
Until their retirement Eric and Flo will be working their usual days of a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They can be found sat on their mat or walking around with Chris, so do make sure to visit them before their retirement. The Abbey is open from 9.30am to 4pm daily.
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