Worker retires after 50 years at Blackburn envelope factory (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Worker retires after 50 years at Blackburn envelope factory

3:43pm Thursday 20th December 2012 in Blackburn

A FACTORY worker “sealed” a well-earned retirement after a 50-year career at an envelope factory.

As tradition dictates, Richard Gregory finally “folded” his working career on his 65th birthday after half-century as a machine adjuster at Blackburn-based Heritage Envelopes.

Richard, who lives in Eccleshill with wife Jennifer and has two grown up daughters, began his working life around the time The Beatles released their first single when the firm was known as Chapman’s. He continued there when it was taken over in 1999 and became Heritage.

He said: “I started in 1962 after leaving school in Darwen. I’ve enjoyed my working life, I must have done to stay this long.

“It wasn’t by intention, but it worked out quite neatly to finish after 50 years when I turned 65.

“The thing I will miss most is seeing my colleagues every day, you develop a lot of friendships and I enjoyed the banter.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with Jennifer at our holiday home at St Bees in the Lake District and will hopefully get chance to do a lot more gardening and reading.”

Heritage CEO, Mark Sears, said: “It’s pretty special for someone to clock up 50 years at the same place.

“Richard has been a hardworking, loyal employee, a real credit to himself and the firm.

“Everyone here wishes him a long and happy retirement.”

Again, keeping with time-honoured tradition, Richard was presented with a gold watch by colleagues on his final day.

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