Mechanic celebrates 49 years with surprise retirement party

Mechanic celebrates 49 years with surprise retirement party

3rd September 2015

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A BODYSHOP technician is hanging up his tools after almost half a century of mending the region’s damaged vehicles.

David Saunders was thrown a surprise retirement party by his friends and colleagues at Vauxhall dealership Sherwoods as he celebrated his 65th birthday and last day at work after 49.

Joining in the celebration was Sherwoods’ latest recruit Neil Hartley who had been with Sherwoods just 49 hours.

Darlington-born and bred David joined Sherwoods as a workshop technician in 1966 after attending Albert Road Secondary Modern School and Darlington College.

“I remember the first car I worked on was an FB Model Victor and since then I have worked on pretty much everything,” he said. “You find all sorts in people’s cars. I once came across a hamster in a cage in the boot.”

Married to Carol, a resources officer at Carmel College, she will also welcome the break as she has made sandwiches for him every day for decades.

A keen cyclist, David loves riding his mountain bike and has already completed the gruelling 180 mile coast to coast ride. He plans to spend his time riding and also has an eye on taking a world cruise.

Sherwoods managing director Alasdair MacConachie said: “David has done a fantastic job for us over his career.

“He has seen a great deal of change in his time since starting at our Grange Road site and finishing at the newly refurbished Chesnut Street complex. He has been a super friend and colleague and will be greatly missed.”

David handed over the mantle of longest serving member of staff to housekeeper Steve Watkins, now the last person to have worked at the old Grange Road dealership.

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