A driver with North Yorkshire company Armstrong Richardson has clocked up a major milestone – 50 years’ service.
The anniversary makes Dennis Tyerman the longest serving member of staff at the family-run pet and equestrian wholesalers in Stokesley – one of the oldest companies of its kind in the UK.
Since beginning his first shift for Armstrong Richardson in December 1966, the 70-year-old has driven more than 3,750,000 miles – equivalent to driving around the world 150 times.
When he climbed behind the wheel and drove a wagon out of the Armstrong Richardson depot for the first time, the number one song in the charts was Tom Jones’ The Green Green Grass of Home – quite appropriate given that Dennis was often miles away from his home in Stokesley, making deliveries across the UK.
A quick check in the motoring archives also reveals that the average cost of a new car in 1966 was £950 and a gallon of petrol was 5s 3d, which translates to 26p.
The dad-of-two officially retired when he was 65, but continues to work part time for Armstrong Richardson and these days you’ll find him behind the wheel of one of the company’s delivery vans instead of a HGV.
Dennis said: “I’m just really pleased to have been here as long as I have and to still be part of the team.”
Mark Jones, Director, said: “Fifty years with one company is a fantastic achievement and it is testament to the family atmosphere and great working environment we offer at Armstrong Richardson.
“A large number of the team have been here for many years and as a local family and local employer it’s something we take great pride in.”
The company, which began life in 1925, is owned by the Jones family and employs more than 250 people.
At the helm are brothers Craig, Nigel and Mark, with third generation Serena Jones heading up the company’s retail division, Millbry Hill.