CURRENT and former work colleagues gathered at Chorley Nissan in Burnley to bid a fond farewell to Alan Richardson who has retired after nearly 50 years’ continuous service.
The retirement bash also doubled as a 70th birthday party for the expert car paint sprayer who has worked his magic repairing thousands of cars, from minor scratches to major all-over resprays.
After serving as an apprentice Alan became a car paint sprayer in 1969, a job he did for more than 30 years. Perhaps no surprise as art was one of his favourite lessons at school!
For the past 15 years Alan has been the ‘face of the dealership’ by delivering and collecting customers’ cars across the Burnley area, as well as valeting them.
Alan, whose plans for retirement include travelling overseas, said: “I’m going to miss my job and my colleagues, especially the daily banter, but I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
Befitting his love for classic cars, Chorley Nissan have booked a weekend in the capital for Alan and his wife with tickets to The London Classic Car Show.
Jason Slattery, Service Manager at Chorley Nissan in Burnley, said: “The fact that so many colleagues past and present came to Alan’s joint retirement and birthday bash is testament to how well liked and respected he is. Having it as a birthday party also gave an opportunity for many to say goodbye before he officially retires near the end of the month.
“And while we wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement we will be very sad to see him go.”
