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Bournemouth man retires after 50 years of service at BPE Signs
A Bournemouth man enjoyed a party to celebrate his retirement after 50 years of service at a signage firm. Mel Harris, who joined BPE Signs based on Wharfdale Service Road as an apprentice in 1966, was joined by his friends for a party at Patrick’s Restaurant, Bar and Event Catering in Parkstone. Both past and present colleagues came along for the event to comment Mel for his fantastic achievement and dedication to the business.
He said that his brother, Mike, had got him the job at BPE Signs five decades ago, starting out by making the tea and finishing his career by heading up the design team. Andrew Bennington-James, managing director of BPE Signs, said: "It has been a pleasure working with Mel since I bought the company eight years ago. "Mel is someone who has been there since his mid teens and it’s the only job he is ever had in his working career, something that I will probably never come across again." "I speak for everyone when I say that Mel will be missed but also we know he will enjoy his retirement."
Mel said that as the years have gone by, BPE Signs have brought in work from big businesses including KFC, causing the firm to make signs and fix them abroad. Despite the firm being based in Bournemouth, Mel travelled to many countries including Spain, France, Germany, Holland and Russia. Outside of work, he is a self-taught guitar player and was a member of several bands and he would perform in gigs up to three or four times a week.
His wife, Jill, added: "Through all the highs and lows, Mel has remained a dedicated, loyal and trusted worker, taking pride in his work and doing his best. "Family life has always been important to him. We now have 10 grandchildren between us so he is looking forward to a more relaxing time with spent with family."
BPE Signs
http://www.bpesigns.co.uk.
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