It was a momentous year in the heart of the Swinging 60s.
Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s war hero, died at the age of 90.
The Beatles released the film “Help!”, Stanley Matthews played his final First Division game at the age of 50 and Ronnie Biggs escaped from Wandsworth Prison.
And a 15-year-old lad called Melvyn Hill began work.
That was 1965 and now Melvyn is celebrating a golden anniversary not many reach.
The maintenance engineer thinks he has won the luck of the draw after celebrating 50 years in the same job.
It has been a labour of love for the 65-year-old from Holmfirth, who has been employed by Hepworth-based plastic pipe manufacturer Wavin since he turned 15, the same year Winston Churchill died and Thunderbirds went go.
Fresh out of Holmfirth High School, he took up an apprenticeship to become an engineer at the firm and has presided over the running of the machines ever since, while following a proud family tradition.
Melvyn, of Roaine Drive, said: “I think I’ve been very lucky with the job I chose – there aren’t a lot of people who get to stay in the same job.
“I followed in the footsteps of my dad and granddad who both worked for the company. It just seemed like the natural thing to do.
“After my apprenticeship I joined the maintenance team and am still in there now, looking after the machines and making improvements to them.”
Since he joined he has witnessed numerous changes in the company.
“When I started, the pipes were wheeled around on wheelbarrows but now everything like that is done by machines.
“At one point in the 1970s we had 2,000 people working here but then because of the increase of more automated machines this has decreased and now we have 110 working.
“Yes we have more robots to do work but I like it because these changes have made my work more interesting.
“It’s the variety of work I’ve done over the years and the people I’ve met that make me like it.”
Despite reaching retirement age, Melyvn has no plans to lay down his tools just yet.
“I’ve decided to carry on but on a part time basis doing 20 hours a week and we’ll see how it goes.
“It’s like being part of a big family.”
Do you know someone who has worked for the same firm for longer? Get in touch with the Newsdesk on 01484 437712 or email editorial@examiner.co.uk
