Farewell to a man who was the driving force at car dealership

A car deliverer had a triple celebration when he celebrated his 70th birthday, retirement and his Sapphire wedding anniversary all in the same month.
Saying farewell to Alan are (back, from left) Sales Director Adam Turner, HR Director Stacey Turner. (front, from left) Chorley Group Chairman Andrew Turner, Alan, Managing Director Pauline Turner, Finance Director Hilary Nicol and Addison Turner who is Adam's son.Saying farewell to Alan are (back, from left) Sales Director Adam Turner, HR Director Stacey Turner. (front, from left) Chorley Group Chairman Andrew Turner, Alan, Managing Director Pauline Turner, Finance Director Hilary Nicol and Addison Turner who is Adam's son.
Saying farewell to Alan are (back, from left) Sales Director Adam Turner, HR Director Stacey Turner. (front, from left) Chorley Group Chairman Andrew Turner, Alan, Managing Director Pauline Turner, Finance Director Hilary Nicol and Addison Turner who is Adam's son.

Alan Richardson has hung up his keys for the last time after 50 years of service with the Chorley Group Nissan.

And he got the surprise of his life when the company's managing director Adam Turner arrived at his house in Burnley in a Bentley to collect him and his wife Helen for a surprise 70th birthday party and retirement celebration.

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Alan said they had got dressed up for a family portrait but instead they were taken to the Westgate Chorley Nissan dealership, where he works, for a surprise buffet lunch and many of his colleagues and customers, past and present, had gathered to wish him well.

Alan started as an apprentice back in 1969 and trained as a car paint sprayer, which he did for over 30 years. For the past 15 years Alan has been busy collecting and delivering customers’ cars around Burnley and across Lancashire.

He said he felt very humble when he saw so many people had gathered to say goodbye.

He said: “I was chuffed to bits to see everyone. Working for Chorley Nissan has been a great experience and they have been very generous to me over the years. I’m going to miss my job and my colleagues very much, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

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Alan, who has never had a passport, said one of his plans for retirement is to do some travelling abroad with his wife.

He said: “My wife has always done trips abroad with our daughter Lyndsey but I’ve stayed at home to look after the house and dog and TV remote control. "They’ve been away more than I have although we’ve had lots of great holidays in Scotland over the past 18 years and we’ve met some really nice people, but I’ve never been overseas."

Chorley Group Sales Director Adam Turner said: “Alan’s service is unprecedented in our business, not only has he achieved 48 unblemished years with the business, his performance and contributions have been exemplary. He always goes the extra mile for his customers, and is loved by all who work with him.

"He is a credit to us, and we will miss him dearly.”

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