Presentation to Mr. Thomas Stoddart at Gray's Shipyard, marking his 52 years service with the firm.
"Almost a unique record" was how Mr A.C. Waddy of Messers Wm Gray & Co, West Hartlepool, described Mr Thomas Stoddart's service with the firm when he presented him with a wallet of notes from colleagues and a cheque from the company yesterday.
Mr. Stoddart, a Head Iron Worker, is to retire on Thursday. Mr. Waddy said that Mr. Stoddart had been with the firm for 52 years - for 44 years of that time as a foreman. Starting with the firm as a boy candle minder, Mr. Stoddart was appointed Charge-Hand over apprentices during the Boilermaker's lockout in 1910. During his long service with Messers Gray, he has often travelled the continent seeking orders for repair work."
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