A popular and loyal mechanic who completed 50 years’ of service has retired from a West Midlands motors business.
The workshop at Wolverhampton Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, came to a standstill as colleagues saw Peter Tailor receive a presentation watch from Brand Manager Paul Cooper.
Trust Group directors along with Peter’s wife of 43 years and two grown up sons joined in the celebrations.
Peter, 65 from Birstall in Leicestershire, said: “I’ve had the most amazing 50 years, and I wouldn’t have changed any of it.
“Everyone at Wolverhampton Volkswagen is brilliant to work with, from colleagues in the workshop right up to the senior management. I have always been treated like part of the family. I’m really going to miss them all.”
Brand Manager Paul Cooper said: “Pete is a great guy and very, very popular in the business.
“I hope we gave him a fitting send-off. One of Pete’s former apprentices Dean Beddows – who is now our Service Manager – was also there, so his legacy lives on.”
Pete is originally from Kenya and came to Wolverhampton with his family in 1965. After just nine months in school, but failing to settle, he decided to look for a job.
“My father wouldn’t allow me to work at a factory, which is what I planned to do,” said Pete. “But I used to tat about with cars back in Kenya, so that led me to get a job in the motor trade.”
His long career began as a panel beater at Wolverhampton Motor Services, the site of the current Wolverhampton Volkswagen, earning one pound 11 shillings a week. Hard work and dedication paid off and he was offered an apprenticeship as a mechanic, attending Wulfrun College to complete his City & Guilds Parts I and II.
Still not quite 20 years old, Pete qualified as an MOT tester and continued making a name for himself as an honest and reliable member of staff. As changes to the business followed over the years, including a franchise change and new owners, Pete was able to carry with him his continued service. The Trust Group took over the business in March 2006.
Despite climbing the ladder to workshop foreman, Pete was always happiest as a mechanic, and that’s the position he held at the end of his career.
And despite moving house to Leicester in 2008, Pete continued to work at the Wolverhampton dealership, staying with his mother – who still lives in the town – during the week.
“I’ve had a wonderful time,” added Peter, “and made some great friends. The whole of the workshop gathered for my send off and one of the guys said ‘the legend is gone’.
“But I’m really looking forward to spending lots of quality time with my wife Avantika and our two young grandsons.”
Avantika added: “I can’t wait to spend some time with him now he’s retired. He has always worked so hard and been such a loyal staff member that it will be lovely to finally have him to myself.”