A TRANSPORT manager who’s worked at the same company since he left school nearly half a century ago is finally accepting it’s time to take retirement - though he still loves going into work every day.

Barry French began working at R and J Masters back when he was only 17.

In the 49 years since, the company - now known as Tap Freight based at Carlton Industrial Estate - has seen many changes, yet through it all Barry has been there, working as a driver, transport manager and for a time in the 90s even managing director.

The 66-year-old loyal employee has adored his work throughout, though has now admitted it’s time to pack it in.

His wife, 67-year-old Shirley - who also worked at the company for around 30 years - told the Chronicle: “It’s taken me a long time to get him to agree to retirement.

“I think he’d stay there for as long as he could hold a pencil - he just loves it.

“He loves transport and logistics and likes looking after all drivers.”

Barry’s final day will be on December 20 and the couple are now planning a trip to Portugal, where Barry has always loved to visit.

As happy as Shirley is that her husband is finally taking some time for himself, she has been emotional about the departure and reached out to the Chronicle without letting her husband know in hopes of surprising him and as a way of saying thank you.

“I just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work and long hours,” she added.

“And thanks for keeping us in a life we’re accustomed to - he’s an amazing man.

“He worked extremely hard through the pandemic - it’s probably the hardest he’s ever worked.

“It’s his time now and he deserves retirement.”