'End of an era' as bus builder retires after 50 years

Nigel Brown completed his last shift at Oxford Bus Company after 50 years

The retirement of a bus and coach builder who has worked at the same company for 50 years has been described as "the end of an era".

Nigel Brown, 66, started his role as an apprentice coach builder for Oxford Bus Company in the summer of 1974, just days after leaving Headington Senior School.

For half a century he has kept its fleet in good working order, both mechanically or structurally, the firm said.

Company managing director Luke Marion said he had been "essential in keeping Oxfordshire’s roads moving".

Oxford Bus Company says they wish Nigel "the very best for a long and deserved retirement”

Since he completed his apprenticeship Mr Brown has worked on every vehicle operated by the firm - even meeting Prime Ministers during their visits.

Now the father-of-two said he has decided to hang up his overalls.

"My dad told me I had to get a proper job after school and that’s exactly what I did," he said.

“I’m not the biggest person in the world, on my first day no overalls in the depot were small enough to fit me.

"I was so keen to get started I told my supervisor at the time I didn’t need overalls – I just wanted to start work."

'A close friend'

Mr Brown started his final day at BBC Radio Oxford, where the production team held a surprise on-air retirement party featuring messages from his colleagues.

The first to congratulate him was Mark Bowyer, who joined the company’s coach building team in 1976 – two years after Nigel’s first day.

Mr Bowyer said: “It’s the end of an era,

“It’s been great working with and knowing Nigel who’s become a close friend.”

Engineering manager Wayne McKay said: “Working with Nigel for the last 30 years has been a pleasure and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Mr Brown added: "Choosing to retire wasn’t an easy decision but I’m very grateful for my time with Oxford Bus Company and the people I’ve worked with."