Oxford Bus Company (OBC) has said goodbye to coachbuilder Nigel Brown, who retired from the position of coachbuilder after over 50 years’ service to the Go-Ahead subsidiary and its predecessors.
Mr Brown, 66, began work with the operator in 1974 as an apprentice coachbuilder, “just 66 hours after leaving Headington Senior School as a teenager,” OBC says. Upon completion of his career he departed the Cowley headquarters for a final time to congratulations and applause from colleagues, some of whom have worked with him for over 40 years.
That last day began with a visit to BBC Radio Oxford’s studios, where Mr Brown was a special guest on the daytime show. A surprise retirement party was held on air, including messages of congratulation. Among those was one from Mark Bowyer, who joined the operator’s coachbuilding team two years after Mr Brown.
Reflecting on his over-50-year career, he says: “My dad told me to get a proper job after school. And that is exactly what I did. I am not the biggest person in the world, and on my first day no overalls at the depot were small enough to fit me.
“I was so keen to get started I told me supervisor at the time I didn’t need overalls – I just wanted to start work. So much has changed since my first day. The buses we operate today are unrecognisable to what people travelled on in the 1970s – they are fully electric with power steering and brakes.
“It would be impossible to stay in work for 50 years with the same company and not enjoy it. I will really miss the problem solving, camaraderie, and people. Choosing to retire wasn’t an easy decision, but I am very grateful for my time with Oxford Bus Company and the people I have worked with.”
OBC Managing Director Luke Marion has acknowledged Mr Brown’s long service and contribution to the operator’s success. “A huge thank you to Nigel for everything he has achieved with Oxford Bus Company since joining the team 50 years ago.
“Not only is Nigel’s 50-year employment incredible, but also the eternal enthusiasm for the job which he articulated perfectly to the team before hanging up his overalls. The role of Nigel and his colleagues is essential in keeping Oxfordshire’s roads moving so everyone can continue with their day-to-day routines.
“We wish Nigel and his family the very best for a long and deserved retirement.”
