50 years flies by for dedicated Alf.

Byline: Jon Griffin

HARD-working pensioner Alf Hodson can't bear the thought of retirement - even after 50 years at the same firm.

The 66-year-old has spent the whole of his working life aS t the same Birmingham company, and is looking forward to many more years at the grindstone.

Alf, who started as an apprentice in August 1959, clocked up half a century this week at Reynolds Technology Ltd in Hall GreenS after following in the footsteps of his late father Alf.

Alf senior finally retired after 34 years at the firm, then called TI Reynolds Cycle, in 1969, leaving his son to carry on the proud family tradition of lengthy service.

Alf, of Hiker Grove, Chelmsley Wood, said: "I want to carry on at work - I still enjoy the job and as long as I am fit and able, and they still want me, I will do so.

"I enjoy the job - we have a good laugh at times which makes a heck of a difference. They are a decent bunch here."

Alf still puts in a four and a half day week at the Hall Green firm, which produces bicycle tubing equipment for the likes of Tour de France champions such as Eddy Merckx and Greg LeMond.

"I was originally an apprentice for two years, worked as a setter and now I work on the cutting machines.

"I suppose there is going to come a time when I have to call it a day. But you have to keep yourself occupied.

"If you are fit and active, why shouldn't you carry on? I would get bored if I didn't have anything to do."

Reynolds Technology managing director Keith Noronha said: "Technically, Alf should have retired last year but chose to stay on.

"We have mutually agreed that as long as Alf wants to get up in the morning and come in here, then we can still use his skills.

"As far as we are concerned, the arrangement is open-ended and will carry on for as long as it works for both sides."

Colleagues presented Alf, whose wife Margaret works part-time for Solihull Health Care, with a silver bracelet and pounds 50 in gift vouchers at a pub lunch to mark his 50 years.

CAPTION(S):

Carrying on: Sixty-six-year-old Alf Hodgson (right) receives his award from MD Keith Noronha.