Dennis McGinn, 65, and Philip Ball, 64, who both live in Falmouth, began their well-deserved retirements after 49 and 48 years respectively at the docks.
Pipework supervisor Dennis started work at the docks as an apprentice in September 1963, and hung up his safety helmet and famous chinstrap for the final time last week.
Paul Kneebone, HR manager, said: “Dennis will always be remembered for his total commitment to the job. Once he was on holiday at Butlins and sent a postcard to his workmates in the yard with work instructions included on the bottom.
“We would also like to thank Mrs McGinn, who one evening, answered the telephone to one of the shift workers in the workshop and was able to answer the technical query and solve the problem without even asking Dennis.”
Phil, an electrician, began as an apprentice in April 1964. Electrical manager Mark Terrell paid tribute to the quality of Phil’s work, his great attention to detail, and his reputation for fearlessly working at great heights.
For the past decade, Phil has been the mainstay of the yard’s electrical maintenance, ensuring essential equipment was in working order – and some not so vital equipment, including the office kettles.
In the past year 15 people have retired from A&P Falmouth – between them accumulating more than 515 years of employment.
Peter Child, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth, said: “Our most important asset is our people and we are proud to have such a loyal and settled workforce, many of whom have worked here for generations.
“Over the next six years more than 60 employees are due to retire and one of our ongoing challenges is to recruit and train their replacements.
“Dennis and Phil are two of our longest-serving employees – 48 and 49 years is a lengthy time by anyone’s standards - and we are honoured they have been with us for so long.
“We are really grateful to Dennis and Phil for all their years of hard work, and wish them a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement.”
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