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News date: 15 November 2010
Monday was a day to remember for Hemel-born Ray Redding, who celebrated his retirement after working an astonishing 62 years in the same job, as a specialist in probates, will and trusts, in a firm of local solicitors that has been Pictons for the past 16 years.
Ray, a dapper 77 year old, has slowly decreased his office hours over the years and has been working just two mornings a week for a while, still a remarkable achievement for a man of his age. Born in Hemel in 1933, he has lived locally all of his life, and joined what was then Lovel Smeathman & Son (later Smeathmans) solicitors in 1948 at the age of 15.
Ray recalls, “I joined straight from school and just kept going. When Smeathmans merged with Pictons I was happy to keep working for the same firm and have been going great guns ever since. My clientele tended to be widows and I gave them lots of advice on everything from income tax to wills. Sadly most of my clients died before I retired.”
He is now looking forward to becoming a true gentleman of leisure. He says “Last winter was frightening for me. I realised I didn’t want to work through another bad winter, even though I am given a taxi to and from work.” Ray has always been energetic and in his youth would often go for country walks of 30-40 miles. He now tries to walk for an hour a day, which explains his remarkable fitness.
He is looking forward to reading his books, doing a spot of gardening and eating his son-in-law’s delicious food. Ray and his two children, a son and daughter, still live locally and he has a grand-daughter of 23.
John King, a Partner at Pictons and a long term colleague, pays tribute to Ray “The phrase ‘they don’t make them like that any more’ applies to Ray. He is truly unique. He turns up for work on the dot of 7.45, immaculately dressed, and works solidly with his pencil, paper and rubber. He is dedicated to his craft and we were so lucky to keep him when we merged with Smeathmans. He has been a great asset to Pictons and he will do anything to help anyone in the office. We will all miss him terribly, it just won’t be the same without Ray.”
Ray concludes “I was given a great send off by Pictons and I must admit I felt quite tearful. 62 years is a long time, but it has gone so quickly. I’m now looking forward to putting my feet up and taking things very easy – I’ve earned it!”
Ray (left) at his presentation with Managing Partner Roger Talbot
Frances Pardell
Tel:01582 537137
Mob: 07908 051600
E:frances@pardellpr.co.uk
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