T&R Theakston is celebrating the life's work of employee Mike Kitching who retires from the business this month after 50 years of service.
One of the longest serving current employees of the brewery, Mike joined Theakston’s in 1974 and began his career working on the hand-filled bottling line then used at the almost 200-year-old brewery.
Later moving to the Transport Department to become one of the Masham drays, Mike delivered Theakston’s iconic beers to loyal customers throughout Yorkshire for over 40 years.
His dedication to the family brewery withstood a number of changes including the acquisition by Matthew Brown PLC in 1984, who in turn were taken over by Scottish and Newcastle in 1987 before the brewery’s safe return to family control, when Simon Theakston with his brothers bought back the family company in 2003.
Since then, Mike has worked in the brewery, on the racking lines, a role he held until his retirement.
Simon Theakston, Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, said of Mike’s time with the business:
“Always with a winning smile, and a cheerful disposition, Mike has had a wonderful career, dedicated to the service of our company and customers for 50 years.
"He goes to a richly deserved retirement with the very best wishes and grateful thanks from my family and all our colleagues past and present.”
Mike said:
“On joining the brewery aged 16, I didn’t imagine I’d still be here half a century later.
"I’d like to thank the company for welcoming me into the family all those years ago and I’m honoured to have spent my working life with a business which is so passionate about not only its products but its people too.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
