Dennis has spent fifty years sweet-talking farmers
Last updated 19:28, Friday, 26 September 2008
Dennis Holliday learned early on in his 50-year career how to sweet-talk farmers when he made a mistake.
It can take a lot of smoothing over when the wrong feed ends up in the wrong bin – but fortunately for Dennis, that has been a rare occurrence.
Lasting half a century in the same job is a testimony to his abilities and knowledge and the 66-year-old celebrated his longevity with staff at Carrs Billington in Cockermouth last week.
He started his first day at West Cumberland Farmers with a broom in his hand straight out of school at 16.
When it was taken over by Amalgamated Farmers, Dennis came with it.
And it was the same story when the feed and fertiliser business was bought by Carrs Billington in 2001.
Dennis, of Curzon Street, Maryport, now works three days a week and would only give it up if he thought he was keeping someone younger out of a job.
He said: “I think all my working life has been a heyday and I’ve enjoyed each of my 50 years.
“I always complain about not having enough money, just like a farmer.”
Two brothers were already employed on the family farm in Maryport when he left school and there was no room for another son so he did the next best thing to stay in the industry.
He added: “I was quite happy to plod along as a worker.
“I have made a few mistakes in my time but I could always sweet-talk the farmers.”
When promoted to the office, Dennis would avoid answering the phone because he did not have one at home and felt uncomfortable using it.
Prices have changed dramatically since he started. Fertiliser used to sell for less than £50 a tonne – today, it costs between £400 and £500 a tonne.
He has seen several generations grow into farmers.
“I’ve seen a lot of youngsters grow up and become farmers with families of their own and I’ve seen their sons grow up.”
Outside of work, he loves gardening and is Methodist congregation member.
Staff paid for a weekend in London for Dennis and his wife Jennifer to mark his 50 years of service.
