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Ray Fisher signs off from his job at Arkell's Brewery in the traditional manner

A POPULAR and longstanding employee of Arkell's Brewery has finally called time.

Friends, colleagues and family of Ray Fisher gathered to toast his the end of his long spell as finance director at the brewery.

The 62-year-old councillor for St Margaret ward, and former mayor, joined the firm in 1974.

And on Friday the brewery, his second family according to wife Christine, threw a party for him in its cellar bar.

Managing director James Arkell paid tribute to Ray's hard work, in a speech delivered from, appropriately enough, behind a bar.

His speech began with the ringing of a bell.

He said: "It's very appropriate that I should ring a bell - time gentlemen, please - as today it is time for Ray, after 34 years of service to Arkells.

"Ray came to work at Arkells in 1974, first as accountant then as company secretary, although it was such a long time ago none of us can really remember.

"What is important, however, is that he was the first non-Arkell family member to become a full member of the board because we thought so much of him - and still do.

"The brewery really won't be the same without him."

Ray said he was sad to be leaving but with his work as a councillor, and his charity commitments, he would still be keeping busy. He said: "It's been an absolutely great career and wonderful fun.

"It is simply one of the best jobs to have as an accountant - because, of course, I've had to regularly sample the product.

"Whilst 34 years seems a very long time, it's certainly not unusual at Arkell's, where if you're lucky enough to work here you do tend to stay. And I'm certainly not the longest-serving member of staff."

Ray moved to Swindon from London in 1968 to work at Roussel Laboratories before moving to Arkell's six years later.

Retiring a few years early, Ray has cited the huge increase in Government red tape as contributing to his decision.

He said: "It's got absolutely ridiculous recently - many of these rules and regulations take so long to comply with and in the grand scheme of things mean absolutely nothing at all.

"It's very difficult for every business, large and small; it's so time-consuming and does nothing to contribute to the success of the company."

Barry Russell is the man who will be replacing Ray. He said: "I know I've got some big shoes to fill - Ray was obviously a very popular and effective finance director."

8:45pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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