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Under the hammer
4:20pm Wednesday 8th October 2008
BERNARD Eggleton believes the secret to a long and happy life is hard work.
That’s why, as well as celebrating his 80th birthday this week, he’s marking 65 years of employment behind the gavel as an auctioneer.
Bernard, of Hesketh Crescent, Old Town, says it’ll take more than old age to slow him down.
“Why would I want to give up work at 80?” he said.
“I’m young in mind and want to stay that way and the only way to do that is by working.
“I have had a wonderful life, I love to work and I am very much in love with my wife. I have two daughters and three grandchildren. I’m 80 years young really.”
Bernard, who celebrated his 56th wedding anniversary with wife Olivia this year, started full time work at 15 when his boss was injured.
“My employer, Claude Pells, broke his foot and told me I had to take his place at auction,” said Bernard.
“I had no choice really so I ran the auction and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Three years into his role Bernard was called up for national service and joined the RAF, where he was also a DJ.
“My favourite song was Fallen Leaves by Glenn Miller, and I really enjoyed that time as I was still able to work as an auctioneer at the same time.”
Among the weird and wonderful things Bernard has had under the hammer were chickens, turkeys and people.
“I have done a few auctions of promises too,” he said, “and have sold people and services for charity.”
In his time in Hook Village Hall auction house, Bernard has raised £50,000 for charity and although he admits the work can get a little much at times, he won’t give it up any time soon.
“Me and my brothers are all fit as fiddles.
“My older brother is 85, gave up work just last year and goes swimming in Southsea all the time.
“I’m the baby of the family so I have a while before I give up employment.”
Your Say YourSwindon
glad i left, lemesos says...
7:39pm Wed 8 Oct 08
let me tell you the secret to a healthy life... dont work.
i get up at about 9-10am after about 9 hours sleep. chill out with a bit of tv. a light lunch, down the dole office to show my face and see my mates. back for a couple of pints watch tv and in bed for about 10 pm. blood pressure is text book.
let me tell you a story, my dad worked hard and it killed him. he was a shepperd and was attcked by a rogue shire horse which trampled him to death. moral of the story, hard work kills you!
glad i left, lemesos says...
7:44pm Wed 8 Oct 08
secondly "Among the weird and wonderful things Bernard has had under the hammer were chickens, turkeys and people. " now i do not think that slavery is anything to blow your trumpet about. come on adver lets have some standards. our society has moved on.
I Too, Swindon says...
9:54pm Wed 8 Oct 08
Casual Observer, Swindon says...
8:26am Thu 9 Oct 08
Best laugh I've had in ages, brilliant.
Your sayYourSwindon
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Bernard Eggleton, who is celebrating his 80th birthday and 65 years employment
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nansview, Swindon says...
4:53pm Wed 8 Oct 08