John Shearman retires after 50 years at Canvey Building Suppliers. This is from an article in an Echo clipping from 1988.
Industry has grown up since the time when John Shearman used to unload supplies from a barge aged 14.
John, 65, of Van Diemens Pass, Canvey, has retiredfrom his job as foreman at the Canvey Supply Company, in Point Road, after 51 years’ service. He started work unloading sacks of ashes and sand until he was drafted in 1941 and joined the Army’s armoured division in Germany until 1946.
General manager Ken Graham said: “John returned as a driver for 12 years until he was appointed foreman of the yard. “He’s been our top representative for a while and sorts out all the problems we have.”
To show its appreciation the company laid on a lunch at the Atlantis Restaurant in Furtherwick Park Road. John was presented with a cheque and his wife, Mary, 62, was given a gold bracelet. The directors of the company, Tom and John Laurence and Vera and Phyllis Laurence, went to the lunch but the staff had a surprise of their own.
Mr Graham said: “The staff are making a contribution, they have bought him a ghetto blaster which he can use in his caravan.”
John’s wife Mary said: “We haven’t made plans, we just want to spend our time leisurely.”
Do you remember John? Are you in this photo? Please comment below.
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