Tool firm employee retires after 32 years

It was the end of an era at leading Pendle tool company Barnes of Barrowford when the business’s first employee outside the immediate family retired.

By Andrew Spencer

Published 14th Feb 2015, 15:21 BST

Ernie Anderson joined Barnes in 1983 when the business was based in Gisburn Road.

And he has been there ever since, moving with it when it transferred to premises in Reedyford Road, Nelson, some years ago.

Over the 32 years with the business, he has become familiar to many customers as “the face of Barnes”, from working behind the shop counter to carrying out repairs.

His last day was marked with a pie and pea supper in Ernie’s honour at David Street WMC in Barrowford.

“It was the end of an era for us”, said Jackie Hall, daughter of Barnes founders Brian and Hazel Barnes.

“We felt it fitting to give Ernie a good send-off and wish him a long and happy retirement. He is going to be missed by us all and by all our customers as well.”