Len Stanton started work as a 15-year-old apprentice at West Bromwich Corporation’s depot in 1951… and an incredible 72 years later, he’s still there! Joining the then municipally owned operator straight from school, Len had already clocked up 18 years when West Midlands PTE took over in October 1969.
He has worked through the PTE and West Midlands Travel eras into the present National Express West Midlands (NXWM) ownership – and says he has no intention of retiring. “Things here have definitely changed. We used to start engines with a starting handle! But it’s like an old coat, you just fit it on. Whatever happened I just got my head down and did my job,” he said.
Len’s achievements have been recognised by his colleagues. NXWM engineer John Guest says he has known Len since 1978. “Over the years I’ve learnt a lot from him. He’s a rock – he’s always been there. He’s become part of the furniture here at West Brom garage – half the garage was built around him and everybody knows him and what a character he is.”
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Nigel Thomas, Fleet Engineer at the firm’s West Bromwich garage, started as an apprentice learning from Len. He said: “Len is a true gentleman and a father figure to everyone that comes to the garage. He’s always willing to share his wisdom and experience with the next generation of engineers.
“I first met him in 1983 when I was an apprentice myself and what I learnt from him was invaluable. He’s always been very friendly, knowledgeable and a real good chap. On behalf of all of us at the garage we would like to say thank you to Len for all of his years of hard work.”
Surely Len is a record breaker: has anyone matched his extraordinary service record of 72 years working at the same bus garage?
