T&R Theakston is celebrating the life's work of employee Mike Kitching who retires from the business this month after 50 years of service.
One of the longest serving current employees of the brewery, Mike joined Theakston’s in 1974 and began his career working on the hand-filled bottling line then used at the almost 200-year-old brewery.
Later moving to the Transport Department to become one of the Masham drays, Mike delivered Theakston’s iconic beers to loyal customers throughout Yorkshire for over 40 years.
His dedication to the family brewery withstood a number of changes including the acquisition by Matthew Brown PLC in 1984, who in turn were taken over by Scottish and Newcastle in 1987 before the brewery’s safe return to family control, when Simon Theakston with his brothers bought back the family company in 2003.
Since then, Mike has worked in the brewery, on the racking lines, a role he held until his retirement.
Simon Theakston, Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, said of Mike’s time with the business:
“Always with a winning smile, and a cheerful disposition, Mike has had a wonderful career, dedicated to the service of our company and customers for 50 years.
"He goes to a richly deserved retirement with the very best wishes and grateful thanks from my family and all our colleagues past and present.”
Mike said:
“On joining the brewery aged 16, I didn’t imagine I’d still be here half a century later.
"I’d like to thank the company for welcoming me into the family all those years ago and I’m honoured to have spent my working life with a business which is so passionate about not only its products but its people too.”
Storm Bert brings snow disruption
Painting by local artists unveiled at Harrogate Hospital
Theme revealed for Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2025
Harrogate's North Pole Post Office returns for festive season
Grants still available to improve shop fronts and accessibility in Harrogate
Details revealed for Otley Christmas lights switch on
Harewood House stars in new national Range Rover advert
Molly-Mae Hague spotted at luxury Ripon hotel
Super volunteer clocks up 200 hours of community work at just 14
Harrogate Theatre's Beauty and the Beast set to open next week
Light up a Life service returns to children's hospice
Ripon Food and Gift Fair to return tomorrow
Roads around Ripon market square to reopen following resurfacing
Italian restaurant in Harrogate named among UK's top 100
Trains struck 97 objects in past year – with some items 'deliberately' placed on tracks
Ripon businesses set to host late night shopping event
Harrogate woman with MND creates charity recipe calendar
How Harrogate health and wellbeing services have helped transform lives
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival to return to Ripley for sixth year
New denture clinic opens in Harrogate
