Barbara Dodd was crowned Queen of Rolls-Royce after an incredible 50 years working for the company.
It was an emotional occasion for the 65-year-old who retired after five decades of unbroken service for the firm on Friday.
Rolls-Royce chiefs believe the length of her employment is an precedented achievement for the company.
But Barbara, who lives in Nuneaton, did not want her time there to end as she gathered with friends and colleagues for a big send-off at The Sparrow pub in Ansty.
She said: “I don’t want to go. I’ve worked with so many fantastic people who have made my 50 years with Rolls-Royce a very special time.”
Barbara joined Bristol Siddeley Engines, which later became Rolls-Royce, on January 18, 1961 as a fresh-faced 15-year-old.
She had just left Wolston High School with shorthand and typing qualifications, and secured a position in the purchasing department.
Barbara moved with the company to the Ansty site six months later and within two years became secretary to the assistant chief buyer, transferring to the technical publications department as a reprographics typist and eventually becoming a multi-media support officer.
The keen singer remembers her first day as though it was yesterday.
She said: “It was quite a daunting experience to start with. I worked in a big room where there were lots of typewriters and lots of other girls.
“It was like being back at school in some ways. The atmosphere was quite strict. “But I never imagined I’d be there for 50 years. I was young and didn’t know what to expect.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 12:25 am