ONE of the last employees likely to chalk up 50 years of working for soap giant Unilever has retired.

Bernard Lewis's golden milestone is unlikely ever to be repeated. "We are not aware of anyone who is approaching that milestone and our understanding is that Bernard could be one of the last employees to clock up 50 years' service with the company," said Unilever spokeswoman Karen Duncan.

Bernard, who joined Unilever at the age of 15, said: "I have seen so many changes over the years, but I suppose the greatest changes have been due to the increased use of technology and automation." He started work in December, 1946, as an office boy at Lever Brothers soap factory, becoming an apprentice fitter the following year.

After completing his national service in the Royal Air Force, Bernard returned to the factory in 1955 as departmental draughtsman in No 4 Soapery and Printing.

He was later appointed design draughtsman in Power Engineering Services, transferring to the then newly formed Unilever Merseyside Ltd in 1961.

Until his retirement, Bernard was Project Manager with UML Ltd Estate Department.

His connections with Port Sunlight village go back to the 1940s when he lived in Boundary Road with his parents. He was a founder member of the Port Sunlight Wheelers cycling club and also a first team player with Port Sunlight Rugby Club.

Said Bernard: "I have so many fond memories of my 50 years, especially of all the people I worked with past and present."

Now he has retired, Bernard hopes to be able to devote more time to his role as President of the Wirral Business Association.

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