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General Car Chat / 41 years with VX then takes up the caravan life
« on: 21 July 2011, 10:42:49 »
Story from 24th May - Bristol Evening Post
Fair play to him
"WHEN he began his career at a Vauxhall dealership in Kingswood, Vivas, Victors and Crestas were among the best sellers.
Since then, Paul Strover has seen plenty of new models come and go during a tenure spanning 41 years. The 65-year-old is now planning to call time on his long stay at Dan Harford Vauxhall, allowing him to start a bicycle repairs business with one of his
sons.
Service manager Mr Strover, who runs nine mechanics and a reception, said: "The
best part of the job has been meeting people and that's what I will miss when I leave.
"I have all the mechanics to speak to and the customers as well. I see about 50
to 60 people a day."
Grandfather Mr Strover, who lives in Warmley with his wife Ann, started his career at Dan Harford Vauxhall in High Street in 1970 as a service reception
adviser after spells at the Bristol Motor Company in Ashton Vale, Rumseys in Gloucester Road and Bryan Brothers in College Green.
He says the biggest change he has witnessed in the industry over the past 41 years has been the emergence of new engine technology.
Mr Strover, whose favourite Vauxhall is the Omega, said: "We've gone from basic mechanics to electronics and computers.
"We can even diagnose a car's problems on the internet. We can send data from
the car to Vauxhall and they can decide whether it's right or not.
"It's introducing another skill for mechanics, but almost all of it is now managed by electronics."
Ahead of his final day on June 2, Mr Stover enjoyed a leaving party at the showroom with colleagues and customers on Friday.
He says he will be doing anything but putting his feet up in his retirement: "I want to go around Australia and around the UK in a caravan. I also want to
start a bike business - I want to do repairs with my eldest son and do some buying and selling on the internet.
"I want to go up a few mountains in Scotland - I'm not the sort of person to put my feet up."
Paul Harford, the dealership's retail operator, said: "As well as being a thoroughly good friend, he's provided loyal and dedicated service to our company for an incredible 41 years.
"Back then we used to sell and service new Vauxhall Vivas and Victors, while the popular Chevette made its appearance a little later.
"Paul is handing over to his understudy, Jamie Pillinger, who has worked with him for ten years.
"There are few people able to offer as much experience of the motor industry,
and Paul's Vauxhall product knowledge is probably unmatched.
"Paul will always be welcome here and can look forward to a warm welcome at any
time. We wish him good luck in his retirement."
Fair play to him
"WHEN he began his career at a Vauxhall dealership in Kingswood, Vivas, Victors and Crestas were among the best sellers.
Since then, Paul Strover has seen plenty of new models come and go during a tenure spanning 41 years. The 65-year-old is now planning to call time on his long stay at Dan Harford Vauxhall, allowing him to start a bicycle repairs business with one of his
sons.
Service manager Mr Strover, who runs nine mechanics and a reception, said: "The
best part of the job has been meeting people and that's what I will miss when I leave.
"I have all the mechanics to speak to and the customers as well. I see about 50
to 60 people a day."
Grandfather Mr Strover, who lives in Warmley with his wife Ann, started his career at Dan Harford Vauxhall in High Street in 1970 as a service reception
adviser after spells at the Bristol Motor Company in Ashton Vale, Rumseys in Gloucester Road and Bryan Brothers in College Green.
He says the biggest change he has witnessed in the industry over the past 41 years has been the emergence of new engine technology.
Mr Strover, whose favourite Vauxhall is the Omega, said: "We've gone from basic mechanics to electronics and computers.
"We can even diagnose a car's problems on the internet. We can send data from
the car to Vauxhall and they can decide whether it's right or not.
"It's introducing another skill for mechanics, but almost all of it is now managed by electronics."
Ahead of his final day on June 2, Mr Stover enjoyed a leaving party at the showroom with colleagues and customers on Friday.
He says he will be doing anything but putting his feet up in his retirement: "I want to go around Australia and around the UK in a caravan. I also want to
start a bike business - I want to do repairs with my eldest son and do some buying and selling on the internet.
"I want to go up a few mountains in Scotland - I'm not the sort of person to put my feet up."
Paul Harford, the dealership's retail operator, said: "As well as being a thoroughly good friend, he's provided loyal and dedicated service to our company for an incredible 41 years.
"Back then we used to sell and service new Vauxhall Vivas and Victors, while the popular Chevette made its appearance a little later.
"Paul is handing over to his understudy, Jamie Pillinger, who has worked with him for ten years.
"There are few people able to offer as much experience of the motor industry,
and Paul's Vauxhall product knowledge is probably unmatched.
"Paul will always be welcome here and can look forward to a warm welcome at any
time. We wish him good luck in his retirement."