A VERY SPECIAL DAY . .
. . time for reflection and thanks
Today, Trish and I celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary, so nothing about trade politics or the European Emmissions Directive (VW must look after itself). Only a few words of reflection and  thanks.
50 years ago today (25 September 1965) Trish and I were married at St Mary's Church, Andover on a rain-lashed day. I was a garden machinery dealer, Trish a staff nurse.
50 years on, we are blessed with a lovely family and grand-children. Like all couples the years have been filled with laughter and tears, highs and lows, good times and sad times.
We are having a quiet-ish day, a long lunch today at a favourite local bistro - and tomorrow a gathering with family and close friends.
Longevity and lasting continuity was brought into sharp relief this week. In 1965, I was a dealer selling the fast emerging Mountfield brand. The factory at Reform Road, Maidenhead was cranking up the volumes of M3s, and M4s.
This week, different personell, mowers regretably made abroad today but still a British heritage brand with British management and a UK Mountfield dealer network that gathered in their numbers this week to plan for next season.
 So as I prepare to edit my last issue of Service Dealer ahead of my retirement at the end of this year, I reflect on the people and the passion of this industry that will drive it forward over the coming years.
It provides challenges to test the mettle and often the patience. Change is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but the pace of that change is quickening by the day. It creates friendships and camaraderie that is almost unique. Above all, our industry is a way of life for those involved.
So from Trish and I on this special day, thank you for your friendship and for your support over the years. I know that is something that will carry forward into a new era with a fresh, youthful and enthusiastic Service Dealer team.
Best wishes
Chris and Trish
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