Ted Phimister, Trust legend, retires after 35 years on the team
This September, one of our favourite Trust members is finally parking up his Bobcat and starting his well-deserved retirement. After 35 years with Trust, Yardman Ted is definitely going to be missed, so we asked him to look back on his time with us…
How did you get started here all those years ago?
It was around 1991 and I’d just been made redundant from my old job. Back then, Trust was AMH and it was a family business run by Adie Harkin. When Adie heard I needed work, he offered me a job, and I’ve been here ever since! The business was taken over by Billy Hammond, and then more recently by Liam, but I’ve been here the whole time.
What was the yard like back at the beginning?
There were a lot of old, rusting buildings, so I worked with Adie and Billy to demolish them and put all the new infrastructure in place, getting the site closer to what we’ve got today. Part of the site used to be an iron foundry and I remember us finding an old submarine pump engine that had been used for pumping water through the foundry.
“I’ve really enjoyed working here – seeing the company develop and the future it’s building.”
Which moments stick in your memory the most?
I’ve seen a lot in 35 years, but I do remember a big job I did with Adie on the A453 near Castle Donington. I also remember we had a contract to pull out all of the old cast iron lamp columns around the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. They were 14 foot cast iron columns and I can still picture the arm of the column puller bending with the effort of getting them out. More recently, the day we took delivery of the new Bobcat was definitely a highlight for me!
What do you think you’ll miss about being at Trust?
I’ve really enjoyed working here – seeing the company develop and the future it’s building. I feel like I’m a valued member of the team and I’ve appreciated that. I wish I was younger and had the energy to keep on working for Liam’s new management team, but I’m ready to retire too!
What are you looking forward to doing next?
My wife and I are looking forward to seeing more of our family – especially those further north who it’s not been so easy to see. It will just be lovely not to have to rush back for work, but to stay and spend a bit longer together.
If you’ve been inspired by Ted’s story, find out how you can join us here.
