30 YEARS OF NEIL WEBBER AT TRICKETT WELDING

As the man who established the business, Graham has seen countless people come through its doors, but few have made quite the lasting impression that Neil has.

Graham remembers Neil’s very first interview, including an incident that clearly stayed with him. He also recalls a conversation with Neil’s father about the young apprentice’s future — a conversation that, with the benefit of hindsight, proved rather prophetic.

We asked Graham to share his recollections.

Graham Trickett:

I remember the first day Neil come for an interview with a woman support worker, this arrogant person described Neil as not being academically bright, she said this in front of Neil I went mad and told her never to speak about a person in that manner whilst he or she was present.

What was my first impression of Neil, he was a quiet lad but listened to all we had to say.

Did I ever imagine Neil still working for us for 30 years, after Neil had been with us awhile, I remember Neils father asking me what future did Neil have working for Trickett Welding, I answered him saying Neil was a bright lad and the sky’s the limit.

Neil was a very bright lad picked things up quickly, he soon became much better than I was at his age.

Neil is very confident at whatever he does we trust his judgement implicitly.

Neils most irritating habit, in the eyes of some people is his honesty, Neil is straight as a die he says it as it is, I’m very much like him that way. I hope Neil will be at Trickett Welding for many years to come.

Jim Bladon was already working at Trickett Welding when Neil arrived, and the two quickly formed a friendship that was part brotherly relationship, part workplace rivalry and, judging by some of the stories, part comedy double act.

Back then, it was just Nigel, Jim and Neil working in a much smaller operation than the business we know today.

Those early years involved plenty of hard work, learning new skills and, it seems, a healthy amount of messing around whenever Nigel’s back was turned.

Jim has since moved on and become a successful businessman in his own right. He’s now proprietor of Jim’s Cheesecakes – be sure to check them out! His memories of those early days remain as vivid as ever. And unlike Neil, he wasn’t quite so reluctant to share some of the more questionable incidents!

Jim Bladon:

1. What do you remember about Neil first coming to work at Trickett Welding back in 1996?
   
   I think he used to cycle down on his BMX from Creekmoor to the old unit, he was about 15 but had the youthful looks of a 12 year old – I bet he’d love those youthful now after working for 3 decades with Nige [smile]

2. What was your first impression of him? What was young Neil like?
   
   I liked Neil a lot, we had an instant bond, more like brothers, me being the older usually bossing him about – he could also give as good as he got, but he was hard working and instantly fitted in well with Nigel and myself.

3. Did you ever imagine you would still be working together 30 years later?
   
   Absolutely not! He used to moan more than my ex missus but he’s now part of the furniture at Trickett and would put my money on him being there for another 30 years.

4. How quickly did Neil pick up the trade, and when did you realise he had a real talent for welding andfabrication?
   
   Pretty much straight away, he had the best mentors didn’t he
   
   But in all seriousness he just got on with whatever was thrown at him, even if he moaned like f**k….. and that was usually the jobs me and Nige didn’t want to do he really shone through though, especially when he started on his own cars between the workshop and in his own garage at home, it was pretty impressive in what he’d achieve.

5. How has Neil changed over the years, both as a person and in the way he works?
   
   Working with Nige for all those years has definitely made a dent on these youthful looks he started with

8. What is the most impressive or memorable piece of work you have seen Neil produce?Nearly every time I walk into the workshop these days he’s inside a half chopped up Mini shell, or something similar, he still moans like he used to about every old car being a piece of sh*t but they always end up with stunning results.
9. What is Neil’s most irritating habit in the workshop?
   
   We could bicker pretty well in these early days, he always gave as good as he got.
10. Can you remember a particular funny moment or memorable incident involving Neil over the years?
    
    Absolutely, there’s been too many and some probably can’t be mentioned but here’s a few
    
    
11. The lost dog that turned up in the Holton Heath Yard 
    
    
12. You have worked alongside each other for three decades. What is the secret to making that workingrelationship last?
    
    He’s mum eggs rolls always went down a treat and sneaky fag breaks the second Nige left the yard 
    
    
13. Looking back over the past 30 years, what would you most like to say to Neil about his contributionto Trickett Welding?

Looking from the outside now, it’s clearly obvious Nige wouldn’t have his all year round Tan if it weren’t for Neil’s dedication to the business. He’s played a big part in the success we see today in Trickett Welding. I know it’s been lots of hard work from all involved but Neil has been there from the start of the Trickett Welding we see today and really is part of the companies foundations.

But what does the man himself make of it all?

Neil has never been somebody who particularly enjoys being the centre of attention, and we suspect being asked 20 questions about his working life wasn’t exactly at the top of his list of favourite activities.

Nevertheless, he agreed to take a trip down memory lane.

We asked about his first days at Trickett Welding, the people who taught him, the cars he remembers, the changes he’s witnessed and the reasons he’s remained here for so long.

His answers are typically Neil: understated, occasionally cheeky, often very funny, and with some genuine pride in what he’s achieved.

Neil Webber — 30 years at Trickett Welding

How did you first end up working at Trickett Welding back in 1996.

I was at college doing an NVQ in mechanics and got fed up with it, so I went to the ‘Futures’ team looking for a panel-beating apprenticeship. The placement turned out to be with Trickett Welding. I thought I’d give it a go, while still doing my paper round, and somehow 30 years have disappeared!

What do you remember about your very first day? Were you nervous or did you think you knew it all? I can barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone 30 years ago! I wasn’t nervous, but I certainly didn’t know it all. I had a lot to learn — and apparently 30 years to do it in.

What was the workshop like back then, and who were the characters working here?

Three of us — me, Nige and Jim Bladon — a tiny workshop and two ramps in Lytchett Minster. I helped paint the new workshop, only to find it had two ramps as well. Huge improvements all round!

What was Nigel like as a boss in those early days? Has he mellowed with age?

Back then, there were two bosses — Nigel and his dad, Graham. Nige was definitely more mellow when Graham was the one making the decisions. Funny how responsibility changes you!

What was the first job you remember being trusted to do on your own?

Absolutely no idea! Probably making the coffee and doing the cleaning. You’ve got to start somewhere!

Who taught you the most when you were learning the trade?

Jim B. mainly, although I learnt from both Jim and Nige by working alongside them and copying what they did. Nige was on the phone a lot, so I had plenty of opportunity to watch Jim!

What’s the biggest mistake or funniest mishap you’ve had in 30 years (within reason!)?

No comment! Some things are best left in the past. But if you insist on an answer, three words: Bedford bloody Rascal.

What’s the most memorable or unusual vehicle you’ve ever worked on?

Facel vega and De tomaso

Which job are you most proud of, the one you can look back on and think, “I did that”?

Painting an Austin Healey metallic blue and white. I was well chuffed with how it turned out, especially as I was running on very little sleep with a newborn at home!

What’s the worst, most rotten vehicle you’ve ever had to weld?

A Jensen Interceptor. It was absolutely fd. Enough said!

What’s your favourite type of job, and what’s the one job you absolutely hate seeing come through the door?

I enjoy doing seals, floors and castle sections on MGBs. I just like doing them! As for jobs I hate, nothing really springs to mind — although I’m sure a few have tested my patience over the years.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve witnessed in the workshop over the years?

I could tell you, but then I’d have to name names. So, no comment — I’m here to celebrate 30 years, not cause trouble!

Have you and Nigel ever had a proper falling-out over a job? And who gets the last word?

We’ve had a few disagreements over the years, but nothing serious. They’re usually forgotten about within five minutes — well, on my side anyway!

What has changed the most about the workshop and the motor trade since 1996?

The workshop has grown from two ramps to four, and the type of work has changed massively. Cars we used to do MOT repairs on are now restoration jobs. Apparently, the cars aren’t the only things getting old around here!

Is there anything about the old days that you miss?

The old days were the best. I loved them — everything was much simpler back then. Maybe that’s just because we didn’t know any different!

What’s the secret to putting up with Nigel?

There isn’t, I think we get on pretty well in my opinion.

Did you ever imagine when you started that you’d still be here 30 years later?

Never really thought about it. It was just get up, go to work and go home. Then I accidentally got my girlfriend pregnant, had a family to provide for, and suddenly moving on wasn’t quite so straightforward!

Looking back, what are you most proud of, and what’s kept you at Trickett Welding all this time?

See question 18! I had a family to provide for, and here I am 30 years later. But seriously, I’d like to think I’ve made a real contribution to the business and helped it get to where it is today. I’m proud to have been part of that journey — and apparently, I’ve got a pretty good attendance record!

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice on that first day in 1996, what would it be?

Stick with it, work hard and don’t worry too much about where you’ll end up. Thirty years later, you’ll have helped build a business, raised a family and probably still be getting up for work every morning!

For the last three decades, while Neil has been turning up at the workshop, taking on difficult jobs and helping the business grow, he’s also been building a life away from work.

He’s become a husband and father, raised two children and, according to Nigel, developed an impressive ability to turn his hand to almost any job around the house.

But is the Neil who walks through the front door at home the same one his colleagues know from the workshop?

Does he leave the grumbling behind? Is he any more receptive to change? And who really has the harder job — Nigel or Katy?

We asked Neil’s wife to reveal a few home truths.

Katy Webber:

What’s Neil like when he gets home from work? does he leave his grumbling at the workshop, or do you get to hear all about Nigel and the days disasters?

I definitely get to hear about the day’s events! Some of the stories are hilarious, although others leave me wondering how he’s still got all his fingers. He has a habit of casually mentioning near-disasters as though they’re perfectly normal, usually long after the event. Let’s just say, I get the highlights of workshop life whether I ask for them or not!

Neil’s not exactly famous for embracing change. Is he the same at home? Has he got any habits or routines that haven’t changed in 30 years, no matter how much you try to persuade him otherwise? He’s absolutely incapable of sitting still, even when he’s unwell. I could tell him a hundred times to sit down and relax, but he’ll always find something else to do.

Having a beer when he gets home is pretty much a ritual. Although, when he announces he’s not drinking beer for a week, he somehow ends up opening my red wine instead! And when he wants a cup of tea or some toast, he asks, “Shall we have a cup of tea or shall we have some toast?” No, Neil, I don’t necessarily want either of those things — just ask for what you want! So yes, he’s definitely set in his ways, both at work and at home, but I’m happy to look after him.

After 30 years of working with Nigel, who do you think has had the harder job – Nigel putting up with Neil, or you putting up with him at home?

Probably Nigel, although I suspect he’d say otherwise! At least I get the best version of Neil at home.

What’s Neil’s most annoying habit at home? and has he managed to convince himself it’s actually one of his better qualities?

He rubs his hands together like a cartoon villain plotting something, and when they’re dry from all the hard work at the workshop, the noise is heard by everyone in the room!. He asks, “Where’s my phone?” approximately 1,000 times a day and leaves empty beer cans in the most random places, turning recycling into a game of hide and seek.

If Neil hadn’t ended up at Trickett Welding 30 years ago, what do you think he’d be doing now? And do you think he’d be any happier, or would he still find something to moan about?

Honestly, I think Neil would have been happy wherever he ended up working, as long as he came home to us. He’s naturally a positive, goofy person who laughs a lot, although he does have the occasional grumpy old man moment!

Trickett Welding has given us a good life, one we’re proud of, and Neil has worked incredibly hard over the last 30 years. He’s so conscientious that he’s pretty much only ever been off

sick when he’s been hospitalised, which probably tells you everything you need to know about his work ethic. So, wherever he’d ended up, I think he’d have made the best of it.