50 years of service
AN Ely man who has worked for three generations of the same family will soon celebrate 50 years of service at their farms. William Rich, 65, known more commonly as Bill, will soon have worked for the Bedford family for half a century, having started at Br
AN Ely man who has worked for three generations of the same family will soon celebrate 50 years of service at their farms.
William Rich, 65, known more commonly as Bill, will soon have worked for the Bedford family for half a century, having started at Braham Farm on the A10 in Easter 1956.
"My brother worked there, so I came for a job," he said, "because there weren't many about at the time, and I've stayed with the family ever since.
He said he started as a labourer for Cyril Bedford, helping out around the farm and the farmhouse.
"I was the kid, so I'd help in the garden and wash the car, everything, really," he said.
Mr Rich worked his way up through the ranks, and moved with one part of the family to Paradise Farm, Witchford Road, where he still works for Cyril's grandson, Trevor.
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He also lives with his wife Madge, to whom he has been married for 46 years, at the farm. He said he intends to reduce his workload next year as he passes 65, but he still hopes to stay on at the farm.
"Working outdoors is a way of life, really," he said, "it just took over my life, I suppose."
Photo: HELEN SOUTH 7432
