Page 53 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book
P. 53
Celebrating 50 years of GAP /
Peter Calpin
Workshop Foreman
York
29 years with GAP
Joe Hewson
I’ve been part of the company from Having heard nothing for a couple of Fleet Compliance Coordinator,
the early days and watching it grow weeks, I assumed I was unsuccessful.
into what GAP has become is quite Unknown to me, the GM had lost my SHE Risk & Compliance
something; it makes you feel proud to contact details and the Foreman had Newcastle
know that you have played a part in been desperately scouring the area 45 years with GAP
its growth. I almost never got the job, where I lived in his van trying to spot
though. my car. He was also calling random York I have spent most of my working life with GAP. Having
phone numbers, as he could remember been employed as a Vehicle Mechanic from leaving
I applied via a phone call and arranged some of the digits but not all. school, I then joined Henderson Plant in 1973 as a Plant
an interview - no CVs in those days! Fitter. When GAP bought the business over, we expected
The interview was conducted by the One day I got a knock on the door. I we would probably now have more opportunities
GM and Foreman, and went very opened it to find Dave the Foreman. for advancement and involvement, as a much larger
well. Afterwards, the Foreman and I If it were not for Dave’s persistence, company. I have definitely had that over the years.
were chatting in the car park and he I would probably not be working for But what I didn’t appreciate at the time, was just how
commented on my car - a Green Ford GAP. To me, that shows commitment to fantastic our new employers, Douglas and Iain Anderson
Cortina MK2 with white wheels. I also knowing what you want and pulling out would prove to be. They are just two really great people,
happened to mention the area of York all the stops to get it. Typical GAP style! who have supported me personally through difficult
I lived in. We then said our goodbyes circumstances and shown a level of compassion that I
and I left. doubt you would find in many other companies. My son
also works at the Newcastle depot, having started as
an apprentice 25 years ago. We both consider ourselves
very fortunate to be part of the GAP family.
/ Chapter 07 53
/ Chapter 01
