Allan Chandler will celebrate 50 years at Kensell’s Holden on January 2, after leaving Tamworth High at the end of Year 10 in 1968 to take up a mechanical engineering apprenticeship that at first he “didn’t really like”.

It obviously grew on him, and in 1970 he was named apprentice of the year and never looked back.

“It just happened; one day you come to work and it’s been 50 years,” he said.

“I was a mechanic for 15 years, and then one day they gave me half an hour to decide if I wanted to be service manager.

“You can’t say no to an opportunity like that. I did that for 18 years before moving to PDI manager and eventually taking over the warranty administration department.

“Six months ago I moved into the big building – only took me 50 years.”

Known for his sense of humour and eye for detail, the former mechanic has seen plenty of changes – not only in the automotive industry, but also from spending half a century working in the Tamworth CBD.

“We had FJ Holdens coming in when I started, but technology and electronics have changed everything, especially in the ’80s and ’90s,” he said.

“We used to pull cars apart and repair them; now we have to reprogram them as well.

“As far as Tamworth goes, one of the best things was the beautification of Peel St – that was a great change. The redevelopment of the Kensell’s business showed great faith in the town as well.” 

His most memorable highlight was giving Holden legend Peter Brock a tour of the Tamworth workshop in the 1980s.

These days he is working two days a week, and looking forward to driving off into the sunset in 12 months’ time with his wife of 47 years, Janet – although he “will miss the camaraderie and interaction at work”.

They hope to spend more time with their three children and six grandchildren as they travel around Australia.