A LOCAL business owner is retiring after 54 years in business.

Dave Gardner, of D. J. Gardner (Joinery) Ltd, served his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with Morman Shopfitters in Drybrook after leaving Abenhall School, Mitcheldean. He then started his own business in June 1966 in his father’s shed in Drybrook, where he stayed for 1 year and then moved to Lightmoor in 1967.

In 1981 he had a new factory built which was the second unit on the then-new Forest Vale Industrial Estate in Cinderford which was to be Unit 6. He has successfully traded here ever since, with a wide customer base supplying windows, doors, stairs, barn conversions, bar fitting, office furniture in London.

Dave would like to thank all his customers and suppliers old and new for their support over the years also his very Loyal staff that have been with him for many many years.

Pictured from left to right are Adrian Cole, Gary Bluett, Paul Edwards and Dave Gardner.