Brendan Bray had worked at the Brewery since his teens

Nearly fifty years after his first day of work, the longest-serving staff member at Fuller's Brewery bade a final farewell to colleagues and friends, as he settled down to celebrate a well-earned retirement last week.

On his final day of work on Friday 29 August, Brendan Bray, who is 63 years old, was presented with two bottles of Fuller's Past Masters 1966, brewed in the same year he joined the company. In addition, he was presented with a special pump clip entitled 'Brendan's Pride', featuring a picture of himself as a youth (pictured right).

Brendan worked his way up the ranks at Fuller's, having joined in April 1966 - aged 15 - as a Brewing Room Boy. At first, he was tasked with looking after the malt stocks, beer samples, and tidying the desks of the other brewers.

He then worked in the Copper House, gradually gaining be allowed to take on more responsibilities, like taking wort samples and adding hops to the wort boil.

By the end of his half-century career, Brendan would lay claim to the title of Production Brewer, responsible for the entire Brewhouse and Fermentation sections of the Brewery, located by the Hogarth Flyover.

John Keeling, Head Brewer, said of Brendan: “Brendan has worked tirelessly, with great attention to detail, innovating, ensuring the consistency and adapting procedures to make Fuller’s beers of the highest quality.

“Brendan will be missed by everyone at the brewery and we wish him all the best with his retirement.”

Brendan now plans to spend his time between Chiswick and Devon, living with his family.

September 3, 2014