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NEWS RELEASE: JULY 2011

End of an Era for Skipton Accountants

Longest-standing staff member retires after 60 years service

Local woman Joan Southwell has finally signed-off from her job with local firm Shepherd Partnership, retiring at age 82 and after 60 years service!

After six decades with the firm, Joan has decided that after all these years the time has come to take life a little easier. She has accumulated many fond memories over the years, starting her journey back in 1951 working for Jeffrey Chapman at his home as his assistant. Mr Shepherd then bought out Jeffrey Chapman’s practice back in 1970’s and the business slowly evolved into the firm that we all know today.

Amongst Joan’s happiest memories is when she met her second husband, Andy, whilst working with the firm, who she married in 1968. Sadly he passed away in 1985 and Joan never married again.

As an integral part of today’s staff team at Shepherd Partnership, Joan will be much missed and the Directors took the whole firm out for a meal at a local restaurant to make sure she had a good send off. However, she’s under strict instructions from Director Adam Dutton not to leave it too long between visits;

“Joan is core part of the Shepherd Partnership family. We are sad to see her go but I’m sure she’ll enjoy being a lady of leisure! I’ve told her she has to call in on a Friday from time to time, which is the day we get bacon butties at the office!”

So what will Joan miss most? “I’ll miss the company of the staff and my farming clients, as well as the job satisfaction when the figures balance”.

That said, she tells us she’s also looking forward to spending her recently increased spare time holidaying, gardening and keeping busy at home. Sounds good to us.

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN THE CRAVEN HERALD ON THURSDAY 28th JULY 2011.