Steve Newton has just finished his last ever shift as a council gardener in the very same park he started work one summer day as a 16-year-old in 1974.
“I just loved making sure I left a tidy job, done proper," said the 62-year-old from Eston, “but I won't miss the rain, snow and freezing cold feet and fingers…my mind is still with it but my body can't keep up anymore."
Mr Newton, who took home a garden tool, a hoe, he used every day for the last 20 years for sentimental reasons after his last shift, recalled animals were still being kept by Langbaurgh Council, the predecessor council to Redcar & Cleveland, when he started as a Gardening Apprentice on Monday 5 August, 1974. A lot has changed since then but not Mr Newton's capacity for hard work - his manager said younger colleagues couldn't keep up with him.
The outdoorsman said the last eight years he has been back at Borough Park have been the best he has ever had at work. He explained that the team, under managers Rob Watts and Gary Cummins, made working his last few years, “an absolute pleasure."
Asked if he had any advice for the younger members of the team, he said: “Just knuckle down and do a good job. I've loved it. It was a sad day leaving on Friday, this is the best gang I've worked with."
As for the future, he said he was going to take three months off and possibly get a dog to keep him company and take for walks.
His manager, Rob Watts, said: “I've known Steve in excess of 30 years professionally and he always looks on the positive side. He never has bad word and always makes you smile. His work ethic and stamina are second to none - the younger guys still can't keep up with him. I can never remember him been off sick or avoiding any tasks, if anything it's hard to slow him down and take a break.
“He's just an outstanding guy."
After starting his working life at Borough Park, Mr Newton went on to keep the borough's green spaces attractive for the public at Eston Recreation Park, South Park Wood, Smiths Dock Park, Eston Cemetery, Kirkleatham Nursey and Guisborough Town Football Club where he worked out of a small hut. The expert gardener then worked for landscape contractors Mitchel and Struthers for seven years before returning to the council to work at Kirkleatham Nursery and, finally, back where it all began at Borough Park.
Councillor Barry Hunt, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environment, said: “I'm sure I speak for everyone in the borough when I say a big thank you to Steve for all his hard work for so many years keeping our borough looking beautiful for residents and visitors alike. Well done, Steve. Enjoy your retirement – you've earned it!"