After 60 years of extremely varied employment in the UK forestry, timber harvesting and horticultural industries, Melcourt Industries chairman Andy Chalmers is retiring.

Andy said: “How time flies! I would like to say a very big and loud ‘Thank You’ to all of the people who helped and encouraged me throughout my varied and most interesting career, including work colleagues, customers, suppliers, competitors and many friends along the way.”

After leaving Sanford Street Secondary Modern school ‘B stream’ in 1966, his career can be summarised as follows:

• 1966-1968 – Trainee forester, Forestry Commission, Dunkeld, Scotland
• 1968-1970 – Apprentice, COSIRA / Fountain Forestry Ltd, SW England
• 1970-1972 – Sawmill trainee, Heinrich Harling, Bergen, North Germany
• Sawmill trainee, Gebruder + Weber, Bischweier, South Germany
• 1972-1973 – Farmhand, Callington, Cornwall
• 1973-1974 – Timber Harvesting Contractor, Tilhill Forestry Marketing Ltd,
• South England
• 1975-1979 – Area Manager, Tihill Forestry Marketing Ltd, South England
• 1979-1982 – Divisional Manager, Forestry Thinnings Ltd, East Anglia & Home
• Counties
• 1983-1990 – Divisional Manager, Economic Forestry Group, UK
• 1991- 2026 – Sales & Marketing Manager, then Managing Director and Chairman, Melcourt Industries Ltd, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

In addition to various forestry qualifications, Andy also achieved:

• Diploma in Industrial Management
• Diploma in Marketing
• Queens Scout Award

“I look back with fond memories and few regrets,” added Andy. “Finally, despite my humble beginnings, I have tried my hardest, been honest and

respectful, always keen and wanting to learn. Fortunately, I came out on the right site.”