Newark motor mechanic to retire after his father set up business 60 years ago
A lifelong passion for all things mechanical will continue when Newark motor mechanic Robert Housden retires next week, closing the family business that his father set up 60 years ago.
Robert, 68, of Welland Close, Newark, retires on October 31 — but engines and wheels will play a large part in his retirement.
As a boy, Robert was always interested in vehicles, having a pedal car that he would take to pieces, and tinkering with engines.
Robert’s family moved to Newark in 1958, where his father set up business in Sleaford Road.
Robert left school to join his father in the business, and never looked back.
There was a move to larger premises next to the former Bowling Green pub in Appletongate, and finally to the current premises on the corner of Queen’s Road and Lover’s Lane.
Father and son worked together until his dad retired in 1997, and Robert continued the business with his wife, Jane.
The couple have been married for 47 years and have two children, Lisa and Andrew, and five grandchildren.
Robert also served with the special constabulary in Newark for more than 20 years.
“I would like to thank all my customers for their business, as without them there would never have been the name Housdens in Newark for such a long time,” he said.
“I thank you for being so loyal in staying with me such a long time.”
Robert said he also owed thanks to local businesses that had supported him over the years — Chapples Autos, Sherwood Motors,Specialist Diagnostic Services, Northern Road Engineering of Farndon, Tanvic Tyes, Parkers, and Euro Parts.
In retirement, he is looking forward to continuing his interest in motorcycling, model railways, and using a new remote-control vehicle that he has bought.
“It’s fair to say pretty much all my interests have wheels attached,” he said.
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