Retirement isn’t on the horizon for 84-year-old West Leeds-based goods vehicle driver, Brian Morley.
Brian, who works for recruitment agency Driver Hire Leeds West, has no intention of hanging up his keys for the foreseeable future.
“I’ve always loved trucks, buses and driving,” says Brian who’s also Institute of Advanced Motorists accredited.
“My father was a haulier in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. I spent much of my childhood and teenage years in and around trucks. One of my earliest recollections was the winter of 1947, with my father changing a broken rear leaf spring on a Bedford at the roadside in thick snow and ice. A very hard life – it’s so much easier now.
“Crash gearboxes in those days, no cab heaters – now there’s power steering, electric parking brakes and automatic gearboxes.
“Some of my favourite Driver Hire jobs have been with TV and film companies. I’ve worked with production crews on series like Victoria, Gentleman Jack and All Creatures Great and Small. Always good fun. But in the end, it all comes down to the people you meet in this line of work. I still enjoy it, and I have some more miles in me yet.”
Brian, has been with Wortley-based Driver Hire for the past 20 years.
To mark the occasion, Tim and Fiona Hennah, owners of Driver Hire Leeds West, organised a splendid afternoon tea at Brown’s restaurant in Leeds.
“We’re so proud of Brian,” says Tim. “And we were delighted to be able to celebrate his achievements with him. We quickly discovered that customers love Brian for his can-do approach and his easy charm.
“Over the years he’s driven everything from HGVs to vans, coaches and minibuses. Thank you, Brian, for all that you’ve done for Driver Hire and for so many people in Leeds, over the years.”