Grandad Bill celebrates 50 years of enjoying work

GRANDAD Bill Johnstone is celebrating 50 years working – and also being the longest serving team member at Warrington-based housing group Torus.

“Enjoy what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life” he says and for Bill that advice seems to be something he has taken to heart.
Laughing, he said: “Working across the business, I constantly hear ‘Bill, are you STILL here?’
“I just laugh as I’m a believer that when you stop you drop. I’ve still got so much to do, so the ‘r’ word isn’t even on the cards for me yet!”

Bill has had a number of careers during his tenure at Torus – and its many guises before amalgamating as the current Group in 2019.
He has been a painter and decorator, quantity surveyor and is now a developments surveyor.
“My current job is my favourite,” he said. “I love seeing something through from start to finish and having an overview of an entire project. For me, it’s important that whoever eventually calls the houses we’re building home can feel the quality and knows how much effort the entire team have put in to making this property the best it can be. I want to get up for work and do a good job.

“But most importantly, I like the difference Torus is making to its communities through the houses it is building. It’s hard not to be motivated to do the best you can when ultimately, you’re building people’s homes and creating opportunities for even morefamilies and young people to get on the housing ladder.”
As a staunch family man, father of two, grandfather of four and husband of 45 years, Bill’s dedication to hispersonal life is just as evident as his commitment to his career. “Work, for me as well as most, was a way to support my family but now I’m slowing down and my kids have flown the nest, it’s become about so much more.
“I’ve finally found the balance and work remains an important part of my life and it scares me to think about packing it in fully. I mean, who knows where I could be in another 50 years?”
Torus group chief executive, Steve Coffey said: “Bill is such a shining example of what hard work and a positive outlook can achieve and I am thrilled to be here with him to mark the occasion. Hearing all Bill’s stories from over the years and talking to colleagues – past and present – about how Bill has helped them is inspiring.
“He is very much part of the furniture here at Torus and his dedication to his current – and previous roles – is evident even now. His attention to detail, drive for perfection and commitment to our communities makes us all proud to work with him and I wish him luck in his next endeavour, whatever that turns out to be, but seeing as he’s in no rush to retire, I look forward to seeing him on one of his sites very soon!”
Torus has launched “Love Your Loyalty”, a new long service scheme to recognise the efforts, hard work and long-term commitment of its colleagues and 356 from across the group have achieved a significant milestone in their career. Together, they have a combined total of 5,680 years’ service.