CSG stalwart retires after 62 years of loyal service

CSG is waving farewell to its longest serving staff member, Vic Clements, who has hung up his boots after an incredible 62 years with the waste management firm.

Coronation Street first aired, The Beatles played their first gig in Hamburg and the maximum permitted weight for an articulated vehicle was 24-tonnes when Clements joined the business in Botley as a yard man in 1960.

He then spent most of his lengthy career as a driver’s mate, visiting customers to assist with their domestic sewage.

Clements returned to the yard later on before finally calling it a day at the end of August at the age of 85.

Steve Hicks, CSH HR director, said he wasn’t sure the company would see the likes of him again: “Vic has been an incredible stalwart of CSG. He was like a sheet anchor – you visited Botley and he was there.

“We’re proud to have very high retention at CSG with a few people on 30-plus or even 40-plus years of service.

“He never had a day off sick in 62 years,” he added. “He was just incredibly consistent and a legend around the Botley site.”

Described by CSG as a man of pleasures, the company stalwart was sent on his way with his favourite cigarettes and beer.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my long time with CSG. It was great to be a part of such a wonderful team and I enjoyed helping to keep the trucks on the road.

“I miss being active and keeping my mind busy. I still often think about what needs to be done on site and wonder how things are going without me.”