Leeds nostalgia: Drayman retires in 1985 after 37 years

Drayman George Hosfield was literally driving himself into retirement after a 37-year career with John Smith's Tadcaster Brewery.

George, of Joseph Street, Tadcaster, pictured in his delivery lorry, has bought himself a new car and at his retirement presentation he was given a sun roof for it by John Lofthouse, the brewer’s distribution manager.

George joined Smith’s in 1948 and was employed in the local haulage division of the transport department.

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A keen motorist, he regularly spent time ferrying Magnet Sports Club teams to away games and as a gesture of their appreciation, sports club members present him with a carriage clock.

In his retirement, George said he planned to enjoy his new car and he will also continue to assist at the Tadcaster Youth Club.

Another longterm employee Mrs Phyllis Burrage, who had been with the company for 26 years, was presented with a watch and a bunch of flowers.

Draymen were a common sight in Leeds and beyond, the last drays running in the 1990s.

Draymen are so called after the ‘drays’ they pulled - these were flat-bed, open, sided carts and were widely used for all kinds of goods transfer.