Hanging up his overalls

49 YEARS and 3 months after beginning his apprenticeship, one of Maryborough Ford’s longest serving staff members has at long last decided to hang up his trademark blue overalls, and head into retirement.

Starting his mechanical apprenticeship in December 1973, Martin Ritchie has lived and breathed the Ford Australia badge his whole life.

What began as a passion for anything with an engine be it cars or motorbikes, turned into a career spanning just shy of half a century with the same company, an accolade few can claim.

Blake, are working toward Victory Village being open to the public on regular occasions during the year for medieval re-enactment, entertainment and educational purposes.

Interested members of the public may like to visit Victory Village at Riverbend on Sunday, 21 May 2023 between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

Victory Village at Riverbend is located at 19 Riverbend Drive, St Mary QLD 4650. Follow signs along Glenbar Road.

Childers

Completing many training and development courses and always striving to be up to date with the latest developments and vehicle models, Martin also had the achievement of being one of Ford Australia’s longest serving Master Technicians.

Martin is prided on his knowledge of all things Ford, often called on by young and old for his ability to recall information on both modern and classic cars, and is commended for his willingness to pass on wisdom gained from decades of experience.

Having worked 48 of his 49 years in the same shed in Adelaide Street until the most recent flood event and subsequent insurance claim putting a temporary closure on the building, it forced a commute to the Hervey Bay dealership that is owned by the same company.

A well known figure around town for his trusty blue overalls, Martin will be greatly missed by the customers he has served in the Maryborough Community and beyond, with many regulars refusing to let anyone else work on their pride and joy.

His legacy in the mechanical trade moves to the next generation, with Martin’s son Dan also being a mechanic, having also completed his apprenticeship at what many locals will forever refer to as Tarrant’s Ford.

In his spare time, his passion for cars led to his love of Speedway racing and has taken many forms, from Life Member of Maryborough Sporting Car Club, pit crew for various friends, infield worker, to driver himself, it now sees him with a new opportunity to help his daughter Kate in her job, traveling the state working for a speedway media company.

A true Maryborough born and bred local, he has no plans on leaving town just yet.

Although he has future plans for himself and Karen, his wife of almost 40 years, to go traveling in their caravan, Martin is looking forward to more time to ride his motorbike, fishing, tinkering in his shed, and going on some 4WD Day trips with Karen, and daughters Francene and Kate.

CENTRAL BURNETT AREA – CHOICE OF 3 EXCELLENTLY PRESENTED PROPERTIES

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• 227.107 ha or 561.18 acres

• Flat to undulating

• 3 equipped Bores, 5 Dams & a Creek

• 8 Paddocks

• 3 bedroom Cottage

• Numerous Sheds: car, machinery, hay & storage – Good stands of Iron Bark throughout.

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

All properties are centrally located between Biggenden 32km and Gayndah 30km

• 122.078 ha or 301.65 acres

• Undulating rolling hills

• 2 equipped Bores & 2 Dams

• 1 Paddock

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

• Flat rising to undulating towards the rear

• Watered by 2 Dams

• 4 Paddocks

• Good stands of Spotted Gum throughout

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

For Sale: P.O.A. Inspect: By Appointment Agent: Philip Dowling 0429 062 588