71 years at work

26 October 2001

71 years at work

After spending 71 years as a farmworker on Manor Farm, Cholsey, Oxon, Benny Buckingham has retired. His father and grandfather once worked the same land and his two sons – David and Tommy – are both now employed there. Working full-time until he was 70, Benny continued as odd-job man on a part-time basis, finally working three hours a day in the vegetable garden. Prize-winning gardener Benny now plans to spend more time in his own garden. "Ive had a good innings – I feel its time to put my feet up," he says.