Back in the day people worked until they couldn’t work any longer. Engine Maker and Fitter George House continued to work into his 80s and Robert Laxon was working as a foreman in the Copper Smith Shop into his late 70s. By 1930 the GWR introduced the compulsory retirement age of 66 years but William John Culley Plaister was forced to retire in 1932 aged 61 years. It would be good to think he had a nice little nest egg that made this possible but unfortunately it was ill health that forced him to retire early.
Sadly, William didn’t have long to enjoy his retirement or to indulge his hobbies of cricket and football.
Running Shed Foreman
Mr W.J.C. Plaister Retires After 18 Years’ Service
Mr W.J.C. Plaister, of 24 Exmouth street, Swindon, who for the past 18 years has been mechanical foreman of the GWR Running Sheds, was the recipient of a barometer, presented to him by his colleagues, on his retirement.
The presentation was made in the Running Shed mess room by Mr A. Tyrell, Mr W.N. Pellows, superintendent of the division, was to have made the presentation, but was unable to attend.
Mr. Plaister has been forced by ill health to retire earlier than he should have done. He was very popular with his staff, and during his 18 years’ service has taken a keen interest in the social side.
He was president of the cricket and football clubs, and had taken an active interest in these two branches of the Running Shed’s sports activities.
As trustee of the N.G. Sick and Benevolent Fund, he has given valuable assistance in many ways.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, September 2, 1932.
William John Culley Plaister died on May 11, 1940 aged 69 years. He was buried in grave plot E7254. His brother John Cyprus Plaister and his wife Florence Louisa are buried in the neighbouring plot E7253.
The old Running Shed c1910.
Radnor Street Cemetery 