Wally Simmonds is retiring from Welsh slate producers Wincilate 50 years after starting with the company. He has worked with them continuously ever since, apart from his National Service with the Parachute Regiment.

Wally was 15 when he followed his father into the slate industry, joining the company, then called Bow Slate & Enamel, at their premises in the East End of London.

Bow Slate & Enamel expanded and bought John Fletcher & Dixon Ltd in Caernarfon, North Wales. Wally was asked to move there and run the factory, which he did although it was a wrench from his East End roots.

Slate mining was completely new to Wally but was vital to the future of Wincilate. Wally quickly learnt about slate mining and Wincilate now attribute a large part of their success over the past 50 yeas to Wally\'s hard work, commitment and dedication to the firm of which he has been a director for many years.

John Lloyd, managing director of Wincilate, says: "Wally has total pride in the product and has always been hands on. He has instilled the importance of quality into the present workforce that will continue after his retirement."

Wally is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Maureen. They have two children, both Welsh-speaking, and two grandchildren. Wally is also looking forward to spending more time on his favourite hobby of gardening.

John Lloyd said: "Wally will be irreplacable. He is from the old school, totally dedicated to the company. Nobody deserves a long and happy retirement more than Wally. We wish him well."