In December, after over 45 years loyal service to British Wool and its members in the South West of England, Brian Boundy retired.  Graze meets with Brian as he grades his last fleece:

Tell us about yourself:

I live in Brushford, on the edge of Exmoor, a lovely place to live and surrounded by sheep!

My career with British Wool started back in May 1974 (over 47 years ago) and I’ve enjoyed working for the company and within the wool sector.

In my spare time my hobbies include cricket, golf, gardening and good food.

What did you enjoy the most about your role as Senior Head Grader at South Molton?

I enjoy interacting with the farmers (many of whom I’ve beaten at cricket) and passing on my knowledge to the trainees. Wool is a fantastic fibre that has a range of uses which I believe has a bright future due to its environmental credentials as a fibre.

What are the biggest changes from when you first started working compared to where the wool sector is now?

There were no forklifts when I started – everything was moved by hand.  Things are more convenient now due to progress being made on machinery although it’s still a hard day’s work handling wool at any grading depot!

The other key change is the payment system, there’s no Government guaranteed price now which came to an end in 1992. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career with British Wool?

In the early days I learned a huge amount from a grader called Reg Lambert.  I was also inspired by Percy Middleton who was the Head Grader for the whole of the UK.

What will you miss when you retire and how do will you fill up your time?

I’ll miss chatting with farmers over the grading table and the camaraderie with my fellow workers.

I intend filling my time by playing more golf, gardening, watching cricket and doing some voluntary work. I can’t imagine I’ll get bored.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at British Wool for their very kind words on my retirement and lovely gifts.