Release date: October 2004

Darlington firm of solicitors and SPS Property Shop, Close Thornton, are celebrating a combined service of 350 years amongst their staff. The company, which has grown to employ 30 people, celebrated the milestone with a glass of bubbly yesterday.

The firm has six members of staff who have all been with the company for more than thirty years. Chris Wiper, Senior Partner, who has spent 31 years at Close Thornton, said: ‘Our staff retention levels are very high and our clients appreciate this continuity in a changing world. Once someone comes to Close Thornton they seem to stay. I think the reason is that we have a strong family feel at the firm. We treat our staff and customers with care and respect.”

Other long serving staff include David Hogg, a partner, who has 37 years service; Christine McLay, a legal assistant, has been with the firm for 30 years; Janet Bowerbank and Anne Murray, both secretaries, have also been with the firm for more that 30 years. Even the firm’s receptionist, Sonia Russell, has been at Close Thornton for 34 years. Her time with the company has made her a well known local lady.

Sonia says of her time at Close Thornton,

“I have been here so long it’s almost in my blood. Over the years I have met so many Darlington people that every time I walk down High Row I am stopped by at least one client for a chat.”

(Picture shows David Hogg, Christine McLay, Janet Bowerbank, Anne Murray and Sonia Russell with more that 30 year service each plus Denis Childs, Denise Greer and Susan Maddison who have been with the firm for more than 20 years each.)

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