ONE of Thames Water’s longest-serving members of staff is retiring after just shy of half a century.

Bob Steptoe, 66, started working for the water utility in 1971 when he was just 17 years old.

His first job at at what was then a nationalised water authority was as a site technician, spending many years at Chipping Norton sewage works.

For the past 10 years, he has been a performance manager for the now-privatised utility company in Oxford.

He leaves after 49 years.

To celebrate his time at Thames Water, Mr Steptoe’s colleagues gave the aircraft enthusiast a model biplane made out of spare tools and parts from around the Thames Water site in Grenoble Road, Oxford.

His colleagues constructed the plane themselves and painted it.

Their long-serving colleague was also presented with two tickets to Fairford Air Show, which is set to take place next summer.

He also received a large case of wine.

Mr Steptoe described his relationship with Thames Water as a ‘real family affair’.

Reminiscing, he said: “It is a high-stress job that keeps coming at you, there is no way around it - but it just gets into your blood.

“My dad and two brothers also worked for Thames.

“It is a real family affair, and the guys I’ve worked with have been a great bunch.

“I tell people I’ve been in the recycling business for 49 years.”

Mr Steptoe is extremely proud of the work he and his colleagues do at Thames Water.

He added: “We take wastewater and return it to the environment as a quality clean product.

“The last thing I want to do is pollute or kill any fish.

“I’m really proud of my career and I’ve really enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others.”

Read also: What could a Tier 5 lockdown look like?

David Furness, Oxfords controller of premises, worked alongside Mr Steptoe for over 10 years.

He said: “We are all so proud and honoured that Bob dedicated his entire working life to Thames Water and our customers.

“It really is a remarkable achievement.

“Bob and I have looked after Oxford for the last 10 years, and faced many challenges together along the way, but thanks to his pride and professionalism, it is now a substantially better place than it was when he arrived.

“He will be sorely missed by all of us, and we wish him all the very best for the next exciting chapter of his life.”

Read here: Meet the 11-year-old boy who has been named young cartoonist of the year

Mr Steptoe, who lives in Chipping Norton, plans to spend most of his retirement time with his family.

He also plans on doing some work around the house.

He said: “The kids are all grown up, but I’ve got three grandchildren and the wife has a big list of things she wants – including a new kitchen.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.