Sawyer celebrates 45 years at Norman Piette

Wednesday 17 April 2024

Timber Mill Sawyer Gary Pitschou is celebrating 45 years of service at Norman Piette, having joined the firm just five years after it launched.

The builders’ merchant was founded in 1973 and Mr Pitschou joined the business when he left St Peter Port School in 1978.

He joined his father who was already employed by the business.

“Funnily enough I joined the company because of lawn bowls which I played with my father,” he said.

“He worked here for 30 years and retired in 1996. Norman Piette had a works team called the Woodpeckers and Ray Ewins was the manager here and was also a player. When he heard I was looking for a job he gave me a chance to show what I could do. I was too young to use a lot of the machinery so assisted the guys in the sawmill and helped bag up cement. But now I have worked in the sawmill for 99% of my time here.”

Pictured: Gary Pitschou at work in the Norman Piette timber yard.

Mr Pitschou has seen some historic changes at Norman Piette during his career, as technology has advanced.

When he started work, the resaw he used was built in 1947. He continued to use it until 2016, when it needed to be replaced because it had become impossible to get spares for it.

“My resaw needed a pit for the bottom pulley-wheel but the modern saws don’t need this as they are above ground," he explained.

"When you first start on the machine you must learn to be as accurate with your cuts as possible and sometimes it can be heavy work. After 45 years I’ve got used to it now!”

Mr Pitschou says he has no intention of retiring just yet, as he still really enjoys his job.

“I love the variety of what I’m working on and the different woods. One of the big changes within the company’s operation during my time here is that they no longer treat timber but import it ready-treated and planed. That was when we worked with Norman’s in Jersey.

“I probably have another seven years working here before I get my pension and I’m still playing bowls but I tend to play indoors now at Hougue du Pommier. It’s funny to think that is where my job came from all those years ago!"

Pictured top: Gary Pitschou (inset).