Craftsman steps down after 32 years (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Craftsman steps down after 32 years

2:28pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A HIGHLY-respected craftsmen is heading for retirement after 32 years of service to the RAF.

Owen Johnson, from Northallerton, joined RAF Leeming in 1981 as a bench joiner and machinist in the station workshops, rising to become the foreman in charge.

He remained in the workshops until just five years ago when he moved into the world of admin.

During his time at the base he has contributed significantly across the whole of the station, building everything from picture frames and presentation plaques to worktops and counters – and there are examples of his work in nearly every room on station.

Mr Johnson, who is married to Rose, has also witnessed various royal visits - one of the most notable was the King of Sweden, who was presented with a crystal in a presentation box built by Mr Johnson himself.

Another remarkable job was at a helicopter crash site, when he made a timber frame for inside the remains of the aircraft so it could be moved without collapsing.

Station Commander Group Captain Steve Reeves presented Owen with a picture frame of memories and a RAF Leeming plaque with the station motto “Straight and True.”