A NORTHWICH pie maker celebrated her 50th year in the same job this week, making her the longest serving employee in the company’s ninety-year history.

Vanda Furmage has worked at Birtwisle’s butchers since October 1972, and although she has seen many changes over the years, the quality of the pies is not one of them.

Vanda started working for current owner Nick Birtwisle’s grandfather, Harold, whose daughter-in-law Nan baked the pies in her oven at home each day and brought them into the shop to sell.

Northwich Guardian: Nick BirtwisleNick Birtwisle (Image: Nick Birtwisle)

It was Nick’s father Ian who, in the late 1960s, had the idea to build a bakery on the back of the shop, which in turn created an opening for a new pie maker.   

Vanda said: “I saw the job in the paper, came for the interview, and I’ve been here ever since.

“It’s a great thing, if you are so lucky, to be able to stay in the same job as long as I have.

“You get to know everybody in the area, and then you get to know their children.

“No one’s ever tried to poach me, but even if they had, I would’ve gone anyway – I’m very loyal.

“And I’ve no plans to retire any time soon.  

Asked which pie she would be most likely to take home for dinner, she said: “Meat and potato. That my favourite.”

Northwich Guardian: Vanda Furmage (Nick Birtwisle)Vanda Furmage (Nick Birtwisle) (Image: Nick Birtwisle)

The Birtwisle’s story began in the early 1930s when Nick’s uncle Jack bought a butcher’s van with a five-pound loan.

He was soon able to rent a shop on Church Road, but when the current premises on Witton Street came up for sale, he and his father decided to buy it and go into business together.  

Nick Birtwisle said: “We’ve decided to have a little celebration for Vanda and open a bottle.

“We’ve never had anyone work here so long before, and I would be surprised if we ever do again.”