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AFTER more than 50 years as a watchmaker the last 15 as a familiar figure in Haverhill, Albert Vogeler is taking a well-earned rest.
Mr Vogeler, 69, who originates from Dresden in Germany, started his apprenticeship in 1946, but came to England in 1957,
He first came to Haverhill to work for a company called Saturn Watches, which folded, then moved on to Watches of Switzerland in Haverhill.
After working for another company in Sudbury, where he was made redundant, Mr Vogeler decided to set up his own business in Haverhill making and repairing watches and clocks.
Now he has decided to retire at Christmas and asks all his customers to collect their property before then.
His wife Mary is already planning a six-week trip to the Far East and Australia next year.
Although he has enjoyed enormously his years of working in the town, Mr Vogeler says he has had enough of full-time work and will continue his craft only as a hobby.
"All I can says is I am never too old to learn. Things have changed over the past 50 years it is unbelievable really. So much is now made in the Far East, we have become a plastic, throw away society," Mr Vogeler said.
The Vogelers will continue to live in on the Chalkstone estate in Haverhill and Mr Vogeler looks forward to spending more time with his two daughters, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.