West of England accountancy and financial planning group Old Mill’s longest-serving employee, receptionist Di Hale, has retired after 41 years.
Di, pictured, 69, joined the firm in 1976 when it was called Berkeley Hall & Co with offices on the High Street in Shepton Mallet. 
At the time the firm had just 13 employees and Di’s job was to work on the front desk and do the VAT returns – all hand written – for about 35 clients.
When the firm moved two years later to The Old Convent, also on High Street, she got her first proper switchboard.
She answered the three phones lines and transferred callers through to the 15 extensions. There was other new technology, as Di remembers: “We finally had a photocopier, but I recall that we had to share it with Bartlett & Co, who occupied the other half of the building, so hard luck if it was raining and you wanted to photocopy!”
Mobile phones were also appearing on the scene.
“We had one mobile phone for the office, which was always in hot demand. And we also got the first office computer – it was so huge it filled one whole room and I was absolutely scared stiff when told I’d need to use it!”
Seven years later, in 1984, Berkeley Hall & Co became Berkeley Jackson and moved to The Old Mill. It was at this point that working for the firm became a bit of a family affair for Di.
“I was working in reception and my dad took on the caretaker role and gardening duties,” said Di. “When he retired, my brother Dave took on the role and he still does it at the Wells office to this day.”
The firm continued to grow – joining the Tenon group of accountancy firms in 2001, and five years later – following a management buy-out, leaving it to become Old Mill.
It stayed at the Shepton Mallet offices until four years ago when it moved to its current base in Wells.
“I was a bit apprehensive when the time came to move to Wells because I had walked to work every day for all those years,” said Di. “But I am so glad I came; I have thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years in the Wells office.”
Colleagues Rebecca Madden and Karen Parry-Jones, who have both worked with Di for the last 30 years, will miss her terribly.
Rebecca said: “Di has always been the friendly face you see as you arrive at Old Mill.” Karen added: “She is so well loved and her laugh will always be remembered.”
Old Mill senior partner Mike Butler and commercial director Kevin Whitmarsh have worked with Di for the past 20 years.
Mike said: "In these times of rapid change and increasing technology, tradition and loyalty still have a place and Old Mill has been so lucky to benefit from the continuity that Di has brought to the business, the staff and the clients."
Kevin added: “Diane was also renowned for interviewing potential new recruits while they sat in reception waiting for their ‘official interview’. I think the vast majority of the 80 people that work in the Wells office now, and those that have worked with us over the years, came because Di had input into their recruitment – she really is quite a remarkable lady.”
Di, who plans to spend her retirement enjoying her garden and holidaying in the UK with husband Malcolm, said: “I have seen so many changes over the past 41 years, going from 13 staff to more than 250 and four offices across the region. But one thing that has remained is how much I have enjoyed my job. I love meeting new people and will really miss all the friends I have made over the years.”
Old Mills offices are in Melksham, Exeter, Yeovil and Wells.
