John Herring

John recalls how he came to work for Dowty and his apprentice years

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John recalls some memorable activities within his work at Dowty including his work in Seattle

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John remembers some inspiring people within the organisation

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John talks about particular friends he made at Dowty

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John recalls some of the products Dowty made

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John talks about the contribution Dowty made to the Airbus and the difference in requirements then and now

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John talks about the Dowty sites and factories

Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

John Herring

John Herring started with Dowty in August 1973 as a sponsored student apprentice, simultaneously gaining his degree in production engineering at Brunel University.

After a full training programme, John worked firstly for Dowty Fuel Systems in production, before becoming training manager for the Dowty Group in 1986.

He then moved on to Dowty Rotol and remained on the Staverton site for the remainder of his career, though in a variety of roles and positions.

Most were in production, but he also worked within facilities management, site development, programme management, as well as moving to Seattle for three years to start up a line-side final assembly and support facility for the Boeing 787 main landing gear.

John retired in October 2015 after 42 years of service with Dowty and its derivative companies, and is now busier than ever.

Interviewer: Graham James