Warwick has a long-standing family connection with H&H Reeds Print & Design in Penrith.
His grandfather Syd Thornton was director and works manager, while his father Malcolm Warwick was co-owner and company director when his son started working at the firm 45 years ago, back in 1978.
“My dad and mam used to buy me the John Bull printing set boxes for Christmas, which were old printing sets for children. They were keen for me to join the family business and wanted to get me involved from a young age,” Warwick said.
He started off as a compositor setting type manually, and has held various different roles over the years as printing technology has changed and H&H Reeds expanded its offering.
His current role involves platemaking and being the firm’s storeman.
Pez Warwick in action with No Thrills
During his time he was also the firm’s “bait boy” – tasked with fetching pies from different shops in the morning for the firm’s workforce.
“Reeds has changed and grown since I was the designated bait boy, going out to collect bait in the morning for the other workers. Machines and presses have kept up with the latest technologies, and Reeds has expanded to include new businesses such as signs, web, and digital, adapting to keep up with the changing times,” he said.
The H&H Reeds business dates back 140 years. Managing director Andy Jackson commented: “We wholeheartedly congratulate Pez on his 45th work anniversary. His experience and his contribution to the company have been invaluable, and we are hugely grateful for his dedication and hard work.
“He and his family have been part of the backbone of the company for half its lifetime, and those deep roots in the business and the region have played a vital part in our success.”
Warwick’s hobbies include fly fishing, and at 61 he said he had no immediate plans to retire.
He started playing in punk bands in 1977 and his band No Thrills played at UK and international festivals and were a support act for The Damned twice over the years.
Although Warwick has now retired from band life, he retains his love of punk – and his colourful mohican.
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