A travel agent is to retire tomorrow (Friday) after 58 years in the industry and almost 40 years working for Thomas Cook.
Barbara McCracken, 76, is to leave Cook’s Gordon Street store in Glasgow.
Her career in travel started in 1956 at the age of 18 with travel agency J.H. Lewis in West Regent Street, Glasgow, where she completed her training.
The last 40 years of Barbara’s career have been spent working at Thomas Cook.
Between 1973 and 1977 Barbara worked for the company in Cape Town, South Africa, before returning to Glasgow in January 1978 to take up a role as manager at A T Mays, which was owned by Thomas Cook.
Since then she has remained with Cook at its Gordon Street branch.
Barbara will pack up her desk for the last time following a week of farewell celebrations including a drinks event in the store with customers and a dinner with colleagues and travel suppliers.
Thomas Cook chief executive Harriet Green called last week to congratulate her and to thank her for her service – shortly followed by the arrival of a bouquet of flowers.
Barbara said: “I can’t imagine not being part of Thomas Cook, as it’s been my life. However, I am now looking forward to having some ‘me’ time.
“The last 40 years has been an amazing time for me in travel and I have enjoyed every minute.
“I wish my colleagues in Thomas Cook and Gordon Street the very best for the future – they won’t be seeing the last of me, as I will be popping in regularly for coffee.”
Branch manager Christine Coles said: “Barbara is unique, and has given her life to her customers ensuring she sends them on holidays of a lifetime.
“It’s now Barbara’s time to have a long holiday, and the team and I wish her a happy and enjoyable retirement.
“Barbara is one incredible lady and loved by everyone; she deserves this special time and recognition for all that she has given to the travel industry.”
Barbara has two sons she is looking forward to spending more time with during her retirement; one living near her in Hamilton, and the other recently relocating from Switzerland to Boston in the US.