Chief bows out after 42 years

Graham Moulson, who has works for wool merchant and topmaker H Dawson Sons and Co (Wool) Ltd, is retiring in December after 37 years with the Bradford business.

He started in the wool trade in 1960 and joined Essex Street-based H Dawson in 1965 as manager of its newly founded office in Biella, Italy.

After five years managing the Biella office, he returned to Bradford and joined the firm's board of directors in the early 1970s.

Mr Moulson was responsible for trade with Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Middle East, Pakistan and India.

He said: "The wool trade is a way of life, not just a job, and I have made many wonderful friends around the world, many of whom I hope to revisit at leisure in the future.

"Travel in the Middle Eastern area, particularly during the '60s and '70s, could be lively and exciting to say the least. On many occasions I visited countries which were undergoing social conflicts and political upheaval.

"Had I listened to the news too carefully before departing on my trips, I would never have got on the plane. The reality on the ground is often different to what is shown in the news."

Family firm H Dawson, which also has offices in Beijing, Melbourne, Christchurch and Port Elizabeth, is currently passing into the hands of the next generation of the family - Jo Dawson and Hamish Patrick.

The firm trades in merino and crossbred tops, scoured wools, greasy wools and speciality fibres for the woollen and worsted sector.

Francis Dawson of H Dawson Sons said: "We all thank Graham for his total involvement over so many years and wish him a very happy and fulfilling life in the many years to come. He deserves it."

Mr Mouslon is past president of Heaton Tennis and Squash Club and current chairman of the John Speak Foreign Language Trust.

He plans to spend his retirement enjoying his many hobbies which include singing, golf and skiing.

He said: "I look forward to a busy and enjoyable retirement, leaving H Dawson in sound hands and with a bright future."