A DEDICATED staff member at Andover College is retiring after 40 years of working in the theatre and music industry.

Rob Bartholomew’s most recent role was as technical support in the college’s music department until his retirement today.

He studied photography at Salisbury College of Art and then Musical Instrument Making and Repair at Merton Technical College in the 1970s.

Mr Bartholomew, of Rooksbury Road, said: “You can’t really pick a moment but I enjoyed running Cricklade Theatre before it was The Lights, that was always really enjoyable.”

The former Andover Grammar School student began working at Cricklade Theatre, now The Lights, in 1976.

Of his college work, he said: “It was a very vibrant atmosphere to work in and most of the staff were young and enthusiastic.

“It was a strongly-knit community.”

Among his credits Mr Bartholomew was a musical director for a Cricklade College production of Lark Rise to Candleford, where he directed The Kills’ Jamie Hince who studied drama at the college.

Stuart Barlow, Andover College’s vice principal, said: “There was nothing he couldn’t do and nothing was too much trouble. He’s one of those people who was there from the beginning and it will be a real shame when he leaves.”

The 64-year-old plans to enjoy his retirement working on his own music and getting fitter.

Gary Rake, head of curriculum for performing arts, said: “He has seen a lot of changes while here and had a number of roles due in no small part to his skill and knowledge. Be it fixing amps, running up and down rigs to set and focus theatre lights, building sets or ordering the vast technical equipment we need to run a successful department.We will struggle to fill his shoes.”