45 years of glass, banter, and bikes
After 45 years of dedication, mischief, and masterful craftsmanship, Mike Rastrick is preparing to hang up his tools at Topline Glass in Ilminster. Since 1980, Mike has been a cornerstone of the company – part technician, part historian, and full-time source of amusement for his colleagues.
With his signature blend of sharp wit and deep industry knowledge, Mike Rastrick has seen Topline evolve from a small operation to one of the largest sealed unit manufacturers in the South West.
Now, as he looks ahead to retirement, Mike reflects on a career that has been anything but dull.
Mike’s journey at Topline began fresh out of the tank regiment in 1980, when he took on a job as a delivery driver.
“It was mainly a 40-mile radius – Sidmouth, Exeter, the odd Newquay or Gloucester run,” he recalls. “Easy enough, just driving around the countryside, yakking with builders, and taking the mickey out of them.” That knack for banter has stayed with him throughout his career, even as his role evolved from delivery driver to glass specialist.
Topline itself was a relatively young company when Mike joined, having been founded in 1977 by Neil and Val Jocelyn. “Only got sacked three times in one afternoon once,” he jokes, but somehow managed to stick around as the business expanded. Over the years, he’s witnessed ownership changes, massive investment, and transformative technological advancements.
The changing world of glass
The glazing world has come a long way since Mike started. “Back then, you had aluminium spacers and four choices – 6, 8, 10, or 12mm. Now, you’ve got silver, gold, black, warm-edge technology, fire-rated steel… it’s all got a bit ridiculous,” he laughs. “Self-cleaning glass? What nonsense! You still have to clean it!”
As technology advanced, so did the complexity of customer demands. “People bring in a photo from a magazine and say, ‘I want that.’ But they don’t measure anything! Half the battle is working out what they actually mean.”
Mike’s patience and expertise have been invaluable in deciphering these requests, but he’s more than happy to pass the baton to the next generation.
Motorbikes and mischief
So, what does retirement hold for Mike? “I’ve got five motorbikes and a shed. That should keep me busy,” he says.
Among his collection is a Norton Commando 750, a 650 chopper, a 1200 Harley Sportster, and the Yamaha 250 he bought in 1980 to get to work. “Green Flag wouldn’t cover it – it was too old! Apparently, my ’70s bikes are classics, but my 1980 one isn’t vintage yet. Work that out!”
Aside from tinkering with his bikes, Mike plans to take things as they come. “No world domination plans anymore,” he quips. “Might pop in now and then if someone needs a hand, but mostly, I’ll be out in the daylight for a change.”
Laughter and loyalty
As Mike prepares for his last shift, his colleagues are left with fond memories, plenty of laughter, and perhaps a little relief that they won’t be on the receiving end of his legendary sarcasm anymore.
Managing director, Jeremy Bartlett, summed up Mike’s impact on the company: “Mike has been a huge part of Topline Glass for over four decades, and his knowledge, skill, and sense of humour will be greatly missed. His dedication to the craft and his ability to keep us all entertained in the process have been invaluable. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Mike may be leaving, but his mark on Topline Glass – both in craftsmanship and character – will remain for years to come. His farewell is bittersweet, but one thing is certain – he won’t be far from a shed full of tools, a bike in need of tinkering, and a joke at someone’s expense.