Singh Roopra | 46 years at Colindale
Citygate would like to take a moment to commemorate Darvindra Singh Roopra for completing 46 years of service as a technician at Colindale Volkswagen. From his 20’s, when he first joined the company in 1975, he has dedicated most of his life with us as a key and valued member of the Citygate family.
Considering he has stayed at Colindale for so many wonderful years, he has seen the change and evolution of our cars and vans within the Volkswagen brand along with the change in ownership when Citygate purchased Colindale in 2006 when the company was founded.
Singh’s mind should be called “The Book of Volkswagen”, he’s worked on some of the very first Mk1 Golf’s of that era, to the ones we have now in 2021. He also received an award from VAG in 1984 for “The recognition of his dedication, excellent achievement and company loyalty”, which you’ll see photos of below.
The First Colindale Workshop where Singh worked at
Before Singh left, we asked him to give us some wise words of wisdom and tell us about his journey.
What has been your personal highlight, the one thing you hold as your favourite memory?
When I was young I learnt so much and really loved working and learning new things. I have too many fond memories. I do remember getting an award in 1984 from VAG and I still have it and makes me proud to this day
It's rare to see such length of service these days, may we ask why that was so important for you?
It is such a family type environment this is the most important thing for me is working in a happy place with lovely people – if it wasn’t for the people I don’t think I could have lasted. From when I was in my 20’s I remember Vijay (senior tech at the time) teaching me things and giving me so much of his time to make sure I learned and this type of work environment I enjoyed so much
What are your thoughts for us all with embracing EV?
I am old school and still getting my head around EV – there is a lot to learn for all of us young and old about EV but its definitely the way forward
You've seen so many changes and developments in the automotive industry, which one sticks in your mind the most?
The biggest change to see is the most recent with all the technology that comes on the cars compared to when I first started working on cars like Golf Mk1’s and Mk2’s and even the old beetles. I remember we use to make sunroofs on mk1’s here where I would cut the roofs out and fit the glass in – now look at these new cars with panaramic roofs – its amazing to see the change
Technicians are in short supply, would you have a word of wisdom or two on how we can assist them and enhance their working environment?
Work with a smile, be patient and understanding of others needs, be a team player and work like I have at Colindale as a family
What pearls of advice would you share with today's apprentice technicians?
Listen to what the senior techs have to say – they have the most knowledge to pass on
What are the key factors that have kept you in continuous service, what's been important to you?
Citygate have always been good to me, helped me where needed and supported me through out the years – I have loved all the managers I have worked with and all the others as well – everyone has been so helpful. I have no bad memories only happy ones
You deserve some time to focus on things that are important to you, how do you plan to enjoy your retirement?
If I am honest I am a bit sad because I will miss every one here so much – I haven’t figured out what I should do with my mornings im so used to waking up getting ready for work – this I will find a bit hard to adjust.
I want to travel back to my home place in India more and see more of the world with my lovely wife and I can have a few beers and whiskey during the week as well if the mrs lets me.
Final words – I love you all from the bottom of my heart especially all the Colindale staff past and present and will miss you so much. Its been a great 46 years thank you