July '10

I'd just returneed home from some rearranged respite away when I remembered these notes and the fast-approaching deadline! So I cheated and this month's item is an ode I wrote and delivered at my retirement 'do' nearly 16 years ago!
The time has come - I read the fax - To talk of many things,
Like sealing wax and concil tax  and telephone that rings!
Like when my post was advertised  And it appeared in Press;
The huge response had me surprised  'Though why I.d never guess..
T'was April when arthritis caused  A break in my career
I never guessed then, when I paused,  That I'd be standing here.
I spent 2 weeks in Aylsham where  They eased my aches and woes.
I oft' recall a Hazel there  At pool ,who dried my toes.
A new life-style comes into view:  More time for rest (and  play)
For things I always wished to do  But WORK got in the way!
Of course, I'll miss the friends I've made:  I say without embarrassment,
But I won't miss, I am afraid  The sexual harassment!
I'm glad to see you all, by gum!  You're here for farewell greetings,
So, thanks for making time to come  And code it to "Staff Meetings".
I must give thanks to all who gave  Me help along the way.
I'll not name names: like that I'll save  Omitting folk. Oy vay!
A lot of you have given me  So many lifts by car;
With limited mobility (even more so, now)  I'm very grateful - ta!
Thanks for your generous response:  Each sponsorship request:
With last year's quiz for Age Concern  I strove myself! Impressed?
You know that I like Triv'ya - hey,   I heard on radyo chat
James Hipwell, too, retires today.  Now, not a lot know that!
I'm sad some faces can't be here  I'll try to make amends
So, think of those who are not near  Remember "Absent Friends".
I went to a meeting about the Review  And spoke to ex-leader, John Lee;
When Mary Palmer said,  We few Were Broadland Escape Committee!
I really do appreciate  The 'phone calls & the cards
And letters too,  which replicate  Warm wishes, kind regards.
Thanks for the gifts which I'll enjoy  You've really done me proud!
For I am such a lucky boy  And you're a smashing crowd!
But there's no need at all to  weep - I hope to still pop round.
For UNISON treasurer's a post I'll keep  Until replacement's found.
So, thanks for hearing this right through  (To write it was quite hard)
Good Luck with Local Gov. Review  And Love from Broadland Bard!