YOUTH and community adviser Mike Clague retired in June after 46 years in education.
Mike's interest in youth work stemmed from joining the 10th Douglas Scout Troop as a boy at Ballakermeen where he was inspired by teachers/scout leaders Jack Gair and John Timson.
He said: "John asked me to help him run the 8th Douglas Cub Pack and I agreed. Within weeks he announced that he was leaving the Island and that I would be taking over as leader which was news to me. I survived the ordeal and enjoyed it."
While teaching off-Island Mike was first a scout leader and then an assistant district commissioner in Worksop.
He started his first Duke of Edinburgh’s Award unit in 1968 and was involved with the "wonderful scheme" ever since.
Mike only applied for the post of youth and community officer with the then Board of Education in 1982 to gain some interview experience. He was appointed and moved to Kirk Michael.
Mike was promoted first to assistant education officer and later youth and community adviser. In his time in the job the number of people the Youth Service works with trebled to more than 3,000 a week.
He said: "It's been a genuine pleasure working with so many people who are committed to improving the lives of youngsters, supporting them and offering them opportunities to have fun.
"Youth work relies on the building up of positive relationships between adults and young people and the Island should be proud of the hundreds of people who work tirelessly each week in youth clubs and projects, often with little recognition.
"I get frustrated when I hear the cry 'there's nothing for young people to do on the Isle of Man'. I suggest that they try living in rural Lincolnshire or Cumbria or any 221 square miles in the surrounding islands and compare what's available.
"The number of sports clubs and facilities here is amazing. Arts-related activities such as theatre, music and dance are all readily accessed. Uniformed youth organisations such as Girlguiding, Scouts, St John Ambulance and the pre-service Cadet Units are really successful and, added to all this, we have a fantastic and safe environment in which young people can create their own opportunities to have fun.
"I've really enjoyed the variety of work. I've had responsibility at various times for lettings, primary PE, the Millennium netball and soccer tournaments, primary school swimming, including the Dolphin Galas, helping to arrange Royal visits, outdoor education, the Library Service and the Careers Guidance Service.
He concluded: "The department has a small team at St George's Court, working their socks off to support schools, the College and the community, and I'm proud to have been part of it. I'd like to thank everyone for their support over the years, allowing me – in the words of our Youth Service motto – to enjoy 'taking fun seriously'."
Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK said: "Mike is a quiet, unassuming individual who has devoted a lifetime to the development of children, especially on the Island.
"We will all be very sorry to see him leave the department but, after 46 years in education, I think that he has earned his retirement. My thanks and best wishes go to Mike and Liz for a long and happy retirement."
