The Mayor of Douglas John Skinner has recognised the long service of four council employees.
A reception in the mayor’s parlour saw senior library assistant Shirley Moore recognised for 40 years’ service and assistant chief officer (environment) Alan Donnelly and James Spiby, craftsman labourer - housing recognised for 20 years’ service.
Blacksmith Kevin Lee, who had also completed 20 years’ service, was unable to attend.
Mrs Moore, who began her career with the council when the Henry Bloom Noble Library was housed next door to the town hall, is known for her enthusiastic organising of children’s activity and craft sessions, only too happy to appear dressed as a character from a book to inspire and entertain young readers. She is also always a leading figure in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which has been supported by the library since 2007.
Mr Donnelly joined the council from the private sector as engineering services manager in what was formerly the borough engineer and surveyor’s department and was made assistant borough engineer in 2001. From 2015 his role changed to assistant chief officer (environment) in the new environment and regeneration department.
His most recent achievements have been working on the restructuring of the council; promoting and expanding the council’s recycling initiatives and education, and advancing public lighting improvements to achieve lower maintenance and greater energy efficiency.
Mr Spiby began working for the council in the housing maintenance service, based at Lake Road, before the council moved its operations to the Ballacottier service centre in 2006.
His role is to assist with the general maintenance of the council’s housing stock and sheltered housing complexes, which requires him to be trained in working at height, safe handling, health and safety and hazardous substances legislation.
Mr Lee, who was unable to attend the presentation, started work as an engineering craftsman in the then technical services department at the council’s Lake Road depot. He then became an electrical services blacksmith based at the Ballacottier service centre.
His work ranges from repairing and maintaining railings such as those in the town’s garden squares to crafting bespoke fittings for street lights, Christmas decorative lights, attractions in Summerhill Glen and for the wreath holders and wires on Douglas war memorial.
Ahead of presenting the certificates of long service Mayor John Skinner said: ‘The loyalty and commitment of our employees is a vital contribution to the continued success of the council; and our long service awards are the cornerstone of how the council shows its recognition in the workplace and they help to reinforce the relationship between the council as an employer and its greatly valued members of staff.
‘The awards are a way of saying thank you to our employees, particularly those who have given many years of service, and recognising their immense contribution over that period of time.’
Photo - Mayor of Douglas John Skinner with long service employees Alan Donnelly, Shirley Moore and James Spiby. (Kevin Lee unavailable for photo). Picture Andrew Barton.
