Amber Valley Borough Councils Longest serving employee retires after 53 years of dedicated service
Amber Valley Borough Council’s longest serving employee ever has retired. Pete Barnes who was most recently employed as a member of the council’s play safety team which looks after the council’s 100 play areas, retired following more than 53 years of continuous service with the council.
Commencing work in early August 1966, just two days after England’s World Cup win, Pete has provided dedicated service to the residents of Amber Valley throughout his exceptionally long career. Pete started work with what was originally Heanor Urban District Council, which later became incorporated into Amber Valley Borough Council in the early 1970s. Pete modestly tried to retire from the council without any fanfare. However, once his colleagues became aware, a special presentation by the Mayor was organised to recognise his considerable achievement.
Councillor John Walker, Mayor of Amber Valley is pictured presenting a specially engraved crystal decanter to Pete. Councillor Walker commented: "I have known Pete myself since 1967 and so it gives me enormous pleasure to present him with this decanter from the council, as well gifts from his colleagues. If you stop to think for moment about 53 years of continuous service, you realise just how impressive Pete’s achievement is. I’m sure all within the borough, would want to join me in wishing Pete a very happy and well-deserved retirement."
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