Press Release
Four Council Managers retire over the weekend
Four Council Managers celebrated their retirement at the weekend, marking the end of nearly 80 years of service between them.
Bill and Silvija Crook retired on Friday as Community Work Manager and Shetland Library Manager respectively.
There was a small celebration in the Library and Director of Children’s Services Helen Budge presented the couple with flowers and gifts.
It marked the end of a ten year career with the Council for the couple who arrived in the Isles in 2001 to take up two Community Work posts – Silvija in the South End, Bill in the West.
Commenting on their time working for the Council and their retirement plans, Bill and Silvija said:
“We have had a fantastic 10 years working with communities across the whole of Shetland. We’re now looking forward to having more time for outdoor activities and travelling, and of course enjoying all the fabulous community and library facilities available in Shetland.”
Click on photo for larger image.
Head of Roads, Ian Halcrow also enjoyed his last day at Gremista on Friday.
Ian started with the Zetland County Council in 1974 and worked his way through the Surveyors Department and Design and Technical Services to become Head of Roads in July 2000.
“When I started, just over 37 years ago” said Ian, “the Burra and Trondra bridges had only been open a few years and only some of the vehicle ferries where operational.
“I am looking forward to having time to do the things I haven’t been able to do up to now and I wish the roads staff all the best”.
John Taylor retired as the Service Manager for Emergency Planning and Resilience on Friday.
John joined the Council in 1989 and has worked in Emergency Planning since 1992.
He moved to Shetland with his family in 1989 after a long and illustrious career in the armed forces. In 1993 he saw the Braer come ashore and the consequences of 85,000 tonnes of crude oil hitting Shetland.
A significant career milestone was his role in the creation of a permanent emergency helicopter landing site at Clickimin Leisure Centre in May 2010.
John is off to the School of Artisan Foods in November to learn how to butcher and cure pork which he plans to take up as a hobby.
Speaking of his plans for retirement, Mr Taylor said:
“I have fallen into the “trap” of many grandparents - that of child care after school and now that my daughter in law is working full time, doggy day care for a black Labrador. I will also be working as a wedding planner as my eldest son is getting married at the end of the year.”