Cyril Clay

1923-2012

The longest serving council employee in Bourne was Cyril Clay who completed 65 years in September 2002 without missing a single day off work through illness or for any other reason. This remarkable record was achieved in two stages, firstly as a full time council employee for 51 years, from 1937-88 and then as a part time charge-hand on the weekly town market from 1988-2002, adding a further 14 years to his long service.

He was known as "Ching" for as long as anyone could remember but the reason why is not known and he has always refused to explain. "It is a nickname I got when I was a lad of ten and it has been with me ever since but I am not telling anyone why", he said in 2006 when celebrating his 83rd birthday. He also repeatedly refused to be photographed and so we have no picture to show what he looked like.

Cyril was born at Bourne in 1923 and attended the Bourne Council School [now the Abbey CofE Primary Academy] where he had the distinction of being mentioned in the headmaster's log book and although far from complimentary, it does give an indication of his industry because he was earning money even at the age of 14. The entry for 25th February 1937 records that: "Cyril Clay works in a fried fish shop in his spare time. The smell from his clothes was so objectionable this afternoon that Mr Harris complained to me. I examined the boy then sent him home. His mother has been to the school and after a few terse remarks about our imaginations, informed me that he will have to stay at home until his clothes can be aired or washed."

A few months later, he left school and went to work for Bourne Urban District Council and was employed at the town's gas works, moving to the waterworks two years later. Then in 1974, he transferred to South Kesteven District Council under the re-organisation of local government, and although little more than an ordinary workman, in later years he enjoyed the title of general maintenance operative.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 1980 and the presentation was made on Friday 24th April 1981 at Wake House, then the council offices, by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Henry Nevile, who read a message from the Queen in which she regretted being unable to make the presentation personally. Mr Russell Cann, chief executive of SKDC, told the gathering: "Apart from his official duties, he is known as a man who will always help anyone out of difficulties. He is well respected by local people and has a deep devotion to duty."

When he retired on his 65th birthday, Cyril was given another presentation, this time a gold watch by SKDC that was handed over at a civic reception in September 1988. The event was also due to have been held at Wake House but such was the regard in which he was held that it was too small for the large number of guests who wanted to attend and so it was switched to the more spacious surrounds of the Corn Exchange where the Mayor, Councillor Monty Burton, councillors, council officers and staff joined in the celebration.

Cyril narrowly missed breaking his record for such loyal service a few days before his retirement when he was involved in a road accident while travelling as a passenger in a council van and was taken to hospital where he had seven stitches in his face but rather than miss a day's work, he refused to stay in overnight and reported for duty as usual next morning.

There was a jovial suggestion after the ceremony that Cyril should spend his retirement as a private consultant to the council and when he asked why, he was told: "You are the only person who knows where all the drains are in Bourne."

On retirement, he continued working part time at the Thursday and Saturday markets, supervising the erection and dismantling of the stalls and the clearing up after each day's business. When retirement from this job came round in September 2002, 79-year-old Cyril was given yet another farewell party, this time at the Burghley Arms, where colleagues and friends gathered to drink his health and present him with a video recorder. Simon Collingwood, personnel manager with SKDC said: "We are sorry to lose him. He should be very proud of his achievement as the council's longest serving member of staff."

"I just loved every minute of my time with the council", he said, "but I will probably spend my retirement gardening and doing odd jobs although I also like travelling around the country and so there will be no time to be bored."

Nevertheless, he remained a familiar figure around the town, keeping as busy as ever, collecting weekly football pools coupons and pedalling his bike and trailer loaded with rubbish or other articles that he was moving for he was always doing odd jobs until ill health forced him to retire. Cyril, who lived in Recreation Road, Bourne, died in May 2012, aged 90, and was cremated at Peterborough. He had been a widower since his wife Joyce had died from cancer 30 years before but left a son, Leslie, and a daughter, Lynn. 

REVISED MAY 2012

Go to:     Main Index     Villages Index