Fenland District Council’s longest serving employee – who has worked there since it was first incorporated in the early 70s – has retired after 46 years.
Gary Garford began life at the council in 1974 when he started as a trainee technical assistant in the design team, working on highways design and delivery.
The former Wisbech Grammar School pupil worked his way up to a senior technician and engineer before becoming the head of construction management and technical services.
It was in August 2003 that Mr Garford stepped up to corporate director, a role he kept for 16 years and 11 months before leaving on Tuesday, June 16.
Mr Garford has built up an impressive profile on the professional social media website LinkedIn where he continues to mentor people from all over the world.
He said: “The day has come for me to retire from Fenland District Council after 45 plus happy and hopefully successful years in various roles along the way.
“May I take this opportunity to offer my thanks to all my LinkedIn contacts that I have had the pleasure to work or socialise with over my career in local government.
“I have seen many changes over the years, but the current coronavirus situation fully demonstrates the crucial role local government plays in delivering help and supporting local communities and businesses.
“My passion and commitment over the past decade has been regeneration, which no doubt many of you have been with me on a project journey to achieve tangible improvements, not just the physical but the economic and social fabric of the Fenland community we serve.
“I tried to learn from everyone I met, be it technical, management or people related, so thank you all for that, and I had the added pleasure of helping shape some of your careers.
“So, it’s with a sad heart that I say Au revoir. I will continue to monitor LinkedIn so please do not hesitate to keep in touch.”
Simon Machen will be providing temporary support progressing some key projects for Fenland council after Mr Garford’s retirement.
These include the Future High Street Fund for March, the Wisbech High Street Project and the Combined Authority-funded Fenland Station Regeneration Project.
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