What's new retired members?

[thecaretaker]

One of my best and fondest memories was at a conference in Blackpool...

I missed that one. I did go to the Westminster Academy Caretakers Conference. Happy days!

Work got in the way and where my first head teacher was happy for me to go and was full of support for my website, subsequent heads (had 6 in all) were not so happy for me to take the time off. Such a shame as I really enjoyed meeting all the members.

Jay did a great job of organising the conference with the RTA in my absence.

It is also sad that the original team at the RTA (Regional Training Agency) were closed down. The RTA did continue under different management but were not interested in running conferences any more. The RTA have completely gone now, there website says forbidden. viewtopic.php?p=370164#p370164

No criticism of all the newer members, but they seem a different breed to us older caretakers and I doubt many would attend if we were to arrange something ourselves.

[magpie]

I forgot to ask, anyone still got the bottle opener?

As you know Trout my friend, the bottle opener in question was behind the bar in my lodgings and i hope it is still there, i certainly wouldn't want it .
Just for those who don't understand, you had to be there

[TheTaker]

I missed that one. I did go to the Westminster Academy Caretakers Conference. Happy days!

Work got in the way and where my first head teacher was happy for me to go and was full of support for my website, subsequent heads (had 6 in all) were not so happy for me to take the time off. Such a shame as I really enjoyed meeting all the members.

Jay did a great job of organising the conference with the RTA in my absence.

It is also sad that the original team at the RTA (Regional Training Agency) were closed down. The RTA did continue under different management but were not interested in running conferences any more. The RTA have completely gone now, there website says forbidden. viewtopic.php?p=370164#p370164

No criticism of all the newer members, but they seem a different breed to us older caretakers and I doubt many would attend if we were to arrange something ourselves.

I think the problem i and many others would have is we would simply not be allowed to attend. Sadly we are seen as non essential by modern day managers. I for one would come at a weekend though

[Vera]

I too would struggle in normal working time. Can't see me being released for (in their heads) "a Jolly".

At a weekend I would definitely try to attend but travelling distance would be a killer.
Anything more than a hundred miles or so would a, cost too much, and b, be too tiring (we are all getting on now aren't we?).

Is there a call for area meets?

[thecaretaker]

I think the problem i and many others would have is we would simply not be allowed to attend. Sadly we are seen as non essential by modern day managers. I for one would come at a weekend though

Yes, a few years ago I think caretakers had more gravitas. Often referred to as the heads right arm man (person). But thanks to Huntly and a few other bad apples, the term caretaker has become a dirty word these days.

You used to get 8-10 caretakers honoured in the Queens New Year Honours list every year. But none have been awarded anything in recent years. The odd Lollipop lady...

[topcat101]

I don't know about the bottle opener but my Boaty friends brought me an inflatable sheep (Barrbara) for my birthday last year.

[topcat101]

I am spending my retirement (until my health fails) cruising the canal system in my 60 Narrowboat. Started off in a marina but now continually cruise and move every 14 days. New view and new back garden every time. Clocked up 3500 hours in the 5 years i have had her. Sometimes get neighbours but if I don't like them I simply move on I often end up near a canalside pub....nothing changes there
Regular boozy weekends with a group of fellow Single Handed Boaters. Currently making my way to Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire for my 65th next weekend.

[magpie]

So glad you are enjoying it TC, you deserve the R&R that thise weekends and the lifestyle yourboat gives you. I couldn't be happier for you my good friend

[Keyolder]

I am spending my retirement (until my health fails) cruising the canal system in my 60 Narrowboat.

Sounds idyllic nice to hear from you again TC

[gadget300]

Feel slightly a fraud with the title retired site manager on my badge, I mean I did leave schools but I still work albeit in a different industry.

These days I cover the H&S of 50+ sites for one company, along with running the facilities team too. Very busy with that but try and relax with kayaking at the weekend.

My former boss at the shoot retired completely a few years back and all he does is fish on his boat all day, for me one day.