Poetic Tribute to mark the end of an illustrious career!
It is not often nowadays you come across someone who has spent more than 40 years working for the same organisation! Barry Clements, of Shaftesbury based Wessex Fire and Security, is one such person.
Barry, who lives in Shillingstone, joined Wessex Electricals on the 1st April 1967 as an Electrician, transferring to Wessex Fire & Security in 1992. He and his wife Ann, pictured, were greeted with a surprise retirement party by 60 friends and colleagues at the Half Moon Inn Public House in Shaftesbury. Guests included past and present employees and a number of customers to whom Barry has become well known and respected.
One such customer is Housing 21, a leading provider of sheltered accommodation who has known Barry for over 10 years. So dedicated has been the support he has provided them, the Manager of Frank Cook Court, Linda Farmer, wrote a poem of appreciation:
“The Fire alarm is on the blink,
Too much to do, I just can’t think
One quick call and help’s on the way
Barry Clements will be here today
He’s Wessex Fire’s hidden treasure,
Charm and skill in equal measure
With twinkly eyes and friendly smile
He beats the others by a country mile
I appeal to you, Mr Wessex Fire
How can you let our Barry retire?
We all get older, it’s no joke
To say goodbye to this really nice bloke"
