04
Apr
'Much-loved' long-serving council employee retires after 53 years
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A ‘much loved’ council employee from Harrogate has retired after 53 years in post.
Dorothy Ann Hope, affectionately known as Dot, is thought to be North Yorkshire Council’s longest-serving employee and retired this week at the age of 78.
She joined what was then West Riding County Council in 1971 as a “home help” when she was 25. For the last five years, she has worked at Station View residential home in Harrogate.
Reflecting on her tenure, Dot recalled the early days when she was part of a “heavy duty squad”.
She said:
The job role itself changed immensely from originally shopping and cleaning for up to 10 elderly people a week.
In 1974, I was asked to clean for someone who couldn't return home from hospital until her home was fit for habitation. This led to the formation of the ‘heavy duty squad’ where I and my lovely colleague, Janet Waring, completed specialised cleaning jobs all over the county which, when finished, allowed our people to return to their homes. I loved this role more than anything.
Over the years, Dot has witnessed many changes including the launch of the former North Yorkshire County Council from 1974 and then North Yorkshire Council being established in April 2023.
Council’s assistant director for adult social care and support, Rachel Bowes, presenting Dot with a bunch of flowers.
On her retirement day (Tuesday, April 1), colleagues, friends and relatives gathered to bid a fond farewell and celebrate her “remarkable” milestone.
Dot said:
All the roles I have undertaken have been worth it just to see the people’s faces when their homes have become habitable and they can return there to live out their lives.
The gratitude I have received over the years from people to managers has made my career and all the jobs I have done worthwhile even when I was up to my elbows in bags of rubbish that sometimes were piled higher than me.
She added:
I just want to take life a bit easier.
When the weather gets warmer, I am looking forward to getting into my garden. My priority now is spending time with my family, especially my husband, David, who sadly has advanced dementia.
Richard Webb, the council’s corporate director for health and adult services, said:
Dot’s dedication and commitment to public service over the past 53 years has been truly outstanding and I want to thank her personally for all her hard work.
She has been a key and much-loved member of our team, providing exceptional care and service to our communities and embracing the changes that have come throughout her career.
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