Last week, our beloved  facilities manager, Tom Foster hung up his keys and retired. After 28 years with the YMCA, we believe this was very well-deserved!

We asked him a few questions about his time here with us…

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1. We threw a surprise party to celebrate your retirement, what that mean to you? 

I could scarcely believe the incredible reception that awaited me at Reconnect!.

Particularly impressing was the clever way in which all was kept secret from me and the co-ordinated manner of the various presentations, both verbal and audio/visual; it must have taken some doing to have avoided my prying eyes and inquisitive ears !

The joy of the occasion was evident on everyone’s’ faces as you awaited my (late !) arrival with keen anticipation; somewhat similar to the groom being kept waiting at the altar !

The gathering demonstrated to me the high regard in which I had been held and I was genuinely heartened by the strong undercurrent of affection afforded to me as I ‘bowed out’ of Facilities Management.

It was good to share a tribute to deceased former colleagues and I am sure they would have been present in spirit. Many thanks for allowing me to relate one or two intriguing anecdotal reflections of my tenure in post and for the blessing/commendation received from Grace.

So, a big ‘thank-you’ to all who so diligently pulled the event together and went to an enormous amount of trouble to ensure that I received a good ‘send-off’; I have a record of proceedings with which I will no doubt play with great fondness.

2.What have you enjoyed most about the last 28 years:

Quite simply, it has been the privilege of being able to actively participate in the mission of Burton upon Trent and District YMCA in meeting the needs of all those God has called us to minister to; no matter what challenges have arisen and through all the changes that society has undergone under various administrations, our movement has been there to provide a glimmer of hope to those who for any number of reasons, have fallen on hard times.

It has been immensely gratifying to have worked alongside those who have this same basic human instinct to serve the needs of others.

My time at Burton YMCA has been transformative and my own social horizons have been very much broadened, adding considerably to one’s quality of life.

3.What have you got planned with your spare time? 

‘Here I am Lord…..’  The Christian calling is life-long and I believe God will channel me in a direction of service whereby I can put to use the experiences I have gained and so will no doubt be seen around the environs of St Paul’s church and in numerous other places where I can live out my calling.

The time now afforded will take Helen and myself off to various places, especially National Trust venues and attend more fully to the needs of family, friends etc.

I’m still very much involved with St Paul’s P.C.C, Tutbury Rural Deanery Synod and Shobnall Community Centre and one or two other concerns.

I’ve recently re-joined the library and am keen to make use of my bus pass !

Having visited 38 of England’s 42 cathedrals I would very much like to get to Guildford, Blackburn, Truro and Chelmsford and to explore a few other places.

4.Any lasting memories at YMCA?

Being able to look back with a great deal of satisfaction on a journey that has taken our great movement into the lives of so many people and having been an active and influential part of that process.

We wish you all the love and luck for your retirement Tom! Thanks for everything you have done for us!