Goodbye From Austin

As we say goodbye to one of our legendary trainers, we close the chapter on one member of the PASS family. But not for good as Austin will be popping up now and then.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Austin when we re-wrote a training script and I found him energetic and enthusiastic as well as infectiously funny. He is a huge character and we will all miss his smart appearance and welcome greeting every morning.

So without further introduction, I’ll hand you over to Austin who has a few words to share with you.

It’s surprising how fast time has accelerated and it’s remarkable the number of people who have said how bored I will be.  I don’t think so; I look on it being the start of the next phase of my life and there is so much to do!

I have joined the local bowling club (Not very good at it yet but a wonderfully social sport).  I have been a volunteer at the Tanfield Railway for many years and will now be able to spend much more time on my hobbies which include model railways.

I also intend to sign on at our local college for a cookery course and spend more time supporting Joan and my chosen charity, The British Heart Foundation.

Barry is happy for me to keep my hand in at teaching when Michael (My replacement also ex Seaward) is on holiday and I would like to experience an archeological dig Time Team being a favorite program.  Bored, I think not.  But the one experience I am really looking forward to is this coming winter, looking out at the snow falling and not having to go out in it!

I have been very fortunate in working for PASS for the last six very enjoyable years meeting many wonderful people on the courses;  on a quick calculation 6 years of 47 working weeks with an average of 3 courses per week and an average of six people per course; I must have taught in the order of 5,000 people.

But after 50 years of working life it’s time to move on to the next part of my life, enjoying new experiences with a hearty thank you to all of the people who have made  teaching so pleasurable for me.

Austin Daly