Thirty years of service marked

May 1 2008 by Gareth Evans, Glamorgan Gazette

A COUNCIL clerk has signed off after 30 years.

Beryl Davies, of St Brides Road, Ewenny, will be replaced by Mary Long as clerk to Ewenny Community Council.

Mrs Davies grew up in the Garw Valley and, after leaving Bridgend College to became a shorthand typist, joined the council’s housing department in 1956.

She married husband Brian, former chief community clerk of Ogwr Borough Council, in 1960, and moved to Ewenny six years later.

“We worked together in housing and had very similar careers,” said Mrs Davies, aged 68.

Mrs Davies retired as area manager of the council’s housing department in 1996 and dedicated her time to the needs of Ewenny’s eight “happy” community councillors.

“We don’t carry a lot of weight but we try, and we’ve got things done,” said Mrs Davies.

“There were difficult times but Ewenny has always been a happy council.

“There has never been political wrangling. I wouldn’t have been there 30 years if there was any bickering or fighting.

“I haven’t had a cross word with any of the councillors.”

Mrs Davies remembers having to move away from the village hall in the 1980s after it was struck by lightning.

“We didn’t have a home for a few years,” she said.

“We used one of the community rooms in Ogwr Borough Council because we had to have a new roof. There was nowhere else to go.

“We had a battle on fighting the reopening of the quarry. Although we didn’t win, we did our best.

“Having our memorial site dedicated was a nice thing. I’m sorry to leave – but it’s the right time.”

Mrs Davies was diagnosed with cancer in September, which prompted her to stand down.

“My husband had been on to me to retire for years. But when that happened I thought it was time,” she said.

Councillors old and new gathered at the village hall for a surprise party, and incoming clerk Mrs Long presented her predecessor with a traditional Waffail bowl, made by potter Caitlin Jenkins, daughter of community councillor Alun Jenkins.

Mrs Long, of Wick Road, Ewenny, boasts a similar career in local government and was office manager at Bryntirion Comprehensive School for 26 years.

“I served four headteachers before retiring in 2003,” said the grandmother-of-two.

“Until this job came along I hadn’t had an interview for 30 years!

“But I’m enjoying what I’m doing.

“Beryl is showing me the ropes – she knows the job inside out. She is a very hard act to follow. I don’t think I’ll match her 30 years!”

Mrs Davies will attend the Queen’s garden party on July 22 in recognition of her service to the community.