Andrew Bailey targets Japan retirement trips after 15 years as Aycliffe town clerk
SAYONARA
BY MARTIN WALKER
Newton Aycliffe ’ s town clerk spent his final day at the helm in May after stepping into retirement .
Andrew Bailey worked his last day at Great Aycliffe Town Council on May 7 after 32 years with the local authority – 15 of which as town clerk .
The experienced local government officer has enjoyed a colourful career which has taken him around the North-East , the country and the world .
But after spending so long with Aycliffe ’ s parish authority , he looks back on a number of standout achievements during his time in the town .
And he ’ s particularly pleased with community developments delivered by the local authority , including several popular MUGAs , BMX tracks and the nine-hole extension to Aycliffe ’ s public golf course .
Andrew was schooled in Sunderland , then later in Houghton-le-Spring Grammar School and Sixth Form .
His employment in local government started in 1973 as a local government management trainee with Sunderland Council .
While holding various roles there , Andrew continued his professional education at college in London to study for the Institute of Sport and Recreation professional membership and diploma levels .
“ During this time I was also awarded a scholarship to study abroad ,” said Andrew .
“ This involved a period of study in British Columbia , Canada .”
In 1977 , Andrew took up a post with one of the largest leisure facilities in the country –
Crowtree Leisure Centre in Sunderland – before his next move took him further afield , working at the King Abdul Aziz Naval Base in Saudi Arabia , in support services , working with Saudi counterparts .
On his return to the UK in 1984 , Andrew again entered local government and leisure services at the King ’ s Sports Centre in mid- Sussex before returning to his native North-East in 1985 as Chester-le-Street District Council ’ s leisure manager .
After gaining a post-graduate diploma in management studies from Teesside University , Andrew landed his first role with Great Aycliffe Town Council in 1989 as director of parks and leisure services .
Andrew explained : “ The position required the management of all the sports , leisure , parks and cemeteries , allotments , golf course , driving range and events , as well as play groups .
“ However , this was also to be undertaken while subjecting the council ’ s grounds maintenance to compulsory competitive tendering of the service , followed shortly after with the tendering of the sports complex .
“ During this period , I also undertook the role of health and safety officer for the council , having obtained a NEEBOSH qualification .”
Andrew ’ s job title changed to director of leisure and environment before a period of further studying in 1996 with Cheltenham and Gloucester College , gaining the Local Policy Certificate , the recognised qualification for parish and town clerks .
He was then promoted to town clerk with GATC in 2006 .
“ My standout memories in both roles are probably the major projects which were completed in my time ,” he said .
“ They include the refurbishment of the sports complex , building a nine-hole extension and installation of irrigation to the golf course , the building of a much-needed works depot facility , development of the programme of events and permanent structures and art work for the
26 | Aycliffe Business