H
CELEBRATING A LOCAL CHAMPION
ere’s a story that will surely lift our spirits and inspire us, it is about a man called Brian Chorley. At the age of 83 he has become a media star. His newfound fame, TV appearances and press attention has not come from acknowledgement of high-profile charity work, a heroic deed such as saving someone from drowning or climbing a huge mountain it has come about simply from his daily working life. What makes his story remarkable and inspiring is that Brian, has worked on the same site for almost 70 years and without taking a day off sick!. He began working at Clarks shoe factory in 1953, when he was just 15 years old. Brain joined the factory to earn some extra money for his family, encouraged by his father. Brian was aware that money was tight after his father left the army following the war and he describes his family as ‘being poor’. Initially he worked 45 hours a week, he earned two pounds and three shillings and gave a pound to his mum knowing this would help their financial situation. He admitted that “Going from school to a place like that was overwhelming.” but he committed himself and worked hard. During the first couple of years, he did various jobs and at 17 he took on the extra work to learn the skill of shoe sole cutting which would see him earn £12 a week. Brian continued working for Clarks until the 1980s when he was his mid-50s. The factory was
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closed, and the area was later redeveloped into the Clarks Village Shopping outlet which opened in 1993. Following the closure, Brian undertook various jobs to keep himself busy. Then, in 2005, a friend who had started work at Clarks Village called Brian, inviting him to join him. He originally took on a job helping sort recycling at the centre, but one day was asked if he wanted to move on to the guest services team, where he has worked ever since. He says this role suits him, telling reporters “I go out of my way to help people. I do everything I can to give them a good service and treat them with respect. I’ve been told so many times what a wonderful service they’ve had, and they feel so happy, and that’s all I want.” It is wonderful that this story has made the news and reassuring to know that we are keen to celebrate Brian’s values of loyalty, hard-work and his consideration and kindness for others just as much as we would the fund raiser and life saver.
Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services www.alicechilton.com www.alicechiltoncleaning.co.uk
