A valued member of the adult services team and tireless fundraiser is retiring after 37 years at Halton Borough Council.
Phill Burrows, who started work for Cheshire County Council in 1984 at the age of 24 working at Astmoor Adult Training Centre, based in Runcorn as an Arts and Craft Instructor, does his last shift this week.
In 1998 Cheshire separated and become unitary with Halton and it became Astmoor Day Services, and soon after both Astmoor and Pingot Day Centre(based in Widnes) joined to become one day service “Halton Day Services”.
Ten years on (2005-2008) Astmoor and Pingot Day services had a restructure and the activities developed into the community based service we have today.
Phil said “I have had a rewarding and amazing 37 years working in day services and have thoroughly enjoyed working with service users imparting my skills and knowledge to them in their various business’s and leisure settings.
“I have really enjoyed my time working alongside my colleagues where I have had great camaraderie and some good laughs.
“It was great to have opportunities getting our heads together to work on overcoming challenges we faced in implementing our services.
“It’s been an honour working with you (sounds a bit cliche I know but that’s how I feel ) and I will miss working with Halton Day Services and the service users”
Phil over the years has been instrumental in many fundraising initiatives to name a few swim-a-thons and indoor cycle events.
He has been a key part of raising vital funds for Cystic fibrosis (which Halton Day Services was then nominated for an award “Local Champion Award and recognised for its amazing work) (Photo attached)
He has helped raise money to complete a sensory garden for the Service Users of the Independent Living Centre (ILC) (Photo attached)
He has been the Quiz Master on many occasions at the Christmas Ball (photo attached) for allservice users providing some excellent quiz rounds which were always thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Phill has been the producer of a newsletter over the years at Halton Day Services which he provided support to our Service Users to produce a product many were thrilled to be included in.
Stiofan O’Suillibhan, Divisional Manager for Adult Services said: “He has ended his last working year as a front line worker providing safe care to the residents during this global pandemic (Photo attached) he has cooked delicious healthy meals, baked, helped with gardening.
“We know all the service users will miss him and thank him for all his support over the last year.
“Lastly from all the Senior staff, Support workers, Admin Team and Service Users we thank you Phlil for an outstanding 37 years of service to Halton Day Services. Enjoy your retirement and all the adventures that you have planned.”