Richard Radcliffe retires from Ramsey Commissioners at the end of this month after a career spanning more than three decades.
It all began on June 1, 1984, when he was first elected to represent South Ward.
He has served with 19 chairman and 46 members, and he remains the longest serving member of the board since it was inaugurated in 1865!
He has been board chairman twice, in 1994/95 and the current term 2015/16, always with the full support of his wife, Helen. It is fitting that he ends on a high note, as chairman during the 150th anniversary year.
‘I have decided that 32 years is long enough. It has been an absolute honour to serve the town and if I could go back to 1984, I’d do it all over again’, he says.
As lead member for finance for many years, there is satisfaction in knowing that the town’s finances are on a sounder footing than when he was first elected:
‘One of the things that pleased me most was that we were able to pay off the huge South Ramsey debt, which was due to run until 2023!’.
Among the landmark improvements to the town he counts the complete rebuilding of the Lezayre Estate, the development of Mooragh Estate, the creation of Poyll Dooey nature reserve and – not least – the introduction of wheelie-bins. But as well as achievements there has been much frustration, especially with planning, and he hints that this might be why all but three of the present board have chosen not to seek re-election.
‘It has become increasingly difficult to progress matters – there seems to be unwillingness in government to take decisive action. You ask them for clarity in order to plan for the future of the town and nothing comes back’. There seems to be no clear plan at all for the Isle of Man government. It appears to be reactive rather than pro-active, and that is a matter of great concern to me,’ he says.
‘Planning has been the biggest bug-bear. It has driven us mad. First stage planning should be in the hands of the local authorities, which is what the people who elect you expect. At the moment our comments are completely ignored.
‘It’s the same with public housing. Several years ago, the government commissioned a report and was advised that the Island should have four area housing authorities plus Douglas, but nothing has been done to implement it’.
He is a strong advocate for reform of local government which would give local authorities control over local matters, ‘not civil servants in Bucks Road’.
‘We’ve always had a good relationship with (Chief Minister) Allan Bell and I agree with everything he says about local authority reform’, he adds.
He has fond memories of colleagues from the past, such as Beryl Quine - ‘a wonderful lady with a heart of gold’, Charles Cain – ‘a man of intellect, vision, charm and wit’, also Jack Morris, Mary Bruce, Kevin Crowe and Geoff Quayle – ‘all of whom were totally dedicated to the town’, and town clerk David Evans, whom he describes as ‘the ultimate professional’.
At a reception to mark the end of his term attended by some 80 townspeople, Mr Radcliffe honoured singing duo Marlene and Dilys, Town Band leaders Robert Quane and Ray Gillis and Special Olympian Lawrence Dyer with ‘Spirit of Ramsey’ awards.
He will chair his final meeting on Wednesday (April 20) and will then embark on the next phase of his service to the town by taking forward the scheme to develop a community sports facility at the Mooragh, which will bring together the many sports clubs in Ramsey and the north.
As the veteran of no fewer than 19 London Marathons, he is definitely the man for the job!