Loyal servant will be missed

Published: 7:44 AM January 13, 2009 Updated: 9:34 PM October 10, 2020

YOU will probably be unaware that a greatly loved and very respected lady of Lowestoft has been removed from our midst - not at all by her choice (although persuaded to accept voluntary dismissal) but at the whim of whoever in Waveney Council decided that Mrs Patricia Botson - Pat to those of us who know and love her - was disposable and that, after 33 years of unstinting loyalty to her employer and to her job, she should be made redundant.

Over those 33 years just how many hundreds of you have received from Pat that lovely smile, a friendly hello and a listening ear?

You and I know that Pat will enquire after your health, your children, your pets, your recent operation etc and Pat will make you feel good to be at the sports centre - which incidentally, she has seen grow around her and which successful development she has contributed so much to!

It is so unfortunate that her beloved husband Colin, passed away three years ago, having lost a valiant struggle against the big C, they met and fell in love at school and have brought up two great sons who carry on his fine qualities; and losing more recently her mum and mum-in-law have added to the burden she carries.

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I tell you this so that those of you who do not know of these things will understand just how brave this lady is. Her Yorkshire grit has shown throughout all of the agonies of her recent past.

May I add that whoever dreamed up the 'clever idea' that if you take away the job description of an employee then you can dispose of that employee is a very sad person indeed.

We, who love and respect you Pat, will miss that radiant smile and those kind words dreadfully; I know that I speak for all of us - have a great retirement Patricia.

PHILIP MOORE

Lowestoft