Retirals - E&B say goodbye to four familiar faces

This year will see the retirement of four Estates and Buildings staff members, who have contributed almost half a century of service at the University between them.

May Fyffe, Willie Hutchison, Ron Elder and Michael Spence will all retire in 2006.

Ron Elder started work in buildings maintenance and operations managements with Duncan of Jordanstone in 1990 and then with the University from 1994 after the College merger. Ron will retire from the University in June but will no doubt be kept busy by his own personal buildings projects. Ron currently has plans for two projects in Sicily, one a townhouse renovation, the other a complete new house build, and is looking forward to getting out to Sicily to pick some olives and get started on his buildings projects.

After more then a decade of service with the University, Michael Spence will retire from his position as Estates Surveying Manager in September. His role at the University incorporated financial issues relating to the major capital projects, contractual and property issues, and dealing with consultants. During his retirement, Michael plans to enjoy some hill walking, gardening and photography. He also has a keen interest in history and could well be seen back at the University participating in a history course next year!

May, who worked as an administrator and on the repairs helpline, left the University in February after almost 12 years. She says she misses all of the people that she worked closely with for so many years and the banter and chat. But, she doesn't often get bored and enjoys being on her own. Since leaving the University, May has been kept busy with her crosswords and puzzles, making greetings cards, and taking care of her plants. A planned new house build is also going to keep her pretty busy over the coming year.

For 11 years Willie Hutchison ensured safety came first in all Estates and Buildings projects in his role as safety manager. Willy left the University in February and has just returned from a visit to Australia where he enjoyed a well earned break and caught up with family living in Perth, on Australia's west coast. Willy's retirement plans involve a lot of activity! Between kayaking, golf and cycling, a trip to France with his caravan is also planned for the coming months.