A much-loved and dedicated domestic assistant has retired from North Yorkshire Council after clocking up more than half-a-century of public service.
Harrogate resident Dorothy Ann Hope, affectionately known as ‘Dot’, is thought to be the council’s longest-serving employee.
She retired this week at the age of 78 after an impressive 53 years of public service.
The mother-of-two, who has worked at Station View residential home for the past five years, joined what was then West Riding County Council in 1971 as a “home help” at the age of 25.
Reflecting on her tenure, she recalls the early days when she was part of a “heavy duty squad”.
She said:
“The job role itself changed immensely from originally shopping and cleaning for up to 10 elderly people a week.
“In 1974, I was asked to clean for someone who couldn't return home from hospital until her home was fit for habitation.
“This led to the formation of the ‘heavy duty squad’ where I and my lovely colleague, Janet Waring, completed specialised cleaning jobs all over the county which, when finished, allowed our people to return to their homes.
“I loved this role more than anything.”
Over the years, Dot has witnessed many changes including the launch of the former North Yorkshire County Council from 1974 and then North Yorkshire Council being established in April 2023.
Speaking about the highlights of her career, she said:
“I am, and always have been, a people person. I love working with and for people.
“All the roles I have undertaken have been worth it just to see the people’s faces when their homes have become habitable and they can return there to live out their lives.
“The gratitude I have received over the years from people to managers has made my career and all the jobs I have done worthwhile even when I was up to my elbows in bags of rubbish that sometimes were piled higher than me!”
On her retirement day last Tuesday (1st April), colleagues, friends and relatives gathered to bid a fond farewell and celebrate Dot's “remarkable” milestone.
Corporate director for health and adult services, Richard Webb, said:
“Dot’s dedication and commitment to public service over the past 53 years has been truly outstanding and I want to thank her personally for all her hard work.
“She has been a key and much-loved member of our team, providing exceptional care and service to our communities and embracing the changes that have come throughout her career.”
Assistant director for adult social care and support, Rachel Bowes, added:
“We are incredibly grateful for Dot’s loyalty and congratulate her on this remarkable milestone.
“We all wish Dot a very happy retirement – she truly deserves to put her feet up!”
Meanwhile, it is double celebrations for Dot who is also retiring from the Guiding movement after 40 years.
Looking forward to relaxing, the keen gardener said:
“I just want to take life a bit easier.
“When the weather gets warmer, I am looking forward to getting into my garden.
“My priority now is spending time with my family, especially my husband, David, who sadly has advanced dementia.”
She added:
“I will mostly miss the people I worked with. I want to thank everyone I have ever worked with and met during my working life with North Yorkshire Council.
“It has been my absolute pleasure. So much so that I didn’t think of retiring until recently!
“To be the council’s longest serving employee is a huge honour and I am truly grateful for my ‘work family’ for all the wonderful memories.”
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