News & Stories
After 20 years service with the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation, David Straker is now enjoying his well-earned retirement!
David was the Leisure Services Officer at the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College for nearly 8 years, and prior to that he had worked in a similar role at another of the Foundation’s centres. After his official retirement on 5 th August, David returned to the College the following Saturday to celebrate, and threw a party for both staff and trainees. The event was well attended by a mixture of colleagues and trainees, both past and present; all wanting to wish him well for the future and for his new life in Nottingham.
David, a keen musician, entertained us by playing the banjo and the guitar, with his band, for much of the evening. There was also a display of Scottish country dancing put on by a group of his former colleagues and this was followed by a delicious buffet.
The College trainees had clubbed together and bought David several gifts to show their appreciation of all he had done for them. He was presented with a beautifully framed collage of photos of all the trainees in their training sections and a trophy/shield in his name for any trainee who has made an outstanding contribution to College life to win each year. Both the frame and the shield had been made on our Carpentry and Joinery training section. He was also given a crystal and lead decanter and a case of wine, including many of his favourites.
David was very touched by it all, and said that the best thing about his job at the College had been working with the trainees.
