Life of leisure awaits centre manager leaving after 37 years

Bill Sheargold, 60, stepped down as duty manager from Bert Williams Leisure Centre, on Nettlefolds Way, Bilston, on Wednesday after 37 years working for Wolverhampton Council.

Mr Sheargold, who has worked as a pool attendant, lifeguard, head pool attendant, manager and duty manager throughout his career, said: "I really like working with the public, there is so much variety coming through the door.

"It makes every day a surprising day and the staff at the leisure centre are the most remarkable staff you could ever wish to work with."

Attending the party, organised by Mr Sheargold's wife and a lifeguard at the centre, was Paul Patten, a former centre manager at the old Bilston Leisure Centre.

He gave Mr Sheargold his first job in the leisure industry when he was 23 years old, after being made redundant from British Steel.

Mr Sheargold said: "Over 37 years, I've seen so many people come and go. I was looking forward to seeing everyone again but I'm surprised they all turned up for me as everyone was supposed to be at work."

Mr Sheargold said the laughs with his team is the thing he will miss most about the leisure centre, where he worked for eight years.

He credits their thoughtfulness, sympathy and understanding with helping him recover from a quadruple-heart-bypass last year.

While he is now looking forward to a long and healthy retirement, he was not looking forward to his party speech as he worried he may cry at the end.

He added: "I'd just like to thank Wolverhampton City Council for all the support and guidance throughout my career."

By Rebecca Tombs