|
|
|
|
Cllr Mr Robert Coates  Robert
was born in South Norwood, London SE25, literally a stone's throw from Crystal
Palace FC - needless to say he has been a lifelong supporter! The second of two
children, Robert attended both Primary and Grammar schools in Shirley, Croydon.
He left school in June 1969, aged 15 and started work two weeks later aged 16,
for Barclays Bank, Belgravia (at that time a monthly British Rail season ticket
from East Croydon to Victoria was £5 7s 0d (£5.35). After 3 years of commuting
to London, Robert changed employers and commenced working for Crosse &
Blackwell, who were then a subsidiary of The Nestle Co Ltd, as an assistant
management accountant. 1974/5 saw yet another change in direction. Robert
settled down to what was to be 31 years in the Civil Service. He worked in
Peckham SE15 for 11 years, Bromley for 6 years, Dartford for 6 years and Chatham
for 8 years, all for the same department, employed in a number of posts which
included National Insurance Inspector, Finance Officer and Personnel Officer. At
this point, Gordon Brown announced in his 2004 Budget speech that he was to
reduce the number of civil servants in London and the South East by 60,000.Robert accepted a "Redundancy Avoidance Early Retirement Package" and another phase commenced in Hartley Library - the best thing that ever happened to him! Having worked in the same office as Linda since 1986, it was inevitable that they would be working together again. She tried to shake him off but was not successful! As you will have read from his recent bi-election leaflet, Robert has lived in Hartley since 1992. Robert is step-dad to Linda's two grown up children, Damian who is 34 this year and Donna-Marie who will be 32. As you may already know, they also have one elderly 18 year old cat (or in their years - 126!). Robert and Linda have recently joined the Hartley Country Club where Robert has received instruction on the finer points of Lawn Bowls and has played in some Wednesday matches for the club. Robert's Land Rover is now officially a "classic" as she is 20 years of age, however Linda still insists on referring to her as POJ (Pile of Junk!). Robert has attended a "Councillors Information Day" and has also attended a couple of full Parish Council meetings, together with Finance & General Purposes, Communications and Burial Grounds & Gardens of Remembrance Committee meetings and hosted one Saturday morning Members Surgery. Robert has found it to require a steep learning curve, however he is endeavouring to get up to speed as soon as possible. Robert would like to thank all who voted for him and he will try to fulfil your expectations of him by serving the community of Hartley to his best ability. No doubt you will let him know if he doesn't! |
