ROBIN Peacey, the last Divisional Surveyor in the county as well as the last to serve the Forest area, is retiring to give family matters more time.
His decision marks the end of 11 years in his Forest-based post and 41 and a half years working for the county council.
He has been working with 'new man' Nigel Powell and will shortly be handing over to him full time. But the title Robin enjoyed for his 11 years 'which have gone like a flash' will cease to exist – Nigel's title is to be Senior Divisional Manager.
"It is a pity title of Divisional Surveyor is to be no more because it sat rather well in the Forest with titles such as Verderer and Deputy Gaveller," Robin told the Review.
"There's a bit of regret there. I have very mixed feelings. I shall be very sorry to stop working in the Forest although I won't be all that sorry to escape all the responsibilities of the job."
In his time he has overseen the larger developments and roadworks taking place in the Forest as well as some of the disasters, like major landslip clear-ups, and is known by many as a patient adviser and consultant on such matters.
"I've always tried hard to work with the people and listen to everyone's point of view. It isn't always easy," he said.
Hailing from the Stroud Valleys originally, he has commuted to his Forest post from Gloucester but says he found the Forest a wonderful place to work and developed many friendships.
"I can remember when I first came here I was sitting with a very friendly group discussing a dispute as a matter of fact and I disclosed I wasn't from the Forest. Doesn't matter, they said, you've got the right accent!"
Robin finishes in March but says he would not mind developing community work which would keep him involved in Forest affairs.