It is with great personal sadness that I bid a fond farewell to the legend that is Hedley Featherstone. While working in proximity for six years, under normal circumstances would feel ample time to get to know someone. However, with Hedley I fear two lifetimes would not be enough to hear all his stories through his remarkable recall of the tiniest detail, shared in his infectious and inimitable style.
Hedley’s passion for CSSC, whether sports, competition, wellbeing, community or history has been an inspiration to me and I know to many of you too. So, I wanted to take some time out for one last chat with our historian. Losing my voice, as I have, I’m not very good at speeches. So, using the only tool at my disposal, words, I wanted to interview Hedley, to ask all those questions I’ve been meaning to, but never found the time.
It is with great personal sadness that I bid a fond farewell to the legend that is Hedley Featherstone. While working in proximity for six years, under normal circumstances would feel ample time to get to know someone. However, with Hedley I fear two lifetimes would not be enough to hear all his stories through his remarkable recall of the tiniest detail, shared in his infectious and inimitable style.
Hedley’s passion for CSSC, whether sports, competition, wellbeing, community or history has been an inspiration to me and I know to many of you too. So, I wanted to take some time out for one last chat with our historian. Losing my voice, as I have, I’m not very good at speeches. So, using the only tool at my disposal, words, I wanted to interview Hedley, to ask all those questions I’ve been meaning to, but never found the time.
You’re named after a cricketer. But I understand you have an equally interesting middle name?
My middle name is Rhodes after Wilfred Rhodes, another professional English cricketer, born 1877. He was the first Englishman to complete the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test matches. He holds the world records both for the most appearances made in first class cricket and the most wickets taken. At 52 years and 165 day he still holds the title for the oldest player who has appeared in a Test match. Clearly my parents were fans of golf.
Where did you grow up? And who was your childhood hero?
I grew up in the London Borough of Sutton and from an early age idolised Geoff Hurst, and much to my cricket loving parents’ chagrin dreamt of following in Geoff’s footsteps and play football.
What did you want to be when you were young?
I had a desire to work in physical fitness but back then opportunities were very limited. When I enquired whilst at school it was suggested I should study to become a PE Teacher.
What was your favourite band growing up?
You might not imagine this, but I loved rock music and Tamla Motown, especially Led Zeppelin and the Temptations.
What was your first job?
My first job was in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance. I joined the MPNI's office on 28 December 1970. I had several roles but my favourite was being on the counter meeting people. There were two men in the office, Brian Skinner and Trevor Lowe. In no time we were competing in HASSRA activities including cricket and football.
When did you join CSSC as a member? And what’s your favourite CSSC benefit?
I didn’t join CSSC until I joined CSSC’s office in High Wycombe in April 1991. And of course, my favourite CSSC benefit has always been our Heritage offers. They provide such a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, discover and explore more stories and it’s FREE!. What’s not to love?
Of all the changes you’ve seen at CSSC, what sticks out as the most radical?
The rationalisation of the estate which began in the early 1990s
What are you looking forward to most in your retirement?
Being active, volunteering and seeing more of my family
Speaking of your family, what’s next for you and your family?
I expect to be extremely busy as I have not one, but two more grandchildren arriving in October. My two sons are moving into new properties, where I suspect they may each need an extra set of hands to either hold babies or move furniture.
I’m hosting a Sunday lunch for my family to mark my retirement on Sunday 28 September. We’re going to a lovely former country house which is now a hotel – Nuffield Priory.
Do you intend to become a CSSC member/volunteer or continue with CSSC in some capacity?
I will stay involved. I’m President of the CS Athletics Association and hope to get involved with the Civil Service FC. I may come into the office once a month to look after the archives.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the CS or PS or CSSC?
There is a wonderful article by Frank Dick OBE called Mountain People and Valley People which I would offer as a starting point. Frank was a prominent athletics coach including coaching Daley Thompson.
Quick fire round
- Summer or Winter? - Summer
- Movies or music? - Music
- Beach or Mountains? - Beach
- Cats or Dogs? - Dogs
- Football or Rugby? - Football
- Cricket or Tennis? - Cricket
- Sprint or Distance? - Sprint
- Opera or Ballet? - Ballet
- Theatre or Cinema? - Theatre
- Relaxing or adventure holiday? - relaxing
- What superpower would you have? – The ability to help people recover from life threatening illness
Well, with that final answer, perfectly capturing Hedley’s selfless spirit, what more can I say about Hedley? Except perhaps:
“Thank you, Hedley, for always representing CSSC with passion and conviction. You have always brightened my day with your self-denigrating humour and dry wit. I will miss you but wish you well on your deserved retirement and hope that our paths cross again soon.” – Richard Hemley