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STAFF AWARD: In January 2012 Mr Jones received the union’s highest insurance book growth award for a book that grew by 32 per cent. He is pictured with FUW president Emyr Jones (left) and deputy president Glyn Roberts[/caption]
ONE of the most familiar Farmers' Union of Wales faces Dei Charles Jones has retired after serving as an area officer in Meirionnydd for over 30 years.
He first began working for the union in July 1981. "It was a time when we didn’t have mobile phones or computers - how times have changed in 33 years," he said.
Recalling his early days with the union, he said: "When I went to collect my first three insurance renewals two of them cancelled their policies.
"But I had received a word of advice from an FUW stalwart when I was appointed who said you will lose policies but remember never close the gate on them by your response. They came back in a couple of years."
Mr Jones, who lives at Llanuwchllyn, near Bala, said it was always pleasing to be able to help members with their problems and there were plenty of them, from milk quota appeals to IACS which became the Single Farm Payment Scheme application forms.
"Another problem that arose was the Chernobyl nuclear fallout disaster and I remember an official of the Welsh Office telling farmers at an open meeting in Coleg Meirion to stop moaning as it would be over in six weeks. My area was still affected 26 years on."
Mr Jones also relished being given the responsibility of helping FUW life member Meurig Voyle with the caretaker/security of the union's pavilion during Royal Welsh Show week.
"That gave me great pleasure as I was meeting members from all over Wales and they became faces which I knew and yearly they would greet me as if they were close friends. It's been an honour to serve the union and its members for the past 33 years."
FUW Insurance Services managing director Mark Roberts said: “Dei has disproved the saying that ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’.
“I have been surprised at how he has embraced FUW Insurance Services’ new technology and I believe he was the first area officer to arrange a policy by electronic means rather than using a traditional proposal form and cover note. He even uses some of the computer systems that our youngest area officers find challenging.
“Dei will be replaced by local boy Emyr Evans, who returns to Frongain, Bala, from Dublin. Emyr realises that he has big boots to fill but is up for the challenge.
“Dei is always cheerful and willing to help and I will miss our little chats but as I sit in the same row as him in Wrexham Football Club’s Racecourse Ground, I know that I will continue to see him!
“I wish Dei a long and happy retirement.”