Gone but not forgotten!
Youth and community adviser Mike Clague has done a disappearing trick and retires. He has stepped down after 46 years in education, as both a teacher and in the youth service. Mike, who is secretary of the Magicians of Mann in 1987, plans to use his extra time to help develop the groups.
Mike was educated at Murry’s School, Ballakermeen and Douglas High school for Boys, he also trained as a teacher in Nottingham. After qualifying as a teacher, he worked in schools in Worksop, where he met his wife, Liz. He taught science at Hungerhill Middle school in Doncaster, Yorkshire, at the same time studying for a BA degree through the Open University.
Mike’s interest in youth work stemmed from joining the 10th Douglas Scout Troop as a boy at Ballakermeen where he was inspired by teachers/scout leaders Jack Gair and John Timson.
He only applied for the post of youth and community support officer with the then Board of Education in 1982 to gain some interview experience and to have a week back in the Isle of Man. He was appointed and he and Liz moved to Kirk Michael.
Mike, 64, was promoted, first to assistant education officer and later to youth and community adviser.
He said some of the highlights were seeing the success of the summer holidays youth schemes, started in 1985, and helping to develop the outdoor centres Eary Cushlin, on the south-east coast, and Ardwhallan, in West Baldwin.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the variety of work,’ he said.‘I’ve had responsibility at various times for lettings, primary PE, the Millennium netball and soccer tournaments, primary school swimming, including the Douglas Galas, helping to arrange Royal visits, outdoor education, the Library Service and the Career Guidance Service.’
Mike has represented the Department of Education and Children on both the Isle of Man Arts Council and the Sports Council (now Isle or Man Sport) for 17 years.
He helped establish the Prince’s Trust in the Island in 1986 and was applications secretary until last year. He is a trustee of the Golden Jubilee Trust.
Mike Said: ‘I get frustrated when I hear the cry “there’s nothing for young people to do on the Isle of Man”. ‘I suggest that they try living in rural Linconshire or Cumbria, or any 221 square miles in the surrounding islands, and compare what is available.’
Education Minister Eddie Teare MHK: ‘Mike is a quiet, unassuming individual who has devoted a lifetime to the development of children, especially on the Island. My thanks and best wishes go to Mike and Liz for a long and happy retirement.’