So good that he retired twice (From Worcester News)

So good that he retired twice

9:50pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

WELL-known Evesham man Tony Whiting is enjoying having more time on his hands after retiring from the town’s Almonry Museum for the second time.

Mr Whiting, of Offenham Road, Evesham, has been working as a part-time tourist information assistant and researcher at the heritage centre, in Abbey Gate, for the last seven years.

The 74-year-old retired from his post as museum manager in 2003 after nine years of service, but decided to return to the museum 18 months later to help out.

“It’s a fantastic job,” he said. “I’m a great enthusiast for Evesham and the history. It’s been rather a privilege to be in the position to welcome people to the town and explain a bit of the background.

“Doing tourist information is a lovely way to meet people who are here on holiday. It’s rather nice to feel that you are making some sort of contribution to their leisure time.”

It has been a steep learning curve for Mr Whiting who forged a career as an officer at Evesham Borough Council before it became Wychavon District Council in 1974 ahead of his role at the museum.

“When I was at school, history was my least understood subject,” said Mr Whiting.

“But when I started delving into the town and the area, I became hooked on it.”

But history fans will still be able to see the grandfather-of-one in the museum – he is known for bringing the history of a mediaeval monastery to life as monk Brother Oswald as part of the school curriculum days – and in the summer months as a Vale of Evesham tour guide.