Ascension : A Fond Farewell to Bosey and Sylvia
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 25.09.2008 (Article Archived on 09.10.2008)
When the RMS set sail for St Helena on the 30th August 2008, Ascension bade farewell to Sylvia & Keith ‘Bosey’ Jonas, who have returned home to retire after 21 years working at the Atlantic Relay Station.
When the RMS set sail for St Helena on the 30th August 2008, Ascension bade farewell to Sylvia & Keith ‘Bosey’ Jonas, who have returned home to retire after 21 years working at the Atlantic Relay Station.
Sylvia has been the friendly face at Two Boats Shop for the last few years. She is a keen walker and will be missed from the Mountain ramps.
Bosie joined the BBC in June 1987 to work at the Atlantic Relay Station as a Mast Painter/Rigger, having previously worked for Pan Am in the 1960’s/70’s performing diverse duties from Carpenter to Coxwain. Whilst at the Base he was a keen sportsman and in his heyday could hit a softball ‘halfway’ to Georgetown.
Initially employed as a Rigger his potential as a carpenter was realised back in 1988 when he assisted Wyseplan and received glowing reports in erecting Muriel Lodge and the G type bungalows. A testimony to his workmanship is that to date they are still standing.
After the building project was completed Bosey returned to the aerial department, swinging from the masts. He was hoping for an ‘easier’ job and the opportunity arose when Kenny Williams retired from his handyman post. However, he soon found out that what a demanding job this was and hasn’t stopped sweating since.
At a farewell do held in his honour Bosey had the following speech prepared:
“Hopefully, there will be no further problems with the RMS and tomorrow I will be leaving the Island for good after spending 40 years here. I have thought about my time on Ascension and can say that really I have enjoyed it here and this is mainly down to the people I work with and have got to know. There have been good times and not so good times but we have all been there for each other and this is what makes this place special.
When I go back to St Helena I intend to continue to work but at least it will be at my own pace and at the end of the day I will grab a Castle and put my feet up, watch the sun set over the horizon and reflect on life on Ascension as I will take many good memories with me.
So to VT, this has been a good company to work for and to my colleagues, you have been good to work with and I sincerely thank you all for the time I have spent with you”’
Bosey’s colleagues would like to take this opportunity to wish him and Sylvia a Happy Retirement and very best wishes for the future.
|
