High Sheriff’s Award for Daryl Chambers

Speech by the High Sheriff of Dorset on Friday February 27th at Bridport Town Hall

“Ladies and gentlemen distinguished guests, councillors, friends of Bridport, it is both a privilege and profound pleasure, as High Sheriff of Dorset, to stand before you this afternoon to present a High Sheriff award to a man who, in the eyes of so many, needs no introduction and yet deserves the fullest tribute we can possibly give.

Daryl Chambers or “Mr Fix-it” as he is so often and so affectionately called. Daryl serves as town surveyor for Bridport Town Council but to describe him merely by his job title is rather like describing a cathedral as “a building” – it tells you something but nowhere near enough because what Daryl gives to Bridport goes far beyond any job description. He goes above and beyond his expected duties in every conceivable respect. There is nothing he will ignore, nothing he will not attempt to fix if it’s remotely possible. And if it is not possible, well, give him a little time and he may well find a way.

He is always ahead of the game – anticipating projects, preparing groundwork, quietly putting the right pieces in place long before opportunity knocks, so that is when it does, he’s ready.  How much of his own time he gives to this town is, I suspect, unimaginable. And if you ask him about it, he will simply say “it’s just my job”. But we know better.

One could almost say – though he would never accept it – that he is somewhat worshipped in this community. If you were to stop people in the street and ask who is Bridport’s hero I would wager heavily that Daryl’s name would be on everyone’s lips. Indeed, a few years ago, when a local school ran a poll to find the most favourite person in Bridport he won it hands down. Even the schoolchildren know who makes things happen here.

A proud Yorkshireman, Daryl brings with him that unmistakable can-do attitude – a combination of intelligence, knowledge, firmness and kindness. He understands all points of view from all sorts of people. He has a great sense of humour. He says it as it is – sometimes taking no prisoners – but always with that unmistakable twinkle in his eye.

He has Bridport in his mind at all times – not just the town itself but also the three surrounding parishes, even before they were brought in to be part of Bridport during the recent community governance review. For years he supported them whenever he could. And now I’m told some, who once doubtful about the rearrangement, are saying with delight “it’s great, we’ve got a Daryl”.

Our community is rich in organisations, schools, charities and businesses and all of them have benefited from his practical help guidance and expertise. Within the Town Council itself he has the rare ability to take staff with him – inspiring pride in their work, encouraging growth, giving opportunities and fostering that same “give it all you’ve got” spirit that he embodies so naturally.

He is beyond retirement age and yet he remains by choice. Through periods of senior staff change he has taken on additional responsibilities to steady the ship and smooth transitions.

And in typical fashion he has ensured that when he does eventually step back his knowledge and skills will not simply disappear. He has divided his role, trained others, mentored colleagues and is carefully seeing them through the process. He may be impossible to replace, indeed he will not be replaced, but he has done everything possible to ensure Bridport continues to thrive.

And then there’s this part of the story that makes his contribution all the more extraordinary. Bridport Town Council has the honour of occasionally awarding the title of Townsperson to an outstanding member of the community, but it cannot be given to a member of its own staff. How we wish it could. And so it is especially fitting that today, on behalf of the county, we are able to recognise what perhaps could not otherwise formally be recognised.

Daryl you are a rarity. You are a one off. Bridport is extraordinarily fortunate to have had you working for us all. You never seek recognition, you never expect praise. But you are so richly deserving of it. This award cannot possibly measure the full extent of what you’ve given but it stands as a symbol of our gratitude, our admiration and our respect. You may protest and say ‘it’s just my job’. Please know this – it is not just your job. It is your dedication, your integrity, your humour, your leadership, your courage and your love for this community that we honour today.

Daryl Chambers, “Mr Fix-it” it gives me the greatest pleasure to present you with this High Sheriff Award in recognition for your exceptional service to Bridport and to Dorset.”