THE people of Pembroke bade a fond farewell to Phil Thompson, who is retiring from his role as public affairs manager at Chevron Refinery.

The town council hosted a reception at the Town Hall last week to say goodbye and a big thank you to Phil for all he had done for the community.

"Phil has developed strong links with the town of Pembroke, being involved with so many different organisations, and has always supported various events and projects within the town," said Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Pearl Llewellyn.

"I'm sure that everyone who knows Phil, would agree that he is a person who can be relied upon to get things done, always being prepared to lead by example and getting 'stuck in'."

The farewell event also gave other people an opportunity to wish Phil the best of luck in his well-earned retirement, including Mrs. Dilys Hanmer MBE (Macmillan Cancer Support), Mrs. Sue Patterson Jones (Friends of South Pembs Hospital) and             Clr. Gareth Jones (Pembroke 21C).

Added Clr. Mrs. Llewellyn: "Over the years, Chevron, (previously known as Texaco and previously Regent), has contributed around £950,000 to good causes and there is no doubt that Phil has been the key player behind this."

Clr. Mrs. Llewellyn also welcomed Phil's successor, Jane James, and wished her good luck in her new role.

"I'm sure that we will all enjoy the same relationship with Jane as we did with Phil," she said, before making a presentation to Phil as a small token of the council's appreciation.