Celebrating 43 Years of Dedication: A Conversation with Diane Farley

Today, we honour an extraordinary milestone, 43 years of dedicated service from one of Blackpool Council and Enveco’s longest-serving team members, Diane Farley.

Diane began her journey with the council at just 17 years old, stepping into a very different world of work. We had the pleasure of sitting down with her to reflect on the remarkable path she’s taken over the decades, from counting pool users to coordinating entire neighbourhoods. Here’s what she shared.

Tell us how your journey began, Diane.

“I started in Management Services as a Junior Bonus Clerk for toilet attendants and street sweepers. It was 1982, and I was 17 when I got the job after responding to an advertisement in the Gazette. My first office was on Clifton Street – it feels like a lifetime ago!”

One of Diane’s earliest and most memorable tasks? Counting users at the Derby Baths – something she later discovered was part of a review ahead of its closure.

You’ve clearly seen a lot of change over the years. Where did your career take you next?

“After five years, I moved into the Highways department at Layton Depot. That’s when I had to learn every street and back street in Blackpool by heart – no sat navs back then! I was responsible for inputting all that data into a computer to generate index numbers. It was a big step at the time.”

Diane remained in Highways for 20 years, during which she worked in almost every office building you can think of – Perry House, Lee House, Holman House, the Town Hall, Westgate House, and eventually, back to Layton Depot.

“Some of my favourite memories from that time were the snowball fights in winter – it was a great team to be part of.”

What came next in your career?

In 2007, Diane returned to Lee House as the Office Manager, overseeing three admin teams. Unfortunately, in 2010, she was made redundant – but Diane’s story didn’t end there.

“That’s when my favourite chapter began,” she says.

Placed on the redemployment list, Diane successfully secured a new role as Neighbourhood Coordinator for Neighbourhood Services.

“The team made it amazing – I genuinely loved it.”

When the Neighbourhoods department disbanded in 2014, Diane moved on once again, this time working under John Hawkin (Enveco’s Managing Director) at the beautiful Stanley Park, as Parks Operations Manager – another role she absolutely loved.

What’s your current role – and what do you enjoy most about it?

In 2021, Diane transitioned (TUPE’d) over to Enveco as a Neighbourhood Officer. Her role today involves supporting communities, promoting the achievements of the team, and continuing to demonstrate the same work ethic, kindness, and care she’s become known for.

“I love bringing people together – it’s what the job’s all about.”

Finally, Diane, how would you sum up your 43-year career?

“The best part of my working career is the people I’ve worked with – they’ve helped make it awesome. Thank you!”

Thank You, Diane

On behalf of everyone at Blackpool Council and Enveco, we want to say a huge thank you to Diane Farley for her incredible service, commitment, and spirit over the past four decades. Here’s to you, Diane – and to many more memorable years ahead!