Executive on the Spot
Phil Hawkins
Treasurer - Eastern
Treasurer - South Essex Area Association
What is your current job and where do you work?
I am now partially retired working two and a half days a week for Revenue & Customs based at Chelmsford in Essex leading a team of visiting officers.
How did you come to be involved with CSSC?
Whilst employed by Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance during the 1960's in Surrey, I joined in order to enjoy various sporting competitions. In the early 1970's I moved to Bedford on joining Customs & Excise and became their Area Association Secretary and in 1977. I became Treasurer of CSSC Eastern Region, a post I still hold and enjoy today. I then moved on to Norwich and became their Area Secretary for six years, I got so involved that in 1980 I stood for and was elected to CSSC's National Management Committee at the age of 33 (at the time the youngest member to have been elected) where I served for a number of years. I then moved to Southend where I have lived since 1982 and, in that time have occupied all Officer posts in their Area Association and am currently Treasurer.
Describe your normal week?
Work Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday AM, playing darts every Monday evening, one of the other days in the week is devoted to CSSC/RCSL activity. On my other days off I enjoy my passions of gardening, photography, holidays and live/recorded music. The rest of the time I enjoy the company of partner June and seeing son and daughter plus extended family, cooking for them every Sunday when we have the weekly "catch up".
What skills do you need to do your job with CSSC?
Top of the list is a sense of humour, thick skin, patience, ability to communicate and motivate others.
What aspect of your life do you most enjoy?
The flexibility partial retirement has provided to enjoy holidays, hobbies, family and friends and whilst also retaining continued involvement with work colleagues.
What would you do with a million pounds?
After treating the family I'd like to invest and get involved with a small business providing jobs and opportunities for others.
If you were ever to be on Desert Island Discs, what music would you take away with you?
Well, if you're only letting me have one album then it would be Long Road out of Eden by The Eagles.
