 |
Hugh
McCallion |
In
the past, he’s been described as a veteran by the press and
each time, I’ve questioned whether they are referring to
former Birmingham councillor, Hugh McCallion, as being long experienced
in the political world or that he’s an old soldier who has
seen long service. Myself, I prefer the old soldier scenario but
either definition is suitably apt because Hugh’s a long serving,
experienced old solider whose just stepped down from a political
career spanning four decades.
Hugh was first elected in 1972 as Billesley councillor. After two
years serving the south side of the city, he switched to the north
where he continued to serve the constituents of Kingstanding up until
a few months ago. This particular old soldier was Chair of the Municipal
Bank and was vociferous in successfully promoting the Bank’s
merger with the TSB. During his time spent on the Council his roles
have been many and have included Chair of Housing, with some of his
initiatives being used as a benchmark by Housing departments all
over the world. His time spent as Chair of the Environmental
Health Committee included introducing Birmingham’s anti-smoking
policy back in 1983 and successfully integrating Waste Management
and Con-sumer Protection with Environmental Health. He’s been
involved with anti-poverty campaigns, pro-moting children’s
nutrition and physical health for the community, and a councillor
the public came to depend on.
A hard working man, you’d have to say, but how would Hugh describe
himself?
He says: “I’ve always been a diligent and conscientious
man – it must be in the genes. I’m enthusiastic and curious
as well as reasonably adept at resolving what at first sight seem
to be insurmountable problems. I’m a very contented man and
feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and fortunate to have
been involved in many different projects down the years.”
I ask him if, as a young man, someone told him of the accomplishments
he would achieve, would he be surprised at some of the decisions
or events that occurred during his life?
 |
A
young Hugh McCallion in his uniform of 1954 |
He
tells me: “Having worked so many years within the political
arena, nothing surprises me any more. However, looking back on
my career, I am surprised at the number of opportunities which
arose that allowed me to work and even take the lead on so many
important and interesting projects.”
When he tells me of his diverse career, which includes a spell in
the Irish army, working at Nestles, a senior manager for the NHS,
involved in trade unions, a magistrate for twelve years, as well
as being a local Labour councillor, I begin to wonder how he managed
to juggle both his private and professional life so successfully,
without one or the other having to pay the price.
He says: “I guess I’ve just been lucky. I must have done
something right though as we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary
last November - although the other half would say that I’ve
only been home for about twenty of those! I’m a proud father
of three
grown up children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Having a supportive and under-standing family is the key to success.”
As with us all, we have many regrets and some of the decisions,
or indecisions, we make creep up on us every now and then. It would
appear that one of Hugh’s major regrets was never actually
taking on the role of Lord Mayor of Birmingham.
He says: “There were about six occasions over the years when
I could have had the nomination for Lord Mayor. The only trouble
was I was enjoying politics so much that the time never felt right.
I now regret not having taken the opportunity as it would have
been a good way of saying thank you to the city that I have been
proud to call my home for the past 50 years.”
And on a personal note he tells me that he regrets not having made
more of an effort to visit his hometown more often, especially
now that many of his friends and family have passed away. But this,
he aims to change, now that he has a little more time on his hands.
He intends to be a regular visitor to his home, located in and
around the Sion Mills area of County Tyrone, and that he’ll
be catching up with his two brothers more frequently and familiarising
himself with the remarkable changes that have been made to his
birthplace, which he left as a lad of 21.
Having more time on his hands may also allow Hugh to begin writing
a book – something he’s been threatening to do for many
years. He’s even toying with the idea of writing a stage play
based upon his life experiences. He certainly has a talent for the
written word. His poem, ‘My Heritage’ is magnificent.
It talks of his time as a lad growing up and leaving home and dwells
upon the loss of his mother and father. If the poem is anything
to go by, the stage play will, no doubt, be a huge success.
One thing’s for certain though, Hugh will be able to enjoy
his favourite past time more regularly, and that is fishing.
He says: “Fishing just makes me happy. It’s been a love
of mine since I was a lad. I’m proud to say I’m a life
member of The Glebe Angling Club, which I established whilst on a
visit in 1959, and it is now one of the most successful Angling Clubs
in Ireland. For dual enjoyment, we’ve treated ourselves to
a holiday home on a 5-star site alongside the canal at Fradley Junction
and I’m delighted that it’s just a stone’s throw
away from one of my favourite fishing lakes.”
Quite right too that Hugh should now be relaxing and spending time
away from the world of politics, which he admits, has hardened
him in many ways and softened him in others. He’ll be missed by
friends, colleagues and the public he’s served so well down
the years. Like an old soldier though, he’s fought his war,
won many battles and now it’s time to reflect upon his distinguished
service to the people of Birmingham. |
