Retiring and heading to Austria

Having served hundreds of farmers and rural businesses across mid Devon for over 21 years, one Insurance Inspector is retiring and heading to Austria to start a new life.

Cornish Mutual Insurance Inspector Gordon Chapple who is based in Willand, near Cullompton, has decided to bow out of both the company and the county. As he reaches 60 years old, he is about to get married and relocate to Austria next month.

The Devon-born Insurance Inspector, who looks after nearly 600 Members in the Tiverton, Crediton, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Wiveliscombe areas, says he is going to miss his customers – some of whom have become ‘very good friends’.

“Over the years I’ve met some fantastic Members and formed relationships which have been built on trust. I know I could call on them for help at anytime,” comments Gordon.

He adds, “The reaction to my departure has been wonderful, everyone has been very kind and generous – it’s always been much more than just a customer/business type of relationship. I’ve spent a huge part of my life driving around the region, meeting people and helping to make sure they’re properly insured. This has always been the most enjoyable bit of my job and it’s what sets Cornish Mutual apart from other insurance firms.”

Gordon is making the final preparations ahead of his marriage in Willand to his Scottish-born fiancée Eleanor. She has lived in Austria for the last 31 years and Gordon will join her in December.

“I haven’t had much time to think about it or get used to the idea, it’s been so busy. Of course, I’m excited and I will have to learn the language very quickly. I’ve got to adjust to a different way and pace of life in a beautiful part of the world,” he says.

“Having lived in Devon for most of my life, I’m really going to miss my trips out to walk and watch the deer on Exmoor, as well as walking along the south coast, horse riding and watching the rugby on television.”

So what would be Gordon’s advice for his successor? “Bed yourself in slowly, be prepared to listen to your Members and get to know people. Make yourself known and really get to understand their needs. The one-to-one approach is what Cornish Mutual Members really appreciate.”

Gordon says there have been enormous changes over the past 21 years at Cornish Mutual, moving from a paper-based organisation into the computer age, “It’s a great company and the service we provide is second-to-none and above all, that’s not changed.”

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, added: “We’ll be very sad to see Gordon leave the company but, of course, we wish him the best and every success for the future with his new life in Austria. Gordon has given commitment, enthusiasm and passion in his role with Cornish Mutual and I know that there will be a lot of people who will miss him.”

Gordon started with Cornish Mutual in 1988, at the same time as three of his closest colleagues – Terry Nott, John Amery and Gary Burgess.

He laughs, “I’ve said I’ll maintain my links with Cornish Mutual only if they open a new branch in Austria! It would be great if some of my fellow Inspectors at Cornish Mutual were to come and stay – I’m sure we’ll keep in touch.”