On Friday evening (21 October) Stagecoach West raised a glass to honour and celebrate its longest serving staff members and recent retirees.
With a total of 455 years service between them, fifteen recipients were honoured for their commitment to Stagecoach West and the service they provide for the community.
As a company Stagecoach is truly honoured by these individuals, Rupert Cox told the audience of recipients and their guests on Friday night. Beginning with a resounding round of applause for the local bus operator’s recent retirees the night got off to a great start followed by anecdotes and highlights of the careers of those receiving awards.
From careers of 20 years to a truly remarkable 55 years service the men and women honoured in Friday’s gala dinner are indeed the pride of Stagecoach West and Rupert Cox duly saved the best till last honouring Mr Phil Toumine and Mr Clive Norman to rapturous applause.
Rupert Cox said: "In 1965 this man joined Bristol Omnibus as an apprentice mechanic, but also stepped up to the plate whenever needed as a conductor. Since 1970 he has been the Storekeeper in Cheltenham and to my knowledge the only one throughout the Stagecoach Group who also allocates buses for the morning run out.
"Phil, supported by his wife Val is a very loyal Company man; we often say that if you cut him in half, he would have Stagecoach running through him like a stick of Blackpool rock"
"Now 50 years service is truly remarkable. However our final recipient tonight has achieved a service which is unparalleled in Stagecoach; a mind blowing 55 years! Aged just 19, this man joined Bristol Omnibus as a conductor, subsequently becoming a driver. He quickly took on new roles including payroll before joining the schedules team in 1971. He’s remained as a scheduler ever since.
"As scheduler, the accuracy and timeliness of getting the job done is crucial and he always delivers with minimal fuss. The quality of his work has literally saved the Company millions of pounds over the years. Please put your hands together for 55 years service for Clive Norman."
The stories went on long into the night of times gone by and Operations Director Rachel Geliamassi summarised the evening saying: "Of all the staff recognition events we hold at West, this is one of the highlights of the year. Being in a room with these fine people for whom Stagecoach has been such an enormous part of their lives is very special."
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