The West Somerset Railway held their annual Long Service Awards presentation on Saturday 10th November 2018 at The Quantock Brewery in Bishops Lydeard.
WSR plc Chairman, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, presented awards for 10, 20, and 30 years long service to 39 volunteers and some of the WSR’s staff too. Two other ‘Significant Contribution’ awards were also presented to John Robinson and David Bagshaw for their continuing support in the Human Resources department.
Our 800-strong volunteer team and small paid staff have a long-established place within the West Somerset Railway, and the distinctive contribution they all make. The value added by volunteers on the WSR is something that money simply cannot buy.
Jon Jones-Pratt comments: “Our volunteers and staff are essential to the WSR as they are all here because they want to help and support the railway. That makes working and volunteering on the West Somerset Railway an invaluable asset and, of course, is critical to the future enhancement and success of the Railway.
“The service provided by our volunteers and staff also demonstrates a commitment to the community and a willingness to work for the benefit and betterment of others. Without doubt, this commitment makes a difference to the many thousands of people who come to visit and travel on the West Somerset Railway.”
“It’s clear, therefore, that without our volunteers and staff the West Somerset Railway would, at best, be only able to offer a very limited service to the communities it serves, and, in the worst case, there would be no legacy of railway heritage left for posterity.”
“But, in recognising those today who have given such sterling service to the WSR in the past, we should also recognise that our younger volunteers and staff members are our future — they will take up the mantle and drive the West Somerset Railway forward on the strongest of foundations built by past and present volunteers.”
“We cannot thank our volunteers and staff enough for their tireless professionalism, commitment, love and passion for our wonderful railway. A great railway heritage legacy has been built and will remain forever in the heart of West Somerset for decades to come.”
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