Torridge District Council thanks employees for long service and dedication

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ken James, along with Steve Hearse and officers from Torridge, gathered recently to celebrate staff members who have demonstrated remarkable loyalty to the council through many years of dedicated service.

The event recognised employees from across the council who have reached milestones of 15, 25, and 40 years of service. The officer with the longest service is Michael Crocker, who has an impressive 45 years, having started with the council in 1979.

It has been a privilege to work here for this long," explained Michael Crocker, a Contract Support Officer with the Grounds Maintenance Team. "I started in 1979 as a carpenter and have since taken on a variety of roles. Currently, I work in the Grounds Maintenance Team, which I enjoy because of my interest in horticulture. There have been many changes over the forty-five years I have been here, but I have truly enjoyed my time working for the council. I have made lifelong friends among my colleagues, and they are the reason I have stayed for so long.

Customer Service Adviser, Lorraine Inch, originally joined the Council in 1992 as a cleaner working in the evenings.  "I originally worked as a part-time cleaner but left the council when I had three small children under the age of five.  I re-joined a few years later and began working in the Customer Services team, where apart from a few years working for Democratic Services, I have been ever since.  The council has been good to me and I'm very loyal to that.  I really enjoy my job and I work with a great team of people.  I am one of the founding members of the Staff Social Committee which has been great way to get to know everyone and helps to create a great work atmosphere."

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"It's great to see so many people receiving a long service award.  I am so impressed with the commitment and dedication of these staff members.  I think it's fantastic that these people have been working so hard for the Council for such a long period of time.  They do much needed and valuable work across a range of departments, whether they are front facing or behind the scenes, they are all incredibly important.  All our colleagues work incredibly hard to keep Torridge going and recognising their devotion with today's presentation is the least they deserve.  Congratulations to every single officer who reached one of these incredible milestones."

Dec 24