Coach driver leaves a life behind the wheel after clocking up 50 years with Shaws of Maxey
A coach driver who has clocked up 50 years with the same travel company says he has reached the end of the road.
Now Les Staniforth who joined holiday operator Shaws of Maxey in 1977 and has stayed with the company ever since.is giving up his job behind the wheel.
And bosses say they will be sad to lose one of their most loyal and much-loved coach drivers as he hangs up his keys the last time on Friday. (February 20)
Les began his career when the business was under the ownership of Harry Shaw but when Harry’s three children took over in 1981 Les became crucial in ensuring the company’s ongoing success.
Recently retired owner, Jane Pearson, said: “We owe so much to the dedication and skill that Les brought to his role.
"He was without a doubt the linchpin of the tour programme when it was introduced in 1982, having driven on the very first Shaws holiday to Llandudno.”
During his five decades with Shaws, Les says he has covered the UK from top to bottom, often staying in hotels but also ready to go camping when the trips took him top Devon.
Les says he has crossed the Irish Sea on many occasions.
It was also Les who pioneered tours to places like the former Yugoslavia - all undertaken with the minimum of fuss and all in a day's work for ‘a consummate professional’.
Jane said: “Over the years, Les has become far more than a colleague – he has been a trusted friend, a steady presence, and a familiar face to generations of customers who have come to know and value him.
“His popularity with customers became legendary, rather like his jokes.
“He has always shown great care and diligence and never more so than when for many years he was a regular driver for the Sunshine Club for the Blind, taking them to meetings and on outings to the sea.
His knowledge of the UK road system - past and present - is encyclopaedic.”
Joanna Bonnett, the new owner of Shaws of Maxey, said: “Les leaves behind a legacy of dedication and kindness that has helped shape the spirit of Shaws, his warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for passengers has earned him enormous respect.
"It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside him throughout his remarkable career.”
She said: “It is unlikely that anyone else at Shaws will ever clock up as many miles as Les.
“In fact, these days, it would be quite unusual for anyone anywhere to contribute so many years of service to one company.”
The company says it is proud that Les’ son, Darren, is following closely in his footsteps and continues to work for the business.
Joanna said: “It's impossible to put into words how much we have appreciated Les' long and loyal service and how much we respect the untiring support from his partner, June.
She added: “Congratulations to Les, we wish both Les and June a long and happy retirement together.”