Starry starry night 2010

Following a successful day meeting and greeting our customers in Southampton city centre, the Bluestar team, including our hard-working front line staff of drivers and engineers, converged at St Mary’s Stadium – the home of Southampton FC - for the third annual Starry Starry Night awards evening.

Over 150 guests were in attendance including members of our driving, engineering, supervisory and administration teams and their partners, as well as a number of friends of the company, including our local authority partners, neighbouring bus operators and other supporters of our business.

We started the evening by recognising the achievements of those members of staff who have clocked up 100% full attendance across up to four consecutive years – a commendable achievement by all concerned!

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Seen here, being congratulated by Managing Director Alex Carter and Operations Manager Alex Hornby are (from left) Mike Jones, Reg Cuff, Dennis Taylor, Andy Holton, Chrys Spurrier, Dave Vivier, Neil Atkinson, Sue Endersby, John Howard, Linda Wellman and John Wright, who managed one or two years’ 100% attendance.
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Jon Robertson, Phil Glenn, Mark Davie, Mel Ruffles and Paula Bird receive their awards for 100% full attendance across a three year period.

100% attendance in any job is certainly worthwhile of huge congratulations, but we are distinctly proud of those who managed to achieve this across four consecutive years…

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100% Attendance Winners for four years’ perfect record of attendance – our Superstars, Rio Kumar, Barry Stuart, Jim Bubb and Frank Davison

We then presented awards to our Goldstars – this is a special award made to those for excellent performance in their job with us in the year for various reasons – notably by going the extra mile to help others.

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Goldstar winners Dennis Taylor, Jim Bubb, Mike Jones and Chrysie Spurrier

Those who have achieved up to 30 years’ service in Bluestar and its predecessors were also recognised. These are the people who have been there for the company over many years, and helped to lay the foundations of the successful business we know today.

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Long Service Award winners Paul Hawkins, Mel Ruffles, Mark Davie, Chrysie Spurrier and Robin Pavey

We then moved on to our two biggest awards of the evening. The Star Engineer of the Year award was issued for the first time to apprentice-turned-team-leader Andy Holton. The judges of this award commented how proud they were to see someone rise through the ranks through determination and hard work, gaining respect from those around him along the way.

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Andy Holton receives his award from Managing Director Alex Carter (left) and Engineering Manager Steve Prewett (right)

The final award of the evening the Star Driver of the Year award, where one driver from our team of 180 was singled out for their outstanding performance in their job, including their timekeeping, attendance and praise from customers. Dennis Taylor was this year’s lucky winner. As a regular driver on the New Forest Tour throughout the summer of 2009, Dennis became a popular figure amongst his customers. And, going the extra mile to represent Bluestar at various local events and shows, he made a positive impression, with many favourable comments received about his professionalism. He was even able to raise several hundred pounds for charity at these events too.

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Dennis Taylor receiving his Star Driver of the Year award from Alex Carter and Alex Hornby

It is our people that keep our business functioning and our customers on the move. We’re very proud of all our winners - well done and congratulations to all!