Long Service Awards 2021

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is delighted to announce that 11 talented and long-standing gamekeepers have been presented with an NGO Long Service Award.

The gamekeepers, who between them have notched up over 500 years in the profession, have all worked continuously for over 40 years in the profession, with some working for over 50 years.

The gamekeepers who were presented with their Awards posthumously for 40 years’ continuous service, include:

• Terry Brennan from Fawley in Hampshire
• Trevor Ash, from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire
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40 years’ continuous service

• Robert (Bob) Cooke, from Hampshire
• Keith Minty from Luton in Bedfordshire
• Larry Peters from Streatley in Berkshire
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50 years’ continuous service

• Graham Bendall from Witham in Essex
• Paul Brant from Bridgnorth in Shropshire
• Donald Harper from Stockbridge in Hampshire
• John Masterman from Helmsley in North Yorkshire
• Malcolm Partridge from Newark in Nottinghamshire
• Michael (Mike) Wills, from Swansea, Wales
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As well as a framed certificate the six recipients also received a unique, bespoke cast medal.  The award is open to full-time gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies who each have 40 or more years of continuous employment.  A further separate award is presented to those that have 50 or more years’ service under their belt.

Liam Bell, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, said:

“It is always a real pleasure to present these long service medals. We have received the most fantastic endorsements and anecdotes for these keepers from those who have worked with them over the years.

“Gamekeeping is a way of life and many of them continue to work part-time. It’s been a hard year for many people so being able to award these keepers their long service medals, in recognition of a lifetime’s dedication to our profession is something to celebrate.”

Traditionally, these awards are presented to the recipient personally but sadly, this has not been possible this year.

The NGO assumed responsibility for running the Long Service Award with the blessing of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) when it was announced in 2015 that the CLA would cease to run its annual Game Fair at which it had made a similar presentation to gamekeepers for many years.  To mark the passing of the baton, it was renamed the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation Long Service Award.