Long-standing gamekeepers recognised for their service to the profession

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is delighted to announce that thirteen talented and long-standing gamekeepers were presented with the NGO Long Service Awards at an awards ceremony held recently at the Heart of England Conference Centre.

Between them, these thirteen ‘keepers have notched up almost 600 years in the profession – an incredible feat. They were presented with their special Long Service Awards by David Pooler, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, alongside Jeremy Marsh from Elanco, who kindly sponsor the Awards.

The gamekeepers who were presented with their Awards for 40 years’ service include: Nigel Kingshott from Hook, Hampshire; Warren Wells, former NGO Regional Chair for Lincs, Leics and Notts; Bryan Whitehouse, from near Cheltenham; Edward Harland, from Yorkshire; Colin Chadwick, from Lancashire; Mark Harrison from near Bodmin; Edwin Waterworth, from Lancashire; David Ainsley, from County Durham and Michael Carmody, from near Thetford.

Four gamekeepers were presented with Long Service Awards for 50 years’ service as gamekeepers. These were Michael (Mick) Walton, from Derbyshire; Nigel Davies, from North Norfolk; John Atkinson, from Penrith and John Coates, from North Yorkshire.

As well as an attractive framed certificate the six recipients also received a unique, specially cast medal, an NGO tie, and a bottle of champagne. Three ‘keepers: Edwin Waterworth and David Ainsley (both 40 years of service) and John Coates (50 years of service) were unable to attend in person and their Long Service medals have been sent on to them with the best wishes of the NGO.

The Long Service 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.

“The NGO wishes to congratulate all these gamekeepers on their achievements over their 40 and 50 years”, said David Pooler after the event. “Our thanks to each of you for what you have done for the gamekeeping profession. Each of you is well deserving of this year’s NGO Long Service Award.”

The NGO is inviting applications for next year’s 40 and 50 years Long Service Awars. Nomination forms are available from The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, PO Box 246, Darlington, DL1 9FZ.  Tel 01833 660 869.  Email: info@nationalgamekeepers.org.

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Photocaption: Photo credit: Richard Prideaux, Rural and Outdoor. 

Notes to Editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation.  www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk