132 staff who work for Eastern Education Group (EEG) who have collectively given 1220 years of service to this organisation were celebrated for their loyalty during a long service dinner held at Edmunds Restaurant in Bury St Edmunds.
At the occasion, two people reached the 30-year landmark and received a £300 cash boost and a certificate.
During the three-course dinner (that was made and served by students studying on catering and hospitality pathways), CEO of EEG, Dr Nikos Savvas OBE DL, praised all of those in attendance for their efforts.
Dr Savvas – who has personally worked for the group for 14 years – said: “You have transformed West Suffolk College and the group into a centre of outstanding education for the whole region. You are truly remarkable.”
In honour of those who have worked for the group for 30 years, Dr Savvas went on to reflect on what life was like in 1995, pointing out that during that year, the internet had just started, Gangsters Paradise by Coolio was the top song, John Major was the Prime Minister and the Channel Tunnel had just opened.
Continuing to praise staff – he added: “The college, the group and the region owes you a big thank you. You have made a massive difference, making the organisation and the region a much better place.”
One of the 30-year club in attendance was Derek Johnson. The Group Head of School for Art and Design said: “I have enjoyed being surrounded by interesting and creative staff. It has been very rewarding. I’ve been to Asia and America and it has been great taking the group to other corners of the globe. We have never stood still. Creative Arts need to be the beating heart of an organisation and I’m proud to have been part of developing the next generation of incredibleness.”
The other member of the 30-year club in attendance was Helena Rudd. On her time at the college, the performing arts lecturer said: “When I first came here, we didn’t really have performing arts. Therefore, it’s been fulfilling to see it (performing arts) go from nothing to where it is today.
“Highlights include working with former students like Charlie MacGechan who has gone onto work with people like Jean-Claude Van Damme – and he still comes back and does workshops with current students.
And in terms of the dinner she added: “It’s nice to get that recognition and acknowledgement.”
Also at the three-course meal were Michael and Rachel Nelson. Both have clocked up 20 years of service to the group – and they also met in 2005 for the first time, fell in love and subsequently got married.
Stuart Henty is the HR Manager for Wellbeing and Development. He said: “We feel so lucky to have so many loyal staff – many of whom have worked with us for decades. They have all played a significant part in helping the group to continue to make a huge impact in the communities in which we serve and we are very thankful to them for their effort and commitment over many years.”
