After almost 50 years on the road, one of our most loyal and much-loved coach drivers is hanging up his keys for one last time today. Les Staniforth began his career with us in 1977 when the business was under the ownership of Harry Shaw, when Harry’s three children took over in 1981 Les became crucial in ensuring our ongoing success. Recently retired owner, Jane, reflects - “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”. Les has covered the UK from top to bottom, often staying in hotels, but was not one to shy away from camping on trips to Devon with the Boys Brigade! He's been across the Irish Sea many times and pioneered tours to places like the former Yugoslavia - all undertaken with the minimum of fuss and all in a day's work for such a consummate professional.
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, the phrase 'ask Les' has been in common usage for many years and he has always been so willing to share that knowledge and his many years of experience with new members of the team.
New owner, Jo, says “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.” It's 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. Jo adds "We’re enormously proud that Les’ son, Darren, is following closely in his footsteps and continues to work for the business, carrying forward the same strong values that his father has shown over the years".
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. Congratulations to Les, we wish both Les and June a long and happy retirement together .. and hopefully not too much DIY!
Photo: Les is kneeling bottom right at the Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop in 1987 (still one of our favourite places to visit).