49 YEARS FOR RETIRING MICHAEL
Long-serving Salisbury Racecourse groundsman
A loyal groundsman is retiring from Salisbury Racecourse after 49 years of dedication.
The Salisbury Journal reports that Michael Simmonds is leaving the Netherhampton ground today (Monday 30 November) just shy of half a century and a day before his 65th birthday.
The paper quotes Michael as saying, "I came up to look around one day back in 1966 and I've stayed here ever since. I have lots of memories and I will enjoy popping back from time to time to see everyone."
Michael's contribution to the sport of horse racing was recognised in this year's annual Racecourse Association awards when he won the "Lifetime Achievement in Racing" category. He will be presented with a memento by the Racecourse Association on a race day when racing returns next May.
At the final raceday of 2015, on October 12, a race was staged in Michael's name and after the race, in the winners' enclosure, he was joined by staff and directors who gave him a much deserved rousing ovation. Jeremy Martin, clerk of the course and executive director, is rewarding Simmonds for his dedication with an annual badge to the racecourse. "Michael has always been enormously popular with both groundstaff and office staff, past and present," said Martin. "He has always had an excellent attitude and been very dependable and hard working. He will be greatly missed but will be given an annual badge so he can visit us on racedays whenever he wants. There are not many people who work 49 years for the same company, and we will also be making a special presentation to him, in recognition of his long service."
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