51 Barnsley Council Staff Honoured for 25 and 40 Years' Service

Barnsley Council has held its annual Long Service Awards ceremony, recognising 51 employees who have reached significant milestones in their careers with the council.

The celebration took place at the Assembly Theatre at Barnsley Civic. Forty-six colleagues were recognised for 25 years of service, having joined Barnsley Council between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2001. Five colleagues reached the milestone of 40 years' service, having joined between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986.

Combined, the 51 staff members have amassed 1,375 years of loyal service to the council.

The ceremony

Attendees and their guests were provided with afternoon tea while sharing memories from their years working for the council. The event featured a nostalgic presentation with film premieres, pop music hits and notable events from the years the employees joined Barnsley Council.

Each employee was presented with a long service certificate and a token of appreciation from their respective Executive Director. Leader of Barnsley Council Councillor William Brown and Chief Executive Sarah Norman thanked the staff in person. Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Liam Hardcastle also offered thanks.

Messages from council leadership

Councillor William Brown said: "It was an honour to be at this year's Long Service Awards to thank in person our loyal colleagues who have dedicated so much of their working lives to public service. There was a real celebratory atmosphere, and I enjoyed catching up with colleagues about their highlights of working for the council. Their dedication is greatly appreciated, and they have played a vital role in working for our residents and providing the support they need and rely on."

Sarah Norman, Chief Executive, said: "It is amazing and humbling to see how many of our colleagues have served for so long with such pride. This year's award ceremony was a wonderful celebration and a chance for us to honour them with a small gesture of our appreciation. We are passionate about recognising and rewarding our colleagues for the fantastic work they do. A heartfelt thanks goes to them all for the last 25 - and 40 - years and I wish them well for the years ahead."