Awards ceremony and farwell to Gordon storey
OUTSTANDING EFFORT: Gorden Storey, with Joanne Elliott and Rebeccaa hillis who received their fork lift driving qualifications.
Emotions were running high at an wards ceremony as students and supporters bad a fond farewell to one of the driving forces behind a charity.
The surents at Slough Pitstop were not only celebrating successes but also saying goodbye to the founding chairman Gordon Storey.
Special guest john Kemp, from Ferrari, presented certificates to the successful youngsters and farewell gifts to Mr Storey who was on the team that set up the project.
Proud parents watched as students collected awards after 3 months studying courses ranging from basic motor vehicle maintenance to First Aid.
The Pitstop charity aims to introduce young people who are more suited to vocational training to the world of work and to develop the qualities needed in a business environment.
Centre Manager Emma Appleton said: "These young people have come with nothing to get qualifications from us and and also they have all got college placements so they have gone onto something very positive."
Two members of staff Joanna Elliott and Rebecca Hillis were also celebrating after completing their fork lift driving course.
Mr Kemp senior after-sales manageer for Ferrari, North Europe presented Mr Story, deputy lord lieutenant of Berkshire, with a model silver Ferrari and a lorry flower basket.
Mr Storey said: "I have mixed feelings about stepping down, I shall miss it. Pitstop has been a joy to be involved in. It's still a tremendous organistion and going great work for young people."
But he added: "I retired from Mars in 2003 and I'm approaching 62 now so I think it's time for my second retirement." He added that he was "blown away" and "brought to tears" by the surprising presentation.
Ms Appleton said: "It was a very emotional evening."
