Driver and Non-Driver of the Year Awards 2010

On the 1st December 2010, West Midlands Special Needs Transport held its third Ring and Ride Driver and Non Driver of the Year Awards ceremony to mark the achievements of the Charity's employees' hard work and dedication.

The event was held at the Clarendon Suites on Hagley Road and the theme of the event was to celebrate the huge impact that the Ring and Ride service has had in helping thousands of people in the West Midlands, who have limited mobility, to maintain control over their lives and enable them to travel independently.

The attendee list included Councillors of the West Midlands Metropolitan Authorities, Centro, and suppliers to wmsnt. The event included performances from pupils from Mayfield and Calthorpe Special Educational Schools including dancing and singing acts. Speakers at the event included: Hon. Ald Stewart Stacey, Chair of wmsnt, and Peter Maggs, Chief Executive of wmsnt.

All Drivers were nominated by their depots and were required to conduct a driving test, highway code and manoeuvring and loading a wheelchair onto a bus. Each Driver was marked on their ability to conduct these tests and the highest scorer was the ultimate winner. The Non Drivers were also nominated by their depots. Each nominated person was required to answer twenty questions about health and safety and customer care and participate in scenario situations. The one who achieved the highest marks as announced as overall winner.

Dave Sutton from Coventry Ring and Ride was awarded the Non Driver of the Year award, winning Thomas Cook travel vouchers, Argos vouchers, a pair of Royal Scot Highland large wine crystal glasses a framed certificate and the Renee Spector Cup, which will be held by the Coventry Depot for the year. The award was presented by Hon Ald Renee Spector MBE, Vice Chair of wmsnt.

Martin Powell from Wednesbury depot came in second place winning an electronic picture frame, an optical cut crystal clock, an engraved pen and a framed certificate. All other finalists received an engraved pen, an optical cut crystal clock and a framed certificate.

Kaye Channing from Solihull and East Birmingham Ring and Ride Depot was awarded the Driver of the Year, winning Thomas Cook travel vouchers, MOT and service vouchers, a pair of Royal Scot Highland crystal glasses a framed certificate and the 'Steve Devlin Cup' which will be held by the Solihull and East Birmingham Depot for the year. The award was presented by Hon Ald Stewart Stacey, Chairman of wmsnt.

Neil Langford from Wednesbury depot come in second place, winning an MOT voucher, optical cut crystal clock, an engraved pen and framed certificate. All other finalists received an engraved pen, an optical cut crystal clock and a framed certificate.

wmsnt recognises that this award ceremony was not possible without the help of the suppliers who provide the Ring and Ride service with vital accessible equipment and services.

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