A husband and wife team from Culcheth, Warrington, have clocked up a total of 89 years in their respective jobs.
Stuart and Linda Bateman’s combined commitment in their respective roles is a cause for celebration as Linda has now collected an MBE from Buckingham Palace for her services to the Home Office.
Linda trails slightly behind Stuart, who has worked at Bents Garden & Home for 49 years, and is now the Centre’s longest serving employee, but her impressive 40 years at the Home Office was recognised in this year’s New Year Honors List.
Linda is a Deputy Chief Caseworker for UK Visas and Immigration at the Home Office, and was honoured for her work in Public Service and Services to the Supportive Treatment of Migrants in the UK, presented with her award by Prince William.
Stuart and Linda described the ceremony as a wonderful experience and a day to remember forever. Linda describes her job as challenging but extremely rewarding with the MBE a fantastic recognition of her work.
She says: “I was thrilled and delighted to receive this honour. But I always have at the forefront of my mind, the fact that every decision I make has an impact on the lives of those I deal with and indeed their families.”
Linda is proud to have supported organisations such as Veterans Aid and those dealing with vulnerable individuals; areas of work that have been particularly rewarding. She has also had the good fortune in her career to work with some wonderful and supportive colleagues.
Linda’s husband, Stuart, joined the Bent family business in 1967 and during his time has seen the massive expansion of the Centre’s on-site nursery where over 60% of all Bents plants are now grown. He plans to retire in 2017 on his 50th anniversary with the company, and will be hugely missed by all at Bents.
