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Many of the bus drivers working on the Wilts & Dorset network will remember their driver training with long serving Driving Instructor Mike Smith. After 37 years with the company, Mike, from Oakdale, Poole is retiring after training between 150 – 200 drivers to PCV standard in 13 years of instructing.
Andrew Wickham presents vouchers and champagne to Mike Smith by one of the training coaches
After a variety of jobs, Mike’s career in the bus industry started in 1967 when he joined Bournemouth Corporation Transport as a conductor and then undertook driver training. He spent the summer of 1974 as a tours driver with Shamrock & Rambler. He joined Hants & Dorset (now Wilts & Dorset) as a crew driver at Poole depot in 1975. In 1999 was promoted to Driving Instructor.
Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of Wilts & Dorset and sister Go Ahead Group owned bus and coach operations in the region, said that he wished Mike, now 65, a long and happy retirement.
“Mike’s contribution to the company as a driver and the careers of many people as an instructor is exemplary. His colleagues and I am sure, many of our customers, will join me in wishing him many days on the golf course and enjoy the chance to travel with the family.”
by admin