Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Securewest International
Thursday 19 April 2012
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Securewest International
In April 1987, John Casson left the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to form what is known today as Securewest International.
The photograph, which was taken at the 25th anniversary lunch, is of ten original employees of Securewest (as it was known then). From left to right: Jenny, Jim Easter, Noel Thornton, Dave Davidson, Val Lewis, John, Don Gleeson, Dave Pickford, Ted Leigh and Tony Whyte.
Providing security guarding services by former police officers (who had left their respective police force with exemplary references) was a concept that attracted many clients in the company’s initial operating area of South West England.
The company expanded so fast that those who joined John in those early days worked many long hours, often for days on end.
John has never forgotten their loyalty, remembering that their partners were also affected. He keeps in regular contact with them.
On 18 April 2012 he organised a special lunch at the Cricket Inn, Beesands, in Devon, for those who joined Securewest International in its fledgling days in the late 1980s.
Those attending (the name of the former employee is in italics) were:
Ted and Sheila Leigh, Don and Jean Gleeson, Tony and Doreen Whyte, Noel and Ursula Thornton, Jim and Ruth Easter, Val and Geoff Lewis, Dave and Maureen Davidson, Dave and Lil Pickford, and Jenny and John.
The group had exclusive use of the Cricket Inn’s lovely restaurant, which looks over Start Bay, and the chef, Scott Simon, created a special menu. The lunch and the service were outstanding.
After lunch John addressed his guests, reminding everyone that without their loyalty and hard work in those early and difficult days, Securewest International would not be where it is today: a global leader in maritime security. He said, ‘You have never been forgotten, nor will you be forgotten’, and finished by thanking all of them individually and collectively for their enormous contribution.
As each couple left, they were given a huge bouquet of flowers and a copy of John’s book, Afghan Faces, which had been signed and personalised.
The lunch was a very enjoyable and emotional day for everyone.
To view photographs of this event please see the Gallery.
