ITV Anglia News A much respected gardener and landscaper employed by Braintree District Council, has made it through to the finals of a national competition after clocking up almost forty years of outstanding service within his local community. John Morris has today (Tuesday 5th May) been named a finalist in the Council Worker of the Year Awards which aim to recognise and acknowledge council workers from across the UK who shine amongst their colleagues. Now the call goes out to the general public and to Johns fellow council workers to get voting and help him secure the top spot in the Lifetime Service Award category. John, 57, who lives with his wife in Witham, embarked on his new job as a gardener for Braintree District Council in the summer of 1970, having recently arrived from London with his parents. Now a Street Scene Services Operative, his focus for over 30 years has been the care and maintenance of Witham Cemetery where he has become well known and respected by many in and around the town for his dedication to managing the grounds and helping visitors. Congratulations to John, said Allan Reid, Chief Executive, Braintree District Council. John shines out for this award not simply because of the length of his service with us but because it is clear that his dedication in managing the grounds is more than matched by the care and concern he shows to those who visit the cemetery. We would like to encourage everyone who knows John or has experienced the tranquil and perfectly maintained gardens of Witham Cemetery to vote. On the Awards, John Morris said: Its quite an honour isnt it! I am very pleased, actually quite taken aback with it, quite chuffed with it! You have got to remember that you work in an area where there is tragic loss. People return regularly but can get very upset - you get to know them. I often have a good chat with them if they are upset and thats the satisfaction I get out of the job. I am pretty good with the general public and I just love being with them. David Lawrence, Area Team Leader, Braintree District Council said: If you were asking for someone to nominate hed be the first one youd think of. I can recount so many occasions which demonstrate how John goes over and above what is expected of him. Hell never put off till tomorrow what he can get done today, responding to requests of help from visitors, helping visitors trace their ancestors graves, running repairs and helping to maintain the Chapel itself. He loves his horticultural work and treats the cemetery like his own garden, always looking for ways to improve it - you could call it Johns cemetery in a way. But at the end of the day it is hard graft cutting, mowing and strimming, its almost like painting the Forth Bridge, as soon as you complete the job you need to start again. But John always does it with a smile on his face, always cracking a joke. Hes a great guy. John added: The funny part about it, if I was 18 again, I would do it all over again! Pat Chambers, a local resident, often visits the cemetery: Just before Christmas, I was ill and waiting for a major operation. John took the cans to my husbands grave for me and, as I couldnt bend down, he arranged all the flowers for me. I find him very helpful and hes always asking me how I am. He sent me a card after the operation. Hes very helpful, very polite. The well-maintained, 2 hectare cemetery is home to over 2000 graves and John has an almost encyclopaedic memory for them all. Visitors come from far and wide to trace family trees and, in most cases, John can take them directly to their ancestors graves and offer more insight into their families history. In his spare time, John enjoys rowing and for the last 10 years has supported the charitable event, Row4aReason, an annual sponsored event rowing around Northerly island. Last year he helped the charity raise £10,000 for Farleigh Childrens Hospice among other charities. Jeremy Vine, Host of this years awards: These awards are fantastic because they show the standards that are being set by people who really understand what public service is. Its not about politics, its sheer hard work that will scoop these awards. Public voting opens on Tuesday May 5th and the winner will be announced on 2nd July

• published: 25 Feb 2012
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