Oxford Bus Company celebrates drivers at staff awards night

The eighth annual Really Amazing Awards, hosted by Oxford Bus Group at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, brought together employees from Oxford Bus Company, Carousel Buses, Pulhams, Thames Travel and City Sightseeing Oxford.

The evening, full of laughter from stand-up comedian Ivo Graham, shone a spotlight on individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “It was wonderful to spend the evening together and celebrate the people who have delivered really amazing work across the business.

“We also recognised our colleagues who have given a significant number of years’ service to the company.

“They should all be proud of their achievements and role in providing an excellent service to our valued passengers.”

Long service was a central theme of the night, with eight colleagues recognised for a combined 235 years of dedication.

Oxford Bus Company mechanic Craig Evans and facilities manager Andy Seeney were both honoured for 40 years of service.

Several awards were given out on the night, most of which were based on staff nominations.

The gold award in the Star of the Year category went to airline driver Barry Duke, who has recently been on secondment at Thames Travel as operations and control co-ordinator.

The silver award was presented to tour guide Lesley Sammons, whose efforts helped City Sightseeing Oxford earn the title of ‘Worldwide Operator of the Year’, while Pulhams touring coach driver Justin Howell received the bronze award.

Oxford Bus Company’s CCTV team – comprising Steve Williams, Kyle Norburn, Sam De Gouveia and Paul Versey – won the A-Team award for their improvements to the company’s video systems.

Carousel’s High Wycombe depot was named Depot of the Year, thanks in part to its new VIP Bus Driver Academy, upgraded facilities and planned service expansions for 2025.

Alex Knox was named Manager of the Year after stepping up to become assistant operations manager at Oxford Bus Company in 2025, while Lorna Earp received the Unsung Hero award for her behind-the-scenes work maintaining vehicles and facilities at Pulhams’ Cheltenham depot.

The Rising Star award went to Paul Versey, who has retrained and contributed in several roles across the group, including as an engineer at Pulhams.

Other honourees included Thames Travel’s Kenny Hawkins, named Engineer of the Year, and Carousel controller Sam Edmondson, who won the Above and Beyond award.

Long-serving staff recognised on the night included airline driver Gilbert Rae, who marked 30 years with the business.