Long Service Awards - 40 years for Harper Staff

Posted 6 July 2007

John Protheroe and Michael Worral, both from Edgmond, have been honoured with Long Service Awards to acknowledge their employment within the agricultural industry for 40 years at Harper Adams University College.

They have each attended two formal presentations to receive their Long Service Medals. The first was a presentation by the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society at the West Midlands Show and the second by the Royal Agricultural Society at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

Michael Worrall is the Poultry Foreman at Harper Adams and commenced his employment at the University College in April 1967. At the age of 15 he joined the Poultry Research Unit that was then funded by the British Egg Marketing Board. This unit was later incorporated into the poultry production, research and development work at the University College. As Michael’s career developed he moved away from the research unit to concentrate on the commercial production unit which demonstrates a range of production methods. His abilities, combined with his committed endeavours over 40 years, has enabled him to progress with distinction to his current role of Poultry Unit Foreman.

John Protheroe is the Poultry Technician and started work at Harper Adams in September 1967. After his pre-college training at the Lancashire College of Agriculture, John gained his National Diploma in Poultry at the West of Scotland Agriculture. Since joining the staff of Harper Adams in 1967 he has held a variety of posts; Poultry Demonstrator, Research Technician and most recently a Technician in the Animals Group where he provides support for all research and development work as well as postgraduate research students. His attention to detail both practically and technically makes him an ideal individual to fulfil this key role for the benefit of Harper Adams and the poultry industry as a whole.

The Principal, Professor Wynne Jones says “We are very proud to have two such fine members of staff being recognised for their commitment to Harper Adams and the agricultural industry. Both Michael and John have great expertise and knowledge of the poultry industry and have been invaluable members of our team. Their loyalty and dedication has been exemplary.”