Long Service Awards
Working at Ernest Doe
A PROUD TRADITION
GOLD WATCH CEREMONY AND LONG SERVICE AWARDS
The first gold watches were presented in 1958 to mark the 50th anniversary of Lou Atkins and Jack Whybrow. Jack Whybrow, in turn, surprised Ernest Doe’s son, Ernie, with a gold watch for his own long service of 40 years!
In 1972 a decision was made to present a gold watch to every member of staff on their 25th work anniversary – an incredible 29 gold watches were presented that year! To date, we have presented 311 watches in recognition of the loyalty and dedication given to the company.
In November 2024, we had the pleasure of celebrating a remarkable milestone—100 years of collective service—at our annual Gold Watch Ceremony, where we presented four gold watches. 2024 was extraordinary for long service achievements, highlighted by our Chairman, Colin Doe, commemorating 50 years with the company, and our Sales Director, Graham Parker, celebrating 40 years at Ernest Doe. Below is the list of team members achieving 30+ years long service milestones in 2024:
50 Years:
- Colin E Doe – Ulting
- Paul Thorn – Ulting
- Ian Snowden – Framlingham
- Paul Houlding – Colchester
40 Years:
- Graham Parker – Ulting
- Robin Kirby – Framlingham
- Lorraine Chipperfield – Ulting
- Leonard Hogger -Sudbury
- Marcus Devaux – Colchester
- Grahame Mills – Colchester
- Wayne Middleton – Ulting
30 Years:
- Steve Bush – Ulting
- David Walker – Ulting
- Andrew Spratt – Wymondham
Thank you all for your commitment and loyal service – your dedication is truly valued and appreciated.

Long service news

Celebrating the retirement of Keith Sharpe
Following a long and dedicated career in the agricultural industry, Keith Sharpe has decided it is time to hang up his order book.
Keith has, more recently, been supporting us as a part-time agricultural sales manager at our North Kyme branch, following the receivership sale of Burdens back in August 2024.

Ernest Doe Secures Major Groundworks Machinery Deal with Tamdown Group
Ten new Thwaites dumpers for Tamdown Group

ERNEST DOE & SONS LTD EXPANDS INTO SOUTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE WITH ACQUISITION OF TWO BURDENS GROUP BRANCHES
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