Farewell lunch to say goodbye to popular Wisbech security guard Roger Vanhinsbergh
Saturday (15) will mark the end of an era as the Horsefair Shopping Centre says farewell to axed security guard Roger Vanhinsbergh.
News of Roger's departure last month sparked a massive groundswell of support within Wisbech with a petition launched aimed at saving 'our Roger', who has been made redundant by his employer City Security Services Ltd as part of a number of cuts nationally.
Today (Thursday) Roger was invited to a farewell lunch to mark his 14 years of loyal service, during which he became a valued member of the Horsefair team and played a key part in the Wisbech town centre community.
His hard work and dedication to the safety and security of shoppers saw him being recognised on a national level when we won the Regional Security Personnel Award for Service to the Customer.
Roger has always gone the extra mile for the centre, its shoppers and the wider Wisbech community, having regularly gone beyond the remit of his role at the Horsefair to give up his own time to train local businesses and impart his knowledge about security and protecting businesses – it is for this work which Roger has become well known within the town.
The lunch was attended by Roger, Kevin Smith, manager of the Horsefair Centre, Kevin Heaney, who is the regional manager for City Security Services Ltd, as well as Sharon Mace, president of the Wisbech and District Chamber of Commerce, who expressed her thanks to Roger for all his hard work, particularly with the Shop Watch radio scheme.
Kevin said: “Over the past 14 years Roger has worked tirelessly in the Horsefair and around most of the town centre. His approach to the difficult scenarios that he has faced has always been extremely professional. I can honestly say that it’s been an honour to work with him and I wish him all the very best for the future. I have no doubt that Roger will be sincerely missed.”
Roger added: “It is with a heavy heart that I’m leaving the Horsefair after such a long time. The response to me leaving from the retailers in the Horsefair and wider town centre, as well as from the general public, has been overwhelming - it’s lovely that people care so much! I’ve really enjoyed working at the Horsefair, and then my wider work within Wisbech too, and I’m looking forward to the future and what it may hold with an open mind.”
Roger’s last day will be Saturday 15th September.
