Having been taken completely by surprise when he learnt that his name had been announced as the winner of the routeone Special Award in his absence, Cyril Kenzie has a last been united with the trophy that he so richly deserves.
Mr Kenzie, 88, is the proprietor of long-standing Kenzies Coaches based in Shepreth, Cambridgeshire. He attracted the attention of the routeone Awards judges who had no hesitation in deciding that he fully deserved recognition. Not only has he clocked up 70 years in the industry, but his business is highly regarded and he is held in high esteem by fellow operators.
However, the planned presentation of the accolade at the routeone Awards gala presentation evening on 2 November became something of an anti-climax because contrary to the best efforts of the organisers Mr Kenzie was not present. Like all awards winners he was oblivious of his success before the event.
Nevertheless, the situation was rectified when routeone Awards Chairman Mike Morgan travelled to a trade function in York where Mr Kenzie was one of the guests.
It was a situation tinged with irony because it served to emphasise Mr Kenzie’s remarkable longevity as a hands-on operator given that he was the only person present who was not either retired or partially retired.
Mike Morgan said: “Although the reaction from the audience at our gala presentation evening made it very clear that the decision to make the Special Award to Cyril was extremely popular, there was an inevitable air of disappointment that he wasn’t there in person.
“Somehow we had to make amends and the opportunity that presented itself last week at least ensured that a presentation could be witnessed and applauded by some of his many friends in the industry.”
Mr Kenzie said: “I wasn’t there because I had no idea that I was up for an award.”
