Long service awards 2010 – Rome 28/29th May
Steve Perry- Basildon (Operations)
For the last few years employees at Selex Comms (formerly Marconi of course ) who have completed 35, 40 or 45 years service have been invited to receive their awards, usually a watch, over in Italy at various locations including Genoa, Naples, and this year Rome. Having never been to the capital, the three day trip promised to be very interesting.
This account of my trip appeared on the company website.
After arriving at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci airport at mid-day we had time for a quick snack, before going back to the airport to catch the train into the city, a 30 minute journey.
By mid afternoon it was hot and humid, but we finally managed to find the Spanish Steps, and the wonderful Trevi Fountain.
On Friday morning it was another early start to get the bus, with all the rush hour traffic, where we were dropped off near the Vatican. After a quick look at the Pope’s residence, we trooped off to visit just a few of all the splendours of Rome. The Pantheon and the Colosseum were just two of the monuments we were able to see.
After returning to the hotel, we soon set off again for the evening celebrations at the military air base at Pomezia. A large aircraft hanger had been emptied, and transformed into a huge dining area for about 1,000 people. All the 45 year service awards were presented to 150 employees as we ate and enjoyed a glass of wine, and an Italian brass band ended the evening festivities.
We managed a few hours sleep before returning to Pomezia for the morning air-show, which featured three different jet fighters and a large turbo prop transporter. Then off in the distance someone spotted the white green and red contrails of the ‘Blue Arrows’ the Italian display team, who gave a great display of loops, dives and fly-throughs.
It was now time for lunch, and during the several courses the 35 and 40 year service presentations were made on the stage, in different groups.
The final group, with Selex Comms (UK) amongst them, were called on stage for their awards – saving the best to last?
Despite the busy schedule everyone seemed to enjoy their brief stay close to Rome. It was well organised on a grand scale by our Italian friends, who were very helpful and friendly throughout.