Devon & Cornwall

Plymouth bus driver wins Gold Star Award

A bus driver who became a school governor has won a Gold Star Award.

Dave Connell, a driver in Plymstock, is First Devon and Cornwalls nominated winner of the award, which is organised by the Herald and sponsored by First.

Mr Connell, aged 59, has worked ‘on the buses since 1968, and has driven the school bus at Coombe Dean School for seven years. He became a community governor at the school three years ago.
He said: "When the chance came up to be a school bus driver I thought ‘great, its Monday to Friday and office hours.
"I had the fear of kids, like a lot of bus drivers do, so I wasnt sure if I could do it.'

But Mr Connell was so impressed by the behaviour of the students he met, that he applied to become a school governor after seeing an advert in the school magazine.

Mr Connell became a community governor, with a brief covering buildings and health and safety.
He volunteers his own time to work with the school, and is also supported by employer First, who allow him time off work to fulfil his duties.

Since becoming a governor, Mr Connell has been involved with projects such as the wind turbines, which have recently been erected at the school following a long planning process.
He has also been on specialist courses on aspects of governorship, and is involved in training for the Ten Tors event and the Duke of Edinburghs Award Scheme.

He said: "As a governor Im known as Mr Connell but as a bus driver Im Dave, and I get to find out whats going on in the school before the teachers.'

Mr Connell has two grown-up daughters who both have children of their own, but says he missed out on their school life because he was working on long-distance coach routes at the time. Now hes making up for that. He said: "Ive always been a great believer in education. I worked extra shifts to enable my daughters to get through university. Weve all done it as kids but we dont realise the value of it when were doing it.'

As part of his duties as governor, Mr Connell has twice spent a day at the school.Once he joined the students in Maths, French and Geography lessons. He shadowed a Year 8 pupil and wrote an account of his day, which was published in the schools weekly magazine. Another time, he spent part of the day with a Year 7 student, to see what it was like to start at Coombe Dean.He also spent time at the sixth form to see how the other end of the school spectrum worked.

Mr Connell said being a governor has been an education for him too.
"Im learning skills I never knew I could do,' he said.He said he was pleased to win the Gold Star Award, but added: "Its very easy to be a good governor and bus driver when you are associated with a very good school.'

Marc Reddy, managing director of First Devon and Cornwall, said: "Dave is one of the best bus drivers we have. Hes committed and enthusiastic and he applies the same dedication to his role as school governor.

"Hes helped us build links with the school and the importance of this, in itself, should not be underestimated. He thoroughly deserves his Gold Star Award; Well done Dave, were proud of you.'

Bill Martin, editor of The Herald, said: "Its wonderful that Mr Connell has become so integrated into the life of the school, and that he continues to give up his time to serve the best interests of the children.'

Gold Star winners for the last 12 months are to be honoured at an awards ceremony at the Duke of Cornwall hotel on Wednesday, March 11. The gala evening, organised by The Herald and First, will be hosted by broadcaster David Fitzgerald.