STAFF from a family-run company that delivers the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympics, has bid farewell to a beloved colleague who is stepping down after more than 40 years.

Jackie Godwin, from Highclere, has retired from her role as a divisional account at Arena – a company originally founded in Newbury by her parents.

Launched by Jackie’s parents Ron and Grace, Arena Promotional Facilities (as it was then known) started in 1967 providing seating for an exhibition table tennis match at the Corn Exchange in Newbury.

Colleagues past and present gathered at Arena’s Seating division in Membury to pay tribute to Jackie's incredible contribution over the years and wish her a happy retirement.

Jackie said: “Officially I’ve been with Arena since 1980, when I returned after having my children, but I remember helping my dad with the seats at Queens Club when I was still a teenager – I’ve always been involved in some capacity.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Jackie Godwin receives a signed picture from her brother Terry Smith, surrounded by colleagues past

“The company has changed so much over the years, and it has been wonderful to see how it has grown and developed.

“I remember being on the London Eye during the 2012 Olympics and seeing our volleyball arena at Horse Guard’s Parade, and at that moment realising just how far we had come.

“I’ve always been lucky to have such lovely colleagues and I’m certainly going to miss them.”

More than 50 years later, Arena now delivers the world’s most iconic sporting events, including the Olympics, The Open golf and F1.

Jackie, who has two children and four grandchildren, added: “Despite the changes, there’s a lovely family feel to this company. My brother Terry is managing director, my son Paul designs our Clearview seating, and there are colleagues here who have been with Arena for 30 or 40 years.

“It’s been a wonderful journey and I have so many happy memories. I think I’m still proudest of the work we do at Queen’s Club – we have been doing it so long and it’s wonderful to see how it has evolved from my father’s original design. You really have to love sport in our family.

“It’s always mixed emotions when you leave somewhere after so long, but there’s lots I’m looking forward to, like spending more time with my grandchildren, playing more tennis and actually being able to take holidays in July and August.”

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Terry Smith said Jackie has given an “amazing contribution” to the company.

He said: “Jackie’s dedication and commitment has been incredible over these years, always putting in extra time and effort to make this such a long-standing and successful business.

"Her passion and enthusiasm to help the company succeed has remained undiminished, from our humble beginnings as a small family-run business through to being part of one of the biggest and most successful global event groups that we are today.

“I personally owe my big sister a huge debt of gratitude for her tremendous support to me both personally and professionally – Jackie can only be described as the ‘rock’ of our Seating division, whose shoes will be incredibly difficult to fill in the future.

“However, I know her husband and best friend, Stewart, will be glad to see her try to take life a little slower and will look forward to more holidays and spending precious time with their children and grandchildren.”