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Richmond Villages Painswick is this week celebrating a much-loved member of its team who has become an irreplaceable part of daily life for residents and colleagues alike thanks to the profound difference he makes to the lives of those living around him.

Samuel Harmer, who works at Richmond Villages Painswick as a Maintenance Operative, has spent the last two decades quietly and diligently ensuring the village remains a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming home for all who live and work there. Known by name and greeted warmly by residents as he goes about his work, Sam has built a level of trust and affection that speaks to far more than technical ability.  

His calm, respectful manner means residents feel at ease approaching him with questions or issues, and his friendly conversation and genuine kindness have made him a natural part of many residents' daily routines. It is this combination of skill and human warmth that makes Sam's contribution truly invaluable.

To mark Sam’s 20-year milestone, the team at the retirement village gave him a gift to thank him for his hard work. Talking about his impact, Cheryl Cox, Village Manager, said: "Sam's impact stems from the deep knowledge of the village he has built up over 20 years. Whether responding swiftly to maintenance issues, carrying out preventative works, or fixing problems before they ever become apparent to others, his efforts ensure the smooth running of the village day in, day out. What truly sets him apart, however, is his willingness to go above and beyond, always approaching his work with patience, good humour, and genuine care for the people around him."

Cheryl continued: "I'd like to publicly say thank you to Sam for everything he has contributed over the years; our village wouldn't be the same without him and you’re a real hero to us.  Reaching this milestone is a remarkable achievement, and it is a reflection of just how deeply he cares about this place and the people who call it home."

Stephen Chamberlain, Activities Co-ordinator, added: "Sam is one of those people who makes a real difference every single day, often in ways that go unnoticed until you stop and think about just how much he does. For the residents here, he is so much more than a maintenance operative. He is a reassuring face, a friendly voice, and someone our residents genuinely trust. Twenty years of that kind of dedication is something to be enormously proud of, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our team. Congratulations Sam.”

Talking about his 20-year tenure working at Richmond Villages Painswick, Sam said: “Whether interacting with the residents or working with the wider team to solve something for them, I take real pleasure in being part of the wonderful community living at the village. As a result, the years have flown by since I first started working at here.”