As we mark Tamdown’s remarkable 50th anniversary, we’re taking a moment each month to look back at the people who’ve helped shape our story. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing memories and reflections from some of our longest‑serving colleagues — those who’ve witnessed our evolution first-hand and contributed to the culture, resilience, and success we celebrate today. Their stories not only honour our past but also inspire the road ahead.
For our second feature, we spoke to Tommy Gant who has been working with Tamdown over for 34 years!
What is your earliest memory of Tamdown when you started?
Turning up with my bag of tools – you had everything you needed in that bag. We didn’t have the fancy electronic tools that you have today, just your hand-held tools.
What project stands out as especially meaningful?
St Mary’s Island – I lived quite close, so that was always a good thing that I didn’t have to travel so far to get to work. It was about 30 years ago now – there’s thousands of granite steps there – roundabouts, cobbles – and I worked on everyone of them!
How have the tools, techniques or site culture changed over the years?
Health and safety has definitely changed over the years. I’ve attended many courses since joining as health and safety has progressed. Toolbox Talks weren’t a thing when I started, you were just given your job. It was pretty simple in that respect. It was family-orientated back in the day – Tom Mohan would turn up and take us out for breakfast. I remember the times they organised a coach for us Kent workers to attend family fun days at Braintree Rugby Club in Essex.
What roles have you had at Tamdown?
I’ve been a health and safety representative, ganger man, black hat, dumper hat recently. I was also a mentor for the apprentices at St Mary’s Island.
Any stories that stick in your mind over the years?
I remember finding cannonballs whilst I was working at St. Mary’s Island – probably Napoleonic as the area was used as a burial ground for French prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).
Today, I work with an engineer, Adam Ward, and his grandad really came to my rescue one day. We were standing near some 3-way traffic lights when a drunk driver came speeding by and somehow drove into the cables that got wrapped around his wheels. They ended up catching my legs and if it weren’t for Sean Ward’s quick thinking, which allowed him to get the cables away from my legs, I might have been dragged down the street. Luckily, I came away completely unscathed!
Do you have a moment when teamwork make all the difference?
You can’t do this sort of work on your own. It’s always been teamwork for me. We look after each other and just get on with it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
When I started out the money for a groundworker was very good. I’d say get a mortgage and just work hard.
What keeps you motivated through the toughest days on the ground?
My two children, my two grandchildren and paying the mortgage! My daughter got married last year – that was a very proud day for me.
When there’s bad weather you just have to stay and do it. You just get on with it and try to be happy.
Thank you to Tommy for sharing his stories and reflections from years gone by. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at our shared history. Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s feature, where we’ll spotlight another long‑serving colleague and continue celebrating 50 years of dedication, growth, and community.
