Getting to and from work is proving to be one ‘L’ of a lot easier for the deputy manager of a tenpin bowling complex in Wrexham.
Cath Leask, 24, from Tenpin at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, has finally passed her driving test at the 11th time of asking.
Being able to drive to and from work has knocked almost four hours off her daily commute and is saving her a fortune in taxi fares when she has to work evening shifts.
According to Cath, she loves working at Eagles Meadow so much she was prepared to continue getting buses from her home in Ellesmere Port to Wrexham via Chester for as long as it took before she could finally throw away her L plates.
She said: “It really was hard not being able to drive. I have been with Tenpin since 2008 but was working at Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port. I was offered promotion and the role of deputy manager here at Eagles Meadow, Wrexham.
“I jumped at the chance thinking I would soon pass my driving test. That was in April of last year but everything seemed to go wrong so far as my driving tests were concerned.
“I took the test a total of seven time and had a four tests cancelled and kept making a few minor, or the odd serious, error on the tests I actually did.
“I was really angry with myself as the test I had just before Christmas the instructor told me I’d actually passed until we arrived back at the test centre and I managed to bump into the wall. There was no damage but, quite rightly, I suppose, he had to fail me.”
She added: “When I took the test again at the start of January I couldn’t believe it when the examiner told me I’d passed. I thought he was joking to be honest.”
Now, being able to drive, means Cath is spending far less time commuting to and from work.
She said: “I was getting the bus from Ellesmere Port to Chester where I had to wait for a connecting service to Wrexham. It meant I was spending up to two hours or more just getting to and from work. It often meant two hours each way which is a lot to add to your working day.
“It was more difficult when I had to work evenings as there weren’t any buses and I had to get a taxi. It cost nearly £30 and put a big dent in my finances.”
She added: “It was worth it though as I just love working at Eagles Meadow. We have a fantastic team at Tenpin and the customers are great too. We do have a lot of regulars who come for a drink or just to meet up with friends in the bar or cafe area.
“I was determined to see it through and now it only takes me a little over half-an-hour or maybe 40 minutes to get to work.
“It means I have so much more time to do the things I want to do and it’s a big saving on taxi fares too. Its money I can save and put toward buying our own property. And it means I can continue working at Eagles Meadow which is brilliant.”
Eagles Meadow manager, Kevin Critchley, congratulated Cath on passing her driving test as well as her loyalty toward Tenpin and Eagles Meadow.
He said: “Cath’s commitment in getting two buses each way and taxis home on late evenings was outstanding and above and beyond what’s normally expected.
“However, Cath is right in that the atmosphere at Tenpin is really nice and I know the excellent team she works with are a credit to Eagles Meadow shopping centre.”
“Passing your driving test is a big thing and gives people a lot more independence.
“I’m just delighted for her and pleased she can now get to and from work so much quicker and she no longer has to fork out so much of her own money getting home after a late shift when there are no buses running.”
