A Milford Haven man has spent almost three decades working at Oakwood Park, officially becoming its longest-serving staff member.

Forty-five-year-old Matthew Davies, known to everyone as Matty, is the catering manager at Wales’ most famous theme park. Beginning in 1989, Matty worked part-time at Oakwood while studying to be a mechanic at Neyland Technical College.

Following the completion of his course, he continued to climb the ranks and worked as a ride operator, a mechanic, an assistant duty manager, a maintenance officer, a technician for the park’s summer shows, and assistant catering manager before achieving his current position.

“I heard about the job through a family friend when I was looking to work alongside my studies and just fell in love with it,” Matty said.

“I began working on the bobsleighs, and then moved onto work on a number of Oakwood’s other rides; including Speed, using my mechanical training, before achieving a managerial position. I then decided I’d like to be involved with the catering, and became assistant catering manager in 2008, and then got promoted to catering manager in 2009. We’ve recently retained our five star hygiene rating and have been commended on improving year on year, which is great for the team. We were also complimented on our manners and attitude, which was lovely to hear.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say we’re like a family; we work long hours during the busy summer season together and want to make the Oakwood experience as good as it possibly can be for each and every visitor.

“Oakwood is such a huge part of people’s lives here in Pembrokeshire, and it’s a privilege to be involved in that.”

It’s a huge part of Matty’s life too, as he even met his wife Claire there.

“We met when I was a rides operator and she was a catering assistant. I’d take my breaks to go to see her for a coffee, and we eventually got married in 1996 – the same year Megafobia opened. I have been asked why it didn’t consider having my wedding on the rollercoaster, but we wouldn’t have been able to say our vows!

“We now have three children, and my oldest son Alex, aged 21, has also worked here in the past as a ride operator. It’s becoming a family tradition.”

When asked if Matty would ever like to leave Oakwood, he declined: “I’ve found the job I’d be happy to have until retirement. I enjoy seeing the familiar faces who regularly visit, as well as getting to meet new people every day.

“Oakwood is entering a new stage, too, and I want to be a part of that. We have had a great summer with events like the colour festivals, where people throw around paint powders and light up the whole park, which are brilliant to witness and we’re now gearing up for Halloween and our Spooktacular events. We’ve also just opened the new Haunt Pizzeria on the recently developed Spooky St, which will keep me busy for the foreseeable future.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a magical way to spend thirty years!”

Sue Elaiho, Director at Oakwood Theme Park said: “Matty is a very respected member of staff here at Oakwood. His experience of being here for almost three decades truly informs his knowledge of the theme park, and his trusted expertise makes him the go to person for colleagues and me. He has a mischievous sense of humour too which keeps us all entertained!

“We can’t imagine Oakwood without Matty - here’s to the next thirty years!”