Truck operator makes tribute to fallen heroes

The latest Arocs to join the fleet of Essex-based family firm John A Probert, Sons & Grandsons is decorated with flowing fields of poppies along its full length, while a soldier stands guard on either side of the cab.

Proprietor Joe Probert explained: “We wanted to do something special with this vehicle to reflect our ongoing support of the Poppy Appeal. We make a big effort to promote the campaign every year and we hope this truck will help to focus attention on a worthy cause.”

Joe’s grandfather, Alf, served in the Army and was wounded during World War II, while his father, John, set up the family business in 1980. Known to many of his customers simply as ‘Turfy’, John was a lifelong supporter of charities for ex-service personnel, so the Arocs also bears his nickname and the years of his life, 1949-2021.

“My Dad started the business, supplying turf and topsoil, with a wheelbarrow and a spade,” Joe continued. “I joined him as soon as I left school and then took over when he retired. We now run six trucks, three of which are from Mercedes-Benz. In 2002 we set up a separate business trading as Supreme Turf and five years later we added a paving and hard landscaping division, Prostone.

“Dad was a huge supporter of the Poppy Appeal and since he died, we’ve continued that effort in his memory. So, the new truck and its livery are our way of paying tribute to Dad as well as to the former soldiers that were so close to his heart,” Joe added.

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