Published: Tuesday, 15th February 2022
Forty-two staff have been recognised for their long service to the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, including one member of staff hitting a golden milestone of 50 years.
A video message has been recorded by the Mayor, Leader and Chief Executive of the borough council to thank staff for their work and the service to the local community that they had provided.
Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Harry Humphrey, congratulated them for their long service: “The staff of any organisation are very important and those of you with long service are even more vital, providing experience and stability.
“Although restricted by Covid, in my civic role as Mayor, I have spoken to people at events, visited communities, businesses, charities and other voluntary groups throughout West Norfolk. I so often hear of the appreciation of the valuable help and support that our council has given to them over the years. And you, our long-serving employees have provided the bedrock on which those valued services are delivered and developed.”
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the borough council, added: “We’ve got 42 members of staff who have 860 years of experience and service to the people of west Norfolk between them. It’s a phenomenal amount of public service. I want to take the opportunity to thank all of them and I’m pleased this commitment is being recognised.”
Lorraine Gore, Chief Executive of the borough council, said: “Working in a public service organisation can be challenging at any time. Your commitment and dedication in supporting your colleagues and our West Norfolk communities during our response to the pandemic has been, and continues to be, amazing.
“These awards reward long service, but people do not stay with the borough council unless they enjoy their work, care about west Norfolk and want to make a positive difference to our area. I thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.”
One guest was invited to join the recording of the video message. Jackie Secker began working as a finance assistant for Freebridge Rural District Council on 4th October 1971.
Jackie explained how different her work was back then:
“The organisation was based in King Street when I started. I printed, sent out bills and printed the wages. This was done using metal plates. If somebody left you would wipe their name off the plate and punch another one. You would then go down to the folding machine to put the bills through. I also covered the switchboard when the lady was on leave.
“I was transferred to the borough council office on Queen Street a year or two later, working in the rates office on the ground floor. I answered the phone and experienced a computer for the first time. When I first saw it I thought ‘what on earth is that’!”
She later moved to King’s Court,where she has worked on every floor in the building, finishing in Corporate Scanning on the third floor.
Jackie left the council at Christmas last year with 50 years of memories and thanks from the many staff and friends that have known her.
Staff celebrating either 10, 20, 30 or 50 years’ service will receive certificates in the next few weeks.