Published: Thursday, 30th January 2025
32 members of staff have been recognised for their long service to the borough council and dedication to the local community at a ceremony held at the town hall on Wednesday 29 January 2025.
Certificates were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Paul Bland, the Leader, Cllr Alistair Beales and Chief Executive of the borough council, Kate Blakemore. This year there are 14 awards for 10 years’ service, 14 awards for 20 years’ service and 4 awards for 30 years’ service.
Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Paul Bland, congratulated them for their long service:
“I speak to many residents, staff, businesses, charities, and other voluntary groups throughout the borough. I regularly hear positive comments about the valuable work, and help, our council staff have given them.
“I am pleased, through my role as Mayor and local councillor, to have had support from many of the dedicated staff who work here, who clearly care about our area and what they can do for it. I’m delighted to see so many council officers being acknowledged for the part they play in supporting and contributing to our west Norfolk communities.”
Cllr Alistair Beales, Leader of the borough council, said: “The most important asset in any organisation is its staff. We are recognising 32 employees who have 540 years of experience and public service to us, the people of West Norfolk, between them. It is right to mark these professional milestones and thank them personally for their contribution.”
Kate Blakemore, Chief Executive of the borough council, said:
“Since I started working here last year, I have seen the commitment and professionalism from the colleagues I work with. I would like to thank them for welcoming me to West Norfolk and their dedication in supporting our west Norfolk communities. Most of our staff not only work in West Norfolk but live here and care about the service they deliver to our community.”
Some of the staff being recognised for their service
Bharti Patel, Community Safety & Neighbourhood Nuisance Team – 30 years’ service
“I started as part of Central Administrative Team and took all the Environmental Health related telephone calls and provided a back-office support to Food, Health and PEL (Public Entertainment Licence) Team. There were no computers for officers to carry out their data entry – pen and paper was used; their typing of correspondence went to the typing centre. At the time I was also Secretary to Chief Environmental Health officer, assisted at Civic events, Mayor Making, RAF Public Parades and Remembrance Sunday to name a few.
“This then led to Emergency Planning, looking to recruit Flood Wardens, a few years later the role changed to Emergency Warden that included other outdoor events that the Council organised or sponsored. I did joke at the time that I could not lift sandbags, the reply was there are many tasks that we need volunteers to carry out, like taking phone calls and writing up reports in the Control Room, or issuing Radios, so I joined.
“The old EH Department was re-reorganised in 2005, and I was offered to work in Community Safety Neighbourhood Nuisance Team (CSNN). Between 2011 and 2017 I worked in split role in two different Teams, namely CSNN and Food Safety & H&S Team. No two days are the same in the CSNN team. I enjoy working in this team and the challenges it gives me. I have seen and been part of many changes here at the council and look forward to seeing what happens next.”
Philip Bayfield, Head of Arts & Entertainment, Alive West Norfolk – 20 years’ service
“My role and service area has changed constantly in my 20 years. I started out as Duty Manager at the Arts Centre, before becoming Front Of House Manager at the Princess Theatre and Corn Exchange and now Head of Arts & Entertainment for Alive West Norfolk. I have gone full circle working for the Council, Alive Leisure/Management, Alive West Norfolk and now back to the Borough Council!
“I have a fantastic team with Arts & Entertainment who work tirelessly for the company and make me very proud. I love my role and long may it continue.”
Brydie Warden, Training Officer in Revenues and Benefits – 10 years’ service
“I started here as an assessor in the benefits department, now a training officer in the same team. However compared with many of my colleagues in the benefits department, 10 years makes me one of the newer members of staff! During this time, the nature of the work has changed, not just due to the change in my job role, but due to changes to the benefits system. I expect the next ten years will bring many more changes.”