Staff recognised for their long serving commitment to the community

Certificates were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Andy Bullen, the Leader, Cllr Alistair Beales and Chief Executive of the borough council, Kate Blakemore. This year there are 13 awards for 10 years’ service, 12 awards for 20 years’ service and 8 awards for 30 years’ service.

Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Andy Bullen, congratulated them for their long service:

“I engage with numerous residents, businesses, staff, charities, and voluntary groups across the borough. Many of them frequently share positive feedback about the valuable support and assistance provided by borough council staff.

As Mayor and a local councillor, I am proud to receive encouragement for the many dedicated team members who genuinely care about our area and their role in serving it. It is heartening to see so many council officers being recognised for their vital contribution in supporting and strengthening our west Norfolk communities.”

Cllr Alistair Beales, Leader of the borough council, said:

“The most valuable asset in any organisation is its staff. We are honouring 33 employees whose combined experience and public service amount to 610 years. Celebrating these professional milestones and personally thanking them for their dedication is entirely appropriate.”

Kate Blakemore, Chief Executive of the borough council, said:

“Throughout the year in my role I have witnessed the dedication and professionalism of my fellow colleagues. I am proud to have such a committed departments that work hard to support our local communities. Many of our staff not only work in West Norfolk but also live here and are passionate about the services we provide to our community. The fact that we can celebrate this many long service awards truly reflects the strength of the Council as an organisation and highlights it is a wonderful place to work.”

Some of the staff being recognised for their service

Mark Mitchell, Head of Health & Wellness for Alive – 30 years’ service 

“This year marks 30 years since signing my first contract for the borough council as a Fitness Instructor at Lynnsport. Although it’s 33 years if you include my initial apprenticeship. At the time, I had no idea it would turn into a three-decade career, mainly because I thought I’d be here “for a bit” and would have to get a proper job eventually.

What’s kept me here for 30 years isn’t just the job, it’s honestly the people. Colleagues past and present who’ve made the long days shorter, the busy days manageable, and the challenging days survivable with a bit of humour, can do attitude and a strong cup of coffee. Teams who pull together when it’s busy, chaotic, or both at once.

It’s also the community we serve; many of whom I’ve seen grow up and now bring their own children into our facilities. 

There have been many career highlights, the standout ones are:

• Being part of a small, retained, team that won the UK Active Highly Commended Award for Business Continuity and Success during Covid-19 for the support and delivery of essential front-line services - supporting Lily, the homeless in partnership with Purfleet Trust and setting up 5 District Asymptomatic Test Sites with over 20 staff within 7 days.

• Being part of an amazing Cancer rehab exercise specialist team that recently won the Team QEH Stars ‘Working Together Award’ for our partnership working with the QEH Cancer Wellbeing Centre.
• Project managing several major fitness developments to continue to improve corporate fitness facilities.  
• Being the official BBC’s Pudsey the Bear for a couple of years to support Children in Need events within sites - unfortunately, this resulted in unintentionally scaring many Children and suffering major dehydration – hence I didn’t make the third year.

Thank you to everyone I’ve worked with along the way who has supported me - for the laughs, the teamwork, and the shared understanding. To my current team, and colleagues who are a credit to the organisation and to everyone who’s put up with me.

Thirty years in leisure has given me patience, perspective, and the confidence to say, “We’ll deal with it,” and mean it.

It has been, and continues to be, a privilege to be part of a service that genuinely makes a difference to people’s lives day in day out and supports our vision in making West Norfolk a more active, healthy and happier place.”

Alison Demonty, Senior Community Safety and Neighbourhood Nuisance Officer – 20 years’ service

“I came here 20 years ago as a Benefits Assessor, quickly moving into Benefit Fraud which gave me a good grounding in criminal investigation and enforcement. Although I had no experience in Environmental Health, those skills have seen me through the last 15 years in an entirely different role here in Community Safety and Neighbourhood Nuisance.

It’s fair to say that a lot has evolved in that time, with focus shifting much more toward prevention of crime and antisocial behaviour by identifying and tackling issues through safeguarding and alternative interventions, including partnership working. I am proud to still be part of Community Safety and Neighbourhood Nuisance, which is a team of committed individuals using their creative skills to help our community in their different roles. I am looking forward to seeing how we can continue to make a difference going forward!”

Lucy McDowie, Business Development & Research Officer – 10 years’ service 

“I joined the council as Marketing Assistant for Care & Repair and Careline Community Service and was responsible for promoting both services within the local community, delivering talks, attending events and networking. I was then promoted to Business Development & Research Officer for Careline and Lily where I am responsible community-based projects, marketing and promotion, and supporting the Careline Community Services team through the digital switchover.

I can honestly say I love my job and work with a fabulous team of people who have the vulnerable residents of West Norfolk at the heart of everything they do. Our community-based provision really does set West Norfolk council apart and I am proud to work for such a forward thinking and proactive local authority.”