Norman at the police workshop this month.

SUFFOLK police is to bid a fond farewell to its longest serving member of staff, who is retiring after almost 51 years with the force.

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Vehicle technician Norman Robertson, started work as a mechanic in Bury St Edmunds aged 15 in April 1961 – back then he worked for West Suffolk Police.

Mr Robertson, 66, said: “It feels strange to be retiring. A part of me is still very happy working but I feel it’s time to step down and let someone else have a go. I think it will be a chance to slow down and do some of the things I want to do.”

Norman didn’t apply for the job, instead he filled in a form at school outlining his career aspirations along with his classmates.

“I just wrote down “motor mechanic” and the next thing I knew I was invited to the police station to speak to the chief constable. He shook my hand and welcomed me to the force,” said Mr Robertson.

“I left school, had a few days off over Easter and then went straight to work on April 4. My first pay packet was two pounds 12 shillings and sixpence – for a 15 year old I felt rich. I gave mum a pound, saved a pound and still had 12 and 6 to spend.”

Life in the workshop has changed a lot over Norman’s 50 years. Nowadays the workshop at Bury St Edmunds Police Station services and maintains around 130 police cars and vans covering the west of the county. Vehicles are also taken apart at the end of their police lives. But back in 1961 things were a little different.

“Back then we looked after 12 cars and 13 motorbikes. Some of them were the old “Noddy bikes”, little grey things that only policemen used. The bikes just got bigger and bigger and now headquarters look after them,” said Mr Robertson.

“We moved to the present police station on Raingate Street in 1964. It was a purpose built workshop with plenty of space, and has gradually evolved since. It’s the same with the cars – they’ve got bigger, faster, and much more complicated but as long as they’ve got nuts and bolts we keep them running.”

Mr Robertson, who turned 66 last Saturday February 18, says that the secret to enjoying the same job for so long is dedication and contentment.

“I have been very lucky as a lot of jobs don’t last these days. I’ve always enjoyed my work and I still feel like I have the energy of an 18 year old. I even turned down a promotion to be foreman about 30 years ago because I loved getting my hands dirty.”

Despite not having any solid plans with what to do with retirement, Norman knows he’ll be very busy: “I like turning my hand to anything. I often help out my grown-up son and daughter with DIY in their houses or some gardening. I’m sure I’ll be out shopping with the wife a bit too. I’m also looking forward to playing more snooker with my friends, although I’m still no good at it.”

Chief constable Simon Ash said: “On behalf of the whole Constabulary, I would like to thank Norman for his tremendous loyal and dedicated service over more than half a century. He has seen many changes over this period and embodies all that is good about the Constabulary. I wish him and his family the very best for long and happy retirement.”