Detective Gwen Crockford, a formidable figure in the Berkshire Constabulary during the Swinging Sixties
West Berkshire’s award-winning independent bookshop, The Hungerford Bookshop is hosting an intriguing event for local history enthusiasts at the Hungerford Hub/Library on March 21 at 1pm.
Author Ruth D'Alessandro will be presenting her latest work, a compelling account of her mother's career as a female Police Sergeant at a time when she was stationed in Newbury during the 1960s.
Calling Sergeant Crockford, the book delves into the life and adventures of Detective Gwen Crockford, a formidable figure in the Berkshire Constabulary.
Set against the backdrop of the Swinging Sixties and the height of the Cold War, Ruth's narrative brings to life the challenges and triumphs faced by her mother during her tenure in Newbury.
From hunting down a serial sex attacker to investigating an attempted murder at Greenham Common USAF base, Gwen Crockford's career was anything but mundane.
Ruth's meticulously researched storytelling captures the essence of a bygone era, weaving together elements of crime, social history, and personal anecdotes.
Ruth said: “Mum was one of the earliest WPCs in the Berkshire Constabulary from 1951 and so good at her job – she was part of the manhunt for serial murderer John Straffen and present at the deadly Ascot races lightning strikes - that she was recommended for detective training at Hendon Detective Training School, passed with flying colours and in 1957 became Berkshire's first ever woman detective, based at both Maidenhead and Windsor.
“She was in touch with Scotland Yard and Dr Keith Simpson (famous pathologist).
“In 1960, when she could rise no more in CID she was promoted back into uniform to Woman Police Sergeant at Newbury during the Cold War and Aldermaston Marches”
Her entire career is told detail in Ruth’s three books: Calling WPC Crockford, Calling Detective Crockford and Calling Sergeant Crockford, The third book, Calling Sergeant Crockford is the one set in and around Newbury, and is partly a love letter to the town and its constabulary.
"We're really excited to be hosting Ruth D'Alessandro as she shares her insights into this little slice of local history and her mother's amazing career," said Hungerford Bookshop owner Emma Milne White.
"It's a unique opportunity for our community to connect with local history and I’m really looking forward to learning about some of the challenges faced by women in the police in the 60s."
Attendees can expect an engaging discussion as Ruth D'Alessandro reflects on her mother's legacy and the process of bringing her story to light.
Tickets for the event are priced at £6.00 and can be purchased in the shop or via https://hungerfordbookshop.co.uk/
The books are published by Headline, books 1 and 2 are £8.99, book 3 Calling Sergeant Crockford is £10.99.
They are available from bookshops, online and from your local library. All are available as paperback and ebook, books 1 and 2 as audiobook. The audiobook of book 3 will be available later this year.
The bookshop event is part of a brilliant spring series of events which will see authors Bryony Gordon, Georgina Moore, and Becky Hunter all visiting to talk about their books.
