Newbury PCSO Sue to retire after ‘lovely’ 24-year career with the police

Newbury’s longest serving police community support officer (PCSO) is retiring at the end of month.

Susan Gillespie will complete her last ever patrol through Newbury town centre on March 25.

And she said she has enjoyed “every second” of her 24-year career.

“I come from Scotland, but I think of Newbury as my hometown,” said Mrs Gillespie, who has lived in Newbury for around 36 years.

And sharing with newburytoday why she originally became a PCSO, she explained: “I was a station duty officer at the front counter for a few years.

“I had people come in with problems and you could discuss some of them, but most needed somebody to go out.

“I wanted to be the one that's helping them. So, I went for it and I've never looked back.”

Mrs Gillespie, based at Newbury Police Station, has since been lauded for her work forming strong bonds with charities and businesses in the community.

She has volunteered at Newbury Soup Kitchen and will continue supporting homeless charity Loose Ends once she retires.

She has also been a keen supporter of mental health charity Eight Bells for Mental Health for the past 18 years.

In fact, she can barely walk down Northbrook Street without being stopped for a chat, something she has always cherished as a crucial part of her role.

“I love being able to change people’s lives,” she said. “It’s just being the face of the police they can tell anything to. And it helps sometimes with vulnerable groups.

“You build up relationships with them because they don’t always trust the police.”

Neighbourhood inspector Matt Gow reflected on her contribution, saying: “Sue has worked tirelessly for a town she is immensely proud to serve.

“I have heard various comments that a statue of Sue should be put up in the Market Place to mark her retirement.

“She pioneers work with the vulnerable community and does this in her private life as well as in uniform and is always a friendly and reassuring face around town.

“She is passionate about Newbury and takes pride in making the town a better place and she will be sorely missed.”

And naturally, there have been some memorable moments over the years.

Recalling one, Mrs Gillespie added: “I was sent to an old folks’ home and was told there was a lady stuck in an electric chair.

“I managed to get her back down again and she went, ‘well, while you’re here, dear, if you’re making me a cup of tea, could you just go and feed my parrot for me?’”

She was also honoured to be invited to a lay a wreath at last year’s Remembrance Parade.

“There’s always the lows, but the highs have been more than the lows,” she continued.

“And I’ve met a lot of lovely people on the way and I’ve changed their lives.

“And I think that’s what the job’s all about. It doesn’t stop when I’m off duty either.”

Mrs Gillespie said she plans to spend time travelling and with her family, including her four grandchildren.

But she isn’t going anywhere just yet, so keep an eye out and say hello!