Face of South Norfolk Council celebrates 40 years in the job

When Linda O'Shea sat down at her desk in 1966, little did she know that she was starting a career in local government that would span four decades.

She was 21, and the new arrival in the Treasurers Department at Forehoe and Henstead Rural District Council, Ber Street, Norwich, was off on a roller coaster ride.

It would take her from accounting machines to internet payments, card indexes to electronic databases, and balance sheet calculations in her head to computer spreadsheets.

Linda, now 60, and who lives in Costessey, said:

"I'd have in front of me a cash sheet with 30 lines on it, and I'd have to get all those figures to balance in my head. There were no calculators so you had to be fast and accurate."

There were other more revolutionary changes ahead too, and Linda was to find herself in the front line. It was 1968, and she had been in the job just two years:

"I applied to be a cashier, but was told that was a job 'for gentlemen'. I told them I was having none of that nonsense, and shortly after, became the council's first female cashier."

And she remained a cashier, but characteristically, began to take on many other roles, which brought her into very close contact particularly with older people.

It is these contacts and in many cases firm friendships, built up over the decades, that has made Linda the face of South Norfolk Council to so many people. She said:

"I was organising their bus passes, rail cards, leisure passports, community car schemes, you name it.

“I hope the residents of South Norfolk have always felt they could ring me with any query or concern they might have even if it had nothing directly to do with my job. I have always tried to do my best to help them or put them in touch with someone who can.”

This is what has kept Linda at the Council, despite many changes, including the big shake-up in local government in the 70s, which brought all the smaller councils together under one roof at South Norfolk House in Long Stratton.

She was the first to set up road shows, which toured the district's towns and villages bringing face-to-face help and advice, direct to local people in their own communities.

"I've had literally tens of thousands of contacts with people over the years, and got to know many of my customers as friends. Some of them started out a bit grumpy, but I always made a New Year resolution to make them my friend, and I always did.

"I love their stories, because they make me laugh, and the truth is I might be the only person they speak to that day. So when they call me back and say thanks for talking to me, it makes me chuffed. That's why I'm still here."

South Norfolk Council Chairman, Councillor Richard Carden, who has been associated with the Council for 11 years himself, made a special presentation to Linda to mark her 40 years.

He said:

"Linda’s long service to the Council and the residents of South Norfolk has been outstanding. I am particularly impressed by the way she has so readily accepted the challenges of new methods and ever-changing technology. We wish her all the best for the future."

And as to the future, Linda said:

"I've no plans to retire. I'm still enjoying it. As long as the Council want me, I'll stay."

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