PW_4_2023

Sussex 50

Sussex Half Centuries Dave Stamp , Sussex Branch Chair

At our recent Sussex Branch meeting, four members were presented with 50 year certificates. Simeon Coughlan also presented his report on attending Denmark on Patrol. The branch gave him a £100 grant to encourage him, as we do for all our members who embark on such events. Margaret Hughes (nee Marchant) I joined the former East Sussex Constabulary, as their first girl cadet in August 1962, joining the regular force in August 1964, one of just 17 WPCs in that Force. After amalgamation in 1968, I worked in the force control room, meaning I was the first woman officer in Sussex to work a full rota of shifts (including nights). This was to be the first of many ‘Firsts’ for women in Sussex.

From left to right - Dave Stamp (Chair), Ray Shayler, Peter Woodjetts, Margaret Hughes and John Rodway.

I joined IPA in 1966, and have been an active member ever since. In those days we had ‘IPA Station Reps.’ whose aim was to encourage new members to join. I recruited two of those receiving 50 year certificates at this meeting: Peter Woodjettes and David Medhurst. I was promoted in 1968, serving for a time on Traffic. (Another first for a woman sergeant in Sussex). I was later promoted to Inspector in the Policewomen’s Department, when our then Chief Constable, Sir George Terry (a very keen IPA member) integrated women into the regular establishment, 12 months ahead of being required to do so by the Sex Discrimination Act. He was a great advocate for women in all roles within the Force. Overnight I became a section Inspector at East Grinstead, responsible for a section of all men (another first!) Promoted Chief Inspector in 1978 (the first promotion for a woman in the integrated force) and a move back to HQ, saw me become the most senior woman officer in the Force. I retired in 1993, having completed 31 years service. In 1979 I married Tom Hughes, another IPA Life Member, who I met through IPA. Tom & I travelled abroad with the IPA on many occasions, and we were responsible for setting up links with Waldshut-Tingen in Germany, Blois in France, and others in Holland. We have many IPA friends made through these visits. Our branch has just returned from a visit to Waldshut to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that first visit. Tom and I held several officer positions within the Branch over the years. He died in 2021, with many members attending his funeral. I continue to support the Sussex Branch, regularly attending meetings and functions and hope to do so for many more years to come. I am very pleased to say Sussex now has a female Chief Constable, Jo Shiner, O how things have changed, I am proud to be able to say I was part of the team that made this possible!

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023