A familiar face is preparing to leave Woodbridge Town Council’s offices for good.
Chris Walker has been the town clerk at the council’s offices in Shire Hall since April 1997.
In her time as clerk she has overseen a large number of councillors and mayors and has seen the town change and grow.
However, after so many years in the same role Chris is preparing to move on into the next chapter of her life.
Chris grew up in Woodbridge; she played on Kingston Fields and attended St Mary’s Primary School and Farlingaye High School .
After working elsewhere being able to come back to oversee and help manage the areas she grew up in was the perfect fit.
“I am a Woodbridge girl. I came for the job because it was Woodbridge” said Chris.
“Who knew when I was a kid that I would end up working here.
“I have loved it.”
Chris says she is proud of the projects she has helped to oversee in the town, from the redevelopment of the Whisstocks site to the installation of the Drummer Boy statue earlier this week.
However, being a point of contact for residents and councillors alike does take its toll.
As town clerk Chris has felt the pressure of researching, organising and overseeing a wide variety of plans put forward by councillors.
But this pressure is one that Chris has come to embrace as time has gone on: “It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life.”
Whilst she won’t miss the long hours or the number of meetings after she retires Chris says there is one thing she will be reluctant to say goodbye to: the people of Woodbridge.
“Those 20 years have gone incredibly quickly.
“Woodbridge is such a community minded town and I am going to miss being at the heart of the community.
“It’s been my life and will continue to be my life.”
Current Woodbridge Mayor, Clare Perkins said:“Chris deserves an excellent retirement after so many years of dedicated and diligent service to Woodbridge. “Chris has been an invaluable support to me during my Mayoral year and I have learnt so much from her.”
Chris will leave the Shire Hall form the final time at Easter so she can relax and enjoy the town she has worked for.
“I will actually get to enjoy the open spaces. I will be able to enjoy it like everyone else.”
For her successor Chris has only one wish: “I hope the next town clerk is as happy as I have been.
“It has been a real honour to have the job.”
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