Farewell to Bury St Edmunds Police Chaplain

Officers and staff at Bury St Edmunds Police Station have said a fond farewell to Police Chaplain Major Glenys Askew, who is leaving the town.

Major Askew has combined running Bury's Salvation Army corps with her role as chaplain, providing pastoral support to police personnel and their families. Police chaplains are independent volunteers and represent a range of faiths and denominations. All police stations in Suffolk are served by at least one chaplain.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stewart Gull says, "Glenys was one of the Constabulary's original chaplains starting in June 2004, so will be one of our longest serving with six years service. She is also unique in that she is the only chaplain to have worked at two primary stations - Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

"She has been a great ambassador for police chaplaincy and has undertaken some excellent support work on behalf of the Constabulary.
She will be missed but we wish her every success."

Inspector Jane Hertzog presented Major Askew with a painting of Angel Hill and a rose bush to plant in the garden of her new home in Whittlesey. Insp Hertzog says, "I would like to thank Glenys for the support and kindness she has shown us over the last six years. She has been a regular visitor to the station, providing comfort and a listening ear to anyone regardless of religion, background or position.

"We would like to thank her most sincerely for her unfailing support, friendship, loyalty and love, and wish her a very happy future on her move to Cambridgeshire with her husband Doug."

Major Askew said, "This was one of the best jobs I have ever had. I have been accepted to come into the station at any time and speak to anyone as part of the team. It has been a privilege, thank you very much."

Major Askew has been posted to the Salvation Army corps in Whittlesey and hopes to provide chaplaincy services to Cambridgeshire Police.