Police veteran Christine’s surprise 70th birthday bash on the job
Over 30 years with Nottinghamshire Police
Christine Chamberlain has spent more than three decades serving Nottinghamshire Police. Starting as a police constable back in 1974, she’s now a seasoned emergency call handler.
Birthday shock at the station
On Monday, Christine’s last shift before a well-earned break for her milestone 70th birthday, she walked in to a desk piled high with balloons, decorations, and presents.
“It was a wonderful surprise,” Christine said. “I’ve got two big balloons spelling 7 0 – I keep telling everyone the seven is a two!”
A lifelong commitment to policing
Christine’s career began in Bulwell and Hucknall as a policewoman. After a brief break following her marriage, she returned in 1993 as a civilian officer, eventually becoming a call dispatcher. She’s been based at the Arnold headquarters since 2000, working part-time in the control room.
“I love working here. I work with some lovely people – it’s like a family. I’ll be sorry to leave whenever that day comes,” Christine said. “It’s so nice to come and do a job that you understand and involves helping people.”
Best pals and birthday surprise masterminds
Colleague and fellow emergency call handler Carolann Henderson, who first met Christine in the mid-1970s, helped organise the surprise. Carolann spoke warmly about their friendship.
“Christine’s my best friend here. We’re able to laugh a lot but we also support each other,” she said. “She’s such a lovely lady so we really wanted to surprise her for her birthday.”
