Page 22 - Oundle Life December 2024

Oundle lives...
Barry Thompson has been keeping Oundle School safe for over five years. As Oundle School Constable, it’s a job he was made for, in a town that he loves – here’s why...
What made you choose Oundle? I chose Oundle as a place of employment because it reminded me of Cambridge, the place of my first adult employment. I lived in Cambridge for many years and have the fondest memories.
I also like market towns and the familiarity of prestigious educational institutions.
Tell us more... In 2019, I saw a job advertisement for a ‘School Constable’ at Oundle School.
I am a retired police officer with 30 years frontline service. The job title i.e. ‘School Constable’ resonates with me, simply because I started my career as a Police Constable, before moving on to becoming a Sergeant etc.
I am by definiton a Constable i.e., appointed for the protection of life and property, the maintenance of order, the prevention and detection of crime etc.
Plans to expand further? Oundle School has
a security strategy that includes the roll out of additional security officers who will perform the same functions.
As any Constable would do, I have relied on the local police, colleagues and stake holders in the Oundle School community and beyond to assist in the fight against anti-social behaviour, crime and assist with community reassurance on the basis that everyone has the right to feel safe in their own homes.
Any colleagues or do you go it alone? I have been a solitary security figure in Oundle town for the last five years. Local people recognise and relate to the security functions that I perform on behalf of Oundle School.
I am pleased to report that we are fielding a new security team that will extend the reach of our security provision.
Highlight of your day? I have many highlights in my day. I have always wanted to become part of the furniture at Oundle School – I hear the joy and laughter of our pupils in everyday situations and I’m sure that at times they do not know I am there, even though I am
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BARRY
THOMPSON
Oundle School Constable