SUE Barter from Staunton near Monmouth has received an ‘outstanding contribution’ award after nearly five decades of working as a personal assistant.

Sue, who worked in Australia for eight years before coming to the Forest, was named as the winner of the award by Executive PA magazine at a presentation ceremony in London, after being nominated by her colleagues at Two Rivers Housing.

Anthea Tawney works with Sue and said: “Sue is enthusiastic, reliable and full of integrity. She has worked with us since 2003 and is executive assistant to the directors. She’s regarded as a ‘stalwart’ and the person everyone goes to for advice and information.”

Sue said: “This is a real honour and so unexpected. I was surprised to learn I’d been nominated for this award, and completely shocked to find out I’d won.

“Since I began my working life, I’ve seen many changes. I’ve worked for blue chip companies, government departments both here and in Australia and family businesses. The tools of the trade have changed dramatically: I started in the days of the manual typewriter and telex machine and progressed to the electronic golf ball typewriter. Then in 1985 I was introduced to my first computer.

“Office dress code has also changed. Working for an American company in the early 1970s a woman could only wear trousers if they formed part of a ‘trouser suit’. Ironically, mini-skirts were encouraged.”