An MBE for Marlborough’s carry on regardless special constable Mike Tupman

Mike Tupman, Marlborough’s special constable who refuses to retire, even at 70, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year honours “for services to policing and to the community of Marlborough.”

Modest man that he is, Mike told Marlborough News Online: “I’m absolutely godsmacked, over the Moon, astounded – it’s unbelievable.  These things usually go to deserving people.”

He has served as a special since 1985 and though they are normally expected to retire at 60, Mike was granted special dispensation to carry on working at the age of 64, despite suffering a heart attack eight years ago.

“And I’m carrying on regardless,” he declared. “I’m fully fit and strong.  They will have to kick me out.”

“When you’re 55 they call you in and say its about time you went.  But I was fit and strong and five times I passed the medical and when Elizabeth Neville was chief constable I said to her I’d like to continue – and here I still am.”

A war-time baby born in Northampton, he spent his early years in Leicester, then worked for 33 years for Cadbury’s in Bourneville as a sales executive, eventually being posted south to Wiltshire as divisional manager for chocolate and settled in Burbage almost 40 years ago with his wife Marelene.

He became a special policeman on the recommendation of the Burbage locally bobby after looking for another activity when an injury prevented him from playing football.

“I’ve absolutely loved the area and being part of the community as a special,” he said.  “Wiltshire and Marlborough have been so good to me and my family.  Marlborough is a fantastic place and we’ve enjoyed every minute here.”

Mike, who has two daughters and four grandchildren, aged from 12 to 19, added: “Being a special has been thoroughly enjoyable.  Marlborough is a relatively safe place but it is a crossroads and you never know what is going to happen there.”

“It has its moments especially when people have had too much to drink but apart from that being on patrol makes you a a real part of the community.”

So you will find Mike on the beat twice a week doing 15 hours patrolling the streets of Marlborough that he loves.