In 1988 Margaret Thatcher became the longest serving British Prime Minister of the century. The first BBC Red Nose Day raised £15 million for charity and Heaven is a Place on Earth sung by Belinda Carlisle was number one in the UK charts.

It was also an important year in the life of Jakki Lonie who joined Phillips Solicitors as a Legal Secretary.

Three decades on and Jakki is still with the firm and now works as a Legal Assistant for Solicitor and Director Zoë Baxter, who is the head of the Residential Property team, at Phillips Solicitors’ Town Gate offices in London Street, Basingstoke.

To mark Jakki’s 30 years of dedication, Senior Director Howard Gardener presented her with a silver necklace as a token of appreciation from himself and fellow founding Director Jonathan Pender.

She also received a teak garden bench as a gift from the firm.

Prior to joining Phillips, which then was based at Wolverton Court, in London Street, Jakki worked in the typing pool for the Legal Department at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Back in 1988 the firm was known as John Phillips & Co.

“Mr Phillips was a lovely man. He was what you’d think of as a real traditional solicitor,” recalled Jakki. “He was such a nice man and everyone around town knew him.”

Jakki, who is the longest serving member of staff at Phillips, said: “I originally applied to work as a receptionist, but when Alex Preshaw, who was then in charge of the Residential Property team, found out I could do shorthand he offered me a job as a Legal Secretary.”

“I really enjoy working in this area of law. When you get a young couple moving into their first home it’s nice to help them, especially when they are excited – it’s lovely when you get a couple like that.”

Howard, said: “Jakki exemplifies the values of Phillips. She’s hardworking, dependable, considerate and professional. Her loyalty and commitment to the firm is admirable.

“She is an excellent and dedicated member of the Residential Property team, with a wealth of invaluable experience. She has served the firm and our clients well and we hope that she will continue to do so for many years to come.”

In the picture are l-r: Gill Brown, Jakki Lonie, Director Jonathan Pender, Senior Director Howard Gardener and Director Zoë Baxter, along with colleagues Helen Young, Theresa Dawe and Joanne Hammans.