For Rose Ogier, dedication, consistency and a love of what she does have been the hallmarks of both her professional and sporting lives.
This year marks 45 years since Rose joined Winter Palmer & Denziloe, the firm that would ultimately become Collas Crill. At the same time as celebrating this extraordinary professional milestone, Rose has also been reflecting on her experience competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she represented Guernsey in the Women's Pairs Bowls, finishing sixth.
Rose's story with the firm began in the spring of 1981, when she was taken on as a temporary secretary to cover a colleague's holiday.
'I began working for Winter Palmer & Denziloe in the spring of 1981, having been employed as a temp for a week,' she explains. 'The holiday was later extended to two weeks and I was asked if I could stay on.'
When the holiday ended, Rose was invited to continue with the firm. Although there wasn't initially a permanent vacancy, Paul Winter found a way for her to stay, arranging a job share with his secretary.
From those early days, Rose has seen the legal profession, and the firm, transform. Back then, Winter Palmer & Denziloe had just 13 people, including the partners, and operated as an all-service legal practice.
'It meant that you met people from all walks of life and our work covered a wide range of subjects,' Rose recalls.
That breadth of experience ultimately led Rose into probate and estate administration, a role she describes as a 'perfect fit'. She has remained in the area ever since, becoming a familiar and trusted presence for clients.
Over 45 years, Rose has also witnessed the firm's many milestones: the 2004 merger with Collas Day, the integration of the two practices, the move to Glategny Court and, in 2011, the merger with Crill Canavan that created Collas Crill.
Throughout those changes, Rose says the firm's friendly and supportive culture remained.
And while her professional career has been characterised by longevity and commitment, Rose has demonstrated the same qualities on the bowls green.
Her Commonwealth Games experience in Glasgow saw her compete at the highest level in the Women's Pairs, finishing sixth, an achievement that added another memorable chapter to an already remarkable story.
When asked during an internal workshop what has kept her motivated throughout 45 years at Collas Crill, Rose's answer is wonderfully straightforward.
'I love what I do.'
The comment struck a chord and was retained as one of the reasons people work at Collas Crill and can make a difference to clients.
Four decades later, that statement remains as relevant as ever.
Whether representing Guernsey on the international sporting stage or supporting clients through some of life's most important moments, Rose has brought the same qualities to both: commitment, expertise, resilience and, above all, genuine passion.
Congratulations to Rose on 45 outstanding years with Collas Crill.
