Aberdeen’s very own Agatha Christie reflects on life as a private detective this International Women’s Day
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84 year old Helen Wilson of Aberdeen has revealed her past life as a private detective.
She shared her story of breaking down traditional gender roles with staff and fellow residents of Jesmond care home - where she is a resident - ahead of International Women’s Day which is celebrating the theme of #BreakTheBias this year.
Scotland’s very own Agatha Christie joined a Private Investigation Agency in Glasgow after leaving Strathclyde Police where she had served as a Woman Police Constable. Starting at only 18, her career in the police had been an exciting one, however some years down the line and having learnt a lot, Helen found herself intrigued by the other side of the legal system and decided to tap into her inner Poirot.
Looking back on her colourful life this International Women’s Day, Helen said: “It was still quite unusual for women to be a part of the Police force back then, but it was something I had always wanted to do.
"I never had much fear and always enjoyed the faster side of life so after my 18th birthday I took myself out of Upper Largo in Fife and moved to the big city, Glasgow.
“I loved being a policewoman, it was exciting working in the marine division and I met my husband-to-be during that time, but my interest in the criminal side of the job had been well and truly piqued and I knew it was something I wanted to try something new.
“It wasn’t common for young women to work in crime in general in the 60s, never mind as a private detective, but that didn’t stop me.
“No job was the same, and I met some amazingly interesting people – good and bad, but always with a story to tell.
"From shoplifting to more serious crimes such as assault, I helped solve many crimes for both the defence and the prosecution at the time.
“Still to this day most detectives you see on the TV and in films are men, but that’s outdated.
"It was skills such as my attention to detail, my ability to speak to anyone and a keen intuition that set me apart in my Private Detective days, and although I don’t use my investigating skills much anymore I still think I can sniff out a dodgy character from a mile off.
“I moved into Jesmond care home two years ago.
"The staff are brilliant and help me keep my curiosity and intuition alive with jigsaws, quizzes and I never have my nose out of a book – no prizes for guessing the genre…”
Activities co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond care home Jade McGowan said: “Helen is a great example of breaking boundaries and bias within gender.
"She is so inspiring and is a fantastic role model to young women today who still face similar challenges in their own lives.
“We are always sharing life stories and having open and engaging conversations in the home, and International Women’s Day poses a great chance for us to explore more about the residents’ experiences and discuss how things have, and haven’t, changed over generations.”
