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Meet Downing's Head Porter

Q: What brought you to Downing?
A: I had worked in the travel industry for over 20 years and fancied a career change.
Q: Earliest memory of Downing?
A: When I came for my interview (the Ac-commodation Officer’s position) the Duty Porter told me I smelled lovely and should definitely get the job!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role as Head Porter?
A: The banter in the Lodge with the rest of the Porters.
Q: How do you start your day?
A: I always spend the first part of my day with the Porters in the Lodge catching up on what’s been going on.
Q: Most embarrassing moment?
A: Falling off my bike immediately outside the College gates. To make it worse two students came to my rescue, picking me and my bike up off the ground.
Q: Funniest moment?
A: A few years ago the Lodge was asked by the JCR if we would participate in a charity talent show which was held in our thea-tre. Sarah Hardiman and I decided we would sing ‘Under the Boardwalk’ with the porters as the backing singers. All that was required from the porters was to sing ‘Under the Boardwalk’ a few times, whilst swaying from side to side in unison.
This proved to be far more complicated for them than anyone could have imag-ined. Watching them on the stage that night, even with Phil Law’s stage experi-ence to guide them, was a sight for sore eyes. The rendition was never meant to be comical, but the porters were such awful singers and dreadful dancers, the audience thought it was hilarious.
Q: Best thing about Downing?
A: The beauty of the college, I never grow tired of the view when I walk through the quad.Q: Greatest achievement?
A: Giving birth to two children.
Q: What makes you happy?
A: Baking cakes and salsa dancing.
Q: Best holiday?
A: Christmas 2016 – we went as a family to the Dominican Republic and had the best Christmas ever.
Q: What’s your perfect day?
A: Drinking Pina Colada in the sunshine on a Caribbean beach.
Q: An interesting fact about you?
A: I would love to be a participant on ‘The Island with Bear Grylls’