Senior Theatre Technician, BSF

Describe your work are and its importance

I work in the theatre suite where we look after the needs of the many and varied groups of research workers. We give them the facilities to be able to do their research in the best conditions that we can.

On a typical day, what do you spend most of your time on?

This varies from day to day depending on how many people are in the theatres. A lot of time is taken up with the usual paper work, ordering supplies and doing accounts, but also we do the general maintenance of the theatres and equipment as well as giving technical assistance as a when needed.

Describe your career path to date.

I started as a junior technician in 1972 in what was then the Department of Bacteriology and Virology in the Williamson building. When the unit opened in the Stopford building we moved over there which was about 1973-4. In 1979 I went as a technician to the Department of Zoology back in the Williamson building and stayed there until 1989 when the department was swallowed up in one of the many reorganisations that seem to plague the University. I came back to the unit in the Stopford building as a theatre technician and took over when the previous senior tech retired. I have another 2-3 years to go and then I can put my feet up!

What’s your proudest accomplishment at work

There is probably no one thing as such, but I am proud and get a sense of achievement when we get problems sorted out for people be they big or small and they can get on and get their business done.

What was your lowest moment?

Probably when the Department of Zoology was absorbed. I worked at the time with a great group of people which I enjoyed very much who sadly got scattered to the four winds and I lost contact with most of them. Happily I have worked with an equally great bunch of people in the BSF.

What drives you?

Working with a great variety of people who rely on the staff of the BSF (not just me) to be able to do their research work and get the best results that they can. To be able to see that come to fruition is something it is truly worthwhile.

Tell us a funny story, work-related or not

When I started in 1972 I was told that would be on 3 months probation and I would have a meeting at the end of that time to learn my fate. That meeting never happened, no letter arrived ( no emails in those days) so I am still waiting to see if they want me to stay or not. They had better hurry up before I retire!