“A lovely place to work” - Creating a University episode 7
People who worked at the University at its inception have tales to tell about tea breaks, beer in the bar at lunchtime and even ping pong in the office. The University was, one says, “almost like a holiday camp” – although by the time he left, lunch was a sandwich in one hand and a pen in the other. When it came to dealing with students, some were “lovely”, while dealing with others required patience, tolerance or unbreakable glass. For other staff, memorable incidents included the Vice-Chancellor’s wife bringing tea and biscuits on a silver platter – or Graduation, with the chance to encounter MPs and others one would never have the chance to meet. “It’s surprising,” we hear, “what people say to you when it’s just the two of you in a lift.” Interviewees - John Cox, formerly of Estate Management - Robin Dixon, former Secretary to the School of Comparative Studies - Mary Girling, former Secretary, Department of Sociology - Margaret Lynch, formerly of Estate Management - David Morgan, formerly of Estate Management - Alex Selley, formerly of Estate Management