I am delighted to be introducing this edition of the Bursar’s Bulletin as the new Interim Bursar. Thank you very much to those I have met so far for such a warm Radley welcome!
Having been the Bursar of Harrow School for 26 years and having since been an interim Bursar in two schools, most recently at Shiplake College last term, I can attest to the sense of excitement and anticipation a new academic year brings. Prior to that, a typically busy summer at the College included a successful programme of commercial lettings, an inspiring refurbishment of the Library (left), continuing work on the new Music School and a comprehensive renovation of E Social.
I hope you enjoy reading the stories in this edition and continuing to get to know the College community better. Thank you to everyone who features in the following pages.
Best wishes for the new term.
Nick Shryane
87 Miles | Five Days | Six Counties Countless Memories – One Unforgettable Journey
In July, Cassandra Russell (Radleian Society Events Lead) tackled the full 87 miles of the ancient Ridgeway National Trail in just five days, raising money and carrying a backpack weighing almost a fifth of her body weight.
Starting in Avebury, Wiltshire, and finishing at Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire, Cassie encountered six counties through rain, wind, heat, steep climbs and relentless miles. Some days topped 53,000 steps with blisters, bruises, and even flip-flop walking becoming part of the battle, with little time for sufficient rest before the next dawn.
Yet, Cassie says that for every challenge, there were moments of awe: “wide skies, ancient chalk
paths, rolling hills and quiet stretches made it all worthwhile. Reaching the final summit was a powerful mix of pride, relief, and sadness that it was over.
This was more than just a walk: it was a test of resilience, a connection to the landscape, and an unforgettable reminder of what determination can achieve. I may have finished this challenge but a part of me will always remain out there on that trail.”
If you would like to donate, Cassie is raising money for Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue who do amazing work. Every penny helps!
On 1st September, Radley College and Prep Schools’ Trust merged to form Radley Schools Group, bringing together eight schools which will benefit more than 2,300 children across the country.
Andrew Ashton and Lloyd Griffiths are respectively the Group’s CEO (Prep Schools) and COO, and are based at Group Office, no. 7 Cothill.
You can find out more on these pages and by visiting: radleyschoolsgroup.org.uk
Oxford
Cromer, Norfolk
Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire
Farnham Surrey
Fareham, Hampshire
Stocksfield, Northumberland
Meet the Schools!
Barfield Prep School
Boys & girls, aged 2– 11
Head: Andy Boyle Farnham, Surrey
Set in 12 acres of Surrey woodland, outdoor learning and wellbeing classes are integral to the curriculum. The on-site outdoor pursuits department, Three Peaks, allows pupils to gain confidence by challenging themselves physically and mentally whether on the zip wire or the quad bikes or through team building activities.
Chandlings Prep School
Boys & girls, aged 2– 11
Head: Adam Mallins Bagley Wood, Oxford
A close neighbour of Radley’s, Chandlings is a day school set in 60 acres of grounds. Established in 1994, features include a low-ropes course, stables and extensive sports facilities. Head Adam Mallins is new in post this term, taking over from Chris Cook who was Head for seven years and now moves to Kitebrook School as Interim Head.
Kitebrook Prep School
Boys & girls, aged 3– 13
Head: Chris Cook (Interim) Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Nestled in the Cotswolds, Kitebrook Prep combines academic rigour with outdoor learning. Founded in 1959 with a family ethos, the school is a mix of day and boarding and has been named both ‘Great Country Prep’ and ‘Most Idyllic Independent School’.
Beeston Hall School
Boys & girls, aged 4– 13
Head: Fred de Falbe Cromer, Norfolk
Founded in 1948, Beeston Hall is a small day and boarding school located on the North Norfolk coast. The school is a short walk from the beach, making it ideal for activities like kayaking and orienteering.
Cothill Prep School
Boys & girls, aged 7– 13
Head: George May Cothill, Oxford
Cothill’s Head, George May, will be known to many as a former Tutor of H Social and Teacher of Drama at Radley. For over 150 years, Cothill was a successful boys’ boarding school, however, this term marks the start of co-education and families can now choose full boarding, flexi or day places.
Mowden Hall School
Boys & girls, aged 2– 13
Head: Phil Sturt Stocksfield, Northumberland
Situated 11 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne, Mowden Hall was founded in 1935 and moved to its current site at Newton Hall in 1945. The school became co-ed in 1982 and added a Pre-Prep in 1993. A range of boarding options, including flexible, weekly and full boarding are offered.
West Hill Park
Boys & girls, aged 2.5– 13
Head: Chris Ward Fareham, Hampshire
West Hill Park is offers both day and boarding, set in 28 acres of rural grounds including a woodland classroom and riding school. Established in 1920, the school went co-ed, welcoming girls in 1985. West Hill Park is the most recent school to join the group.
Bursar Handover
Congratulations
to the following on their recent promotions and new positions:
Judith Geddes takes on the role of Deputy Head of Exams.
Elektra Georgiakakis is the new Head of Classics.
Kate Hounslow is promoted to Admissions Officer.
Vics McClelland moves from Admissions Manager to Radleian Society Manager.
Olivia Perrett takes on the role of Interim Head of Spanish.
Matthew Rumbold is now Interim Head of Shells.
Emma Smith is Deputy Lead Nurse.
Sophie Torrance is Development Communications and Engagement Lead.
Cassie Russell is Radleian Society Events Lead.
Louise Hounslow moves from her role as Sports Centre Cleaner to Domestic Cleaner.
News
As Andrew Ashton begins the term as the new CEO (Prep Schools) of Radley Schools Group, based at no. 7 Cothill, we welcome Nick Shryane (left) as Interim Bursar. Nick is a former long-standing Bursar at Harrow School and, more recently, interim Bursar at Shiplake College. Nick will be based in the Bursary from September to December.
In October, we will welcome Jonathan Bochenski (right) as the new Bursar of Radley College. Currently Jonathan is Director of Finance and Operations at three GDST (Girls Day Schools Trust) schools: Bromley High, Sutton High and Brighton Girls.
Changes in Socials
G Social
Sub-Tutor: Jim Fellows
Welcome to the newest member of our community! Rory, born on 3rd May to Rose Martin (Assistant Leader, Music Partnerships).
H Social
PHM: Denise Myers J Social
PHM: Patricia Mason K Social
Tutor: Fergus Taylor L Social
Tutor: Simon Dalrymple L Social
Sub-Tutor: Tom Hodnett
A warm welcome to staff who have joined us since April 2025:
Amelia Ayres, Teacher of Drama
Paola Bermúdez, Spanish Language Assistant
Adam Bowditch, Teacher of Maths
Peter Boyle, Teacher of Maths
Alfie Busson, Leisure Assistant
Archie Carter-Humphries, Head of Video
(Michaelmas Term)
Phil Chaundy, Head of Art
Louise Clogher, Development Assistant
Darcey Cooper, Leisure Assistant
James Crowder, Security Porter
Jose Da Costa Guterres Do Rego, Kitchen Porter
Alex Dalton, Teacher of Maths
James Demain, Laundry Caretaker
Hollie Dickinson, Leisure Assistant
James Driscoll, Database Manager
James Ellis, Teacher of Physics
Tracey Francis, Administrative Assistant to Deputy
Head (Pastoral) & Director of Admissions and Communications
Lara Game, Leisure Assistant
Emma Griffiths, Music Partnerships Co-ordinator
Jo Hickey, Laundry Assistant
Paul Hedger, Senior Greenkeeper
Summer Lets
Staff News
Tom Hodnett, Teacher of Politics & Sub-Tutor, L Social
Anna James, Admissions Assistant
Emily Joyce, Healthcare Assistant
Tim Keasley, Vocal Animateur
Lel Lawson, Academic Support Teacher
Angus Mactear, Trainee Teacher of Maths
Alex McLintock, Teacher of Spanish
Zachary Minto, Leisure Assistant
Philippa Murray, VMT Singing
Roger Owen, Teacher of Academic Support
Julvi Pereira, Food Service Assistant
Helen Priestley, Accounts Assistant
Laura Purcell, Admissions Manager
Krishnan Ram-Prasad, Teacher of Classics
Callum Rawlings, Groundsperson
Sophie Richards, Graduate Athletic Development Coach
Brendan Rossiter, Gardener
Hannah Sherry, Teacher of Spanish & French
Nick Shryane, Interim Bursar
Fiona Signorino, French Language Assistant
Mohamed Suliman, Kitchen Porter
Zac Webber-Hudson, IT Infrastructure Engineer
Fabia Weber, German Language Assistant
Staff Noticeboard
The summer saw another successful programme of Lets, with a total of 13,391 bed nights. You can watch the highlights video on the Staff Noticeboard.
OSEG
The minutes from the Operational Staff Engagement Group in June can be found on the Staff Noticeboard along with details of the current members and information about how to contribute your suggestions.
The Staff Noticeboard is dedicated to staff communications, news and information. Use the QR code to find the page on SharePoint and look for the icon in the top right corner to follow the site and be alerted when new content is posted. Contact Anna with news you would like to share!
amth.haynes@radley.org.uk
Drama for Dinner?
Estates News
Library
The first phase of the Library works are now complete (below) and you will see increased seating capacity within the main space as well as a centrally positioned Reception desk. Work on the side rooms is planned for October Leave Away.
Music School
Despite a slight delay, works are progressing well and we hope to catch up in the coming months. With only four months to go until completion, inside areas are now being closed up and plastered.
When Victoria Buse (Director of Drama) wrote a 10-minute short play in 2024, she wasn’t expecting it to lead to a full-length production led by a West End director. The short was initially performed by Victoria at two scratch nights in London. Director, Michael Gyngell (The Full Monty UK Tour, When Harry Met Sally UK Tour) saw one of the performances and pitched the idea of developing the script into a full-length one-woman play. Victoria then wrote the play over the subsequent summer holiday and so began their collaboration.
“
To make the audience feel such an array of emotions is no small feat.
Laura Matthews (Call the Midwife, Eastenders, One Man, Two Guvnors) plays Becks in this tragi-comedy exploring the consequences of loneliness and the lengths people will go to in the pursuit of love.
With Gyngell’s support, the play had a weeklong preview run at Barons Court Theatre last year and is returning this October to the Lion & Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town during Leave Away (21st – 25th October). Tickets can be booked via the QR code.
E Social
A comprehensive renovation of E Social has delivered a refreshed, modern and more functional living space for the boys. Highlights include upgrades to Shell cubicles, new stylish and durable furniture designed to maximise space and provide a more homely environment, as well as a new kitchen in the Games Room designed to encourage independence and social interaction (below).
Solar Farm
During the summer ductwork has been installed across the
whole site. This is to pull the new cables for the Solar Farm through without causing major disruption. Subject to satisfying our budget, we plan to start the main works by Spring 2025.
New Housekeeping Base
The Housekeeping Department has now moved to
the site of the Old Laundry (above). External works now give a much improved journey to the Sports Centre and tidy up this area of the campus.
Other Updates
The South Drive has been widened as part of our ongoing safety planning. All change at the top of Mansion, with the Development Team moving back into their redecorated offices and the Communications Team now located in the office opposite. Over in the Sports Centre, the swimming pool wet changing rooms have been refreshed, with improvements to the showers and hair drying facilities.
A full Estates Update is available on the Staff Noticeboard.
A natural support in Lyme disease therapy.
Mighty Music Flood Week Returns!
Following a memorable and inspirational performance in July with The Mighty Orchestra opening the Music for Youth National Festival at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Music Flood Week returns imminently bringing its usual mix of joyous and energetic performances to schools in the Abingdon area.
Radley Primary School, one of nine primary schools whose children are members of The Mighty Orchestra told us: “The Orchestra squeezed onto the stage in the vast auditorium and launched into their performance of the James Bond theme, filling the Hall with a sound that was simply breathtaking! This was the biggest venue they have ever played and it was truly the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Music Flood Week 2025 will run from 22nd – 26th September with Doikayt, a new nine-piece Klezmer and Yiddish music ensemble, in residence all week. Doikayt will be leading workshops in schools and performing in Abingdon Market Place on Thursday morning and in the Theatre on Thursday evening (25th September). Both events are free and open to all. Use the QR code to book tickets for the evening concert.
Nature Notes: Teasel
Walking through parks or woodland edges, you may often come across tall plants that resemble old-fashioned bottle brushes. This is Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.), a resilient wild plant with a long history of traditional use, especially in European herbal medicine. Teasel has gained particular attention in recent years for its potential role in supporting
the treatment of Lyme disease, a condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by tick bites.
While scientific studies on its effectiveness are still limited, herbalists and practitioners of natural medicine have long used teasel root extract as part of a supportive protocol in managing chronic Lyme symptoms. The root of the teasel plant is the part most commonly used in therapy.
It is harvested, dried, and typically prepared as a tincture (an alcohol-based extract). The root is believed to stimulate the immune system, increase circulation, and help draw the bacteria out of tissues, making them more accessible to the body’s defenses and other treatments. Many users report improved energy, reduced joint pain, and better mobility during teasel protocols. It is often combined with other herbs, like cat’s claw or Japanese knotweed, in comprehensive herbal approaches to Lyme disease. Though not a cure, teasel root is valued as a natural aid in long-term recovery. As always, its use should be supervised by a qualified practitioner, especially given the complexity of Lyme disease and possible Herxheimer reactions (temporary symptom flare-ups).
Fun Fact: The developed part of the head of the teasel was used in spinning for carding wool and for combing woolen fabrics. Marcin Stefanski Domestic Cleaner, J Social & Herbalist
If you want to know more about wild plants for your health, you are welcome to write to me.
martinherbalist@gmail.com
The Family Ties series celebrates the family connections between staff at Radley and the sense of community this instils. While Ozgur Cavus (Catering Manager) will be known to many as one of the welcoming faces greeting us in the Servery, Ferah Cavus (Laundry Assistant) is one of the members of operational staff who work hard behind the scenes. I asked Ozgur and Ferah about their paths to Radley.
Ozgur: I came to the UK nearly 25 years ago from Izmir, Turkey to improve my English while studying Tourism and Hotel Management at university. Coming from a very different culture of hospitality, shaped by centuries of tradition, warmth and service, it felt natural to immerse myself in the industry. Growing up in a region rich in history, with stunning beaches and sunshine, hospitality wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life.
I had worked in a wide range of hotels in Turkey, from boutique properties to large luxury resorts but in the UK I had to rebuild everything I knew from the ground up because I was now operating within a completely different culture. Over the years here, I worked across many different settings: from major hotel groups to cafés, and even managing a very successful boutique hotel and restaurant for a friend of mine connected to a Michelin-level establishment.
Ferah: I’m from Turkey also, I used to live in Kuşadası, a coastal town by the Aegean Sea in Aydın – a
place many people choose for their holidays, and it truly is beautiful. I studied economics and completed a qualification in medical secretarial work. I worked for many years in the healthcare sector as a medical secretary in a state hospital. After moving to England, I wasn’t able to work in my field due to not having a professional level of English at the time, so I began working in housekeeping.
O: In 2009, my career turned towards the education sector when I joined Cokethorpe School as a Front of House Manager through a contract catering company. At the time, the school didn’t even have a dining hall, it was still under construction, so I had the unique opportunity to help set up the team, systems, and processes from scratch. When the school brought catering in-house, I stepped up into the Deputy Catering Manager role, and before I knew it, eight years had flown by. During my time at Cokethorpe, I also had the opportunity to complete a chef qualification in the UK, which improved my understanding of the kitchen environment and the best way to support chefs.
F: It was definitely fate that led you to Radley …
O: This part of the story still gives me chills! A few years ago, I visited Radley College for a birthday event for my son, and I remember thinking ‘How on earth do they manage such a huge catering and hospitality operation?’ Working in education catering myself, I couldn’t help
mentally breaking it down – it had become second nature by now! I kept wondering what it would be like behind the scenes.
Not long after that, I happened to see an advert for the Joint Deputy Catering Manager role at Radley. I wasn’t job-hunting and the timing was uncanny. Something told me I had to find out more. I sent in my CV, went through the process, and started the job in May 2017.
It was one of the strangest yet most powerful moments in my career, a perfect example of how our thoughts, when followed by the right actions, can shape our reality. What started as a curious thought turned into a full-circle moment.
F: Shortly after Ozgur joined, I also began working here part-time. Since then, Radley has become a very special part of our lives. I’ve always believed that people naturally align with jobs that reflect who they are. When someone finds a role that suits their nature and personality, work can become more than just a job and be something fulfilling. I take great pleasure in cleaning, organising, improving things and adding value, even to the simplest of items.
The best word to describe this in English is probably ‘to enhance’ – making something better, more beautiful, more meaningful. Paying attention to detail and enhancing even basic tasks brings me joy and a sense of achievement.
O: Radley is a place where tradition meets scale and there’s a constant drive to do things to the highest standard, which makes it an incredibly rewarding place to work.
What truly sets it apart, though, is the team I work with every day. Our department is full of people who aren’t just skilled at what they do, they’re passionate about it. It must be the most diverse department in the College, and the mix of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives brings real strength to the team.
Yes, the hours can sometimes be long and the expectations are high. But when you’re working with a team that genuinely cares about getting things right, and supports each other along the way, it makes all the difference.
F: There are many reasons why Radley is a special place to work but one of the biggest for me is its multicultural nature. The fact that people from such diverse backgrounds work together and this diversity is embraced and respected is very significant for me.
O: Knowing that Radley is committed to offering opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to it, and then seeing those young people flourish and go on to achieve their goals, is a privilege to witness. Knowing that the work we do as a department – even if it’s a small part – helps support that journey makes it all feel even more worthwhile.
F: I truly value my colleagues. Each of them has become a part of my life, and I learn a lot from them – not just culturally, but also linguistically. They’ve played an important role in helping me improve my English. That’s another gift this job has given me. When I’m away for an extended period, I genuinely miss them. I often find myself wanting to stop by just to say hello and catch up. I think that says a lot about the lovely relationships we’ve built here.
O: Since the Laundry moved offsite two years ago and Ferah also reduced her hours due to health reasons, we don’t see each other during the working day anymore. But before that, we always enjoyed those brief moments when she’d come to the counter to collect her lunch. Even if it was just a quick exchange, seeing each other was always a bright part of the day.
F: We spend plenty of time together outside work, usually with our dog, Pasha, walking and exploring.
O: Pasha is our favourite child! He is a four-year-old Bedlington Terrier. The three of us love road trips. One of the most memorable was driving to Turkey over seven days in our EV – an unforgettable mix of freedom and discovery with plenty of laughs and even a few tears (more charging points, please!) along the way.
F: One of my hobbies is restoring second-hand furniture. I take old pieces and give them new life. You might also spot me showing Turkish students around Oxford. I help them get to know the city and support them during their studies –something I find really rewarding.
O: We have two grown-up children (pictured above): our daughter Sıla, 26, is just about to finish her Master’s in Advanced Chemical Engineering in London. She’s been living with us while studying, but we suspect she’ll fly the nest soon! Our son Cody, 21, is working hard (and having fun) while figuring out what he wants to do. He currently lives in Chipping Norton and brings his own energy to everything he does. Ferah and I married back in 2015 – a proper package deal – and somehow it all blended together... mostly thanks to Pasha, who keeps us all in line!
Forest Futures
A Conversation with Al Fagan, Countryside Centre Partnership Assistant
Al has worked at the Countryside Centre for two years and just completed her Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Leadership. Al told me more about what the course entailed and how her new qualification will enhance Radley’s offer to partnership schools.
Since I started in November 2023, the ambition has been to train one of the team as a Forest School Leader and I feel very lucky to have been offered the opportunity!
I’ve always been a very hands-on, practical sort of person and I enjoy working outside with nature (in a previous life I had my own business as a wedding florist). Since having two children of my own, I realise how easy it is for children to miss out on the huge benefits of the natural world.
I feel like I have the best job, despite the old adage ‘never work with children or animals’! No two days are the same and it’s wonderful seeing the direction the Countryside Centre is heading.
Forest School is one strand of what we can offer to our partnership schools, and it ties in very well with the opportunities we have at the Countryside Centre. We tailor our offering to what each group needs – for some, we offer a low volume, high impact programme for a small number of children, whereas other programmes might be run for half a class. We offer a ten-week Forest School programme in some cases and in others, a series of different sessions (livestock, horticulture, bushcraft skills, firelighting and cooking) over a term which are designed to deliver higher impact.
Tell us about the Forest School Leadership qualification.
The course was eight days, split over four modules, in-person at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre in Cumnor. It was brilliant! We had a great teacher and it was very beneficial to meet different people from other schools – we developed a lovely bond between us as it was a small group.
There was a lot of written coursework and a portfolio to submit, as well as an assessment of one of the practical Forest School sessions I ran. I have just had the results and I’m so pleased to have passed.
What is it about the Forest School programme that makes it a good fit?
We are keen to broaden our offering to partnership schools, and our focus is now pivoting to schools in inner-city areas of Oxford, like Blackbird Leys, so that we can share with them the resources we have here. We have been running some pilot programmes covering aspects of Forest School, and in September we will have programmes running with St Swithun’s Primary School in Kennington and St John Fisher
Primary School in Blackbird Leys. The aim is to raise levels of inclusion, aspiration and opportunity for these children and I’m so excited to get started!
What might happen in a typical Forest School session?
The children are primary school age, and I often find that I will plan a lesson with all the things I think they are going to love – bushcraft or den building – and when they arrive all they want to do is hunt for bugs! The children love lifting up logs and using magnifying glasses to identify insects. Forest School is fundamentally flexible and child-led.
I usually try and start the session with something constructive – building a shelter, cooking something, lighting a fire or tying knots to make something. We recently made little photo frames for the children to use when they were looking for bugs.
Then we will go and explore the woods, bug hunt or climb trees, match leaves to see if we can identify trees. We usually finish with a hot chocolate and biscuit at the end, sometimes we will have made a natural shelter with sticks and branches so we can sit in it while we enjoy the hot chocolate.
Can you pick a highlight of leading Forest School sessions?
Teaching little ones how to light fires is so rewarding. It instils confidence and resilience, and you hope that those feelings and skills stay with them. It’s something all our partnership groups love, especially when they then toast marshmallows as a reward!
I also particularly enjoy teaching children how to recognise some of our native woodland birds and trees – helping them to build a connection with the environment around them in a fun and meaningful way.
How do you work with Radley boys to deliver Forest School sessions?
Our aim is to have Radley boys supporting me in delivering Forest School sessions to Partnership Schools. One of the best aspects of my job is seeing our boys leading partnership activities and watching their confidence grow – whether it’s planting hedges or feeding livestock or whatever bushcraft skills we might be doing in the woods – it will give them the skills they need to lead in the future in whatever their field may be.
MY radley
Kerri began her career at Radley as a Lifeguard in the Sports Centre when she was 16. Fast forward nine years and she has passed her Health & Safety exams and been working as Health & Safety Manager in the Estates team for the past year. I asked Kerri to tell us about joining the Sports Centre team back in 2016.
A family friend worked at the Sports Centre and told me about the opportunities for lifeguards there. I had always enjoyed swimming so decided to do the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and then started working at the Centre as a Lifeguard which I loved.
I had a place at university to study Paramedic Science but I struggled to pass my driving test at the time, which was a requirement of the course. I decided to continue trying to pass my test but I was also looking for full-time work, so I moved to Oxford Brookes Sports Centre as a Manager, where I stayed for two years.
What brought you back to Radley?
As soon as I heard that a position as Duty Manager at the Sports Centre was vacant, I knew I had to apply! I was really keen to come back – I enjoyed Oxford Brookes, but having worked somewhere else, I realised how much I loved it at Radley. I did my Trainer Assessor qualification which meant I could teach the NPLQ qualification. After that I progressed to become the Duty Manager Team Leader. In this role, I was involved in reviewing the Health & Safety documentation for the Centre.
Tell us about your move to your new role.
I could see a lot of cross-over between what I had enjoyed doing at the Sports Centre and the new Health & Safety Manager role. I applied for it and was really delighted to be offered the job in the summer of 2024. In the autumn I did a two-week Health & Safety training course. I was really looking forward to the challenge of learning something new and it was a brilliant experience, the group was made up of interesting people with very diverse jobs and I learned a lot.
How would you describe your day-to-day job?
I love the fact that it is so varied – no day is ever the same. From working with contractors like Life Build on Health & Safety requirements for the construction of the new Music School to supporting dons with risk assessments for school trips. I carry out work-station assessments and inspect Socials, work with the Commercial Enterprises team on health & safety and insurance documentation for lettings
and – of course – every so often I don my hi-vis as a car park marshal!
I loved building relationships with customers at the Sports Centre, but in this job, I’ve met so many colleagues in different departments and I’m enjoying learning about how each one works and benefitting from everyone’s expertise! It’s all about reaching a conclusion where we are satisfied with the levels of safety and everyone is happy.
What are your favourite memories so far?
I have so many! My first day in my current job I found myself at the Countryside Centre and I had never been there before; now I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t know the team there (animals and humans!).
My first Gaudy this year was really fun and it was lovely to be part of such an exciting day. Further back, the atmosphere on campus when we hosted the European Transplant Games in 2022 was incredible and it’s such a nice memory after all the planning and preparation that went into it.
It was very bittersweet to leave the Sports Centre, but Les (Newell, Head of Sports Centre & Commercial Enterprises) was so supportive of the move I was about to make and I remember feeling very touched by the farewell card I received from the Sports Centre staff, many of whom I had trained as Lifeguards.
What makes Radley a special place to work?
I’ve always felt supported and welcomed here. It is a very special and reassuring environment where there is mutual respect. When I passed my exams, the team made such a fuss and I felt that they were really proud of me.
What has changed in your time here?
I notice that there is more enthusiasm for health & safety in general – people want to do the right thing and they accept that it is important. I’ve grown and changed in the time I’ve been here and, equally, Radley is always evolving and changing – it’s great to be a part of it.
What might we find you doing away from work?
My dog, Biggie (pictured) is a big part of my life! He’s a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and I’ve had him since he was a puppy. We love going on walks. I’m a big reader of thrillers and romance novels and I love meditation and yoga too.
