I will have worked here for 18 years next April – I started in 1997 at the age of 16.
What was the first job you did?
I worked in the cafe in a part time job while I was at college. I did everything from washing pots, to serving food.
How has your role changed over the years?
I increased my hours in the cafe from just the weekends up to 3 days after a while. When I got an office job at a local plastics firm, I still kept my Sunday shift as a supervisor in the cafe. I was able to move back to Martin Mere full time in year when I got a job in the office as the receptionist, and was then promoted to Office Manager in 2007, where I’ve been ever since.
What are your fondest memories from your time here?
Last year, I was lucky enough to get to visit Buckingham Palace for a Royal Garden Party, in recognition of my long service for the Trust. I didn’t get to actually meet the Queen, but did see her in the distance. It was a really exciting day, and one I’ll always remember.
Tells us something that your average visitor would never know about the Centre.
We have over 180 volunteers who work in all areas of the Centre. We only have around 40 full and part time paid staff, and without our volunteer workforce, we couldn’t operate.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found yourself doing for Martin Mere?
There have been lots of strange, random things over the years. I walked the streets of Burscough dressed as a Ladybird, and was lucky enough to be involved with a swan catch one year, which was an amazing experience. Sometimes seemingly normal jobs can take an interesting turn – Once, when doing a leaflet drop we took a wrong turning and ended up trapped in a truck stop in Cheshire.
What do you think Martin Mere will be like 40 years from now?
That’s a difficult question! I think it will be even more popular than it is currently. I’d like to see it become the leading tourist attraction in North West. I will probably still be here at my desk!
Anything else you’d like to tell the world?
On the whole, it’s a very nice place to work, with a lovely group of people. I love my Martin Mere family!
How long have you worked at Martin Mere?
