Staff spotlight
As part of our 700th anniversary a monthly spotlight on our staff will share stories from across departments, linking our present-day community to our past and celebrating the people who have worked, and continue to work, for future generations of Clare.
Hospitality
Abby, Conference & Business Development Administrator
Abby, Conference & Business Development Administrator
Abby had a strong interest in working within a college environment, built on two to three years’ experience in hotel conferences and events. When the opportunity at Clare arose, it felt like a natural next step. “Clare really stood out,” she says. “It’s a beautiful college with a purpose-built conference centre, so the facilities genuinely work—and that makes it easy to sell.” While she explored roles at other colleges, Clare’s prime city-centre location sealed the deal.
In her role, no two days are quite the same. A typical day might involve responding to multiple enquiries for corporate conferences, events, and weddings, conducting site visits, and planning events up to two years in advance—often alongside last-minute arrangements for imminent bookings. Abby particularly enjoys the more personal events, such as weddings and dinners, where the occasion holds deep meaning for clients. “You really want everything to be perfect for them,” she explains, while noting that corporate events remain the core of the business.
Summer is the busiest time of year, when the conference team welcomes over 10,000 guests to the College. Some requests are more unusual than others—most memorably, arranging a site visit for a snake named Ziggy as part of a “Face Your Fears” conference session. Abby coordinated parking, discreet access, and even a green room for the snake. “I did it all from a distance,” she laughs, “as I’m not a fan of snakes myself.” She also loved working on themed events, from transforming Lerner Court Gardens into Platform 9¾ for a Harry Potter night to helping safely install a Formula One car on site.
One of Abby’s proudest moments came recently with a December wedding, planned amid ongoing renovations to Old Court. Working closely with the couple over six months, she helped deliver a seamless day, with a wedding breakfast in Hall, evening reception and guest accommodation. “The couple told me it was the most perfect day,” Abby says. “Hearing that made all the planning and pressure completely worth it.”
“Turning 700 is such a huge milestone. Not many colleges can say that, and I’m proud to play even a small part in making events successful during such an important year.”
Abby sees conferencing as a way of future-proofing the College—continuing its long tradition of welcoming people in and keeping the space active and relevant.
Looking ahead, Abby’s priority for the year is clear: to maximise bookings and make the most of every available date. With a full calendar of weddings ahead—the first in several years without scaffolding—she’s excited to showcase Clare College once again, with Old Court restored to its former glory.
Arletta, Hospitality Manager and Fellows' Butler
Arletta, Hospitality Manager and Fellows' Butler
Arletta first came to work at Clare nearly 15 years ago, initially joining the Catering Department as a maternity cover supervisor. “Ever since I moved to England and started working in hospitality, I really wanted to work somewhere significant and with so much history,” she says. “Clare at that time seemed to be the ideal place for me.”
Her role today is varied and far from routine. “There is no such thing as a typical day,” Arletta explains. Depending on what is planned, her work can range from organising the team for upcoming events to managing enquiries from Fellows, students, alumni, and external partners. She also maintains the College wine cellar, manages ordering and training, and works closely with the Fellows’ Steward to support the day-to-day needs of the Fellows.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes. “One thing that people may not see is the work needed to prepare and organise events,” she says, “to make sure that guests—both internal and external—leave Clare with a good impression.”
Reflecting on her time at Clare, Arletta finds it difficult to single out one defining moment. “Every year I work here there are moments that make me proud of the College and the team that work alongside me,” she says.
The role of Fellows’ Butler has evolved significantly since the time of Henry Phipps, a former holder of the position in the late 19th century. “I think his role was much more hands-on, looking after the Fellows of his day and maintaining the areas they needed to be cared for,” Arletta notes. While the role today is less involved in daily life, she emphasises that support remains central. “If the Fellows have any questions or requests, I am there to help.” She also notes that “as a sign of the times nowadays, the last two Fellows’ Butlers—including myself—have been female.”
What Arletta enjoys most is the variety and responsibility the role brings. “My job has many facets, so there is always something to do,” she says. She takes particular pride in caring for the College silver and values the opportunity to work closely with Fellows, students, and colleagues across departments. “It’s great to be able to contribute to the students’ experience here, from everyday meals to Formal Halls and graduations,” she adds, crediting her team: “I can only do this with the help of my fantastic team, who make it a pleasure to work here.”
“I feel extremely privileged to be part of Clare College’s 700th Anniversary year. “I really want to help make it a very successful year in the history of the College.”
From the archives...
Henry Charles Phipps devoted 53 years of service to the College. He began his career in 1866 at the age of 20 as a gyp and rose to become Fellows’ Butler in 1879. In this role, he attended to the Fellows, maintained the Combination Room, and cared for the College silver. In 1878, he waited on the Prince of Wales, who was notably the person to have driven a carriage and pair into Old Court and the first to smoke in Hall.
Phipps was well known among both students and Fellows for his unfailing cheerfulness, courtesy, and remarkable memory. In his later years, he became a father figure to younger servants and played a central role in their social life. An enthusiastic sportsman, he enjoyed rowing and took part in the first Town Bumping Races in 1870, as well as rowing in the College Servants’ second boat. He also played cricket for the servants against the gentlemen of the College, famously scoring 115 runs in the 1901 match, for which he was presented with a commemorative bat. His greatest passion, however, was gardening, and he won more than 60 prizes for his flowers and vegetables.
In 1868, Phipps married Elizabeth Frances Shirman. Although she was not formally employed by the College, she provided invaluable assistance with his duties. Henry Charles Phipps served as Fellows’ Butler until his retirement in 1919.
Library & Archives
Before arriving at Clare 22 years ago Julie spent 12 years at the University Library in a variety of front-facing roles, beginning in the photography department and moving through Reader Services, the map room, microfilming, and the visitor welcome desk. “I’ve always been a people person,” she says. “I like roles where you’re working with and meeting others.”
After 10 years Julie was seconded to a six-month training programme to help implement Voyager, a new Library Management System. Despite having no prior cataloguing experience, she was encouraged to take on the challenge, coordinating and training staff across around 130 Cambridge libraries. When the project ended, she returned to her previous role and was then approached by Clare’s Librarian at the time, to apply for Deputy Librarian at the College. “The rest is history,” she smiles.
Today, Julie’s role is varied and hands-on. Mornings might begin with reshelving and shelf-checking, ensuring the Library is tidy and welcoming. She manages departmental reading lists, orders and catalogues new books using the Dewey and Moyes classification systems, and oversees a team of 13 graduate student invigilators who help staff the Library in the evenings and at weekends.
As the first port of call for enquiries, Julie is a constant presence at the enquiry desk. Over time, she gets to know students well, often seeing them daily throughout their degrees. “Sometimes they just want a cup of tea and a piece of cake and a chat,” she says. Working closely with the College’s wellbeing team, she provides informal pastoral support and a non-judgmental listening ear.
Initiatives like Doughnut Fridays, held a few times each term and more frequently during exam season, are especially popular. “Our door is always open,” Julie says proudly. Over the years she has heard remarkable stories from students—ranging from animal handling including lambing, working at Disneyland, hatching atlas moths on student bedroom ceilings and even a a spell at Broadmoor Prison (working!)
Julie. Deputy Librarian
Julie. Deputy Librarian
Matriculation and graduation are particular highlights. “You see them arrive at the start of their journey, and then you see them leave having reached their goal,” she reflects. On graduation day, she helps serve canapés and meets proud parents—one of whom told her, “Thank you for being so kind to my child. You really made a difference.”
During Clare’s 700th anniversary year, it is largely business as usual in the Library. “The students are still here, and we’re here to support them,” she says. In the context of the College’s long history, Julie sees her role as guiding students towards life beyond Clare.
“You never know—we might have the next David Attenborough in our midst. I’m incredibly proud of every one of our students.”
Her priority for the year ahead is simple: to continue providing the best possible support—something she has now been doing at Clare for more than two decades.
From the archives...
The College has had a library since its earliest days, although the loss of records in the fire of 1521 hampers our understanding of its early history. There is, however, evidence of one as early as c.1420-30. Originally a Fellow Librarian looked after the collection of books and manuscripts, and it was not until the 20th century that professionally qualified librarians were appointed.
One such Fellow Librarian was James Rendel Harris. One of eleven children, he was the son of Henry Marmaduke Harris, a house decorator, and Elizabeth, who ran a shop selling baby clothes. Harris graduated from Clare in 1874 as third Wrangler and was elected to a Fellowship the following year. In 1878 became a College Lecturer in Mathematics, although his principal interest lay in Biblical Studies. He was an inspirational teacher with an ability to enthuse his students.
He spent time in America, including holding the Chair of Biblical Study and Philology at John Hopkins University, and travelled extensively in the Near East. He continued these travels during the First World War, surviving the torpedoing of his ship on two separate occasions. After the second attack he had to endure four days in an open boat.
Harris served two periods as Librarian at Clare, from 1880 to 1882 and again from 1897 to 1902. He donated many books to the Fellows’ Library many of which contain his beautiful book plate.
HR
HR Manager Sally Hewings first joined the college in 2004 as maternity cover for the Bursar’s PA and HR office. With prior experience in the construction sector and a newly earned CIPD qualification, Sally was looking for a more people focused role—and quickly found a home at Clare. By 2007 she had taken on a fulltime HR position, becoming a familiar, trusted presence for staff across the college.
From her earliest days, Sally found Clare to be a welcoming community. The relationships she built—within her team and across departments—have been central to why she stayed.
“It feels like a second home. There’s a real sense of community here. People genuinely care about each other.”
Like many roles in college, no two days look the same for Sally. Her mornings begin quietly— “kettle on, emails checked, plan made”—before the steady rhythm of visits, conversations, and HR responsibilities fill the day. Her door is always open, and the confidential support she provides to staff remains one of the most meaningful parts of her role. Beyond the college, she also delivers talks at the Job Centre, encouraging over 50s to explore careers within Cambridge colleges.
After 22 years, Sally has accumulated her fair share of memorable moments. Encounters with distinguished visitors including Prince Philip and Sir David Attenborough certainly stand out. Yet one memory that sticks firmly in her mind is both modest and quintessentially Cambridge: standing at Queen’s Road on a freezing winter morning, bundled in hat and gloves, next to a student dressed only in a silk dressing gown, slippers, and a bow tie. “Only in Cambridge!” she laughs.
The HR world has changed significantly since 2004. What was once a more paternalistic environment has become increasingly process driven, with legislation and administrative demands reshaping daily work. While Sally recognises the importance of these developments, she admits the workload has grown heavier.
Sally, HR Manager
Sally, HR Manager
Listening to the Master’s speech on graduation day and watching students celebrate their achievements remains a highlight each year. But one of the most meaningful memories for Sally is quieter and more reflective—the “cycle of life” she has witnessed through long service at Clare. She has seen people join the College, grow into their roles, achieve promotion, get married, have children, and return with new chapters of their lives. It’s something only time reveals, she says. “You can’t write that into a policy or procedure.”
As she looks ahead to retirement, Sally is excited for the freedom to spend more time with family and friends—especially her grandchildren—and to take longer trips to Australia to be close to that family.
Housekeeping
Terry, Housekeeper
Terry, Housekeeper
Terry joined Clare in September 1999, having originally been encouraged by a friend—also a bedder —to try her hand at the role. She had been looking for a completely fresh start, and the transition offered the low‑stress simplicity she craved.
Her first staircase was at St Giles, where she still remembers every single student. Guided by Housekeeper Billie Allinson, she quickly took on extra responsibilities and was promoted to Supervisor within three years.
“What I thought would be six months has turned into 27 years,” she reflects. “There’s just something about Clare that gets under your skin.”
“There are no typical days in housekeeping,” Terry says with a laugh. Beyond cleaning, she and her team act as confidants, surrogate mums and steady sources of support for students navigating the pressures of university life.
In her early days as a bedder, Terry often went above and beyond—taking clothes home to wash, mending garments and sewing in zips. Students shared lunches with her, made bacon sandwiches and brought her chocolates as thanks.
Now leading a team of 30, Terry moves daily between Memorial Court, Castle Court and Old Court—sometimes all in the same day—making sure everyone is looked after. “I like to make sure everyone is okay. Old Mother Hen!” she jokes.
Terry recalls many humorous moments from her years at Clare, one morning, she unintentionally startled a student by saying, “I don’t normally see you with your clothes on!”—meaning, of course, “ I don’t normally see you up so early and not in your pyjamas!” She also once found a blow‑up mini in a hallway, which students had taken punting on the Cam, which they had to quickly hide from the Housekeeper.
Terry sliding down the bannisters at Castlebrae!
Terry sliding down the bannisters at Castlebrae!
Terry is especially proud of the annual transition from student accommodation to conference rooms in the summer. The Castle Court staff, she says, consistently go “above and beyond,” and the systems she has helped implement make the demanding turnaround smoother every year.
Though today’s housekeepers no longer clean shoes or light fires, the essence of the role—maintaining the buildings and providing pastoral support—remains.
Terry loves the diversity of her role and seeing students' progress through their time at Clare. She treats everyone with the same kindness and fairness. She remembers supporting a medical student who doubted her path before finals—providing tissues, tea and biscuits. The student later passed and graduated.
Working at Clare during its 700th anniversary feels especially meaningful to Terry. She took great pride in helping prepare Old Court for full student use again—scrubbing floors and walls, cleaning up after builders and tackling additional spaces without additional resources.
“This moment in time… to be part of something so big—it means everything.”
She wants every visitor to experience the same awe she feels when stepping into Old Court, The Avenue or crossing Clare bridge in the College she calls home.
From the archives...
A bedmaker, or bedder, was a servant - usually a woman - employed to clean the rooms of undergraduates. Working with an assistant known as a gyp, she was assigned to specific staircases and looked after the students living there.
College servants in 1955, taken at the opening of Thirkill Court in 1955 when Doris Barker moved to work there as a bedder (front row, 3rd from the left)
College servants in 1955, taken at the opening of Thirkill Court in 1955 when Doris Barker moved to work there as a bedder (front row, 3rd from the left)
In the 17th century, undergraduates paid bedders directly, typically 4 shillings per quarter, or 2 shillings for the less well-off sizars. A bedder could therefore earn 12 shillings per quarter for a set occupied by three students, from which she was required to pay her assistant - a practice that continued into the 20th century. Surviving student bills from this time show that the charge also included a supply of candles.
The role was often a family affair, with daughters helping their mothers and eventually succeeding them in their posts, or with husbands and wives working together as bedder and gyp. The last such husband and wife team was Stan and Doris Barker. Stan joined the College as a kitchen porter in 1935 carrying meals to undergraduate rooms. After his war service he returned to the College as a gyp. Doris started at the College in 1954 as a Bedmaker, firstly on A and B Staircases, then moving to Thirkill Court when it opened in 1955. They both retired in 1975.
IT
Ian, IT Technician
Ian, IT Technician
For more than 20 years, Ian Elliott has been a familiar face around College, helping staff, students and Fellows navigate the ever-changing world of technology. Having joined the College in 2002, Ian has witnessed enormous changes both within the institution and across the IT sector, yet his enthusiasm for problem-solving and supporting the College community remains strong.
Ian’s journey to Clare began after he was made redundant from Philips in 2001. Following almost a year of unemployment and temporary jobs—including warehouse work at Tesco—he applied for a position in Support Services at Clare. A previous summer role at Magdalene College, along with a strong reference from the Housekeeper there, helped him secure the position under Head Porter Peter Johnson.
“I needed a job,” Ian recalls. “I’d been applying for various IT positions, but when the opportunity at Clare came along, it was a chance to get my foot in the door.”
After five years in Support Services, an IT position became available in 2007. Ian successfully applied and has been part of the College’s IT team ever since.
Today, no two days are exactly the same. A significant part of Ian’s role involves user administration, creating accounts for new starters and closing them down for leavers. Behind the scenes, he is also responsible for monitoring the College’s extensive backup systems. Every server is backed up individually, using a combination of cloud and local storage solutions, and each morning begins with checking that those backups have completed successfully.
“If something has failed, it’s my job to find out why and fix it,” he says. “I’ll even log in remotely at weekends to make sure everything is running properly.”
It is this challenge that Ian enjoys most. “I like problem-solving. There’s a real sense of satisfaction when you track down an issue and get things working again.”
One of the aspects of his role he values most is the opportunity to get out and about across the College. Whether delivering inductions for new staff or responding to technical issues in different buildings, Ian enjoys the variety and the chance to meet people from across the Clare community.
Among his many memories of College life, one story from his Support Services days stands out. Before a May Ball, Ian joined the Porters in searching Old Court to ensure students were not secretly hiding, hoping to emerge later and gain access to the festivities. Students would often hide in ingenious places. On one occasion, after searching rooms and poking under beds with a broom, Ian and a colleague eventually uncovered two students concealed inside a wardrobe alcove hidden behind piles of bin bags.
“It took a second poke with the broom before they finally admitted defeat and came out,” Ian laughs.
Ian has also enjoyed some memorable encounters during his time at Clare, including meeting the renowned broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough on two separate occasions. Most recently, Sir David visited the College in September 2024, and Ian made a point of returning from holiday just in time to be there.
“To be associated with somewhere that David Attenborough is associated with makes you realise what you’re part of”.
Reflecting on the development of IT during his career, Ian is struck by the pace of change. Having worked in technology since 1984, he has seen innovations that once took years to emerge become commonplace almost overnight. While advances such as artificial intelligence present exciting opportunities, he acknowledges they can also feel daunting.
What makes Ian particularly proud is what the College’s IT team has achieved despite its size. When he joined Clare, there were just two people working in IT. Today, the team has grown to three, yet they support significantly more users, services and sites than ever before.
As Clare celebrates its 700th anniversary year, Ian feels fortunate to be part of such a significant milestone.
“It’s a monumental year for the College,” he says. “I’ve been here a long time, and to know that I’ve been part of Clare during its 700th year is something very special and something I’m proud of personally.”
Gardens
Jo Richards first joined Clare in 2021 after spending five years running her own gardening business and completing RHS horticultural qualifications. She was drawn to Clare by the opportunity to work alongside experienced college gardeners and care for some of Cambridge’s most beautiful gardens.
After a year at Clare, Jo moved to Trinity College to take up a senior gardening role. She later stepped away from horticulture briefly and returned to her earlier career in science as a laboratory manager. Although the role was rewarding, she found herself missing outdoor work and the connection with nature that gardening provided.
“I realised how much I missed gardening and being outside. It made me appreciate that this is really where I belong.”
Jo has now returned to Clare, where she leads much of the College’s propagation work, looking after the glasshouses and growing plants that will appear throughout the gardens in future seasons. She has a particular interest in sustainable horticulture, focusing on soil health, reducing chemical use and introducing more perennial planting to create resilient, lower-maintenance displays.
Among her favourite tasks is rejuvenation pruning — restoring overgrown shrubs and shaping them for the years ahead. She enjoys the long-term, visionary aspect of gardening, where changes made today may not be fully appreciated for many seasons.
Jo’s favourite area of the College is Castle Court, which she values for its naturalistic planting and abundance of native species.
Jo Richards, Gardener
Jo Richards, Gardener
What Jo values most about working at Clare is the sense of community.
“The gardening team is incredibly supportive, and everyone at Clare is so friendly. It feels like a genuinely welcoming place to work.”
Being part of Clare’s 700th anniversary year has made her return especially meaningful. Jo takes pride in helping maintain gardens that are enjoyed daily by students, staff, fellows and alumni, and sees the role of a college gardener as creating beautiful spaces that people can share and remember.
“The best part of the job is making the gardens beautiful for other people to enjoy. It’s wonderful to see them being used and appreciated during such a special year for the College.”
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