Staff Spotlight

Clare is fortunate to have incredibly dedicated staff who ensure the smooth-running of all aspects of College life. Several members of staff have been at Clare for over a decade.

Clare News spoke to some of them, to get a glimpse of a typical day at Clare and to hear some favourite memories of the College.

Allison Lewis

Allison Lewis 28 years

Job Title: Allison previously worked in the IT Department for 25 years. She has been a Relief Porter since 2022

A day in the life at Clare: Typical days in IT changed over the years. When I started here, they were just cabling up the rooms in Ashby Court as they were being refurbished. We were one of the first Colleges to have Ethernet in every room! Later on it was a bit more hectic but I really enjoyed the hands-on side of the job, installing the switches, expanding the network and getting Wi-Fi.

Favourite memory from Clare: I am really enjoying my role in the Porters’ Lodges now, as I get to see everyone, catch up and chat – all as part of the job! You really never know what is going to happen next.

Fun fact: Outside of work, since retiring, I have been going to festivals as a Steward for Oxfam – I am doing 4 this year, so I have a pretty busy summer ahead!

Ian Elliot

Ian Elliot 23 years

Job Title: IT Technician

A day in the life at Clare: I provide IT support to all staff, Fellows and students, which can take me anywhere across all the various sites/properties. You literally don’t know what is going to happen from one day to the next.

Favourite memory from Clare: Too many from the last 23 years to have a favourite but I love the College each spring when The Avenue is a riot of colour.

Fun fact: Those who know me are aware of my love for sport, especially football, although my team (Cambridge United) test that love frequently. I also like collecting football memorabilia.

Julie Hope

Julie Hope 21 years

Job Title: Deputy Librarian, Forbes Mellon Library, and prior to that various roles at the University Library

A day in the life at Clare: Always being a friendly face within the Forbes Mellon Library and always here to help.

Favourite memory from Clare: My favourite memories are always graduation days and feeling proud that I have been part of the students’ time at Clare.

Fun fact: In my spare time I have been known to have the odd chilly swim in the North Sea!

Tommy Barham

Tommy Barham 11 years

Job Title: Senior Plumber

A day in the life at Clare: A typical day would usually consist of a quick cup of tea whilst catching up on emails and having a look at the ticket request system. From there you try to organise the day but knowing full well that it could flip on its head with an emergency phone call. We could be at any of the sites all day long, and despite trying to look like we aren’t doing much we are kept on our toes by the jobs that arise. It can be a bit of a juggling act, trying to prioritise multiple plumbing issues but I’d like to think we get most of it done without causing too much bother to staff and students.

Favourite memory from Clare: Working with the maintenance boys, I enjoy having a laugh and a joke whilst working on projects during the out of term times. However, one day I’ll never forget was when David Attenborough came to visit, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to spend time with the great man.

Fun fact: I met my wife whilst we were both working at Clare and now we are expecting our first child.