Christine Wharton, Cares

"I really enjoy working behind the deli counter as I get to meet and chat with a wide range of staff and students."

I started working at our University around 10 years ago after a flyer advertising for cleaners dropped through my letterbox. Having just decided to close my own business and having previously worked in an office I wanted to try something different. Living so close to Headingley Campus, myself and my friend Paula Houston who now works on Carnegie sports reception, decided to apply.

Our University is such a nice and friendly place to work, all just a short ten-minute walk from my home which is lucky as I start at 6am each morning cleaning the Metceno area of Headingley Campus for three hours before starting another five-hour shift as a Food Service Operative.  I really enjoy working behind the deli counter as I get to meet and chat with a wide range of staff and students who pass by my counter. I’ve managed to build up quite a rapport with some of them and can predict their sandwich orders when I see them approaching. Obviously during busy times there’s no time to chat but it’s still always nice to say hello to my regulars.

I’ve also really enjoyed working at corporate events such as graduation, celebratory dinners and conferences, which are always good fun. I’ve especially enjoyed when I’ve helped out with gowning the academics during graduations, seeing some familiar faces in a different setting.

When I was made redundant from a printer and suppliers I decided to start my own business making dolls and children’s clothing on stalls in Granary Wharf and the Corn Exchange, which was successful until the changes to shop opening hours on a Sunday pretty much killed off my customer base, which is when I came here. I do still keep my hand in making the occasional doll to order and everyone comes to me first at work if they need a sewing job done. In fact, I’ve even upholstered some of the sofas that used to be in Metceno.