Allan Flavell, Kitchen Admin Manager
What’s the best thing about working at Trinity Hall?
The people, obviously, and being part of Trinity Hall’s traditions and history. Twenty years in the forces makes you realise how important traditions are.
What’s the funniest thing that happened at College?
It’s a choice between two, both involving one of our Chef de Parties. First was when we had a blackbird fly into the kitchen and straight into the pastry section where the Chef de Parties, being a big strapping lad, ran screaming and flapping more than the bird. The second was when he climbed into a large cardboard box intending to jump out and surprise a young, junior staff member, only to jump out and be confronted by the Head Chef. You had to be there, but it was very funny.
What’s your favourite meal?
That’s a tricky one. It’s a toss-up between the lasagne and the pork with mustard sauce.
How has the work changed over the years?
Work and the food provided is unrecognisable compared with when I started. With the food it’s not only the quality that has improved but also the variety and, in the case of dinners, the way it’s served. With the office work I was the first one in the office to get a PC when I arrived and now everything is done on the PC. One of the sad things that’s happened is emails have taken over from the face-to-face interaction between office staff in many cases. Sometimes it’s easier to just chat face-to-face.
Who has the most famous person you’ve helped serve food to?
The most famous person we’ve served has to be the Queen when she came here as part of the College’s 650th anniversary.