When Sara remembers how learnt the ins and outs of service with her former boss she speaks fondly of his support. Dinner service and tending to the silver were a joy for Sara. But, with not much liking for wine, the cellar invoices presented a challenge. “Even after the former Butler had left, I used to phone him if I ever got stuck,” Sara remarks, and luckily, he was always willing to assist.
Sara’s meticulous eye for detail means she can take one glance at a table and spot minute mistakes. If a glass is out of line in the Senior Combination Room, or a dessert spoon facing incorrectly, she’s there: ready to ask the team what is wrong. “The small things make a big difference. You must do a mental check to make sure you’ve got everything: it has to look professional.” Beware if you’re serving Sara in a restaurant: she expects the service that she gives.
Most importantly, she emphasises that she has a duty of care to the Fellows. “It’s what I’m here for” she says. “You’ve got to get to know each one as an individual and I see myself as a sort of mother-figure to them.” The Fellows’ gratitude is the only thanks Sara asks for, and she makes note to pass this appreciation onto her team.
At dinners, formal gatherings, or everyday service her aim is to be unobtrusive, observing only what is needed to deliver the highest service to guests. If you do ask her about her favourite College stories, Sara will recount the notable people she has had the pleasure of serving. Sara has served lunch to Princess Margaret, been in hysterics with Desmond Tutu and met Rachel Weisz (an alumna of the College). Her favourite memory will forever be of her greeting Queen Elizabeth II during the opening of the Graham Storey Room (pictured). Sara has also been recognised on screen by ITV and on paper in the publication of ‘The First Women’, Trinity Hall’s recognition of the first 40 years of women at the College.
The role has not come without challenges, from a gruelling shift pattern, to dealing with the odd issue of silver “gone missing” and navigating a global pandemic. “This is a very antisocial job,” she said. “If you’re committed to doing it to the best of your ability, you need the time to do it.” She accredits her resilience to her strong relationship with her husband Stephen as she spends more time in the office and supervising than she spends at home. Being able to spend more time with her family and enjoying her hobbies is something she is looking forward to. Although, it’s not too long before she intends to return to some form of part-time work. It’s in her DNA, she says.
Whilst Sara would never say her gender was something she considered to be of note, being the first female Butler in a predominantly male position did not go un-noticed at times. “People are surprised when I say I’m a Butler.” However, she has never looked at it as anything more than she wanted the job and she got it. “I didn’t care who had done it before me.”
It is very clear that Sara has created a family amongst not only her team but the wider College community. “This team is the best team I’ve worked with,” she states. They have always supported each other both inside and outside of the job. She notes that Fellows and colleagues have been known to point out if she’s putting work ahead of her health. “There have been times where I’ve said I haven’t got time for an angina attack, I’m doing dinner.”
Sara’s love for Trinity Hall is evident: she will miss the beauty of the grounds, the camaraderie, and the joy of being with her team. She will be equally as missed as a cornerstone of the Trinity Hall community. “I am going out on a high whilst I still love the job and, as hard as it’s been, I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It’s the job I wanted and I got it. How many people can say that?”
