Dean fulfills ambition to spend a day as a University of Cambridge porter

A retired lawyer fulfilled a long-held ambition when he spent a day as a porter of a University of Cambridge college.

Dean Allen had been intrigued by the role of the gate porter since taking his daughter, Rachael, to Jesus College during her time as an undergraduate in the late 90s.

As he approached his 70th birthday, Rachael got in touch with the Development and Alumni Relations Office at the university to ask whether it might be possible for her dad to be a porter for a day.

The office agreed to the unusual request and Dean was kitted out at the start of his shift in the traditional Jesus College porter’s uniform with crested tie, waistcoat and a bowler hat.

He assisted the porters on their rounds helping to deliver the vast quantities of post that arrive in the porters’ lodge daily and helped to deal with the array of enquiries that come their way from students, fellows, staff and visitors.

Dean, who lives in Leicester, said: “The late 90s/early 2000s saw much toing and froing to Cambridge, proudly ferrying Rachael to Jesus College. This is when I first became enamoured with Cambridge, especially Jesus College, and the many aspects of university life.

“I was aware of the varied nature of the role of college porter, but the porters’ lodge really is the beating heart of the organisation.

“It was particularly fantastic to witness the level of service provided to students and the benefit and impact that the work of a porter has.

“I’d like to thank the college and all involved for making this bucket-list wish come true. It was a splendid day and it’s also given me something else to share with Rachael – a connection with Jesus College.”

A porter’s pass gives behind-the-scenes access to some interesting locations and head porter Simon Durrant gave Dean a tour, taking in the roof where the college flag is hoisted for special occasions, as well as visiting the Old Library and the chapel, parts of which date back to the 12th century.

Simon said: “It was a pleasure to facilitate this request from Rachael, for her dad’s special birthday.

“It’s not something we would usually do, but Dean was most welcome and will now forever be an honorary member of the porters’ lodge.

“The role of a porter is incredibly varied. At its core are the students and their welfare and we feel privileged to support them in their journey.”