Motivational Monday - Di Clarke

Di Clarke - Concierge (Who's been here for 37 years!)

When did you arrive in Mayfield and where did you come from?

I arrived in Mayfield on Wednesday 15th January 1986 when I was just 19 as the salad and supper chef. I was brought up for most of my life in Stonegate, a little village near Wadhurst. I had left college just six months earlier.

Your greatest influence growing up?

My parents and grandparents were my biggest influences.

Best memory of Mayfield so far?

Best memory of Mayfield was some former students saying it was lovely to see me here several years after they had left.

Why do you think Mayfield is so special?

Everyone gets different degrees of the Mayfield effect but it envelopes you. Mayfield is a special community, and all are welcome no matter how little you feel that you contribute. If as a member of staff, you have been here two years can almost always say you will stay at least five. Several have been here considerably longer, and ten years upward is not unusual.

Advice you’d give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to have a little more courage, that you are equally as important as everyone else and not to hide in the shadows.