From Junior Clerk to MBE, it's been quite a journey for our own Linda Jones

Linda Jones

As the memories of long-standing staff member Linda Jones reveal, life behind the scenes in the Department of Physics is anything but boring.

Linda joined Imperial in 1968, working in the Department of Physics as a Junior Clerk supporting the undergraduate teaching office. When she retired in January, Linda was working in Physics Operations Management, providing staff and students with administrative support; something she describes as ‘a happy challenge’.

After such a long period of service, Linda has an unrivalled stock of stories about life in the Department, so we asked her colleagues what questions they would most like to ask her.

Now see how many of your own memories Linda’s answers bring to mind…

Q What was your best day at Imperial - and the most challenging?

"The best was probably receiving the AIC award at the Albert Hall and meeting up with the class of 1974 at their 40th reunion - both memorable and evocative. Couldn't be bettered. The most challenging was being taken down the staircase in a fireman's lift to escape the building during a fire alarm. Quickly followed by a trip around the campus on a motorcycle - both experiences were more than hair-raising."

Q Can you describe the best cake you were given at College?

"I had an incredible cake made by Alice Powell's daughter in the shape of a Gordon's gin bottle. Superb! Those who know me will understand why…"

Q What are your fondest memories of events and parties? 

"So many! On one occasion I saw final year undergraduates having races on the 8^th floor parapet. They passed each other very carefully… Also, many gigs were organised in the late 60s and early 70s - notably a gig MC'd by John Peel. Bonzo Dog Do Dah band, Yardbirds, Queen of course…"

Q Did anyone keep anything odd in their lab?

"One technician kept wild birds in his lab. He was told by the academic in charge to get rid of them. He didn't of course and the naughty bird caught sight of the sun glinting on the academic's bald patch and promptly took flight and landed neatly on it."

Q Have any staff or students stayed in your mind for the wrong reasons? 

"One research officer had an unhappy predilection of setting himself alight or setting off fire alarms whilst recharging his car battery. He was made Department Safety Officer."

Q What made you apply for a job at Imperial – and what motivated you to stay?

"I got the initial job with 5 O-levels and a typing certificate. In those days, most admin staff were from secretarial colleges - very posh! I came from the local Fulham comprehensive with very few skills and I stayed because of an academic - Dr H J Pain - who recognised my potential, told me to move forward and not look back. He became my mentor and remained so until his death last month."

Q What differences have you seen in the style of the various Heads of Department?

"All were different but all contributed hugely to make the Department uniquely successful. The Department is large but wonderfully collegiate - and remains so. I am very proud to have been a part of it."