As the weather gets warmer we all want to have some easier times at work. And I am glad that my employers think the same. In the last month I have attended two staff barbecues, both very different in scale and activities.
The first one was the Vice Chancellor’s leaving party, where all members of staff were invited. It was well organised with performances, nice food and we could even try our skills in archery. I got to enjoy it from both perspectives, as a student and as a staff member. Why as a student? Well, I am a part of cheerleading society and we were asked to perform, so I had to be with my team. It was a bit weird to perform in front of all my colleagues in a short dress but it turned out okay. The rest of the time I spent with my colleagues from School of Management having a bit of chat and enjoying the food.
Vice Chancellor cutting a cake and my cheerleader team
Trying my hand in archery
It was a shame that the weather was not that good and it all happened inside but I think it was still thought through and I think every company needs to have that kind of gathering from time to time.
The other staff barbecue was in the School of Management, small and friendly gathering. It took place just outside the Heaton Mount (a guest house and a conference building next to School of Management. It was a sunny Friday afternoon, just perfect time for a barbecue. The food was delicious as you would expect and I couldn’t get enough of it. The Dean even did a quiz and the winner’s got vouchers from Amazon. Unfortunately, our table didn’t win; obviously we are not familiar enough with celebrities.
IT team
Ladies table
Desert time
Thanks to these guys for the nice food
When the food was gone and the wine bottles empty, everyone went back to work except our table. The Dean came over and we chatted for a bit and then when he was gone, we still sat for an hour or so. You ask who are we? Well, me and some ladies from the careers office. Yes, we just thought that we had earned a bit of rest.