Staff Spotlight: Sue Chadderton, Senior Receptionist and Administrator

Tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and how long you have worked at Gordonstoun?

I've worked at Gordonstoun for nearly four years and work on reception; meeting and greeting our visitors and managing the related administrative needs.

Before Gordonstoun, I worked in various administrative and retail roles and for 15 years, I was part of The Territorial Army. Officially, when I first joined, I was part of the Women's Royal Army Corps. But, after a number of strategic defence reviews, I took on the cap badge of The Adjutant General’s Corps and managed the pay allowances for the Territorial Army, acting as the regimental pay Sergeant when we were deployed on Annual Camp. We did various deployments; my favourite was Ascension Island - an amazing two weeks where the wildlife was just out of this world.

What do you enjoy most about working at Gordonstoun?

It's like working in a family.

What is happening in your department right now? Any new initiatives/exciting events for this year?

We have had a few new additions to our team recently, alongside a new Principal, which has been great.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I joke that my greatest achievement is the successful raising of my son! However, outside my family and work, one thing I’m glad I achieved is my HNC. Passing with an A my HNC Musical Theatre at the age of 50. I'd never done any dancing or acting previously, just singing, so it was a real challenge. The youngest person on the course was 15, while the next oldest to me was 23.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I'd like to be able to be more self-sufficient at home. That would be perfect for me. Already ‘Off-grid’ providing all power requirements etc, but I’d like to be able to provide more of my own food. Oh, and a tractor. A tractor would make me very happy!

What is something surprising about you?

I grew up in the West Midlands and while at school I developed a real love of music, being able to read music by the age of five. My grandmother passed away when I was 5, but before that she was a concert pianist, and played at the Royal Albert Hall in London. That is where my aptitude and love of music probably originated.

At school, having had a few lessons on the clarinet initially, I enjoyed picking up other instruments such as the recorder, tenor saxophone, voice and even the trombone. I was tasked with learning the basics of the trombone over one weekend, before then instructing a teacher. This was before the era of YouTube! We often used our music to raise money for the school and local charities. Music is still something that brings me joy and I am part of two local choirs but would love to do more!

What talent, real or fictional, would you most like to have?

Being more of a practical person, I just cope with what I’ve got. However, I suppose time travel would be really nice as you could go back in time to experience and speak with amazing people and see fantastic events.

Is there a quote or saying you live your life by?

Be nice. It costs nothing

What is your guilty pleasure?

I eat too many cakes and chocolates. Oh and choirs!

Thanks Sue for taking the time to chat with us!

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