ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ

Each year, ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ holds a variety of staff conferences – with its annual Technicians' Conference set to take place on December 15.

The conference is a chance for the University’s diverse array of technicians to catch up and for the wider staff community to learn more about the many ways their work supports our learning, teaching and research.

Among contributors at this year’s Conference will be Fred Baker, who retired from ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams earlier this year after more than a quarter of a century of service.

In this blog to mark the occasion, ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ staff past and present look back at Fred’s work – and the ways he helped make a difference.

Head of Technical Development and Laboratory Manager Dr Victoria Talbot: “Fred joined the university in May 1999, moving down from a farm in Yorkshire to work as a technician on the pig unit. He worked there until January 2020 when he transferred to the Companion Animal House.”

Former Future Farm Director Richard Hooper: “I started a few months after Fred on the pig unit.

“We were both from commercial farm backgrounds and navigated the complexities of a farm within a University - or College as it was then - together.

“We got on very well, Fred being a true Yorkshireman spoke his mind, so you always knew where you were with him - and he was never afraid to question the status quo.

“He was very hard-working and he had a natural affinity with the students. I am sure this is a large part of why so many students are now working in the Pig Industry who would have never considered it before attending ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ.”

Victoria: “Fred has been an amazing support to many staff and students over the years and will be very much missed.

“He not only provided invaluable technical support and training over 26 wonderful years, but also – appropriately enough for Christmas - got involved in the life of the institution, writing, and starring in ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ pantomimes and playing Long John Silver and Aladdin’s genie in the lamp.”

Richard: “I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Fred and through his dedication he laid the foundations for the Pig Unit to go from strength to strength - which it continues to do today.

“Working on the pig unit was a physically demanding job, and in a bid to reduce this Fred moved to the Companion Animal House.

“Fred had spent the previous thirty years trying keep rats and mice out of the workplace - and now he was feeding and caring for them!”

Victoria: “In the Companion Animal House, Fred worked as a technician to look after the rats and mice, as well as our myriad rabbits, reptiles and guinea pigs - before stepping in as interim Companion Animal House manager in 2023 until his retirement.

“When he retired, he told us: ‘It was an adventure leaving Yorkshire to come to ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ and quite a wrench because no Yorkshireman likes to leave Yorkshire, but now I’m looking forward to the big adventure ahead and I’m going away with lots of happy memories.’”

ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan: “Fred’s last ‘meeting’ was with me - where we had a cuppa, and I presented him with one of our bespoke tiles made by a Shropshire Craftswoman which depicts Ironbridge, our main 1901 building, and our new additional home in Telford.

“Fred shared stories with me of his time at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ.

“His focus was on the people which make the community. He told me on his first day he was greeted by the then Principal, Professor Wynne Jones OBE, who addressed him by name and said he was delighted he had joined ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ.

“Fred said it felt right, therefore, that his final day was bookended with another head of institution thanking him and wishing him well into retirement.

“It is the people that make ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ - and Fred was an excellent example of what makes this place special.”

Victoria: “It’s fitting Fred’s coming back for our conference next week - as he has particularly supported the technician community.

“He was an important member of the Facility Managers’ Group and played an important part in the development of ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ’s next Technician Commitment Action Plan.

“He led a session at the inaugural Technicians’ Conference in 2023, interviewing a group of staff about their lives as technicians and encouraging everyone at the University to celebrate our wonderful technician community.

“We’re very pleased to welcome him back to speak at this year’s to share his career journey and the insight and wisdom gained over the years with us!”