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Christ Church College:
Head
Custodian Tour |
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On a bright February morning, Christ Church was bathed in brilliant sunshine, looking magnificently manicured. As the ever ebullient Head Custodian, Tony Fox, made his way from Tom Tower, across the resplendent Quod at Christ Church, the tourists were out in full force, turning their attention towards the bowler - hatted Custodian as if he was a film star.
Tony Fox doesn’t lap it up, well he might do just a little bit secretly, but he is the consummate professional, taking the attention in his stride. The more he ignores the flashing cameras, the more they want – maybe that’s a trick he’s learnt!
Approaching his tenth year of service at Christ Church, almost six of them as Head Custodian, Tony is quite clearly at one in his role, but explains that he has helped boost the College’s tourist trade. “I had a great teacher when I came is as a Custodian. He taught me everything I know now about the history of Christ Church, and when you are talking about an institution which has been here since the seven hundred’s, then that’s a lot of history!
“When I arrived, we weren’t making the most of the network of businesses in Oxford. Now, I make sure the local hotel concierges, other attractions, even the other college custodians, all know me and we work together. I even attend Trade Fairs” Asked if Christ Church is the most popular college, Tony isn’t backwards in coming forwards. “I know we are the number one attraction. Most of the tourists will have us on their to do list as the history of Christ Church is difficult to overlook when coming to Oxford. It’s a must.”
Tony isn’t being arrogant. He has a charming and endearing straight way of talking which is so adored by the tourists. You know where you are with Tony, that’s for sure, and when he respectfully requested an errant tourist to get off the grass, it didn’t matter whether the tourist understood English….he practically leapt off!
Tony’s hard work has helped swell the annual turnover from less than 125,000 to well over 250,000 visitors per annum, a record which he is extremely proud of. With his team of twenty custodians, he and his colleagues are the heart and soul of Christ Church, who maintain order in a dignified and controlled manner – although I am sure the odd tourist has experienced their wrath on more than one occasion!
The web sites and brochures can tell you all you need to know about the history of this beautiful College, but ninety minutes in the company of a Head Custodian who has been drenched in the tradition and history of the College for nearly ten years, will tell you more than any web site or brochure could ever start to.
Christ Church is open to visitors, subject to restrictions, but a private tour is a guaranteed opportunity to find out more about the inner workings and secrets of a slice of Oxford where time is always five minutes ahead of itself!
Contact Tony at the e-mail below for your very own private tour of one of the world’s most fascinating attractions.
With many thanks to Head Custodian, Tony Fox, for a fascinating insight to an incredible College.
Reviewed by Richard Rosser. |
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