Dad's bucket list idea to become university porter

Mr Allen was kitted out at the start of his shift in the traditional Jesus College porter’s uniform with crested tie, waistcoat and a bowler hat

A retired local government officer has fulfilled a long-held ambition by spending the as day as a college porter at a historic university.

Dean Allen developed an intrigue for the role of gate porter in 1999 when his daughter, Rachael, became a undergraduate at Cambridge University.

Mr Allen, from Leicester, had watched dramas Porterhouse Blue, Cambridge Spies and toured the colleges, but his curiosity blossomed when driving to and from Jesus College.

Special exceptions, made for Mr Allen's 70th birthday, brought his "bucket list idea" into fruition as he joined "the beating heart of the organisation".

Mr Allen said he first became enamoured with Cambridge, especially Jesus College, and the many aspects of university life, in the late 90s and early 2000s when proudly ferrying his daughter Rachael to Jesus College

During his special day Mr Allen assisted porters on their rounds helping to deliver post from the porters’ lodge and dealt with enquiries from students, Fellows, staff, visitors.

A porter’s pass gave him access to interesting locations and a behind-the-scenes tour, taking in the roof where the college flag is hoisted for special occasions, as well as visiting the Old Library, and the chapel with parts dating back to the 12th century.

“I was aware of the varied nature of the role of college porter, but the porters’ lodge really is the beating heart of the organisation," Mr Allen said.

"One of the porters took me around places that I probably wouldn't have ever seen before so I've got some amazing memories of a super day.

"It has given me something else to share with Rachael – a connection with Jesus College."

Mr Allen said being a porter had been ticked off his bucket list, but another trip to Cambridge was needed so he could try punting on the River Cam

Head porter, Simon Durrant, said while it was not something the College would usually do, it had been a "pleasure" to facilitate Rachael's request for her dad’s special birthday.

"Dean was most welcome and will now forever be an honorary member of the porters’ lodge," he said.

"The role of a porter is incredibly varied. At its core are the students and their welfare and we feel privileged to support them in their journey."