The last few days of November while Angela was out at work I had a bit of housework to catch up on. Clothes washing, hoovering, airing blankets and throws and hoovering through. There is always something to do!
We had to go into my Mum’s to collect my golf clubs as I have finally sold them on Gumtree. A man from Scotland has given me a deposit, he is visiting family in Lincoln soon and will let me know when he will be coming to Oxford.
Sods law! He is coming down the day I start work so we have put them in the boot of the Smart car (only just!). He has Angela’s work address and contact details so that is all sorted.
I had to get all the above sorted because on the 5th December I begin two weeks’ work at Mansfield College.
I worked there briefly last year so when we got back to Oxford a few months ago I went to see the lady in charge asking if there were any jobs going. Luckily for me there was!
It is a beautiful college and I have been lucky enough to be given the four libraries to look after amongst other things. Mansfield College opened in 1886 and my favourite library is the main library. I have been waxing the oak tables, chairs and bookcases as well as polishing the floors and shining the brass handles with Brasso. A product I have not used since leaving the Army.
The staff there are all very pleasant and friendly, we all sit down together at breakfast in the crypt and lunch together in the old chapel. It is like being at Hogwart’s 
Below is an explanation taken from the college website;
The Main Library rests under the spreading slopes of a great pitched roof with attractive stencilled panels which are ornamented with scrolls and Latin mottoes and studded with carved bosses. The Library has the appearance of a medieval tithe barn with a gallery and reading bays below. Fitted throughout with carved oak, mythical creatures, flowers and fruit can be seen in carvings above the book shelves in the reading bays which also incorporate the original oak tables.
Working here really suits us as I work from 07:30 – 13:30 which gives me time to do some shopping on the way home. I also have time to get showered, prepare Angela’s packed lunch for the following day and have dinner ready for her return from work.
That is what teamwork is all about. Also, it is only fair as I haven’t worked since June!
Sadly, my time at Mansfield is coming to an end for this year but there may be some work in the New Year. Angela has had her contract extended until the end of January 2017 so this would work out well for us.
I finish this Friday the 16th which has worked out well as we have to move campsites the following day. We have been here in Oxford for 28 days now but we will be coming back early next year.
Today I went to see what the ground conditions are at the next campsite and to have a chat with the owner Kate. Everything is sorted and we have a few options of where to park.
We need to go and fill up our gas bottles when we leave Oxford so we will probably have a drive down to the services at Chievely where they sell LPG. It will also give the van a good run.
