Welcome to the third instalment of our Meet the Team blog series, where we introduce you to the friendly faces behind the scenes at Ludlow Castle. This time we chat to Customer Services Assistant, Sandra.
With over a decade of experience here, Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge, helping visitors make the most of their visit even on the busiest of days.
What brought you to work at Ludlow Castle, and how long have you been part of the team?
I’ve been part of the team for 12 years now. Before joining Ludlow Castle, I worked in offices, both at Inland Revenue and for the Council – but I was looking for something completely and utterly different. This role offered exactly that!
What’s your favourite area of the castle? Are there any must-see spots or viewpoints you’d recommend to visitors?
Definitely the Round Chapel – it’s a really beautiful part of the castle, especially when it’s laid out for a wedding. And of course, climbing the tower on a clear day is a must. The view from the top is absolutely stunning.
What’s it like here on a busy day, and what kind of tasks might you be doing?
It can get pretty frantic on busy days, especially during the school holidays. We’re constantly on our feet – restocking shelves in the Gift Shop, helping customers, and answering all sorts of questions. Some of them leave us a bit bemused, but we always do our very best!
Are there any behind-the-scenes parts of your role that visitors might not realise you’re involved in?
To be honest, I think we’re on view pretty much all the time. Whether we’re in the shop or the ticket office, most of what we do is visible to visitors.
If you could step back in time to any period in the castle’s history, which would you choose, and why?
I think I’d choose the time when Catherine of Aragon was here. Recently we had Past Times Living History performers here including Henry VIII and a ‘Blind Date’ show, which was a lot of fun and really brings the history to life. But – it must have been such a different world for Catherine, especially for someone young arriving at the castle for the first time. It certainly would have been incredibly cold!
What do you find most rewarding about your job at the castle?
One of the most rewarding moments is when people peek through the gate and think, “Oh, it doesn’t look very big,” but then decide to come in. When they leave through the shop, so many of them say how beautiful and impressive it was – that they had no idea how large or special it would be. Hearing how much they enjoyed it really makes your day.