Interview with Phil Clifford, Estate Manager MEPC, Wellington Place.
How long have you worked at MEPC?
3 Years.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Seeing smiling faces around the estate.
What have been your most memorable experiences at work?
Being proud to be part of the team that has created the estate to the standard that it is now.
What was your previous role?
26 years as a serving soldier, rising to the rank of Captain.
What job would you have gone into if it wasn’t property?
Due to recent experience in the world of television, some of my fellow thespians have mentioned that I am in the wrong business, maybe I should have taken up acting!
What’s the oddest thing that you have had to do in the course of a day’s work?
Being told that I had to ride a very large horse on parade in front of 1000 men. Having had no riding experience you can imagine my fear as the men were called to attention causing the horse to bolt and slam me into a flagpole. Not a good day.
If a movie was made of your life, who would you like to have playing you?
My hero, Norman Wisdom.
What was the last thing that you laughed out loud to?
Last night, it was a text message I received from a friend.
What is your most memorable experience as a child?
My elder brothers holding a party while our parents were away, all the house furniture was stacked in my bedroom and I saw sights that night that a twelve year old shouldn’t see!
What’s the most interesting place you’ve been to for a holiday and why?
Sorrento, it’s like stepping into the 50’s and the Amalfi coast is stunning.
What’s your favourite…
Tipple? Brandy
Book? Alex Ferguson’s biography
Dessert? Chocolate sponge with chocolate custard
If you were stranded on a desert island what item(s) could you not live without?
My wife.
What’s your biggest passion in life?
My allotment. I have recently taken on a 100ft x 50ft patch and am patiently waiting for the produce to appear.
Have you got a goal and what are you doing to reach it?
My goal is to win next year’s ‘Best Allotment’.
If you could support a charity, which one would it be and why?
Help 4 Heroes. Being a former member of the forces I have lost many friends over the years.
Do you recycle at home?
Yes, everything is separated and I send 0.5% to landfill.
What sort of music do you like?
I enjoy a variety of music, having two teenage daughters I am quite ‘down with the kids’.
What’s your most loved song?
My most loved song is ‘Wonderful tonight’ by Eric Clapton.
Do you play any instruments?
As a youngster I played the trombone and I am also a mean drummer!
Who’s your favourite sportsperson & why?
Football is my passion, having played it and been a manager. Manchester United is my team and Sir Bobby Charlton is my hero.
The thing that makes me feel most guilty about my carbon footprint is…Using my car too much.
The last time I lied was…. I don’t lie.
I never leave the house without…. My wallet and phone
My least favourite building is… The Yorkshire Post building in Leeds, it’s a concrete slab
My favourite building is.... Neushwanstein (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang castle in Bavaria)
If I lost everything tomorrow I would.... Keep smiling!
