60 seconds with Benjamin Stevenson

16 August 2016

Benjamin is a postroom assistant at the Royal Free London.

What is your average day like?

Busy! I start at 9am and work till about 5.30pm, but ultimately it depends on the day and what we receive. We sort through the urgent mail first and separate the letters by importance. We also collect the letters from the shoot; there is usually quite a lot in there as it covers the entire building! We then need to get everything into the pigeon holes ready for collection. There is always something which needs to go out, so we have our hands full.

What is the best thing about your job?

It’s a happy environment here. I’m proud that the work I do contributes to the smooth running of the trust.

How long have you worked at the RFL?

Eighteen years I think. I used to be a porter but moved to the post room around four years ago.

How many letters would you say you have sent throughout your career?

We get about 12 boxes which contain three thousand letters a day, so you work it out!

What is the most interesting thing you have ever received in the post room?

We get a lot of samples, once we even had a few stool samples!

What skill would you most like to have?

I’d love to play the saxophone. I do sometimes have a tinkle on the piano, I like to play The Beatles, but I can’t get enough of the blues and the sax.

What was your first job?

My first job when I left college was an apprentice engineer. I worked in civil engineering and quite enjoyed it. I got to travel all around Europe, as engineering was quite a niche back then.

Where is the best place you have travelled to?

It has to be Spain, I love the sun! My favourite city is Marbella. The beaches and blue sea are amazing – that is where I want to retire!

Tell us something that only a few people know about you?

I am over 60 – but everyone may have guessed that one, although my kids still think I am 55!

If you could time travel, where would you go?

To the court of Henry the 8th – I like the political intrigue and the changes with the churches. It is really interesting, but if you’re not careful your head wouldn’t last very long!

If you had to live without chocolate or sweets, which one would you choose?

I’d sacrifice sweets because baking is my weekend activity. I like to bake all sorts of cakes for the family – I was even baking before Mary Berry!

If you could make one change to the NHS, what would it be?

I’d give it more money, which would create more jobs and opportunities.