This week marks a significant anniversary with Dominique Aitcheson chalking up 20 years work at the Diocesan Office. Ginny Kitchingman (our second longest serving staff member) asked Dominique a few questions.

What was it like when you started work at the Diocese 20 years ago?

Yikes. I was 20 and was first employed as Ray Sisley’s secretary. The office was based in the house behind the Cathedral which was tiny! I remember having to go to the Cathedral to deliver something and getting lost inside. I eventually found where I was supposed to go.

Any former colleagues that you’d like to give a shout out to?

A definite shout out to missing Alec Clark's wisdom and laugh.

What is the best thing about your job?

Whilst I love what I do, I especially love working with the Diocese office family and my wider Parish contacts. The people I see/deal with make it my dream job. And the chocolate biscuits at morning tea are great too. A shout out here to Andrew’s coffee pavlova. Hint.

Lets ask a few things about you that people may not know. How many pets do you have?

2 chickens, 1 rooster (Bruce. He arrived in our back yard and now won’t leave), 2 cats (one of which again just arrived, I think Bruce put the word out it’s a sweet deal living with us) 3 dogs and 5 goldfish.

If you weren’t at the Diocese, what would be your dream job?

Working with animals or disadvantaged families.

What is your favourite children’s book?

I do like the Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. I also like to collect hardcover children’s books. A favourite in my collection are some leatherbound Winnie the Pooh books from the 1920’s. They are truly beautiful.

Dominique is certainly one of the unsung heroes in our Diocese whose quiet work behind the scenes keeps the wheels turning. Many times when us newer kids on the block have wanted to find out more about something that is lost in the murkiness of the past, Dominique can be relied on to remember something about it and set us right. Thank you Dominique for all that you have done to serve the wider Anglican church in the South.