One of our longest standing members of the Merchant Taylors’ family, Trina Copsey has been around the School for the majority of her life, beginning in 1981 in catering. Now almost 45 years later, Trina is our Accounts Manager and knows the School better than anyone. We won’t spoil the story too much, so we hope you enjoy the Staff Spotlight, of Trina Copsey.
When did you join Taylors’?
My involvement with Taylors’ goes back way further than from when I was employed here. My mum worked for the Head Master and his family, Mr and Mrs Rees, back in the 70s, so I would come to work with her before I started primary school, where I would play with their children. This was a very different time at the School. It was a boarding school, and I do remember well that there was a very cold outdoor swimming pool. There was also a pet donkey in the Headmaster’s garden!
My time as an employee began back in 1981, when I began working in the kitchens in the evenings and weekends. Merchant Taylors’ was still a boarding school then, so I would help to serve the evening meals and weekend meals to the residents of the Manor. Once I left school in 1985, I became the Secretary to the Catering Manager, working term time in the office and helping around catering, serving dinners, working in the Lun, and working around the school in different roles during the holidays, such as in the Development Campaign Office (known as Appeals then). I also assisted in the School Office (with its very antiquated switchboard system), the Bursar’s Secretary’s office, helping with admin tasks. In the early days here, we were still using typewriters and Tipp-ex! When IT was introduced, I can remember the school having one SCR dot matrix printer and laughably, I was called upon to whack it when it broke.
What most excites you about your role and what got you in to it?
I moved to the Accounts Department in 1987, where under the guidance of Ron Cornelius and Peter Hooton, I studied accountancy. I have seen systems within Accounts come and go, partly influenced by new technology constantly being introduced. I have worn many hats within Accounts, including bearing responsibility for areas such as parent billing and payroll, and I do enjoy helping the boys with the financial side of their charity fundraising, such as PHAB, Young Enterprise and Sixth Form Prom, to name a few.
Taylors’ is very important to me. I’m sure I am like a stick of rock: break me open, and Merchant Taylors’ runs through me. I am very proud of my 45 years here. I have been very happy! Friends have often asked how I have stayed so long. My answer is always the same: I have a work family and my colleagues, over the years, have become good friends.
I have now worked with five Heads, and Sam Baldock will be my sixth. I have also worked alongside four Bursars, with James Poynton being my fifth.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at Taylors’?
My two children (well, 16 year old and 23 year old!) always come first in my life, followed closely by my nieces and nephews. Family is very important to me, and I love organising get-togethers, parties and afternoon teas, although I can be a control freak. My daughter and I have taken to fitting in quick breaks when we can and have recently visited France, Italy, Holland and Scotland. I also love a spa weekend, chilling.
Much to my children’s horror, I became a governor at their school for ten years!
What did you study?
I was fortunate to study whilst I worked at Taylors’ in the early days, under the guidance of Ron Cornelius, my first Bursar. I completed my AAT many years ago, and have continued in the Accounts world ever since.
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I do like to read, when I get the chance, and recently finished the Tattooist of Auschwitz. I have an eclectic music taste but can’t help loving the 80s: U2, Whitney, Prince, Fleetwood Mac. I do love a chance to see groups/singers live, recently seeing Pink, and have my ticket for Take That this year! I love a trip to the theatre for a musical and would say my favourite would have to be Moulin Rouge. There is such great music in it!
