Cliff Parker

Motorhome Valeting Team

Cliff joined Southdowns’ valeting team in April 2005. He has known company MD Michael Ayling for more than 15 years, having worked for him in the 1990s at Portfield Sports and Classic Cars as a driver and valeter.

Q What initially attracted you to Southdowns?
A I often used to go walking or cycling with Michael on a Sunday morning so I had always taken an interest in his business and felt I knew the company well already. When a vacancy came up, I was interested straight away, especially as I’d worked for Michael in a similar role before. I’ve always had a fascination for cars and I enjoy driving. Now, as I drive more of them, I’m developing an interest in motorhomes.

Q What does your job involve?
A My average working day involves maintaining the vehicles that are in stock – keeping them clean and tidy so that customers can see them at their best. If a vehicle has been sold, I make sure it is ready for collection by giving it a full valet inside and out. Because Southdowns is a small company there are times when we all have to help other people out- especially when a lot of vehicles are being handed over to customers. That makes the job more interesting because you never know exactly what you’ll be doing that day.

Q What do you enjoy most about your job?
A I like the fact that we are a small business and there is a good atmosphere at work – we all pull together to get the job done.

Q Have you ever spent the night in a motorhome?
A No, but I’d like to. I enjoyed camping with the Boys Brigade when I was young although once I woke up to find that I had been half dragged out of the tent so my legs were soaking wet where it had rained in the night. At least a motorhome would be dry!

Q If you could take a motorhome anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A Cornwall – I love the north west coast, it is rugged and really beautiful.

Q If you could fulfill one ambition in life, what would it be?
A I drove all the exotic cars I could wish for when I worked at Portfield, so my ambition now would be to have enough money to buy anything I wanted and not worry how I would pay for it!

Q Finally, tell us one interesting fact about yourself.
A I’m a terrible practical joker – trick phone calls are my speciality.

Cliff – also known as Albert Sebastian Wicked, although no one seems to know why – lives in Fishbourne with his wife Jeth. Wicked was interviewed in August 2005.

See Also: Staff / Recruitment
See All Staff | Recruitment

See Also:
About Us | Southdowns News | Contact Us