How do you say it?

I’ve been the receptionist in the Altrincham studio since 1998. My role has varied over the years and my title has since changed to ‘studio administrator’ however, as one of the longest serving employees, I have plenty of stories to tell from my 25-years in the business.

Back in the day I joined the practice as the morning receptionist and job shared with Carol who worked the afternoon shift. This was well before direct phone lines and emails were even a consideration, so we had five very busy incoming telephone lines and a rather hefty phone bill. Still etched in my memory today are the abbreviations PCB (please call back), WCB (will call back) and RYC (returned your call) that Carol and I carefully noted in the telephone message book.

As receptionist I obviously acted as the gatekeeper to Peter Pozzoni prior to his retirement, via phone enquiries or people arriving in the office. Within a few weeks of joining the team I could quickly suss out those who weren’t familiar with the business, and subsequently those audacious characters who didn’t have a pre-arranged meeting when they said they did. The not-so-near attempts at pronouncing Peter’s Italian surname, and obviously the business name, was a red flag (and, to this day, always raises a smile).

“Hello, may I speak with Peter ‘Poe’zaney’…”

Or even…

‘Pez’eenay’

‘Poz’oh’nay’

‘Poss’e’nay’

‘Pan’an’ze’

Contrary to popular belief, Pots’ oh’ knee is the actual pronunciation. But I promise not to chuckle next time someone gets it slightly wrong.