Honest, caring, trustworthy, generous

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More information about this house sitter

Mark (aged 55). Honest, trustworthy, kind and generous.

Hello everyone, my name is Mark Trafford and welcome to my profile.

I hope you like it and deem me suitable to look after your property and/or pets. I'm a non smoker and have my own car and am a B&B/Guest house relief manager.

I've reached the stage in my life where I have a lot of time on my hands and not having any dependent children or pets I am available to look after your property any time of the year.

I keep a very tidy and clean house. Being a single parent until only a few years ago I have had to. I'm also fond of all animals as I grew up with cats, dogs, gerbils and fish.

I do not charge to house/pet sit although I do charge to manage B&B/Guest houses (B&B Minder is my company name but this site doesn't allow me to put my website address)


I have also worked full time behind a bar, set up conference rooms in a hotel, worked in a kitchen and a cafe and ran my own venue dressing company for eight years so I think it's fair to say that I know my way around the hostelry industry.

I like travelling and meeting new people so house sitting is the ideal way to accomplish this.

I’m a very easy going person with a good sense of humour and like to see the lighter side of life generally speaking and I’m also empathic too. I do possess a strong sense of responsibility with a very caring and compassionate side to me too.

My mother had a long spell of illness many years ago so I moved her into my house to look after her for 18 months. Not an easy task looking after someone who's had a nervous breakdown and I'm happy to say she's in fine fettle today.

Charges for house/pet sitting…....No
Previous house/pet sitting experience……….family and friends
Animal care experience……..dogs, cats, fish, gerbils
Police check……..Number 200000009571919.
Pet sitting insurance certificate (provided)
Food hygiene level 2 certificate (provided)
Available to house sit when?.........Any time of year
Available to house sit where?..........UK and Europe

Photos from top to bottom;
My daughter, Natalie and me.
My mother, Natalie, her fiancé and me.
My mother and me.
Buddy and me.



Career

I began work in 1980 as an apprentice film make-up compositor in the printing industry working on technical and mathematical books. I continued to work in all aspects of printing, particularly pre-press areas where I ended my career as a colour separation artist at one of the national tabloids at the Daily Express building in Manchester.

After gaining an NVQ in computer programming I worked for IBM as an IT helpdesk analyst but didn’t really take to it so decided to start my own courier business in 2003 because I like driving and travelling. It wasn’t long before I was subcontracting work to drivers all over the country to help me deliver items of all shapes and sizes for my customers from various parts of the UK

Several years ago I gained an NVQ Level 1 in Counseling Skills. This was a wonderful course and presented me with the necessary qualifications to facilitate a support group attended by anxiety sufferers. I also took it upon myself to organise weekends away all over the country for these people and others who were too far away to make it to the group.



Places I’ve visited

Virtually all areas of the UK. Ireland, particularly the west coast, i.e. Kerry and Cork. My mother used to live near Killarney so I’d spend many weeks each year holidaying there and helping her with odd jobs, DIY and gardening.

Spain, Greece, France,Belgium, Germany, Holland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal.





Recreation

Most of my spare time is spent with my family particularly my daughter and mother. We also go on family holidays both in the UK and abroad.

I like to play golf once a week, weather permitting and watch football. Table tennis and badminton are amongst my favourite participation sports too.
I used to run the Manchester 10k for various charities until injury finally stopped me. I'm glad to say that the injury doesn't reoccur unless I run long distances so I've decided to keep fit by watching sport on TV!!!

When it comes to music I go to motown and northern soul nights and also alternative 80s too locally. There aren’t many genres I don’t like when I think about it!




REFERENCES


Gia Grindrod
This is my first experience of having a dog and home sitter and was the best thing I could have done for my precious dog Flossie and myself, for a stress free, long awaited break.
Due to her life before me, Floss worries terribly about being left but is a very easy, friendly,happy and obedient dog. I wanted her to have the best week and have a holiday equal to mine and she certainly did that. I think she hit the jack pot!
After reading the first account of Mark and Flossy's first fun and relaxed day together, I felt so at ease and relaxed.
I chose Mark as he displayed upfront character references. Which all portrayed him to be very reliable, punctual ,friendly meticulous, conciencious and a very honest, gentle family guy. Despite being very busy, Mark came the month before my holiday to meet Floss and get his bearings as this was his first house sit.
I cleaned my house and garden well, so that it would be decent for him to stay in, in respect of his time and predicted great service. This allowed him a break and to spend the time with Floss.
Mark was very calm natured and happy to cope with any foibles with Floss or my house as is newly renovated.
He came in plenty of time to go over things, such as the local area walks, Flossy's medications, food and routine as well as things regarding the house again.
We kept int touch every day and it was so lovely to see the effort he went to, to make the week a success for him self, the dog and for me to relax while I was away.
I'd go as far as to say, that I laughed at every text-his humour is great!
Mark fitted well in to my surrounds, rubbed along with my neighbours and worked out a solution to anything that did arise.
I could see from pictures that Floss was having by far the better holiday, whilst keeping her routine as much as possible .
My house was left just as he found it with a lovely note filling me in on everything for my home coming.
The neighbours sang his praises and I almost felt guilty for coming back after a week.
Mark gave Floss, gentle time, fun understanding and a quality week.
I'd be really upset if I can't manage to book Mark again as I had the perfect house sitter and person to look after my home and my most prize possession Floss.

Gia Grindrod
Arnside



Kim Black
I was lucky enough to have Mark house and dog sit for me this May. My dog is very shy and quirky but he immediately put her at ease and kept me informed of how she was doing with nice newsy messages and sent me lovely photos. It was quite clear to me that she was calm and happy and that Mark formed a lovely bond with her. He took really good care of my house and left it clean, neat and tidy. I found Mark to be friendly, funny and very considerate. He was very reliable and respectful. I would be delighted if I could have him stay every time I go away. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Please feel free to email me if you would like any more details.
Kim Black, Blandford Forum




Elizabeth
To Whom it May Concern,
I have known Mark Trafford for several years and have always found him to be a conscientious and caring person. He is personable, genuine and trustworthy with a generous nature. He is also very friendly with an excellent sense of humour. He has run his own business for many years and therefore has experience and skills in logistics and organisation.

Mark loves animals and has had his own pets in the past. He is also a very family orientated person who cares deeply for his family and friends.

I would have no hesitation in asking him to house sit for me and i recently had cause to ask him to care for my cat, Blue.

For any other information please do not hesitate to contact me via email or by landline

Elizabeth Cunningham (RNLD)



From: Natalie Trafford
My dad (Mark Trafford) is a lovely, responsible, reliable and trustworthy person.

He always puts himself out to help others particularly his mother and myself who would be lost without him.

He is a bit of a perfectionist and neat freak and always likes a tidy home.

He has always loved animals particularly cats and dogs and they tend to warm to him very quickly and trust him.


When it comes to looking after his own home he is very cautious and always puts his alarm on at night and full locks on the door despite living in a very safe area. He takes no chances.

His property is in pristine condition and he keeps it looking in top shape. He takes much pride in his home comforts and surroundings.


I have no hesitation in recommending my dad to house sit anyone’s property. I know he would look after it like his own and any animal would feel safe and at ease in his company.



Jayne Dawson
I was introduced to Mark by a friend about 7 years ago and we have been good friends ever since.

He is totally trustworthy, honest, polite and friendly with a good sense of humour.


Mark has house sit for myself and my dog a number of times when I have been travelling on business.

My dog at the time absolutely loved him, I think she was rather disappointed when I returned & Mark left.


I have recently acquired 2 puppies who will be having the pleasure of his company very soon

It’s reassuring to know that if I have to go away even at the drop of a hat I can always rely on Mark.

Thank you

Jayne Dawson



Tracy Parrott
We have known Mark for the last five years and have come to trust and depend on him to look after our house and dogs when needed.


We travel abroad regularly and have no hesitation in leaving both the house and our three dogs in his capable hands.


The two spaniels really enjoy the long walks in Lyme Park that Mark takes them on and our new dachshund puppy absolutely adores him


It's so nice to come home to happy dogs and a well looked after home.


We have no hesitation in recommending.


Tracy Parrott



Re: Mark Trafford
To whom it may concern:


I have had the pleasure of knowing Mark for over 30 years. During the years of our acquaintance, I have known Mark in many capacities. Initially as a friend and then as my Brother in Law and whilst he is now my ex Brother in Law I still count him as a very close and trusted friend. In that time, Mark has gone above and beyond whenever I have ever needed him.


In the thirty years I’ve known him, Mark has demonstrated great maturity and someone who I trust implicitly. Mark has an amazing sense of responsibility and morality. He has a lovely daughter who is a credit to him, whom he has brought up by himself.


I would be very comfortable in trusting Mark to look after mine or anyone else’s house if I was away from home, and as he has such a love of animals, would be happy knowing my pets would be very well looked after in this period.


Mark is an intelligent, capable, dedicated, and an incredibly personable man. He is always quick on his feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I've seen him in. I feel confident in saying that he is capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness and maturity and am very happy to provide this reference for him.


Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.


Kind Regards,


Liz Mellor




I have been good friends with Mark for more than 16 years and would happily trust him to look after my house. He is very kind and thoughtful and when he takes on a responsibility takes it seriously. He ran a courier business for many years where deadlines mattered and he always made sure his targets were met (including crucial medical deliveries).


I have regularly stayed at his house which he keeps in very good order and we have been on several holidays together where Mark always takes on more than his fair share of the organising and arrangements which he is excellent at doing. With both his self-employed work life and his interests he has had to be very organised and disciplined to make sure things are done in good time. I know Mark is fond of animals and has looked after them for a couple of friends when they have been away on holiday.


I would have no problem in recommending him to look after anyone’s house and/or pets.


Kind regards,


Elizabeth Woodward





To whom it may concern
I have known Mark Trafford for the last 16 years as a friend, initially as a support through support group networks around the country with which he took a leading role in facilitating and coordination. Mark continues to support such groups and remains an active participant.

I would recommend Mark for any position where one of trust and integrity is paramount. Over the years I have known Mark he has become a reliable trusted friend who can always be counted upon with his altruistic nature in helping others always at the fore.

Mark is a hard working individual and can be trusted to always give 100% in whatever he does, often going above and beyond.

Mark is an extremely caring and compassionate person and any role that requires these qualities will see Mark at his best.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark for any position of trust and a need for reliability.

Yours faithfully


Julie Andrews




Reference for Mark Trafford:
Re: House Sitting
I went to primary school with Mark and have known him for nearly 50 years. He is an honest, reliable and trustworthy person. He has an ability to get on with people and is one of the most genuine friends I am pleased to know. He has a great sense of humour which makes him good to be around.


He loves animals, and they seem to like him too. He has a an excellent track record in business and believes in customer service. His responsibility to customers is second to none.


He has a great circle of friends, and is close to his family. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark to house-sit or look after and care for pets to the highest standards and in the most responsible way.


Yours sincerely


Maryam Herin


NB - I have a file I can send separately which lists all the referees' contact details on request Read more...