Grey Matters

THE GREY COLLEGE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE ‘GREY MATTERS’ - FEBRUARY 2017 - ISSUE 12

The future of Durham’s alumni associations

The Grey Association has been connecting alumni together since the 1950s. But are Durham’s alumni associations delivering? In our ever-changing world, are they able to keep up? Our secretary discusses what the future might look like. - Pages 4-6 2 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 3

Features News Reports Events

46 42 04 36 34 WHAT CONNECTS SYD THE SAD PASSING OF RABBI A NOTE FROM THE REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: THE ASSOCIATION AGM HOLGATE AND THE M1? LIONEL BLUE ASSOCIATION SECRETARY ROCKY BEGINNINGS FOR STUDENT MARIAMA DRYAK 54 48 10 22 RECONNECT AT THE Contents 52 DONATE TO THE GREY WEDDING BELLS: CAMPAIGNING FOR LONDON REUNION COLLEGE TRUST STEFF AND BECKY CLINTON: STUDENTS ON AN UPDATE ON THE GREY THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL ANGELS SERVICE 26 41 28 18 THE ‘THREE MUSKETEERS OF NEW ADDITION: GREY COLLEGE’ SAM AND EMILY THE MASTER’S ‘VIEW FROM LUCY MOORE DETECTS THE BRIDGE’: TOM ALLEN SUCCESS WITH HER FINAL Books REFLECTS ON 2016 YEAR PROJECT 35 COULD YOU BE THE NEXT 16 08 24 ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT? NEWS AND UPDATES FROM NEWS AND UPDATES FROM MEET THE THE JUNIOR COMMON ROOM THE SENIOR COMMON ROOM ORNOTHOLOGICAL INDIANA JONES: ALUMNUS BILL HALE CHARMS WITH HIS LATEST WORK

GREY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2017 10 30 48

CAMPAIGNING WEDDING FOR CLINTON AGM ‘17 BELLS

Students Jack Hodges Find out how to book Steffan and Becky and Liam Gill join the your place now! share photos from election campaign their special day 2 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 3

Vacant President Contact us

[email protected]

our website greyassociation.co.uk S ecr etary & email us [email protected] Steve Gregory Vice President (Membership) linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2130069

[email protected] FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/GreyAssociation/

twitter @GreyAssociation

Andy Sparrow Vice President (careers)

[email protected] Share your news Richard Hilton Vice President (Website Editor) The Executive

[email protected]

Charlie Jewkes Treasurer

[email protected]

Caz Brett Vice President (grey matters)

[email protected] Grey Matters is your magazine, and we want to hear your news! If you have any special memories you’d like to share, any pictures, or any other news (births, marriages, retirements, passings) then please contact the Association Secretary. Dave Baldwin Vice President (London & south east) All contributions to: [email protected] [email protected] 4 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 5

AGM CONTACT THE SECRETARY Find out what’s happening - page 30 Email [email protected]

Steve Gregory Secretary’s Note representatives of the independent At this year’s AGM, on April 1st, we colleges’ alumni associations, shall have to consider how best to to discuss the role of such ensure the relevance of Association communities and their relevance in membership to current students. It WHAT A CHALLENGE this past year that may impact this; a new Pro-Vice the twenty-first century. I would be was a cause of some considerable has been; across the globe there Chancellor has been appointed to particularly grateful to have your concern when we discovered that has been turmoil and unknown oversee this side of the University’s thoughts on this matter since this is, 27% of the 2016/2017 intake had territory with the Brexit decision plans, in a reassuring step that to my knowledge, the first time that opted out of paying Association and the election of President Trump seems to confirm the value still such a meeting will have taken place membership fees, and therefore as leader of the Free World. Closer assigned to our Colleges by the in at least 12 years. opting out of membership. The JCR to home, the Grey Association has powers that be. The Master’s President has offered to help us had its own challenges – not least report, also in this issue, delves Those of you who attended the to understand why the number of that we’ve been without a President into this a little more. AGM in April 2016 may recall that individuals opting out has suddenly since Tom Cliff stood down from the Interestingly, the University have there was a serious discussion increased from a handful in each of post in April 2016 after 6 years. made the decision to close the about the role of current students the last few years, to a significant Tom did a tremendous job in Stockton campus in the next couple in the affairs of Grey Association. minority. following Henry Dyson and bringing of years, with plans to move John All first-year students are asked to the Association together; his Snow and Stephenson colleges to pay life membership fees, currently But things are not all doom and presence has been greatly missed. Durham City and relocating the at £55, during their first weeks in gloom; Grey continues to flourish The remaining Exec members have academic facilities. This, along with college. Previously, students were with new projects like the launch been working hard to keep things the announcement that significant prevented from attending the AGM of the College’s own crowdfunding going, and we are incredibly grateful increases in student numbers or running for elected positions platform and the refurbishment of to the staff and College Officers have led the University to plan the within the Association until after Fountains Hall with better facilities whom have supported us these past building of a brand new college, graduation. We agreed to amend the for music, the arts and theatre, the ten months. also give me reason to hope that constitution to accept students as students maintain the old tradition our college heritage is not being members with full voting rights as of “getting involved” in many parts In last year’s issue, Tom wrote of his ditched as soon as some feared. soon as they have paid membership of the life of Grey, the University and concerns about the future of the fees, but with the caveat that only the local community. Durham is still, college system in Durham. This year It is worth noting that in April, the Grey College graduates may be by far, one of the most magnetic we’ve seen a number of changes Vice Chancellor will be meeting elected as President or Treasurer. and memorable cities in the UK and

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GREY ON SOCIAL MEDIA Secretary’s Note Events Picture perfect (continued) 34 I hope you are able to join us for the FILLIPPO DE SANTIS AGM to revisit the college and hear THE ANNUAL REUNION IN DURHAM, AND THE about our plans for 2017. You are ASSOCIATION AGM very warmly invited to get involved with Association activities and to also get in touch with any stories or updates – we would love to hear what you’ve been up to. I’m certain I speak for all members of the Exec when I say how much I anticipate hearing from you soon, and look forward to meeting many of you @YARNSTEW again at the AGM this year.

STEVE GREGORY (ASSOCIATION SECRETARY) [email protected] A BEAUTIFUL SKY THE GREY COLLEGE FIREWORKS

This stunning picture of the sun setting over We stumbled upon a series of wonderful Grey was taken by @yarnstew and shared photos by Filippo De Santis on Flickr, on Instagram - we love all the colours! showing the fireworks in their full glory. RIP. 8 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 9

JCR NEWS THE MASTER’S VIEW Turn to page 16 Turn to page 28 SCR News Alan Martin SCR News

WE HAVE HAD another lively year. As Stravinsky’s Petroushka played by Trust, continues to provide funds usual the Guest Nights have been duet pianists Antonina Lax and to enable postgraduate students to enjoyable and popular, sometimes Alla Levit. We are fortunate to have participate in scholarly activities. shared with the MCR and post- Gillian and Antonina as enthusiastic It goes without saying that the lively graduates. We had three during the members of our SCR. SCR community would welcome year, March, June and November, and We arranged two outings this year. members of the Grey Association were delighted to have a variety of The first was to Wallington Hall to join us. The annual subscription guests from both inside and outside where we were looked after by the is £20 for single, and £30 for joint the University. curator, Lloyd Langley, another membership. To join, or to seek The Sunday talks and musical events member of our SCR. We took our more information, please visit our after an informal high table lunch croquet set and were allowed to website. Alternatively, you may have continued to be informative play (in the rain unfortunately) join by contacting Peter Swift, the and are well received. Two of on one of the lawns. Another very SCR Treasurer and Membership these events were musical of truly enjoyable visit was to John and Secretary ([email protected]). exceptional standard. In February Rosie Aston’s home in Romaldkirk. the world famous organist, Dame Other events occurring in the ALAN MARTIN Gillian Weir, presented excerpts from (PRESIDENT: SCR) College are regular “Games her acclaimed 1988 BBC series “The Evenings” and a croquet match King of Instruments” in which she versus the MCR. I am pleased to played and talked about six of the report that the SCR easily won. finest Organs in the world. Another Then we had the famous fireworks spell-binding and well attended display, which was preceded by event, shared with the SCR of van a party in the Master’s house for Mildert College, was a fantastic families with young children. performance of Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov and scenes from The SCR, through the Grey College 10 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 11

CAMPAIGNING U.S. election ‘war rooms’; watching Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton debate; canvassing for a former television star. Two students tell us FOR CLINTON about their experiences working on both sides of the campaign, thanks to Grey Association funding. TWO GREY STUDENTS ARE FUNDED TO JOIN THE US ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN AMERICA JACK HODGES: Thanks to the generous funds provided by the Grey College Association, I was able to travel to Florida to participate in the Clinton 2016 Campaign. While, evidently, the campaign didn’t go completely to plan, it was an extraordinary experience and one that I am incredibly grateful to have been part.

Under the Florida Democrats, the campaign opened up thirty-three offices across the swing state, with the goal of increasing voter registration. I was placed in Fort Myers as a Field Organizer. During the day, I moved through my assigned areas, attempting to register potential voters who were passing by. From 5PM, we would call democrat voters, attempting to recruit volunteers. It was then my job

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I took from my trip. I am incredibly Election U.S. Report: grateful for the Association allowing me to do this.

STUDENT JACK HODGES CAPTURES THIS GORGEOUS SUNSET OVER FORT MYERS DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN FLORIDA

SOME BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICTURES FROM THE CAMPAIGN. HERE, THE TEAM ARE SETTING UP A NEW OFFICE to train and schedule those that and culture. Looking at this country volunteered. from the position of a worker rather than a tourist was enlightening. The work was demanding. I’m glad © Jack Hodges I was there for a short period only, The campaign was not particularly as we worked seven days a week, well organised, and the managers fourteen hours a day. I’m impressed of the project were rather the others were able to sustain that unprofessional. I believe another from July through ‘til November. skill I developed from this experience was the ability to Undeniably, these demanding manage workplace relations, which conditions did develop me were often drawn threadbare thin professionally. My job required me by the conditions. It gave me insight to become confident and efficient. into how leaders should incentivise I developed my persuading skills, teams. and with quotas of over 250 calls to make in four hours, I also became Trump may have taken Florida and © Jack Hodges more effective. I learned a great the White House, but if there was deal about American everyday life one silver lining it was the lessons THE WIFE OF CLINTON’S RUNNING MATE DRAWS A CROWD 14 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 15

£600 £500

JACK HODGES LIAM GILL

Jack was awarded £600 Liam received £500 from by the Association to fund the Association, and was Report: U.S. Election his trip. awarded a Trust bursary. (continued)

LIAM GILL: Thanks to the Grey behaviours. Being in the Unites think that hundreds of millions of his overall message. I also had the College Association I had the States allowed me not only to learn people were likely to be represented opportunity to canvas door to door, opportunity to visit the US during more about the US political process by someone who did not have the encouraging voters to cast their their primary election season and and candidates but also about the same values, integrity and policies ballots and make their opinions work with the campaigns. Getting people and their opinions of their which they favoured. heard as well as making calls for a behind-the-scenes look at the candidates. the Kasich campaign. Finally one of While the political views and campaigns was a unique experience, After a few days in the Columbus, the highlights of the trip was the opinions of the people are what which has helped in my study of the Ohio it was quickly apparent that opportunity to attend live rallies I truly took from the trip, I had a law. most citizens did not support any for the candidates. Hearing Hillary tremendous time being involved of the candidates (this being even Clinton, Bernie Sanders, John The 2016 United States Presidential in the campaigns. I had the when 9 candidates remained in Kasich and Donald Trump speak election has been an internationally opportunity to be in the war room total). Instead it appeared that in person was an unforgettable observed event heavily influencing for John Kasich’s campaign during individual where being driven to experience. The different types markets, politics and businesses a republican primary debate. In the the polls in record numbers not to of people and attitudes at each across the globe. I visited the ‘war room’ Kasich’s main advisors support a saviour but to combat an of these campaigns made clear United States during the election tracked social media reactions to enemy. Unlike the 2008 election, the demographic to which each season and was in the state of Ohio the statements by their candidate which saw a man campaign on a candidate resonated. when its primary election ballots and his competition hoping to promise of hope, this election saw were cast. gain insight into which topics and Overall, my trip to Ohio was an campaigns run on fear, hatred and phrases voters related to. When educational and unforgettable While the polarizing election has bigotry. the candidate made mistakes in the experience and it is my hope that grasped the attention of many debate (for example when stating I can use the information and students at Durham and throughout It was satisfying to see that the facts) his campaign was quick to experience gained to continue the UK many of us have been views of the candidates, which are publish corrections on his twitter to contextualize my studies and quick to judge supporters of both so feared in the UK, did not truly during the debate to make sure debates while at university and major political parties due to their represent the people of the Unites his mistake would not detract from beyond. extremist policies and questionable States. However it was troubling to 16 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 17

SCR NEWS MASTER’S REPORT See page 8 Turn to page 28 JCR News JCR David Jones JCR News

2016 HAS BEEN a year of change and half colours were awarded to between Hollingside and Holgate for the Junior Common Room. We the most deserving members in blocks. Although the university were sad to see George Whalley, all student groups. Special awards master plan is exciting, there are the chair of our trustee board, were presented to Women’s Hockey, parts that the JCR does not support. step down from the JCR trust. His Charities Committee and Darts for We will be looking at alternatives efforts to help create our charitable exceeding expectations under their for such a road or at least methods status were infallible and the job current leaders. Courtney created in which we can minimise the of FACSO flourished with his aid. a new prize, “Team of the Year” and impact on students. We also have He is replaced as chair by current awarded it to Men’s Badminton A our Charity/DSO referendum trustee Edward Brunner, with our Team for 3 years unbeaten in the top approaching in 2017 but hopefully new trustee being alumnus Geoffrey league (amounting to over 35 wins this will run as smoothly as it has in Simpson. in a row). Our two individual awards the past. were highly coveted. “Excellence in Our events showed the best Grey leadership” was awarded to ex-vice- The future of the JCR is looking has to offer, with BarFest and the president Edward Preece for his exciting. With a new JCR website and President’s Guest Night taking involvement in so many different the Fountains Hall renovation set place in the Epiphany term. BarFest aspects of college life, not least his to be complete by the end of 2017, 2016 was the Bar Committee’s coaching of the Women’s football there are plenty of things to watch opportunity to delight our taste team. Our “Unsung Hero” was Isobel out for. I look forward to seeing buds with a variety of ales, ciders Britton for her example as Teikyo the JCR continue to grow and thrive and cocktails, alongside live music rep, excelling at including members thanks to the wonderful voluntary and activities. President’s Guest of Teikyo into our college. efforts of Grey students without Night was JCR President Courtney whom the JCR experience would be Caton’s time to shine, and she did We have a series of challenges very different. so with aplomb. Using the occasion facing the JCR next year, the to reward those students who make greatest of which is the threat of DAVID JONES life in Grey so wonderful, colours a large road bisecting the college (PRESIDENT: JCR) 18 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 19

In her own words, Lucy Moore of Motion and Joint Posture: tells us how she spent her Subchondral Apparent Density in the Association bursary of £50 Sheep Hind Limb’ are obviously not and reflects on her degree, everyone’s cup of tea. To narrow it in a frankness we can all down slightly, I am an Archaeology appreciate. student. Usually when I explain this, the following questions tend to LUCY MOORE: Every finalist’s quickly follow: nightmare (or dream, in some cases) is the gargantuan project otherwise ‘Do you like digging?’ known as the dissertation. This ‘Do you like dirt?’ two module project represents a ‘Wasn’t that a waste of £30,000 of third of your final year mark, and student debt?’ considering third year is worth 60% of your total degree (19.8% of the The answers, in case you were total, to be exact), it’s a pretty hefty DETECTING curious, are: no, no, no. essay. Although my degree tends to bring Right about now you’re probably to mind images of Time Team wondering what my topic was. SUCCESS scampering across the countryside, The stereotypical title that comes I am more than happy to inform you to mind when considering a that it consists of more than old dissertation title is usually niche STUDENT LUCY MOORE FINDS SUCCESS WITH HER FINAL men waving trowels around (mostly). and uninteresting to the average YEAR PROJECT This is happily encapsulated in my reader. Projects such as ‘Structure- dissertation title, ‘Metal Detecting Function Studies of the AIP-Surviving Law in an International Context’. Complex’ and ‘Predicting Range

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£50

LUCY MOORE

Lucy was awarded £50 by the Association to attend the NCMD conference.

European countries would be in I was able to attend the conference attendance. only due to the Grey Association © lucy moore The conference itself was a Fund. Had the financial aid that resounding success. Over the enabled me to travel not been ATTENDEES OF THE CONFERENCE. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: FRANCE, BULGARIA, SPAIN, POLAND, THE UK (LUCY MOORE WEARS BLUE), IRELAND, THE PAS, AND MINELABE two days I was able to interview available, it is highly likely that Michael Lewis (head of the Portable I would not have been able to Admittedly, this remains firmly a) I had never even touched on the Antiquities Scheme), Alistair participate in the conference. I do in the category labelled ‘Not subject at university, Hackney (Chair of the NCMD), along not feel I am able to stress enough Everyone’s Cup of Tea’. However, it with representatives from Minelab the significance of the Fund, or my b) it was a mammoth task, and does break free of the Time Team (a metal detector manufacturer) gratitude for being awarded it. It is shaped box that most people place c) I don’t speak Spanish, French, and delegates from the attending an incredibly meaningful cause to archaeology in. In a nutshell, my Finnish, etc. countries. support, as those students at Grey dissertation compares international who are unable to further their It was clear that I needed some I myself would argue that without law from across Europe that has the academic study because of a lack extra help. So, I got in contact the opportunity to attend this potential to affect metal detecting. funds are given the opportunity to with the National Council for conference, my dissertation may Without going into too much depth, do so. Metal Detecting (in the UK). They never have materialized. The access this included law from over thirteen have an active website and a to this personal type of information, Hence, I conclude that anyone who countries in Europe and more huge number of members whose as well as interaction with those wishes to get involved with this codes, statutes, laws, and judicial experience I could draw on. As a who had direct experience of cause should do so in whatever precedent to even comment on. result of my enquiries I was invited metal detecting activities in other capacity they see fit. It saved However, the issues with my topic to the NCMD’s ‘European Council countries is simply not available one third year’s degree: why not were that: for Metal Detecting’ conference, online or in any library. another’s? where representatives from several 22 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 23

LONDON chat in. It all sounds very posh, but Champagne Charlies was a pub CALLING rather than a champagne bar (although they did have plenty of champagne on hand!) and the evening was a fun informal event. It was great to see so LAST YEAR’S LONDON reunion many people drop in over the took place on Friday 23rd course of the evening and chat September 2016 at Champagne about their time at Durham. Charlies, under the Charing The event was generously Cross Railway arches. organised by Dave Baldwin Champagne Charlies was who deserves more than a tucked away between glass of bubbly for putting it Embankment and Charing Cross all together for us. There’ll be in the arches between the another London reunion later stations. The Grey Association on this year, so keep your eyes hired a room at the back of the peeled and your ears open for bar for everyone to relax and the sound of corks popping.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY https://www.sacristy.co.uk/books/history/henry-baker-tristram-ornithology

Books: Sacristy Press presents About Sacred Ibis: the adventures of an ornothological Indiana Jones 2011 WHEN YOU THINK of ornithologists founding member of the British to Tristram. THE YEAR SACRISTY PRESS WAS FOUNDED, BY TWO you don’t necessarily think of Ornithologists’ Union (BOU), and Professor Hale graduated with DURHAM ALUMNI (ONE explorers and adventures. That is, contributed regularly to its journal, FROM GREY COLLEGE) a degree in Zoology from Grey unless you know about Henry Baker Ibis. His contribution to ornithology College in 1959, followed by a PhD SACRISTY PRESS IS BASED Tristram. You can think of Tristam as was so great that he earned the IN DURHAM, PUBLISHING in 1962 and a DSc in 1985. He is HISTORY, THEOLOGY AND a bird-watching Indiana Jones. Born nickname “Sacred Ibis” and had a Fellow of the Royal Society of HISTORICAL FICTION. in 1822 he undertook expeditions not one but five birds named after Biology, a Chartered Biologist, and to the Sahara and Palestine at a him: Tristram’s Starling, Tristram’s an Honorary Fellow of Grey College. time when doing so was even more Warbler, Tritram’s Woodpecker, He has served on committees of fraught with danger than it is today. Tristram’s Serin and Tristram’s the Natural Environment Research He had a beard that was so wild he Strom-Petrel. Council, the Council for National required special permission for it Written by Bill Hale (Zoology, 1959), Academic Awards, and as a member £55 from his bishop. alumnus of Grey College, Sacred Ibis of the Scientific Advisory Committee SACRED IBIS IS PRICED AT £55 AND IS AVAILABLE TO As well as an adventurer, Tristram follows Tristram’s epic adventures of the Wildfowl Trust. Hale has ORDER ONLINE FROM THE was a collector. He acquired and love for birds; from his boyhood published widely in the fields of PUBLISHER. collections of specimens running on the moors of Northumberland to entomology and ornithology, and into the tens of thousands. Primarily his time as a Residentiary Canon of recently on antiquarian bird books. these were of birds, but also of Durham Cathedral. Along the way He is author of several books, plants, fish, mammals, insects, we meet the people that influenced including the New Naturalist No. 65, molluscs, geological samples and him. As a fresher in Oxford he Waders and the Collins/Smithsonian archaeological material. He was the met Gladstone whom he disliked. Dictionary of Biology. £10 first scientist to support Charles Later Disraeli offered Tristram the EVERY COPY SOLD VIA THE PUBLISHER’S WEBSITE Darwin in print, at a time when position of Bishop of Jerusalem. ‘SACRED IBIS: THE ORNITHOLOGY WILL GENERATE A £10 Darwin’s views were scandalous. Tristram declined. The book also OF CANON HENRY BAKER DONATION TO THE GRE Y TRISTRAM, DD, FRS’ BY W. G. HALE COLLEGE TRUST. In 1868 he became a Fellow of features over 80 colour plates and a IS AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE the Royal Society. He was also a reproduction of Darwin’s first letter FROM SACRISTY.CO.UK 26 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 27

CHARLES BOSS remembers his time as one of The Three Musketeers of Grey College

AS TOLD TO STEVE GREGORY

Skinny dipping, angering Head the edge of the sluice and jumped Ford left, in a fit of anti-Communist Charles, managed to amass a total Porter Ford, and taunting Sid in. After splashing around they outrage when the Russian Football of two degrees and a blank during Holgate: we were thrilled to returned to the edge to find their World Cup tea was housed at Grey their time at Grey. But, more hear about the crazy adventures trousers, pants and shirts stolen. College. importantly, they had a wonderful of John Pottier, Tim Allen and All that remained was John’s copy time there. Charles Boss during their time at of The Times. They crept back “Ford riveted the In 1966, much to everyone’s Grey in the ‘60s. into college with the personal ads surprise, Charles somehow managed section strategically placed so as kettles and toasters to take Maths (Hon). He scraped a CHARLES, TIM AND JOHN were at not to offend the lady “bedders”. down to the worktops pass degree - probably because he Grey College from 1963-66. Well, Their foe at the time was Ford, the with chains to prevent turned up to the exams. Yet they they were there for most of the rabid anti-communist Head Porter. allowed him into Oxford University time. They left the country for them being stolen” In his desire for order, Ford riveted to do his Dip Ed. 24 hours every year, just to make the kettles and toasters down to At Oxford he was treasurer of sure they broke the matriculation the worktops with chains to prevent Even with Ford gone, the 10 PM the Hertford College MCR. His rule. On their international jaunts them being stolen – or even moved curfew continued and each night adventures continued there, but they’d send dear old Sid Holgate out of alignment. Ford was on a there would be a scurry of women how the previous incumbent ran (the Master at the time) a cheeky mission to stop the Greymen and leaving Grey around 9:40 PM to go off with the money and Charles postcard: “Wish you were here…” honouree Greywomen (for this was back to Mary’s. Of course, often restored the college coffers is they’d say, with a snapshot of before women were admitted to they weren’t alone. Charles recalls another story. somewhere decidedly outside of the Grey) from sneaking in and out of the single fixed handset at the end UK. Charles is still teaching today – at the college after the 10 PM curfew. of his corridor in Oswald ringing off the age of 72. Sadly John Pottier The three of them had adventures Ford even went so far as to have the hook. “Charlie!” a voice would died in 2014. Just two months that would make Just William proud. the downstairs windows riveted shout, “can you ruffle up my bed so before that he met up with Charles, On one occasion they decided to shut. Yet, as fast as he could rivet the bedders won’t report a bed not the first time they had seen each go skinny dipping at Seaton Sluice. windows, John, Tim and Charles slept in!” other in 45 years and shared happy They piled all of their clothes at would drill them out. Eventually, The three of them, John, Tim and stories of their time at Grey. 28 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 29

DONATE TO THE TRUST JCR NEWS Find out more - page 54 Turn to page 16

Tom Allen Master’s Report

THE FOUNTAINS HALL projec t the UK Defence Academy. He also and events. “Brevity is the soul of JCR on organising a volunteering suffered a delay, when we commanded the 40th Regiment wit” doesn’t have a story so would competition in the College amongst discovered County Council records Royal Artillery, which included a not have won. Three prizes were the clubs and societies, with prizes showing an old footpath running demanding tour of Afghanistan awarded, at each of the Christmas to be awarded next term. through the centre of the Hall. The in 2009, and served in Northern formals and the Burns Night formal. If you would like to know records have now been corrected, Ireland, Bosnia (where he was The winning stories were: more, please contact Helen at: the tendering process has begun, awarded a Queen’s Commendation [email protected] and we are hoping that the project for Valuable Service) and Cyprus. can start after examinations in “Blinking Cursor. Blank Page. I ran a ‘Six Words’ Competition PROFESSOR TOM ALLEN Easter. Many thanks to all the alumni Deadline tomorrow.” with our JCR Arts Chairs, Miranda (MASTER, GREY COLLEGE) who have given generously to help - Barbara Pressendo van Noorden and Sophie Gregory. fund the project. This was inspired by the story that The section leaders of the College Ernest Hemingway bet some of his “Her heart stopped working. Mine had a positive meeting with Owen fellow writers that he could tell a broke.” Adams, the new Pro-Vice Chancellor story in six words. They said he - James Fairbrother (Colleges and Student Experience) couldn’t. He won the bet, with the on January 26th. As Pro-Vice story: “For sale. Baby shoes. Never “Reunion with friends alone at Chancellor, he is responsible for Worn.” memorial.” the overall strategic direction of the There is some doubt that - Michael Xin Colleges Division and Experience Hemingway ever made this bet. Durham. Mr Adams was previously Nevertheless, we thought it would head of the Royal School of Artillery, Helen Barstow joined the College in be fun to run our own Six Words and was Programme Director at November, as a part time Student competition. Entries had to tell a the British Army’s Strategic Human Experience and Volunteering story. One way or another, there Resources Board and Director at Officer. Helen is working with the had to be a hint of characters 30 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 31

R EUNITE IN DURHAM

WE COME TOGETHER IN MARCH FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL REUNION AT GREY COLLEGE, AND THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GREY ASSOCIATION

ENQUIRIES ANY QUESTIONS? Telephone the college on 0191 334 5900 Email [email protected]

The Grey Association Annual College Reunion

It’s that time of year again - it’s Full details and an agenda is REUNION DINNER MENU time to reconnect and join us for available - simply email Steve another Grey reunion. We’ll be Gregory (stephen.gregory@durham. meeting at Grey on April 1st this ac.uk) for more information. PRE-DINNER DRINK (NON-ALCOHOLIC AVAILABLE) year, and hope to see as many of Bookings are now closed, but if you you there as possible. were unable to make the reunion STARTER The annual Durham Reunion will this year - don’t panic! We will soon GOATS’ CHEESE AND POTATO TERRINE (V) take place on the weekend of 31st be announcing dates for 2018, and March to 2nd April 2017 at Grey we look forward to meeting you College. The Grand Reunion Dinner then. MAIN will be held on Saturday 1st April. We have included the dinner menu ROASTED LAMB RUMP The Annual General Meeting will take for those attending this year. If you or place on the afternoon of Saturday have any dietary requirements we 1st April, at 4pm in the Pennington BEETROOT RAVIOLI (V) are not aware of, please contact the Room. college as soon as possible.

DESSERT DARK CHOCOLATE FONDANT Contact us followed by CHEESE, BISCUITS AND COFFEE telephone 0191-334-5900 email us [email protected]

THE GREY ASSOCIATION is entirely network thriving. So far, nobody has THE ROLE OF Association President is voluntary, and only volunteer led, and the Exec work stood forward as our Association requires up to a week of your time. You will have the support of extremely hard all year round President, and we are on the the Exec behind you, so don’t worry if this sounds completely to support our Alumni network. lookout for someone who can help new to you. It’s an opportunity to support the college, and be Whether it’s arranging the Grey us keep things moving smoothly involved as Grey makes some challenging decisions about the Reunion, bringing people together along. future. There are five core parts of the role: in London, managing the website, We are looking for someone looking after the purse-strings or dedicated to Grey, someone who supporting current students in their 01 02 loves the college and wants to careers, we do everything we can to support it as it enters a new era. LIAISE BETWEEN THE arrangee the Annual keep you all connected and making ASSOCIATION AND THE Durham Reunion Someone passionate about our MASTER OF THE COLLEGE sure we can do what we can to give alumni network, and can volunteer you the latest a few days a from Grey. We really need your help. year to chair 03 04 However, meetings, take help pull together Grey Chair the Annual General it hasn’t been direction when Matters Magazine (with Meeting and the annual technical assistance if Executive Committee easy over the past year as we have the college has to make challenging required) Meeting survived without the tremendous decisions, and provide support and leadership of Tom Cliff, who stood leadership. down in April 2016 as President of 05 Does this sound like you? If you the Grey Association. help coordinate an are interested in standing for the interesting programme of Whilst the Executive Committee position, please contact Steve events for alumni have worked tirelessly to keep Gregory as soon as possible for things moving, we are in need of an more information. Election hustings extra pair of hands to help keep our will take place at the AGM. For more information, please email our Secretary: [email protected] 36 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 37

REACHING NEW Early mornings, navigating dangerous storms, and climbing the ‘Twin Owls’ - one fearless Grey HEIGHTS student travels to the Rockies and takes on dizzying heights as she pursues a qualification in climbing. ROCKY BEGINNINGS FOR STUDENT MARIAMA DRYAK Mariama Dryak tells us about the trip of a lifetime.

MARIAMA DRYAK: I travelled to Rocky Mountain National Park to take a mountaineering course, in hopes of adding to my future skill-set when carrying out outdoor recreation and research in mountain environments. Day one of the course taught me the basics of mountaineering, and how to safely travel/ navigate in the mountains on a shorter climb. Day two of the course put what I had previously learned into action on a much longer, more difficult climb.

Originally the course was due to take place in July 2016, however a vehicle breakdown prevented me from being able to make the course. The managers at the Colorado Mountain School were accommodating

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£500

MARIAMA DRYAK Mariama was awarded £500 from the Association Report: Reaching New Heights to support her trip. (continued) and allowed me to reschedule for with basic instruction in climbing rappelling to the rock formation at 6am. From there we commenced the same course to be taking place equipment and gear knowledge, as summit. a two and a half hour hike to the later on in mid-August. Due to the well as the basics of how to execute At the end of the day we planned base of the Hallett Peak, in Rocky lack in snow later in the summer, a mountaineering expedition in the next day’s hike, applying an Mountain National Park. Once at the emphasis of the course changed a mountainous environment. The algorithm created by a well-known the base, we short-roped about from snow safety to that of safe region of the Rockies in which we climber for estimating the amount an hour to the base of the First mountain navigation. were located is well-known for its of time for the entire trip. Buttress of Hallett. We climbed diurnal afternoon (2-4pm) storms the standard route, taking around On the Thursday before the Overall, the day was informative, above tree-line, so understanding two hours to summit the peak. The weekend of the 13th and 14th and being able to apply the skills how to best alleviate this risk is view from the top was absolutely of August I travelled 15 hours that I had been lectured on was important to planning trips in the fantastic! southwest from Wisconsin to Estes instrumental in gaining confidence area. As a result of this daily storm Park, CO to the location of the in my climbing ability. After eating lunch at the summit, pattern, we ensured that our hiking Colorado Mountain School. we rappelled down a steep cliff plans brought us below treeline The next day we set off from the face and hiked about 2 hours back Colorado Mountain School office Upon arrival the next day, I checked when the risk was highest. into the lodging and met some After going through the climbing awesome climbers in the lodge. The instructional basics at the lodge, DON’T LOOK DOWN! MARIAMA DRYAK CLIMBING HALLETT PEAK course started the next morning we headed to a local climbing at 7am, where I met my climbing formation the ‘Twin Owls’, located instructor Jake Gaventa. Due to the southeast of the Lumpy Ridge. The course rescheduling for August, I hike up to the rock formation base was the only person on it – resulting was about 4k. in one-on-one instruction and a Once at the base of Twin Owls, I weekend of mountaineering more was instructed on the basics of personalized to my own ability. pitch climbing, short roping and The morning of the 13th began © mariama dryak

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Report: Reaching New Heights A New Addition (continued)

out of the park. The process of the of overwhelming one’s self by trying SAM AND EMILY Jones 7lb 12oz. They are really climb was a really fantastic and a to do something all at once. (Purfield) are delighted enjoying being a family of very new mental challenge. Whereas A heartfelt thanks goes out to the to announce the birth of three! I am acclimated to the continuous Grey College Association for making their daughter Amelia Faith I’m sure you’ll join us in physical challenge of pushing myself this trip possible, for without your who was born on the 20th congratulating them both in endurance sports, climbing was support I would not have been able October 2016 and weighed and wishing them the best! a combination of a mental and to gain the plethora of skills I have whole-body physical challenge in taken away from the mountaineering which I was forced to overcome class to apply to my adventures and obstacle by obstacle in chunks - all research in the future. THE ADORABLE AMELIA FATH JONES whilst working towards an end-goal, the summit.

Some additional, totally unexpected, MARIAMA DRYAK SUCCESSFULLY REACHES THE lessons that I learned from the SUMMIT OF HALLETT PEAK weekend were 1) to take a step (or lean, in this case) away from a difficult situation to evaluate what possibilities are available to solve a problem (e.g. a tough manoeuvre) and 2) to break challenging tasks down into bite-sized chunks. This second lesson was learnt through climbing a mountain pitch by pitch, but can be applied to life through © mariama dryak © sam jones tackling big tasks bit by bit instead 42 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 43

We say goodbye to a beloved 16 times. He eventually gained a college figure, journalist, place at Balliol College, Oxford, to broadcaster, author, producer, study History, but during his degree and warm-hearted friend to so he was plagued with nervous many alumni. breakdowns over his sexuality, undergoing psychoanalysis for many Rabbi Lionel Blue, who died aged years. Having followed the works 86, was known and loved by millions of Marx during his teens, he soon for his early morning slot on Radio turned his attention to religion to 4’s Thought for the Day. understand more about himself. Beginning with his accidentally Blue was born in Hackney, East crashing a Quaker meeting, after London, in 1930 to Harry and taking shelter from the weather in Hetty, a tailor and a legal secretary what he thought was a farmhouse, respectively. He was an outspoken he explored a number of faiths. critic of the growing Nazi party, This led to the study of semitics at claiming to have passed the London University, and later, his tea round at a protest against ordination as a Rabbi in 1960. the fascist British Black Shirts FAR EWELL , The role of religion in modern movement. He often said that it was British society might be dwindling, at this time that he lost his faith in but Rabbi Lionel Blue was the God, struggling to understand why exception to this. In a poll in 2001 fascism was allowed to take hold of OLD FRIEND he was voted more respected than society so quickly. the Pope and the Archbishop of He had a tumultuous childhood. Canterbury. Part of this may have REMEMBERING RABBI LIONEL BLUE, LONG-TIME FRIEND AND During the war, he was evacuated been his route to faith. His journey SUPPORTER OF GREY COLLEGE

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Obituary: Rabbi Lionel Blue (continued) had been tortuous. At times he revealed a malignant tumour, and followed suit and the next year LGBT charities including the Jewish considered himself a Marxist, he had radiotherapy and hormone awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Gay and Lesbian Group and Kairos an atheist, a Christian, before treatment to stop any further in Divinity in 2007. in Soho. He met his long-term becoming part of the Reform brand growths. He also suffered from partner Jim Cummings in 1980, Rabbi Lionel Blue was always of Judaism. He told an interviewer: Parkinson’s disease, and heart after Blue placed an advert in the generous to Grey. He donated a “I went along with religion for many problems. Gay Times. They lived together in complete set of all his works to years not believing it, because after His ill health led to his increasingly London until 2014, when Jim sadly the college library and paid for all a lot of it is not believable, but rare appearances on the passed away. the food for students at a formal as I went on in life I began to trust radio, which was a worry and in January 2006. In 2008 he took LIONEL BLUE - RABBI, AUTHOR, it more and more and it reshaped disappointment for his regular radio part in a series of seminars on the BROADCASTER, HONORARY me, made me a much nicer person.” listeners. His hilarious – and often topic of belief for the college and FELLOW OF GREY COLLEGE, somewhat pointed – jokes were HONORARY DOCTOR OF THE Blue made his first radio broadcast was on hand for the College Feast well-loved by his BBC audience, OPEN UNIVERSITY AND DURHAM in 1967, and was a regular to act as preacher – his speech was UNIVERSITY, RECIPIENT OF AN often playing to Jewish stereotypes: contributor to Thought for the Day a highlight of the event and looked ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE - “Nazi to Jew: ‘You Jews are the cause WAS BORN 6 FEBRUARY 1930 AND for 25 years. He made appearances forward to by all. His seminars were of all the trouble,’ Jew to Nazi: ‘Yes, DIED 19 DECEMBER 2016 on Radio 4, Radio 2 and produced a so popular they returned in 2009, Jews and bicycle riders,’ Nazi: ‘Why television programme, In Search of 2010 and 2011. bicycle riders?’ Jew: ‘Why Jews?’” Holy England, in 1989. He published He was the first rabbi to come nearly a dozen autobiographical and Grey College presented Lionel Blue out publicly as homosexual, and religious books over thirty years with an Honorary Fellowship at the publishing Godly and Gay in 1981. and was awarded an OBE in 1994. winter congregation in 2006. As so This had not been an easy decision often, he delighted a full hall with Blue’s later years were plagued with and he had suffered a nervous characteristically amusing stories illness. In 1987 he was diagnosed breakdown previously, brought on hiding thought-provoking messages with epilepsy, which he took by anxiety over his sexuality. After underneath. Durham University medicine for. An operation in 1997 coming out, he supported numerous 46 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 47 I Didn’t Know That! Know Didn’t I I Didn’t Know That! What connects Sid Holgate and the M1?

WE ALL HAVE our favourite stories the centenary of the setting up later, that road is actually being of our time in Grey, and the people of town councils. The prizes were built. we met there, including the various Swan fountain pens, valued at up Syd was also concerned for the College Officers and members of to one pound, three shillings and environment: “All factories should staff. Although whether all of those six pence, (that is £1.17 and a half be on the leeward side of the town, stories would stand up to scrutiny pence) The challenge was to write so that the inhabitants would have is another question. I remember an essay about your own town.” pure air to breathe, and a hospital being told in the mid 1960s that the Just before Christmas, the winners should be built on the Misk Hills reason for Syd Holgate’s legendary were announced. The first prize where the air is pure and fresher skills with a snooker cue was that winner was a 17 year old student than at any other place in the his father ran a snooker club near from Henry Mellish School. He lived county”. Nottingham, where the young at 64 Derbyshire Lane. He was one Sydney passed many hours of a Elsewhere in his essay, Syd correctly of the first to call for an inner relief misspent youth. Completely untrue, predicted the building of the M1 road for Hucknall. His name? Sydney of course. motorway, but he thought the Holgate. Library should be demolished and I was amazed and delighted to be Syd wrote: a more modern one built instead, contacted by a gentleman who which never happened. Strangely actually gives guided heritage tours “I intend to be extraordinary. First comforting to know that even the in Syd’s birthplace, Hucknall in of all, I would not only widen roads, revered Syd Holgate didn’t get Nottinghamshire. He apparently tells but also redesign them. I would everything right! visitors the following story outside build a bypass road from Wighay the house where Syd lived: Bridge down what is now Annesley Road and across Titchfield and “On Friday 29 November, 1935, Albert Streets, rejoining Portland the local newspaper, the Hucknall Road near Bolsover Street”. Dispatch, announced a competition for young readers to celebrate That was in 1935. Eighty one years 48 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 49

FAMILIAR FACES AND A WONDERFULLY UNIQUE WEDDING CAKE We’re grateful to Becky and Steff for sharing these gorgeous photos with us Wedding Bells Wedding Monmouthshire, South Wales Wedding Bells: Steffan and Becky

BECKY AND STEFFAN married on 17th December 2016 at Raglan Baptist Church in

Monmouthshire, South Wales with plenty of old friends from their Durham years in attendance. © steffan messenger © steffan messenger They had their reception at nearby Treowen Hall – which was decked out with festive foliage. Becky fulfilled a childhood dream of decorating her very own 12ft Christmas tree!

References to their time at Grey featured heavily throughout the day. During the service, Grey Steffan studied English Literature from 2005-2008 alumni James Dowler read an extract from Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Harold the Dauntless’ which talks and was JCR President in 2008/09. Becky studied of the “Grey Towers of Durham”. And at the end of the wedding feast there was a rendition of Politics and Sociology from 2006-2009 and the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ in true Christmas Formal style – with each of the twelve tables then stayed on to do a Masters in Development allocated a verse. Becky and Steff are really grateful to Grey for bringing them together – they Anthropology and was MCR President 2009/10. They met on Becky’s first day ten and a bit years ago! now live in Cardiff.

© steffan messenger © steffan messenger 50 Wedding Bells GREY MATTERS 2017 South Wales. More photos from their beautiful wedding in Becky and Steffan © steffan messenger We love how atmospheric it looks! BECKY AND STEFFAN

GREY MATTERS 2017 Christmassy cheer on the day day the on cheer Christmassy APRONS AND HATS, SMILES,

51 52 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 53

TO UPDATE YOUR PROFILE REUNITE IN DURHAM Email [email protected] Book your place - page 30 Careers Angels Careers Careers update Grey Business Angels

THE SCHEME HAS come a long ‘hits’. Even those who graduated in all Colleges - that roll-out is still way since it was launched with 45 the last couple of years are having progressing slowly, and Grey is not volunteers in April 2005. With over their profiles viewed every couple likely to be involved for a while yet. 550 Angels now, current students of weeks. For questions, to become an can now tap into an amazing Angel if we’ve not caught up with Between 2010 and 2015 an average the range of experience. As well you so far, to update your profile of more than 10% of leavers have as the ‘usual’ graduate careers and/or contact details (or if you become Angels suggests the scheme like teaching, financial services, would consider taking over the continues to be useful and worth consulting and such like, we offer management of the scheme at some supporting. Which reminds me: if access to an interior designer, a point in the future when I need a you aren’t yet an Angel, please give town planner, a transport planner, break) please contact me via e-mail some serious thought to signing an epidemiologist and a European at: [email protected]. up at http://www.greyassociation. patent examiner, to name but a few. co.uk/angels/join or by contacting I am often asked if students use the STEVE GREGORY me. scheme, since most Angels are not (ASSOCIATION SECRETARY) contacted regularly. Since Richard If you are an Angel, then please [email protected] Hilton (thanks again, Richard, accept grateful thanks from all who for your continuing support!) have used the service or will use it implemented the current version of in the future and please check your the website in 2010, the individual profile and let me have any changes, profiles have been viewed 100,000 especially to your Company, job times. Eleven of our Angels have title/position and e-mail details. had their profiles viewed more than I reported in last year’s Grey 300 times in the last seven years, Matters that the University planned with an individual working in the to roll out a computer platform arts topping the list with over 500 to support careers mentoring for 54 GREY MATTERS 2017 GREY MATTERS 2017 55

ENQUIRIES ANY QUESTIONS? Telephone the college on 0191 334 5900 Email [email protected]

Grey College Trust Gifts and Donations Contributions

THE GREY COLLEGE TRUST has how you would prefer the money charity status and was set up for to benefit the College knowing the benefit of Grey College in the that Trustees will do their very 1980s. It still plays an important best to honour your memory and role in offering financial support your wishes. You may also give to Grey College and its students. something in your own life time, specifying how you wish the money The Association President is an to be spent. ex-officio Trustee, and other Alumni continue to serve as Trustees. For further details please contact We love hearing your stories and memories! If you have a good story, if you recently uncovered the Master, via the college office, or Various appeals have been some pictures of your time at Durham, or you recently went back to visit, we’d love to hear from email us to find out more. undertaken under its auspices, you. We welcome any contributions - features, or photographs past and present - anything that including those for the Jubilee you think our alumni network might enjoy. Perhaps you recently started a new job and wanted Development and for the Fountains TO DONATE TO THE TRUST HEAD to share the news? Just get in touch with our Association Secretary and we can include a feature Hall project. TO: - big or small - in the next copy of Grey Matters. If you are a UK taxpayer and wish HTTPS://WWW.DUNELM.ORG.UK/ DONATIONS/COLLEGES/GREY All contributions to: [email protected] to give money to the College, please bear in mind that donations made OR SEND AN EMAIL TO: to the Trust can be handled under [email protected] the Gift Aid scheme, allowing us to claim an extra £20 for every £100 you give.

If you would like to leave something for the College in your Will, you may do so by a bequest to the Grey College Trust. You may specify