Including: From Hild Bede to - A Cumbrian story Page 10 Eadem mutata resurgo - I rise again, changed, but the same Page 14

Even the Bad Times are Good Page 24

Michael Bruce Award Page 44 Hild Bede Alumni Association Magazine Hild Bede Alumni Association Hild Bede AlumniRunning Association Head

Highlights

04. Principal’s Letter 18. 06. Chair’s Letter Living a Nomadic Life 08. President of the SRC Letter 10. From Hild Bede to High Sheriff - A Cumbrian story

14. Eadem mutata resurgo - I rise again, changed, but the same 28. 18. Living a Nomadic Life College Rags 24. Even the Bad Times are Good 28. College Rags 32. Jennifer Charles MBE 34. The ‘Prin’ 42. Alumni News 44. Michael Bruce Award 32. 34. 46. Student Awards Jennifer Charles The ‘Prin’ 48. In Memoriam

02 Contents RunningHild Bede Head Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

As for the brilliance of Hild Bede event. Throughout the summer, about what we have but what we do students – it burns extraordinarily the legendary ‘Vern Quiz’ night ran with these things. bright. I have enjoyed conversations almost without a break. Your support in these ‘100 about theoretical chemistry, ancient Beyond that I am delighted days’ has been very important to history and Extinction Rebellion, I that we have been driving a new me and College. Thank you for had the pleasure of collaborating programme to support students in that which you already given - with our splendid SRC Exec as they leadership, and I have set myself our newest gifts being a snooker make it a place of becoming and objectives which align to a 10 year table, a lego model of Hild and One hundred belonging. I have been thrown in vision – assuming you’ll allow me new scholarships, as well as the air, frozen beside the football that long! very kind legacy. I am ensuring remarkable days pitch and been inspired by ingenuity, At the centre of this, I hope that the various funds, support intelligence and service. You can read very much to bring you closely inside for fellowships, scholarships we It has been said that the ‘first 100 much more about that in my review the conversation and to elicit your hold, which are supported by days’ are critical for anyone coming of some of their successes later in support. We have achieved control your generosity, are visible and into a leadership role. The time when the magazine. of the plans for (re)developmental accessible to students so that we one makes one’s mark. As a new The first ‘covid lockdown’ of our College estate. This is now can maximise our presence and College Principal, I would suggest robbed us of College Day, our firmly focused on Hild Bede. We purchase and support to students. that it not so much the mark that formals, Summer Ball and a proper are aiming to ‘get Bede back’ and I am boldly happy to make this I have made on our College, Hild graduation. It has stolen from me fully refurbish the two old buildings money work for them, because that Bede, that is striking but the mark the pleasure of your company at and turn them into high quality is what it is there for. that it has made on me. reunions and events. It also forced student accommodation. We Even some of darker days I want to share with you a to some of our formal dining events and housekeeping team, all my some of our student colleagues to also want to renew and enhance have been important in my learning number of ways in this has been the and joined in with our programme of colleagues in student support put down roots that they did not ‘Caedmon’ whether as a new build to be your Principal. They have case, and consequently, that I have activities as well giving seminars in and development and College anticipate and some have been with or refurbishment. Not two Colleges, revealed the indomitable spirit in enjoyed the most wonderful 100 College. Our Ball Committee threw administration, the porters and us now since October 2019, unable not another College alongside us, our community, and where it has days of my professional life. It’s been a fabulous Winter ‘Nutcracker’ Ball receptionists as well as our students to leave for wherever is home. We but a mightier Hild Bede. It will been tested and frayed, the love about variety, breadth and depth of and our community of around have been managing, alongside means work on bricks and mortar, and support in others for those who the things that go on in our College. 17,000 alumni. It is truly a place them, and now find ourselves trying but I want the buildings to go up or have needed it. It’s not a thing easily It’s been about the intense collegial where people look out for one to forge a path through the start of be refurbished around what we are, captured by any one event but many spirit, pride and pleasure we have another. The catering staff and the new academic year in which we around what we want to achieve of the qualities were present on what taken in each other’s company, care porters who notice if someone cannot bring all of College together and to be. I would like us to have was to be almost the last day we and ‘family’. And, it’s been about seems a bit down, and those loyal and they have to live in ‘households’. 500 beds, to be able to have more dined in College before the March the brilliance of my new student There have been clues alumni and College friends who I assure you that your College is Postgraduate and ‘returners’ living lockdown. Many of the remaining colleagues and the extraordinary to life as your College steward and support the many working nevertheless, ‘freshers’ and in, to have the best possible facilities students came in evening wear for things that they do to make the has already found ways trusts and funds that in turn support induction were superb, the FREPS for a theatre and Filmsoc but also dinner despite been forced to cancel ‘mighty Hild Bede’ beat brightly on and beaten new paths in our students. Our College, by virtue were amazing and we pulled off a other activities, clubs and societies, the formal that night. I had eaten, our hillside by the river. in part of venerability, has managed College matriculation in Chapel and a and indeed to make our environment alone and informally on High Table. In the three terms that I have the present. There was sadness and loss as well as success petting zoo, as it has become speak ever more loudly and usefully When I went to clear my things, a served now as Principal, I have had the splendid online ‘final and celebration with grace and care a tradition. to our ambitions around engaging voice rose asking College to stand for the privilege of experiencing all the formal’ this summer as befits a good family. We bade I am trying hard to look beyond and supporting the local community. High Table. It was touching, graceful following: the weekly screenings at which, I think 198 farewell to one of our previous covid19. There have been clues to life They need us like never before and and funny, like a little farewell but of major cinema releases by Bede Principals, Dr Vernon Armitage, as your College has already found that is not going away anytime soon. only for a short time. I gave a terrible FilmSoc – the oldest cinema in people joined us via with a gathering of current and ways and beaten new paths in the In addition, our ambition to reach speech, left and had a little cry. Durham; two plays put on by the ‘zoom’ for an evening of past students that filled both the present. There was the splendid more people of talent and potential, It has been a remarkable award-winning Hild Bede Theatre; dining and speeches and Chapel and the “Vern” our aptly online ‘final formal’ this summer at who may have not always seen year. You will find in this magazine weekly bar quizzes (in which we eponymous bar. You can read some which, I think 198 people joined us themselves as ‘Durham’, warrants a stories and accounts that show how are proud to usually have the celebration. of the touching and inspiring stories via ‘zoom’ for an evening of dining place, which can be their home. This to survive it and grow beyond it. University’s University Challenge of “Prin’s” influence further into this and speeches and celebration. We will take investment from us such You are an inspiration, our alumni. team captain as a competitor); magazine. We also mourned and managed to build, supported by the that we can harness – in expertise Because of that and a brilliant ‘100 regular ‘Open Mic’ nights; the with ‘ABBA’ as headliners and our celebrated the too early-ended life SRC and Tim Ferguson our Chaplin, a and advice and likely financial – but days’ I still feel as I did when I sought spectacularly talented Bede Chapel LGBT and FemSocs have hosted of one of our student colleagues, new web presence for the ‘Sounding the reward will be a College with this role. I told my interviewers that I choir; competitive sports ranging events. Our Senior Common Room George Somerset. The rallying of of the Retreat’. This has elicited greater authority and autonomy wanted a College to love, and I have from football to extreme frisbee has hosted talks for members almost students around his friends and contacts with friends previously as part of the University, and it will found one. Hild Bede has won my and a very special taster of the Hild weekly and a stunning Burns Supper. family and their choice to allow us to unknown to us who predecessors make us still more distinctive. The heart and because of what a College Bede ‘Cheer’ cheerleading team. We I have learnt something about share in memorialising George’s life were associated with or whose vision here is to be a gateway to is, does and makes possible, it will have hosted talks from two resident our remarkable College ‘family’. and contribution to College was paths crossed with the ‘Bede Men’ the University, to open up access by do so for all our students and friends IAS Fellows – both of whom came This comprises the catering a privilege. whom we remember through this opening up accessibility. This not who are yet to join us.

04 05 RunningHild Bede Head Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

Hello everyone, I hope this finds you and your loved ones well. Every year, we get an The Chair’s Letter opportunity to hear about what our alumni have been up to, to share their stories. Having had an early sneak-peak at the articles I can tell you each one gives a little bit of college life at a time when college isn’t as close as any of us would like. My thanks to the contributors to the magazine for taking the time to be part of our community and to Steph, and the college, for keeping this lifeline open for us all to enjoy. I know we all keep looking around the Seas corner to 2021. I, for one, am giving it a meaningful stare. I never expected in its first full year to be quite so hamstrung in moving forward with our plan to reach out to you all and to build on the great work of the association. There have been many wonderful engagements that I have heard the Day about, and haven’t heard about, but just COVID. This last year has taken be: keep watching the navigation it’s a little like waiting for someone many dear Alumni and college system, don’t drop below 3m, and to fire the starting gun only to notice members off to the great Caedmon avoid anything more than Beaufort that the sole on your running shoe Hall in the sky. The Vern is a memory 4 and all will be fine - even if flaps and that is probably wasn’t of a man now and no longer the sometimes you have to think REAL wise to have had quite so many chip man himself, there is a lovely tribute My relationship with HARD about which rope is attached salads, and cups of tea before the of him in this magazine. Anyway, this boats has always to which sail. race. By now we should have had message is for all of those we have been somewhat fair- A friend of mine down here, the Alumni event in London, alumni lost – this year, and before - as much called Jim, has been the most at College Day, a summer event and as it is sent with love to all of you. weather. What seems patient teacher. I think he’s paying it be tracking for our annual reunion. I’ve headlined this message as like a lifetime ago, I was forward as I can’t think of any other Instead I am regretting not buying ‘Seas the Day’ which is either terribly taken out on a Laser reason he’d want to encourage me shares in Zoom. However, every clever or toe-curlingly obvious. My in Cornwall and found to skipper a boat, but folk are lovely disappointment is an opportunity relationship with boats has always like that aren’t they? I mention all and we continue to plan for when been somewhat fair-weather. What myself in the sea more of this because I know that COVID this awful COVID business is under seems like a lifetime ago, I was taken times than I was on has been, and still is, a terrible time, control and we all start reaching for out on a Laser in Cornwall and found the boat. but I feel like I am one of many a little more normality. myself in the sea more times than who’ve taken the opportunity to find I don’t believe there is anyone I was on the boat. Nor do I look something worthwhile to do – and whose lives haven’t been touched particularly good in a wet suit – now Once that Pandora’s box opened I’m not the only one if this magazine by COVID in some way. The touch or then. I’ve been lucky enough to it soon became clear I was no Ben is anything to go by. I like to think might be a brush or a full tragic have run up a mortgage travelling Ainslie (perhaps more Ahab?). that if ever there was a Dunkirk style slap. I, for one, have lost friends the world. Over the years this has I needed to be taught - not call to arms the sail would be up and both here and in the US, and sadly meant that I could safely indulge with proper definitions - but by I would be ready to go. a few friends that continue to a tourist catamaran/ yacht sunset semaphore and red light/green light. Sail is up and ready to go…. yes, fight in hospital. In a year where sail whilst clinking what passes for Still, this year it became possible to I like that. That’s where we are. Stay social media feels like the only champagne on the day (and that have a share in a boat so it seemed strong – be ready to ‘seas the day’. thing left to keep us all together can be peach cider so don’t mock). like – with very few other things it is a bittersweet knowledge that As you do when you get older one could do safely after the initial (I know, I know…). reaching for the phone to answer and you inevitably start to run out of lockdown – it was time for me to a ‘messenger’ ping won’t be an things that interest you, I started to pull my finger out and get going on Take care, stay safe, answer to a message from one of believe that I could skipper a boat, doing it all properly. Though, to be wherever you are, those that has left us. And it’s not or at the very least, sail one. fair, some key messages seem to Darren

06 07 Hild Bede Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

SRC President I am optimistic about this year and what we can achieve. Especial- ly close to my heart is the most re- cent group of alumni, who have yet to enjoy the opportunity to cele- 2020--2021 brate completion of their studies. Hello everyone, I’m Joseph Cheadle, the new SRC children in Zambia. Sadly, the in- President as of August 2020. We’ve person Hild Bede/Cuths Varsity had an absolute rollercoaster of a was cancelled due to COVID-19, year, and the next one is shaping up but Daniel Joinson (Sports & Socs Joseph to be even more exciting! 2019-2020) and Jess Hall (Sports We are indebted to Jack & Socs 2020-2021) organised Rawden (Social Sec), Hugo Bush multiple virtual events, including (Head of Quizzes) and the whole rowing races, FIFA tournaments, Ents team for broadcasting the cheerleading stretches, and (free) Hild Bede Bar Quiz live on Youtube poker matches! I’m proud to say Cheadle every Thursday during lockdown. we absolutely smashed them, Further to this we held virtual events winning 605 points to their 240, and for our College Day, Final Formal & can’t wait to repeat those scores Bedo’s Bingo, which could not have in person later this year. Despite happened without the tireless efforts disruption at the end of the season, of Kesia Schofield (SRC President the Hild Bede Men’s Football 1st 2019-2020) and Harvey Lamb team has been promoted to the (Social Sec & then-President-elect). premier league, and we look forward The work of these, and countless to taking home the trophy when other students, has been crucial for competitive play resumes! preserving the community spirit we The challenges ahead to cherish at Hild Bede. student life are enormous. To this steps to widening the scope of what events we run in third term (College Some of you may know George end Josh Harpin (Head Frep) and we as a student body can achieve. Day, Summer Ball, etc) shall be an Somerset, and one of the first Sophia Pym (Deputy Head Frep) It may therefore be necessary at opportunity for people to come major activities we undertook as are planning like crazy to best utilise some stage for the SRC to acquire a back, enjoy the company of the a college was the 24hr ergathon the amazing spaces we have, in a Board of Trustees, for which alumni wider alumni community, staff and in his memory. This raised enough way which engages and integrates would be very strong candidates, current students, the Hild Bede money for both a boat & bench the next generation of students to but I shall keep you updated about grounds, and relive as well as make dedicated to his memory, as well as experience our college. Some good that when there is more clarity. This some new memories. Even if this over £2000 for the mental health news is that non-competitive sport is a plan that is being carried out at is not the case next year, we know charity Mind. More recently, we have will, in most cases, resume. This other Durham Colleges, and I hope that one day we will return, and until also been publicising the campaign gives students an excellent way to to obtain the same autonomy and then – carry around that little piece for funds for Tom Lazarides, a Hild get to know each other, learn new authority for the students of St Hild of Hild Bede within us. Bede sportsman, who has suffered skills, and socialise outside of their & St Bede SRC. I’ve far exceeded my word limit life-changing injuries. prescribed accommodation bubbles. Overall, despite current so, until next time, stay safe. is hosting a virtual running event on Over the course of this year I plan circumstances, I am optimistic about Strava, and Charlie Gregg (Publicity to hold referenda on employing this year and what we can achieve. All the Hild Bede love, Officer) is also organising a team to a sabbatical Financial Officer Especially close to my heart is the Cheadle. represent Hild Bede. The goal is to and setting up Hild Bede SRC as most recent group of alumni, who raise money to feed and to provide an independent charity. These have yet to enjoy the opportunity much needed medical equipment undertakings were a main part of my to celebrate completion of their & opportunities to underprivileged manifesto, and I believe they are key studies. Pandemic permitting, the

08 09 Hild Bede Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

remember the Vice Principal would leading to a hectic but happy life attended via Skype. usual hazards of slow roads or always start each dinner by saying work balance. Making the move When I chose my theme sheep on the track. Contact with the same grace, “good food, good from education to business was a of ‘tackling social isolation and charities led me to places none meat, good God let’s eat.” Summer big decision. In reality, the transition loneliness’ for my year in Office, I of my predecessors had visited. balls were another highlight, even if was easy. I enjoyed teaching but never realised how topical it would Video meetings are held in the ball gowns and bouncy castles were business is where I belong. Both become. Many thousands of people quietest corners of people’s houses. not a great mix. involve enabling and inspiring of all ages across our counties live I have sat ‘virtually’ under cabin Coming from a comprehensive people to achieve, so they are not as isolated lives, which detrimentally beds, next to mop buckets and in school in a small town in different as they might first appear. affects their health and wellbeing. spare bedrooms to discuss social I remember being somewhat Over the years Forge has I had planned to shine a spotlight challenges and innovative responses. overawed by the confidence grown into a multi-million-pound on the organisations working in I was able to join church services of other students in my history innovative lighting company with Cumbria to alleviate loneliness. at the Cathedral in and seminars. It took me a while to find customers in over 20 countries. Then, of course, came Covid-19 and still dash virtually across 30 miles my voice, but eventually I calmed The skills in supporting arguments I down, listened, and realised I could learnt at Durham were instrumental contribute to arguments and timidly in the company winning a Queen’s launched in with “actually…” I do Award for Outstanding Innovation From Hild Bede not think I have lost my voice since. in 2009. I continue to volunteer, and Durham gave me confidence, but I am proud that Forge was the first it also instilled in me the need to electronics company in the country To High Sheriff –– support my arguments and focus to be awarded a CommunityMark for my thinking. its corporate social responsibility. Community has always been Fast forward to March 2020, A Cumbrian Story important to me and sometimes I my name had been picked by the felt as a student that university life Queen and I was to become High Julie Barton (née Greenwood), Hild Bede was existing in a bubble, removed Sheriff of Cumbria, a voluntary, from the lives of locals. As a member independent, non-political, unpaid 1985-1989, has been selected by the Queen to of the Catholic Society I helped run Royal appointment with the noble become the High Sheriff of Cumbria, in March social events for the elderly and duties of upholding the principal socially isolated and I volunteered organs of our Constitution within 2020. As High Sheriff, Julie has selected the at the prison crèche at Frankland my county. The role goes back over theme of ‘tackling social isolation and loneliness’ High Security Prison. On volunteer a thousand years, and historically and she describes the challenges and successes days I used to catch the free bus to High Sheriffs held extensive powers the prison from Durham Station with to judge cases in court, raise she has faced in her first year in office. the other prison visitors. The journey “the hue and cry” after criminals, was never dull. Crèche work may command a posse, send two knights Hild Bede Hockey Tour of the Cambridge Colleges spring 1987. I am at the far right of the middle row directly in front of Steve Bell, our part time goalkeeper and minibus I arrived at Hild Bede from Cumbria Bede. I dabbled in college musicals; have helped prepare me for some of to Parliament, and collect taxes. It’s driver. In front row directly behind ball (blonde) was the captain Helen Wilson. in October 1985 in my parents’ strictly chorus, and I took up rowing. the challenges of the classroom, but an interesting job description! A bashed up old Metro and parked College meals were always I do remember thoroughly enjoying sheriff’s powers may have waned suddenly everyone was not only to in time for Mass, in a sea of large, shiny vehicles. a good way to meet friends and my final teaching practice at St over the centuries, but I planned talking about social isolation but thanks to livestreaming services. My parents, inexperienced about get to know others. I used to find Joseph’s, Coundon. to play a modern, proactive, and experiencing it for themselves due After dinner speeches changed university and somewhat daunted great humour in the quirky rules After graduating in 1989, I positive role in today’s Cumbria and to the lockdown. into saying a few words virtually by the car park, kissed me good of the dining room. At breakfast returned to Cumbria and married to promote my county during my Since taking Office, I have after bringing my own nibbles and luck and promptly left. I was given for instance you weren’t allowed Peter Barton, my boyfriend from year. It was the first time ever that a been determined that restrictions glass. Unable to visit in person, I set a room in error on a postgraduate two servings of anything, but what home. Together we set about High Sheriff of Cumbria had come would not reduce me to some sort up a Facebook page and learned corridor in Hild building. I never qualified as a serving? One member converting a mill and I began my from the Low Furness Peninsula. My of nightshift where little happens. to make videos for the Police and complained. I am glad my friendship of the staff seemed employed career teaching in Barrow-in- installation with over two hundred Covid-19 is the biggest crisis of various emergency services to group was a variety of freshers and purely to snap Weetabix in half, as a Furness, then . Just as invitees in Barrow-in-Furness Town our generation but as there is show appreciation for their frontline postgraduates and after all, I had a portion was one and half Weetabix. the house was finished and things Hall was imminent and my diary was no blueprint for a High Sheriff in efforts. I have enjoyed being a fantastic view of the cathedral. I aspired to have three whole seemed a little easier, we risked full of exciting events to attend, but lockdown, I was free to take a fresh regular guest on local radio stations I have always enjoyed having a Weetabix. It never happened. My it all and set up Forge Europa in the pandemic scuppered everything. approach to lending active support. and deliberately included hospital broad range of hobbies rather than breakfasts were always snapped. March 1993. We started the business Instead, my installation took place During spring, I “zoomed” radio, so I could thank NHS workers specialising in one all-consuming Formal dinners however were in the spare room at home from a on the patio at home, Peter stood in around Cumbria, participating whilst acknowledging the important interest. College life suited me something very special and I think standing start with no customers, no for the Lord-Lieutenant, our younger in resilience groups to ensure no role of radio in bringing together well. The sports teams were more only happened three times a term. suppliers, and no financial backers. son John, who is now a student one was left unsupported, and patients and their loved ones during inclusive than at university level and We would take it in turns to queue Our sons, Joseph and John were himself at Durham, stood in for attending meetings with charities lockdown. I enjoyed playing hockey for Hild at night to book a table of eight. I born during the early years of Forge, the Undersheriff and most guests and organisations without the I have been greatly impressed

10 11 RunningHild Bede Head Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

Virtual guide camp

Hild Bede Ball with Peter Barton, my now husband, summer 1988

Guys and Dolls Musical spring 1988. It was produced by Damon Kerr and Jill Priest had the lead as Adelaide. I am on the front row, strictly chorus, only to the left of Jill in a pale peach dress. I am between a red dress and a green dress. fewer people will be or feel lonely in the future. Looking ahead and new risks keep emerging in our strange Summer has enabled me to get out with the creativity and can-do amazing stories of generosity and beauty and cutting-edge industry, new world. Cumbria has been mentality with which so many kindness shown often to complete but it also an area of contrasts inundated with more visitors than and meet people. From launching a groups are adapting their ways of strangers and it was a privilege to with high deprivation rates, and ever before and this has brought walk with ‘Happy to Chat’ benches operating. One of my favourite early select and send out certificates significant challenges. It has huge challenges to safety and social in , climbing moun- events was attending Virtual Guide and personal letters to recipients. therefore been a pleasure to be distancing within our communities Camp, which brought together over Judging from the reply letters I associated with the grant making, as well as increased threats to our tains for charity and visiting natural 500 families from across Cumbria received, I have also made a lot which has distributed much of the environment and our emergency flood defences on the Eden River... for a series of fun activities and of people cry …. but in a good money raised to date to support the services, including our mountain campfire singing. For this I was way. I have worked with and been most vulnerable and isolated. rescue teams. I aim to remain asked to make a video, which had inspired by the proactivity of my Summer has enabled me to sensitive to emerging needs and me digging out my tin cup, welly get out and meet people. From flexible in my approach. I am sticks and old camp badges. launching a walk with ‘Happy to grateful for my time at Durham, Not everyone, however, is an Chat’ benches in Kirkby Stephen, not only for the lifelong friendships IT expert and I have been humbled climbing mountains for charity and I made there, but also for helping by the appreciation shown by visiting natural flood defences on me to find my voice which has tiny organisations and individuals the Eden River to visiting mental assisted me in taking on the Office when I phone and write letters. health, farm-based charities, sitting of High Sheriff. I will continue to put The Office of High Sheriff makes a on the bench in Carlisle Crown Court a spotlight on and lend support to big difference at such times. I have and celebrating VJ Day with care Cumbria, the county I am honoured also worked with organisations to home residents in , I and delighted to serve. I now have support the digitally isolated, from have met some amazing people. so many new plans and ideas in the delivering reminiscence boxes to As to my theme of tackling diary for what has developed into a dementia sufferers to supporting social isolation, with crisis comes very different kind of year in Office. laptop donations to isolated young opportunity. Covid-19 has identified At work at Forge Europa people. so many more people leading To date, I am most proud local community foundation in lonely lives but with it has come Hild Bede alumni are very welcome of launching a High Sheriff of responding to emerging needs. neighbourliness and connection with to follow my progress at Cumbria Special Recognition Award For one of the least populated the local community. If I can help www.facebook.com/hscumbria2020 Certificate to acknowledge and counties, Cumbria’s foundation community groups to harness some and www.highsheriffofcumbria.co.uk thank those volunteers, voluntary has impressively raised nearly two of the goodwill created by the army and if you feel inspired to donate to organisations and individuals million pounds. Cumbria is often of new volunteers and if I can help www.cumbriafoundation.org who have been outstanding in associated with The Lake District build on the collaboration within be assured your money will their support of others during the but there is so much more to the communities established during help make a life-changing Covid-19 crisis. I was inundated with county. It is a place of great natural lockdown, then I’m optimistic that difference to others.

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HildRunning Bede Head Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association

Hild Bede was best for sport and a place he had fierce rivalry with, I would have not applied to Hild Bede. If I had not been invited to pre-season, I may not have made the friends I have along the way. If I had not been placed in Bede, I would not have the fond memories that I still have today. It was also the time in my life where my passion for teaching and coaching developed - being part of the University Rugby Club for three years, and in my final year helping to coach The Bailey Women to a fantastic win over The Hill Women’s team. Some of my fondest memories have certainly involved sport, whether that was watching friends, celebrating in the success of Bede RFC winning the Floodlight cup, the numerous bus journeys, being involved in all the Colleges, Universities clubs and societies, or simply running down the tow path to Maiden Castle. These moments will stick with me for the rest of my life and form a big part of my approach to coaching to date.

James is third from right, playing James McCann, Hild Bede 2007-2011, in the Town and Gown. recounts his time at Hild Bede as well as a member of the rugby team for the university and how his experience shaped him to pass on his skills to his pupils at Whitgift school.

“Pick a city 100 miles from home and the late Fergus King MBE. taxing to say the least - the trips of being part of theirs - attending night out in Klute (the finest club in and select the universities in that Both had a profound impact on to Edinburgh, the final night hurrah weddings, christenings and birthday Europe). The endless nights in Bede radius” – this was how my 6th my way of coaching, teaching, in Newcastle and the social with celebrations to this day. and the sorry sights at breakfast form teacher proposed I decided thinking and being. They epitomised DUNC, I was certainly ready and Like all young freshers, the the next day (if you made it). If you on universities back in 2007 and demonstrated the values looking forward to moving into first term was a blur but filled weren’t woken up by the porter, Following my graduation in 2011, when studying at The John Fisher of rugby, and importantly what Hild Bede. with exciting firsts. The first time cleaner or friend in your time at a moment that will forever feel School, Purley. His rationale - pick selflessness looked like. It was here With the excitement of freshers experiencing the cold “north”, Durham, you certainly were lucky. bittersweet, a combination of a university as far away from home, that I would be catapulted into complete, over the next three years the first time being exposed to I would sum up my time at Hild goodbyes and nervousness for this would throw you in the deep a new environment and learning it was in Bede that I met friends for “Northern” vocabulary, (I thought Bede as lucky - it helped shape the next step, I jumped out of my end learning how to fend and study experience (and not alone!). I met life in the form of Chris Hitchcock, it was Geordie at first), of BNOC who I am today professionally and Durham comfort zone and into for yourself. Chris Hitchcock for pre-season on Oliver Lowe, Dom Ketteringham, (big name on campus), Schweff and personally. If it were not for my the workplace. But I was definitely Fast forward a few months day one, who was also studying BA Max Brueggar, Robert Elliot and other terms that were completely school teacher telling me to draw a ready and well-armed to start a and I was commencing my journey Sport and starting in Hild Bede, and many more across Durham. These oblivious to me! Or having to radius of 100 miles before looking at new journey. I departed Durham at Hild Bede and Durham with has been a close friend ever since. friends have been a continued negotiate travelling home for the universities, I would not have applied with all my belongings and the pre-season rugby training run by The two weeks of pre-season were and important part of my adult Christmas break when I had run outside of London. If it were not for fond memories of the Vernon Arms, the stalwart of DURFC, Ted Wood physically, mentally, and emotionally life and I have had the privilege out of money following one last a history teacher who mentioned Bede, arduous treks up Gilesgate

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Running Head Hild Bede Alumni Association

us to develop the physical qualities DT department and various other of all our students and I am a firm colleagues making masks, raising believer that everyone is an athlete, money and doing food drops for and that everyone should be training the local community. During the and keeping healthy throughout life. lockdown, it certainly highlighted My current work was inspired to me how our communities came The future will by what I experienced growing together to support each other and undoubtedly look and feel up being active at school and at ensured all of our students’ physical different. Professionally, Durham. It focuses on bringing and mental health needs were met. our curriculum will need positive learning experiences, sound I cannot thank them enough for pedagogy, a structured curriculum how much they did to maintain to adapt to a more “long- and an assessment model that is spirit, connectedness, and morale term athletic development” based on movement competency throughout all of this. model - focusing on the rather than sporting aptitude. Our The next academic year and physical qualities and model will and does influence all the future will undoubtedly look the children that walk through our and feel different. Professionally, fundamental movement gates at Whitgift. With the lockdown our curriculum will need to adapt skills, and one that works occurring two weeks before Easter, to a more “long-term athletic in line with National it galvanised a lot of people to act development” model - focusing Governing Bodies who are as a community, come together on the physical qualities and and to support each other. Since fundamental movement skills, and still easing the restrictions this moment, the department and one that works in line with National on certain activities. I have collated a series of remote Governing Bodies who are still learning activities, paired with a easing the restrictions on certain changed, but the same’. The shift to online learning and the activities. Therefore, a move away Covid-19 pandemic has changed delivery of GCSE and A-level PE from a Games-based model the world around us personally and late at night, the morning run from their teacher training, coach rugby, lessons which still had to take place. is welcome. professionally, but the motto and the Viaduct to Bede at 6am during hockey and in school, and There was inspirational support by Personally, I hope to finish core values of Hild Bede should finals and all the amazing people I up until this academic year was staff members who worked with my MA in Education from Bath resonate more than ever before, for met. I started as a Graduate Sport a resident boarding tutor with our key workers children each University next year, enjoy another me they certainly do. Assistant, before undertaking my a hundred boys in our boarding week, ensuring their physical and graduation ten years later; continue PGCE in PE at Exeter University in house. My role is certainly varied My role is certainly mental needs were met. This was to have a positive influence on those 2012, along with Chris Hitchcock and has undoubtedly included varied and has also crucial in helping with some I teach and shape the curious minds (it seemed three years studying some weird and wonderful stories, undoubtedly included form of routine and normality for of the young. The connections to my together at Durham was not not too dissimilar to my time at some weird and wonderful those students. Activities ranged time in Durham have also continued enough). Having qualified as a PE Durham. I have had some amazing from “Daily Challenges” that to run through my personal life too, I teacher, I secured a job at an inner opportunities, from organising stories, not too dissimilar could be done in small spaces and met my fiancée at Chris Hitchcock’s London state school in Streatham cricket tours to Spain and Barbados to my time at Durham. minimal equipment. Weekly fitness wedding (they are cousins) and we and cut my teeth working with (with 70, 11-13 year olds) to using I have had some amazing challenges for the students and currently reside in West Hampstead amazing students and colleagues. my knowledge of the local area in opportunities, from staff, and the weekly remote PE and hope to stay put for a couple Fast forward seven years, I am Durham to assist our Hockey Squads organising cricket tours lessons that could be completed of years. While she didn’t attend fortunate enough to serve as Head for a chilly pre-season tour! and accessed online. Lastly, while Durham, her brother Paddy McDuell of Physical Education at Whitgift Within my line of work, I am to Spain and Barbados students were on screens for did, graduating from the college that School, London. The connections to a big advocate of changing the long periods of time, we saw it cannot be named (Hatfield) in 2019. Hild Bede even followed me here, re- narrative, experience and curriculum younger generations in years to as an opportunity to offer small Seeing everyone in different visiting my freshers’ photo, I came of Physical Education away from a come – there is an insurmountable educational videos with familiar staff communities come together across a young James Piggott, who Games based model to a Movement number of health-related illnesses faces to educate the students on the certainly highlights the importance teaches Theology and Philosophy at based model. A model that develops that occur through sedentary “why” of “what” they were doing. of a community and Hild Bede Whitgift and was also a rep during students’ movement skills, athletic lifestyles, inactivity and poor Our games department certainly epitomised that. We are all entering my time there. ability and gives students the education around nutrition and had their hands full and with the a slightly unknown world, and My current role involves the physical skills to be able to succeed well-being. Every child has the cricket season decimated, I feel for this will be heightened for those development of the physical and technically in their chosen sport, or right to be educated in movement, the teachers across the country, who have recently graduated or overall well-being of over 1500 the basic movement skills to partake rather than a skill/Games-based delivering fantastic things to keep commencing their time at Durham. students, ranging from 6 to 18-year in good lifelong physical activity. model of Physical Education and our students occupied with small We have a duty to ensure we If any recent graduates or alumni olds. I lead eleven PE staff out of Having worked and experienced we need to ensure all students can drills/skills and challenges too. The keep supporting the communities want to get in touch, I’d love to a department of thirty full time this Games-based model in six move correctly first, before adding youth of the day will certainly grow around us and be resilient - as the connect - my email is jrm@whitgift. games and PE members of staff. I schools we are now entering a the pressure of sport to them. A up with a new found resilience and Hild Bede Motto states, ‘Eadem co.uk or alternatively, you’ll find me mentor trainee teachers through different challenge that will hit our Movement-based curriculum allows community spirit. I think about our mutata resurgo’, or ‘I rise again, on LinkedIn.

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Esther Dingley, Hild Bede 2007- Currently the world is in the middle going ‘wrong’ or we were ‘failing’, 2009, describes to us how an of a huge upheaval with many in fact we’ve ended up somewhere unexpected event forced both her people facing great uncertainty so much better, beyond what we and her partner Dan to carve out a and significant challenges in their thought or imagined possible different way of living. Esther here daily lives. In 2014, a near-death and learnt something new about writes that after a busy 5 weeks experience catalysed me and my ourselves or discovered skills and We’re no masters at it but we are return visit to the UK, as they fiancé to leave our lives in Durham talents we didn’t know that we had. started their next chapter of their and travel Europe in a camper van. Every morning since then, we now more practised at embracing journey on the Via Alpina. The route Travel has opened us up to new wake up and say “What adventures took them through Switzerland, ways of looking at life, at people shall we have today?” It might just uncertainty and instead of letting Austria, Italy, Lichtenstein, Slovenia and at the world. There are so many be litter picking on a beach, or it paralyse us, allowing ourselves and they were carrying everything ‘facts’ we used to take for granted writing a blog post for a charity that they needed with them. They that no longer seem obvious. we support, but mindfulness and to wonder where it might lead. posted updates and pictures on Nomadic living has made us learn to gratitude has become an increasing Facebook and Instagram feeds face our fears, overcome challenges part of our life experience. Grateful @estheranddan. and accept that uncertainty is an to be alive, to start a new day and to This inspiring article by Esther inevitable part of life. Times in which have our health. We know now that Dingley, in which she describes it was very difficult to see how wherever we end up and whatever building a new way of life with her there would ever be a silver lining we find ourselves involved in that partner Daniel following serious to the dark clouds all around, but day, that life is the adventure. illnesses, was written before there were. This has turned out to We’re no masters at it but we are we received news that Esther’s be an incredible opportunity to take now more practised at embracing current whereabouts are unknown. a pause and start to learn what it uncertainty and instead of letting it Esther’s words, speaking of finding really meant to look after ourselves paralyse us, allowing ourselves to a way when facing difficulty and and to live our own dreams. Dan’s wonder where it might lead. uncertainty, are particularly in our near-death episode, just like this Having left school in 2001, minds as we all share concerns pandemic, showed us that it’s OK my path started by collecting a about her whereabouts which has to have plans and dreams but we list of academic and also sporting been unknown since just before just need to not be overly attached achievements. On the outside Christmas. Our thoughts are with to specific outcomes. Those times looking in, I was having a very Esther, family and friends. when we thought things were successful life with Oxford, Durham and Cambridge University all on my CV as well as gold medals in National Rowing and University Cycling Championships. At Durham even volunteering at animal rescue who was himself having several University, and as part of Hild Bede centres in our spare time. All was operations, contracted a serious College, I completed a Masters in going well, but I was still pushing post-operative infection. At 3 am, Research Methodology, worked myself very hard, too hard at times, as he was wheeled into surgery, we briefly as a postgraduate researcher overstretching myself, becoming were told to ‘say a proper goodbye, in the Education department and sleep deprived and becoming over- just in case’. Thankfully he survived was successful in securing PhD reliant on sugar stimulants - “the that night and recovered slowly funding. However, during this pizza, fudge and cheesecake diet” over the next few months. The time I had also started an online I would joke. Burning the candle at wedding had to be cancelled but postgraduate community, winning both ends so to speak. we decided to extend our ‘career several Enterprise awards, including After a series of viral infections break honeymoon’ plans. In May Durham’s Blueprint, for the idea from which I didn’t allow myself to 2014, we set off to tour Europe in and I decided to pursue business, fully recover, in 2013 I broke down, a motorhome, taking a year off to which had attracted venture physically and mentally. After a both recover mentally, emotionally capitalist backing. At one point we number of tests, I was diagnosed and physically. had 6 members of staff as well as with M.E. I struggled to even get Almost 6 years on, we have a sideline of private consultancy out of bed or wash my hair, let had many adventures across but sadly this business didn’t alone do anything I loved. From cities and countries of Europe. survive recessionary pressures. We being an international athlete and We’ve volunteered on organic started and juggled several other flying high in my career, suddenly farms as we were starting to learn projects and formal employment being left so physically debilitated is about nutrition and sustainable roles. I had my own home and a something very difficult to describe farming; we’ve been house-sitters, long-term relationship with my in words. I was no use to anyone. volunteered and got involved in partner, Dan, who I’d met in my Around the same time, and during local communities and also taken a first year at University. We were planning our wedding, my partner, trip outside of Europe to visit all the

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temples and ancient sites of Egypt way of keeping in touch with friends that so captivated us in history and family but as we continued to lessons as children! But mostly both travel and continued to keep having Dan and I have realised a passion such incredible experiences and for exploring high mountains, encounters with so many other There have been a few whether by bicycle - completing inspirational people as well as learn almost all the Tour de France so many new things and expand times when we have of mountains passes and many more in our perspectives, we developed course slipped back and other alpine countries - or by foot. an equally strong passion to share started to take things for Summiting many alpine peaks (up to back what we were learning. We are 3600m in altitude), crossing glaciers so grateful for all the opportunities granted but each time, we and accessing places by scaling and people who’ve helped and get another reminder that 50m vertical ladders and we’ve encouraged us, that we too want to life is uncertain. completed several multi-day thru- share back some of our experiences, hiking tours which we wrote books stories and insights. Yes, we’ve about. “Turn Left at Mont Blanc” gone from Graduates to Nomads captures our adventures during but both parts of our life have been the month trek along the GR5 and very important to us. Our earlier the world-famous Tour de Mont academic and sporting paths and Blanc. “Just Around the Matterhorn” all the people who helped us to and “Walking Through Paradise - gain these achievements shaped Exploring Western Europe’s largest us just as much as those we’ve met Nature Reserve” cover a period of since travelling. These few decades 7 weeks exploring the Swiss, Italian taught us how to approach life and French Alps on foot with just a with an open mind, learn to spot small tent. opportunities and be comfortable short lived there were still times at home with! In 2017, our lives and But there has been another taking some risks in life so that which the balance could have tipped adventures took a sudden turn in aspect to our adventures. When when we faced true adversity, the the wrong way again, allowing us a different direction which has had we set out and said it wasn’t challenge of Dan’s life-threatening to see that we were starting to a lasting impact on us. Touring the really about where specifically we situation, we were able to not only plan too far in advance, trying to beaches of Spain over winter in our travelled to but about a feeling get through it but turn the situation control things and were getting motorhome, a friend found a stray we were looking for. As we were 180 degrees around. It’s been a too attached to our expectations. dog, of which there are devastatingly both still recovering, physically and slow gradual process but each So yes, of course, there have still many. After a long search for her mentally, the first couple of years we day we now wake up with a deep been challenges. Lots of them, or owner, we decided to take the little spent a lot of time learning about sense of gratitude and also wonder very few depending on how you ginger dog, who we named ‘Leela’ the importance of self-care and and curiosity as to what the day look at it. We know we are “living on board. Except she came with her what it meant to really look after the might bring. At points not knowing the dream” as many people would own surprise and within 2 weeks body. We used our research skills to where we were going or where we’d see it, and we are. But as we’ve we found ourselves novice parents learn about nutrition and wellness. sleep that night used to scare me learned, travelling doesn’t really raising 6 pups - bottle feeding, toilet We established new more balanced immensely but now, I trust whatever I suppose the biggest solve any problems, it just changes training and eventually taking puppy and healthful routines trying to happens, each day is an adventure, them. Practical challenges aside, training classes with these tiny avoid the boom and bust cycle of another opportunity to learn more challenges have been such as breakdowns etc., I suppose helpful balls of fur. Now I’m in no way taking things to the extreme. We about myself and to contribute to emotional. Removing many the biggest challenges have been comparing dogs to children when I introduced mindfulness into our the world. of the conventional life emotional. Removing many of the say this but I now have an immense lives, yoga, relaxation techniques There have been a few times stresses allowed a lot of conventional life stresses allowed a respect for parents and for teachers. and changed the way we fuelled when we have of course slipped suppressed issues to creep lot of suppressed issues to creep up Not having had children, this surprise our body. Without this re-education back and started to take things over time. It’s been a very cathartic furry family gave us a tiny glimpse my physical adventures in the for granted but each time, we up over time. It’s been a experience at times; very necessary of the commitment made by mountains would not be possible. get another reminder that life is very cathartic experience for our personal development and parents. It definitely deepened my We’ve heard it many times now, uncertain. Dan’s surgeries have left at times; very necessary for especially important when sharing appreciation towards my parents and from many different people who’ve him with significant scarring and our personal development and living full-time in a tiny living all those who’d been involved in my reminded us... “look after your body, from time to time those present and especially important space with a long-term life partner! childhood. it’s the only true ‘home’ you’ll ever their own health challenges so In any case it prepared us well for For one reason and then own!”, something which we had we’ve several times we’ve also had when sharing and living lockdown! another, 4 pups remained with us for taken for granted for too long. unexpected visits to hospitals of full-time in a tiny living But for the past 3 and a half almost 3 years. George, Pati, Rose Over the years, we’ve kept a Europe! Although these episodes space with a long-term years, Dan’s not the only one I’ve and Bella joined us and Leela. The blog about our travels. It started as a were not quite as dramatic and life partner! been sharing our small rolling 7 of us touring Europe and having

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Travelling and/or a nomadic life- style isn’t for everyone but it was a dream I’d had for a long, long, time, I was just too afraid to act.

Life since leaving Hild Bede I’ve learnt and believe that we are hasn’t been as conventional or capable of so much more than we anything like what I expected. think we are when we follow our It might have started out in that passions. Whatever it is that fills me direction but due to unexpected with joy, I know I try each day to events, my life has taken a sharp work towards creating a life where turn and now we don’t know where more of that is possible! For I’ve the adventures will take us each found it’s at the times when I have day. But I’m still very grateful for the courage to follow my passions, my time at Durham, all the staff, fuelling myself with joy, I’m then other students, alumni, guest more able to help and be of service speakers who shaped and inspired to others. And I’ve also learnt from me. I don’t think I fully appreciated countless experiences I don’t need it at the time but I see now what to know the ‘how’ in advance. If I an incredible environment was just trust and keep stepping in the provided to encourage and allow direction of whatever it might be me to explore whether academically, that is calling to me at the time, in the sports or arts. There’s a near then one after the one pieces of infinite array of pathways my life the puzzle do fall into place. The could have taken, but an ability and opportunities and people who willingness to recognise and act on want to help are there, if I’m open opportunities was the key ingredient to seeing them instead of allowing in each case. my judgement to be clouded by adventures together. This was wasn’t completely alone on my first to be able to call some incredible Travelling and/or a nomadic my worries or need for control definitely very challenging at times, solo trek of the Pyrenees in 2019, places our home; from the highest lifestyle isn’t for everyone but it was and to know in advance. It’s been making sure we were able to meet as Bella and Rose came with me. It alpine passes to deserted beaches. a dream I’d had for a long, long, very much an adventure of 3 steps everyone’s needs. Yes, at times we was a huge responsibility but they The simplicity brings me so much time, I was just too afraid to act. forward and 2 back but I’ve come to had coloured charts with training were true stars - over 26 days we joy as I have so much more time Afraid I didn’t have enough money, appreciate that it’s the challenging and walk rotas! But it has brought us walked over 370km and ascended/ now for creative and active pursuits afraid it wouldn’t be safe, afraid of situations that ultimately taught me an immense amount of joy, laughter descended over 20,000 vertical and to help others. We now travel the impact on my career prospects, the most about myself and made me and of course a lot of fluff! More meters together! In addition to the with all we own as we kept only afraid I wouldn’t be contributing to stronger. than this it’s taught us a whole heap hiking adventure books, ‘Love, Fluff things that would get regular use society but none of that has been of vital life lessons, given us the and Chasing Butterflies’ tells the plus a few items which inspired. And true. Life circumstances gave us the To follow us on our travels, or to opportunity to up level our personal story of Leela and the pups arrival in yes, whilst a motorhome isn’t as push but six years on, and although I ask questions of your own, you can growth by having to focus on the a series of poems and pictures. This fuel efficient as other vehicles, we try not to have any regrets, if I do it’s find us online at www.estheranddan. needs of those dependent on us as fluffy chapter of our adventures is don’t tend to travel huge distances, that I listened to my fears, worries com, or on Facebook at www. there was a risk of us becoming a coming to an end. It isn’t so much preferring to use the motorhome as and anxiety and let them hold me facebook.com/EstherandDan little too inwardly focused travelling goodbye as some of the dogs are our base and really explore the areas back, let them stop me from taking around in our little bubble. They’ve going to live with family and very we visit on the bikes or on foot. I the plunge of pursuing my dreams Our latest books are available on also spread a lot of smiles and close friends so we will all still be love the environmentally friendly sooner. If I had any advice to offer, Amazon or via our blog. been the reason that we have met very much an extended furry family. aspect of our travelling lifestyle, the it would be whatever your dreams some incredible people and opened I love life in a motorhome. Yes, fact our electricity is from solar, that are, whether travelling or not, don’t up some amazing opportunities. it’s a small simple space which we take very short showers, very hold back. They might seem strange Actually, it so happened that I moves. We’ve been very fortunate rarely use any heating etc. or maybe even really far away but

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Out of retirement for Online teaching!” David Miller and Jean Miller née Cairns. There are times in this life of mine I think that the sun forgot how to shine But as long as you’re always there It don’t bother me ‘cos why should I care When all I’ve gotta do Is run to you Even the bad times are good Soon as I get to you baby...

Covid 19. The implications of this handwritten then typed, if you were have been truly life changing. lucky to possess a typewriter! If not, Life changing in every single way. it was a matter of trying to borrow My family are no different to any one from somewhere. So very time other. We have faced separation, consuming. dilemmas, loneliness and sadness. Lesson plans and preparation How could I help my family who are for teaching practices were based in New York, living in fear and resourced from books, no Google in Even The Bad Times uncertainty? those days! How could I help my family The Teaching Practice Tutor and who live over 200 miles away, in the school that you were assigned Are Good. Bedfordshire? to checked the meticulous lesson How could I try to lighten the planning. Appointments with your burden of this terrible time? tutor to discuss and evaluate your Jean Miller (née Cairns), St. Hild's College 1971 – How could I help them especially day’s teaching. School visits by 1974, describes the effects that Covid-19 had when my daughter contracted Covid your tutor to “watch” your lessons. and I was unable to go to her? Heaven forbid if you hadn’t prepared not only herself but also on her family and how How could I raise my own spirits? carefully! Newly qualified teachers. David How could I stop this feeling of I specialised in the Secondary Miller, Bede College 1971 to 1974. Jean Cairns, St. Hild’s College 1971 to 1974. she turned a negative situation into a positive, helplessness and sadness? age group. However, this did The answer to these questions, not mean I only taught my schools. Teaching subjects ranging needless to say, she didn’t have to look very far. the answer to how I could help, help specialised subject, Drama. I had to from Music to Science. As long as them and help myself came quite demonstrate proficiency in teaching you are well prepared and can adapt unexpectedly .... Online Teaching!! a variety of subjects, namely English, and have a “presence” you can Online teaching via FaceTime! R.E., Maths and P.E.. These subjects manage and I did! I’m going to back track nearly were taught as College Courses and The other compulsory subjects fifty years, to my time at St. Hild’s were part of the teacher training in College were Psychology, College, to my teacher training. curriculum. Now, why did I have Sociology and Philosophy. Two of Online teaching, FaceTime, Zoom. to teach these subjects? I was these subjects, of the student’s Goodness me this was certainly not going to specialise in Maths choice, were subject to a written uncharted ground when I was a teaching. Well, we were taught that examination in the final year. student at Hild’s. Computers were you were a teacher of children not As a student teacher, I had to not in use, in fact I don’t think a specific subject and not a specific undertake three teaching practices. computers existed! Everything age group. This is so true and, in One in a primary school and was hand written, resources were my opinion, still applies. This came two in secondary schools. I must found in the libraries, Howarth back to me years later when I did admit I did not enjoy the primary and Caedmon. Dissertations were some supply teaching in secondary school practice, 35 children aged

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8 to 9 years. I knew this age group knowing you had something very how the schools would operate. was not for me. Two secondary positive to do was so uplifting. To My grandchildren, therefore, school practices followed which I know that the children were seeing went back to their schools. They thoroughly enjoyed. The preparation different faces and talking to us have learnt to adapt to the new was hard but the classroom teaching on a daily basis was so wonderful. guidelines. In fact, I think they was wonderful. I knew I had made To prepare lessons again and to know more about “social bubbles” the right decision in my chosen age think positively. Evenings spent than I do! That along with social group. My teaching practice tutors researching information for the distancing, washing hands very I enjoyed Granny reading were fantastic, in fact I still possess next day Receiving their work by regularly and wearing masks has a book that I was given by my tutor email for us to mark. Daily reports become the norm for them. stories to me and I enjoyed after my final practice. were sent by email to their parents. That time of online teaching reading to her. Once qualified, I undertook Ordering through Amazon any was just what we all needed. To feel my probationary year in a very necessary materials, for delivery to positive and happy and useful. To Emilia, aged 6. large comprehensive school. It was their address of course. have fun! a ruling that all newly qualified Happy times amongst all the For Dave and me to also receive teachers had to complete a negativity surrounding the Covid wonderful acknowledgements from probationary period of one year and situation. I taught English Literature, the children’s schools made it so be inspected on this. Inspected by English Language and History worthwhile. We must have been the school’s Headteacher. and Dave taught Geography and doing something right. It was really good and it After teaching English and Science. Last weekend they finally Drama, I then went on to teach I have never taught a six year visited us and went on a long walk was so nice to see Granny children with Special Educational old child before but I have never exploring Durham and looking at and for her to help me needs within mainstream schooling. forgotten that I was a teacher the things that Dave had taught with my English. I loved this challenge. Teaching of children, regardless of age or them about the City. children with special needs was subject. My daughter showed me a Thomas, aged 11. so rewarding. Very challenging I introduced Emilia to poetry. I video she had sent Emilia’s teacher behaviour and challenging needs encouraged Thomas to read more in the early days of home schooling. fulfilled my ambition in not only books and to discuss them. We Emilia is reciting, with facial and teaching the children but helping wrote formal and informal letters, vocal expression, a poem she had them and preparing them for their we wrote creative and factual read with me. future. essays. They read to me. We talked. The children’s opinions about So, nearly fifty years later, along We laughed. our Online Teaching. “It was really comes online teaching, FaceTime, Dave’s lessons were factual and good and it was so nice to see Zoom! The answer to helping not very creative. It was fun. Fun for the Granny and for her to help me with only my family but me. children and certainly fun for us. A my English.” Thomas, aged 11. “I On March 20th, 2020, schools very happy time forgetting about enjoyed Granny reading stories to were closed due to Covid. what was going on around us. me and I enjoyed reading to her”. My Daughter and son-in-law were They say, once a teacher, always a Emilia, aged 6. then tasked with home schooling teacher. That is so true. my grandchildren. I received a call Dave and I have never forgotten asking for my help and that of my the training we had received at Hild husband, David Miller (Bede College and Bede, the training that formed 1971 to 1974), asking if we were our careers and stayed with us. prepared to help, to “come out of The children are in Year 1 and retirement” and to teach again albeit Year 6 so were able to return to via FaceTime or Zoom. Of course, school on June 1st. 2020. All safety we agreed. measures had been put in place, We absolutely relished this detailed letters were sent to parents task. To get up on a morning outlining procedures, guidelines and

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As our destination approached, I decided to refuel at a favourite watering hole at Scotch Corner, an old staging post previously boasting four stars and posh biscuits.

Bede College Cross Country Club 1970-1971, Allan is fourth in the front row.

St Hild’s College rowing team 1974-1975, Elaine (nee Ashmore) is seventh in the front row.

Feeling like a gap year, but not able to afford one, we decided to splash out recently on a Bede/ College Hild’s College Reunion instead. An overnight stop in beautiful surroundings, with a celebratory Allan and Elaine (née Ashmore) Johnson meal in the company of old friends. Rags in Durham 2012. What could be better? With memories of our student days rising quickly to the surface, off we set in eager anticipation of a richly Allan Johnson, Bede 1969-1972; 1972-1973; 1973- nostalgic weekend. Making contact with former acquaintances had students. At reception, we signed dressing gown. I kept my head down 1975, writes about a Hild Bede reunion he had been a frustrating business - until for our room keys - at which point and wished her goodnight before Elaine produced a comprehensive the porter lowered his shutters and making good my escape. We never attended at college. A shortened form of this Christmas card list. disappeared. At the third attempt met again. article originally appeared in the Lifestyle section As our destination approached, and with the help of reading glasses, The rooms in the older part I decided to refuel at a favourite we cracked the security code for the of the college were very familiar of the Yorkshire Post on the 17th Oct 2007. watering hole at Scotch Corner, an inner sanctum and went in search of although the plumbing had old staging post previously boasting our budget accommodation. thankfully improved and there were four stars and posh biscuits. There were no such security phone sockets all over the place. I However, times had changed. The arrangements in our day. Despite don’t remember phoning home very cappuccino with tiny wrapped being nominally single sex often and there was always the pay- wafer was served in starkly modern institutions, the traffic between phone at the end of the corridor. surroundings resembling an airport Bede and Hild’s was clearly visible at We were meeting up with lounge. Was worse to follow? all hours long before the union was Bev Dobson, née Zinn (1972-1975), Undeterred, we parked in the cemented in 1975. One memorable who was the last Senior Woman familiar surroundings of the car park incident I recall was creeping down elected at St Hild’s before the at St Hild’s only to be interrogated the back stairs of East Bailey only Colleges merged, and Alan Dobson by a security guard who clearly to bump into the College Nurse (University College and Grad did not recognise us as former who looked resplendent in her Soc). The plan was to meander

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nostalgically round the campus of students, so we had the space Allan and Elaine before gathering at noon in the and time to explore familiar haunts visiting Tasmania in 2019. tastefully refurbished surroundings and work up an appetite for the of Caedmon bar. We were not evening meal at the Three Tuns on disappointed. Staff and students New Elvet, a restaurant we rarely past and present were there to greet frequented as undergraduates. us as returning alumni and there was Come the evening, the venue an embracing warmth generated by was idyllic, surrounded by old loyalties kindled many years ago. friends and so much to talk about. Lunch was a well-lubricated As we settled down to inspect affair with speeches and the menu, the proximity of an presentations for the most loyal outside drain made itself known members of the College Alumni. through the ageing floorboards We still had some way to go before and the conversation faltered. receiving the coveted potted plant, The headwaiter did his best to but it was inspirational to see so manoeuvre us en bloc to a new many former colleagues enjoying table, complete with water jug and themselves as they rolled back the candle. Our flower arrangement had years with a little help from their already wilted, but the bread buns friends. made it intact. After lunch we walked rather We were now the centre of slowly down Bede Bank along the everybody’s gaze as the meal was tow path towards the city. Much re-ordered, but now there was a of the route was familiar but I do different sensory assault – the chef’s remember the traffic congestion on selection of piped music, orchestral Silver Street back in 1969 as buses in flavour, but rather too generous. squeezed their way up past the Communication round the table traffic lights towards the market ground to a halt a second time as place only to be met by a very stern sign language was used to summon duty policeman in his box. Bringing the waiter again. With good humour, a car in to Durham in those days a swift compromise was negotiated was ill advised. It was quicker and and we set about enjoying our long- cheaper to walk everywhere. awaited celebratory meal, laughing Chatting to Alan Pearson, at the way the best-laid plans Principal of the College 2000- frequently go awry. 8, I recalled the daily trek to On reflection, we were a lucky the Science Site undertaken by generation, with no tuition fees or undergraduates. “What if it rains?” student loans to burden us through Alan had been asked by one our university careers and we even concerned parent. “They’ll get wet” found jobs. Modern students choose came his swift reply. from a broader range of disciplines Dr Pearson was my academic and there are new ways to learn, tutor within the Botany Department with lectures on-line competing from around 1970 and was well with books on shelves, but finding respected as an enthusiastic and permanent employment can be a On reflection, we were a supportive teacher. Along with the much steeper learning curve. lucky generation, with no other tutors including the late David It was an uphill struggle back tuition fees or student loans Bellamy, he helped elevate Botany to College that night, but then it from a biological discipline to an usually was. to burden us through our academic passion, which inspired us Over a leisurely breakfast in university careers and we to share knowledge generously and Caedmon dining room with stunning even found jobs. incidentally, attend all his lectures. I views over the city, we agreed to can honestly remember missing only return, not for the potted plant, but one lecture in the whole three years to savour the joy of friendships, - due to a sports fixture. Oh yes, we which, unlike the flowers the night had Saturday morning lectures! before, had not wilted with the Durham City was largely devoid passage of time.

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Jennifer Charles MBE, JP, BA

I have always been most grateful included ten years on the Lord to both St. Hild’s College and Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for my three for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. very formative and happy years in This role allowed me to interview It was a big surprise the North East. I would particularly prospective magistrates, as part of and I felt very like to mention Miss Nina Joachim, the local sub-committee, for the the former Principal of St. Hild’s, as counties and occasionally honoured to receive she was such an encouraging and in Wiltshire. an MBE in the influential role model both to me It was a big surprise and I felt and to many of her students. I feel very honoured to receive an MBE in Queen’s Birthday immensely proud that our College the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in Honours List in has such a long and proud history, 2019 for services to criminal justice 2019 for services to providing education for women and to the community in Hampshire. to become teachers, especially in I was then awarded my medal at criminal justice and the North of England. It played a Buckingham Palace from Prince to the community most important part in the suffrage William in late November last year. in Hampshire. movement and St. Hild’s was the My MBE is for all my colleagues in first College to provide women the magistracy. students for Durham University As well as this voluntary degrees. It was such a struggle for role I worked as the Law teacher those courageous ladies but what an at Alton School (formerly Alton influence they continue to be for our Convent School). I ran the Careers former and present students. Department for many years and I was originally appointed to was a member of their Senior the Alton Bench in 1981, which Management Team when I held a gradually amalgamated with great variety of interesting roles. I Petersfield, Aldershot and then am very proud that a number of my with Basingstoke and Andover former students decided to share to become the North Hampshire my passion for law and became fully Jennifer Charles on Bench. It was a great privilege to involved as barristers, solicitors, graduation day from St Hild’s. Jennifer Charles (née Davies), St. Hild’s be a part of the magistracy for over judges, probation officers and 36 years and although there were the police. College 1965 – 1968, writes about her many changes in the administration Lastly can I thank the Alumni the core work remains exactly the office and the College for its annual time at St Hild’s, her experience being same. The magistracy is there to magazine and many emails that part of the magistracy working in serve the community and retain its keep us in touch with St. Hild and St. trust, as it represents a public face Bede affairs. I particularly appreciate criminal and family courts and being of justice. I was blessed with many knowing what present students are really excellent colleagues and doing and how they are using the awarded an MBE. legal advisors, particularly enjoying university as an invaluable launch learning from them and for the pad for their future careers, just as invaluable training received over we did. I send everyone involved with the years. the College in any way my warmest My work covered both the good wishes for the future, especially criminal and family courts and at these most challenging times. Jennifer Charles

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Rob Corney The “Prin” Hild Bede 1996-1999 I was lucky enough to have known Vernon for many favourite with everyone. Few people possess that years: to have worked with him as SRC President ability to walk into a room and to be loved universally, back in 2000 and to have known him long before but Vernon had that quality in abundance. There was that, from the days when my brother Nick Taylor was no indiscretion, misdemeanour or, on occasion, frankly also President some years earlier, in the previous extraordinary situation into which a student could millennium! We worked on a number of things place themselves which would remotely faze the man. together, as you would imagine with Vernon, all of Whether it was the rugby club nailing bed slats to the them for the benefit of the College and her students bottom of their boots as makeshift skis for Bede Lawn and I was always struck by the great enigma of the or students determined to keep tarantulas as pets in man: To be able to speak to a person two, sometimes their college bedroom, after a brief nervous chuckle three generations his junior; from a different social and a quick adjustment of the glasses, he could make background, different gender, maybe a different the insurmountable seem paltry and the extraordinary geography and yet to have an instant engagement commonplace. Only Vernon could have made a late- with them and to be able to bring immediate comfort, night trip to investigate an incident of rowdy corridor confidence and relief from their concerns takes a cricket before going on to bowl the winning over! truly special person. He provided a moral compass to many, not only It was always fitting that a man of such great in his ability to unfailingly make good judgements but influence on the lives of so many, but one who was in the pleasure he would take in passing on the tools forever downplaying his positive impact on others, required to enable others to choose wisely too – there travelled under the simple soubriquet ‘Prin’. But that are few difficult decisions in my own life for which I am word encapsulated everything about him. Accessible, not incredibly grateful for having learned from one of By Penny Greysmith approachable, quite literally the heart of the college the best and I know so many of his students who will and the man who forged the future for two previously always feel that way too. (née Gray) individual entities under one identity, Hild and Bede. Generations of students from The College of St Hild It was Prin who made Hild Bede the best college & St Bede are rich for simply having known the man and Hild Bede 1982 – 1985 in Durham; he to whom its students would turn for the world has been a stronger and wiser place because advice and direction; and Prin from whom the sense of him. Many will remember that Salad Days was one of of openness, fun and limitless opportunity arose which his favourite stage plays and in it, the protagonists say It was early evening in mid-May in the mid-1980s. encouraging our aspirations. He listened to us and would drive Hild Bede and her students, giving them the they will never look back. But as Vernon always pointed There was anticipation in the air. The Chapel Choir offered wise counsel. chance to grow, to change but to rise again the same. out, you only need to look at a rowing crew to know always enjoyed a rousing anthem. Vernon and Sarah He shared himself too. We knew he loved railways Prin was an enormous man, dressed in a slight that you get nowhere without looking back and he is at Armitage were seated in the stalls as they were and longed to live in the Railway Children’s cottage. We frame, who could fill a room with enthusiasm despite the heart of so many fond memories for his thousands faithfully each Sunday morning and at many a weekly knew he was an avid cricket fan and delighted in the his quiet and self-reflective manner. A selfless man who, of wards which will invest their future with greater choral evensong. fact that Nasser Hussain and John Stephenson from upon receiving praise, would immediately pass it along pleasure and opportunity for their remembrance. The organ began softly, the music echoing around Bede were selected to play for England. Forty years on, to the people around him as if his unerring guidance Perhaps that is why he’s the only staff member I’m the soaring white walls. The choir sang out ‘Zadok the I cannot eat a garibaldi biscuit without thinking of him had simply enabled others to act on his behalf when, in aware of being made a permanent member of the DSU priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon King’. sitting in my room in Gables drinking tea and eating reality, Vernon was the driving force from whom great and why he so comfortably trod the challenging path of Eyes sparkled with delight as the sound built and then, biscuits whilst discussing the resurrection or Winnie-the- things would emanate. Great people would gravitate maintaining harmony between university, students and for those with ears to hear, came the affectionate tribute Pooh or how mathematics is beautiful. towards him and he built a team around him both housekeeping. to our Principal for his birthday, ‘God save the Prin. Long A lasting memory is of the Prin reading from Bede formidable in its abilities, and yet an instant and loving If a fair measure of the achievement in a man’s live the Prin. May the Prin live for ever.’ in the chapel at the end of College Day Evensong of family-away-from-home for all his students. life can be that they left this world a stronger place What was it about Vernon that was so inspiring? Abbot Ceolfrith’s final farewell to his community on the So many people owe Prin a debt of gratitude for the for having been here and a poorer one for his parting, A quiet academic with that distinctive blink behind seashore. Farewell dear Vernon. Your beloved College difference he made to their lives – through opportunities Vernon must surely have achieved more than the vast his spectacles and his broad smile: a person who community sends you on your way with thanks and with they would otherwise have not recognised; through the majority of people to have walked this earth. fostered great community spirit in the College. His countless memories of you, some of them relayed here chance to grow as individuals which he quietly passed No matter our age and no matter which mountains or quiet strength and determination shaped a large and for all to savour. their way; but most of all through the sheer privilege of valleys we cross through our lives, we will always be Hild diverse community which had room for and celebrated ‘God save the Prin. May the Prin live for ever’ we sang. He having known him. Beders and we will always be his students. Thank you all manner of characters. Although a shy man, his door will, in the grateful lives of those of us he shaped and in Throughout his long career in education, Prin’s Prin, as Hild Bede men and women, we will never forget was always open to students for advice and he loved what we pass on of his wisdom and spirit. unceasing dedication to others made him a firm where we’re coming from.

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waggon arrived at the front door of Old Belvedere stage – just as the wider church was haemorrhaging particular moment. Our jobs over-lapped: I knew that I to be greeted by the Bursar, Geoffrey Sharland with influence (photo 1). was the invariably the assistant. By Christopher Armstrong instructions and Sarah Armitage – with a cake! I can’t remember that the students actually got As Principal, Vernon had an ex-officio seat on the Venerable Bede 1966-1969 At the first Formal Dinner – and after a humorous Vernon onto the stage but it received his full support, Chaplaincy Committee and invariably attended, often Grace which earned a standing ovation – Vernon even the risqué bits. He played mixed – during sitting on the floor and graciously forgiving the juvenile Chaplain of Hild Bede introduced me as “a rugged prayer and a rugby player”. which he claimed he broke his toe – and was invariably in humour which so often lubricated our deliberations. 1979-1985 It caught the mood of the occasion precisely and the his stall for Morning Prayer – a practice carried-over from (photo 3). partnership went from strength to strength. Vernon knew the training college days. He and Sarah were generous To be Chaplain in The College of St. Hild and St. Vernon’s Army that the college’s greatest assets were the students and in their hospitality at the Principal’s House (photo 2), the Bede was a dream job, working with students who were Vernon Armitage had a tough job to merge two colleges he did all he could for them individually and corporately. effects of which buoyed him up for more serious college intelligent, enquiring, imaginative, passionate (about each and take them into the University of Durham as the There were bleak times in the Governing Body, resisting business up the hill or over the river. other and God!) and staff who were forgiving, encouraging newest and largest college in 1989. Inevitably, some blood ever-more university centralization whilst trying to Vernon was a man of great integrity. He was one that and frequently challenging. Behind it all stood Vernon, had been spilt over the last few years during the mergers. preserve the best of the new college features, including you could put your trust in without reservation. He could looking for any opportunity for support and generosity. I Vernon took this very personally but nevertheless set his staff, gardens and chaplaincy. be tough when necessary but his overflowing sense think I only let him down once – at a rowdy Formal Dinner face to build something new. I think I was the first of the Early on in my time as Chaplain (1979 – 85) the of humour and delight when mixing with students far when an unusual case of bun-throwing broke out. Vernon new staff to be appointed in 1979 as Chaplain. For Vernon annual Rugby Club Revue was ailing. The slot was taken outweighed his self-doubt caused by the merger battles. asked me to quell it. I told him it was not in my job- with his solid faith, this was a critical appointment and he over by the Chaplaincy, much to Vernon’s secret delight He had an unconscious sense of how the community description. He accepted that, forgave me and the bun- took a risk, appointing an ex-Bede student. The removals as it moved the influence of the Chaplaincy to centre- worked and which members of it needed TLC at any throwing subsided without formal intervention.

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Mark Scholey interested in others, with a gentle and I recall a post-event dinner in musical endeavours. (with Duncan (also 1984 – 1987) was Memories Hild Bede sense of humour and always a the Principal’s rooms attended by A spin-off was heT Organ taken at a Chaplaincy dinner. twinkle in his eye. Thinking about Dr Armitage, the chair and secretary Bolus. These were informal concerts The other photo was of him 1996 – 2000 him brings a smile to my face. His of the Society and Gerald Collier – at which anybody who wanted to and Helen Wilson (same year) and He was a fabulous Principal, voice is the one I hear reading the speaker for the evening. As a ‘fresher’ perform anything could do so. They is evidence of the enjoyment he imbued with kindness, and always start of John’s gospel in every Carol I was awe-struck by this other side to became the focus of performances showed at being with the college intellectually stimulating to talk to. Service I attend. He was respected university-life and I’ve never looked of the works of Sven Bølus Bølusson, undergraduates. But perhaps I will remember him and loved by students, he was back! Many years later, at a reunion I a Swedish composer about whom I am in the graduation photo. most for a wonderful sense of, and passionate about the College and recalled the occasion to Dr Armitage hardly anything was known. One appreciation for, mischief, an ensuing he and Sarah were generous in who remembered it well with a of his early works was discovered smile never seemingly far from the hospitality they provided to degree of amusement. — for large percussion ensemble — his face. In that regard, he always students in their lovely home. featuring the amazing Cath Potter. reminded me of my grandfather The work was curiously entitled who passed away whilst I was at Hild Dr William McVicker ‘Pottering Around’. Bede, and I can bestow no higher Organ Scholar The highlight was a lecture by praise. The College is fortunate to Dr Mike Smith (a PGCE student) who have benefitted from his leadership.. 1981 – 1986 had researched Sven’s hilarious life, recounting how in later years he lived Director of Music and Caedmon on a secluded island surrounded Damian Scott Fellow in Music 1986 – 1987 by three distant lighthouses. The random relationship between the Hild Bede Vernon was a great supporter of light signals gave Sven the inspiration 1988 – 1991 the arts. In particular, he was very to write a deeply serial, intellectual George McNeilly enthusiastic about music in the composition for three instruments, One’s thirty year old Durham college chapel. When I was organ reflecting the points in time at which Hild Bede memories may be shrouded by the scholar the choir was unauditioned; each lighthouse signal reached his 2012 – 2016 mists of time, but Dr Armitage’s at one point the membership almost secluded island. This work was duly role as Principal of our wonderful reached 100. Vernon loved this and performed by Mike and colleagues. Despite being only 3 years old when college shines though - welcoming actively supported our choral and Vernon sat in the Principal’s seat Dr Armitage retired, I was astounded on arrival, supportive throughout in Chapel and literally cried with that during my time as a student and and a constant background laughter during the performance. SRC President I saw so much of him. presence available for guidance Afterwards he discussed with us College Days, Formals, Two’s Up and when needed. at length the life and times of this Odinian Dinners, whenever I saw Dr Whether on the touchline, in the fictitious Sven (about whom Vernon Armitage, he would always ask about academic sphere or on pastoral seemed to know a good deal). I do the students first - it was always the matters, Dr Armitage’s loyalty not remember seeing Vernon so forefront of his mind. and commitment to his students happy. He radiated enthusiasm for us My personal memories of Dr. was constant. and our activities and encouraged us Armitage include him asking me Utterly modest in his own to ever greater heights. regularly about the boat club and its bearing yet a towering presence Dr Liz Cole current state of affairs. I remember within the University, his warm his quote about rowers that: ‘you twinkling good humour and wisdom (née Lakin) Helen Goatley have to look backward to know embodied the spirit of St Hild & St Hild Bede (née Channing) where you’re going’. It was actually Bede during our time there. a quite profound quote for me How lucky we were to have 1976 – 1979 Hild Bede 1984 – personally – and I used it to finish known him. My earliest memory of Doctor 1987 my Going Down speech as President Vernon Armitage was towards the in 2016. Subsequently, myself and end of my first year at the College I was incredibly fond of him and owe HBBC are founding an Alumni Boat Katy Penn of St. Hild and St. Bede in 1976- him a great deal. He was a complete Club named in his memory as a (née Dean) 77. Dr Armitage had assumed the gentleman, someone you wanted fitting tribute to the great man. Principal’s role of the newly formed to please. Always generous with his The picture is from a leaving Hild Bede joint college, from N. Joachim [St. time, always capable of making every party on my last day as SRC 1981 – 1985 Hild] and K.G. Collier [St. Bede] in student he spoke to feel very special. President which was a great moment 1975. I was secretary to the Gerald A dear man who I kept in touch with to share with Dr Armitage as such a The Prin was a very special man - Collier Society [after its namesake right up until the end. big part of our College’s history. kind, caring, wise, a good listener, and now a student scholarship fund] The photo of him and Sarah

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and saying that I hadn’t a clue what with something of the unknowable claiming there had been a flood in I would do next. He gently looked about them, bestows the gift of Helen Swinson Revd Canon Hild Gym, and asking if she would up into the sky and pointed at an a piano, with its joy and love and mind sharing for a night or two. Of (née Blackey) Joanna Udal aeroplane and suggested that I pure exuberance at the very idea course, she said ‘yes’. I then called could be a pilot If I wanted! Not of life to be lived ... to people with Hild Bede Joanna Udal out to an imaginary person ‘Frank, quite the answer I was looking for, lives stretching before them like an you’re in here’ to the nun’s utter 1993 – 1996 Hild Bede but certainly one that still makes me eternity. Prin gave so much, so many protestation and eventual laughter. smile. He taught me that I could be gifts, to so many people. I truly hope 1983 – 1987 The next day, I was in Hild, and I have so many amazing memories of anything I wanted to be. that in all our many and different saw Dr Armitage passing below, my time at Durham and, in particular, ways we have cherished those gifts, A gifted mathematician known for and called out ‘Good Morning’. He Helen B, prin, Sarah, Helen blackey Hild Bede College. There was a huge that we have made the very most factorising the hymn numbers in looked up, smiled and replied ‘Hello (This is Your Life), 1997 sense of community spirit within of the amazing dances on which we chapel , the Prin was a very shy Mike,’ then to my horror added: Dr Alison Nordon the college and you felt as though have been led; and I trust that given man but also loved talking to and ‘how are the floods doing in Hild’s Tom Bell Hild Bede you were part of a wider family, the chance, every single one of us getting to know his students. He gym? ‘I was flabbergasted: not only students were proud to say that Hild Bede 1989 – 1994; would live it all over again. Thank you was particularly encouraging to the that he knew my name but that he they were from Hild Bede. The role for everything Prin. Thank you for the maths students in college, whether obviously knew everything that was 1994 – 1998 that Dr. Armitage played, with his 1981 – 1984 time of our lives. team, in developing and nurturing brilliant or not. In our second year, going on in the college. this community spirit cannot be the small group of us decided to Although Dr. Armitage’s care for his I first met Dr Armitage in October 1991 underestimated. organise a mathematicians’ tea party students was very much in evidence when I returned to Durham to restart Tom Arundel ‘Prin’ loved spending time in my college room in Bede. We Helen during my time at Hild Bede, I was my 2nd year after experiencing some with his Hild Bede family, students plucked up the courage to invite him personally touched by his concern health issues during the previous year. Hild Bede were always greeted with a smile and he was delighted to accept. The (née Robinson) and thoughtfulness after I left Dr Armitage cared about students and and an interest in their wellbeing. only hitch came on the day when we Hild Bede the college. Wandering around, together with Carol Carr, he fostered an 1996 – 2000 His warmth, humour and care for remembered the recent edict from wondering what to do after three environment that enabled generations students meant that we all loved the bursar that kettles were not to be 1993 – 1997 unmatchable blissfully happy years, of Hild/Bede students to achieve so Vernon was Prin in my first year. I only spending time with him and his used in college rooms. We decided I eventually found a happy career much. It is fair to say that I would never really got to know him through Salad involvement with college events to go ahead nevertheless and found Dr Armitage greeted me with the in music education. Through this have completed my degree if I had not Days, his favourite musical, which the always enhanced them, whether that the Prin a charming example of warmest of smiles when I attended rather difficult time Vernon provided been a student at Hild/Bede. college put on in his honour in his be after dinner speeches, time spent courtesy and discretion, avoiding my interview to study education guidance, support and several letters After my first degree, I stayed favourite year. Truth be told it was a in the college bar or attending clubs notice and sanction of the kettle, and at Hb in 1993. That smile would be of recommendation, for which I will at Durham to do a PhD. I completed twee little musical from the 50s that few and societies events. appreciating afternoon tea to the full! a constant during my 4 years at always be most grateful. my thesis at about the same time of us had heard of (despite the fact that ‘Legend’ and ‘Top Man’ are college - supporting me through Such care for students after they as Dr Armitage retired as Principal; up until Cats it had had the longest run a couple of the phrases I’ve Revd Canon exam stress, thanking me for roles in have left college is remarkable and a Dr Armitage always said that he of any musical in the West End) but one frequently heard being used to college plays I directed and replacing testimony to a wonderful man. couldn’t retire until I had finished! My that all of us in the cast came to love and describe him, which reflects the Michael Manley a look of utter shock when we PhD graduation ceremony in July hummed for years to come. Watching high regard and affection so many Vice-Dean Carlisle surprised him with a ‘this is your life’ 1998 was on the same day as that of Vern skip around the stage with an students had for him. retirement party! Dr Sally McVicker Dr Armitage’s son Mark. Dr and Mrs energy that outstripped the teenagers I have remained in contact We exchanged many letters Armitage invited me and my family, and around him was wonderful to watch. Cathedral with Dr. Armitage and Sarah after in the years that followed and the (née Sherren) Carol and Mike to their house for a joint From a purely personal perspective leaving Durham and the warmth Hild Bede ‘prin’ always ended his with the same Hild Bede celebration, which typifies the kindness it cemented life-long friendships. I and kindness shown by them to 1979 – 1982 quote from his most beloved musical and generosity of the Armitage family. am fortunate to have photos of Salad me during my time at Durham has ‘Salad Days’ 1983 – 1987 Days and of Prin which I have scanned. continued. Prin and Sarah have spent “It’s true I’ve been led an Should anyone want a copy please find time with me and my family and As a leader of the Christian Union amazing dance but why would I I had the privilege of joining St Chris Stephenson me on Facebook. have been so generous with our two and regular Chapel attender, it ever complain? If I could be given a Hilde and St Bede in 1984, in the young boys. I know that they have was always encouraging to see second chance I’d live it all second year of my doctoral research. Hild and Bede remained in contact with many of the Dr and Mrs Armitage, without fail, over again...” Vernon was an immense support 1995 – 1998 Hild Bede Alumni too. Their care and supporting in their stalls. The ‘Prin’ and help with some complex love for the students extends well somehow wonderfully combined a mathematical models I needed to beyond the college years which are quiet authority and wisdom with a work on in Biological Anthropology. wonderful and unique qualities of a warm smile and accessibility and With genuine kind good humour, 1998 – 1999 college Principal and his family. humour. he facilitated progress, so too for I remember once having a bit my husband with his thesis on the Of all the cherished memories of of fun (having had permission to calculation of the progressions of my time at Hild Bede - and there change my bed for another one). organ-pipe diameters. One of my are many, and they are cherished - Instead of simply swapping it, I abiding memories was of standing its Prin’s turn in Salad Days that is took it to one of our resident nuns, Helen, prin, Sarah (retirement party 97) at the window in Vernon’s office perhaps my fondest. A character

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Alumni News organising a reunion weekend in Durham City and Hild Bede Alumnus, Jock Wishart, is well-known for breaking College for all Old Bede Men, and records; including the “Round the World Powered their partners and especially those Record” and “Rowing to the North Pole”. who went to St Hilds College and Last year, he was the Captain of the Scottish Neville’s Cross College. Hopefully food, drink and music in College. Yachting team that won the Commodores Cup, A second reunion event is planned which is the most prestigious team event in by Steve Taylor and the ‘Ganges international yachting. Club’ for just Old Bede Men (no Jock has been busy this past year with his “rowing partners) for the 12-14 November 2021. Venues could be ‘The Cow’ records”. He added “Having 13 opinionated oarsmen and DCRC. to control proved very time consuming”. Our dates at College were He has been waiting for this opportunity for a 1971-75. If you would like more number of years and had to complete the task information or to be added to the email list for one or both these this year, before “Anno Domini” caught up! events please contact: Dave Miller, UK locations every year for a [email protected] , Last May, he brought in from Spain, a 14-man weekend of activities, plus wining 07703564360. London Drinks & dining. The rest of us are: Martin rowing boat called a trainera. He was able to Reception Wadsworth, Sue Beck née Winter, beat all the Classic British Long-distance Martyn Brereton, David Samson, rowing records such as: David Hood, Jeremy Gladwin, Helen - Loch Ness Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we Lidington née Parry. had to postpone the tour around If anyone would like to join us in - English Channel the stables in Central London, future, please contact martin46@ In each race he managed to set a Guinness where some of the most prestigious supanet.com World Record. carriages can be viewed as well as the Drink’s Reception held at the Trading House, in London In September 2019, Jock took part in the Great River until further notice. With over 170 David Miller Race Record, from Greenwich to Kew, where they of you booked in, we do hope to 50yr Reunion overtook 300 boats. reschedule it as soon as it is safe 1971-75 Reunion You can learn more about Jock’s race on YouTube for us to do so. We are all very excited to see you, to share news of - A monster row beats Loch Ness record on Weekends the College, to hear your news and Positively Media. especially any thoughts on better furthering alumni relations. 50 Years in Durham – Legacy of Bede College

In September 1971 I arrived in Wining and dining Durham, a fresh faced 18 year old about to embark on the best 3yrs of Helen Lidington née Parry is married my life and started my training as a to David Lidington MP, who has teacher, my profession for 35 yrs. been given a knighthood in Teresa To celebrate 50 yrs since we started May’s honours list. Post investiture, at The College of the Venerable Helen will be Lady Helen Lidington. Bede we will be celebrating Well done to both of them. that milestone by some reunion Helen and a group of Hild Bede celebrations back in Durham. Alumni & partners meet at different On September 11th 2021 I am Events

42 0043 Hild Bede Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association Michael Bruce Award

What Durham means to me. with top law firms like Slaughter and ‘How do we prevent infection during with successful entrepreneurs I am not from the type of May and have recently applied for an epidemic?’. My team and I came or companies like J.P Morgan background which people may work experience in September with up with a feasible solution, 1st in networking with students, or formals associate with Durham students. I am them. I also secured two internships the competition and the support and society events. Durham has also the first student from Ken Stimpson with Bright Network. The first from the Enterprise department to been so much more than advancing Whatever I choose to do Community School to get into working with companies such as further our idea if we choose to. Over my skills. I have tried hobbies I in the future, it is closer Durham and the first person in my Google, P&G, GSK and Enterprise- the coming year I will participate in never had the chance to do before family to go to University. I am from Rent-A-Car in solving problems with Durham’s Leadership Academy and but have always wanted to like to being in my grasp than a low social-economic background feasible solutions, such as advising further my progress in achieving gymnastics and there is everything ever, and I sincerely believe and before this year I had always Enterprise on the best location for Durham’s Inspired Award. available you could imagine from that if I hadn’t chosen taken every opportunity in front of opening their next business and Since being in Durham I Dance and aerial arts to Cheese and Durham I wouldn’t have me, but I never had the chance to advising their long term strategy have also helped found Scoop Chess or rock climbing. had the experiences, the travel much or experience many in adapting their business model Durham, a non for profit that sells Whatever I choose to do in hobbies or activities I had always and becoming a multinational and environmentally-conscious and zero the future, it is closer to being in memories, the friendships wanted to do. I didn’t have any first-mover through expansion into plastic alternatives of food products my grasp than ever, and I sincerely or the opportunities that professional contacts or any work LEDC’s and emerging economies as a such as pasta at a competitive price believe that if I hadn’t chosen have only just begun to experience in a profession before significant untapped market for their with market leader Tesco. Starting Durham I wouldn’t have had the change my life. coming to University. Durham has product. My second internship takes in October we have secured a experiences, the memories, the given me opportunities, incredible place later over this summer and will permanent unit in Freemans Quay friendships or the opportunities Olivia Campbell friends and tutors, and a network be with top law firms such as Clyde that will become the main sales site that have only just begun to change I am a second-year student at that I couldn’t have imagined. and Co, Herbert Smith Freehills, and storage facility. my life. Durham has shown me it St Hild and St Bede studying Durham represents not who I was and Allen and Ovary - all industry- The collegiate system at Durham doesn’t matter where I came from, English Literature. I applied to the or am, or where I come from, but leading firms which I never thought is more than just a collection of it is about what I am capable of and competition because I wanted to what I can be and where I can go. I would have the chance to engage people. It quickly becomes a home what I can do, and it is here that I encourage pupils from my secondary Durham to me stands for diversity, with. I also have an internship in and a support network, a familiar have the resources and support to schools, and schools like it, to apply inclusion, support, and opportunity. Estee Lauder’s head office in London friendly face if you ever feel upset do it. Durham is academic excellence, and attend Durham University. Durham is not just a University; it is in August and will be working in and there is always, always, someone but it is also a family, a community, Durham will give you opportunities what the University stands for and Marketing and Strategic planning for to talk. At the beginning of the year, a network, and the platform which to pursue things that you do not the opportunities here that make the launch of a new product in the I suffered from imposter syndrome, can change your life. So, simply put even know about yet while feeling the experience second to none. The UK beauty market. but by the second term through my Durham to me is opportunity. The sully supported throughout them. I portfolio of experience I have built Durham has also offered me friends and the community support opportunity to do things I haven’t would encourage anyone thinking over this year has been incredible. continuous support and challenge. network Durham became a source had the chance to do before, the about Durham and worrying that As a member of Durham’s Women There are events and experiences in of motivation and comfort. Durham opportunity to do things that I they are not the right ‘fit’ to apply in Business Society, I was matched every department imaginable from itself is also unbelievably beautiful never knew were possible, and because I assure you, you are. up with my mentor and Durham dedicated coaches at Maiden Castle with its hills and Hild Bede’s acres of the opportunity to be supported alumna Clare Hunter who works at sports facility to an Entrepreneurial gorgeous grounds, river views, and throughout them. The opportunity Coltraco Ultrasonic in Marketing. support team and careers historic buildings. But as big as the to make my family proud and be a Clare has given me invaluable advice, development center. For example, campus may be, it is never not full of role model for my little sister, and the become a professional contact, In February I took part in the Game life and possibility whether there is a opportunity to achieve my potential and a supportive friend. Through Changer Challenge. The challenge ball going on or an frisbee and do whatever I choose to do Clare’s encouragement and support was an entrepreneurial challenge game, a bar crawl in the college bar, in my life. I became equipped to apply for focused on innovative solutions or just a group of your friends sitting multiple internships and experiences. to contribute to one of the UN around the grounds. For example, I have been a member Sustainability Development Goals. There are always events of UpReach and attended webinars Our challenge was to ask ourselves running on Campus from coffees

44 0045 Hild Bede Alumni Association Hild Bede Alumni Association Student Awards

Katherine Carter, Jack Filer, Joshua The summer’s ‘Festival of Sport’ We are hugely grateful for the Laura Erel who won the ‘Three helped with light repairs and planned Ryde, Elizabeth Shelmerdine, took an unusual form comprising hours of entertainment as well as Minute Thesis (3MT) competition’ redecoration and renovation. It would 2020: Hild Bede Madeleine Wright and again to Ho both personal challenges for College stellar production and acting and staged by the Durham Centre for be no understatement to say that the Shines Across Chi Wong for Half Palatinates. members and also a special edition performance that secured for a Academic Development. Laura won ‘Vern’ would not have run without Hild Bede students managed of ‘Question of Sport’ compered by quite incredible twelfth consecutive with a presentation entitled, ‘Can we Josh. We would not attract such the Board a remarkable clean sweep of first, Steve Cram. Whilst Hild Bede was year the ‘Best College Musical’ for hear musical syntax?’. Laura tells me excellent other staff from the student by Principal, Prof second and third places in the Game pipped in the quiz on a tie-breaker, Hild Bede. That comes amongst a that we can. And many more people community, we would not be so Changer Sprint, a competition in College still went on to win the clutch of three awards in total. Best will now find that out as she goes spectacularly successful, attractive Simon Forrest the Enterprise Programme Awards. overall competition helped especially Musical for ‘We’ll have Nun of It’ to represent Durham in the regional or somewhere students from other This was a 2 day challenge designed by the efforts of Jade Bacon and Ho written by alumna Finola Southgate, competition which is a virtual live Colleges want to come. Josh not only to put students at the forefront Chi Wong and also the award for best new event hosted by the University of won University Student employee of There is no greater pleasure in my of innovation and champion writing and ‘Best ensemble’ for Sunderland and Laura will be put the year but also the Regional award working week than the moment sustainability around the world. HBT’s ‘Disco Inferno’. forward as our entrant to the national and is awaiting finding out where he when I sit down to write notes of It offered a unique opportunity Vitae competition. is placed in the national awards. thanks and congratulations to staff, to explore the UN’s Sustainable Finally, we recognise the students and alumni with whom I Development Goals and use Design achievement and contribution of can share my pleasure and express Thinking methods to find innovative Josh Hart, the 2019-2020 SRC my appreciation for their success, solutions. In teams students had Vice-President. Josh made a special recognition and contribution. This to explore the UN Sustainable contribution to our experience of year, and especially in this toughest Development Goal 3: Good Health ‘Hild Bede’. He had an elected role as of summers, recognition and awards and Wellbeing, define a challenge, Vice-President of our SRC (Student have come to very many and across and come up with new and viable Representative Council) - an already all aspects of community life, solutions. Congratulations go to significant addition to his studies as a participation and engagement. I Olivia Campbell for securing 1st Place fourth year Engineer - and above that hope you will enjoy a few highlights. with her team who designed an air also was employed as a Team Leader Many of our student colleagues purifying system for public transport. for our bar staff in the ‘Vern’ bar have been recognised through Olivia also won the Spotlight Prize and social area. Leading a bar team, University awards. for best team member. Maciej especially as a student, is no mean Helena Trebichavska received Smolko and his team achieved 2nd feat. We traded between £2k and a Lifetime Achievement Award for place with their Covid-19 related £9k a month, hosted entertainment her contribution to University and health app. Third place went to Fern most nights of the week, and also College Theatre. Frankie Haydon- Russell and her team for the solution catered for drinks before and after White secured a nomination for to the face mask shortage. the 6 ‘formals’ that we ran last year. her work on creating the first ever Both Mohammad Ibrahim Mizi That’s a footfall which I estimated Durham Student Theatre Fashion and William McNeilly won grant at around 15,000 people per year, Show. funding in the ‘Start Up Fund’ Hild Bede success also extends and on the busiest nights upwards We also congratulate Ho competition which provides early to Mahek Vara who secured the of 500 customers. As we have not Chi Wong who won the greatest stage awards to help explore new ‘Best Educational Volunteering’ had a full-time paid bar manager contribution to College Sport for business ideas for any Durham award for her brilliant work on since 2019, Josh had to support his her enduring contribution across her University student or recent graduate ‘Code Camp’ supporting 9-16 staff, taking in deliveries, bottling time at Durham, and Tilly Shires who working with our business coaches. year olds with digital skills for up and, alongside it all, supporting was named Best Sportswoman of Joshua Cash scooped £875 from programming. Mahek’s charity has the ‘ents’ in the venue. Like all good the year for Lacrosse and awarded a the Social Impact Fund to support already reached more than 70,000 leaders Josh was always ready to Full Palatinate. enterprising projects that aim to have young people in developing country turn his hand the other jobs that Congratulations also to positive social impact. contexts. make the ‘Vern’ work so well. He has

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When Linda was 18 she came world on vacations. Linda loved Durham and her Sylvia Welch (nee Ayers) who was Obituaries back to her birthplace to begin After five years of marriage, Linda time and St Hild’s and I am so glad reading teaching and art at Hild. her college life at St Hild’s in had two children, me and my the things she kept could possibly After college, and brief further Durham City. I believe her time at brother Michael and when Zambia be kept in your Alumni archives. studies in Paris, he settled into a College were some of the happiest gained independence, when I was Linda would have liked that teaching career in Carlisle, keeping memories of her life. Linda kept seven years old, we all returned they ended up back in the place in close contact with Jos Carr and a diary in 1947 and it lists a very to the U.K. As a family we settled they began, as she did herself and is the late Brian Reddy whom he had detailed account of her life at that not far from Durham, in Newton buried in Old Cornforth only metres known at Bede along with Bob time, friends, trips, parties, college Aycliffe. Linda continued to teach at away from the house where she was Dickinson. He is survived by two balls and projects she worked on. the Avenue comprehensive and also born. Life truly did come full circle. children Anna and Robin. When her college life came at St Marys. to an end, she had to return to We visited Durham often and Yours faithfully, Zambia. She boarded the ramp up walked the banks of the river near Shane Susan Dew the gangway of the ship home from the college, she would point out Southampton and her beloved Aunt the dormitory room she had and was waving her off. With tears in how she won her colours blazer for her eyes, Linda kept smiling and at the pool, now in the did not let on just how broken- process of being demolished for a hearted she was to leave this life new build. in England behind. Linda had a much travelled, Linda Margaret Dew varied and happy life. She was a strong and wonderful lady and this (née Carr) was evident in all she stood for and St Hild’s 1947 achieved. She had a deep love for her family and was there for them Linda Margaret Carr was born in her whole life. Roy Welch and Sylvia Welch Old Cornforth, Co Durham in an old She had two children, four (nee Ayers) outside Hild & Bede stone house on the village green. grandchildren, and three great Her father Rob Carr was a mining grandchildren. Roy Welch engineer and her mother Susie Linda passed away last year aged Venerable Bede 1953 Bird was a milliner. At the age of 5, 90, after a brief but difficult time her father set off from Darlington with Parkinson’s disease but not My father, Roy Welch, came up Station to Rhodesia, now Zambia, once did her beautiful strong spirit to Durham from York in 1953 to to start a job in the Roan Antelope Linda was a real trouper with desert her. read French and History at Bede. Copper mines, Broken Hill. When he a strong moral code, a lifelong A former chorister at York Minster, was established, his family moved member of the girl guides and he had previously attended the from Old Cornforth to be with him the most stoic person I have ever Minster school and St Peters, York. in a town called Luanshya. Linda known. Within weeks of returning He was an enthusiastic squash and and her three brothers Roy, Dennis to Africa, Linda had secured a fives participant forming part of the and Ted grew up there with their teaching post at a little school college although his main passion parents Rob and Susie Carr. in Broken Hill, a copper mine was music and it was through this settlement town. After she had that he met my mother, the late met my father, who was stationed in Rhodesia and had become the Police Commissioner of the town, We, myself and family, are she kept teaching and travelled the immensely proud of her. Whenever I visit Durham, I am aware we walk the same streets, when visiting Durham Cathedral, a place she adored, we always used to light a candle for my eldest daughter, who died tragically at the age of 19, a few months after she began her University in Newcastle, of an immune disorder. Now, I always Squash photo, Roy Welch light two candles. centre, back row.

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to find the Army at that time was stalwarts of the “socialist republic” interested only in recruits who were that had become a thorn in Margaret prepared to learn Arabic. Thatcher’s side. The following Instead, he found himself in the year, he was made secretary of the Royal Artillery, where he rode horses Labour Group, an influential position for the first time. It began a lifelong within the ruling policy committee. love affair with everything equine These were turbulent times in – from recreational riding to the South Yorkshire with the county training of apprentice jockeys and council under sentence of death riding with the Badsworth Hunt. by Mrs Thatcher, the miners on After Durham, he was offered strike and large numbers of people a position teaching modern unemployed across the county. languages at Don Valley High Among the initiatives set up by the School. He told the interviewing county council was an apprentice committee that he was likely to stay racing training school – a project led for three years at the most, but he by Mr Wedd. After the abolition of became a fixture for the next 25 the metropolitan counties in 1986, years, retiring as head of the sixth he continued as chair of the new form and then returning to serve as school and saw it grow into the chair of the governors in the 1990s. Northern Racing College and forge It was at Don Valley that I links with training schools in Italy, found myself under his wing, in Ireland, France and Germany. his role as 6th form tutor, in 1966. He was elected to Doncaster He encouraged all his students to Borough Council in 1992, taking see their full potential, and offered over the leadership in 1998 for three Colin Wedd sound advice to all. It was part years. At the same time, he founded of his love for Durham, I suspect, a small art gallery in the centre of Colin Wedd, who has died at 82 to organise a visit to the city and Doncaster, whose success led him in Doncaster was a former leader to Bede College in particular in to mount exhibitions of local artists’ of Doncaster Borough Council, a 1967. His enthusiasm passed on to work at Cusworth Hall and at The prominent councillor on the old several students from the school, Point arts centre. South Yorkshire County Council who enrolled as trainee teachers in I attended his funeral at and a past chairman of Doncaster September 1968. On completion of Doncaster Crematorium, on January Racecourse. the 3-year course, we all embarked 24th 2020 along with over 100 A key figure in local Labour on successful teaching careers. I family members and friends, former politics, he was also a schoolteacher, returned to my Yorkshire roots, colleagues and students, and local patron of the arts and a chairman teaching for over 35 years in politicians including Ed Miliband. It of the board at the Northern Racing Primary Education in Doncaster. was obvious from the many tributes College at Rossington. Without Mr Wedd, this would not and well-wishers that Colin was a Born in Cambridge in 1937, the have happened. well-respected and loved kind and youngest of three brothers, he won a With an urbane charm that gentle human being scholarship to Cambridgeshire High appeared more Home Counties He is survived by Stancee, his School for boys before going on to than Northern, Colin Wedd never wife of two decades. read modern languages at Durham came across as an archetypal University. Colin attended Durham Yorkshireman, but he nevertheless With acknowledgements to the University, in particular Bede College. put down his roots in the county, Yorkshire Post Newspaper He held several positions during his becoming president of the Tony Smith student days, contributing greatly to Doncaster branch of the teachers’ Treasurer of the Hild Bede his fellow students’ lives and rising union and then chairman of the Alumni Association to the position of Senior Man (now district Labour Party. Towards the titled President). end of his life, the party awarded His studies were interrupted him its Order of Merit. by National Service. He initially In 1981, he won a seat from volunteered for the Intelligence the Conservatives on the South Corps, in part because he wanted to Yorkshire County Council, and learn Russian, but was disappointed soon made his mark amongst the

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