2017

The official magazine of the The Cestrian University of Chester alumni community

NEW CHANCELLOR GYLES BRANDRETH PAGE 6

SKY SPORTS’ ROB PADGATE TEACHING GRADUATE WOTTON INTERVIEWED TIME TRAVEL HELPS REFUGEES PAGE 9 PAGE 11 PAGE 17 Introduction WHAT’S INSIDE? Canon Professor TJ Wheeler DL 10 12 Welcome to the 2017 edition I am also pleased to announce of The Cestrian, the University’s that the University of Chester has magazine which helps our alumni been ranked first in the North community to stay connected. West, and fourth nationally, for the After the sad passing of proportion of its academic staff Foundation Chancellor, Gerald who hold a recognised teaching Cavendish Grosvenor, 6th Duke of qualification. We pride ourselves Westminster, I can now provide on our teaching quality and you with an update on his teaching excellence is at the heart successor’s appointment. Gyles of the institution’s 178 year history. Brandreth, one of the staunchest The Energy Centre at 15 19 supporters of the benefits of Thornton Science Park is now higher education for the city of open for business. This provides 4 Duo’s desert 21 Doctoral student Chester, is our new Chancellor. His a flexible space where industry challenge hoping to make installation took place, watched and academia are able to come a change by Executive Committee members together to innovate, develop 14 Former student of the University of Chester and demonstrate new intelligent 23 Diversity Festival finds dream career Alumni Association, as part of the energy technologies. 24 Year Notes March graduation ceremonies in The new Annual Review 19 New website for Chester Cathedral. 2016 (https://www.chester. foodie fans 29 Obituaries It has once again been a ac.uk/annual-review) showcases busy year for the University. The the wealth of inspiring students Business School has launched we have here and the scale of WELCOME TO THE 2017 EDITION a Professional Faculty, to play activities undertaken during a OF THE CESTRIAN MAGAZINE. an important and strategic single year at the University. The Being part of the alumni community role in the development of Review also demonstrates the means an opportunity to reconnect banking, accounting and finance impact that the University had last with old friends, and each year we programmes. The University year on the wider world, whether help alumni to reunite, whether at the has also linked up with two in terms of its £386 million annual reunion or via other options of American universities, in the economic contribution, its work communicating - be that email, Facebook or phone. We hopes of extending academic with schools and colleges, the are delighted to play a part in helping you to get together, scope for research collaborations ‘careers of service’ embarked upon and as always, we love to hear your stories. and student exchanges. This by our graduates, or the 33,226 This year will see the return to printing one issue marks the beginning of an volunteer hours undertaken by of The Cestrian per annum, due to the launch of our exciting new opportunity for the students and staff. new blog! (See page 16 for more information about University to build and develop The University is always this.) This will enable us to be more proactive in our its international reputation. happy to welcome back alumni, communications and we will be able to keep our alumni A strategic alliance with whether you wish to return much better informed, as the news happens. We welcome one of the country’s foremost to study, continue with your contributions from guest bloggers, so if you have an idea land-based colleges, the newly- scholarship, or would just like to that you would like to write about, or a topic that you named University Centre visit your former place of study. would like to see us cover, please get in touch: Reaseheath, will enable the My colleagues in the Alumni and [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from establishment of a Faculty of Development Office would love you and your friends. Agriculture and Veterinary to hear from you. Fiona Roberts, Alumni and Development Manager Science, the culmination of a 25-year relationship between the Professor Tim Wheeler, DL two institutions. University Centre Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Chester Shrewsbury continues to go from CREDITS: Alumni and Development Chair, UCAA Office contact strength to strength. Editor: Hayley Naldrett and Fiona Roberts, Corporate information: Communications Fiona Roberts, Helena Astbury, To obtain this publication Design: Gary Martin, Graphics, LIS Hayley Naldrett ISSN 1750-6662 Photography: University staff Email: [email protected] in an alternative and other contributors Telephone: 01244 511091 format, please call www.chester.ac.uk/alumni 01244 511450 or email [email protected] 9 771750 666006

2 The Cestrian 2017 Left to right - Colin Telford, David Thomson and Jordan Stachini. Alumni return to Warrington Campus

Current students at Warrington Campus were excited to welcome back Colin studied for a degree in Marketing and Business and was a trio of alumni, who revisited their place of study to share tips and also Warrington SU President 1999-2000, before spending four advice on how to secure a graduate role. years at a media buying agency in Manchester. After growing an Jordan Stachini, Marketing Manager at Select Property Group; extensive network of contacts, Colin launched The Candidate, a Colin Telford, Managing Partner at The Candidate and David digital marketing recruitment agency, also based in Manchester. Thomson, Business Development Manager at Manchester City Colin said: “For me, the integration of business theory Football Club, talked about their experiences in the world of work throughout my course really helped prepare me for the working and how they themselves started out in an event organised by the world. Beginning to make contacts and grow a network started at University’s Careers and Employability team. Warrington for me and I have built on that throughout my career.” The question and answer session was the perfect opportunity He added: “I can’t stress enough the importance of building for students to gain an insight into the alumni’s experiences since a network as soon as possible which will ultimately drive the leaving University, and find out what companies look for in their direction of your career.” future recruits. Brian Taylor, Careers Consultant at the Warrington Campus, Jordan, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Advertising, said: “As said: “Running the event was an excellent opportunity for students the most recent graduate on the panel, it was great to come back to engage with former graduates, who are now involved in and give some advice I wish I had been given, or perhaps taken on recruiting graduates.” board, in my final year of University. I use the skills that I learnt at The University is always delighted to welcome back alumni University on a daily basis to ensure the campaigns I oversee for the and appreciates the opportunities they may be able to offer our company are delivered to the best standard possible.” current students.

The Cestrian 2017 3 Alan and Lynton with their finishers medals.

The MdS camp.

Lynton Dawson.

Alan Critchley. Lynton Dawson at the finish line.

4 The Cestrian 2017 DUO COMPLETE THE TOUGHEST FOOTRACE ON EARTH FOR CHARITY

Former student, Lynton Dawson, and a member 50° of the Facilities team, SAHARA DESERT Alan Critchley, faced the biggest physical challenge 6 days of their lives as they 156 miles Rationed water competed in the Marathon des Sables (MdS) in April.

The Marathon des Sables takes place in the relatively common birth defect of the brain year break due to injuries. He said: “I wanted Sahara Desert every year and is described which can often affect facial features - and to come back with a goal that would really as the toughest footrace on earth. The MdS related brain malformations. make me push myself. I turned 40 in March is a gruelling 156 mile, six-day adventure Alan spent five months training for the and, having two beautiful children, I wanted – in temperatures exceeding 50°C. The ultra-marathon and, prior to the MdS, he to do something special to mark the occasion rules require athletes to be self-sufficient, completed three ultra-marathon distances and inspire them in the future. I also saw carrying enough supplies, including food of 30 miles, 32 miles and 40 miles. He also it as a chance to raise some much needed and emergency equipment, on their backs. practised hill training on Moel Famau, in awareness and money for a fantastic charity.” Communal goats’-hair Berber tents are North Wales, and sand running on West He added: “One of the goals I set is to pitched every night for the athletes to sleep in Kirby beach on the Wirral. present my finisher’s medal to a young girl and water is provided, though rationed. If they Alan completed the marathon in 43 who I am in contact with who suffers with exceed the ration, they receive a time penalty. hours over six days, finishing in the top 400 HPE. She will turn four this year and she Alan and Lynton were put in touch and placing 88th for his age group. He said: continues to defy odds with her enthusiasm with each other by staff at the University “Before taking part in the Marathon des for life and courageous approach to living it on discovering that they were both taking Sables, I felt nervous as so much could go to the fullest.” part. The two athletes have raised money wrong; but training went well and sponsorship Lynton completed the marathon in just for two charities which are close to their was steady. In the end the experience was over 45 hours, finishing 580th out of 1,200 hearts. Alan has raised over £2,000 for amazing, with many highs and lows. Camp life, original starters. He said: “The MdS was Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia and self-sufficiency and calorie deficiency played an awesome experience. It was by far the Lymphoma Research), a charity which has important roles. The heat was recorded at toughest physical, mental and emotional continued to support his mother-in-law 130-140°F on day three!” challenge I have ever undertaken, but in since she was diagnosed with Leukaemia Lynton, who graduated from the comparison to what the little girl who I ran in 2012; while Lynton has so far raised just University in 2005, works as a tutor with for and her family have to go through on a over £5,000 for Families for HoPE. This is a Premier Training International. He has been daily basis, it was easy. I am hopefully going non-profit organisation that was formed to taking part in triathlon and running events to fly out to Oregon to meet Hannah and address the needs of families and children for the past seven years and has recently her family, and present her with my medal diagnosed with holoprosencephaly (HPE) - a returned to taking part in events after a three once my fundraising is complete.”

The Cestrian 2017 5 UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW CHANCELLOR We were extremely saddened to report in the last issue of The Cestrian, that the University’s former Chancellor, the Duke of Westminster, passed away in August 2016.

In March, former Chester MP, Gyles Brandreth, a strong advocate institution to be granted university status in the 1990s, 150 years for the benefits of higher education for the city of Chester, became after its foundation by the Church of England as the country’s first the new Chancellor of the University. purpose-built teacher training college. This ambition was eventually Dr Brandreth assumed his responsibilities following an official realised in 2005, and he has followed the University’s progress since ‘installation’ ceremony at Graduation in March. with keen interest. The decision to approach Dr Brandreth was taken at the He said: “I am hugely honoured by this appointment and University’s Governance and Nominations Review Committee, and looking forward to serving a university whose heritage I admire, approved by its governors (University Council) on November 22. whose growth and achievement have been extraordinary and Dr Brandreth was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by the whose future is so exciting. University in 2014, in recognition of his outstanding contribution “In a rapidly changing world, nothing is more important than to the arts and to acknowledge his time as Chester’s elected education and the range and quality of what the University of Chester representative. During his tenure he was a campaigner for the has to offer at undergraduate and postgraduate level is remarkable.

6 The Cestrian 2017 “Chester is a university of achievement and ambition, and it's a great privilege to be invited to play a part in its ongoing story.”

Perhaps now best known for his BBC broadcasting career, with regular appearances on The One Show and Just a Minute, the Oxford graduate is also a prolific author of both fictional, biographical and autobiographical works; an accomplished classical actor and musical performer; and a witty journalist and political diarist. In public life, he was a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s Government. The ability to hold civil weddings at venues other than registry offices is thanks to Gyles Brandreth’s Private and history, are matched by a sense of enthusiasm and fun and an Member’s Bill (subsequently the 1994 Marriage Act). understanding of the value of volunteering, which is very much in As former Chairman and latterly Vice-President of Fields in Trust the spirit of the University and should appeal to our students and (formerly the National Playing Fields Association), he is a champion of staff alike. open spaces. The many causes he endorses range from Third World, “We are proud and privileged that he has agreed to reinforce medical and homeless charities, to those benefiting pets and wildlife, his connections with the University of Chester.” and he is patron of a number of cultural activities and organisations. The voluntary role of Chancellor is primarily ceremonial, Professor Tim Wheeler, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: officiating at Graduation ceremonies and representing the “We have been in the fortunate position of having two outstanding University at other formal occasions. Chancellors can advise individuals, both absolutely passionate about their responsibilities universities objectively, in the capacity of a ‘critical friend, drawing towards society, as ambassadors for the University of Chester. on their own professional experience.’ They are usually also chosen “Dr Brandreth is something of a Renaissance man, whose thirst for their association with an institution, its work and its surrounding for knowledge, abiding love of the English language, literature communities, and have often held public office.

Gyles Brandreth, after being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Chester, with Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor.

The Cestrian 2017 7 UNIVERSITY FORGES LINKS STUDENTS’ WITH AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY The University of Chester has recently linked up with two universities in America, to extend academic opportunities for research collaborations and student exchanges. The University has signed two Memoranda of Understanding - one with the University of CLEAN-UP the South, Sewanee, in Tennesee and one with Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both mark the beginning of new collaborations between Chester and the two American institutions, as the University seeks to foster and open up more academic possibilities, not only for IS HAILED A undergraduate students and research purposes, but also in the recruitment of doctoral students. Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “This is a very SUCCESS exciting opportunity for the University to build on and develop its international reputation Sixty student volunteers from the in research. We are really looking forward to being able to welcome more US students to University of Chester gave up a Saturday Chester, and to enabling staff to enhance research through collaborations and exchanges with to clean up the areas surrounding the world-leading academic colleagues in America.” Parkgate Road Campus. The Community Clean-Up was organised by Chester Students’ Union (CSU), and the student volunteers spent the day cleaning up the city’s Garden Quarter with litter pickers, bin bags and protective gloves. The Clean-Up was supported by local ward member, Councillor Bob Rudd, who also got involved with the day’s activities. Residents were invited to call the CSU the week before the event if they had unwanted items to be collected. The amount of rubbish and items Professor Terry Papillon, University of the South, Sewanee, Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, and Dr Wayne Morris, Head of Theology and Religious Studies and Associate Dean collected from residents’ homes and of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Chester, signing the Memorandum of Understanding. off the streets was enough to fill a large skip, which was funded through Councillor Rudd’s members’ budget, which also funded refreshments for the students. All the student volunteers were UNIVERSITY IN ENGLAND’S TOP rewarded with pizza and soft drinks in the Students’ Union Bar, CH1, afterwards FIVE FOR ITS QUALIFIED TEACHING as a thank you from the CSU. The University of Chester has been ranked first in the North West, and fourth nationally, for the proportion of its academic staff who hold a recognised teaching qualification. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) commissioned the data, which was collected from 130 institutions between 2014 and 2015 by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). HEFCE acknowledges that teaching qualifications are important; they demonstrate the commitment of staff and their organisation to the continual improvement of students’ experiences of higher education, and they have become increasingly central to universities’ strategies for improving learning and teaching. All of the University of Chester’s 680 academic staff are highly trained and experienced in their subject areas - 82% of them are also qualified teachers. (A specialist qualification is not a statutory requirement to teach in universities, unlike in schools.) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Wheeler, said: “This is excellent news for the University of Chester. We pride ourselves on our teaching quality and teaching excellence is at the Some of the student volunteers who helped to heart of the institution’s 178 year history. To have it recognised and underlined statistically clean up the Garden Quarter, with Councillor is the icing on the cake.” Bob Rudd (centre).

8 The Cestrian 2017 INTERVIEW WITH… ROB WOTTON We recently had the opportunity to speak with Sky Sports News presenter and University of Chester alumnus, Rob Wotton. Rob was recently awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) by the University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports journalism and broadcasting, and in particular for his contributions to the University during his time here as Students’ Union President.

Rob studied Health and Community Studies invested in a new SU building. I then drew all knew exactly where the line was that from 1987 to 1990 at the former Chester up plans to accommodate the areas I felt should not be crossed. Whilst DV was very College, before spending a sabbatical year were a priority, such as space for services, influential as Dean of Students, he also had as Students’ Union President from 1990 welfare, clubs, administration, and a shop - the ability to laugh at himself, and gave to 1991. We asked him to share his fond all things which were needed at that time. more than 100% to his job. We all knew memories of his time at the former Chester I presented my idea to the governing body he cared about us, and he still does. I had College, and find out a little more about his and was pleasantly surprised to find them not experienced positive male role models role as Students’ Union President… so positive and receptive to my proposal. before meeting him and Ned Binks, and their support was important to me. Why did you decide to become SU President? What skills and life lessons did you take In my first year I became friends with with you when you left Chester? Have you ever had a ‘Class of 90’ Reunion? Spencer Clarkson, who held the office of Looking back, I can see that I had a distrust We came back about 22 years ago and Social Secretary and, through seeing what and dislike of authority prior to leaving although we would love to have had he was doing, and what was involved, I home, and being responsible as the SU reunions, life is just so busy. It’s 30 years joined the Social Committee… I had noticed President showed me that people are just since we arrived at Chester, so perhaps we that members had perks: namely reduced trying to do the best they can, and that should make the effort to reunite this year! price entrance to events and better priced it helped me to overcome my feelings drinks! At the elections at the end of my about authority. The Principal, the Rev Do you have any words of wisdom for our first year, I chose to stand as Transport Ned Binks, showed me respect - this was students and alumni? Secretary - again noticing the perks: free a new experience, and I respected him in Follow your dreams, but don’t let your cups of tea in the SU office! I was duly return. I met people from so many different dreams become other people’s nightmares. elected and held that role for my second backgrounds that I year. In my third year I was joint Social would never have had

Secretary with Kevin Robinson. I graduated, chance to get to know; Rob Wotton. Photograph: Ede and Ravenscroft. and then held the position of SU President. this was enlightening This came with a salary of £6,000 per when learning about year, which was an incredible sum when socio-cultural differences compared to a full grant at that time which and helped to dispel was £2,100 per year. stereotypes.

What do you think you gave back through You have lauded the working as SU President? support given by David, I didn’t view the Presidency as a year off. I known as "DV", Hughes stayed in Chester after graduating and spent (former Dean of Students the summer going through paperwork and who retired in 2008) - can understanding the structure of and issues you share with us what facing the Students’ Union and the student he said or did that you body. This provided me with an insight into found so inspirational? what needed to be done when I started the DV was a one-off! I had job in the September, and I hit the ground never met a man in a running. In the late 90s, the Sealand site senior role who was had been sold off and the students were both a father figure very upset at losing their rugby pitches, and treated me like an especially as sport was such a big part of adult. He was certainly a life here. I made a recommendation that mentor and although he some of the funds raised should be re- enjoyed a good laugh, we

The Cestrian 2017 9 The BakeKing making Fine Art with cakes

Shotton High Street studio.

Award-winning mechanical skull cake.

MMA fighter, Conor McGregor cake.

Former student, Ben Cullen, has been BakeKing Cakecrafts in 2014 after creating baking his way to internet fame at his a novelty cake for his dad's birthday. Ben Shotton High Street studio after combining studied Graphic Design and Fine Art at the a passion for baking with his creativity and University of Chester and graduated in 2012. artistic talent. He said: “As I was a graphic designer prior Twenty-six year old Ben, from Hoole, to taking on the cake business full time, to the right audience and reach more Chester, is breaking the stereotype of I would say what I studied at University people than just my local area and shop the traditional baker and challenging the helped me learn a lot of the skills to help window display!” Ben regularly uploads conventions of cake making. Prior to creating support my business. It comes in very handy tutorials and videos to his YouTube channel masterpieces through the medium of when creating designs and developing the (BakeKing TV Cake Channel), encouraging cake, Ben was an apprentice tattoo artist. business’s branding.” others to try their hand at baking their own However his career path quickly took a very The BakeKing Cakecrafts caters for edible art. different turn after he was shown some cake every occasion, from corporate events Many of Ben’s creations have gone viral decorations by a customer’s mother. Ben was to weddings and birthdays. One of Ben’s online, including his latest collection of fascinated by the figurines made out of sugar top career highlights so far has included cakes inspired by characters from popular paste and was inspired to try it himself. making a caricature birthday cake for zombie TV show, The Walking Dead, and a As Ben experimented with different Liverpool Football Club manager, Jurgen cake of notorious mixed martial arts fighter, designs and styles, his cake skills began Klopp. Ben has also won multiple awards Conor McGregor. His cakes continue to to improve. He said: “When people find at international cake competitions. He receive online attention, proving that Ben is out that I am a cake artist, they are always added: “Another cake I’m very proud of introducing baking to a generation who may shocked as I don’t fit the general stereotype. is my mechanical skull cake as it was a not have previously considered it as a viable I think it’s great as it is good to show that competition piece and it was my first ever career path. different people can do different things, and gold award at a competition.” Ben said: “There are stressful moments can’t be judged by the way they look.” Social media has also played an where a cake goes wrong or breaks during Ben has now turned his passion into important role in building his business. He delivery, but being able to create art every a practical business and career, launching said: “It allows me to put things out directly day is all I have ever wanted to do.”

10 The Cestrian 2017 Padgate Time Travel Roger Glithero (1989) travelled back in as though time was playing tricks; this was vernacular, possibly with the advent of time with other members of his year group further compounded when visiting the old mixed halls, there wasn’t the same obvious and revisited their former place of study… Hall 4, as apart from carpet in the hallway, need for the euphemism! “If the M6 hadn’t been busy in July, I the same furniture was still in evidence, with “The following morning, the doors wouldn’t have driven through Warrington and Formica topped desk and shelving. To recover had again worked their magic, as a group failed to recognise the town, then thought from the shock we headed to the bar, which of slightly more mature ex-North Cheshire back on those 30 years since turning into the definitely had changed; West End no more College/Padgate students wearily wended Piazza at Padgate. Thus it was an individual (although the slight adhesion of shoes to the their way back across the UK. email asking about a weekend trip to check dance floor may indicate the same excesses). “However, for one quietly emotional out the old place that became a hunt for “A bus trip into town, following a stop at night, we forgot about the people we are, others of that era, and a get together. the Farmers Arms, led us to the Lower Angel, and were allowed to go back to being “Penta Hotel was to be our version another institution seemingly unaltered by 20-year-olds without a care in the world and of the De Lorean, at about 12.30pm on the decades with the juke box appearing to enjoying the special place that is Padgate. So October 15, last year. Whilst we may all have have the same records. Finally we made a special that 2019 may see another time shift walked through the doors around 50 years trip to Ozmi curry house (recommended if for the 30th anniversary since graduation!” old, we were transported back 30 years in you're ever in the area). an instant, maybe not the grey hair, but with “By this stage the stories had flowed, the same friendships and banter forged in liaisons recounted, lecturers dissected, those intense three years. and notable incidents laughingly recalled “A trip around campus had been - tales etched on our collective memory. arranged for us with current students, We wouldn’t get away with ‘trophy nights’ headed by Sandro, Chester Students’ Union in quite the same way as we did, with the Vice-President (Warrington), leading the advent of CCTV (iron garden furniture, large way. A new main entrance slightly threw the yellow spectacles, and assorted signage Shaun Zammit; Mark Bennett; Kim Mould (née Grant); Clive Harding; Gail Adams (née Horsfield); Roger bearings, but turning the corner to the Halls may have been mentioned). Also, ‘Padgate Glithero; Richard Haslam; James Chapman; Steve Yim of Residence was like a slap in the face. It was Coffee’ appeared to have slipped from the and Mark McCall.

JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL REUNION FIFTY YEARS ON… A message from Gill Little, Year Group Secretary for 1967 leavers: Spring is here, and we are proud to invite you to join us once “This is an early warning signal for Friday September 8 - Sunday again for our Annual Reunion, from September 8-10. As in September 10. Add it to your bucket list. It's the celebration of the 50th previous years, we have included the booking form with anniversary of the start of our teaching careers! The Cestrian mailing, plus we provide the link to online “We have contact details for most of you, but not all, so please pass booking via our website in the upcoming events section this message on to your friends to ensure no one misses out!” (https://alumni.chester.ac.uk/events). You are welcome to stay in Fisher or Astbury Halls, in a single, en suite Our committee of volunteers, who form the University room on the Parkgate Road Campus. of Chester Alumni Association (UCAA), put a lot of time into Gill, Brenda, Peter and John are looking forward to seeing you and ensuring that everyone will have a great experience; so we have provided their contact details if you would like to get in touch and hope you can join us. confirm arrangements: We conducted a survey last year, to ascertain what Gill Little: [email protected] / 01706 822753 elements of the weekend everyone enjoyed and what would Brenda Crickett: [email protected] / 01475 870592 benefit from improvement. Thanks to all of you who shared Peter Charnock: [email protected] / 01204 852965 your views; this has enabled us to implement a few changes John Davies: [email protected] / 01257 265894 and refresh the weekend. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Alumni and We will be changing the menus and on offer will be a new Development Office on 01244 511078, or [email protected]. selection of delicious meals for you to enjoy. We will also be providing more opportunities to network, so that everyone has the chance to meet up with their old friends and make new ones. We have opted to make the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UCAA slightly earlier, at 10.00am to ensure that there is enough time for alumni to meet up for coffee afterwards. All alumni are most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Cestrian 2017 11 THE BIKING BIRDER Gary Prescott has become widely known as the ‘Biking Birder’ after cycling to all 232 of the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserves as part of the ‘Green Birding Big Year’ challenge.

Gary with staff at Leighton Moss, his favourite RSPB reserve.

Gary graduated in 1977 after studying sabbatical from teaching to cycle around the He currently holds the record for ‘Green Biology at the then Chester College. It was British Isles and spotted 251 species. Birding Big Year’ in the UK and Europe. during his teaching career that he gained During 2015, Gary cycled a further Green birding has many advantages - an insight into the effects of climate change 9,000 miles around the UK and spotted whether on bicycle or on foot, birders are and was inspired to cut his carbon footprint 289 species of bird in just 12 months. immersed in their environment and can see by birding sustainably. Gary first began Then in 2016, he smashed this record by or hear birds at all times. As a result more birding by bike in 2010 when he took a spotting 318 different species over a year. birds are often seen within shorter distances.

12 The Cestrian 2017 Robin, spotted by Gary. For some, the challenge of cycling thousands of miles over varied terrain for that one elusive bird is appealing. Gary himself once cycled 58 miles in five hours just to see a citril finch, something that he says was “well worth it!” Gary has embraced this method of birding and has used it to raise thousands of pounds for charities, including the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Asthma UK and the Chaskawasi-Manu project (a charity that supports indigenous children in Peru). Some of his most memorable moments have included seeing the Northern Lights and pods of orcas from Fair Isle in Shetland, as well as sitting among the puffins at Flamborough Head in Yorkshire. He

Willow Warbler, spotted at added: “My favourite RSPB reserve Lower Lough Erne RSPB Reserve. is Leighton Moss. It’s got everything - fantastic birds, rare orchids, butterflies, bats, red deer, otters and friendly, welcoming staff!” After meeting volunteers at many of the RSPB reserves, Gary remains positive about the future of our wildlife in the UK. He said: “The young volunteers have been amazing and their passion for the environment is inspiring. The future of our wildlife is in good hands with young people who display such commitment and enthusiasm.” Gary has delivered many lectures and presentations, appeared at regional bird fairs and was also featured on BBC 2’s Springwatch. He Gary’s main mode of travel is now planning a trip to Peru in 2018 pictured in the countryside. to attempt to beat the ‘World Green Birding Big Year’ record of 618 species.

The Cestrian 2017 13 FORMER STUDENT FINDS CHANGES AHEAD FOR DREAM CAREER ALUMNI OFFICES AND Former Journalism student, COMMUNICATIONS Saul Malpass, has succeeded in gaining his dream job and now works as the Head WITH ALUMNI of Digital Marketing at a Here in the Alumni and Development Office we want to be Chester company. able to interact with our alumni in a variety of ways. As well Saul graduated from as sending you The Cestrian, we enjoy sharing photographs, the University in 2010. After recording memories, asking questions, inviting participation, undertaking a placement finding case studies, and requesting support - whether it be during his second year at a time, expertise or donations. We want to be able to keep digital marketing company in contact with you all and for you to have confidence in in Northwich, he realised Saul Malpass. our procedures, principles and motivation for doing so. For his passion for the industry and these reasons, we wanted to let you know about a couple made it his goal to have a career in digital marketing. of developments around how we ask for, store and use He said: “I moved to Chester permanently after your information. University, as I believed it offered better working Following some high profile cases of charities being opportunities than my hometown. I began working in hotels taken to task for the way in which they have communicated and restaurants, which I actually really enjoyed, but I still with donors, guidelines have been produced by the wanted a career in marketing.” Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) for charities to follow. Saul then took part in the University’s Graduate Head From mid-2017, the service aims to provide a way for Start programme, run by the Careers and Employability the public to manage their contacts with charities. At the team. The programme aims to guide and support recent same time, charities will be required to seek affirmative graduates looking to secure employment, and help them consent for contact with donors and supporters. The opt- fulfil their professional ambitions. out from specified charities will apply to all charities and Saul added: “Careers and Employability at the all forms of communication with a named individual (ie University were a constant support. They helped me to telephone, text, email, and addressed mail). As a registered secure placements which I attended alongside my part- charity, the University of Chester is included. time jobs. Through the connections I made, I managed to In May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulations gain employment as an SEO technician.” (GDPR) will also come into force and all alumni offices will Five years later, Saul’s career has flourished and he now need to obtain unambiguous consent to hold and process works as Head of Digital Marketing at Agency97, a digital personal information on their former staff and students. marketing and web agency based in Chester. In his role, Saul As you can see, getting clear and current consent from is primarily concerned with ensuring new websites are fit to you to communicate is going to be critically important to retain a business’s current performance, as well as looking for the success of the Alumni and Development Office going areas of growth and improvement. forward. We will need to review how we obtain and Founded in 2011 by Chris Chapman, Agency97 has worked record consents for the processing of personal data, with a number of global PLCs, as well as working closely with ie your information. It may consequently mean that we well-known local businesses such as ITC Luxury Travel. must contact our alumni community and obtain new Chris, who is also a former student, previously worked consents - and, if queried, be able to prove how those at the University as a career link tutor and e-learning consents were obtained. technologist. He said: “After enjoying my time at the We process your data in accordance with the Data University of Chester, I wanted to help other organisations Protection Act 1998 and use it solely to keep you informed gain advantage through digital media and web based about alumni and associated activities at the University of technology. In 2011, after five years of working as technical Chester. If you prefer not to hear from us, we fully respect director of a large digital agency, I decided to go out on your right to choose, and will amend your preferences my own in pursuit of building an agency that offered great immediately. We would love it, however, if you did want results with exceptional customer service.” us to keep in touch, and we are working on making that as Saul added: “I was really impressed, not only by Chris’s easy as possible for you to tell us when the time comes - knowledge, but also by his overall approach to running watch this space! an agency.”

14 The Cestrian 2017 Lizzie puts her International Development studies into real world practice in Cambodia

music, dancing and singing! Samorn was one of the women that came back to the house we were staying in for the night to make sure we were comfortable. Before going to sleep, we shared pictures of our homes and families with her and the other women who had joined us. It was a really lovely, genuine encounter with some of the villagers, who were so interested in learning more about England and life in the UK!” There are eight participants altogether on the ‘Step into the Gap’ scheme, spread across the country in different youth ministry areas. Lizzie is placed in the Just Youth Ministry Team in Salford, Manchester, where she does chaplaincy twice a week at a special needs school with children and teenagers. Now that she has returned from her trip, Lizzie will be visiting schools and parishes to talk about her experiences. She said: “Each young person I encounter Latrine construction - villagers took full advantage inspires me in both my work and simply to be of Lizzie’s height and she helped to construct the upper parts of the walls and the roof. a better person. It sounds so clichéd, but this gap year experience has completely changed my life and view of the world. It's something Former student, Lizzie Haydon, travelled to to see it in every community we visited. We that I simply couldn't imagine not doing and Cambodia with CAFOD (the Catholic Agency also joined a socio-economic empowerment would encourage anybody at any age to For Overseas Development) as part of its gap project in rural communities. Through this looking into the numerous opportunities to year scheme called ‘Step into the Gap’. we took part in livelihoods projects, latrine do something similar!” Lizzie studied Geography and International building, hygiene demonstrations and Development and felt encouraged by community self-help groups. The thing that the University to develop her passion for stood out the most was the resilience of development work and social justice issues. In communities and their desire to improve her second year, she travelled to Tanzania for their own lives.” three weeks, which gave her the confidence to During her visit, Lizzie met members pursue a path in development. of one of CAFOD’s partner organisations, CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Srer Khmer Cambodia. The organisation Catholic Church in England and Wales. It is dedicated to the support of sustainable supports vulnerable groups by enabling socio-economic development through indigenous people to access land titles, research, training, education and community protect their forest and farm organically, to development. increase food supplies and income. A highlight of Lizzie’s trip was her Lizzie spent three weeks in Cambodia, overnight stay in Lvear Village, in the Siem visiting CAFOD partner organisations and the Reap province, where she met Samorn, a projects run through CAFOD funding. All the 30-year-old mother-of-two who is involved Rice paddy at sunset - Lizzie spoke to farmers projects are community led and the partners in a women’s self-help group within her local about the change in weather patterns and what give support and training. community. this meant for their crops. This family had hung empty cans across their paddies to make noise Lizzie said: “CAFOD holds partnership Lizzie said: “We had a really lovely and scare away the birds. as one of its seven values, and it was clear evening, celebrating our stay with traditional

The Cestrian 2017 15 ALUMNI BLOG LAUNCH The Alumni and Development team is excited to announce the launch of the brand new alumni blog. In keeping with the times, we are thrilled to extend our digital presence to this latest platform. Blogging has become an increasingly popular tool that works seamlessly alongside social media to share ideas and stories. Our blog provides a place where we can keep our alumni up-to-date with interesting stories and information relating to alumni activity, as it happens. We hope that this more proactive approach to communications will help to stimulate even more exciting and engaging conversations with all of our alumni. As a result of our new blog, The Cestrian will be returning STAY IN TOUCH to its annual release; so be sure to check the blog for the latest alumni news and stories in between each issue. WITH US ONLINE The blog is the ideal platform for you to share your personal stories in your own words, as well as read about others. We We are always delighted when alumni would like to get in would be delighted if you would like to be a guest blogger, so if touch, and it is now easier than ever for you to share your you have an idea for a blog post, or a topic you would like us to memories, photographs and artefacts with us digitally through cover, please get in touch: [email protected]. our social media. You can visit our blog here: We have a presence online on all major social media https://chesteralumni.wordpress.com/. platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Facebook is a great way to connect with old friends and communicate directly with us here in the Alumni and Development Office - search for our page: @UoChesterAlumni. If Twitter is more your thing, we are always tweeting about the latest alumni activity and sharing any exciting news that is happening on campus. Find us @ChesterAlumni. We aim to keep a digital record of everything that you share with us, whether that is a photograph with your year group, or a drama programme from your first College production. While maintaining our digital archives, we noticed we are missing copies of The Collegian from 1989-2005. If you have a copy of one of our missing editions, or know someone who might, please do get in touch with us!

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16 The Cestrian 2017 Teaching graduate Rachel rallies round to help refugees

While many people enjoyed Christmas at trying to get away from something terrible to symbolise the treacherous journey refugees home with their families, teaching graduate, make a better life for their families. must make to get to safety. Rachel Quinn, spent hers helping refugees in “There was no feeling of hatred, just a lot Rachel said: “It was extremely heart- Dunkirk’s refugee camp. of warmth. One woman obviously loved her warming to work as a whole school for such a On Boxing Day, Rachel and her mum, Sue, children and was hugging them all the time. great cause. We are in it for the long haul to drove a van of supplies down to the French They were beautiful, very clean and had 10 help and support refugees. We want to show port to help the men, women and children layers of clothing to keep warm. She said she them that we do care and we do choose love!” living in shocking conditions this winter. had family in the UK and asked me to take After the fundraising, Rachel was able Rachel, 32, graduated in 2006 and is now a them to her relatives. It was heart-rending.” to spend the cash on much-needed priority teacher at Chorlton High School in Manchester. Rachel and her mum were so moved by items for the refugees, including washing up She was appalled to see the accommodation their experience that they planned a return liquid, milk, formula, batteries, mobile phones provided by the French authorities after the trip to Dunkirk during February, where they and lights. so-called ‘Jungle’ was demolished. spent another week at the camp. Their time Rachel added: “These people were She said: “It was horrific. Everyone was was split between helping in the Women’s incredible, truly inspirational. We can’t turn shivering and coughing. Babies and children Centre and the Children’s Centre. our backs on them.” were sleeping next to thick green mould in Rachel said: “The Women’s Centre was Rachel and her mum are planning subzero temperatures. One woman arrived incredible, it was a safe haven for women and another trip in the summer. back to this living hell from hospital with her children where they could feel at home and You can support them by donating via two-month-old baby who had bronchitis. I part of a community. There was food, music, https://gogetfunding.com/we-choose-love/. have never felt such shame in all my life.” crafts, and chatter - a wonderful atmosphere. The couple spent a week trying to damp- “In the Children’s Centre, we taught proof tiny wooden huts thick with mould, small workshops, including art. The aim was icicles dangling from ceilings and water to try and allow children to play and just ‘be dripping onto damp bedding as temperatures children’. However sometimes you did see plummeted to minus three degrees. Through in the children the true impact of the war - fundraising at Rachel’s school and via social they have been forced to grow up at such a media, they were able to raise enough money fast rate, and some struggle with their own to buy and fit plastic sheeting over the huts to anger and frustration living here. It truly is improve the insulation. heartbreaking to see.” Despite the dire conditions, the refugees To raise money to take on her trip, Rachel welcomed them into their homes, made ran a ‘Choose Love’ campaign at her school. them tea and brought out food. “They were The campaign raised over £1,200 through really lovely people,” Rachel said. “We met sponsored events, the sale of wristbands nurses, engineers and lorry drivers. They and badges, and a charity concert and raffle chatted to us about their lives. They spoke organised by a group of Year Eight girls. One fluent English. They are just ordinary people, student arranged a charity bare foot walk, to

The Cestrian 2017 17 FORMER STUDENT’S DEDICATION TO HIS STUDIES IS REWARDED Tom has also given Fairtrade and human trafficking talks around the country and says of all his voluntary activities that his motivation is: “Social justice. It’s about getting the best deal for the community.” Tom first started volunteering at the age of 14 through the encouragement of his secondary school teachers. His first major volunteering project was coordinating a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking in the chocolate industry. He has continued to develop his passion for helping people and said: “If I identify a need within the community, or I am approached by residents, I will do my very best to help as I don’t like letting people down.” His extensive volunteering during his time at University led to him securing a permanent job at Oasis UK, one of the largest multi-academy trust/sponsors in the country. Tom works as a ‘Hub Leader’ for the Sheffield area, where he is responsible for leading various strategies and growing a team of staff and volunteers to deliver community services. Tom is also working on a project called Tom Horton at the British Education Awards. Inspire with the Rev Steve Chalke MBE. He From campaigning against human education. He said: “I was humbled to have said: “We are organising a series of high- trafficking, to making a real difference in been invited alongside some truly remarkable profile events in places of worship across his Lincolnshire community, Tom Horton students with incredible stories and the UK to mark the centenary of the end of proved his commitment to society and his testimonies. My nomination was for academic the Great War, and using them to inspire studies during his time at the University of achievement, notably a first class degree in a new generation to take positive action Chester. Tom studied a four-year French and French and History, as well as the social justice to work for peace and conflict resolution, History degree, which included spending a campaigns which I’ve been involved with.” not only across the world, but also in year teaching English at a secondary school During his final year of University, their local communities and personal in France, and achieved a first class degree Tom contributed over 5,500 voluntary relationships. I still regularly volunteer in alongside extensive volunteering. hours and volunteered extensively for his my hometown of Immingham, organising Tom’s success and achievements while local secondary school, Oasis Academy community projects and applying for at the University helped him to secure the in Immingham, among numerous other funding. I’ve also just started a part-time prestigious Student Support and Guidance - volunteer projects. He developed the Master’s degree in Church History at the Kirsty Craig Associates Award for Enterprise Academy’s existing temporary soft play University of Nottingham, so it’s a busy, and Special Recognition for Outstanding area for toddlers for greater community but great time!” Leadership in the Community at the use and created a timetable of activities for He added: “My time at Chester was a University’s annual prize-giving Valedictory young people in the locality. Alongside a truly formative time and prepared me both ceremony. His drive and ambition set him friend, he also helped to attract significant for the world of work, and gave me the skills apart from other students and helped to private investment to establish a superfast and desire to pursue postgraduate study.” ensure his success. broadband network in two Lincolnshire Tom is looking forward to working Tom was also one of six finalists at the villages. Its success attracted national alongside Student Support and Guidance British Education Awards, a national award media coverage including The Sunday Times here at the University and leading some ceremony that recognises excellence in and BBC One’s Rip Off Britain. student focus groups later in the year.

18 The Cestrian 2017 Laura returns from hand- rearing wolves in Austria Laura Stott, who graduated from her BSc Psychology Single Honours Laura pictured with a programme in 2014, has recently returned from an exciting role as a Canadian Timberwolf pup. Wolf Trainer at the Wolf Science Center in Austria. In her final year dissertation, Laura studied the individual differences in chimpanzees at Chester Zoo, under the supervision of animal psychologist Dr Lindsay Murray. Laura then used her experience to gain employment as a Wolf Trainer. The Wolf Science Center conducts internationally recognised, first class research on the behaviour and cognition of wolves and dogs. In her role as a Wolf Trainer, Laura was involved with the hand rearing of Timberwolves, which were taken to the Center from reserves in Europe, America, Canada and Russia. Laura’s work assisted in the exploration of the cognitive capabilities of wolves, while keeping them mentally and physically fit. Laura recently visited the University’s Psychology Department and said: “I really enjoyed my time here at Chester. The staff were very supportive and the course taught me so many skills. Chester also gave me so many opportunities above and beyond my degree!” Laura is hoping to return to Austria soon to complete a PhD. NEW WEBSITE FOR FOODIE FANS

Jamie decided to set up with the best experience possible this, people will remember the eatdrinkseek.co.uk, with his when they visit Eat Drink Seek. excellent experience they had business partner, Mike Payton, We plan to do this by listening on our site and we’ll become after discovering that there was closely to feedback and running the first port of call for anyone no easy way to search for food surveys to ensure that people wanting to visit a food or drink and drink festivals in the region. are getting the information festival in the UK.” Having worked in a number they need in the quickest way To find out more visit: of different photography and possible. We hope that by doing www.eatdrinkseek.co.uk. online marketing based roles since graduating in 2010, Jamie decided to combine his skills with Mike’s strong background Jamie Knop. in design and development, to Jamie Knop, a former student create the website. who studied Multimedia and The website features an Photography, has recently interactive map, as well as a launched a website to help regularly updated blog, and people around the UK find food allows the user to search for and drink festivals near them. food, drink, beer, wine, cider and Jamie’s passion for gin festivals throughout the UK. gastronomy led to the new Jamie hopes his new website business venture to help like- will give people food for thought. minded people fish out their He said: “It’s still early days in the local and national food and business, and initially we’ll be drink festivals. concentrating on providing users

The Cestrian 2017 19 L-R - Bob Cheetham, Geoff Holt and Mike Law, looking for familiar faces in the class photos. Mini Reunion for Mike Law and friends

“Derick Armstrong, Bob Cheetham, Gordon Hebden, Geoff Holt and “The graduands made for a colourful spectacle in the City all the myself, with our wives and Des Hughes (whose wife sadly passed away time that we were there. Not surprising, then, that we saw few of a couple of years ago) with his current partner, enjoyed another visit to them when three of us went down to the former College itself. Chester in November. “Bob, Geoff and I were very grateful for the warm, friendly and “We met for lunch on the first day at a well-known haunt for some informative greeting that we received when we paid our visit to the of us: The Boathouse. This set the tone nicely for the following couple University. Thank you to Fiona for that. of days - Geoff and Des doing a lot of talking to one another, and the “We took a walk around the Parkgate Road Campus, which left us ladies trying not to have to hear yet another anecdote about 1958-61 with three different emotions: surprise and, perhaps, pleasure that from the rest of us! there are still areas and buildings that existed in 1961; wryness that “We then made our way up to The Mill Hotel, where we were to the sports and recreational facilities are so much better than when stay for a couple of nights. Chester was a specialist PE college; and finally amazement that the “The next day was full of activity! A trip on the river cruiser institution has around 20,000 students as opposed to the four or five was particularly interesting for Derick as a former oarsman for the hundred in our time. College and for Geoff and myself, who guiltily remember irritating “These emotions sum up Chester. There has been great progress, the canoeing tutor, in our diploma year, by 'experimenting' with our but not all of its charm and antiquity has been sacrificed. That's why paddling techniques! we enjoy going back. “Then there was the inevitable shopping activity, which three of “If you remember any of us, please get in touch!” us escaped by going for a pint. I was tempted to search out The Bear and Billet for a pint of Scrumpy which I used to drink instead of beer in Mike Law 1958-61 because it was 6d cheaper! [email protected] / 07881653940

20 The Cestrian 2017 Hopes of making a change in third world education

A Doctoral student is hoping to make a difference to the work of teachers in Uganda after securing a fellowship place on a scheme which will allow her to share her expertise with them. Sharon Smith, a mum-of-one from Ellesmere Port, is studying for a Doctorate in Education at the University and will leave the UK on July 1, to travel to Uganda with Limited Resource Teacher Training (LRTT), a charitable organisation that enables teachers from the UK to travel to developing countries to provide much needed teacher training. As well as sharing her knowledge with some of the teachers there, Sharon intends to use the opportunity to conduct some research as part of her EdDoc programme and will explore two areas of teaching - the first is the impact and influences on Sharon is currently looking for venues at which she can hold a pedagogy in an environment where resources are limited, and fundraising fun day. If you are able to help, please get in touch with secondly she will also consider how global communities of practice Sharon at: [email protected]. are established by the LRTT programme. To make a donation, visit Sharon’s Go Fund Me page: Sharon now needs to raise £3,000 to fulfil her dream and is https://www.gofundme.com/uganda-lrtt-fellowship and you can excited to be involved in the scheme that aims to make a difference follow her progress on her blog: http://ugandalrtt2017.blogspot.co.uk. by helping teachers build their skills and improve outcomes for their students. She said: “I have loved being a teacher and have always believed that high quality teaching and learning gives students the best possible chances to succeed. This is an opportunity to help Alumni Volunteering students in challenging contexts and really make a difference.” We are always delighted to welcome returning alumni who Sharon will spend one month in Uganda, leaving behind her want to give something back to the University, and a great way three-year-old daughter Eleanor and her husband, Andrew. to do this is through volunteering. Your contribution of time or She added: “I will miss my little girl, but it will be an amazing expertise will benefit our current students, as well as allow you experience to explain to her why Mummy is going and how the to revisit your place of study and reminisce. programme is designed to help other children and their teachers, so One fantastic volunteering opportunity is ushering at that they too can have the kind of future I imagine for her.” graduation. Why not participate in the celebrations and see our Sharon is well underway with her fundraising for the project, graduands receive their degrees, while playing an integral part having held local events and at her workplace - Tute in Wrexham. in the smooth running of the day? She has so far raised over £1,000 via her Go Fund Me page, but is If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch: aiming to raise up to £3,000 to cover the costs of the project. Any additional funds raised will be used to take supplies and resources to teachers in Uganda. [email protected]

The Cestrian 2017 21 TOP AWARD FOR MATHS RECOVERY MAN Last October, at the Maths Recovery Conference in Minnesota, USA, alumnus Jim Martland received the prestigious ‘Pioneer Award’ for an individual who makes an outstanding contribution in leadership and teaching in numeracy.

In 1996, Jim, then Director of Primary Teaching at the University of Liverpool, was told to delegate his current research to others. The matter was urgent. Wigan, a local authority with severe educational under-achievement had been given Government funding for a range of interventions, but was having difficulty in combatting under-achievement in early numeracy. Wigan had commissioned the University and Jim was told: “You are our Primary Education specialist. Start now, or they lose the grant!” Jim found plenty of research on helping low performers in literacy, but almost none on early numeracy. He discovered research by Dr Robert Wright at Southern Cross University, NSW, Australia. Wright was producing practical and verbal assessment tasks to show the child’s number knowledge and the strategies the child uses to solve number problems. The children were videotaped, allowing for detailed observation and analysis of their verbal and nonverbal responses. Jim Martland at the Pioneer Award ceremony in the USA. The tapes were shown to the teachers and parents, who could then identify the mental strategies the child employed and tailor appropriate interventions. Dr Wright called the programme “Mathematics Recovery”. Jim was keen to examine it because it involved teachers researching their own practice. Jim visited Dr Wright in Australia. En-route he observed teachers in South Carolina, US, using the approach. Back in the UK, Jim’s findings were accepted and he established Diploma and Masters Courses in Mathematics Recovery - Assessment and Teaching commencing with Wigan teachers. The project grew and Jim spearheaded Mathematics Recovery courses with LEAs throughout the UK and Ireland. This led to the establishment of the Mathematics Recovery Council (UK and Ireland) overseeing the accreditation of Mathematics Recovery consultants. His first book, Early Numeracy - Assessment for Teaching and Intervention, (Wright, Martland and Stafford, Sage 2000) was followed by publications on a range of teaching interventions. In 2006 the books were printed in Spanish and in 2010 in Korean. The research also Jim Martland working at a Scottish Primary School. led to an invitation for Jim to introduce Mathematics Recovery in Canada.

22 The Cestrian 2017 Dr Louise Minchin, one of television’s most famous faces as presenter of BBC Breakfast, TV’S LOUISE MINCHIN delivered a talk at the Warrington Campus which focused on her career in the media AUDIENCE AT THE and her experiences as a new member INSPIRES of Team GB for her achievements in competitive triathlons. WARRINGTON CAMPUS With the headline ‘Dare to Tri’, Louise aimed to motivate and inspire her audience to “just give it a go and put yourself out there… because you never know what you might be really good at.” Dr Louise Minchin, who received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University in 2014, is used to addressing an audience of on average 1.6 million on a daily basis, and took to her packed lecture with the same genuine warmth and pragmatism, to which television viewers are accustomed. She recalled her most memorable moments as a reporter, which included being on the scene just 24 hours after the Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack in November 2015. She also had to break the news of Colonel Gaddafi’s capture, with just 10 minutes Professor Annette McIntosh-Scott, Provost of the Warrington Campus, Louise Minchin and Professor Lawrence Bellamy, Deputy Provost of the Warrington Campus. preparation time before she was due to go live on air.

PARALYMPIAN Jade Jones. LAUNCHED THIS YEAR’S DIVERSITY FESTIVAL

Connect and Thrive was the theme of this year’s annual Diversity Festival which included a keynote speech by Paralympian and Commonwealth Games Medallist, Jade Jones. Held from February 27 to March 10, across various University of Chester campuses, the event was open to members of the public, as well as staff and students. It offered a unique opportunity to learn and experience different cultures and perspectives. This year’s theme aimed to connect communities and groups and highlight how different groups can continue to thrive, often through adversity. Jade is one of the most exciting talents in British Paralympic sport and recently competed at the Rio Paralympic Games in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m T54 class. She was born without a right femur, which meant that she would have to use crutches or a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She opted to have her foot amputated at the age of eight, but it was not until the age of 12 that the opportunity to try a racing chair presented itself at a school sports day. Watching that day was Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who, seeing Jade’s determination and talent, invited her to a training session and has gone on to train and mentor Jade ever since.

The Cestrian 2017 23 YEAR NOTES Year Note Secretaries take a considerable amount of time and effort to gather information on their fellow former students, and this is greatly appreciated.

The University respectfully requests that specific medical conditions and other personal details should only be included if the person being mentioned has given their permission for the information to be published.

Where reports have been significant in length, these have been abridged in order to accommodate information from all those submitted.

1948 Recently I wrote to a number thought to be invidious to name by now, of course) to perform of those who have been my any one person, but I feel that for five Burns' Nights during Dear colleagues, I regret to main sources of information I must mention Vice-Principal January. What great lungs! Of say that these notes are my over the years. I have received Morrell - affectionately known course he never smoked. He ‘swansong’. Over the past few only two replies, one from Alan as Lord Percy, who was an will soon be 90; it's not a secret. years, it has become increasingly Edlund, whose wife has been outstanding member of staff. He received his usual Christmas difficult to obtain any news to seriously ill for most of this year, Finally, I must extend my message from Dave Hough. Dave share, and as you are aware, a and one from Peter Davies, who personal thanks to Fiona, Amy obviously does not have my number of our friends have died wrote to thank me for “all the and Helena in the Alumni and email address as I don't receive recently. This, of course, is not years you have given to keeping Development Office, who have any emails from him. surprising; it is now 70 years 1948 in touch.” given me so much support in my Derek Rawsthorne has had since we all met at Chester for It has given me much role as your Year Secretary. an interesting successful medical the first time, and we are all in pleasure to produce these David Lewis procedure this year and is still our very late eighties. notes, and to visit Chester for an [email protected] with us. He has the support of his The only regular contact I Annual Reunion with a dwindling 01656 818754 lovely devoted wife, Margaret. have left is with David Greenlees, band of friends, but of course Ian Anderson is moving from his with whom I share emails from all good things eventually must 1951 beloved North East homeland time to time, and with three come to an end. to Aughton to be nearer some widows - Florence Machin (née I hope that those who still Tony Hindley declined his of his sons and grandchildren. Norman), Anne Cooke (née read these notes will feel, as I do, usual invitation to play his Obviously he has had to give Gordon) and Joy Daffon (née that our time at Chester was a bagpipes in China for its New up his career as a professional Peter). I am glad to say that they major influence for good in our Year celebrations. However, cabinet maker. He has sold all are all well! professional lives. Apparently it is he intends (will have done so his workshop and wood store

24 The Cestrian 2017 contents. He hopes to continue could not make Reunion this year. retirement apartment. Jimmy thrown a lot of work for him. his U3A groups of Bowling and Sadly Des Cook died in December. Nelson is well and enjoying Brian Langan, on the other hand, Table Tennis. He was coming for a week in regular games of bridge, rather is looking forward to a new pastor I telephoned Ken Thorley, Chester to include Reunion. Our than anything more strenuous. after five years without and thus as I hadn't heard from him for condolences to Glynis. He is planning to attend his less church work for him. some time. He was suffering Pam and I are fairly well, but grandson’s wedding in Australia My mobility problems and from a migraine and told me I have today resigned from the in March. Dave Tipper’s activity, restricted driving have meant he has them rather too often Probus Club - it gets very difficult in addition to driving, is table my being unable to visit Mike these days. After Derek gave me moving about though everyone tennis. John Cooper is in good Howell. He has been registered Winifred and Barry Wademan's is so caring. health and active, while Dave blind and is very dependent on new number I called them. All the best to you and I still Peet and George Holland are the nursing home staff. Owing to Barry's increased stair look forward to hearing about both well. The latter is still Ray Bowers, Phil Faragher climbing difficulty, they have you and your interests. Talking teaching piano and enjoys travel, and Bob Gearing celebrated moved to a well-appointed, with Glynis Cook made me especially to Greece. 60 years with Frank Garnett’s comfortable ground floor flat. think that I know little of your Gill Holt remains mobile widow in August. They are well settled and have professional life or interests - not and still visits the tee. Gordon Peter Hunt Thompson family nearby. that I am expecting any other Whitworth doesn’t but is well, has moved from Scarborough Geoff Griffiths departures. Let me know if and cheerful and quite active. John to Warwickshire, and Roger when you can. Herbert says he copes. My plans Orme has moved from Leek to A good new year to you all. to meet Norman Roberts and Oxfordshire. Dave Wraith has 1952 Ken Wyatt Alan Crowther during a visit to made a much shorter journey the Isle of Man in September from Blackpool to Lytham. Once again, my contribution to went awry, but it is pleasing Brian Ingham went on The Cestrian is limited by your 1953 to report that both are well. a mystery church trip to a replies and information over the Lew Reece has a bit of trouble Christmas market, which ended past year, though I am contacting You will all be aware that the with his hearing but other than up in Chester. While his wife was various colleagues by phone. past year has sadly brought the that is well, though no longer shopping, he took the opportunity I rang Trevor Graham and we loss of several alumni, namely driving. Driving is something I to visit the College Chapel. had a good talk. He is well and Eric Foster, Norman Green, also had to give up last year, as Peter John Thompson had coping with home deliveries Geoff Collier, Alan Heaton, too did Don Hitchcock (though a new knee in 2016. He has two from stores! I rang Bill Brown Warwick Tart, and more recently, in his case it is just temporary). replacement hips and is hoping several times, but only got the Norman Tincello. Norman died My thanks to all for your cards, to have his other knee replaced answerphone. Has anyone had on October 18, at a hospital in telephone conversations this year to give him a ‘full set’. any contact with him? He was Gloucester. He had not been well and emails. Keep well. Brian McDermott always a regular at Reunion. I since suffering a stroke some Alwyn Peel hear via email from Phil Dale- years ago. [email protected] Jones, both he and Joan are At Reunion there were just 1961 “quite well for our age”. He has two of us, Stuart Osborne and a son in New Zealand and two myself. We enjoyed a good day 1956 Eric Bibby’s visit to see Trevor sisters in the UK, but I don’t have together in the company of Smalley in New Zealand last addresses. I also heard from a few of our senior year, who We survivors are now into winter proved to be a huge Norbury Teare, whose wife, Pam outnumbered us for the first our eighties and somewhat success. Trevor, as one would is a trolley-dolly (!), while he is a time. For Brian Kenworthy, now restricted in our movement. expect, entertained him in true snooker fan. My wife is a fan too, living in Taunton and being blind, News now is more about aches Social Secretary tradition, even but I haven’t heard of any players it was a journey too far. However and pains, rather than visits to taking time to explore North from New Zealand. he is well and I have hopes of exotic places worldwide. Island in the family campervan. Arthur Bessell came to meeting him in Taunton later At Reunion, I managed a brief Eric was particularly pleased Reunion, though not to lunch. this year. Peter Sambrook, in conversation with Ray Adams, to see Trevor looking so well, George and Ivy Hurst are full Norfolk, is reasonably fit and Alan Barnett and Gerry Pickford slimmer perhaps, but still able to of life and activities, including that goes too for Eric Henderson before the dedication of the new sport his Gunner Sugden shorts! the painting of canal scenes, and Alan Nicholls. For the first Alumni Window in the Chapel Eric himself is well - he is and again came to Reunion. time in years, Fred Whyatt was service. At the buffet afterwards persisting in his attempts to Bryan and Mary Kenworthy are not well enough to attend, and it was good to have a long chat take some decent photographs, still coping well with little to no nor were Alan McQueen and with Rod Heslop and his wife, continues to follow Warrington eyesight, whilst Stan Proud still Allan Smith, who tells me he is who had travelled from Kent for Rugby League Football Club, does a 10 minute walk to the just about still with us! the service. and enjoys as many holidays bus and shops. Phil Tilstone had Brian Platt continues Brian Wilson’s church no as possible. In March, he and a couple of days in hospital and to enjoy life in his Marple longer has a vicar, which has Gaynor celebrated their golden

The Cestrian 2017 25 wedding anniversary, so our had a serious accident whilst turnout of Chester men at Bob's September 25, 1963, telling congratulations are in order. gardening at his home in funeral, which was also much us where we should be at a Last July, a small group Garstang. He suffered a very appreciated by Bob's family. particular time. Thursday was of 1961 students met in serious head injury and was While on a caravan holiday Testing Day, Maths, English Llandrindod (namely Bob hospitalised for many months in Cumbria, Pam and I visited and Adult Intelligence, all to McGuigan, Dai Owen, that man in Preston. After an equally long Neil and Sue Wales at their be taken in Gladdy Hall. Dave Bibby again, and yours truly) in period of convalescence, Ian only lovely home in the Eden Valley. informed us that the tests had order to meet up with Dai Evans, returned home in January of this Neil had been quite ill, but I'm now been marked and the who has been unable to attend year. He has made a remarkable happy to say he is now well on results would be posted in Old the September Reunions for recovery and hopes to maintain the way to recovery. Back at College Common Room shortly. some time. This mini reunion an independent lifestyle with the camp site in Grange-over- Ron McCormick must win the proved to be a great success some additional help. In the Sands, we bumped into Ivan award for the snappiest dresser. - lovely weather, delightful meantime, I am certain he and Lorna Swainbank, much He arrived in his College blazer sightseeing and much jollity - so would be grateful to hear from to our surprise. We see Ivan (with special badge) and most much so that a repeat is planned other alumni. Many of us were regularly at College reunions, impressively, it still fitted him. for this year! It was especially completely in the dark about the but we still found plenty to chat During the year the search rewarding to see Dai Evans above events until I managed to about. Speaking of reunions, for our former colleagues looking so well. He obviously contact Ian’s brother, and after we do enjoy getting together certainly threw up some enjoyed our company and we consulting with Ian, I have taken for Sunday lunch each March, surprises. Jim Salisbury, Rod enjoyed his wealth of anecdotes. over as Year Secretary for Mid when we meet in the College Warham and Neil Hallam were The September Reunion Year 1961. bar around midday, then discovered living in the South was very much enhanced by the Other sad news has been share a meal in the Senate West. In fact, Neil and Rod, presence of Pauline Singleton. the sudden death of Richard House. Usually there are a unbeknown to each other, She has told me she was glad Lawson’s wife, Valerie, in dozen to 15 of us, but anyone lived less than 10 miles apart. to see ‘old friends’ Tom Jones, September. Valerie was still an from our year is welcome, Unfortunately, the threesome Bob McGuigan, Geoff Trigg, Dai active veteran runner. Harold particularly if we haven't could not make the Reunion, Owen, Eric and I, plus Norman Hinchliffe and I attended the seen them for a long time! but they had met up locally, Johnson - although she always funeral in Burnley, where the Best wishes to everyone which was a very satisfying knew we were very much ‘young large attendance reflected the for 2017. outcome. Hopefully more at heart’. We really enjoyed esteem in which the family are Colin Rodgers of you will be able to join her company and hope she will held in that area. [email protected] us for this year’s Reunion in make it an annual event. Ian will be forwarding September. It is interesting John Westall was unable to details of his own contacts and I to see how the place has attend the Reunion. Sadly his hope to extend this list through 1966 expanded (quite dramatically), hearing problems have escalated, information obtained through though some parts are as they but otherwise he and Pat are fine the internet. My own telephone 2016 was the 50th anniversary were in 1963-66. Any news or and they celebrated their golden number and postal address can of our graduation from the information you wish to pass wedding anniversary last year. be obtained from the Alumni then Chester College, so an on, please contact me. Tony Street’s many holidays and Development Office at the effort was made to encourage Dave Carmichael in England and abroad have University. In continuing Ian’s as many of the year to attend [email protected] continued and he reports that he methodical approach, I should the Reunion in September as is still in touch with Emlyn Owen be very interested in any news possible. Bill Murdoch came and Richard Jones. They did about our Mid Year 1961 alumni from Australia, Carole (née 1969 promise to meet up in Chester, during 2016 and in 2017. Froude) and Jean-Pierre Durix but it never happened. I trust Eric Draper came from Burgundy, as well My notes this year are quite that they are well. [email protected] as others from many parts of brief and appreciative following Finally, I am relieved to note the UK. Even Spud and Pam our wonderful Reunion in that Robert McGuigan has now Murphy ventured out of the September. We celebrated 50 joined the AA to ensure that 1965 far reaches of Suffolk - not a years since we began our journey he has stress-free motoring frequent occurrence. One of into the classrooms on teaching throughout 2017. Not a great deal to report this the most surprising aspects of practice and beyond. Tony Robinson time round. We are, of course, the weekend was seeing the Thanks to each and every still feeling sadness at the loss different items of memorabilia one of you who came in of Bob Morten, who died so which appeared. Dave Hallas September, and enabled us Mid Year 1961 unexpectedly in September, and kept a selection of different to have a quite superb special whose obituary appeared in the tickets from the Gladdy Hall Reunion on the Friday evening Unfortunately I have to report last issue of The Cestrian. I was dances, and a typed sheet with an excellent buffet. My that in April 2016, Ian Manship heartened that we had a good from our first day, Wednesday personal gratitude to Dave

26 The Cestrian 2017 and Kath Cowell, and Neil 1970 30 years at Awatapu College in in the 1950s. The school then McMechan (from the previous Palmerston North - the last 12 as merged with another school year) for their invaluable help I am pleased to have received Deputy Principal. Having retired and Ros had the opportunity to in co-ordinating and enabling news from three new contacts. early, he’s hoping that his golf move to Key Stage two. Since it, and to Peter Thompson Alida Droppert studied will improve. David is anxious to retiring, she has been involved for his speech. Fiona, Helena Geography before taking up contact David Young (1970) from in recycling education at the One and Amy in our Alumni and teaching appointments at Newcastle, if anyone can help. Planet Centre. Development Office deserve a Prenton Girls High School Finally, some concluding September 2019 will be special mention. Throughout (1970-75) and Blacon Middle brief notes. David and the 50th anniversary of us the weekend they ensured a School (1975-78). Together Lindsay Hutchinson became becoming students of the then memorable Reunion. None of with her late husband Mel Bale grandparents last February. Chester College and there have us realise the amount of work (1969), she worked in Europe, They both also play an active already been discussions about involved in planning the Reunion Africa, Asia and North America role in their local church. John arranging our very own reunion. weekend, and I have now seen it (1978-14). They both obtained Watts, who keeps himself fit It would be our intention to hold from the inside! MAs and PhDs from Michigan with walking and holidaying, tells this alongside the University’s I’ve received feedback State University. Sadly Mel died me that “the years pass more annual alumni weekend. from folk who would like us to in a skiing accident in Whistler quickly these days!” During last year I was have another bash in 2019! If in 2006. Alida’s final position Kelvin Young delighted to meet Pat Ransome you would like this, please let was as Assistant Professor of [email protected]. (née Salter) (patransome3@ me know via the contact Education at Central College co.uk / 01482 843446 gmail.com), Sue Hadfield (née details below. in Pella, Iowa (2007-14). She Iddon) (peterhadfield46@ Also suggested has been retired back to Chester in 2014 gmail.com) and Steve Parker the possibility of some of us where she enjoys a full and 1972 ([email protected]). meeting up for a weekend at an active life. We would very much welcome agreeable venue, for walking, or John Verney told me how his Josephine Ellison (née Landy) your expressions of interest, as other activities. Again, please get life has been strongly influenced studied geography and art/ well as ideas for the weekend. in touch with your views. by the then Chester College, craft. She has happily taught at You would also be welcome to You will all be interested not least because he married primary schools in various parts join us at future meetings which to hear that the University of Margaret (née Instone) (1971). of the country since leaving take place on campus. Please Chester has come out top in the John studied music, which has Chester, apart from a 12 year pass on the news, we look North in regards to Teaching, been the bedrock of both his period which was spent raising forward to hearing from you. both in Primary and Secondary, teaching and personal life. He five children. She married Mark Kenneth Kay with an ‘outstanding’ rating from recalls college dances, folk club, Shaw who was at Chester from [email protected] OFSTED. Our high standards choirs, Gilbert and Sullivan 1971-74. Jo was still enjoying are clearly continuing under society and playing hockey. After full-time teaching until a year the direction of our Dean of college, he secured a place at ago at a small private school 1974 Education, Professor Anna the Royal Northern School of in Knutsford, but from last Sutton. I was truly privileged Music in Manchester. Following September elected to do three It was yet another fine to officiate at the respective a short period of classroom days a week to give her a chance weekend for the September graduation ceremony in teaching, he worked in to catch up on all the activities Reunion, attended by Sue and November. Our congratulations Northumberland’s Music Service she says she never seems to Gwil Jones, Liz and Ken Oliver, to all the graduates, wishing and as Head of String teaching have time to do. In addition Gaynor Hale, Sheila and Tony them every success and in Bury, ending up as Assistant to teaching, Jo enjoys cycling, Nicholas, Dave Robertson, Dave happiness. Head of Northumberland’s swimming and hill walking. Hadden, and others. Finally, over our weekend, Music Service and an advisor/ Ros O'Donoghue (née Sheila was still suffering in our beautiful chapel, many trainer of Early Years teachers. Hopper) retired in 2012 after slightly from a broken ankle of us saw the installation of the In 1990 he obtained a BPhil teaching Year four children and which happened early in last stunning new “Alumni Window”. from Newcastle University and was very involved in Forest year's trip to Australia to watch We also honoured those who after early retirement, he went School activities from Reception Tony in his hockey tournament. have sadly now gone before. A on to take an MA and a PhD at to Year six. During her teaching Hopefully it's fully mended now. candle was lit for each one. Cambridge. John would love to career, Ros taught in Surrey, New It was a pleasant surprise My personal warmest wishes hear from others who studied Zealand, Essex and Wiltshire, to see Dave Hadden at the to you all and your families. music in our year. before returning to her home Cavendish Golf Open in August. Please keep in touch. David Whittle was a PE town. She started working in He won a prize too, so he must Geoffrey D Mackenzie teacher who taught at Douglas Monmouthshire schools in 1984. be good! 07943 613000 Boys High School before moving For 20 years, Ros taught Key It was also good to see to New Zealand. He taught for Stage one children in the school Dave Robertson and his friend five years in Taihape, and then where she had been a pupil who cycled over to see us in

The Cestrian 2017 27 Buxton from Congleton last to graduate, but if you know October. We knew they'd scaled better, do let us know. a few hills, as their legs started But what about you? What YEAR NOTES to jellify when they reached us. are you doing now? How has After they had been fed and your career progressed? Where The 2018 edition of The Cestrian will again feature watered, they completed the are you working now? year notes from our year secretaries. So that we can return trip. They must be fit! Our year was a good year, include everyone’s news, please could we request Finally, I have joined U3A to there were many characters at that submissions are kept to a maximum of 350 learn Italian and keep my brain the College, and Chester itself, active! was a great place to be. words, and are received by us no later than Friday, If anyone else has any I have many happy January 31, 2018. It is recommended that year news, please get in touch via memories, including getting notes are emailed to [email protected] so that email. We would love to hear a job at a college in Leicester we can acknowledge receipt. If you are unsure of your news and, even better, and by chance meeting up with who your Year Note Secretary is, or would just like see you at the Reunion in Sue Henderson (née Hall) and to let others know of your news, please get in touch September. Peter Fowler, who is a highly Teresa Gould successful Head in Leicester. with the Alumni and Development Office. [email protected] So what are your memories? Drop me a line and we will share your news and any photos you 1981 may have from that time. Graham Lawler

1981, our year of graduation, [email protected] strewth! A lot of water has As usual, the Alumni and Development team would gone under the bridge since be very happy to receive your letters, photos, those days. Do you remember 1986 story ideas and obituaries for the next edition of in 1981 when we were all The Cestrian. Could we kindly ask that these are young and keen… but what Last year's Reunion of over 30 received by us no later than January 31, 2018? happened? alumni celebrating 30 years Here are a few memory included friends who graduated joggers: Buck's Fizz won the in 1985 and 1987. A buffet took There are still some years without a Year Note Eurovision song contest with place in the College bar, followed Secretary, so if you would like to represent your ‘Making Your Mind Up’; the by a ‘mini bop’. We were year and can’t see your year group listed, please space shuttle launched and surrounded by flashback images get in touch with us: [email protected] or returned to Earth - the first on display from our College days telephone 01244 511091. time a manned, reusable craft as the iconic music (albeit on a had returned from orbit; Bob Spotify playlist!) transported us Marley died at the age of 36 back to the 1980s. In addition, if you have memories that you would from cancer - far too young and Then out came a guitar and like to share, need our help in finding an old friend, Peter Sutcliffe was the Yorkshire the familiar College songs which or would like to come back and visit the campus, Ripper - do you remember had been well rehearsed the night please get in touch. We would be delighted to help! the extra security precautions before when some of our alumni we had to put in place? No joined those from 1966 and 1976! woman was allowed to walk I believe this is what home alone because of a threat singles out Chester from other to attack in a walled city, and establishments - the strength of the Reunion, but it isn't always experience, one that will sit he had already attacked in connection and bond between possible for some to get there. If alongside my own graduation all Manchester, only 30 miles from alumni and this College that what you do, in contacting them, those years ago. Chester. The same year MTV knows no boundary of years, means they then get in touch May the alumni of Chester was also launched and finally, but celebrates the shared with people they haven't seen, or continue to bond and we graduated! experience of studying at this heard from in years, then that is may we encourage future Yes I remember that day so unique institution. That is the great by me." alumni to maintain their well, in Liverpool at the Phil - measure of Chester. In November 2016, I chose connection with Chester. posh job! We may not meet every year, to mark my 30th anniversary Thank you to Fiona and I think we were only the or even every decade, but as one by volunteering as an usher at team, and all who helped to make second lot of graduates to come alumna remarked at an Alumni six graduation ceremonies held this first 1980s Reunion a success. from Chester, by that I mean Executive Committee meeting last in the Cathedral. It was a truly Sharon Forsdyke that 1980 were the first year year: "It is good to see friends at overwhelming and awesome

28 The Cestrian 2017 OBITUARIES The University was saddened to receive obituaries for the following alumni this year.

Colin Heighton his brother Arthur), literature and CP, where he served until his from completing his training 1947 poetry. He developed an interest retirement in 1987. when VJ Day was announced and in family history, tracing Marjorie’s Stan was a magistrate for his training ceased. He was then My father Colin Heighton died family back some 15 generations 20 years and he was involved in posted to Air Ministry Scientific aged 88 peacefully at his home to the time of Queen Elizabeth. sport throughout his life - as a Intelligence in London. of some 80 years, in Lipwood, He also travelled on annual trips sports master, a camp organiser, Following his demobilisation, Windermere, on November 21, to Tenerife and periodically to our a referee, and a chairman of he chose to continue the family 2016. Born in the Lake District family in the Caribbean, painting Liverpool Schools FA. He was a tradition and study at the then where he lived for the rest of his beautiful watercolours of all the season ticket holder of Liverpool Chester College, graduating in long and happy life, Colin always places he visited. Football Club for many years and 1951. He specialised in teaching looked back on his College days Colin is survived by Marjorie, also a keen follower of cricket. children with special needs as wonderful ones, and he seems now aged 94, by me, and by his He was also a past Chairman of and began his career teaching to have had a lot of fun. I was beloved grandson Thomas Ellison Liverpool Lions and was heavily children with cerebral palsy in brought up on the exciting (and Colin, aged 19 and a student of involved in charity work. a residential school. He then very funny) stories of his College Electronics at the University of Throughout his life he made became Head Teacher of a exploits and his friends - Tom Southampton. a major contribution to the school attached to a residential Moorhouse, Eddie Naisby and Julia Abrey schools, clubs and communities children’s home for children with Maldwyn Morgan among them he served; no man could have emotional difficulties, where he - were as alive to me as to Pa. done more. worked until his retirement. They were all keen oarsmen and Stanley Holland Stan had two children and During his career he became rowed in the College Eight. 1948 four grandchildren; he also County Secretary for a group of The ‘47-ers’ kept together and had four stepchildren, and teachers in special education for many years attended Annual It is with great sadness that through them, a further seven and he served on the National Reunion at Chester. A few years I have to report the death of grandchildren. Advisory Committee and ago, they all hired a boat and our friend and colleague, Stan He is survived by his wife the National Council for the cruised down the Dee on their Holland, who died recently Gaynor, to whom we extend our Validation of Academic Awards. old course to recreate their happy after a long illness. He will be deepest sympathy in her sad loss. He was County President of days on the water in comfort. remembered as a popular, social David Lewis the Derbyshire Association of After a short first teaching man, who entered fully into Teachers and President of the post in Blackpool, Colin went all aspects of College life. Like Three Counties Association. back to Windermere in his myself and others, we studied John Allcock He also represented that beloved Lake District. He Rural Science, and I recall Stan 1951 organisation at the regional married Marjorie (whom he had saying that he thought that it Trades Union Congress and known since childhood), and sounded a very erudite subject! John was born on January 19, spoke nationally on behalf of then spent his career teaching We soon discovered that most of 1926 in Bakewell. He was the disabled children. at schools in Kendal. From the the time was spent digging in the third generation of his family He met his future wife spectacularly young age of 28, he College garden. to study at the then Chester Margaret when they were in was Headmaster of Stramongate Stan’s probationary year College, and he also became a the same class at school and Primary, where he stayed until was at Finch Hall Junior Boys’ Head Teacher. His grandfather, they were married for 64 years. retirement in 1988. Colin loved School at a salary of £300 per Rudolph Sidney Hicks Allcock, They had one daughter, two teaching and was an expert at annum. In 1954, he moved graduated in 1891; his father, grandchildren and five great it. Although supposedly a non- to Blackmoor Park, where Charles Richard Allcock, grandchildren. teaching head, he taught English, he taught for seven years, graduated in 1921. John was a wise and Maths, Gymnastics, Art, Pottery, becoming Deputy Head. In John was 17 when the Second knowledgeable man. He always and even French, to a group of 1961, he was appointed Head World War began. He volunteered showed a very genuine interest keen 11-year-olds! of St Bridget Church Of England for the Royal Air Force flying in other people and could strike Out of school, Colin had a mixed primary, where he crew and became a member of up a conversation with anyone, wide range of interests - sailing, remained until 1967. He then the University of Edinburgh Air on seemingly any subject, at watercolour painting, rugby (with became Head of Booker Avenue Squadron. He was two weeks any time.

The Cestrian 2017 29 He died on October 31, during the 80s and 90s, and his regional service for combined pupils. He firmly believed that, 2016 at the age of 90 and is great enthusiasm endeared him authorities of Northumberland, although Liverpool was a great sadly missed by all his family to all. College Reunions brought Newcastle-on-Tyne, North city, his pupils should appreciate and friends. us a weekend together each year Tyneside and South Tyneside. the world outside its boundaries, Sue McGing with other friends, leading to lots This unique, overarching service and that they could achieve of reminiscing and laughter as we was highly commended by the great things if they simply happily recalled times long ago. HM Inspectorate. believed in themselves. Norman Tincello Sadly Norman suffered a In the 1970s, children Albert loved doing the 1953 severe stroke seven years ago outside mainstream education Christmas production at which brought an end to his in hospitals and special units Simonswood and was always Norman died in October 2016, participation in such events, but were given legal entitlement to keen to get it started on returning aged 86. Born near Oswestry, he he was always remembered and education for which LEAs had to school in September. Perhaps was the second of five children, we would communicate with him to make new arrangements. his stint as Business Manager for all of whom he outlived. He came by telephone and post to tell him Steve was identified as having the Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s to Chester after national service of our latest gathering. the closest experience. A Head production of Pirates of Penzance in the RAF and soon became At his funeral there were of Service was appointed for during College had fired his love well-known for his athleticism lovely tributes by his sons and the hearing impaired in Steve’s for such activities. and sporting activities, especially grandchildren. Norman will live place, and he broadened his He also loved spending hockey and arm lifting… as long long in the memory and I feel remit as General Adviser for time on the Isle of Man and as there was a glass in the hand! privileged to have enjoyed his Special Needs Education: a introduced this magical place His teaching career friendship for so many years. post which he filled until his to his pupils through leading commenced at a Boys Alwyn Peel retirement in 1991. school trips here, often with Farm boarding school near On his retirement, Steve them enjoying hilarious Kidderminster before he married said “The satisfaction of an experiences. Judging by and moved to be Head of PE at Arthur Steven Moore ever-evolving career meant comments on social media a new modern secondary school Mid Year 1958-59 that I never felt the need to websites, these experiences near Bath. In 1961 he returned to move geographically or move stayed in the memory of pupils the former Chester College for a Steve Moore died on November further on in my profession. My for many years. year on a PE course, afterwards 17, 2016. Steve and I became LEA, my administrators and my Albert’s hobbies included returning to Bath for two years firm friends at college and advisory team who supported coin collecting and photography. before moving to take a post as remained so up to his death. He me contributed greatly to a Such was his expertise in Assistant Lecturer at Ipswich Civic was best man at my wedding happy career.” the latter, he became the College, a technical and further and we met up regularly over Steve’s latter years were unofficial photographer for his education establishment. the years. dogged by poor health and neighbourhood in Liverpool, Our careers kept us far apart On leaving College, Steve he developed Parkinson’s often taking photographs of until his move to Ipswich when became an assistant teacher in Disease. Nevertheless, his weddings, christenings, birthday I lived in Cambridgeshire. I was the Northern Counties School sense of humour and his warm parties and such like - all without able to visit and there I met for the Deaf in Newcastle-on- and generous spirit remained any form of payment. Sue and his two sons. By the Tyne. In 1963, he took up a undimmed. Albert Faragher was a man late 60s, Norman had moved to secondment to the Department Rod Hunt MBE who was kind, generous and Gloucester as head of a sports of Audiology and Education of willing to help at all times. He centre, so telephone and letters the Deaf at the University of was loved by his family, especially kept us in touch. Manchester and in 1965 was Albert Robert Faragher his sister Dorothy and her Throughout his career approached by the Director of 1966 husband Dennis, his nephews Norman remained active in Education for Northumberland and great nephews. He changed football, hockey, cricket and to explore the provision Albert trained at the former lives for the better and will be running, and this continued of educating the deaf in Chester College from 1963-66, remembered with great love and when he moved to Gloucester. mainstream schools. His job title taking History and English as affection by all who knew him. A By the time he called it a day, he was County Teacher of the Deaf. his main subjects. He spent his real friend. had achieved more marathons Between 1965 and 1980, whole teaching career in primary Dave Carmichael and half marathons than anyone he successfully developed a education, concluding with I have known, and the tribute by network of peripatetic and unit the Headship of Simonswood the Gloucester Athletic Club, of services, and was promoted as Primary School in Liverpool, Graham Porter which Norman was President, Adviser for Hearing Impaired. his hometown. He was an 1975 bore witness to that. In this capacity, he worked with inspirational teacher, always After his running days the North-Eastern Education willing to try new ideas and Graham began his studies at the were over, he became the Committee (Special Education methods, and was greatly loved former Chester College in 1971, commentator at its road races Division) co-ordinating a and respected by his staff and studying Divinity, with the Rev

30 The Cestrian 2017 Way-Rider. We met as students Roy George Archer grew The Revd Simon Starkey retirement he no longer had at the College, in 1972. He up in Buckhurst Hill, on the Staff 1990 - 1996 a professional role to fulfil or stayed on to complete a fourth edge of Epping, and died in July even to hide behind - but it also year, completing his BEd degree. 2016 after a brief illness - one The product of an institutional was a function of his wish to Graham had suffered from week short of his 66th wedding experience common to many pursue sometimes more solitary severe asthma in childhood, but anniversary and two weeks short middle-class men of his pleasures in reading, cycling, loved watching and playing sport. of his 92nd birthday. generation - boarding school walking, music and watching His asthma improved, and he Too young to fight actively from the age of seven, the army, cricket. His love of poetry led enjoyed playing for the College during the Second World War, he college - Simon was independent, him to the works of Geoffrey Hill, cricket and table tennis teams. signed up for the RAF. Towards sensitive and vulnerable. and his openness to new ideas We both learned to ski on Pendle the very end of the war, he was Without ambition for status introduced him to a wide range Dry Ski Slope and had many sent to the US to train as a pilot or possessions, he chose to be of historical, theological and enjoyable skiing holidays. We had and later was part of the Berlin ordained as a Church of England scientific literature. plenty of stops for refreshments Airlift. Five years after joining as priest, a profession which he Withdrawing from wider and time to enjoy the sun. a pilot, he became an Adjutant in relished for the opportunities it contacts also allowed him time He began his teaching career an RAF regional hospital serving gave him to put deep convictions with his family, necessitating at a secondary school in Preston, the North West of England, into practice. When a curate regular and frequent trips Lancashire, whilst applying Scotland, Northern Ireland and in Oxford, his responsibilities between Liverpool, Chester and for posts at primary schools in Isle of Man. By the time he for those who were not part of Brecon - doing the school run, the area. He then progressed retired from the RAF he held the the dominant university culture watching cricket, hockey or rugby further in his teaching rank of Squadron Leader. included a chaplaincy to Oxford and attending numerous school career to become a Deputy Roy did his initial teacher prison. As a vicar in Toxteth, he functions; as well as mending Headteacher of a primary training during the war and after experienced the riots of the 1980s grandchildren’s bikes, and school, ending his teaching being demobbed, he taught and life in an area of deprivation. helping (with varying degrees of career with headships in two in schools in Essex and Surrey. Five years at Chester College success) with DIY projects, from East Lancashire primary schools. In 1958 he joined the former provided a welcome break from unblocking drains to helping to Graham was advised to Chester College as a lecturer in those demands, and the chance build garden sheds. apply for early retirement when Handicraft and subsequently to work alongside students and Simon died on May 3, 2016. his health began to deteriorate. organised Teaching Practice. academics whom he admired He has left a huge gap. After retiring and when his Although his real forte was and enjoyed. It also provided Pat Starkey health had stabilised, Graham as a cabinet maker (the job the chance to indulge his love volunteered as Secretary of he really wanted to do all his of sport, including membership the local branch of Benenden life), his skills also extended to of the staff five-a-side football Mutual Health Society and was silversmithing, wrought iron team. Returning to inner city a governor of both a primary and metalwork. When he took Liverpool in 1996, he finished his IN MEMORIAM school and high school. early retirement in 1983, he ministry there and retired to live The University is saddened Graham passed away on set up in business in Aldford, in Toxteth. March 6, 2016, at the age of 63. making fine furniture and clients During the last two or three to have been informed of Pauline Porter (née Unsworth) included the Duke and Duchess years of his life, Simon had the following death over of Westminster. become increasingly home- the past 12 months: A keen sailor, Roy founded based. In some ways that the Llyn Brenig sailing club. He reflected his innate shyness - in Tom Moorhouse DECEASED STAFF took students sailing and built Mrs Curtis McFarlane his own Wayfarer dinghy with Roy Archer meticulous care, sharing his Staff 1958-83 knowledge and expertise with the Handicraft students at the time. FRIENDS REMEMBERED The first task given to a As a committed Christian he We are very conscious that it is sometimes impossible handicraft student by Roy served as a sidesman in Chester Archer was to make a chest to Cathedral for many years. He also to summarise the lifetime achievements of some of hold tools. I made mine from served on numerous committees the inspirational alumni that we hear about, in 350 pine and promptly stained it that reflected his expertise, words. We have therefore set up a section on the to look like oak. In clear and including the Cathedral Fabric website called ‘Friends Remembered’, where we will certain terms, I was told to Advisory Committee and the upload in full, those obituaries that we have had to remove the stain and to use Civic Trust. reduce in size, in order to ensure that there is space wood in its pure form. A lesson Russell Jackson for everyone’s contribution in The Cestrian. learnt from a consummate cabinet maker and appreciated.

The Cestrian 2017 31 MMA CLUB SPORT FOUNDER FORMER STUDENT CROWNED CHAMPION The founder of Chester Students’ HELPS THE MIGHTY Union’s MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Club has been crowned the Almighty Fighting Champion 2016. Jordan Baxter, 24, who gained both BEARS TO VICTORY his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from the University, went up against some of the country’s best MMA fighters at the Almighty Fighting Championships held in Morley, Leeds. Jordan, who graduated in 2015, was classed in the 57kg flyweight category. He said: “It was a great contest and I fought against a skilled opponent to win the title. I’m very happy with both the result and the performance. I’d like to thank everyone who helped me through this fight camp and prepared me for the fight.” Jordan established Chester Students’ Union’s (CSU) MMA Club approximately five years ago when he was an undergraduate student, studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences (Performance Analysis). The Club has since gone from strength to strength with more new members joining each year.

Stuart Key pictured with Warwickshire County Cricket Club after their win at Lord’s. Ethan Wade, CSU’s Vice-President Activities added: “We are really proud of Jordan’s achievements and are thankful for Warwickshire Country Cricket Club different phases of the game that they all of the hard work that he has put in to the (The Mighty Bears) won the Royal bowl within. MMA Club. The title is well-deserved!” London One-Day Cup Final at Lord’s last “It was an amazing feeling when the September with former student, Stuart Bears won at Lord’s. The Lord’s final is Key, as their Performance Analyst. the show piece occasion of the county Stuart studied Sport and Exercise cricket season. The feeling of winning Sciences and graduated in 2009. Now made all the hard work and long hours his job at the Club involves filming and worthwhile, and made me proud to be live coding all first XI matches, producing a Bear!” pre-match analysis on opposition teams Stuart has travelled the UK and the and post-match reports on his team’s world with the Bears for county cricket own performances. fixtures and various pre-season tours. Stuart said: “For the one-day The Bears also won the NatWest T20 competition, the pre-match analysis Blast competition in 2014 at their home consisted of information and statistics ground of Edgbaston. on the opposition batsmen’s strengths Stuart said: “It was another great and weaknesses and any tactics, day that made all the hard work variations or special deliveries used worthwhile and I’m proud to have been

by opposition bowlers, as well as the a small part of it.” Jordan Baxter.

32 The Cestrian 2017