Hippocampus 2012 Trevelyan College Alumni Magazine
Images from Freshers’ Week 2011 including our new mascot Trevor the horse!
Contents
Messages from the College : College Principal - Professor Evans .............................................................................3 The Junior Common Room - Mark Buttanshaw (JCR President) .....................................4 The Middle Common Room - Tom Thorp (MCR President)...........................................6 A year at Trevs: Sports - Daniel Bank .....................................................................................................8 University Challenge - George Twigg..........................................................................8 Trevelyan College Musical Society - Annabel Walley ..................................................9 Music - Alex Monson ....................................................................................................9 DUCK - Christopher Pocock .......................................................................................10 Trevs Expedition Fund - Molly Tresadern ..................................................................10 Wallington Hall: The home of Trevelyan - Rev. Paul Regan ........................................11 Alumni: Keeping in Touch .......................................................................................................12 Student Internships - Hannah Hopper.........................................................................12 Career Owls...............................................................................................................13 The Trace of the JCR Past Presidents ..........................................................................14 Minette Walters visits Trevelyan ................................................................................16 Student Postcard Competition ....................................................................................17 Alumni News ..............................................................................................................18 Trevelyan Photo Archive ............................................................................................18 Hippocampus Thoughts..............................................................................................19 Music Appeal .............................................................................................................20 The Dowrick Suite ......................................................................................................21 Alumni support...........................................................................................................22 Alumni Events ............................................................................................................23 2
Messages from the College College Principal
Well I’d been hoping to have seen three-in-a-row white Christmases at Trevelyan, but it was not to be! Instead the ‘winter’ holiday season – the traditional time to pen a few reflections on the year for the next Hippocampus – languished under the much more familiar circumstances of damp, gloomy, grey weather, without the compensation of sparkling frost. Fortunately, all such thoughts are banished by the glow of recalling to mind another year of Trevelyan achievement, fun and comradeship. Indeed, Trevs glows rarely more warmly than during the superb start-of-year welcome to the new set of Freshers, and it is no disrespect to wonderful precedents set in previous years that I note how, in October 2011, our team of Freshers’ Reps surpassed even those standards, with quite the happiest and most enthusiastic Freshers’ Week I can remember, either here or elsewhere. The Freps offered a splendid mixture of infectious exuberance and very level-headed responsible concern for ‘their’ new charges, and it has shown up immediately in the enthusiastic engagement of the new students. As a result we have a busy, flourishing and creative College that both embraces existing virtues and adds new ones. The existing virtues: highlights in the year included a wonderful production of the stage musical ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’; a wickedly funny ‘Twelfth Night’ (transferred indoors at the last moment owing to rain); and victory for our rowers in the Senate Cup. The new virtues: an excellent Christmas concert; the inaugural and highly successful meeting in the College Bar of a new ‘Café Culturel’ (that contemplated how particle physics can help you choose a marriage partner. Well, quite…); an all-conquering women’s soccer team; and an uproarious Christmas Panto enjoyed by an audience that included the Vice-Chancellor! The Middle (Postgraduate) Common Room also had a real feather in its cap this year with a marvellous inter-MCR Formal, the first such to be held at Trevs, and, better yet, on the exact occasion of the remarkable 20th anniversary of its founding – making it, perhaps surprisingly, among the very oldest formalised graduate common rooms in the University. An excellent occasion and one to build on, with further inter-MCR formals, regular research buffets, and a new MCR prize – the G M Trevelyan Prize for postgraduate research presentations 3
Turning to the College’s ‘senior citizens,’ the SCR continues to grow and is actively collaborating with the MCR in jointly-hosted lectures, presentations and the close investigation of four-course dinners. As for the College Officers and staff, after four years of changes (during which we’ve had one new Senior Tutor, one new Principal, one new Chaplain and THREE new Bursars!) we now enjoy the benefits of what sports managers call a ‘settled side.’ As always there’s much more that could be said, but I’ll sign off on a note of thanks to you, the Alumni, for your contributions to the College’s community life and to the student experience, of which contributions you can read more in the pages of this issue of Hippocampus. Your support combines with the energies and talents of the current students, and the specialness of Trevs as a place, to produce something indefinable but unmistakable. It was noted by the University Review Team when they inspected Trevs in Descember (and described themselves as having had ‘an overwhelmingly positive experience’ whilst here): Trevs is a marvellously happy College. Long may it remain so. Looking back through past editions of Hippocampus (so that I have some idea of what to write!), every issue seems to say that this has been a year of change and success for the JCR, and this is very true this year!
The Junior Common Room
For a long time we’ve been caught up in governance issues and whether we would register independently with the Charity Commission or come under the University Umbrella. In May 2011, the JCR voted emphatically to register as a charity and so a lot of energy has been focused on setting this up. I’m very pleased to say that as I write we’re ironing out the final details and submitting our registration… by the time you read this, we should be fully registered! We are very grateful to a number of alumni who came forward after a campaign to be external trustees, and we now have a full board. Elections for external trustees will come around every 18 months, so if you think you might be interested (and want a good excuse to visit Trevs on a regular basis) then please get in contact so that we can talk to you closer to the time! These are exciting times for the JCR as we wait to see how things pan out for the future. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that Trevs students have gone from strength to strength this year. Sport continues to impress everyone as a number of Trevs teams have won tournaments, come very close to promotion and a number seek promotion this year. I have been impressed since arriving at the range of sports societies and the numbers involved in them, and both seem to keep expanding! 4
Music and performing arts are also at a high and Trevs students are still enjoying getting involved in Unplugged. A Christmas Pantomime was prepared for after Christmas formal for the first time since I’ve been here. This year’s musical “Anything Goes” was on 15th-18th February and was of course another fantastic performance! Music is thriving with new societies such as Trevs Acapella and Trevelyan College Chamber Singers being formed, while the well loved societies including Trevs Jazz and the Choir continue to perform at high standards. JCR events have been well-received as ever. The Las Vegas themed Summer Ball and Journey to Neverland Informal Ball saw a fantastically decorated college and were very popular. Trevs Day once again featured some rain, but not enough to dampen spirits…and not enough to stop me going in stocks to have sponges thrown at me in the name of DUCK! Last year Trevs DUCK did brilliantly, and came second of all colleges in total amount of money raised. Of course there is so much more I could write about what a wonderful place Trevs is, but you all know that, and that’s what the rest of this magazine is for. I hope that something of what I’ve written above sparks some memories of all the good times you shared in Trevs. If so, I encourage a visit, no matter how many years since you were last here. You may enjoy and be surprised by some of the many changes that have occurred over recent years, but Trevs will always welcome you home. Perhaps I’ll see you at an alumni event in the future… 5
The Middle Common Room The Middle Common Room has had great success over the last couple of years in representing postgraduate issues since becoming an independent body. This success is set to continue this year as we look to improve the ways in which the MCR interacts with, and impacts upon College life. This year we have significantly increased our social activities, providing regular formals, drinks events and relaxed film and games nights. We are also continuing to encourage undergraduate finalists to find out more about postgraduate life through events such as the Mowlam Formal. We have also increased the number of research events that we hold, giving our members a cross-disciplinary forum in which to test their ideas. To supplement this we have also instituted the G.M. Trevelyan Research Prize about which you can read more below. This has put us firmly in front of University policy to increase Colleges’ involvement in research, cementing Trevelyan’s place as a leading College. The MCR is proud to play a leading role in this, and alongside outreach work with Wallington House and local schools, we feel that we are truly taking our place as a cornerstone of Trevelyan life. MCR History: We are still trying to uncover the history of the MCR. If you have any information about MCR Chairpersons or Presidents during the period 1991-97, or have any stories you wish to share we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at trevelyan.mcr@durham.ac.uk. The G.M. Trevelyan Prize for Research: As part of the MCR’s promotion of research, we have instituted the G.M. Trevelyan Prize for Research. Open to full and associate MCR members, we realise applicants will have varying amounts of research experience, so the prize will be awarded based on the promise shown by the applicant. 6
Applicants will submit a research report or proposal which will be assessed within three categories (4th year Undergraduate Masters/Taught Postgraduates, Research Postgraduates/ 1st year PhDs, and 2nd/3rd year PhDs). Up to 4 candidates will be shortlisted from these categories. Those shortlisted will present their research at the MCR/SCR Research Event in the Easter term, after which the judging panel will select a winner. The prize of £50 and a commemorative plaque will be presented at the last MCR formal of term. We hope that this will be an incentive for students to think carefully about their research ideas, and will also provide a little extra something to a CV, or portfolio. In the future this page will be given over to a short article written by the winner of the prize the previous year. ‘Tenner to Trevelyan MCR’ However, it is necessary to fund this venture, and to do this we need your help! We are therefore instituting the ‘Tenner to Trevelyan MCR’, which will fund the Research Prize, and in the future will provide support for bursaries and equip the new postgraduate wing which is in the pipeline. We would like to ask you to make a pledge of £10 a year for up to ten years (or more!), via Direct Debit or a one off payment – details for both are on the enclosed form at the back of Hippocampus. For more information please visit www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni). Your assistance in this will be very much appreciated. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss fully funding this prize year on year, please contact the MCR President Tom Thorp at thomas.thorp@durham.ac.uk.
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A Year at Trevs Sports It’s a new year and new teams are being formed amongst the sporting community in Trevs. Badminton and men’s football have this year changed divisions, the former is 100% in the Premiership whilst the latter may have underestimated life in Division One following their relegation last year. The big surprise so far is men’s basketball, who following the league’s restructuring, have propelled themselves to the top of the division, winning all their matches. Basketball looks like an early candidate for team of the year with the men on maximum points and their female counterparts joint 2nd in the Premiership with 4 wins out of 6. Basketball is not the only team to have had great success; men’s rugby are dominating Division One, winning their last match 60-0. The other two teams with 100% records are badminton and Table Tennis. Women are also performing well in netball and steadily improving in hockey. Finally it wouldn’t be possible to talk about Trevs sport and not mention rowing. There has been a fantastic intake of new talent this year and they remain confident of retaining the Senate Cup.
The academic year of 2010-11 was a momentous year for Trevs in University Challenge in more ways than one. Firstly, after two consecutive semi-final placings, the Trevelyan team (myself, Mark Rodgers, Ian Williamson and Tim Perry) won the inter-collegiate title, defeating local rivals Van Mildert 285-70 in the final. But that was not the end of the success for the college; after several more gruelling rounds of selection, myself and Mark were chosen for the Durham team. As captain, I coordinated many rounds of buzzer practice in the shady alcove of the DSU (and even a bar crawl of pub quiz machines!) in order to prepare us for the show itself, which paid off as we scored 325 points against Plymouth – the highest score of the first round. Thereafter, unfortunately, we ran into a strong Homerton College line-up, and lost 245-190 in the second televised stage. However, Durham had been knocked out in the first round the previous four years, so it was pleasing to improve upon that, and although we all felt we could have gone further, it was a fantastic experience to participate, and also to represent the college on national television (to the extent of Mark wearing college stash, and our mascot being a stuffed horse!) And Paxman was very nice to us all. Honest.
University Challenge
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Trevelyan College Musical Society TCMS is going from strength to strength and still putting on an annual college musical every February, involving up to a 100 Trevelyanites, without even starting on the audiences! We always have a great time rehearsing and working towards show week and build up a real sense of team spirit. We manage to reach out to members of the JCR, MCR and SCR and really bring everyone together. Last year TCMS put on the very successful, ‘How to Suceed in Business…Without Really Trying.’ The dining hall was transformed into a theatre for the week and saw four strong audiences thoroughly enjoying the hilarious show. This year we are turning to Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’ which will be performed from the 15th-18th February 2012. The show, set on board an ocean liner, is full of farce and hilarity and is set to build on last year’s success. As a Fresher last year, Trevs’ Musical really made Trevelyan what it is for me now and I like to think we will be able to continue doing the same for others in the future. Music has always been an important part of Trevelyan College and this has by no means changed! The bi-termly Unplugged events have been amazing nights, as they always have been. We have a great deal of Fresher talent this year in particular which has meant that I've had to start the events earlier than they have ever started before. We're expanding the opportunities for musicians to show their talent off, particularly our classical musicians. We will be bringing back Classical Unplugged next term in which anyone can perform, along with a new more formal concert to allow the more advanced musicians to really shine. The creation of two new acapella groups has also been greatly welcomed, and after a big push from the Trevelyan Orchestral Society Exec the orchestra is larger than ever! About a year ago one of our students wrote the lyrics to and performed a song about Trevs titled "Take Me Home, Elvet Hill Road" set to the music of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. After a stunning performance in a JCR Meeting in November 2011 a motion was passed to make it the official JCR anthem. The chorus goes: Oh take me home, Elvet Hill Road, to the place of hexagons. To Trevelyan College Durham, oh take me home, Elvet Hill Road.
Music in College
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DUCK
DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) is Durham’s version of a University RAG; an entirely student run organisation created for the purpose of furthering student development, and raising money for several charities and worthwhile causes, be they local, national or international. For years now DUCK has used Durham's unique collegiate system to great purpose allowing each student a great window of contact to the central organisation through their various college reps, and opening up a whole new level of fundraising events; and Trevs is no exeption! By shaking buckets at people, selling doughnuts, cross-dressing and pie-ing people in the face, Trevs DUCK managed to raise a magnificent total of over £11,000 last year alone, placing us 2nd in the running for the college DUCK shield. Given that Trevs is one of the smallest colleges in Durham, this demonstrates fully how the devotion of a few quirky yet incredibly hard-working members of a small college really can make all the difference! This year so far Trevs DUCK has gone from strength to strength, and by means of selling cakes and raffle tickets, stripping and shaking buckets, and running around Durham communicating through song, the college committee has managed to raise over £6,500 in the 1st term alone! Every member of college would find it difficult to not be touched in some way by us throughout their respective Trevs careers, and I can personally vouch for the level of reward and satisfaction gained on an individual level from seizing unique opportunities, and pushing the limits of your comfort zone in an effort to raise money for great causes!
Trevs Expedition Fund - Nepal Many Trevelyanites benefitted from the Trevs Expedition Fund this summer - this is a pool of money that anyone engaging in an expedition abroad can apply to, often used as a supplement to personal fundraising. This summer, there were Trevs students partaking in expeditions to places as varied as Mount Kilimanjaro, Romania, the Philippines, Nepal and Kenya, most of whom engaged in charity or community work while they were there. I took part in the DUCK organised expedition to the Himalayas (alongside Chris Pocock, a Trevs student, who was co-leader of the trip), for which I had to fundraise £1,300, money which went directly to the charity Future for Nepal. 10
Whilst in Nepal, we spent two weeks trekking to reach Annapurna Base Camp, then spent two weeks living with families in placements close to Kathmandu, whilst devoting our time to teaching English in local schools and interacting with the village communities. We visited projects that Future for Nepal had set up or contributed money to, such as a rehabilitation centre for street children and an organisation - Maiti Nepal - that works to prevent human trafficking and help those who have been affected by it. The money from the Expeditions Fund has helped many Trevs students gain an insight into a completely different culture and way of life, (especially important when living in the Durham bubble!) and has contributed towards a great deal of beneficial charity and community work in these places - hopefully this will continue for many years to come!
‘The grey stone house and tall dreaming trees’: Wallington Hall
Wallington Hall is a country house in Northumberland. From the point of view of the college, what makes Wallington so significant is the fact that it was the home of the Trevelyan family from 1777 until it was given to the National Trust in 1942. The house meant a great deal to G.M. Trevelyan who once wrote, “how my thoughts turn to the grey stone house and tall dreaming trees”. In June a mixed party of students and staff went on a visit to the house. For those of us who had never been to the Hall, the visit was something of an eye-opener. The Hall itself, with its extraordinary central saloon and historical associations was one thing, the size of the estate (approximately 20,000 acres) quite another.
On the basis of this visit, various ideas have been put forward to develop the relationship between the Hall and the college: voluntary work in the estate and in the archives; research of a biological or historical nature; astronomy evenings; the use of a large, basic flat for student gatherings or retreats; and an annual ‘fireside reading’ from one of G. M. Trevelyan’s works at a formal. In February a group of 10 students went to do some conservation work in the woods around the house. Despite the risk that the snow might prevent everyone from getting back to Trevs that day everyone pulled their weight and warmed up over a big bonfire whilst toasting marshmallows! 11
Alumni Keeping in Touch with You Moving around is such a big part of life that all too often we lose touch with our alumni - every year copies of Hippocampus are returned to us. If you think that we may not have your most up to date contact details please use the ‘Contact Us’ link on the alumni section of our website. Email is such a cost effective way for us to communicate that we would love to have be able to make contact with more alumni this way. We won’t be deluging you with messages, no more than two or three messages a year. Please send an email message to Karen.fisher@durham.ac.uk Also, just to remind you about our Trevs Re-United service, which a few of you have already made use of. If you’d like to get back in touch with Trevs friends, we can help you! Find out more at: ww.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni/reunions/trevsreunited/ or contact Karen Fisher at Trevelyan.
Student Summer Internship They say contacts are pretty useful for getting into The City, and it’s true. In Epiphany term last year, a college email came round advertising a work experience placement with London based accounting and auditing firm Crouch Chapman. Trevelyan alumni Dominic Ahern works there and had kindly offered to help arrange a short placement. I applied, and after an enjoyable long weekend in London (in which I managed to fit the placement interview, a music festival and seeing old school friends) it was mine! So September rolled along and I moved into my aunt’s flat in Camden for two great weeks. I was challenged with putting together some accounts on my first afternoon – a daunting prospect, but satisfying when I finished. I also compiled spread sheets, proofread accounts and, being the work experience kid, was sent on errands to buy sandwiches. Not as simple as it sounds when all the local Marks and Spencer stores have run out! On my last day, I went out to lunch with the younger members of the team – a chance to get to know them better, ask how they had got in to accounting and about the most exciting bits of work they had been involved in. It was also fun to talk to Dom about Durham, discussing favourite places and pass times in the Bubble. I really enjoyed my short time with Crouch Chapman. I learnt a lot, boosted my CV, and met some brilliant people, all thanks to the fantastic Trevelyan alumni network. 12
Calling all Alumni – Could you be a Trevelyan Career Owl? We are delighted to announce that our Trevelyan Career Owl initiative is now up and running. Career Owls are Trevelyan alumni who are prepared to share their experiences and offer informal careers advice to Trevs students considering their futures after Durham. You’ll know that the current graduate job market is very tough; many alumni will have valuable information and insight which could support current students. Using email, Trevs students will contact Career Owls asking for the benefit of their experience. They’ll be interested in how your career has developed since leaving Trevelyan and learning about your line of work ‘from the horse’s mouth’. If you would like to help current Trevs students in this way, then please visit the alumni section of the Trevelyan College website http://www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni/ and click on Career Owls. Registering is easy: After creating a username (your email address) and password for the site, you record some basic details about you and your career and select how often you would like to be contacted. Once we confirm your registration by email, (within 5 working days) current Trevelyan students will be able to make contact with you. You will be sent an email alert when a student has requested your help. You log into the Career Owl site to collect the message. We ask that you try and make contact within 7 days. Your information is password protected and can only be accessed by current Trevs students. Full compliance with all relevant legislation is ensured. If you wish to withdraw your offer at any time, please let us know and your details will be removed immediately. If you want to know more about Trevelyan Career Owls before committing to the idea, than please contact Karen.fisher@durham.ac.uk. If you feel unable to participate, but have suggestions on how we can develop the idea, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
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The trace of the JCR Past Presidents Jacqui Mellor-Jones – JCR President 1982-83: I can’t believe that I left Durham in 1984, the time has flown by. I left Trevs in 1983 for a year’s sabbatical as student Union President. I believe I was the first woman to do this which was a significant achievement in my life and raised a few eyebrows when I applied to join the military. As a non political president I still led a successful rent strike and library sit in, which surprises my children a great deal. After Durham I went into the RAF, for a 5 year commission in the Fighter Control branch as a radar controller. I had a fantastic time, travelling the world and I met my husband Al, who I married in 1989. After the Air Force I retrained as a chartered accountant with Coopers and Lybrand Deloitte as it was then, qualifying in 1993 and then moving to the Stuttgart office for 3 years. Learning German was harder than qualifying as an accountant, but I eventually became fluent and enjoyed the experience. After taking 10 years out while our 3 children were still young, and travelling with Al’s job, we eventually settled in central Scotland when he retired. I took a job with a small firm of accountants in Tillicoultry and am now a shareholder and co-director of Atkinson & Co, a role which I love. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Durham and at Trevs in particular. The environment allowed me to be what I wanted to be and we had a lot of fun. My abiding memory of my time as president of the JCR is trailing Miss Lavin, the Principal at the time and a strong minded lady, to the toilets to inspect the toilet paper. I had dared to question the suitability of Izal hard toilet paper and she had to see for herself! I think we won the case for a softer option.
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Illyr Pride – JCR President 1992-1993: I graduated in 1993 with three years of brilliant memories, a variety of newly acquired life skills and a law degree (a deserved 2.II since you ask). Like now, it was very difficult to get a training contract, particularly with the kind of City firms I aspired to join, so I returned to Cambridge with a view to churning out CVs and securing my dream job. Unfortunately, this process was delayed by about a year as I ran a popular cocktail bar. While it was great fun, the hours were long and the parties hard, so it was difficult to find the time and the motivation to write any letters when I was not working. However, I did appear as a film critic on Channel 4’s Moviewatch as a result of working one quiet Tuesday afternoon when the programme’s researchers dropped in for a drink. I still have a VHS Tape (look it up) of me juggling cocktail equipment on the programme and reviewing various films. Despite my glamorous TV career I still longed to be a lawyer so I left the bar and worked for the Vehicle Inspectorate (a prosecution agency) for a year before going to the College of Law in York. After completing my LPC (a distinction since you ask) I got a training contract with a firm in Leeds (Shulmans) and qualified as a solicitor in 1998. In 2001 I joined DLA Piper (one of the biggest law firms in the world) finally achieving my professional goal. I left in 2010 and now work for Land Law, a specialist commercial property firm in Altrincham as a property litigator (which is not as glamorous as it sounds but more so than my brief TV career). At DLA Piper I supervised a number of trainee solicitors who were devastated when they were not offered jobs on qualification as I had been on graduating. I advised them not to give up as I knew that they were good lawyers and I was certain that they would eventually find a good job; all of them succeeded. At weekends I try and spend as much time as I can with my son Louis (8) and my daughter Sophia (4) when I am not playing or watching football.
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Big welcome back to Trevelyan for Minette Walters As we go to press with Hippocampus this year, we have just waved off one of our most well-known alumni, crime novelist Minette Walters who spent three days with students and staff in College. Having studied French (1968-1971), Minette became a sub editor of a romantic fiction magazine after graduation. She wrote articles, short stories and novelettes became an editor and then as a freelancer wrote full time for women’s magazines. She married fellow Durham graduate, Alec, and it wasn’t until their two children started full time education that she returned to writing, this time crime fiction. Her first novel The Ice House was published in 1992 and won the John Creasey Award in the UK for the best first novel. Her second novel The Sculptress (published in 1994) won the Edgar Alan Poe Award in America and her third The Scold’s Bridle (published 1994) won the CWA Gold Dagger Award in the UK. This gave her the unique treble of winning three major prizes with her first three novels. She went on to produce a book a year for about the next decade. Minette’s work has been translated and sold in 38 countries around the world. If her book titles sound familiar, but you can’t remember reading them, you may have watched the BBC adapted versions of her first five novels, screened in the late 1990s and still shown in the UK and abroad. More recently, Minette took part in the ‘Quick Reads’ initiative, designed to encourage g developing p g readers and adult learners. Her contribution, a novella called Reads Learners’ d ‘Chickenfeed’, released in 2006, won the first Quick Rea Favourite urite Award.
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Minette and Alan live in Dorset tending their rare breeds’ farm. Minette has been made an Honorary Graduate of both Bournemouth and Southampton Solent Universities. She puts her success down to “the confidence Durham gave her to try anything”. As a student, Minette found, after enjoying a year out on a Kibbutz in Israel, life in College quite restrictive. She enjoyed her final year whilst living in a flat above a house owned by an ex-miner and his wife, who are still her good friends. She describes her time here as ‘a valuable interlude out of which I got a degree, a husband and a healthy cynicism’. During her visit, Minette generously gave her time and expertise freely to students in two writing workshops, as well as taking the opportunity to enjoy this year’s College Musical , ‘Anything Goes’. Trevelyan student Sara Adair, who attended one of the workshops said, “Minette is a real character, inspirational and optimistic. It’s always lovely to have alumni back in College.” What does Minette think of Trevelyan now? “It’s a lot more fun than when I was here! - and lovely to meet so many interesting people”.
Trevelyan College Student Postcard Competition 2011 Congratulations and thanks to Trevelyan student artists who entered our first postcard competition last term, which was organised by JCR Vice President, Lucy Alliott. The winners were Sarah Farfort and Claire Ewbank whose designs skilfully met the criteria for an image of our College building and reflection of the ‘Trevelyan spirit’. Both originals formed part of an exhibition of student art that took place in the Bar between 12th February and 10th March. The postcards are now on sale, priced at 75p, with all proceeds going to the Trevelyan Trust for the benefit of students in the College. If you would like to purchase cards please contact Karen Fisher: karen.fisher@durham.ac.uk 0191 334 7001 or drop us a line at the College address; Elvet Hill Road, Durham DH1 3LN. 17
What do you think of Hippocampus? We value your opinion of Hippocampus and encourage you to give us your views of our main alumni communication. The students involved in the production of Hippocampus are particularly interested in your feedback. Here are some of the comments we received last year;
“I have just received my Hippocampus in the post - making me feel very nostalgic even though I just graduated last year” Nicola Mirams (graduated 2010)
“I have been receiving Hippocampus on a regular basis. Just wanted to say it is very welcome. Would also like to thank the editorial team for keeping the magazine going. I do miss Durham and I look forward to re-visiting this historic and unique city” (Lim K Tham - on alumni news form)
“Enjoyment laced with nostalgia….the record shows that Trevelyan students are as accomplished and lively as were those for whom I was (briefly) a college tutor” (Molly Todd, ex tutor)
You can tell us your thoughts in a number of ways: Write to us or complete the electronic Alumni News Form on our website (Alumni section, click on Trevelyan Society). Email on Karen.fisher@durham.ac.uk or complete the short feedback form on our website http://www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni/
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Music Appeal Update In last year’s Hippocampus we launched our Music Appeal to support the promotion and development of this aspect of College life and so far we are very pleased with our progress. Four students, Michael, Annabel, Catherine and Jess (who is now an alumna) spent a week last June calling alumni to talk about life in Trevelyan and bring the campaign to your attention following our mailing. They really enjoyed the experience, in particular hearing memories of your time here. Many of you responded very generously to the Music Appeal, for which we thank you wholeheartedly. The College Music Committee considered a range of requests from student musicians to the appeal and consequently we have been able to achieve the following: Previously there were only two working guitar amps in College, which meant that practice opportunities were limited and there was no back up for the many ‘Unplugged’ events taking place. Consequently two Fender Frontman amps and a Marshall bass amp have been purchased. They will be enormously useful for the many non-classical events in Trevs. Until the appeal there were only 5 music stand lights in College, of which only 4 worked. These are vital for our musicians who play at a huge range of events in College throughout the year, including the Summer Cabaret, Songs from the Shows, the Carol Service and pantomime, as well as the annual College musical. Donations to the appeal have allowed us to purchase a further 12 duet lamp stands which illuminate the entire two pages of music. The appeal has also been able to fund the purchase of a Conductor’s Stand, so now we have a music stand that is wide enough to hold a conductor’s score and will benefit every music group in College. Students requested a portable audio recorder for College, which we have purchased with donations to allow music groups to record their work. In order to support a newly established Trevelyan Saxophone ensemble, specialist sheet music for 17 popular pieces has been purchased and performances are planned. Trevelyan’s practice drum kit badly needed replacement and new parts, new storage bags and drum keys, all of which we were able to purchase with your donations. The Music appeal continues to run and your donations are warmly welcomed. Should you wish to make a donation, please visit the alumni section of our website. College website and click on Supporting Trevelyan. 20
Redefining the Dowrick Suite As we reported in last year’s Hippocampus, our forward vision for Trevelyan is to promote academic aspiration, a sustainably beautiful environment and more and better opportunities for students to further their involvement in music and the performing arts. One project that is integral to two of these aims is the proposed reconfiguration of the Dowrick Suite, to create more practice and performance space. The Dowrick Suite adjoins the Sir James Knott Hall and was completed in 1988. The main purpose of the building was to help Trevelyan maximise income from small conferences and vacation trade. It was built as two seminar rooms separated by a removable screen. Times have changed and the conference trade is no longer part of Trevelyan’s life. Although the Dowrick is still used regularly for meetings and events, we feel it is time to redefine its purpose primarily for music and drama during term time The picture below shows how we hope it will look, with new fixtures and fittings and acoustic re-surfacing. The Music Appeal, on which we have reported elsewhere in this issue, contributes to this vision and we are exploring other sources of funding. If you feel that you could support us in this regard, please consider making a donation to the Appeal, or contact The Principal, Professor Martyn Evans, or Caron Pearson, Director of the Trevelyan Trust; trevs.trust@durham.ac.uk , tel 0191 334 7000, or find details of how to donate to the Music Appeal on our website www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni/association/supportingtrevelyan/ .
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Huge thanks to all alumni who have generously supported us this year‌ The generosity of alumni is vital to help us continue to improve life in Trevelyan for current students. Whether you are giving us your time, or contributing to one of our appeals or the Trevelyan Trust, we are so thankful for your continued support. Thanks to all the Alumni donors to our Music Appeal (up to 23 January 2012). Katherine J Andrew Katherine L Arnold John F Barbour Rosina M Baxter Kristina R Brown Rachel M Chalmers Katharine A Charsley Michael A Clark Polly E Derby Claire J Elliott Jane P Graystone Johanna L Harvey Angela D Hooper Gillian P Lawrence Elizabeth A Matthew
Michael K Matthews Karen E McCulloch Elizabeth R McOmish Amanda L Michaels Lynn C Nickerson Elizabeth A Ormsby Ann J Orr Louise J Peck Jacqueline A Richomme Maria Robinson Anne E Stevens Abigail E Vernon Colin D Wilson Susan M Wright
Alumni Donations to Trevelyan Trust up to 31 January 2012 Elaine Ayre Elizabeth A Bickham Mary Donaldson James Inge Sonja Kabirschke-Whatson Victoria Wegg-Prosser Anthea E Williams
Richard Bainbridge Benn A Cordrey Elizabeth Gathercole Lesley A Ingleson Moira Rollason Jenifer White
A final thank you to parents and friends of the College who donated to the Trevelyan Trust for the Student Experience, Travel Bursaries, facilities and equipment for the College from March 2011 to 31 January 2012 Mr G Baron Mr C Houghton Mrs H Murray Mr I Nelson Mr G Stafford
Mr M R Hannibal Mr P Longman Mrs A Neale Mr B Philpott Mrs L Wallace
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Alumni Events 2011 saw two events held in College, the JCR Reunion weekend organised for recent leavers in June and an event for all alumni held in September. Alumni were also invited to our Carol Service, Student Art Exhibition and College Musical. September Alumni Weekend 23 - 25 September A group of alumni of all 'vintages' spent a weekend in Trevelyan and enjoyed Durham in the sunshine. There was much reminiscing about our College experiences and an opportunity to meet new acquaintances. A viewing of the Trevelyan video, an informal quiz in the Bar and a College tour, very ably led by JCR Vice-President, Lucy Alliott, as well as a meeting of the Trevelyan Society (including cream tea), kept us busy. The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday evening Alumni Dinner; excellent food, company, music and after dinner oratory which completed the event. Alumni Events 2012 Two alumni events are planned for 2012, a JCR Reunion Weekend in April and drinks event in London in September. Alumni are also invited to various events in College, particularly musical occasions throughout the year. These are advertised on the alumni section of our website, circulated by email and publicised in the university’s ‘Newswire’. The next Alumni event will be held in London, an early evening drinks event on Thursday September 20th , at Sarasins and partners from 5:30 – 8:00pm. All alumni are invited to join us and we are sending out a particular welcome to those of you who matriculated in 1972 1982, 1992 and 2002. A booking form for the event can be found on page 27. http://www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/alumni/london/ and on the alumni section of the College website. If you have any questions please contact Karen Fisher on 0191 334 7001. 23
JCR Alumni Weekend 21-22 April 2012 (Open to graduates from the last 6 years) Saturday 21st April Please feel free to arrive in college at your leisure. (Note that lunch will not be available in College) 1.30pm - 3.30pm: Football competition on the back lawn (sign up in groups or as an individual) 3.30pm – 5pm: Afternoon Cream Tea in the Mowlam Room Films and sports matches will be playing in the bar along with the usual college entertainment including the pool table, table football, itbox and don't forget your life long membership to the gym! 7pm - 7.30pm: Champagne reception in the Bar 7.30pm: Formal with pianist accompaniment 9pm – late: Evening entertainment including a jazz band in the Bar followed by DJ and Phoenix Photography available. (More details to be released closer to the event) Sunday 22nd April 8.30am - 10.30am: Full English and Continental Breakfast Discounts for various attractions and cafes around Durham will be organised for all alumni guests so that you can go and enjoy the city.
For prices and the menu please see the booking form included at the back of Hippocampus. Deadline for returns is 6th April. If you have any quires please email JCR Vice-President lucy.alliott@durham.ac.uk.
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To book your place on Alumni Weekend 2012, please complete this form, by selecting one of the following options, and return to “Karen Fisher, Bursar’s Secretary, Trevelyan College, Elvet Hill Road, Durham, DH1 3LN”, and enclose a cheque made payable to “Trevelyan College JCR” for the full amount. You are welcome to invite guests, please indicate below if this is the case. The deadline for replies is Friday 6th April 2012. Saturday night accommodation - £27 per person
Saturday Alumni Formal Dinner - £25 per person 5 course Formal Dinner including wine and a champagne reception and ents. Sunday breakfast - £5 per person
If you are attending the Saturday formal please highlight meal choices as appropriate: Prawn Cocktail / Roasted Butternut Squash with Creme Fraiche Roast Rump of Lamb / Woodland Mushroom Risotto with parmesan crisps Dime Bar Pie / Fresh Fruit Salad
Includes: Full English and continental buffet.
Name………………………………………………………………..Graduating Year……………….. Address...........................................................................................................………………… …..………………………………………………………………......................................................... E-mail (required) ………………………………….….. Contact Number………………………… Special dietary requirements? …………………..…………………………………………………. Would you prefer a single or double room? …………………………………………………….. If you would like to share a landing with people please put their names on the reverse of this form (no guarantees). Guests are welcome; please indicate below if this is the case and please also include their cheque. Name of Guest………………………………………
Menu Options ………………………….
……………………………….……………………………….……………………………….…………… Price ………...… Special dietary requirements?………………………………………………... Enclosed is a cheque made payable to “Trevelyan College JCR” for
£…………..…...
Signature…………………..………………………………. Date……………………………………
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Formal seating Plan There will be a seating plan for the Saturday Formal. Please indicate below if there is a particular group of people you would like to sit with. I will endeavour to meet your request. Eight people will be seated to a table, however you do not need to put eight people down. 1. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 2. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 3. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 4. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 5. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 6. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 7. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. 8. ………………………..………………………..……………………….. Saturday Friendly Football tournament (1.30pm-3.30pm) There will be a friendly 5 a side football tournament on Saturday afternoon on Trevs back lawn. If you would like to sign up a group or put yourself forward as an individual, please indicate below. I would like to sign up as an individual: Yes/No I would like to sign up a group: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Names of anyone you would like to share a landing with……………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Booking Form for Trevelyan College London Alumni Event September 2012 If you would like a ticket to attend please send a cheque (made payable to Durham University) for £12.00 to Mrs Karen Fisher, Bursar’s Secretary, Trevelyan College, Elvet Hill Road, Durham DH1 3LN using the form below by Wednesday 5th September.
PERSONAL DETAILS (BLOCK CAPITALS): Name (first name and surname):……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Surname on entry to Trevelyan College, and years at College:……………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Post
Code: …………………………
Telephone Number: …………………………………………………….. E-mail:………………………………………………………………………………
Name(s) of guest(s) (used first name and surname):………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have enclosed a cheque made payable to “Durham University” for
£…………..…...
Signature…………………..………………………………. Date……………………………………
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Tenner to Trevelyan MCR Please return this form to: Trevelyan College via Development and Alumni Relations Office, Durham University, Freepost DU157 PO Box 43 Durham DH1 3BR
GIFT FORM Name: Address:
Postcode: Telephone: Email: GIFT DIRECTION I would like my ‘Tenner to Trevelyan MCR as follows: Single Gift
£
Direct Debit
.
My partner/spouse
is also a (Name)
(College)
Durham alumna/us and this is a joint gift. Please treat my/our gift as anonymous GIFT AID DECLARATION I wish Durham University to treal all donations I have made since April 6th 2007 and all donations I make from the date of this declaration, until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid Donations. Signed:
Date:
The University is able to reclaim 25 pence for every £1 you give if you pay UK income or capital gains tax and as long as you have paid in tax at least as much as we claim. If you pay higher-rate income tax, you can claim the difference between the lower and higher rates. The information that you provide to us will be used exclusively for advancing the interest of the University, including fund-raising, promoting links between the University (including Colleges) and its former students and for providing services to alumni and friends. We are registered under the Data Protection Act and can assure you that your details will never be disclosed to an independent third party. If you have specific preferences about the way we contact you, please do not hesitate to let us know. Regular Gifts - You can choose to make a regular gift by Direct Debit. You can make your gift monthly, quarterly or annually. Please note that we are only able to collect Direct Debit gifts on the 15th day of the month. You can instruct your bank to stop the payments at any time. You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which appears at the bottom of the form and we recommend you keep it for your reference. Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts. Single Gifts - Donations of any amount can be given by cheque, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Vouchers or Credit/Debit/Charge or CAF Card. Please complete the authorisation code boxes with the final 3 digits on the reverse of your card. The Issue number is only applicable to Switch Cards. Development and Alumni Relations, Durham University, The University Office, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP Tel: 0191 334 6311 Fax: 0191 334 6073 gifts@dunelm.org.uk www.dunelm.gifts.org.uk/givenow
THANK YOU!
DIRECT DEBIT Amount £ Start Date 15 /
.
Annually /
for ten years or
years.
SINGLE GIFT My total gift is £
.
I enclose a cheque or charity voucher made payable to the Trevelyan CollegeTrust Visa/Delta Mastercard AmEx Maestro Charity Card Card No. Start Date
Expiry Date
Issue No.
Signed INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT
Please fill in this form and send to : Development Office, Durham University, Freepost DU157, PO Box 43, Durham, DH1 3BR Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To The Manager, Address:
Postcode
Bank/ Building Society
Service user number
423887
Instruction to your bank or building society: Please pay Durham University Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I with Durham University and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society. Signature
Name of the account holder(s) Date
Bank/building society account number
Branch Sort Code
Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts
ONLINE GIVING The most cost effective way of supporting the University is through our online giving page, www.dunelm.org.uk/givenow. You are able to give your College, Department or favourite area of support through this page.
THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE THIS GUARANTEE SHOULD BE DETACHED AND RETAINED BY THE PAYER s This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. s If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Durham University will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Durham University to collect, a payment confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. s If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Durham University or by your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. s If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, your must return it upon request form Durham University. s You may cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Trevelyan College Elvet Hill Road Durham, DH1 3LN http://www.dur.ac.uk/trevelyan.college/