Academic Year 2020/21
MARY'S | MAGAZINE
Contents Principal's Welcome Highlights of 2020/21 St Mary's PhD Scholarship and MCR Interim Committee New faces and a word from JCR Writing competition winning entry Long read: exciting news from College Pictures Alumni stories and achievements In Memoriam Thanks and a word from the editor
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By Professor Maggi Dawn Mrs Saddington, while David himself continues to champion ecological issues in his career.
Welcome to this latest edition of our College magazine, packed with reports of College activities, the launch of some new projects, and news of future plans. It will come as no surprise that, last year, much of College life took place online, but the College community was as resilient as ever, finding imaginative new ways to learn, socialise, and relax together. We drew strength from the College’s history during turbulent times; recalling how the college pulled together not only to survive, but to thrive during previous experiences of war and pandemic. Taking courage from these stories, we have reshaped college life both to strengthen our traditions and to push forward with new and exciting endeavours.
Inspired by this, we have now planted a number of new trees, and ‘rewilded’ some areas of our grounds with hedgehog banks and wildflowering. Our student Environmental society is currently developing new ideas, and we hope to update you soon with more news on how our gardens retain their classical beauty while also attending to environmental issues. Many of you will be aware that Lumiere, born in Durham and now a biennial feature, illuminated the city again for four nights from 18-21 November 2021. We were thrilled to be able to host one installation at Mary’s, making the most not only of our beautiful grounds, but also the views that stretch down the hill. We hope that you enjoyed the festival if you attended!
This year, for the first time, we have awarded a full PhD scholarship for a Mary’s student –read more about this on page 6. We have also launched a new internship program. Mary’s has customarily drawn on the talents of our students, employing them in the library, bar, toastie bar and chapel – but internships go a step further, not only offering a way for students to earn some money, but also learning professional skills as they do so. Our library, social media, communications and alumni relations are now being assisted by a talented group of student interns, and I look forward not only to seeing how their work will benefit the college, but to offering them skills and work experience that will help their own career development. See pages 10-11 for more details.
As with so many developments in College life, these new initiatives are made possible by the generosity of our whole College community. In addition to students and staff, our alumni, friends, and College families give us unstintingly of their time, resources, expertise and funding to build ever more exciting opportunities for our students, and for the College as a whole. With heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support of the College, I hope you will enjoy the news and future plans in this latest edition of our College magazine. Best wishes as always,
The College’s Eco-garden, established by our former student David Saddington, continues to flourish through the dedicated work of Mr and
Professor Maggi Dawn Principal of St Mary's College
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Image: Laetitia Eichinger
MARY'S | MAGAZINE
Whilst the ongoing pandemic has created many challenges over the year for College and the JCR, the Mary’s community flourished in the academic year 2020/21. The JCR delivered our first socially distanced induction week, combining outdoor social events, interactive in-person experiences, online content, and a recreation of the matriculation parade on college grounds. Mary’s Arts Society proved innovative, providing two dedicated arts weeks, with daily online events for all students. Two of our first years also produced Durham Student Theatre’s ‘Freshers’ Showcase’. The social season also started strongly with a parade of online events; from online formal dinners for Burns’ Night and St Patrick’s Day, bringing members across the JCR, MCR and SCR together for nights of celebration and historic toasts, to more casual socials such as Escape Room challenges. Whilst most other colleges struggled with attendance with online formals, the Mary’s community had over 100 students in attendance! Thankfully, in third term, Mary’s was able to host three (in-person!) college formals including the outgoing JCR President, Joe Castledine’s Presidents’ Guest Night, celebrating the achievements of the undergraduate student body during this difficult year.
Image: Laetitia Eichinger
to be on our top 10 leaderboard on Strava, with Senior Student Support Officer Dave Robson topping the table week in, week out. Most sports societies also offered a variety of online socials throughout the year. This highlighted the thriving community we have here at Mary’s; even Freshers who had never met any Mary’s returners felt part of the community and attended!
In Epiphany term, St Mary’s College Running Club thrived, and remained extremely active with their weekly Strava content, as well as publishing weekly training schedules for Mary’s athletes who were missing their normal sporting fix! Each week, staff and students battled it out
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Along with the re-introduction of events in final term, we saw a great uptake in College sport. The Mary’s vs Trevelyan varsity was a great success, organised by our great Sports and Societies Officers Hannah McQueen and Sara Crozier. After matches in almost every sport imaginable,
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020/21 ticket sales, a glowing review, and immense enjoyment.
we ended up beating our friendly rivals! Mary’s also competed in the Durham Regatta this year, with some students finally getting a chance to race after over a year and a half of cancelled regattas.
Other fantastic campaigns of the year included SHAG (Sexual Health and Guidance) week, and Mental Health and Stress-Less campaigns throughout exam period. All welfare campaigns required hard work from the WAM (Welfare at Mary’s) officers. They excelled in their work, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the year, WAM also adapted their activities to the changing government regulations, hosting online drop-ins and, when permitted, ‘WAM walks’, all the while ensuring empathetic listening and helpful signposting were able to continue safely.
A mention must also go to SMC Game Society, who did their first charity livestream in late February for the British Red Cross’ ‘Operation Anti-Loneliness’. The society managed to raise a spectacular £1,100 and have continued to thrive since, successfully managing to hold five inperson game sessions in third term, proving that they are a society with a fantastic and enthusiastic community. Our College theatre company, Foot of the Hill, triumphed to produce their traditional musical in the summer term. Their chosen show, ‘Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier', was a hilarious, satirical retelling of Disney’s ‘Aladdin’. This was also FHTC’s debut at The Assembly Rooms Theatre. The musical was recorded for online release and garnered record
Whilst the 2020/21 academic year was hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mary’s community and spirit prevailed against all adversity. Our excitement for the current year here at Mary’s is driven by the thriving community, flourishing in the most unusual of circumstances.
Image: Alicia Bickerstaff- socially distanced Freps, freshers' week 2020
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MARY'S | MAGAZINE
Lewis Robinson is the recipient of the inaugural St Mary's PhD scholarship. He is also a very wellknown face within the Mary's community. Here, he tells us about winning the flagship scholarship, and the work of the St Mary's MCR Interim Committee. The St Mary’s PhD scholarship established this year is an excellent example of what makes Mary’s stand out amongst Durham's many excellent colleges. The scholarship provides an additional avenue for members of the college community to pursue postgraduate study, whilst continuing be at the heart of Mary’s MCR and JCR affairs and developing non-academic skills through helping to run aspects of St Mary’s.
undergraduates selected by the college to run the MCR until new elections can be held to repopulate the MCR executive committee’s vacant roles. Mary’s MCR, like many institutions, took a hit last year during the height of the pandemic, and it is the committee’s goal to ‘build back better’ by laying a strong foundation within the undergraduate and postgraduate populations of the college to rebuild a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive MCR community.
I was overjoyed to be offered the inaugural scholarship this summer, which funded my PhD in the Earth Sciences department. My project focuses on the use of isotope systems in ancient alpine rocks to trace the degree of carbon recycling into the deep mantle at subduction zones, and is supervised by Professor Kevin Burton, with additional collaborators in the University of Cambridge and the University of Lorraine.
To achieve this, the interim committee have organised a series of academic and social events over the course of this freshers’ week and Michaelmas term, ranging from group escape rooms, to pub nights, and the ever-popular pizza night. These events have proven extremely popular thus far and fresh elections for the MCR executive committee are due to take place very soon.
Being able to stay at Mary’s and live in college as part of the scholarship has so far allowed me to maximise my work-life balance, with a short commute, a comfortable living environment, and the ability to continue being involved in the sport clubs and societies I am passionate about. This has also allowed me to give back to the college community by getting involved with the MCR interim committee this year and assisting in the organisation of freshers’ week for both undergraduates and post-graduates. The MCR interim committee comprises a group of postgraduates and fourth year
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Lewis Robinson with the Principal, Image: Andrew Unwin
NEW FACES & PhD SCHOLARSHIP
St Mary's has a reputation for being Durham's friendliest and most welcoming college. Behind this reputation is a hard-working team of dedicated and talented individuals. Below are a few words from two friendly faces- the college's new Assistant Principal, Emma Gray, and the incoming JCR President, Megan Titterington.
Emma Gray, Assistant Principal I joined the Mary’s community in February of this year, as an Assistant Principal. Having qualified as a lawyer and more recently working with 18 – 24 year olds in a young offender institution (some of whom were sentenced during their time at university), I am thoroughly enjoying being involved in College life and offering student support. I am often joined in College by my therapy whippet Twig, who loves going on walks with students, many of whom kindly offer to take her out! Much of my life outside of Mary’s is spent in the outdoors as I am fortunate enough to have a small holding where I have sheep, 4 more dogs, hens, and two rescue donkeys. Being married with 3 grown up boys, home life is never quiet, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Megan at Riverview Café
Megan Titterington, JCR President The Junior Common Room (JCR) is made up of all the undergraduate students at St Mary’s, and it is my job to make sure that I look after the JCR and oversee all the experiences that it has to offer. From the Badminton Club to Foot of the Hill Theatre Company, to formals and balls, the JCR collaborates with College to produce a great student experience. With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions across campus this year, the JCR plans to revitalise sports and societies in college, as well as focusing on enabling people to experience college events! The aim of the JCR is, always to enhance student life and we hope to be able to tell you great stories about this year when the time comes for the next edition of this magazine!
Emma with Twig
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MARY'S | MAGAZINE
'Nocturnal Reflections' By Kai J. Heale
The winning entry of the 2020/21 student article competition An article competition is run each year by SMCS. This year's competition asked writers to focus on what it is like to be a student during the pandemic. The winning entry was a beautifully crafted and genuine discussion of mental health issues. The view from St Aidan’s is beautiful, especially at night.
Social distancing is socially taxing, remote learning results in minimal learning and the eight-o-clock clap, which at first brought communities together, now seems distinctly cult-like. Recently my dreams about losing control (we all know the usual ones, like going to school completely naked) have been replaced by being in the middle of a supermarket, and suddenly realising I’m not wearing a mask. The coronavirus has infiltrated every aspect of our lives for some time now and yet it is still somewhat unnerving.
You can see the buildings stretch for some way, from the nearby colleges on the hill, to the city in the distance, to the houses peppering the landscape. The lights are transfixing. Recently I have taken to night-time wanders. There is something eerie about quiet streets during the day, or the wide berth we must give to those who pass by, or the long queues for the weekly grocery shop. But in the dark, there is a predictable isolation, a reassuring emptiness – it feels as though nothing is amiss.
Life in a pandemic hardly feels like living at all.
Even though headlines tout “the new normal”, living in this way still feels far from it.
"Mental health is one of the most pressing issues in my generation" Image: Laetitia Eichinger
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WRITING COMPETITION
I am accustomed to darkness, the type which clouds your mind and drowns out your optimism. Depression has that effect – it turns your thoughts into the last thing you want to be left alone with. But in lockdown, that is all there is to do. I have laid in my bed studying the walls of my room longer than I have spent time studying my course. I have never heard the voices of some of my closest friends, people I have spoken to only online – instead I spend all day listening to the voice in my head; the one that tells me the darkest things.
I cannot name a single friend who has not struggled in this way at least once, and the majority carry the burden constantly. And although this pandemic of a different kind existed long before coronavirus, the situation we all find ourselves in has only made it worse. It has prevented access to counseling services, to shoulders to cry on, to activities that brighten our days.
The coronavirus has turned my day-to-day life into everything I worked to avoid, with the aim of self-care. Surrounding myself with people who are good for me, getting out of my room regularly, keeping busy with hobbies – all the things I did to keep myself afloat are no longer possible. Indeed, I am not myself any more. I am merely surviving.
For me, the darkness of the night is not a suffocating kind. Here the seclusion is controlled, and nature keeps you company. I have spent a great deal of time merely watching hares weave in and out of the college grounds, moving inquisitively, as if they are exploring every path all over again, even those they travel every night. When you are lost in such small details, it is impossible to be hopeless. It is impossible to feel alone.
With this light stripped away, how are we supposed to cope?
Mental health is one of the most pressing issues in my generation.
I suppose in a way it has become my escape. An escape from the monotonous hours and days that blur into one, the routine lack of routine, the lack of drive and purpose. For once, I can be free of the invisible weight I carry.
I am far from alone in suffering a relentless battle in my own head.
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Image: Aydin Sari
MARY'S | MAGAZINE
The Long Read: exciting developments at College Despite the very tangible impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on our College community in the academic year 2020/21, the College nonetheless has some very exciting news to share about some new opportunities that it is now able to offer to its students. Firstly, the College is very proud to announce the launching of its flagship internship programme, which, amongst many other things, has facilitated the creation of the new-look magazine you hold in your hands.
"With the above in mind, the Mary’s Internship Programme was launched in August. We reached out to students and explained that in addition to offering successful candidates the chance to become involved in a variety of College projects, a Mary’s internship would help them develop professional soft skills such as communication, punctuality and time management. Coming from a professional background in law myself, I am acutely aware of the fact that these skills are key for success in the professional world and are highly sought after by employers.
The College is very proud to announce the launching of its flagship internship programme
“Successfully completing a Mary’s internship will hopefully make graduates more attractive to employers, as many companies prefer to employ students who can demonstrate commitment, great working habits, and excellent soft skills.
Assistant Principal Emma Gray was keen to highlight the importance of these internships: “unfortunately, many of our students lost internships, placement years and work experience opportunities due to the pandemic. This prompted us to consider ways in which we could positively support and assist Mary’s students by providing openings within College, enabling them to develop transferable skills and demonstrate to employers their commitment, together with tenacious, proactive and outsidethe-box thinking.
"We now have in post interns in the areas of Journalism, Social Media, Library, and Alumni engagement”
“Through the generosity of alumni who have kindly donated to the College (internship posts attract a small stipend), St Mary’s is trail blazing this exciting internship programme and we are very pleased to be guiding and supporting our wonderful students through the experience. "We received a huge amount of interest for the positions and following a robust interviewing process, I am very pleased to say that we now have in post interns in the areas of Journalism, Social Media, Library, and Alumni engagement.”
"The generosity of alumni who have kindly donated to the College" 10
LONG READ We would be extremely keen to hear from anybody who may be happy to share relevant experience in these fields, and also from anybody who would like to know more about these new opportunities! Please contact Emma Gray at emma.gray@durham.ac.uk.
As a researcher, having recently finished writing up my PhD thesis, I look at how academia influences certain forms of music (particularly contemporary classical composition). “My musical activities usually involve trying to create open and inclusive environments, so whatever your musical experience, do come and talk to me (or email me on matthew.j.warren@durham.ac.uk) about opportunities to hear and take part in making music in Mary's!” We are extremely excited to have Matthew on board, and can’t wait to see what he achieves in his role!
The College is very happy to bring the news that it is now offering a PhD scholarship Secondly, the College is very happy to bring the news that it is now offering a PhD scholarship. This scholarship “may be held in any department of Durham University” and “applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to produce high quality research.” The scholarship will include “accommodation within the college, a generous contribution towards University fees, and a stipend for living costs.” On page 6, Lewis Robinson, who is the first ever recipient of this prestigious, flagship scholarship, tells us about his experiences. This scholarship has also been enabled by the very kind donations of alumni.
We have a new resident fellow and director of music on board with us, helping us to revive College music post-pandemic Overall, the year 2020/21 for us as a College community was, naturally, not without its challenges. However, we are very proud to be able to go forward with these new and exciting opportunities of internships and scholarships, and the developing of Mary's music with the help of Matthew. We will of course continue to update you of College events and developments!
Finally, we are also excited to inform you that we have a new resident fellow and director of music on board with us, helping us to revive College music post-pandemic. Matthew Warren is an ethnomusicologist, composer, and choral conductor. He is very eager to be back at College: “I first starting singing with St Mary's College chapel choir ten years ago as a first year undergraduate and am extremely excited to return this year as a visiting fellow!
We are very proud to be able to go forward with these new and exciting opportunities of internships and scholarships
“You'll find me conducting the College's chapel choir, facilitating other music sessions, or lecturing in the Music Department. I'm always delighted to hear about musical projects, ideas, or recommendations for new things to listen to!
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Image: Laetitia Eichinger
Image: Laetitia Eichinger
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Image: Andrew Unwin
MARY'S | MAGAZINE
FAREWELL TO LONG-SERVING SMCS COMMITTEE MEMBERS By Christine Wright
In our most recent AGM we said farewell to several longstanding committee members.
Ann Bainbridge was elected as Treasurer in 2012, and has displayed ‘positive prudence’ over the years, keeping an eye on the future, balanced with being able to support activities. She was known as 'the Treasurer who likes to say yes', and her oversight of our resources was commended.
Margaret Collins has served as President and Reunion coordinator for 30 years. She was elected President in 1998 to 2007, and supported the Reunion since then. We are profoundly grateful for her patience, wisdom, and kind guidance over the years, and she will be greatly missed.
Elizabeth Fisher became President in 2011. The President has a challenging role, which involves developing alumni activities, supporting students, managing volunteers, and bringing together differing views. In recent years, she established the annual SMCS lecture, the most recent of which was described by the Vice Chancellor as "world class". She will be remembered for her kind and wise leadership, and for her enthusiastic dancing at reunion events!
Between them, these three Committee members have given decades of service to the SMCS and to St Mary's College. We thank them for their commitment and wish them well for the future.
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ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS NEW BOOK RELEASE- DR DIANA HUDSON
Dr Hudson graduated from St Mary's in 1977, and has been a biology teacher and a teacher for children with special needs. She released her second book, Exploring Science with Dyslexic Children and Teens, in June.
"This book is a collection of ideas, activities and approaches for science learning, to support kids with learning differences aged 9+ to grow in confidence, recall and understanding. The multi-sensory and fun ideas and activities can be adapted to suit individual students' needs and skills, and curriculum stage."
PROFESSOR ELSPETH GARMAN- LIFE SCIENCES AWARDEE
Professor Garman read Physics at St Mary's from 1973-1976, and is now a professor of molecular biophysics at the University of Oxford. She became a Suffrage Science Life Sciences awardee for 2020.
Image: Andrew Unwin, Vice Principal
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MARY'S | MAGAZINE
Mary Thoits
Christina Goessman
Mary came to Durham in 1946, after petitioning the President of her Indiana University to allow her to take her senior year abroad and pursue her passion for English Literature here in the North East.
Mary wrote in her memoirs about her experience of Durham in the 1940s: ‘this campus gave me more than beauty … It was a mystical invitation to life!’
Mary had already begun learning to fly planes at the age of 16, and upon leaving Durham, joined the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots ( the WASPS) where she taught other women to fly.
Whilst living her life of extraordinary adventure, Mary continued her involvement in our College community. She established the Thoits bursaries, which continue to help students from lower income backgrounds to experience everything that Durham has to offer.
The University in Spring this year awarded Mary the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, in celebration of a woman who lived a live of incredible achievements.
Christina read BSc Archaeology at Mary's between 2014 and 2017, and stayed on for an MSc in paleopathology, finishing with a distinction.
Christina avidly attended every formal, ball, Mary’s Day and cultural event , and served as an international Frep at the beginning of her second year. She loved the views of the cathedral, picnics on Observatory Hill, the abundance of daffodils and snowdrops in early spring and the vicinity to the Botanical Gardens and the woods beyond. She was especially fond of the bluebell woods in late spring.
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IN MEMORIAM
Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale
Mary Colclough (née Burrows)
Sir Arnold was the 14th Astronomer Royal and held the Chair of Physics at Durham University. He was best known for his work on cosmic rays.
He was professor of Physics at Durham (1965-1992), and head of the Physics department (1973-89). He was dedicated to promoting better public understanding of science and lectured widely to non-scientific audiences.
He married, in 1951, Audrey Darby, who died in 2007. In 2015 he married Dorothy Middleton, a former member of the SMCS Committee, who survives him with twin sons from his first marriage.
We were delighted to receive a visit from the late Mary Colclough's family in the summer. Her husband (now aged 95) is also a graduate of Durham University (St Cuthbert's Society). Mary's husband, and daughter Ruth, kindly donated her gown and hood to be given as a gift to one of our current students.
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Image: Andrew Unwin
MARY'S | MAGAZINE
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Image: Alan Gardner (Alan is a Porter here at College, and an excellent photographer!)
St Mary's College Elvet Hill Road Durham DH1 3LR 0191 334 5955
https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-studentexperience/colleges/st-marys/ Principal Professor Maggi Dawn maggi.dawn@durham.ac.uk Mary’s Alumni Engagement Intern Ben Sharp stmarys.collsec@durham.ac.uk
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