Goodenough News www.goodenough.ac.uk/alumni
Issue 23 Autumn 2016
In this issue: C.K Stead (WGH 76-77)
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writer, poet & critic on finding inspiration at Goodenough College
Music in the Square
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A Brief History of the Bloomsbury Opera
Portrait of an Artist
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Christine Kettenah (LH 04-05)
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Welcome Goodenough News – Autumn 2016 Welcome to the Autumn 2016 edition of Goodenough News. This issue we are shining the spotlight on the rich and diverse history of Arts at the College. We have long been the destination of choice for students from leading arts institutions across London and home to aspiring opera singers, conductors, and writers. The concentration of creative minds within the College has been fruitful in many wonderful ways. We have seen operas, novels and astounding visual art produced within these walls and many Alumni go on to forge world-class careers within their chosen field. In this issue we will look at some of the things our current Members have been producing as well as hearing directly from some of our accomplished Alumni.
In this issue:
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A Word from the Director
Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all the arts events and happenings at the College via The Goods, and plans are already afoot for Art Week in spring 2017. You can find out what to expect on page 12, where we hear from Benedict Ernst, who led the plans for Art Week earlier this year. We hope you enjoy this issue of Goodenough News and if you would like to contribute to a future edition please do get in touch, as we would love to hear from you.
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GOODENSEMBLE – Meet the resident Goodenough Orchestra
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Out of the Archives
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Upcoming Events
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#IAmGoodenough: Writer, Critic and NZ Poet Laureate Alumnus C.K Stead (WGH 76-77) on finding inspiration in the Square
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With best wishes, The Development & External Relations Team Email: alumni@goodenough.ac.uk
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10 Music in the Square:
On the cover: Mecklenburgh Square Garden - by Ipsita Dash (LH 15-16)
A Brief History of the Bloomsbury Opera 14
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Arts Week 2016
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Portrait of an Artist: Alumna Christine Kettenah (LH 04-05)
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Fundraising Update
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Founders’ Day 2016
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Latest Goodenough Releases
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20 Alumni Updates from around the world
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In Memorium
22 Photography
Competition Winners
23 Ten Questions For…. Scott Macintyre (LH 05-06)
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Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
A Word from the Director These are uncertain times for the United Kingdom. The Referendum decision to leave the European Union will have an enormous impact on our nation and its relations with the rest of the world. As well as affecting the political landscape it will undoubtedly alter the Higher Education environment. Currently the UK is the world’s second most popular destination for international students with almost 500,000 enrolled at our universities, a figure which has grown by 20% in just five years. It is too early to tell what effect Brexit will have on those numbers and in what timescale, but the implications are likely to be profound. It was changed times like these which motivated Frederick Goodenough to found our institution. His vision remains as relevant as ever, and inspired me to issue the following statement shortly after the Referendum result:
Goodenough College is a welcoming and inclusive institution open to students and staff from the UK and all over the world, including those from Europe. The College is a cosmopolitan academic community with an international ethos which dates from its foundation 85 years ago. We are and will remain strongly committed to the fertile exchange of people and ideas from all countries of the world, based on our core values of tolerance and mutual understanding.
I feel sure you will support these sentiments. They have influenced us to reach out to those who have suffered from intolerance and conflict across the world. In recent years we have worked closely with organisations such as the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) and the Windle Trust, providing bursaries for displaced academics and students to live at the College. This year we have established a partnership with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) to provide a residential scholarship at the College for one of the recipients of their new Refugee Scholarship Programme. We are delighted to provide a home in our community for those who might otherwise be excluded, and we will undoubtedly be enriched by their presence. These and other initiatives have been made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, to whom we are most grateful. They represent a programme which, with your support, we want to expand. The need is pressing. We continue to welcome College Members from across the globe, from large countries and from small. This year they are drawn from 85 nations. A recent arrival is from Kosrae, one of the Federated States of Micronesia and far from the major continental land masses. Yet close to Kosrae is Goodenough Island. Situated off the coast of Papua New Guinea, the island is named after Commodore James Goodenough (1830 –1875), the uncle of our Founder. James Goodenough is buried in Sydney where many of our Australian Alumni live and work. It is a reminder of our global connections, and of the importance we attach to cultural diversity in an international environment. I end by paying tribute to Jonathan Hirst who has recently resigned as Chairman of the Board of Governors through ill health. Jonathan was Chairman for 8 years and a Governor for a total of 16. He has led the Board through a period of great change and has been central to the success of the College’s refurbishment programme. That we have sound finances and an estate fit for future generations of Members is testimony to his wisdom and leadership. He will be much missed.
New Members enjoying Welcome Week 2016
Our new Chairman is Eric Tracey, a Governor for 10 years and from New Zealand. His appointment is another indication of our Commonwealth connections and global reach. He reminds us of the long journeys which so many of our community make to this very special London Square. I hope they will continue to do so for many years to come. ■
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GOODENSEMBLE Making Music at Goodenough College
We have been lucky enough to welcome many outstanding music students to the college who have gone on to work with leading orchestras, opera companies or onto chart-topping careers. Just a few years ago two of our music students hit on the idea of drawing on the vast amount of musical talent at the College and thus the GOODENSEMBLE was born. It is an ensemble on a mission; since its inception co-founders Michael Poll (LH 12-) and Ray Chan (LH 14-16) have been working to bring wonderful music to Mecklenburgh Square. Drawing on Goodenough’s unique reserves of professional musicians from all four of the major London music colleges: Guildhall, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, and Trinity, as well as supplementary forces comprising of graduates from all over the world, GOODENSEMBLE is a microcosm of the diversity of the College itself. Every performer within the ensemble, both Members and external musicians, commit to hours of practice together so that we might benefit from their performances throughout the term. Now that Ray has left the College and joined the ranks of the Alumni community it has fallen to Michael to take the sole role of Artistic Director. But it’s a challenge to be relished and one that Michael has risen to, and we are delighted to be able to share with you some of his upcoming plans for the GOODENSEMBLE. The 2016-17 season will include performances of iconic works and novel masterpieces, including works by Alumni Igor Maia (WGH 1416) and Elizabeth Ogonek (LH 12-13), who is currently Composer in Residence at the Chicago Symphony, alongside classics from Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven Upcoming concerts will be listed in The Goods. If you do not receive this and would like to be added to the list please email us at: alumni@goodenough.ac.uk. ››
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Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
Are you seeking Family Accommodation in London for a holiday in 2017? We are delighted to offer Alumni an exclusive priority booking period for our flats. Each summer, several of our flats in Willie G are available for holiday rentals. Flats are comfortable, clean 1, 2 or 3 bedroom with their own kitchen, bathroom and living area, as well as wi-fi. There are also a number of well-appointed flats and suites available in London House all year. The large suites have a double bed, desk, lounge area and an en-suite bathroom and can accommodate two people comfortably. There are also three flats which have a double bedroom, separate sitting room, kitchen and bathroom.
Michael Poll (LH 12-) is a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, from where he also holds a Master’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance. As well as his studies and work at the College Michael also has an album, Tapestry, which was released in 2014. The album is available on both Spotify and the iTunes Store. You can find more information about Michael and his music at: michaelpollguitar.com
We are very pleased to offer Alumni an exclusive booking period from 15th November – 15th January for the flats for bookings from May 1st to September 1st 2017, subject to availability.
Ray Chan (WGH 14-16) was recently appointed as the Conducting Fellow of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra where he will serve as Assistant Conductor to the orchestra's Music Director Giordano Bellincampi for the 2016-17 Season. During his time in New Zealand Ray also plans to develop and expand an innovative orchestra he founded in 2015 in Auckland called the GEN.Y Philharmonic, which is dedicated to the creative engagement of younger audiences, through younger musicians and artists. In the next year or so Ray will also be undertaking some guest engagements, collaborating with orchestras in Europe, Asia and Australasia in both a symphonic and operatic capability. ■
www.goodenough.ac.uk/alumni
To make your priority booking call +44 (0)20 7769 4727 or email reservations@goodenough.ac.uk stating ‘Alumni Flat Priority’
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Out of the Archives – Would you like to contribute to Goodenough News?
The rich and remarkable history of Goodenough College is most evident when combing through the College archives. From photographs of pipe smoking gentlemen and ladies in gowns, to posters for discos and concerts in the swinging sixties, it’s all there for discovery in the archives. Over the past few months we have been working closely the College Archivist, Isobel Harcourt (WGH 14-) to find ways to share some of these fascinating items with you. Several posters have been mounted on the walls in Freddie’s as well a selection of photographs from Royal visits. We will be sharing more items within the pages of Goodenough News and on Goodenough Alumni Online, the interactive Alumni web portal www.alumni.goodenough.ac.uk. We begin this series with a close look at a copy of London House Magazine from 1949. Now re-named as Goodenough News, the College magazine has long been keeping the Goodenough community up to date with activity in Mecklenburgh Square as well as sharing news from Alumni across the world. We may have gone from drawings to photographs for our cover images but we still remain faithful to the original ethos of the magazine. Flicking through the pages
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of this 1949 publication something caught our eye, which was the call for submissions. In the past Alumni regularly contributed articles, poems, cartoons and stories to the magazine, which we have continued to do on occasion, and you can see our most recent contribution on page 24. We would like to publish more Alumni contributions. Submissions can take any form, be it a creative work, an extract from an academic paper, an article or essay, we would
be interested in them all! If you have something you would like to submit please email Rachelle Arthey, Alumni Relations Manager at: rachelle.arthey@goodenough.ac.uk. Please include a short proposal of the piece you wish to submit and an extract, where possible. Successful submissions will be subject to editing and may be published in Goodenough News, Goodenough Alumni Online, or www.goodenough.ac.uk ■
Upcoming Events Upcoming events are listed in The Goods Alumni enewsletter. If you do not receive this and would like to be added to the list, or would like to book a space at any of the events below please email us at: alumni@goodenough.ac.uk
Tuesday 17th
Port Talk: The Versatile Violin
November 2016 Tuesday 22nd
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Port Talk: His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan The newly arrived Ambassador of Japan to the Court of St James, Ambassador Tsuruoka, will discuss the evolving security paradigm in Asia.
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College Christmas Carol Service This year the service will take place at The Church of the Holy Cross, Cromer Street, WC1H 8JU. The College Christmas Carol Service gathers all members of our community, and our friends, to celebrate Christmas. Wonderful music and readings this year take place in Holy Cross Church, the local Church that was built by the Goodenough family. It’s very easy to find – just a short walk from the back gates of WGH. A festive reception will follow the service. We ask that attendees are seated by 18:30.
Friday 16th
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Alumni & Members Quiz Night Join us in Freddie’s for a Quiz Night with a festive angle. Hosted by Member Stephan Pigeon (LH 16-) come and test your general knowledge alongside Alumni and current Members. There will be prizes!
January 2017 Monday 16th
The golden era of violin was the 1720s in Cremona, Italy. Master luthiers such as Stradivarius and Guarneri Del Gesu made the instrument sing. Composers such as Tartini, Bach and Paganini all explored the violin’s hugely varied sounds and technical possibilities. This lecture discusses the use of the violin across a broad spectrum of music, featuring standard Classical repertoire, imitation of Chinese opera singers, melodies from prominent movie sound tracks, and folk music from various regions of the globe. Professor Simon Shiao visits the College from the US and will deliver this illustrated Port Talk.
Monday 30th
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College Lecture: A View from the City: Michael Mainelli
December 2016 Thursday 8th
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Port Talk: Introducing Schubert’s Lieder Schubert is the great exponent of German art song called Lieder. This talk, by Gordon Stewart, senior vocal coach at the Guildhall School of Music, offers a window into this magical world and features sung excerpts by College Members.
Professor Michael Mainelli, Alderman of the Ward of Broad Street in the City of London, Professor Emeritus of Commerce at Gresham College, and Chairman of the prestigious commercial thinktank Z/Yen, gives his authoritative take.
February 2017 Monday 13th
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College Lecture: A View from the City: Catherine McGuinness Catherine McGuinness of the Corporation of the City of London offers an introduction to the great powerhouse of the UK.
Monday 27th
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College Lecture: A View from the City: Sir Nicholas Kenyon Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director of the Barbican Arts Centre, discusses the City as cultural hub.
March 2017 Monday 13th
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College Lecture: A View from the City: Mark Boleat Mark Boleat, Chairman of the City’s powerful Policy and Resources Committee, discusses Brexit and the post-referendum world. ■
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#IAmGoodenough: C.K Stead (WGH 76-77) Much has been written about Mecklenburgh Square’s long and rich history of literary inhabitants, from Mary Elizabeth Braddon, who wrote Lady Audley’s Secret, to Virginia Woolf, whose life in Bloomsbury was written about in Issue 21 of Goodenough News. The Square has continued to attract the brightest and best literary scholars and writers, including Professor Christian Karl Stead CBE (WGH 76-77), who may be better known to some as C.K. Stead, New Zealand Poet Laureate and author of many publications including Death of a Body, Smith’s Dream, and his most recent work Risk. His career has spanned decades in which he has produced works of poetry, fiction and literary criticism. His work has won too many awards to list, and notably he received the CBE for services to New Zealand Literature. Karl stayed in London House during his recent visit to the U.K, giving us the opportunity to ask him about his time at the College, his work and his life as a writer.
‘In 1977, on sabbatical leave from the University of Auckland, I was a visiting senior fellow at UCL. My wife Kay and I were in a flat downstairs in Willie G with our three children aged 13, 10 and 7. What was best about living here was the many friends we made among people from other Commonwealth countries and North America, and the centrality in terms of London’s theatres, concert halls, opera, museums, libraries, restaurants – incomparable really.
Kay and I had been in London before, first when I was a postgraduate student from New Zealand, and later on my first sabbatical; but this was the best place to be, in the most fruitful and fulfilling environment for both parents and children. Later I was to stay in London House on quite a few occasions when I was travelling and working, as an academic and as a writer.’ It was during one of these stays that Karl began work on Death of a Body, which went on to become an international success.
‘In 1984 I was living in London House in a room one floor above street level and I can still pick it out from the street below because it has a small balcony which I used as a refrigerator as the weather got colder. The novel begins with a description of the room and of the Matisse print I had on the wall. I remember that I spent some days, perhaps a couple of weeks, on what I decided was a false start, and had to begin again. That took lot of courage. I set out and walked to Oxford street and all the way to Marble Arch and on into the Park, and then back – and by the time I‘d returned to London House the decision was made. So I began again and wrote the introductory chapter as it is now. After that it was just a matter of writing regularly, pretty much all day every day, with interruptions of travel to academic meetings and conferences in Milan and Arrhus, which somehow got incorporated into the story. The story itself was being told in London but was happening in New Zealand, and the telling became a very important part of the story.’ Following the success of this and his other works he was able to leave academia and focus entirely on writing.
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‘I took early retirement from university teaching at the age (I think it was) of 52, and since then have been a full-time writer, though still having academic engagements from time to time, at home and abroad.’ ‘My writing day has usually been: the morning given to the most demanding kinds of writing – fiction or poetry depending on what is currently in progress; the afternoons are for ‘other things’, meaning public lectures, reviews and literary journalism, correspondence. I divided my time in this way at first (and kept more or less office hours) because I was afraid that, lacking the pressures of students and a timetable, I might slow down, or even stop. That was a needless anxiety as it turned out. Since I was doing exactly what I wanted to do rather than what an institution and a timetable required of me, I worked harder than ever, and publications have gone on with almost monotonous regularity.’ In 2015 Karl became the New Zealand Poet Laureate, a term which lasts two years. As well as bringing their creative voice to the role, the Laureate is expected to keep a blog throughout their term.
‘In the past I have not been a blog kind of person, but as Laureate I have kept one and have made it quite serious, intellectual, reflective, literary critical. I’ve enjoyed this, though it does encroach on other kinds of writing. One is not required to write poems for public occasions (as the British Laureate appears to be) but it was gently suggested that if I felt inclined I might like to contribute poems to a project set up by the New Zealand Ministry of Internal Affairs to commemorate the centenary of our involvement in World War I – and I have done for this a sequence of poems. I also
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
wrote a poem marking the 75th birthday of the New Zealand Navy (which only became separate from the British Navy during World War II). Other than that my role is simply to continue as a poet, writing and publishing poems, and supporting poetry in literary festivals and wherever (including schools and universities) it manifests itself.’ Written whilst a resident at London House Death of a Body follows Professor Harry Butler who is obsessed with the Mind/Body problem. Unfortunately, this is not the least of his problems. Harry’s wife has turned his study into a sufi shrine where she sits cross-legged and chants for hours on end: ‘I am not this body...’ And Harry doesn’t know it yet but the Drug Squad have taken up residence in his kitchen……..
When Smith is left by his wife and goes to hide away in the bush he never imagines he will become the most wanted man in the country. Smith’s Dream may be known to some of you under the title Sleeping Dogs which was the name of the 1977 film adaptation of the book, which starred Sam Neill and was directed by Roger Donaldson.
Recently divorced New Zealander Sam Nola returns to London, where he spent two years in his early twenties. It is early 2003, and on both sides of the Atlantic the case for military intervention in Iraq is being made – or fabricated. But life for Sam has never been better: a grown-up, half-French daughter from a longago affair has recently got in touch, and he has walked into a lucrative role in the booming banking sector. It is only when he learns of the deaths of two friends within a week that intrigue begins to intrude on his contentment and life begins to feel a little more precarious.
Many of C.K.Stead’s works are available to current Members in the London House Library, where they can also find many other Alumni publications. C.K Stead’s New Zealand Poet Laureate blog is at www.poetlaureate.org.nz ■
Photo Courtesy of C.K Stead
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e r a u q S e h MufsHiisctoriynof tthe Bloomsbury Opera A Brie
Goodenough College has settings and surroundings unlike any other halls of residence in London. With high ceilings, sweeping staircases and golden crests it is a place that lends itself to the theatrical, so it is hardly surprising that the creatives amongst our residents have found it to be the perfect backdrop for a number of productions and performances. Jorge Balça (LH 2014-) was struck by the College’s theatrical potential when he first visited in 2006. He first encountered the College when he came to assist his long-time friend and collaborator Jessica Cottis (LH 06-09), who had recently launched Bloomsbury Opera, an in-house
Jorge returned to the College in 2015, but this time as a Member and he took over the reins of Bloomsbury Opera, launching the 2015 season with a double bill under the title Of Love and Cake. A delightful mix of theatre and opera Of Love and Cake was a one woman show about performance, love, and cake! This success was followed in 2016 by William Walton’s opera The Bear, based on the Chekov play of the same name; it was performed with a full orchestra in the Great Hall.
opera company featuring Members and others from London’s student and semi-professional operatic community. Jessica and Jorge had previously worked together during time with the British Youth Opera and they took to their newest project with the same commitment and creativity. They began with The Magic Flute. With Jessica conducting and Jorge directing it was the start of something wonderful and they went on to work together on a number of productions before Jessica moved on from the College. She has since gone on to forge an outstanding career as a conductor, most recently seen back in London for the 2016 BBC Proms.
Bloomsbury Opera continues to be a springboard to many careers, including those behind the scenes. The collaborative experience of putting on a show has many
The Magic Flute
Bloomsbury Festival, 2007
The 2007 production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute saw the action set within the pages of a comic book. A bold and innovative take on this classic opera. Conductor: Jessica Cottis Director: Jorge Balça
Don Giovanni
London Fashion Week, 2008 With costumes from 2008’s London Fashion Week’s awardwinning young fashion designer Nuno Reis, this cutting edge production of Don Giovanni was where opera met the fashion scene. Conductor: Jessica Cottis Director: Jorge Balça
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Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
Die Fledermaus 2009 Set in London 1940 this classic tale of mistaken identities, old grudges, jailbreaks, confidence tricks and true love took on a stylish twist Conductor: Jessica Cottis Director: Ian Mackenzie-Thurley
benefits for those looking for a start in a variety of industries. But it’s not just those involved with the productions that benefit from them, it’s the entire College and surrounding community. A night at the opera in Central London can be prohibitively expensive, but a ticket to the Bloomsbury Opera is affordable to those on even the tightest of budgets. Bloomsbury Opera has a mission to offer the kind of show you may not be able to find elsewhere. With librettos either originally in English, or translated, and productions that are sitespecific to the College, Jorge hopes
that this will ensure that opera remains accessible to the College community, and to a wider London audience. The 2016-17 season will launch with Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, a one act opera which is dark in character but bright in setting, plus a very special surprise. A night at the opera is always a night to remember so keep an eye out for The Goods, which will be the first place we advertise tickets, and this is definitely a show you won’t want to miss. ■
Of Love & Cake 2015 An unusual mix of opera and theatre, Of Love and Cake celebrated the works of French playwright Jean Cocteau (18891963) and American composer Lee Hoiby (1926–2011). An opera within a play ‘Of Love and Cake’ was a one woman show staged in the intimate setting of the LH Large Common Room. Director: Jorge Balça
Hansel & Gretel 2010 The classic tale of Hansel & Gretel took on a dark and fantastical slant in this eye-catching production set in 1970’s Britain. Conductor: Jessica Cottis Director: Ian Mackenzie-Thurley
The Bear 2016 This stripped back production was an extravaganza in one act, with an explosive finale! Conductor: Ray Chan Director: Jorge Balça
Jorge Balça Jorge is currently completing his doctoral research at the University of Portsmouth entitled When a Voice Is Not Enough: the existentialist opera performer as auteur, exploring drama movement creative strategies for opera performers with a grant from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal, EU).
Jorge is co-founder and the current artistic director of Bloomsbury Opera and has been instrumental in organising LGBTQ events at Goodenough College, including Queer Night, a night of entertainment with headline performers from London’s legendary cabaret scene, which was a part of the College’s Community & Welfare SEXuality Week.
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Art Week 2016 LONDONLOOP2016 explored geographical patterns alongside ephemeral patterns of movement in our environment...
The College and the city around it provide the ideal inspiration for our Members, as they draw on the creative atmosphere that surrounds them. In Spring 2016 this manifested in Art Week, which was managed by College Arts Club Director Benedict Ernst (WGH 14-). ‘Art Week 2016 aimed to expand the brief of the 2015 Members exhibition into a week-long event of talks and film screenings revolving around the idea of pattern recognition. It incorporated these events alongside an exhibition of work by Goodenough Members currently involved in a visual arts course or proposing work responding to the theme.
Art Week reception
A number of artworks were located outside of the gallery space to include the broader Goodenough community and to engage in public areas of the College. Collectively, these projects aimed to awaken an awareness of these interstitial, unobserved spaces, and also of our routine and ubiquitous patterns of behaviour within them. These collaborative projects also responded to the same pattern recognition theme and were a great success.’ All Art week images courtesy of Benedict Ernst
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Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
...UP!STAIRS intervened into the patterns of the structure and space in architecture... ...EPIC FAIL focuses on patterns and their ruptures, by using colour charts to demonstrate how patterns can be assigned abstract conceptual systems used to make sense of the world.... â–
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Portrait of an Artist: Christine Kettenah (LH 04-05) Christine Kettaneh’s path to the arts took a route some might not expect. A career in finance initially beckoned, and it was a place to study Finance and Economics which brought Christine to Gooodenough College in 2004.
‘During my year at LSE I sensed that I needed to be doing something else. While my colleagues spent hours applying and getting interviews with the biggest investment banks and consulting firms, I was happily lost in my bubble in Goodenough. I was wandering in the streets of London, watching plays or taking trains to connecting cities, whereas my colleagues dedicated their time to figuring out financial models and econometric problems.
me in that computer room in the basement of London House. I will never forget how Megha and Arjun, who had just submitted their own papers, exhausted, and just a couple of hours away from their long awaited flight, volunteered to write a whole chapter of my paper. Thanks to them I was able to hand in the paper just on time – and earn a distinction. I was so touched by that gesture of kindness, a memory I will hold on to forever.
‘I remember standing in the square of London House one night and looking up at the windows around me. I remember thinking how they were like windows to bubbles of a myriad of cultures, stories and characters. They were like stars that flickered between light and dark, between presence and absence, between wakefulness and sleep. I remember searching for my own window across that sky and feeling the joy of belonging to that togetherness.
‘I went back home to Lebanon and for the next few years I taught economics at university while I studied for another BA, in fine arts. I later decided to study the arts full time and applied for an MA at Central Saint Martins. So I returned to London, just as I had envisioned I would, but this time attending to a more suitable programme for me.’
‘In the last two months at LSE I realised how much I was behind and had to do a lot of all-nighters trying to catch up. Failing was not an option. I remember the stressful final 48 hours before the deadline for submitting my research paper. I was so behind that every second mattered. I remember the concern on my friends’ faces as they constantly checked in on
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From here Christine’s career has gone from strength to strength. She recently won the Arte Laguna Prize in the Sculpture Category for her piece A Beirute, with a mayo blessing. Her work Mute Melodies has travelled far and wide – from Central Saint Martins to Hanmi Gallery in London, from Cambridge to the Beirut Art Center, from the alumni show at the Lebanese American University and most recently to Carbon 12 in Dubai.
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
‘I came up with Mute Melodies in 2013 as a response to my ritual of collecting metal filings from key cutters in London. Each bag I collected represented time; the time cut, the time spent in cutting, the time between one visit to the key cutter and another. I asked friends to entrust me with their sets of house keys and to describe to me the paths they would take every time they entered their homes, from the most outer layer to the most inner.
‘Keys represented ownership and power; what separated yours from mine. And I wondered what would happen if I retraced the missing bits and restored the wholeness to the keys. The retraced bits looked like a script and it wasn’t until you read my text in the book that you found clues to what the bits really were. You could also cut your own copy of the text/key along the perforated margins, leaving me again with the bits. Christine is pictured here with Mute Melodies and you can find out more about her work, and where to see it, at her website www.christinekettaneh.com ■
www.goodenough.ac.uk/alumni
Photographs courtesy of Carbon 12, Bassam Lahoud, and Christine Kettenah
‘It was not the key that mattered but the bits of the key that got cut, that space that got re-activated every time a key aligned the pins in a lock. As if there was a unique mute melody to each key, a mute composition to each set of keys, to each of my friends’ paths from the most outer layer to the most inner.
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Fundraising Update TAKING YOUR PLACE IN THE GREAT HALL In the last Goodenough News, we asked Alumni and friends to support the making of 30 new chairs for the Great Hall. There was a wonderful response to the appeal. We are delighted to report that all of the new chairs have been funded and named by donors. Thank you! The interest in this initiative has allowed us to expand our plans. We will now also be restoring a number of the original chairs to ensure their longevity. We are delighted to offer Alumni and friends the opportunity to name these historic chairs for a gift of £1k. The making of new chairs and repairs to the historic chairs are all being undertaken by the master craftsmen at Robert Thompsons, the company in Yorkshire which made the originals in 1937. Still run by the same family and renowned internationally for their Mouseman designs, they will be working to the original plans held in their archives. The outcome will be chairs which will do as good service for generations to come as they have done for the last eighty years! If you would like to name one of our historic Great Hall Chairs, please contact Mark Lewis, Director of Development & External Relations at: m.lewis@goodenough.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7520 1530.
BRIGHT FUTURES
ANNUAL FUND TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN 2016 From Nov 7-27th, we shall be running our Bright Futures Annual Fund Telephone Campaign, contacting Alumni around the world and encouraging their support for the College. All the calls are undertaken by College Members, under the careful direction of an experienced supervisor and the College’s Development team. The callers are fully trained, which includes their understanding of the many ways in which they and their fellow Members benefit from the gifts made to the Bright Futures Annual Fund. The callers will also be interested to hear your memories of living in Mecklenburgh Square and how
Telethon Callers in Training
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things have changed (or not!) over the years. Many are thinking about their first ventures in the world of careers and will value any wise words of advice you are able to give them from your own experience. We write in advance to all those we might be calling. However, we are not always able to get through to Alumni during the course of the campaign. Whether you receive a call or not this year, we do hope you’ll consider supporting our Bright Futures Annual Fund. You can read about our priorities, download a gift form or make a gift online at www.goodenough.ac.uk/donate.
THE MOLSON CHALLENGE Thanks to the continuing generosity of Canadian Alumni and friends, the London Goodenough Association of
Canada has been able to award the College £140k towards a range of important projects maintaining the quality of our facilities. These range from the upgrading of the Wi-Fi to unglamorous, yet necessary repairs to the drainage! These funds have been secured through the Molson Challenge, a matched-funding initiative by the Molson Foundation which is contributing CDN$1 for each CDN$1 raised by the LGAC towards the College’s capital priorities. Over $200K has been raised in gifts and pledges towards the match goal of CDN$400k. If you would like to make a contribution to the Challenge, and ensure your gift is worth twice its value to the College, you can download an LGAC gift form here, or contact admin@lgac.ca.
INCREASED SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS For 2016-17, we have been able to double the funds available to Members through scholarships and bursaries, thanks to donations from Alumni and friends. As a consequence, we have increased the number of Members supported and the size of awards. Donations have also made possible new partnership scholarship opportunities highlighted by the Director in his editorial on pg. 3. By allowing us to select our Members from the widest possible pool of applicants, scholarships play a vital role in keeping the College community diverse and vibrant. The more diverse our student body is, the richer their experience becomes. Entry scholarships as well as bursaries for those in their subsequent years help ensure our Members can concentrate on their studies without being distracted by financial worries and gain the greatest benefits of living in the College. To support any of our scholarships and bursaries please visit: www.goodenough.ac.uk/donate.
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
Founders’ Day 2016 Every year on the 4th October we mark the founding of Goodenough College with a thanksgiving service in the chapel. This year we toasted the occasion with an extended evening of celebrations, giving thanks to our Founder Frederick Craufurd Goodenough and celebrating the past and present members of the tightknit Goodenough community. Professor René Weis (LH 78-81), President of the Advisory Council gave the Founders’ Day Oration and spoke of the how so many years later we continue to fulfil the aspirations of those who set us on this path. ‘One of our Founders hoped that Goodenough College would still be welcoming graduate students hundreds of years from now. Since he expressed that view we have been in business for 85 years Some of the brightest and indeed grandest people in the world have passed through Goodenough College during its first century. They include the present Principal of King’s College London, Dr Edward Byrne, F W De Klerk, former State President of South Africa, and the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and current UN Administrator the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark. With 700 residents from over 80 different countries, this is almost the United Nations in action. The College is as diverse a place as any, more so, in this most global city. The College is as diverse a place as any, more so, in this most global city.
Through all these events I was struck by the intelligence and talent of the Goodenough students and could see how the environment of the college — physically and through its nurturing spirit — had contributed to the pursuit of their aspirations. Especially in the world as we have it today, an institution that fosters so positively the best of connections, friendships and talents internationally is only to be welcomed. To be associated with such an institution, its students and staff, and in some small way to support the shared endeavour, is a privilege.’ Such was the appetite to celebrate Founders’ Day that it was standing room only for both the service in the chapel and for the continuing events in the Great Hall. We hosted Members, Alumni and friends of the College, and took this opportunity to officially welcome some of the newest elected Fellows of Goodenough College. ››
One of our new Fellows, on being appointed, commented on his recent experiences of Goodenough College dinners, concerts, and Port Talks:
www.goodenough.ac.uk/alumni 17
Founders’ Day 2016
The role of a Goodenough College Fellow is to act as an ambassador for the College in the wider community, as well as contributing through expertise, guidance and acting as inspirational role models. Dr Orla Keily O.B.E Orla is an internationally renowned designer, known for her retro prints, homeware and fashion. She studied for her Master’s at the Royal College of Art and went on to receive an Honorary Degree from the University for the Creative Arts in 2014. She was awarded an O.B.E in 2011 in recognition of her services to business and the fashion industry.
Dr John Snelson John is Head of Publishing and Interpretation at the Royal Opera House. He studied for his PhD at the University of Birmingham and is a widely published author. His work includes articles for many companies and for such publications as Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Cambridge Companion to the Musical, New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and the Grove Dictionary of American Music. His books include The Ring at Covent Garden for Oberon/ ROH and Andrew Lloyd Webber for Yale University Press.
Dr Melissa Dickson (WGH 12-16)
Stuart Shilson LVO (LH 91-93) Stuart is a Senior Partner at Mckinsey & Company, where he helps to lead their global Infrastructure Practice, and Strategy Practice in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Stuart studied at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and it was whilst he was studying for the bar that he was a Member of Goodenough College. Prior to joining McKinsey he spent time as a commercial barrister, as well as spending a number of years as Assistant Private Secretary to HM The Queen.
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Melissa is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at St Anne’s College at Oxford University. Following completion of her studies at the University of Queensland, Melissa relocated to London for her PhD at King’s College, London. During her time at Goodenough College Melissa was the Chair of the Members Council. Her work at Oxford is on the ERC funded Diseases of Modern Life: Nineteenth-Century Perspectives, a five-year, interdisciplinary research project based at St Anne’s College. Her work on this project focuses upon those diseases, anxieties, and pathologies derived from the Victorian soundscape and new understandings of the auditory experience. ■
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
Latest Goodenough Releases A selection of recent releases from the Goodenough Alumni community. Catherine Runcie (WGH 61-63)
Noam Schimmel (LH 08-13)
The Free Mind: Essays and Poems in Honour of Barry Spurr
Presidential Healthcare Reform Rhetoric.
For over forty years, Barry Spurr has created a significant body of work in English literary scholarship, spanning a wide range of fields from Early Modern literature to contemporary Australian poetry. Edited by Dr Runcie, and featuring contributions from other Goodenough Alumni, this book is a collection of scholarly papers, contemplative essays and poems, written or contributed in honour of Barry Spurr. For more information, including where to buy it visit: www.edwinhlowepublishing.com
This book analyzes the rhetorical strategies employed by the four Democratic presidents, Truman, Johnson, Clinton and Obama, who tried to expand access to and affordability of healthcare in the United States. It considers how they made such arguments, the ethics they advanced, and the vision of America they espoused. For more information, including where to buy it visit: www.palgrave.com/us/book/9783319329598
Franklin Saksena (LH 62-63)
Karen Tam (LH 08-13)
Patient Studies in Valvular, Congenital, and Rarer Forms of Cardiovascular Disease, An Integrative Approach.
Karen Tam Exhibition
65 patient studies are presented to test the problem solving skills of the reader. An additional 25 patient studies are also available on the web site. Emphasis is placed on correlating the history and physical examination with the invasive and non-invasive data. For more information, including where to buy it visit: www.wiley.com
Rafael Leal-Arcas (LH 98-99)
The European Energy Union – the quest for secure, affordable and sustainable energy. “It is the first book to analyse the European Energy Union and the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change and also explains the five pillars of the EU Energy Union.” This timely book shows how the creation of a European Energy Union might be an effective and viable solution to the energy security problems that the European Union (EU) is facing. The aim is to make it easier to trade energy inside the EU. The EU currently has to rely on energy-rich countries for its energy needs, many of whom are politically and economically unstable. This places the EU in a vulnerable position. For more information, including where to buy it visit: www.claeys-casteels.com/eu_energy_studies_8.php
Karen’s current exhibition is on at Galerie Hugues Charbonneau from 12th November- 22nd December. It will reflect the start of new research Karen is undertaking looking at the intercultural, social, and economic exchanges and impacts of the historical and contemporary Silk Roads. For more information please visit: huguescharbonneau.com
Funda Atun (LH 2011)
Improving Societal Resilience to Disasters – A Case Study of London’s Transportation System. This book documents the outcomes of a study designed to explore ways of increasing resilience in a complex city system against disasters by focusing on the transportation system in London. For more information, including where to buy it visit: www.springer.com ■
If you have a book or album coming out, or an exhibition or concert coming up we’d love to feature it in Goodenough News. Drop us an email with all the details at: alumni@goodenough.ac.uk and we’ll make sure it’s included.
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Alumni Updates from around the world
Mary O’Rorke (centre) and family
Alumni Deborah Weinrauch (WGH 81-88), based in Los Angeles, and Patterson Simmons ( WGH 82-85), based in France recently met up in New York after not seeing each other for years. I am the blonde seated next to Patterson. They were joined by Patterson’s daughter Elizabeth, who was a little girl when they lived in Willie G, Patterson’s granddaughter Tessa, and Deborah’s son Ari who is determined to study in London and live in Goodenough College!
John Grant (LH 90-91) and Catherine Grant (WGH 90-91) visited the Square this summer with their daughters Emma, Nicole and Elizabeth. They made the most of London before heading onwards to Paris.
We were delighted to welcome back former staff member Mary O’Rorke for a visit this summer. Mary worked in the snack bar from 1954-1959 and took the time to bring her son and daughter-in-law for a trip to Goodenough. After a long career in the Indian Administrative Service and academia Alumnus Yeshwant Rajwade (LH 59-62) has now retired from all positions. He is enjoying his retirement with his wife Suman (whom he met while in London House) in Bombay and Poona, reading, meeting friends and occasionally giving talks on public service. He would love to be in touch with Goodenough Alumni and you can contact him via email: yrajwade@gmail.com or on the phone at 08080355414 or 09881143432 with the usual country code prefixes for India. Dato Syed Ahmad Idid (LH 68-70) is among 11 prominent individuals to have joined the G25. “G25 member’s share a common value that, while recognising Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country with Islam as the official religion, we believe that its administration should be in line with the constitutional provisions regarding the role of Islam guaranteeing all citizens their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and worship. To this end, we are all agreed that Islam must be administered in a manner that ensures justice to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as this is crucial for peace and stability in our multiracial country.”
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(L-R) Deborah Weinrauch, Petterson Simmons, Elizabeth, Tessa and Ari
This summer also presented an opportunity for a brief airport reunion for Deborah Weinrauch (WGH 81-88), her former Willie G. neighbour Poh-Lai Tan. They last saw each other in 1988 in Malaysia where Poh Lai lived. They have kept in touch all these years and although their time was short at the airport they picked up where they left off in 1988 with so much to share.
Andrew Ritchie & the Grant family
John & Catherine Grant
Hans Gutbrod (WGH 95-98) has set up a site to check out policy research from leading think tanks. It’s free, fast and convenient if you want the latest quality publications on ongoing policy issues: www.findpolicy.org. Agnes Cserhati (pseudonym, Judith George) (WGH 00-01) won the Hart House Poetry Prize with her poem, ‘Don’t’, which comprised of 15 short works, and was published in the 25th Anniversary issue of the Hart House Review (University of Toronto) in 2016.
Deborah Weinrauch & Poh-Lai Tan
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
you, gain clarity on your career and life direction, identify what might be sabotaging your ability to experience freedom and fulfillment and leave feeling reenergised and inspired. At the end of the session, there will be time to answer any questions you have about how coaching works as an ongoing process for your success.
Cecile McGrath (née Hoareau, LH 05-08) and Grellan McGrath (WGH, 03-04) welcomed the arrival of their son Alphonse (Alfie) Jules Murray McGrath on the 26th of March 2015. Congratulations to the new family from all at the College!
Maria & Sebastiaan van der Plaat
FREE Career Turnaround Now session for Goodenough Alumni with Transformational Coach Dr Amina Aitsi Selmi (LH 08-13):
Cecile, Alphonse and Grellan McGrath
Maria van der Plaat (née Sigacheva) (LH 09-10) married Sebastiaan van der Plaat at Goodenough College this summer. Congratulations to the happy couple from all at Goodenough!
If you have reached a level of success that is partially satisfying and know that there is more to life including a sense of creative flow, authentic leadership, freedom and fulfilling relationships, contact Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi for a one-hour coaching session. During this one-to-one session you will explore whether transformational coaching can help
Amina graduated from Cambridge University as a medical doctor and pursued her passion in international public health, completing a PhD at UCL in Epidemiology with Professor Sir Michael Marmot in 2013 (while residing at Goodenough College) and then working with the United Nations. She is a Transformational Coach and Consultant to high achievers who may feel stuck in their careers or lives and want to realise a career dream and experience true fulfillment. This session is FREE for Goodenough alumni but limited in numbers. Contact: amina@ doctoramina.com or book through www.doctoramina.com. Mention code GC2016 in your booking. ■
In Memoriam Dr John Buchanan (LH 61-62) 27th December 1932 – 2015
Lance McMahon (WGH 92-93)
7th September 1959 – 7th October 2015
Devendranathj Capildeo (LH 1967) -2015 Lee Blakey (LH 94-95)
Bruce Christmas (LH 1953) -2015 Keith Osmond (LH 57-91)
Dr Trevor Day (LH 1979) –2016
Professor Fred Donnelly (LH)
Professor Paul McGlynn (WGH 1981)
27th October 1946 – 2015
Keith Heppes (LH 1966) -2016 C W Hall (LH 53-55) -2015
Alistair Munt (LH 89-91)
Dr Hassell Sledd (LH 84-85) -2011
Philip Goodwin (LH 78-80) - 7th July 2015
G Mark Tredgett (LH 97-98) 19th February 1969 – 2015
Dr Wallace Levy (LH 58-59) -2013
14th April 1927 – 12th July 2016
26th June 1938 – 2015
5th August 1972 – 2015 -2015
Frank Ford (LH 57-58)
11th July 1937 – May 2016
G McNiece (86-88) -2016 Dr D G Cumming (LH 1951)
Peter Heginbotham (LH 52-53) -2014
David Hale (LH 73-74) -October 2015
Dr Lydia Sans (WGH 63-64) –2015
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Annual Photography Competition Each year Members and Alumni compete for the top prize in our Annual Photography Competition. Given that we are located in such an inspiring area there are no shortage of astounding entries. This year was no different and we are delighted to be able to share the winning images with you.
First Runner Up: Akanksha Mehta (WGH 12-14)
Second Runner Up: Derek J Groskreutz (LH 14-15)
Winning Image: Jessie Shi (WGH 15-16)
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Goodenough News – Autumn 2016
Ten Questions for...
Scott MacIntyre
Scott MacIntyre (LH 05-06) is a singer, songwriter, pianist and one of the break-out stars of American Idol’s 8th season. Blind from birth and a two-time kidney transplant recipient, Scott has overcome many challenges to forge a chart-topping career in the music industry. We are delighted to share the good news that since this interview took place, Scott and his wife, Christina, have welcomed their first child, Christian Scott MacIntyre, to the world.
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What is your most notable memory of Goodenough?
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Sitting around the large common room with friends late at night, talking, laughing, and making music together.
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I am currently touring in support of my latest album Lighthouse and my autobiographical book By Faith, Not By Sight. I am very honoured that the second single from Lighthouse, entitled “Remarkable,” debuted at #1 on the Christian Radio Chart. I am also a frequent keynote speaker for non-profits, corporations, and churches due to my life story of success despite being born blind and surviving two kidney transplants.
What do you think draws people to Goodenough? Its reputation for being a miniature mecca of cultural, intellectual, and professional diversity.
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What are you up to at the moment?
What advice would you give to people coming to Goodenough for the first time? Make time to participate with your peers in the creation and enjoyment of extracurricular activities in the college. In doing so, you will make memories that will last a lifetime.
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What was your favourite thing about living in London? The fast pace of life and the opportunity to continuously meet new people. My musical pursuits, especially in writing songs, were enhanced by every day being different and offering new encounters.
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What is a typical day like for you? I very seldom have two identical days, but a typical week may include lots of emails and phone calls, a bit of song-writing, some time in the recording studio producing a song for myself or someone else, traveling through several airports, being interviewed by a local media outlet, and performing in a new or familiar city.
In addition to spending a lot of time on music, I enjoy experiencing and critiquing new restaurants, listening to audio books, and computer game programming. I am currently working on a game app for IOS and Android platforms slated for release in early 2017.
What achievement are you most proud of and why? Marrying my wife Christina. We grew up as friends, started dating after my time on American Idol, got married in 2011, and are now expecting our first baby. Christina has loved me, worked with me, and supported me through so much, and my life is better because of her.
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What are your hobbies?
If you had to give advice to your 24 year old self, what would it be? Spend more time reading the Bible.
Goodenough 10 Describe in one word: Magical.
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As the leaves turn and Bloomsbury welcomes the change in season it seems a fitting time to share a poem sent to us by Professor John Davidson (LH 66-67).
November 1974 Retrospective The leaves are falling in Mecklenburgh Square – reminder of lives of intellect, lives of aspiration, spiralling towards achievement or grand disappointment, drawn from worlds away to merge and overlap in that momentary garden of England, green then together, soon to turn yellow, lapsing to brittle brown, all to be swept up into black polythene bags on a late Autumn afternoon or stiffening Winter morning. Where Guy Fawkes may burn to light the barbecue, in Mecklenburgh Square the leaves are falling. Professor John Davidson (LH 66 -67) Photo by Jason Beckman (LH 15-16)
Events & Venue Hire at Goodenough College Tis the season to plan your Christmas party and as an early Christmas present Goodenough College Events & Venue Hire are delighted to offer you a 10% discount on room hire. We can offer catering options to suit all budgets, and our Events Team can provide guidance and advice on all aspects of party planning.
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You could celebrate the festive season with work colleagues in the historic and striking surroundings of London House or William Goodenough House. This is the perfect opportunity to show your friends, family and colleagues just the kind of community atmosphere you experienced whilst living at the College.
If you would like to find out more information about parties and special events at Goodenough College please visit our website: www.events. goodenough.ac.uk Contact the Events Team directly at: events@goodenough.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7753 0587
Goodenough News – Autumn 2016