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Alex Kaminov and Lucy Baxter modelling the ‘All One Hatfield’ t-shirt (available to buy online from the Durham University Shop)
Hatfield Record 2019
The Master’s Letter
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Notes from the Bursar Notes from the Librarian The Common Rooms ARTICLES: ¡ All One Hatfield ¡ Anniversaries: Hatfield Hall /College ¡ Jevons ¡ Hatfield Victory of 1888 ¡ The College Motto ¡ Hatfield Annual Lecture College Awards and Prizes
16 18 20
College Sport
82
College Societies
111
The Hatfield Trust ¡ Reflections of the Director ¡ Notes from the Sabbatical Development Officer
130 132 134
Hatfield Trust Awards
138
Hatfield Merchandise
187
Hatfield College Map
188
The Hatfield Association ¡ Notes from the President
189 191
Members’ News Death Notices Obituaries & Tributes College Notes Forthcoming Events
197 203 204 212 214
30 54 58 69 74 78 81
Hatfield’s First Women Leaders (L-R) Yolande Wright, Professor Ann MacLarnon, Karen Cowart-Smith
The Master’s Letter It’s the first week in April and it’s snowing in Durham, Hatfield rooves outlined in white, vacation-stay students well wrapped up and heading for the Billy B, College staff out and about ensuring paths are safe, a crocodile of schoolchildren excitedly skipping up Bow Lane to the cathedral. After a year and a half, I still have to pinch myself that I’ve landed in such a beautiful and life-affirming place. I do still feel new, but only because there’s always something novel happening, and because there are so many Hatfielders who have been attached to the College for years and decades. At the same time, I feel thoroughly part of our extensive community which has drawn me in so warmly. As our new Freshers arrived last autumn, I witnessed first hand the ever-evolving magic of College life. Students I had met the year before on their very first day in Hatfield were now Freps, thoroughly established Hatfielders enthusiastically greeting the newcomers, helping them to their rooms, making sure they felt at home and answering questions about Hatfield, passing on our lore and customs. Our students are, as always, the heart of College, and this year has been no exception. The JCR has thrived under Senior Man Chloe Sweetland; the standing ovation when she bowed out of her last Formal said it all. Both Chloe and Vice-President Dom Berry have served for a second year on the JCR Exec, bringing much wisdom from experience and making a huge contribution to College life. The MCR, led by Kleo Papa, very ably assisted by Arya Thampuran and Gracia TorresBasanta, has pulled together many new members, mostly here just for a year and from all parts of the world. The overwhelming sense is that Hatfielders want everyone who joins us to feel members of a caring community, whatever their background, whatever their interests and dreams. Following the completion of the Jevons’ renovations last summer, all our students in residence are back on the main site and nearby annexes, and the newly named Burt Room is once again the centre of College social life. Visiting alumni comment on how unrecognisable the
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room is with its light and airy feel, glass frontage, and all-day usage, though when they happen upon the Sessions table familiarity returns. The newly paved external courtyard also attracts much positive attention, together with dewy-eyed memories of muddy games and competitions. As well as our resident students, the Burt Room provides a long-needed base for livers out to spend time in College, a place to meet friends and mentors, study in a convivial space, or relax at the pool table. With a very low proportion of post-first years now living in, this also greatly aids intergenerational exchange.
Hatfield’s Leading Baristas Georgie Burford-Taylor, Georgie Prvulovich and Rory Flynn
The two Georgies, our first café supervisors, ably overseen by JCR Facilities Officer, Tom Scott, have done an excellent job of getting the café up and running, with a well-trained team of student baristas. The new bar is highly popular, with great entertainment events arranged by the JCR and MCR, and highly professional bar service from Matthew,
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Harry and their team. The refurbished spaces, internal and external, enabled Lion in Winter Ball to return to College for a spectacular evening ‘at home’, superbly imagined and organised by LIWB Chair, Alok Kumar, and his team (see page 116). The major overhaul of Kingsgate House, started when Tim and Elizabeth departed, was finally completed last May and I was able to move in. This rambling, 17th and 18th century, typical Bailey house, cobbled together from stones, bricks, rubble and seemingly whatever came to hand, now has four outside walls that are held together, a roof that isn’t imminently going to fall in, and windows that boast a high proportion of wood rather than filler, as well as multiple licks of plaster and paint. My journey to the office has reduced to about 3 yards over Bow Lane, and I receive many a gift of footballs, rugby balls, and, rather more worryingly, a cricket ball and plate, over the high wall from Chad’s garden. Association members were the first guests to partake of a drink in the house, and to trip over its many small steps where rooms from different ages and stages aren’t quite aligned. It is lovely to be able to host students and other College groups in this charming house and garden. Sport has featured strongly in College this year, as ever, with many successes on land and water (see pages 82-106) including double victories in one week in the men’s floodlit football and rugby cups (see page 107) all cheered on by many Hatfielders along the side lines and river banks. Following last year’s snow-out, I witnessed my first Hatfield-Castle Day earlier in the spring. From netball to rowing, lacrosse to university challenge, Hatfield won the day overwhelmingly tradition well upheld. Ted Wood, ex-bursar and rugby coach, presented the award at the Formal in Castle. Having learnt that he coached 37 full internationals from the University, including three England Captains and three England RFU Presidents (one of whom is the current President, Chris Kelly) our present rugby team recruited him out of retirement to give them some insights. We look forward to the fruits of this Hatfield family venture! Elsewhere Hatfielders continue to excel, as in an uplifting performance of Singing in the Rain at the Gala Theatre, with our students contributing in every section, from leading roles to the pit players,
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technical director to make-up, plus multiple roles in highly successful performances of Jesus Christ Superstar in the stunning new theatre at Collingwood, and Die Fledermaus also in the Gala. Hatfielders acted in, directed and supported a long list of very creative drama productions, including the play, Ophelia is also Dead, written and directed by undergraduate Aliya Gilmore, which won Best Writing, Best Directing, Best Technical Design and Best Leading Actress, at the Durham Drama Festival, and is now destined for the Edinburgh Fringe assisted by the Trust. Our volunteering contributions continue to be very impressive, both nearer to home, and further afield in Nepal and southern Africa. Hatfielders participate to the full in the inspiring wider student experience at Durham. Hatfield Trust continues to provide an extraordinary level of extra support for our students thanks to the generosity of our alumni, through individual gifts and members of the new 1846 Club of regular givers (see page 130). Trust funds enable our students to take up aspirational opportunities, including competing in the World University Debating Finals in Cape Town (see page 150), running in the Paris marathon (see page 168), and creating an internship involving archive work at the Royal Society (see page 145). Trust funds also support students who come up against unexpected financial hardship such as family or medical problems, and enable us to enhance our facilities and environment, including kitting out the new cafĂŠ in the Burt Room (see pages 65-68), and purchasing new fancy blades for our top boats. We also initiated two special Lioness fund-raising projects for a studentship and a sculpture in celebration of 30 years of women (see page 130), alongside a weekend of festivities and a wonderful exhibition, promoting a very generous response from our alumni. Our new bursary scheme has been similarly supported, and from 2019, incoming students from lower income households will benefit from automatic award of a Hatfield Bursary covering the JCR levy, purchase of a gown, ball ticket etc, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent students engaging fully in College life. It will come as no surprise to readers of the Record that alumni want to support the present generation to gain as much as they did from Hatfield in days of long gone university grants and free tuition, in a wonderful demonstration
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of our community values. We look forward to being able to sustain these schemes in years to come. The present-day Trust has benefited hugely from the tireless team of my predecessor Master Tim Burt, and Trust Director Ian Curry. After 17 years of service to the College in various guises, Ian retired from his post at the end of 2018, leaving a buoyant and highly successful Trust, and numerous grateful students and alumni. As many will know, Ian is also a very talented artist, responsible for many of the Hatfield pictures we use on cards and posters. As part of his retirement gift, we registered Ian on a water-colour course, which he has found very stimulating. We remain hopeful of some further art work to celebrate our College and surrounds! Together with very longstanding Chair of the College Council and retiring member of the University Council, Richard Burge, we recognised their wonderful years of service with the award of Honorary Fellowships of the College. The Trust continues well, ably supported by Cynthia Connolly, and this year’s Sabbatical Development Officer, Rebecca Staats, who between them have developed various new ventures, including the hotly-selling cuddly Hatfield Lion, Hatti, who has started on his/her travels, accompanying myself and Tim Burt to the 3rd Collegiate Way Conference in Rice University, Texas (see page 8). Cynthia’s memories and knowledge of Hatfielders are legendary, and so many keep in touch through her. However, just occasionally, someone pre-Cynthia visits us, leading to a new definition of B.C, Before Cynthia, which she takes in good spirit. As well as Ian, we have also lost two other Hatfield staff stalwarts this year. Hard to believe Darryl McNary had only commanded in the Dining Hall for five years as he had become Hatfield through and through, but green pastures beckoned over the lane in Chad’s where we wish him very well. However, Moira Dunn really was a Hatfield long stay. Arriving in 1972 to help out one evening, she didn’t escape until 46 years later when she finally retired at the end of last year. Messages and contributions arrived from all around the globe to mark the end of an era from those who had come to know and greatly appreciate Moira’s presence at meals.
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Dining together at Formals is as an ever central feature of Hatfield life. This year we‘ve had a number of innovations, such as a highly popular County Durham Formal, reflecting the wider community in which we live. With a menu devised by our local staff, Food Services Manager, Will Green, and Head Chef, Colin Thompson, a speech from local student, Phoebe Sanderson, folk music including the Lambton Worm performed by Rebecca Staats, and odes to Durham from Durham, the Old English Poem and Harold the Dauntless by Walter Scott read by Natasha Bradley, we had a wonderful celebration of local culture and heritage. Other colleges are after the recipes – we’ve started a cross-
Thanking Hatfield catering legends, Darryl McNary and Moira Dunn
Durham tradition! Similarly, the MCR organised a wonderful St Patrick’s Day Formal, with guests from across all college MCRs who experienced Hatfield at our best offering céad mile fáilte, with Irish music, poetry and step-dancing, followed by Irish cocktails in the bar.
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We’ve also made great use of the beautiful SCR Dining Room, holding new style conversation dinners at which students have the chance to talk with other guests individually and round table. This is how we celebrated the wonderful Hatfield Lecture by alumna Rachel Skinner,
Transport 2050: driverless cars? Shared mobility? Better places? Smarter routes? A collision of geography/transport/engineering. Rachel, who is the President-elect of the Institute of Civil Engineers, graduated in geography and has since morphed into a civil engineer with sensibilities from human geography. Having enthralled a large audience with her lecture, students as well as representatives from Geography, the Durham Energy Institute, Durham Council Planning, and local community groups shared a meal and much further conversation with Rachel around the SCR dining table. A similar format worked extremely well for students interested in finding out about the variety of careers stemming from accountancy, who dined and talked with a number of accountants from different fields, led by alumnus Andrew Jackson, who works for the National Audit Office. We also had conversation dinners following the public lectures by our Michaelmas and Epiphany resident fellows attached to the Institute of Advanced Studies, Professor Peter Hansen from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Boston, and Dr Zakaria Almsherqi from the National University of Singapore. Students enthusiastically chipped in and challenged, contributing to lively debate on the history and motivations for climbing Everest, and the mysteries of cubic membranes. As ever, food-fuelled discussion makes for great Hatfield evenings, and our wonderful catering staff are central to so many College events, from everyday meals to the superb dinner provided from the temporary, tennis court kitchens for Lion in Winter Ball. This year, their outstanding professional service was also recognised at the university catering awards, where the whole team was crowned Best Catering Team (jointly with Trevs) and Bev Hall was the winner for Outstanding Contribution to Team. Very well deserved indeed. We are so, so fortunate to have such dedicated staff in our community at Hatfield. As blue skies reappear, the snow has melted, the cathedral bell tolls, and one more day in the life of College is closing, I realise how hard it is to summarise a full year at Hatfield. My overwhelming impression is of the sense of community comprising both present and former College
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members. It is very, very evident that there is no escape and no desire to escape – once a Hatfielder always a Hatfielder – and that the spirit of the College is upheld through commitment to ensuring everyone belongs and determination to make it the best place it can be. Ann MacLarnon Master
Ann MacLarnon and Tim Burt at the Collegiate Way Conference in Rice University, Texas, USA, pictured with Hatti the Hatfield Lion
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Notes from the Vice-Master & Senior Tutor As all Colleges in Durham are experiencing, and as with Universities more generally in the UK, students face challenges to their mental health that have had an impact on the workload which those involved with the pastoral support of students face. Local GP practices and other NHS services are also well aware of the increasing needs of students. College staff work closely with the University’s Counselling Service, local GPs, and other health care professionals. At Hatfield, we recognize the limits to what we can offer students, and are glad to have good relationships with the University’s specialist services and NHS providers. We also work closely with the student Welfare Team at Hatfield. All in all, we hope our students are well supported and so manage their courses as independent adult learners. Our primary focus remains not just on mental wellbeing but on personal development and wellbeing in its broadest sense. This year has been the last year of the Hatfield Award for Personal Development, our in-house Award which we offer to students who show that they have effectively participated in College and University life and can demonstrate personal development as a result. After this year, we will not continue to offer the Hatfield Award, as the University is introducing a new iteration of the “Durham Award” (yet to be given a new name) in October. The purpose of the new Durham Award is to enable students to get the most out of their extra-curricular involvement in University life and to see how that involvement can contribute to their preparation for “life after University”. In this respect, it will be a much-enhanced version of our own in-house Award. The new Durham Award will involve taking part in a range of cocurricular activities and showing how participants develop important graduate attributes as a result. Students will be able to “showcase” their achievements as a list, and show that they have reflected on what they have done and what they have learned as a result. It is hoped that the Award will help students to acknowledge, articulate, and recognise their development over their time at Durham.
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I am one of the “Engagement Hub leads” for the new Award. We have therefore been able to pilot two streams of the new Award. We piloted one stream called Sound Thinking and Agile Learning in Michaelmas Term and another stream called Personal and Professional Effectiveness in Epiphany Term. The pilot has provided the developers of the Award with useful feedback.
College has continued to provide a range of “brain-stretching” talks for our students. In Epiphany Term, we have had a series of talks called ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’ – described in the publicity for the talks as “Short, exciting research conversations to challenge, inspire, and broaden your thinking”. We have heard about wind turbine energy, “fake news”, and democracy in the context of Brexit. Earlier in the year, Scott Richardson, the Clerk of Works at Durham Cathedral, gave a talk on the restoration work on the Cathedral’s central tower, explaining the complexities of the restoration programme and why it was needed. He told us how the tower was covered in scaffolding, and how the stonework was removed and replaced. We have also had some very stimulating talks from IAS fellows who have been resident in College.
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An important outreach programme into the local community has been our schools’ mentoring project. We have active relationships with three schools – one in Gateshead, one in Hartlepool, and one in Washington – and over 40 of our students go to the schools to mentor pupils and to help prepare them for university. We hope the pupils will come to Durham University – and to Hatfield College! I know how much the schools we visit appreciate what our students contribute to the lives of the pupils they mentor; I am also aware that mentoring school pupils in the local area can also be an important formational experience for our own students. The University has been reflecting how it can encourage those at Durham University who are the first in their family to enter higher education. We are learning from and listening to those who are “first in family” (as we call them) and seeking to make adaptations to our existing programmes and activities to ensure we are wise in the way we seek to integrate all people into the life of the College. If we were to sum up what we are seeking to achieve, it is to promote the wellbeing of our students in a context in which we make sure that all our students have opportunities to engage with their studies and the extra-curricular activities that the University and College offer. We also want to make sure that our community shows the hallmarks of being mature and self-reflective, both affirming and celebrating what is good and worthwhile, as well as looking to be inclusive. Of course, there will always be more to do and learn, but we think – on balance – we are making progress! Anthony Bash Vice-Master & Senior Tutor
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Notes from the Assistant Senior Tutor ‘The first girls evolved the college. We didn’t change it. We didn’t tame it. We grew it, and made it bigger, stronger and better than it was before.’ 1988 Alumna Thirty years ago, in October 1988, the first women arrived in Hatfield. They were in for a bumpy start. The JCR had put up a considerable fight against the formal admission of women students; 75% of undergraduates voted against the proposal to admit women in 1983. All Male No More!, our College exhibition (February-March 2019), charted this period of change at Hatfield and for the first time, revealed the experiences of the first Hatfield Women. The exhibition took visitors through the history of women in Durham, starting with the women who were evacuated to Hatfield from Neville’s Cross teacher training college during the Second World War.
Neville's Cross College Women at Hatfield, 1944 Ref: UND/F7/FK2
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Archival records only reveal so much about the experiences of Hatfield’s first women students. Through a series of questionnaires devised by current students and answered by some of the first Hatfield women, we gained a valuable insight into what life was like in 1980s Hatfield. As one Alumna stipulated in answering our students’ questions: ‘you take the good, the bad and the ugly, and don’t gloss over the hard times we all had’. I sincerely hope the exhibition fulfilled this wish. The exhibition also included several objects, including the original [Keep Hatfield] ‘All Male’ t-shirts designed and worn from 1985, the ‘All Male’ stickers, and the Hatfield Women’s response: tshirts with the slogan ‘First Baps – they’re out and about’, which women made to mark their arrival in 1988-89. We are very grateful to the alumni who kindly loaned these t-shirts for the exhibition. In line with this sartorial college tradition, we have produced ‘All One’ t-shirts and stickers to celebrate our proudly inclusive College and community in 2018-19. You can read more about the exhibition later in the Record (see page 44). All Male No More! was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Hatfield Trust, and the hard work of the students and staff who contributed towards its success. Francesca d’Enno and Amelia Holden devised an innovative photo project ‘Hatfield, 30 years on’, which captured current Freshers around College with their thoughts on equality in the twenty-first century. I would like to thank Dr Lara Green, College Mentor and SCR member, who spent a month in the College archives during the summer of 2018 and found a treasure trove of minute books, letters and notes from the Hatfield Governing Body of 1980s. Interestingly, the JCR minute book from 1988 is missing – if any alumni have it in their attics it would be gratefully received into the archives! I am also grateful to Rebecca Staats and Lindsay Macnaughton for their help in bringing the exhibition together, and to Martha Stewart for coordinating the oral history questionnaires. Students made audio recordings of women’s responses to the questionnaires and these played on a loop at the exhibition. The ‘All One’ theme has connected other events throughout the college year, such as the Alumni Weekend (see page 37) and Induction Week 2018. Senior Freps Rory Flynn and Sam Goring put on a fantastic
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welcome for our new students, enveloping them in the Hatfield spirit and passing on our quirky traditions to a new cohort of students. Our students shape the Hatfield spirit for 2019: a community where individuals look out for one another and members create a supportive yet challenging environment in which to study, learn and grow. It has been a particular pleasure to work with the three student welfare officers this year: Kathryn Rogers and Ciara McEvoy (JCR) and Emmanuela Wroth (MCR), who together have done a huge amount to support their peers. Hatfielders demonstrate the enormous value of belonging to a college community: small enough to know each other and staff, but large enough to offer a diverse breadth of experiences and opportunities. Ellen Crabtree Assistant Senior Tutor
Setting up ‘All Male No More’: (L-R) Lindsay Macnaughton, Ellen Crabtree, Rebecca Staats
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Notes from the Chaplain The Chapel Choir continues to excel under the continued directorship of Matthew McCullough, with an exciting range of music, including some pieces composed by Matthew himself. Our organists this year have been Miles MacLachlan, a Hatfield student, and Anastasia Kell. Henry Chapman, a former Durham Cathedral Lay Clerk, has assisted the Chaplain as Honorary Precentor. In Epiphany Term, there were four organ recitals. The theme of the recitals was “Celebrating Local Talent”, and organists from the College, from St Chad’s College, and from Durham Cathedral played. One (relatively) local organist from York (Matthew Blaiden) also played. The Choir sang for All Saints’ Day in Ripon Cathedral, and held its annual reunion in February, with dinner in College followed the next day by choir alumni and current choristers singing at Matins and the Eucharist in the Cathedral. Special services this year have included a Remembrance Sunday Service, two Services of Nine Lessons and Carols, and – uniquely – a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the admission of women to Hatfield College. (The sermon from that service is published on page 48). The Chapel was delighted to receive the gift of responses composed by retired music teacher Alistair Crisp. The responses were sung in November and May when the Choir sang Evensong in the Cathedral. We are also delighted to have sung Collegium St Chad, composed by Tristan Latchford, the Director of Music of Chad’s Chapel Choir. The Choir and chapel members are in good heart, and the Chapel continues to welcome people of all faiths and of none. The choir and organists are excellent, and one of the aims of the Chapel community is to provide a space for all people who wish to engage with their faith and/or spirituality. Anthony Bash Chaplain
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Notes from the Bursar The completion of the major refurbishment of Jevons in July 2018, which cost £5 million, has certainly improved facilities for students and staff (see page 65). A multi-purpose ground floor area, the Burt Room, provides extended social space including a meeting room, café, laundry and bar with extensive audio-visual equipment for events. The level landscaping area with picnic benches has provided additional space for students to relax or study. The bedrooms have all been fully refurbished to a high standard, including the installation of en suite bathrooms. During the Colleges’ Division Waste Awareness Week in October 2018, nine Colleges took part in the Love Food Hate Waste competition. The Hatfield College Catering Team and students reduced plate waste in College by an impressive 0.16kg per person, and we were awarded the sought-after John Turner Trophy! We have set a strong marker for other colleges to try to beat next year. Michelle Crawford Bursar
The Bursar (second from the left) with members of the Catering Team
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Welcome to new members of staff (L-R) David Embleton (Operations Support), Rebecca Jackson (Receptionist) and Will Green (Food & Beverage Services Manager)
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Notes from the Librarian Durham University has been expanding rapidly; with the move this year of the two Stockton Colleges to the Durham campus, and increasing student numbers, study space across the University has been in extremely high-demand. This has certainly had a knock-on effect to colleges, but Hatfield students have continued to find that our College Library – wellstocked with numerous core-texts – is a wonderfully helpful resource to have when the Main Library is stretched so thinly. At the time of writing, all but two of our 36 study spaces here in the Melville Building are occupied with students writing their summatives and dissertations. However, the fact that we have such a great collection of books here has unfortunately made Hatfield Library a target for students of other colleges sneaking in and borrowing (often indefinitely) our books. At the time of writing, 351 books remain missing from our collection. To combat theft, in September, the two entrances to the Library were fitted with key-codes door locks, with a different code to the outer doors. While perhaps a nuisance for our students, so far, there have been seven instances in which students from other colleges attempted to blag entry into the Library, but which have been foiled. My sincerest appreciation goes out to all those amongst the JCR and MCR who opted to pay the library levy this year. The levy, which was made voluntary two years ago, provides necessary funding for library operations, book purchases and staff. It largely supports the budget to acquire new books, which keeps our collection useful and relevant to students. In the 2017-18 year, a total of 182 books were purchased for the Library, and so far this academic year, we have purchased 177 new books, 75 of which were specific requests made by students. Our book budget has also been supplemented with a successful dissertation binding service for finalists. Last year over 100 students’ dissertations were bound, earning £1140 for the Library. Furthermore,
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108 donated books have been added to the collection this year, about half of which were donations from graduating students in June 2018, and half of which were donations from generous alumni. Many thanks to those who have donated! We have a great Library assistant team this year: Jack Dowell and Phillippa Edge who started in 2016 are working for a third year; Wing Chung, Sean Moran, Helena Bostyn, and Melody Bishop who returned to work a second year, and Quinn Higgins, Declan Merrington, Oyinda Akomolafe, Alex Krajewski, Abigail Steed, and Patricia Hu who started in October 2018. The student library assistants have been doing a brilliant job providing friendly service for Library users and helping me with various much-needed projects. One such project this year has been a significant weed of old textbooks. With over 8400 books in the collection now, Hatfield Library has reached nearly maximum-capacity on the shelves, even despite the addition of four more shelves over the past summer. So far over 200 books have been removed from the collection, comprising law, business and economics, computing, and science texts that have not been used in over a decade, or of which there are much newer editions available. The overall mission of Hatfield Library is to continually refresh our collection to ensure our relevance and importance to the College and its students. To support that aim we are always happy to accept donations of modern editions of academic books and/or financial donations. Many thanks! Kevin Sheehan Librarian
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The Junior Common Room Senior Man Chair Communities Officer Facilities Officer Secretary Social Secretary Sports & Societies Officer Treasurer Vice-President (Discipline) Welfare Officer
: : : : : : : : : :
Chloe Sweetland Jasmine Mansfield Emily Shailer Thomas Scott Dominic Cornfield Samuel Goring Lauren Newbould Niloufar Heidari Kaidan Dominic Berry Kathryn Rogers
Hatfield JCR has continued to be the heart of Durham life for Hatfield undergraduates. As ever, we have a huge range of dedicated students engaging and working hard to make the JCR a better place for everyone. I hope through my report and others in the Record you will gain an insight into our rich and welcoming community. The Burt Room has become the social hub of Hatfield. After a year of having the ‘bar-quee’ and a number of delays, the return of the bar was highly anticipated. Whilst the success of our bar was easily foreseen, the café exceeded all expectations. Throughout the day the space is buzzing with a range of students working, socialising or playing pool. In the evening, College Songs have returned to the bar, and, with the newly refurbished table, Sessions is as popular as ever. The space has proven very popular both in the day and evening; despite this we are working with College to improve the space even further. Coloured lighting is being investigated as well as discussions about how the walls should be decorated. Our first events in the bar were, of course, a part of the fabulous Induction Week programme. This year’s freshers had much to look forward to including an 80s night, picnic on observatory hill and a Ball, ‘The Great Hatsby’. As always we had an enthusiastic team of reps who were on hand throughout the week to help the freshers settle in. The
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hectic vibrant spirit throughout the week, and particularly on Freshers’ Sunday when everyone arrives, shows Hatfield at its best. The Burt Room was also utilised for a number of events over the course of the year. With our ever-growing student numbers, JCR Events attempt to attract those who are perhaps slightly more distant from College life. Halloween and St Patrick’s Day were celebrated with music and decorations. Also this year we have had many after-formal events, including for Christmas, and SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance). We also saw the introduction of our ‘County Durham Formal’ for which we had local cheeses on offer in the bar afterwards. Formals remain a key aspect of Hatfield life with many people attending them regularly. There have been very few formals that have not been themed this year, with themes ranging form Thanksgiving to Mental Health, from Chinese New Year to Energy Awareness. With the refurbishment of the bar completed, Lion in Winter Ball was brought back into College. The committee worked tirelessly to create a fabulous evening and also break new ground with aspects like the app. The music, entertainment and food on offer was extensive and a spectacular night was had by all. Lumley Castle Ball, predominantly for finalists, was again incredibly successful with its Fire and Ice theme. Michaelmas Ball, for freshers, was more accessible than ever with tickets being subsidised to £25. This ticket bought a delightful evening under the ‘Northern Lights’ with a three course meal and entertainment from a string quartet and our very own Kinky Jeff. Celebrations for 30 Years of Women at Hatfield were extremely popular, with the after-party hosted by the JCR. In the year marking 30 years of women at Hatfield, it was also great to see our communities’ teams being as strong as ever. From themed formals to Pride Week, it is positive to see so many people getting involved. LGBT has been particularly strong, hosting an AIDs Awareness pub quiz and carrying out a social media campaign for LGBT History Month. The disabilities’ community was moved over to the oversight of the Welfare Team which has proven very successful in terms of engagement and awareness. Our Welfare Team is always exceptional and this year has been no different. The huge number of campaigns run by Welfare, including SHAG and Mental Health, have been made
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even more accessible with the introduction of podcasts. These interview discussions with a range of Hatfield students have sparked discussion across the College and proven very successful. One of the most popular aspects of College life is, of course, the huge range of sports and societies we have on offer. Whilst the main focus of Hatfield’s groups is to be welcoming to students of all abilities, we have been particularly successful in sports this year. Winning the floodlit in both Men’s Football and Rugby has been an incredible achievement. We faced our long-standing rivals at Hatfield-Castle Day, and once again triumphed. This year saw the JCR debate a major part of its Constitution. With one of the highest turnouts to a JCR meeting in a number of years, Hatfielders came together to decide whether the position of Senior Man should be sabbatical. Whist the initial motion failed, it was later passed (on a temporary one-year basis) when the non-sabbatical position was unfilled. This is an interesting time for the JCR, as the coming year will allow Hatfielders to see any benefits and drawbacks of a Sabbatical Senior Man. The JCR continues to thrive as a rich and varied community. We are constantly working to be more inclusive and engaging to all Hatfielders. With our huge range of sports, societies, communities and events, there is something for everyone to get involved. As Senior Man, I have been so honoured to represent the incredible people in the JCR and proud of all the things we have achieved this year. Chloe Sweetland Senior Man
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JCR Executive Committee (L-R) Chloe Sweetland, Dom Berry, Kathryn Rogers, Nelly Kaidan, Tom Scott, Emily Shailer, Lauren Newbould, Sam Goring, Dom Cornfield, Jasmine Mansfield
The Middle Common Room President Academic Officer Chair Events Officer Secretaries
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Treasurer Welfare Officer
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Kleopatra Papa Bilal Arafaat Arya Thampuran Linyue (Jessica) Huang Christina Smith Gracia Torres-Basanta Kleopatra Papa Emmanuela Wroth
2018-2019 has been a great year for the Hatfield Postgraduate Common Room! After a successful Inter-MCR Masquerade Formal last spring and an eventful summer to distract from approaching deadlines, and join in the craze of its “almost coming home”, we saw another cohort successfully finish their Master’s diplomas or receive their PhD offer. A lot of work has been put into developing the James Barber House herb garden with special thanks to Rebecca Staats for all her efforts. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the garden had to be closed off while maintenance of the building took place. However, we make a promise to our members that the herb garden will return, to offer a great selection of aromatic and cooking herbs at the disposal of all! Our Induction Officers have worked tirelessly throughout the summer to plan what has been the best Induction Week yet! Complete with a ‘Noah’s Ark’ fancy dress social, a barbecue, picnics and a boat party on our favourite Prince Bishop, carefully integrated with all College and university events, postgraduate students were given the chance to get to know each other and find their bearings around the city. Additionally, we went on a trip to Hadrian’s Wall which was also popular with returning students and gave them a chance to integrate with our new cohort!
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25 The ‘Noah’s Ark’ Fancy Dress Social during Induction Week
After the Welcome Dinner organised by College following Induction Week, our students quickly embraced the tradition of formal dinners. The MCR had a strong representation at the Hatfield Association Formal in February, with four members hosting alumni for the evening. Moreover, our ‘Around the World’ International MCR-only Formal was a hit, with a special menu featuring dishes from different cuisines. Our Inter-MCR Formal in March celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and was followed by entertainment in the Burt Room, including themed drinks and a photo-booth. On the night we also raised money for Wear Valley Women’s Aid, in honour of International Women’s Day. We were extremely happy to sell out all our tickets and have a full dining hall! The MCR Exec has also been largely concerned with the academic nurturing of our members. The MCR Research Symposia have been a cornerstone in the life of MCR members. We have worked hard to ensure that we provide a safe, informal space to discuss academic matters within many disciplines where students can improve their presentations skills and practice for conferences. Finally, with the support of the Hatfield Trust, the MCR Research Awards have, for another year, given our members the opportunity to travel outside of Durham to promote their academic development and further their research. This year members have travelled as far as Brazil to present their findings while others have been on field trips all around Europe and Africa. This has been a complicated, albeit rewarding year for the MCR. Celebrating 30 years of women in Hatfield, members of the MCR contributed to the ‘All Male No More!’ exhibition and a large financial contribution was made by the MCR towards the Lioness Sculpture that will be in Jevons courtyard. While many rounds of elections have kept our members (and the Chair!) busier than ever, I would like to personally thank all the Executive Committee members for their hard work and, of course, all MCR members for their faith and support.
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I am also enormously grateful for the support of College Officers and Staff. In the past two years I have found a family in the Hatfield MCR and we have done our best to ensure that new students are welcomed into it. It has been a true pleasure! Kleopatra Papa MCR President
Hatfield postgraduates enjoying themselves at the Inter-MCR Formal
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The Senior Common Room Th President Social Secretary Secretary Treasurer
: : : :
Sophie Philipson Christine Kent Andrew Jackson Paul Bennett
2018-19 has been another busy year for the SCR. Firstly, we revised the format of our termly SCR meetings to include guest speakers. We welcomed the Master, Professor Ann MacLarnon, to review her first year at Hatfield at our Michaelmas meeting and then our Senior Man, Chloe Sweetland, gave us a very interesting insight into life in the JCR Executive at our Epiphany meeting. Both were very well received and we hope to invite further speakers to future meetings. Another action undertaken this year has been budgeting for future expenditure of SCR funds in support of College and our students and also facilities provided to SCR members. The results of this task will be taken forward very soon. The SCR has been privileged to host a number of visiting IAS Fellows during their time at the University over the last few years. This year has been no exception and in Michaelmas Term we enjoyed the company of Professor Peter Hansen of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and in Epiphany Term we enjoyed the company of Dr Zakaria Almsherqi of the National University of Singapore. Both have actively participated in the life of the SCR and regularly joined us for good conversation on high table. SCR members also turned out in good numbers to listen to the public lectures of our IAS Fellows. We have continued to encourage new members of staff to consider joining our SCR and also successfully increased the number of academic staff amongst our membership. Our social events have continued. We have enjoyed monthly walks beginning in Shincliffe, Witton Gilbert, Newcastle, Crook Hall, Ushaw College, and Wolsingham and the Weardale Railway. A wonderful
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Madeira Tasting event took place in November, led by SCR member Professor John Gaskin, and we joined the SCR of St. Cuthbert’s Society for their termly Real Ale and Cheese Tasting event. We have also continued to attend the termly Hatfield Music Society concerts and, of course, the College mentors amongst us have been busy helping students make the most of their time at University, including taking part in some pilot activities to help trial aspects of the University’s ‘Durham Award’. The SCR has been taking an active part in all that College is doing to mark 30 years of women at Hatfield, most notably attending the celebratory dinner which brought together a wonderful mix of College communities plus alumni; visiting and contributing artefacts and memories to the fascinating exhibition in Chapel; wearing ‘All One Hatfield’ t-shirts with pride, and donating to the Lioness Fund.
The newest and hairiest member of our SCR, ‘Lion-el’ the Hatfield Lion, has settled into life in the SCR well and has also been travelling to Tübingen University in Southern Germany with the President. Lion-el hopes to continue roaming the world with SCR members in the future… I’d like to thank members for supporting our activities and to thank the Committee for their work this year. Sophie Philipson SCR President
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ARTICLES ‘All One Hatfield’ Edited by Ellen Crabtree, Andrew Jackson, Janet Raine and Rebecca Staats
Introduction As many readers of the Record will already know, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry of the first women undergraduates to Hatfield College at the start of Michaelmas Term 1988.
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To celebrate this key occasion in this edition of the Record we have brought together a number of articles that provide a broad perspective on this lively chapter in the College’s history, including some words from a number of people who were around at the time. These articles include: x
extracts from The Master’s Letter published in previous editions of the Record which sets the scene (in March 1988) before the start of the 1988-89 academic year; and subsequently the contribution to Hatfield from the first ‘mixed’ cohort of Hatfielders (both women and men) who graduated in 1991 (published in March 1992);
x
the words of the song Hatfield Man which was performed by the Durham Revue around the time of Hatfield going mixed;
x
reflections from speeches at the 30th Anniversary Dinner on 20 October 2018 featuring Karen Cowart-Smith and Helen Hopkins who were both at Hatfield in 1988 and from Yolande Wright, our first female Senior Man in 1992;
x
All Male No More! – marking 30 years of women at Hatfield College, including reflections from current student Rory Flynn;
x
The address given by our Chaplain, Anthony Bash at the Thanksgiving Service for the Admission of Women to Hatfield held on 21 October 2018; and
x
The words of the poem All One written by Natasha Bradley which was performed for the first time at the Thanksgiving Service.
The UK in 1988 Hatfield is very different today from what it was in 1988, but so too is Durham and the rest of Britain. So before you read the articles that follow, remember that 19881:
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x x
x
x x
x
x
x
x x
was before mobile phones (there were public pay-phones on A and C Stairs however); the internet that we know today did not exist (the first well-known computer virus, the 1988 internet worm, was identified that year; and the concept of the World Wide Web was under discussion at CERN). Australian soaps were popular with viewers (including students) and in response to viewer demand BBC1 moved the repeat episode of Neighbours to a 5:35pm evening slot; the December episode, featuring the wedding of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell (played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue), was watched by 20 million viewers. GCSE exams were sat for the first time, replacing GCE ‘O’ levels and CSEs. The bestselling music albums in 1988 were Kylie (Kylie Minogue); Private Collection (Cliff Richard); Bad (Michael Jackson); Push (Bros) and NOW13 (Various Artists). In football Liverpool won the First Division title in 1987-88; in 1988-89 Arsenal won their first league title for 18 years beating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield. England were eliminated from Euro 88, held in West Germany, after losing all three group matches. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister; Ronald Reagan was US President; and Mikhail Gorbachev was undertaking perestroika reforms in the USSR. It was announced that the average price of a house in Britain had reached £60,000; in March the Bank of England £1 note ceased to be legal tender. New licensing laws were introduced which allow pubs to stay open all day in England and Wales for the first time. In May the Local Government Act 1988 became law, including the controversial Section 28 which prevented local authorities from "promoting homosexuality" in schools; three gay rights activists invaded studios during a BBC Six O'Clock News bulletin to protest about the introduction of Section 28. Protesters were heard chanting as Sue Lawley continued to read the news, prompting the presenter to comment "we have been rather invaded by some people who we hope to be removing very shortly".
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This compendium starts with some words from Dr James Barber who was Master of Hatfield College 1980 - 1996. The idea of ‘going mixed’ was first mooted in 1980 when Dr Barber stated in interview that, while he would respect the procedures and traditions of Hatfield, he would be in favour of the admission of women if the circumstances were to arise.2 It would be fair to say that a very lively debate took place during the 1980s regarding the change in admissions policy. We do not have the space to include the full history here but if you are interested in reading more this is covered in detail in the wonderful book by Arthur Moyes Hatfield 1846-1996: A history of Hatfield College in the University of Durham which is available to purchase for the very reasonable sum of £15.
Extracts from the Master’s Letters The View in March 19883 “A major change in admissions takes place next academic year with The decision came after a long and sometimes painful debate. However, already this has had a
[on their UCCA form]. In part the increase is explained because we are drawing from two pools (women as well as men) but that is only part of the explanation, for the number of men candidates has also increased sharply. Most young people now state a preference to live in colleges which admit both sexes. Another recent change has been the growth of the number of postgraduate students. Over the last three years we have consciously built up the postgraduate body so that it now numbers more than 50 (men and women) of whom more than half live in the college. The postgraduates have formed a successful Middle Common Room, and their President now sits on the College Governing Body and its major committees.
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The undergraduate student body remains a lively as ever. We continue to be well served by the Junior Executive. Theirs is no easy task in undertaking the hundred and one jobs that arise, responding to the demands of their peers and forming a bridge between the student body and the college officers. We remain the preeminent sports college in Durham, and in recent years have won a very high proportion of the college trophies, as well as supplying many members of university teams. Durham attracts a large number of gifted sportsmen and women and therefore it is somewhat invidious to pick out teams and individuals, but special mention is deserved for the university rugby team (with strong Hatfield representation) which has won the UAU [the forerunner of BUCS] trophy three times in recent years, and the college boat club which is the largest club in the college, and, as well as winning many trophies, has established a successful novices regatta in the Michaelmas Term, which has greatly stimulated rowing in all the colleges. Among individuals, special mention must be made of Will Carling who has played for England at rugby, a rare distinction for an undergraduate. Within the memory of college staff the only previous case was that of Peter Warfield. On other fronts, the college has continued to be active in drama. In music (with the Chapel Choir retaining its high standards), and in debating, where at the Union Society we have continued to provide a steady flow of office holders including a number of Presidents.� James Barber (Master) March 1988
A Strong Growing College - March 19924 “Walk through the college gates from the Bailey, you will discover that Hatfield is still recognisably Hatfield. Whether you were here in the 1930s or the 1990s, the old buildings – the chapel, the dining hall,
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‘A’ and ‘B’ Stairs – stand as reminders of the College’s earliest days. They provide a physical shape around which the College has developed over the years, with the additions of buildings like ‘C’ Stairs, Gatehouse, Bailey House and Jevons. We now have fine new outposts across Kingsgate Bridge but the College generally remains the same, enhanced by the trees, shrubs and flowers we have steadily been planting. However, your memory may be jogged even more if you come in term time and see the spirited young people who make up the student body. We are blessed with a continuing stream of talented youngsters. We have had no difficulty in filling our places with excellent candidates at Hatfield. We are a very popular college, and so strong are the applications that our Senior Tutor, Mr Barrie Wetton, has more trouble in keeping our numbers down than filling places. The excellent choice we have is reflected in steadily improving academic results. One reason for our popularity is another of the surprises that might come to those who left the college more than four years ago: the presence of women students. W , and women are now fully integrated into all aspects of college life, giving an added richness, whether it be in sports, the arts or academic work. College spirit is excellent. Whatever the university activity Hatfield men and women are prominent in it and we seek to recruit young people who have a range of talents. If I could pick out one activity that has flourished in the mixed college it is music. Under the guidance of the Chaplain, Dr Tom Curran, our tradition of chapel music (with the organ scholars and choir) has never been stronger. There were fears that the introduction of women might undermine the College’s traditional strong sporting traditions. That has not happened. Hatfield remains the outstanding college for men’s sport in the university. We still provide a disproportionate number of university players, and last year we had remarkable success, winning all the major men’s sporting trophies: rugby, soccer, and hockey in winter; and cricket, tennis and athletics in the summer. Has ever such a clean sweep been achieved in the past? Can any of the old members help us
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check this? We have not been able to find a record of similar success. The women’s main sporting contribution so far has been in rowing, and already they have produced some outstanding crews and are sending an eight to the Tideway this year. We also have some excellent individual women athletes, including this year an English lacrosse international.” James Barber (Master) March 1992
Hatfield Man Words – The Durham Revue 1988, to the tune of Billy Joel - Piano Man5
It’s six o’clock on a Saturday And the regular crowd rushes in There’s a young lad sitting next to me With a pint of tequila and gin And he speaks of a Trevs girl called Melanie Who he’s desperately longing to see ‘Cos she is pretty and sweet And their minds can compete She’s got t**s where her brains ought to be. So sing us a song you’re a Hatfield Man Sing us a song tonight With your cries of ‘All Male’ and the smell of pale ale It’s an image you all seem to like. Now Spod’s the theoretical physicist Who never had time for a life And he’s talking to Reggie Who’s also a veggie They’ll be ideal as husband and wife. And the boat club are practising vomiting As the rugby club slowly get stoned And they’re filling their sink with second hand drink And a curry of contents unknown.
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So sing us a song you’re a Hatfield Man As you bellow to everyone here We thought we’d not fail at staying ‘All Male’ But the girlies are already here. _____________ 1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_in_the_United_Kingdom
2
Hatfield 1846-1996: A history of Hatfield College in the University of Durham , Arthur Moyes, (Durham 1996), p304.
3
Extract from Master’s Letter in Hatfield Record Volume 4 No 5, March 1988.
4
Extract from Master’s Letter in Hatfield Record Volume 5 No 1, March 1992 .
5
Hatfield Man is one of the tracks on ‘Moments – Songs from the Durham Revue’ which was published as a cassette tape to raise funds for DUCK .
Celebrating 30 Years of Women at Hatfield The academic year 2018-19 marks thirty years since Hatfield first admitted female students, in 1988. We have chosen the theme ‘All One Hatfield’ to mark this milestone, which incorporates an exciting programme of events to celebrate and to reflect upon our college community. Events and initiatives have brought together members of all three common rooms along with our alumni. Our anniversary year was launched with a weekend of events in October, including a celebratory formal dinner (what else?!) in Durham on 20 October 2018 for current students, alumni and friends of the College, and an opportunity for alumni to participate in student-led events including rounders, a boat outing, choir rehearsal and a service of thanksgiving in the Chapel (see page 48). It was wonderful to have so many recent Hatfield alumni back for the occasion, including women and men who matriculated in 1988. The evening included inspirational speeches by the first Hatfield women: Yolande Wright (née Stowell) the first female JCR Senior Man (President), first woman MCR President, Karen Cowart-Smith, first female Master, Professor Ann MacLarnon, and Helen Hopkins (née Look), the first Hatfield
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woman to be awarded a first-class degree. The weekend was an opportunity to laugh, reminisce and reflect upon wider changes at college and societal levels.
Reflections on Hatfield 1988-89 at the Anniversary Dinner Yolande Wright (née Stowell) JCR Senior Man 1992-93 It is a great honour and lovely to be back in Hatfield. It’s also great to see a number of students - both women and men - from that first year of Hatfield becoming mixed in 1988. Coming back makes me reflect on the great times I had here; reflect on the friendships I made, and the people I met. But particularly for today I’ve been thinking w One of my first memories of Hatfield was arriving for my interview in 1988, to find a “Keep us All Male” sticker on the door to my room. Fortunately, I wasn’t left alone for long - a friend, and one of the first year of women in College, soon came to meet me and take me out! I’ve also been thinking about why I stood for Senior Man. I think I just wanted a woman to go for it. I remember eight men putting their names down and I just thought a woman should go for it too. I remember the hustings and the entire election process was pretty intimidating and I think I just wanted to show that a woman could go for it too. For the informal hustings, the expectation was to strip off (for me to some elaborate leotard/shorts/jock-strap with kiwis and a banana contraption) and drink a yard of ale in front of the whole JCR. Looking back I thought I was a fierce feminist. Now, I wonder why on earth I conformed and joined in. I participated – albeit with some compromises and lots of spillage.
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I survived the hustings process and I was elected Senior Man although not everyone was pleased with the result. Some members of the JCR wore black armbands, mourning the ‘Death of Hatfield’ and a big sign which read ‘Hatfield is Dead’ appeared on the tennis court. I remember that night, going clubbing (to Klute I think) and one of the Rugby lads coming up and shouting in my ear “It’s nothing personal Yols" - but it did feel quite personal at the time. And to be honest, some of it was 'bullsh*t' and I wonder why I didn't call it out at the time. I was a woman, trying to be like one of the lads. I should have just been myself. I even wonder now, why I didn’t want to change it to Senior Woman – and today, in 2018, it seems odd that the role isn’t just College President. It has been fantastic being here today and meeting some of the new JCR team. The College has really changed in lots of brilliant ways, while still retaining the H The Hatfield Spirit isn’t about those old, exclusionary practices, that intimidated people based on their gender or any other characteristic. I think Hatfield Spirit is, and should be, about much more important and fundamental things. To me, Hatfield is about: ¡
- for the subjects you are learning, for music, for sport, for discovering and spending time doing things you love;
¡
- learning that the whole is stronger than the parts, realising team work, the support of colleagues, working together in a rowing crew or\a choir you can make something more extraordinary than if you just work alone. ('If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together'.);
¡
- the College motto - "Either first or among the first" - or "Be the best you can be" really reminds us of the purpose of university life - to help young people develop and grow into the best they can be.
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It’s great to see the College embracing inclusion - welcoming and supporting students from all walks of life. There is a much larger JCR Exec today, with a much wider remit including supporting student welfare and inclusion, and promoting mental health. I hope everyone is now strong enough to call out exclusionary or sexist practices.... because sadly some of my experiences in the early nineties are still relevant today. There have been sexual exploitation and abuse scandals in my own field of work - humanitarian development. There have been allegations of bullying and harassment in our own Houses of Parliament. Sadly those days aren’t entirely over and the world needs strong voices to stand together, and to call out these things. Being at Hatfield is, and was, an enormous privilege. Make the most of the opportunity that you have. Be yourself, be fierce and lionhearted. Be the best you can be.
Karen Cowart-Smith (née Cowart) MCR President 1988-89 Thirty years ago I arrived at Hatfield College as an eager 25 year-old from San Francisco, who had worked in investment banking for three years following my undergraduate studies at the University of California. I start by telling you this because in doing so it might help you to understand some of the factors that made my experience - and that of the first cohort of postgraduate female students at Hatfield - very different from the experiences of the first undergraduate women. The MCR in 1988 was still predominately men, but the women and men were markedly more mature in that we were both older and many of us arrived at college having work experience following our undergraduate degrees. We also had multiple members, like myself, who were self-funding our postgraduate studies. And, the MCR “class” that year had several members from overseas; something which was far
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less common three decades ago than it is today. Compared to the JCR, Hatfield’s MCR membership had a much broader range of age, and diversity of work and life experiences…so the Palatinate headline that read “Hatfield For Girls” wasn’t a “news flash” for the College’s postgraduate women and men. Given the more independent structure and demands of postgraduate programmes, the MCR cohort, in that first Hatfield College co-ed year expressed the desire for a community in which we all could gather and “have fun”… relax from the demands of research… have conversations, laugh, and “eat and drink something”. So, though there were the occasional other business matters, the primary goal of the Hatfield MCR was to plan and prepare social gatherings for the postgraduate college community. Hatfield College has grown greatly in size since 1988; in fact, at that time, many of the college’s postgrads. were housed in the main college, and most of the MCR’s social events occurred in the H Stairs kitchen, hall and ground floor rooms - which I believe is now known as the Pace Building. My daughters (one now, pursuing doctoral studies, here at Durham and a member of Hatfield’s current MCR!) have heard more Hatfield MCR stories than anyone should have to hear, so I’ll limit myself to sharing just a few memories of the gatherings that created a welcoming, inclusive, and fun MCR community thirty years ago. There was the Thanksgiving dinner in November that year, which I (being the American) organised, while Michael and Bill did the shopping, Guy arranged for and collected pots and pans from the college kitchen, Jane and Peter scrubbed and chopped potatoes, and Marian mashed carrots…which I used (in the days before one could find tinned pumpkin in England) to fake a pumpkin pie by combining the carrots with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and evaporated milk. Trust me, after everyone had enjoyed a roast turkey dinner and wine, the whip cream topped “pumpkin pie” fake totally worked! Then there was the mid-December Christmas dinner… and again the MCR community gathered together for a meal… with decorations that included holly cut from the banks of the River Wear and lit taper
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candles standing in empty wine bottles - which were randomly placed amongst the holly sprigs. (I’m not sure that we were supposed to cut holly from the places we did, but I’m positive we were not supposed to have that many people in the H Stairs kitchen nor candles burning in College!) Again, for this dinner, the MCR’s women and men each took on individual tasks. Everyone understood that if we were going to gather for a meal, it wasn’t the responsibility (or even the particular skill set) of one gender. There was the Burns Supper, Shakespeare’s birthday dinner (doesn’t everyone in England celebrate his birthday?!), the time that the Master of College (a wonderful man - Professor James Barber) and his wife joined us for several hours dining over a MCR-made meal, and the MCR playing croquet and drinking Pimms - while wearing our gowns on Palace Green in the summer, plus so many other socials. These memories may sound trite and old hat; however, what I hope you will take away is that community thrives when there is diversity, with EVERYONE being treated with respect and valued, and when all members of the community participate. Integration is only a problem if we choose to see it as something threatening. There is power in perspective. Get to know your college community and become involved. This will make you not only a better member of our College, but of the communities where you will live and work after your time at Hatfield. I propose a toast to the women of Hatfield, past, present and future. To the men of Hatfield. Long may the Hatfield pride thrive by recognising that strength is found in diversity, and that community is created when EVERYONE has a place at the table.
Helen Hopkins (née Look) 1988-91 It was a real privilege to celebrate the 30th anniversary of official admission of female undergraduates in 1988. I joined Hatfield as one of a group of circa 35 girls in a College of circa 400 men. Having
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grown up with two brothers and a mixed education all the way through to the age of 18 I was quite surprised with the "All Male” slogans; chanting and spooning in the early weeks of Hatfield. You certainly made sure that you didn't walk into the dining hall late on formal meals! The other surprise was the late night thundering on the doors in A Stairs; when groups of guys used to run up and down the stairs banging on the doors and shouting/singing "All Male" chants and songs. This spurred us on to quickly establish our presence in the college: we got together and quickly set up all women 4s rowing for Hatfield. We would meet outside the boathouse at 6.30am most mornings in the dark and frost - to be put through our paces on the river with a brilliant male coach called Mark Duckworth. Having got a presence in rowing, we then turned our attention to setting up a Hatfield women's hockey team - where I talked the men's hockey captain (Rob Kydd) into being the Referee for our matches against other colleges. We then set up a mixed hockey team and mixed 'friendly' matches which really helped with integration and inclusion. Our time at Hatfield was an amazing, life enhancing three years which really equipped us all very well for our working (and personal) lives once we had left this amazing College - our time here went so quickly! I think we all have very fond memories of the Lion in Winter balls; where everyone ended up singing the Hatfield songs whilst swaying on the old wooden benches. (We had to remember to wear skirts/dresses which were not too tight so we could sit down elegantly!). The togo parties in the Winter terms were also eventful; I remember being thrown into a bath full of beer cans and worrying about my togo (a sheet wrapped around me with a dressing gown belt) coming adrift. Some of the girls gave the boys a "run for their money" in the ‘Freshers’ Doughnut Run’ - keeping up with the beer drinking, doughnut eating and sit ups. It wasn't for me! It has been brilliant being back at Hatfield and amazing to see that you now have your first ever female Master - and what a great role model you have in Ann. Also it’s great to see another female Senior Man; a female Acting President of the MCR and the first female President of the SCR.
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As I reflect on the amount of gender diversity and great inclusion that you now have at Hatfield I'm thinking wouldn't be great to see some female leaders from Hatfield go on to become CEOs of the FTSE 50? I think there are still only 7 or 8 female CEOs across the FTSE 100; so there is still a considerable way to go until we see gender balance in each and every boardroom - let’s hope we can see this come to fruition during your careers. This would be great for business, for the economy and for Britain.
Helen Hopkins proposing a toast at the celebratory formal dinner
Enjoy your time here, make the most of it (it will really fly by) and take every opportunity that comes your way.
All Male No More! Hatfield College Exhibition (22 February—22 March 2019) Curated by Hatfield staff and students, All Male No More! explored and charted the change from Hatfield as an all-male institution to an ‘All One’ College. The exhibition shared, for the first time, stories and memories from the first Hatfield Women alongside records from the College archives and material culture of the period including the ‘All Male’ and ‘First Baps – they’re out and about’ t-shirts. The exhibition gave an insight into the opposition the first women faced, and their resilience in setting up women’s sports teams and participating in
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college life to the full. The exhibition also included a student-led photography project which explored how current Hatfield Freshers feel about issues around equality, college identity and student protest. In line with the sartorial history of protest t-shirts, our own ‘All One Hatfield’ t-shirts are on sale to raise money for the Lioness Fund.
The exhibition opened on 19 February 2019 in the College Dining Hall – a significant space as the centre of college life and one dominated by the male portraits on the walls – before being moved to the Chapel for a month. The opportunity for exhibition visitors to provide feedback has yielded responses ranging from the importance of college traditions (such as ‘spooning’!) to hopes for even greater diversity in the next 30 years. The process of looking back at our past has enabled reflection on how far the College has come in the past three decades. We are proud to now be an inclusive and diverse College community where students of all backgrounds call Hatfield home. Looking to the future, and in honour of this anniversary year, Hatfield has established the Lioness Fund, to support two new initiatives. Firstly, we have commissioned a female sculptor from the North East to create a Lioness Sculpture, to be erected in the grounds of the College, complementing Timba, the proud lion sculpture in our dining hall and
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visibly marking the inclusivity of the Hatfield community. Secondly, we have launched the Lioness Scholarship, a one-year scholarship for a female postgraduate student from a developing country where access to higher education for women is limited. We are very excited to be receiving applications for our first Lioness Scholar who will join us for the 2019-20 academic year. We are enormously grateful to all alumni who have supported our programme of events this year, not least those who have generously donated to the Lioness Fund and kindly loaned items for display in the exhibition. Here's to the next 30 years!
Student Blog: 30 Years of Women All Male No More! depicts the lives of women in Hatfield from their tumultuous entry to college life in 1988 to the present day. It would be safe to say that most students at Durham University would be surprised to find out both how difficult it was to get women into Hatfield, and how they were treated once here. The exhibition walks you through a chronology of storyboards which explains when specific decisions were made in Hatfield, as well as highlighting the stories of individual women throughout the College’s history. Opposition to the inclusion of women in Hatfield started when the initial decision was taken in 1986 that the College would begin admitting women in 1988. The exhibition shows writings from Hatfield College students at the time, depicting their widespread opposition to this change: some worried it would hamper sporting excellence, others that it would reduce the number of science candidates at the University. As a current student who has been privileged to encounter countless gifted female scientists and athletes in my time in College, it is almost baffling to read these student letters and opinions. I believe that shows why the exhibition is important – only 30 years ago, this was happening in our College at our University, and it would be a shame if that were to be forgotten.
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The depictions of the male Hatfield students’ reactions were truly something to behold. The most shocking element was the dramatic flourish with which they protested the decision, rivalling performances on national theatre stages. They wore ‘All Male’ t-shirts around College and University (one even wore it in his department photo!), held formal walkouts, and presided over symbolic funerals for the College. While these actions may seem harmless, however in poor taste, there was an underlying current of tangible misogyny which I am sure proved more injurious to the lives of women. Raids of dormitories were carried out, women were isolated and embarrassed in formals, and there was even a £500 bounty for the first man to sleep with a Hatfield woman. I cannot possibly imagine what that would have felt like, nor how feeling unsafe and unwanted in my own college would have impacted on my university life and performance.
The opening of the All Male No More! Exhibition in the Dining Hall
It would be easy after reading, or seeing, all of this to think one would leave the exhibition with a sense of disappointment and second-hand regret. That, however, is not what I took from my experience, and I doubt it would be what others take as well. The reason for this is that, despite all poor treatment and difficulties, women in Hatfield persisted and have become an integral part of the College community. Instead of taking intimidation on the chin, the first women of Hatfield
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combatted the ‘All Male’ t-shirts by having some of their own printed, the new ones reading ‘First Baps’, showing humour and strength in the face of immense difficulty. Both t-shirts are included in the exhibition. The first female Senior Man was elected in 1992. I am pleased to report we have had many since, including our very own female Senior Man this year, Chloe Sweetland. It is this progress in inclusion that inspires an attendee at this exhibition – to have gone from vehement opposition in 1988, to having a female Master, Senior Man, MCR President and SCR President 30 years down the line is no small feat. There is more work to be done, to be sure, but I am pleased to report that the Hatfield I know is so different to the one known by the first women in 1988. Any student who sees this exhibition should feel grateful for the women in Hatfield’s past, proud of the women in Hatfield’s present, and immensely hopeful for the women in Hatfield’s future. Rory Flynn Year 3 (International Relations)
Thanksgiving Service Hatfield College Chapel on 21 October 2018 I told our 22-year old son about today’s service and he was horrified that we might even be thinking of celebrating the fact that it was 30 years ago that women were admitted into membership of Hatfield College, pointing out that at the time Margaret Thatcher was in the tenth year of her premiership. He felt that the anniversary was a mark of shame and not something that the College should celebrate! It is also strange that we should be celebrating the anniversary in a Service of Thanksgiving in a college Chapel. I say ‘strange' because in many ways the Bible is a patriarchal and androcentric book that could give to misogynists much ammunition for thinking that women should have been kept out of membership of the College. One of our readings, 1 Corinthians 14:33b-35, certainly seems to demonstrate this point. The passage has been responsible for much misery and oppression for women. And yet, two other readings – one
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even from the same book – suggest, as I shall show you, that Christian ethics can be profoundly radical, and challenging to patriarchy and androcentrism. Let me put into context the two other passages (Galatians 3:28, 29 and 1 Corinthians 12:13) that were read to us. At the time when Paul was writing, three issues were facing the early church. The first was the relationship of Jewish believers to people whom Paul variously calls Greeks, Gentiles, or barbarians – that is people who were not ethnically Jewish. It is not widely appreciated that the early church was almost entirely made up of Jewish people. Members of the early church saw themselves as practising Jews who were following the teachings of Rabbi Jesus, whom they believed to be the Messiah. The question facing these early Christians was this: did non-Jewish people who wanted to follow the teachings of Jesus and who believed him to be the Messiah have to become Jews in order to be members of the church? Since Jesus lived and taught in a Jewish context, and since the Jews understand him to be the Jewish Messiah, the question was not unreasonable. To put it in the form Paul addresses in Galatians, do Gentiles need to become Jews in order to be Christians? The answer Paul gives very clearly is that they did not, and that their status in the early Church was the same as the status of the Jewish people. The only way to enter the church was by faith in Jesus Christ; membership of the church had nothing to do with ethnicity. Hence, in one of our readings he says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek”, meaning, God has abolished the significance of ethnic differences when it comes to faith. The Gospel and salvation were for all. The second question the early church faced was how were slaves and slave-owners to relate together in a church setting? Was there to be hierarchy which recognised the distinctions of their status, with masters on top, with all the privileges, and with slaves at the bottom of the heap?
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The answer Paul gives is that in the church there is to be no differentiation based on status, and that all people, whatever their status, are of equal status in the church. Slaves and masters, rich and poor, were all to be treated alike and accorded equal status and privileges. Hence Paul says in the reading we heard, ‘There is neither slave nor free”. The other question the early church faced was whether women and men were in an equal position when it came to salvation? Did men have a privileged place in salvation and in God’s plans for redeemed humanity? To put it frivolously, were women saved only to make the tea in heaven, and to make sure the clothes were washed, and the housework done? Paul says that, when it comes to salvation, distinctions based on gender have no place in God’s intentions for humanity. Men and women have equal status. That is why he says, ‘There is neither male and female”. There is to be no differentiation based on gender. The underlying explanation of what Paul says is that all people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexuality, socioeconomic background, stand before God as equals. So what is the implication of this in the here and now, on a day-to-day basis? The implication is that our equality of status before God should be reflected in the way we behave both institutionally and personally. Paul fought to establish this when it came to Jews and Gentiles: eventually, and as a result of his work, Gentiles were admitted into the church in the same way as Jewish people were, that is, by faith through grace. Gentiles did not have to become Jews in order to become Christians. It took almost another two millennia for the principles in 1 Cor 12:13 to be established when it came to slaves and masters; and alas, it has been only in the last century that we have seen changes in the status and place of women both in the church and in society generally. We do now recognise that men and women are of equal status, with equal rights, entitlements, and expectations.
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As with any ideology, we live split lives, seeking to live out that ideology and thinking that we do, and yet also having significant blind spots when it comes to practising and living out what we believe. We see this especially clearly in the two readings we heard today from 1 Corinthians. In one of the readings (1 Cor 12:13) Paul recites a formula celebrating the equality of all people in the sight of God; in the other (1 Corinthians 14:33b-35), he is as androcentric and as patriarchal as we can imagine anyone to be. There is a gap between what he professed and believed on the one hand, and the maturity (I should say “immaturity”) of his practice and the application of his convictions on the other. This is not a reason for rubbishing the usefulness or worth of what he wrote, as some would argue; rather, it is a plea for careful interpretation, balancing principles against practice, and allowing new insights about the principles change and adapt our practices. We hold to the underlying ethic and not necessarily to the ways it was lived out 2,000 years ago. I suspect that, in the 1980s, some male students at Hatfield were by today’s standards androcentric and misogynists in many areas of their lives. They will also have been young, foolish, and immature. Today, for example, I squirm when I think about the values I held when I was 20, 30, or 40, or even into the relatively recent past. We change, we mature, we develop – and so does the society that shapes us. I am not excusing the students at Hatfield in the early 1980s. I am lamenting that, even at that time, many of them had failed to understand how society was changing and how they should have been changing with it. Today we celebrate that Hatfield is a community of both men and women, and that it is a community that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity. We too still have much to learn. We still have our blind spots, even though we probably think we do not. The next generation may well laugh – or weep – at our foolishness. But at least we strive to put into practice that here at Hatfield there is the modern equivalent of “neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female”. For, just as Christ is all and in all (as Paul says), so we celebrate that Hatfield is for all. Anthony Bash Chaplain
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All One, by Natasha Bradley Men watch us from the walls as we eat Wondering why their cooks and cleaners Are reading Ovid and writing code. Focusing on our wombs they forgot we had brains And the fire and spirit To overthrow their glass ceilings. And here we are, Learning, researching, thinking, As equals in heart, intelligence and humanity. Here we are With sports teams to show the strength of our bodies And degrees to show the prowess of our mind. We are the lionesses of Durham. Hatfield women who are ready to fight Whoever dares stand in our way. Stereotypes held against us, Of masculinity and femininity, We destroy with each breath. We speak out Against domestic and sexual assault, Against men’s assumed right to our bodies. We stand up, also, for the men Who the patriarchy breaks down and destroys With toxic masculinity, Knowing our common enemy is not a gender But those who seek to confine us to them. With each passing second we redefine our College No longer an ‘All Male’ Hatfield That walks out of formals Because of the threat of equality, But an ‘All One’ Hatfield Who walks with the Pride parade. We are a college Of lions and lionesses and everything in between. We are here. We are ‘All One’.
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Leading Hatfield Women (L-R) Arya Thampuran, Chloe Sweetland, Ann MacLarnon, Sophie Philipson
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Anniversaries: Hatfield Hall/College As well as the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the admission of female undergraduates to the College in the 1988-89 academic year, this year also marks a possibly significant centenary anniversary for Hatfield. It was in 1919 that Hatfield actually became Hatfield College, having previously been Bishop Hatfield’s Hall, with the principal then also becoming the master. This seems to have been regarded at the time as more of a technicality than a change of great moment, but it might be worth considering a little further.
Postcard of Hatfield Hall, courtesy of Mark Coxhead (1976-79)
The change seems to be dateable precisely to a Durham Colleges Council minute of 10 June 1919 which stated: “It was agreed that Bishop Hatfield’s Hall be known in future as Hatfield College and its Principal as the Master, without prejudice to pending changes in the statutes.” The idea had been first mooted at Council on 19 November
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1918 when “a motion in the name of Dr Jevons respecting the style and title of Bishop Hatfield’s Hall” had been adjourned.1 The official announcement seems to have been in the Durham University Journal of July 1919 which stated: “By the authority of the Council of the Durham Colleges, Bishop Hatfield’s Hall will henceforth be known as Bishop Hatfield’s College, and Dr F.B. Jevons, the present Principal, will take the style and title of Master.”2 The title B may well reflect the enthusiasm of the editor and their simply changing Hall to C in its title as there is no indication that it has . Hatfield was not subsequently ever been other than H the only such elevation, or renaming, at this time. St Chad’s and St John’s had both changed from halls to colleges at the November 1918 Council, the Women’s Hostel would become St Mary’s College in November 1919 and Bede College became a licensed hall of residence of the University in February 1919. This may well all have been part of a tidying up of the status of the University’s institutions. Since the 1908 University of Durham Act, which provided for a Durham division and a Newcastle division within the University, there had been a Council of the Durham Colleges, and it may well have been felt that it was high time that University College’s fellow institutions, answerable to that Council, ought to have the same title of ‘college’; they are certainly all talked about as being ‘colleges’ in the minutes of Council before they are given that title. (The University in 1919 then had of course three ‘colleges’, with the College of Medicine and Armstrong College in Newcastle alongside University College in Durham.) The change in title may also possibly reflect personal ambition and Jevons’s desire to be on a par with his equivalent at Castle. Interestingly, the principals of all the other Durham Colleges’ constituent bodies remained as principals; only Hatfield changed to master. Or the change could reflect a desire to make something of a fresh start after the First World War when Hatfield, for instance, faded away to almost nothing, being down to just three students in 1917. It may even have something to do with the installation of the new chancellor of the University on 31 May 1919, the report on which, incidentally, refers to Hatfield Hall still as the location for the lunch on that day.3
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This reasoning is all no more than speculative, and the contemporary Charles Whiting in his still magisterial The University of Durham 18321932 regards the change as worthy of no more than a footnote (on p.237.) The first indication of the change within Hatfield seems to have been a Financial Committee meeting on 14 June 1919, which was recorded as being for Hatfield College. Then an extraordinary general meeting of the JCR was held on 18 June, as illustrated, which one might have expected to have been called to mark the change.4
This it does indeed do, though a seemingly higher priority on the agenda was the matter of a Hatfield representative for a meeting of the Durham Colleges Hockey Club, perhaps indicative of the higher status of sporting issues. The matter of the name change is noted, but it is not quite clear whether or not the previous evening’s Debating Society ‘entertainment’ was actually to mark this change. Unfortunately, the Debating Society records are silent on this.5 It obviously took a while
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for the change to percolate fully, and the 15 October 1919 JCR meeting is initially titled as for Hatfield Hall before someone has corrected the record. There was clearly no insistence on the new branding being applied in all record keeping practices in Hatfield as financial volumes continue to use the old Hatfield Hall stationery: the cash book is still ‘Hall’ in July 1919, job sheets are still ‘Hall’ in October 1919, servants’ wages are still ‘Hall’ in 1925 and battels are still ‘Hall’ until 1926.6 Perhaps in contrast to the change in 1988-89, there does not seem to have been any campaign against the change, or deliberate attempts to preserve the old titles. In fact, continuity seems very much to have been the order of the day, with the University Calendar of 1919 calling Hatfield ‘College’ but otherwise having pretty much the same introductory text about the institution as when Hatfield first appeared in the Calendar in 1847, perhaps confirming the change as largely cosmetic. Interestingly, a reminder of the College’s inception was received recently when an enquiry was made for further information about their great-great-grandfather, one of the original class of 1846, Thomas Henery.7 He went on to serve as a missionary in Japan for three years and then a clergyman variously in England until he died in 1878. Michael Stansfield College Archivist _______________ 1
UND/BA3/2.
2
Durham University Journal XXII No.3 (July 1919), p.90. bid., p.95. 4 UND/F7/E1/A6 which is incorrectly cited in A.R. Moyes, Hatfield 1846-1996 3
(Durham1996) p.113 as being the 19 May 1919 meeting. UND/F7/E7/A2. 6 UND/F7/C2/A23, A63, A35, A46. 7 A.R. Moyes, Class of ’46, (Durham 2004), p.41. 5
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Jevons A Short History Elsewhere in this year’s Record contributors make several references to the benefits of the newly refurbished Jevons building which became available for use again at the start of Michaelmas Term 2018. We thought that this was a great opportunity to take a peek in the archives and summarise some of the history behind the Hatfield College building we know as ‘Jevons’.
The Original Jevons House
The property at 7 North Bailey was originally acquired by the Dean and Chapter for £3,750 and made available for the University in 1835.1 The University Treasurer used the annexe at 7A up until 1912 when it was then occupied by the University Office of Works until the 1960s. Originally some students lived in the main house until 1840 when it was let to a succession of tenants including from 1861 John Gully MP. According to Thomas Whitworth, in his book on Hatfield, “Gully was an exceedingly colourful character”. He was the son of an innkeeper turned butcher and brought up in the latter trade. He inherited his
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father’s business, but in his twenties whilst inside the King’s Bench Prison, London he learned the art of fighting. He later became landlord of the Plough Inn in Lincoln’s Inn Fields and later took up horse-racing and ownership with particular success between 1832 and 1854. He invested in several County Durham collieries, a country house, Cocken Hall, at Finchale but he lived at 7 North Bailey from 1861 until his death in 1863. You can still see a plaque on the North Bailey wall of Jevons that records his residency and his achievements of “prize-fighter, race -horse owner and colliery owner”. was the ninth Principal of Hatfield and bridged the changeover in 1919 from Bishop Hatfield’s Hall to Hatfield College and the status of Principal to that of Master. Dr and Mrs Jevons had moved into the Principal’s House at No 7 North Bailey. “He lived in that rambling old building for such a long time that it became known simply as Jevons House. It was a long narrow building fronting on to the Bailey. Attached at the northern end was a very old wing used as a coach house with grooms’ quarters. Old stone pillars and a slab stone with a cross were saved when this building was eventually pulled down raising questions as to whether the building was ever used for religious purposes.”2
Demolition and Discovery Pulled down it was. Progress and renewal was the order of the day in the 1960s and Jevons House was demolished and replaced with a modern contemporary structure. This is how its demolition was reported in the Record at the time.
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Rear of 7 North Bailey - Jevons House (demolished)
A view (from between the chapel and the dining hall) of 7 North Bailey - Jevons House (demolished)
[Photo source: Durham University Special Collection - Gibby Negatives]
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“On 10 June 1966 the contractor’s men moved into Hatfield College and the long announced demolition of Jevons House began. Despite the massive construction and size of the building it was remarkable, and somewhat pathetic, how quickly it disappeared. In five weeks nothing remained but a hole floored with mud, and one human thigh bone, of controversial antiquity, disinterred from beneath the floor of a first storey room in Jevons. Just how an isolated human limb-bone found its way there, and the identity of the owner, are questions unlikely to be answered satisfactorily or convincingly. The police have taken charge of this grisly relic, and no doubt some kind of inquest will be held. In many ways it is a rather sad to see the passing of Jevons House with its interesting history and long associations with the College; but I think that it would be wrong to permit sentiment, unsupported by any more positive and logical reasons, to hinder the march of progress.”3
A New Jevons Opens Following completion of building work strenuous efforts were made to complete the furnishing ready for occupation in Epiphany Term 1968. “In the middle of the Christmas holidays it was discovered that the order for individual bookcases had gone astray. Literally on New Year’s Eve, sixty wardrobes arrived, and proved to be too large to be introduced through doorways and carried up staircases. During the ensuing week there followed feverish activity (involving almost every able bodied man on the college payroll), dismantling the sixty wardrobes, carrying sections into students’ rooms, and there reassembling them. Only a few days before the commencement of term, no curtains had been delivered, and there seemed to be every prospect of a nightly Hatfield cabaret for North Bailey audiences.”4 “The new Jevons was not simply an attempt to update the old building but to produce a modern building without reference to any historic architectural period. Two blocks at right angles were linked at first floor level by a gallery over a cloister. JCR and Library were built on two levels and the JCR was divisible by sliding doors. The ground floor in both blocks consisted of “general and public rooms. On the floors
above there were a total of 59 study bedrooms as well as toilet and
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kitchen facilities. Top floor rooms with access to the balconies were predicted to be desirable penthouse flats.” The story of the official opening was told by (the later Sir) Kingsley Dunham “The Master, Bursar and Senior Man stood with me on the
balcony. The great and the good of Durham faced us in the court below. What they were not aware of was that in each window of Pace its occupants sat on the sill throughout the proceedings reading his newspaper. It was a good protest!” After the ceremony the President of the JCR announced, to my great surprise, that the court would forever be known as Dunham Court.”5 The new Jevons building was designed by architects Bernard Taylor & Partners and completed at a cost of £154,000. In 1968 the Jevons building received a Civic Trust award.
Commendation in Civic Trust Awards
“In February 1969, we received news that Jevons had received, under the Civic Trust Awards Scheme, the Commendation in Group A (Dunelm House received the Award). The official citation reads, “By
replacing an inferior Georgian house and cottage on the Cathedral
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Peninsular [sic] with two blocks at right angles to each other, the environment of North Bailey and the College has been improved. The building skilfully resolves the many different levels and respects the varied architectural character of the adjacent Georgian houses, chapel (1853) and Pace Building (1950). An element of surprise is created by the break between the two blocks from North Bailey and by the view seen when entering from the Chapel underpass. A high standard of detailing and finish has been achieved with ashlar stone, matching brickwork, and copper.” It is particularly gratifying to note that, although we took second place to the much larger complex of Dunelm House, that this is the only citation, referring to any of the Civic Trust Awards made in the NorthEast, which commends without reservation. Vel primus vel cum
primis.”6
Chimney and Fireplace Saved The new architectural style was not admired by all however. In the County Durham edition of the Buildings of England series it was noted that: “North Bailey has been managed fairly tactfully and, except for
the forecourt of Hatfield College, maintains the sense of enclosure; for example the dull brick work wall of Jevons House (Hatfield College) on the E side has an effect not unlike the plain stucco front of the C18 Jevons House Bernard Taylor & Partners replaced in 1965-8.”7 Reference was also made to the demolished Jevons House noting that
“it had a good pedimented Ionic doorcase and an early C19 garden façade with full-height bow and some timber-frame exposed. One of the good C18 chimneypieces was moved to the Master’s lodging [Rectory Building], Bow Lane.”8 “In very recent years, [recent at time of original publication that is!] an attractive marble fireplace of late C18 or early C19 recovered from 7 North Bailey, has been reinstated in the large first floor room at the south-west corner [of Bow Lane House or Rectory]”9 [The fireplace remains in the Master’s Office in Rectory Building today!]
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From the Inside Looking Out (and Outside Looking In) “At the beginning of 1968, the new Jevons block came into use. Many were shocked by its economical architectural style, incorporating flat, plain brick walls, plate glass windows, and no curtains; the latter of these deficiencies, in particular, caused some concern, indeed, distress to the good ladies resident above the Bailey post office, who complained that they were able, with a variety of visionary aids, to see much of the immoral goings on of the inmates. We, and possibly they, are glad to see that curtains have since been supplied, as have waste bins and desk lamps, which may apparently be used these days without fear of shock, explosion, earthquakes etc.”10 Andrew Jackson (1988-91) __________ 1
Yellow Sandstone and Mellow Brick – an account of Hatfield College, Durham 18461971 Thomas A Whitworth (Durham) 1971, p30.
2
Hatfield 1846-1996: A history of Hatfield College in the University of Durham , Arthur Moyes, (Durham 1996), p93.
3
Extract from ‘The Master’s Notebook’ article by Dr Thomas Whitworth in the Hatfield Record Vol 3 No 10 Autumn 1965.
4
Yellow Sandstone and Mellow Brick – an account of Hatfield College, Durham 18461971 Thomas A Whitworth (Durham) 1971, p50.
5
Hatfield 1846-1996: A history of Hatfield College in the University of Durham , Arthur Moyes, (Durham 1996), p250.
6
Extract from Master’s Letter by Dr Thomas Whitworth in the Hatfield Record Vol 3 No 12 Spring 1968.
7
Extract from County Durham – Buildings of England series Nikolaus Pevsner, Elizabeth Williamson,(Yale University Press) 1983.
8
Extract from County Durham – Buildings of England series Nikolaus Pevsner, Elizabeth Williamson,(Yale University Press) 1983.
9
Yellow Sandstone and Mellow Brick – an account of Hatfield College, Durham 18461971 Thomas A Whitworth (Durham) 1971, p26.
10
Extract from article by CJ Winter and IAS Lawson in the Hatfield Record Vol 3 No 12 Spring 1968.
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The Jevons Refurbishment and Naming of the Burt Room Speech by the Vice-Chancellor at the reopening ceremony of Jevons on 22 October 2018
(L-R) Tim Burt, Ann MacLarnon, Stuart Corbridge (Vice-Chancellor) The Vice-Chancellor cut a ribbon to the Burt Room entrance, and unveiled the plaque to commemorate the inauguration event
The £5 million refurbishment of Jevons building and Dunham courtyard, funded by the University, presented a very challenging project, given the site on the Bailey and the very poor state of the building, which planners deemed necessary to preserve. The year-long Jevons project involved major structural works to ensure the integrity of the building, which had deteriorated very badly – damp, corroded infrastructure, and significant asbestos to be removed. Sixty-one study bedrooms were converted to en suite accommodation including two
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studio flats for the Senior Man/JCR President and Resident Warden, and laundry facilities and communal kitchens were upgraded. The ground floor bar was enlarged to become a multipurpose social space – bar, café and a partitionable room for meetings, presentations and workshops. This paves the way for a further £15 million programme of refurbishment and new build of college accommodation now starting across the University. There are many people to thank for the success of the project, notably Professor Tim Burt, previous Master, for his persistent assertion of the College case to the University over several years, ensuring the project was fully underway by the time he retired in summer 2017, as well as Barry Frost, Project Manager and other Estates and Buildings staff, plus GSS Architects, and Vest Construction, who all contributed to overcoming the challenges that the quirks of the building threw at them. Thanks also to Teikyo University, Durham campus, who provided excellent accommodation and support for 70 Hatfield first-year students for the whole of 2017-18, whilst Jevons was out of commission, co-ordinated by Bursar Mike Daly. We celebrated this successful collaboration with a wonderful joint Japanese-British evening hosted at Teikyo. St Mary’s and Grey Colleges provided breakfast throughout the year, and all meals during exams, for Hatfield students living in Teikyo. Deborah Richardson, Gillian Naylor and their team from University Catering, aided by Matthew Algie coffee suppliers, enabled the café to be set up and open for the start of term, trained with student baristas. Hatfield staff who worked with the contractors and worked around the disruptions for a year ensured continuity of service delivery to students, other College members and visitors. Thanks to everyone listed here, and, of course, to the students of Hatfield who cheerfully took to the temporary bar tent on the tennis court (the ‘barquee’), stoically put up with portacabin laundry and toilet facilities, organised the annual Lion in Winter Ball offsite, and creatively sustained Hatfield Day in College without the bar space and courtyard. We are also very grateful to Hatfield alumni, the Hatfield Association and Hatfield Trust, who very generously contributed more than £30k
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towards the restoration of the Sessions Table, setting up and kitting out of the cafÊ, purchase of the new pool table, darts boards to come, plus anticipated further sound and lighting infrastructure. A major aim of the project was to create a multipurpose social space on the ground floor – a bar plus. The room is rapidly becoming the all-day social hub of the College, both for livers-in and livers-out. There has been great competition among students to work in the cafÊ which is already well used during the day; the new bar is already thriving in the evenings; musical entertainment is up and running, and the technical support teams are delighted with the facilities. The partitionable room will support many College activities, societies and clubs, student development activities, presentations and be used as a quiet study area.
The room is named the Burt Room, in honour of Professor Tim Burt, Master for 21 years until his retirement in 2017. Tim was a huge supporter of a collegial university, college life and student development. He was the initiator and creator of the Jevons refurbishment project and the new style multipurpose social hub.
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The Hatfield Victory of 1888 Hatfield College has a rich rowing heritage, and this is just one short chapter from the story. 130 years ago, the University and Durham City would have been a very different place, but the long-standing rivalries and strong allegiances to college clubs are just as evident today. This aspect of rowing on the Wear and in particular at Hatfield College Boat Club truly is a privilege. Hatfield College has an outstanding sporting reputation and in 1904, Leigh Smith, Foundation Scholar of Hatfield College and Fellow of the University, wrote an article describing sport in the University of Durham entitled Sport in the University. It identified Rowing as being the oldest sport in Durham and first in order of precedence largely because of the weight of tradition behind it. We continue to celebrate our successes on the water, be it in Durham or elsewhere, but looking through the archives you quickly come to realise that these successes are just added to the very long list of Hatfield College Boat Club accomplishments over the years.
Hatfield success from the start Hatfield won the first race for the Senate Challenge Cup in 1887 and followed it up by doing it again in 1888. The crew wrote a song (see page 71) celebrating this victory which could have been sung at an event similar to our Floreat Dinner. An account of this race appears in Macfarlane-Grieve, (from Macfarlane -Grieve, AA, A History of Durham Rowing, p164-165, Newcastle 1922). ‘In the University Regatta of 1888 the Unattached were well represented, and in addition to entering a crew each for the Senior and Junior Inter-Collegiate race, a pair was put in for the Challenge Pairs. In the senior race the Unattached beat University College in the first round, but were defeated by Hatfield in the final. “This was far the best and most exciting
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event of the day. It began with a neck and neck race to Baths Bridge, when Hatfield got a lead, which was greatly increased when the Unattached fouled Elvet Bridge in going through the hard arch. Booth put on a spirited spurt, but only succeeded in reducing his opponents’ lead to about a length and a half. The winning boat did the course in 6 minutes 32 seconds.”’ The line in the song, "And the challenge cup again to the Hatfield, crew fell..." seems to be evidence that the song refers to that second victory in 1888. On the Presidents' honours board in the boat house it shows A.G. Robinson, T.C. Thompson and C.M. MacDermott who are respectively stroke, cox and three in crew celebrated in the song.
A Tosher?! In the song, Castlemen were referred to as "Toshers": "… But the worst job of all was probably that of the tosher. Much of the bounty that ended up in the river (Thames) was washed down there through the sewers. The toshers decided to cut out the middle man and it was a common sight in 19th Century Wapping for whole families to whip off a manhole cover and go down into the sewers, where they would find rich pickings. Unsurprisingly, the toshers were not popular with the neighbours. Many became rich but carried a constant reek of the sewers. The word tosher was also used to describe the thieves who stripped valuable copper from the hulls of ships moored along the Thames. One unexpected side-effect of the sewer work was that they built up a strong tolerance to typhus and the other diseases that swept the ghettos. The word “tosh” for rubbish entered the language, though toshing – and the other dirty jobs of the era – have long since gone..." This appears to be some rather rude contemporary Hatfield slang for Castle students that is perhaps best not revived!?
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VEL PRIMUS VEL CUM PRIMIS, 1888
Undergrads of the future, come list to my song, Of the Hatfield first crew so plucky and strong, Who carried away, ‘mid the shouts of the crowd, ‘Mid cheering so lusty and plaudits so loud, The trophy of which we all are so proud, Boots it little to tell of the training so hard, Of the fragrant weed and coffee cup “barred”, The reward of such denial repaid them full well, When the shouts of their friends so loudly did swell And the challenge cup again to the Hatfield crew fell, Near the “Ash tree” renowned, the two boats were stayed, Bent was each back and squared was each blade,
And the “Hatters” with shouting began to grow hoarse, And Robinson showed that Old Hatfield’s young oars Can stroke well as ever her victorious “fours” As ‘neath Baths’ bridge passed those strong, manly rowers, Now, Thompson’s your time, your hand must be steady, To shoot Elvet Bridge, it is time to get ready, But safely as ever the boat rushes through, “Well coxed,” cry the friends of the white and the blue. Such a cox is well worthy of such a grand crew, Forward they go, rowing gallantly on, The chance of the others seems vanished and gone,
And “go” was the word at which every heart leapt, As they watched the two crews and as onward they swept, And bow ‘longside bow out of Pelaw Wood crept,
Though Booth gives a spurt, ‘tis useless and vain, For Robinson boldly to it answers again, And the muscles of “three” swell with every strain,
But soon “Hatfield leads” is heard all down the course,
And now within reach the winning post is, Such a grandly-rowed race is not oft seen, I wis. The cheers greet the winners of the hardly-fought race,
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And the “Toshers” are obliged to take second place, When our brave Hatfielders they e’er have to face, So give one cheer more for our plucky stroke, For the crew, also, with their hearts of oak, Robinson, Noble, MacDermott, too, And Homer, the bow of the winning crew, And Thompson, the cox, who steered them through, What though the Non-Coll are jealous and sad, And the Castle declare they think it “too bad”, What though the journals are niggard of praise, And would try to dim your well-deserved bays, The cup bears the record, which with every one weighs, And when once again o’er the Wear they’ve to row, Our brave Hatfield crew will their stamina show, And each year in the future may “Hatters” again Their muscle employ and every nerve strain, And each time win the cup, then we’ll shout in their train.
The Torchlight Procession – newspaper report from 1888. What a fantastic way to celebrate the victory of the crew. “We may say that on Friday night the students celebrated the finale of their regatta by a torchlight procession through Durham. Headed by the Durham City Band, about 60 students marched through the streets of the town, each man carrying a flaming torch. The sight was one such as has never been seen in Durham and supplemented as it was by the cheering of the young men and responses of the citizens, the whole affair wore a stirring and most striking appearance. The procession proceeded through the Market Place, and paced twice round the Londonderry Monument, rounds of cheering greeting them as they progressed. After perambulating the principal thoroughfares, the procession returned to Palace Green, where, after a large amount of cheering, the torches were extinguished, and the students repaired to their various locations. The rowing on Saturday afternoon was the best that has been witnessed.”
The Hatfield Hall Boathouse In the 1880s before the victory celebrated in the song, Hatfield had constructed a brand new boathouse, the one that we still use today. Students of today would still say one of the best features is the “proximity to the men’s rooms” – a fact much appreciated by freshers when it comes to early morning training sessions. From the University Journals of 1880:
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“It speaks much for the permanent interest taken in boating at Hatfield Hall that the Boat Club have just completed the building of a new boathouse, at a cost of £250. As has already been explained, the old boat house was found to be inconveniently small, as was much exposed to the floods. When, therefore, in the summer, the floods tore up most of the old landing stage, it was resolved to build an entirely new boathouse in a more sheltered situation. The new structure is built of brick, and its dimensions are 84 feet by 23 feet, with a height of 7 feet to the underside of the cross-beams. The floor is of asphalte and the light, from a double line of skylights, and a large window in the south wall, is all that can be desired. Owing to the abrupt slope of the banks from Hatfield Hall to the river, the arrangements for launching the boats are necessarily much less convenient than those for the stowage of boats. The river is approached by an incline of ten steps, 12in. by 7in., of which there are five rows embedded in a cemented slope; from this incline a succession of wooden terraces leads down to the water. Mounds have been raised on either side of the landing stage, so as to form a bay of smooth water in a high flood. The boathouse of a most commodious and useful character, and has the advantage of being in close proximity to the men’s rooms. One end of the building, it may be added, has been partitioned off for the purposes of a dressing room, and the cross-beams and slings for the safe and rapid housing of the boats are of an improved character, and have been fixed under the direction of experienced boating men.” Adam Kirk Boat Club President (2017-19) _______________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With thanks to Tony Gray, Wade Hall-Craggs, Lynne Kirk and Ian Whitehead (formerly Keeper of Maritime History at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) for their help in researching and putting together this brief recount of rowing at Hatfield 130 years ago.
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The College Motto Some further thoughts… Hatfielders, and many of the readers of the Record, will be aware that the motto of Hatfield College is “Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis”. But where does it come from and what does it mean? Several alumni have been in touch with the Record in recent months and shared their thoughts with us. We would like to thank everyone for their contributions. Whilst we do not have the space in this edition to print everyone’s contribution in full, the full texts have been included on the Hatfield Association website (www.hatfield-association.co.uk).
From Tim Burt Our previous Master, Professor Tim Burt, made reference to the college motto in his address at the Founder’s Commemoration service in Hatfield College Chapel on 3 February 2017. We include an extract below, which appeared in Hatfield Record 2017 (page 35):
“Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis” literally means “Either First or with the First” although, according to that most reliable of sources Wikipedia, it is now misinterpreted by the College as “Be the Best you can Be”. I see no error at all in that translation. Nor do I see the motto as unduly competitive. I am sure David Melville simply wanted Hatfield students to do the best they could, to reach their potential and make the most of their talents”. (Full text on the Hatfield Association website).
From Jerome Moran In response, alumnus Jerome Moran has shared The College Motto with us and we include the following two extracts:
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“Nobody, to my knowledge, has come up with an incontestable interpretation of the college motto Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis. There is something almost oracular about its elusiveness. Nor has there been a proper analysis of the Latin. The motto is in Latin and we should not play fast and loose with the Latin to try to make it mean what we want it to mean. If we want to keep the motto we should accept that it says what it says. If we don’t want to be associated with what it meant originally (and possibly still means for some), we might perhaps think of replacing it. It is not set in stone, not metaphorically anyway — it is set in stone literally, of course. The latter could be preserved as a historical curio for future members of the college and visitors. (‘Yes, it has an interesting history. People think it’s the college motto, but it’s not. Actually it’s to do with the person the college was named after. We don’t exactly know why, except that he was a bishop of Durham. The college’s motto is …’).” “…we know, or think we know, what the words meant to Thomas Hatfield: an habitual, self-imposed drive to outdo others. Surely that is not what we would want them to mean for us, as members of an association of colleagues, i.e. a college, not as a collection of go-getting, self-serving competitive individuals? But the motto says what it says, and it says that an individual (male) is/aims to be/is to be a primus or a cum primis. ‘Be the best you can be’, seems rather evasive to me (perhaps to conceal or tone down the elitism of the literal meaning of the motto?). After all, the best you can be may fall short of your being either a primus or a cum primis, whatever we take those adjectives to denote.” (Full text on the Hatfield Association website).
From the University Website Alumni have also noted that there are several references to the college motto on the Durham University website. The Hatfield College home page1 does make reference to the college motto “Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis (loosely translated as “Be the Best you can Be”)” in the section ‘A few good reasons for choosing Hatfield’.
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The history of the Crest and Motto2 also notes that the original 1846 crest of Hatfield consisted of the basic shield of Bishop Hatfield surrounded by a design converting the shield into a circular design and encircled by the motto - Vel Primus Vel cum Primis. (The motto can be translated as The first or one of the first.) And finally, the official University page setting out the Arms and Mottos3 of each of the colleges also notes that:
Some thoughts on the College’s Namesake: Bishop Hatfield Alumnus Andrew Jackson has also noted that the Durham World Heritage website4 has some further thoughts on Bishop Hatfield and the possible origins of his motto: “The college was named after a fourteenth-century Durham Bishop, Thomas Hatfield, whose architectural contributions to Durham were significant. It was Hatfield who built the Castle Keep, as well as the Bishop's throne in the Cathedral. (The throne was intentionally constructed to be higher than the seat of the Pope.) It was under Hatfield that many of the privileges of the Prince Bishops were formalised, as was their status as practically autonomous leaders. During Hatfield's time, for example, an old dispute arose between himself and the Archbishop of York, who claimed that he could visit Durham whenever he wanted. Hatfield, like his predecessors, was of the opinion that the Archbishop of York couldn't just announce that he was visiting he needed to request an invitation. The dispute was referred to
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the King, who ruled in Hatfield's favour, ascertaining the Bishopric's importance. Hatfield's prominence was such that he built a townhouse, Durham House, on the Strand in London, in one of the few locations that offered a good view of the river. The main advantage of Durham House, though, was that it was very close to Westminster Palace, the King's main residence. Hatfield's importance at court, as 'the first, or among the first,' at royal functions, gave Hatfield College its motto, 'Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis, which means the same in Latin.� (Read more on the Durham World Heritage website.)
A sixteenth-century map showing the area of Westmister in London, where Hatfield built his townhouse (indicated in red). The King's main residence, Westminster Palace, would have been located in the area shaded yellow. (The map was produced by Norden in 1593) [Courtesy of Durham World Heritage website]
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www.dur.ac.uk/hatfield.college/ www.dur.ac.uk/hatfield.college/about/story/crest/ 3 www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/arms_and_mottos/ 4 www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/architecture/bailey/north-bailey/hatfield-college 2
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The Hatfield Annual Lecture Transport 2050: driverless cars? Shared mobility? Better places? Smarter routes? A collision of geography/transport/ engineering As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the admission of women to Hatfield, and the achievements of our Hatfield alumnae, it was especially fitting to welcome Rachel Skinner back to College as our distinguished speaker on 28 February 2019. Rachel is UK Head of Transport and an Executive Director at WSP, Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and Presidentelect. She is a chartered engineer, an ICE Fellow and Trustee. She is also a Patron of Women in Transport, having been one of its founding board members. A Hatfield graduate, Rachel left Durham with a first class Geography degree in 1998 and dived, somewhat by accident, straight into the world of transport and civil engineering. “I think my main memory of being in Durham and having chosen geography as my degree course, is very much around the diversity of choices. I ended up going down the line of the human geography route of people and places and social geography and that kind of thing and it’s something that’s really stuck with me ever since. I ended up falling into a career in civil engineering and specifically transport and it turned out to be incredibly relevant in terms of just that way of thinking and diversity of
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thought and so on. And it’s something that’s stuck with me ever since. I loved my time at Durham and I look back at it really, really fondly. It’s fantastic to be back here .” In 2016, Rachel was named as one of The Telegraph’s inaugural Top 50 Influential Women in Engineering and in 2017 she was named as the Most Distinguished Winner and Best Woman Civil Engineer at the Women in Civil Engineering Awards.
Rachel has authored and co-authored various publications on topics including autonomous vehicles and future place-making, and before that about digital technology and its potential for infrastructure, industry innovation and collaboration. She is involved with major projects for clients across the public and private sectors, including leadership of a growing portfolio of future mobility projects in the UK and overseas.
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Student Comment‌ Rachel Skinner’s lecture was an eye-opening view on the future of our transport systems - it delved not only into the technological developments around the corner, but also their economic and social impacts both inter and intra-city. With a smart-network of driverless cars, travel would be more efficient, reducing congestion, road sizes, and thus opening more space for parks and other recreational places. Rachel was even able to show us artwork of what bustling city spaces like Hyde Park Corner would look like with most of the roads and junctions removed and replaced with larger pedestrian walkways and commodities. With Global Warming becoming an ever-present and terrifying issue, exacerbated by Trump-era politics ignoring the issue, it was inspiring to hear of a positive future. With smarter cars reducing emission through high efficiency travel and a more renewable energy infrastructure, Rachel demonstrated that with the right mind set the UK could still build towards a green and more pleasant future. Isaac Rudden Year 3, Engineering Head of Electrical, Durham University Electric Motorsport
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College Awards & Prizes We were delighted to celebrate the many academic and extracurricular achievements of Hatfielders. Firstly, in the summer of 2018, of 272 Hatfield undergraduate students who completed their studies, 88 gained first-class honours. Many of these students accepted their invitation to dine at Floreat Formal on 21 June 2018, where, in addition to celebrating academic successes, named prizes and awards, and Sports and Societies Colours were awarded to students who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the Hatfield community during their time in Durham. Full colours were awarded to 61 students, half colours to 47 students and a further 62 Hatfielders received a special commendation. It was good to see many of these students, as well as mentors from the SCR winding around the Hall at Floreat. Secondly, at the Scholars’ Dinner on 30 October 2018, 16 students were awarded Baxter Prizes, having been the top two Hatfielders in their year in each Faculty in 2018. These and a further 102 students who achieved first class marks overall were named College Scholars for 2018-19 and invited to attend the dinner along with College Officers and mentors. Congratulations to all our graduates and prize winners!
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College Sport Basketball Club In the academic year 2018-19, Hatfield College Basketball Club has achieved great success despite facing a few challenges.
It has been a remarkable year for the men’s team since we got promoted to Division 1 after winning all of our games in Division 2 in the second season. As for the games themselves, the first trophy game against Josephine Butler was breath-taking. Although we were 10 points behind our opponents after the 3rd quarter, none of us were giving up. In the final quarter, not only did we make a comeback to tie the game, but we also won the game by 2 points by a buzzer-beater 3-point shot. We lost in the next round to Hild Bede A - the best team in Durham - giving our
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best efforts until the last five minutes when we lost the game due to an injury. Overall, the men’s team has become more competitive this year and the relationships between team mates are getting better and better. Some of the players are even living together this year because of the friendships they have formed through basketball. In terms of social activities, we organised a combined social with Castle Basketball Club after Hatfield-Castle Day. More socials will be organised during the Easter Term, such as watching NBA play-offs together. The biggest problem facing the Club this season was the unsuccessful recruitment of players for a women’s team. Following some interest at the end of this term however, we hope to have a women’s team competing next year. Richard Sheng Basketball Club President
Boat Club I am extremely pleased to be able to report another year of success for Hatfield College Boat Club. The College has continued to develop and justify its reputation as one of the best rowing colleges on the Wear. We have seen numerous wins over the season, along with high and increasing levels of participation across all squads and abilities. These successes are testament to the continuing commitment of members and their dedication to the club. The boathouse itself has undergone some major maintenance. The roof has had much needed repairs with new tiling, reinforcements and fencing. The doors have been sanded back and repainted, so they now look smart and the lions watch proudly over the river. Planning outings around these works were a logistical challenge but it means our historic boat house will continue to serve college members for many years to come.
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Regatta season saw a great increase in the number of Hatfield entries spread across all the squads. Having plenty of Hatfield supporters along the river ensured there was a really positive club atmosphere.
The Club at Durham Regatta
At Durham City Regatta the men’s 4+ achieved a fantastic win over Collingwood. This was an exciting race to watch and was a first win for many in the crew. We hosted a BBQ at the boathouse and held an awards evening to celebrate our achievements, some serious and some not so much! We entered 8 crews at Hexham Regatta, some of which were involved in close races but without any wins. The women’s 4+ missed out by a bow ball and one of the men’s 4+ caught a crab just before the finish line. We also raced a senior mixed 8+ and it was great to see the squads continue to get on so well. The torrential rain in the afternoon didn’t dampen the Hatfield spirit and an enjoyable day was had by all. We had 15 crews entered for the Durham Regatta including five eights. This truly stretched us to the limit in terms of equipment but allowed us to make the most of our fleet. The men’s third 4+ had an impressive row to victory and added a pot to their collection.
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At Admiral’s Regatta we had seven crews racing and saw an exciting and close Hatfield v Hatfield final. Following the end of term, the club headed to Henley Royal Regatta (unfortunately not to row) to enjoy an amazing day of spectating. The Michaelmas Term got off to a good start as the men’s 4+ headed to London for the Head of the River Fours. We were the only club from Durham University to compete, so this was a great opportunity for Hatfield to see how we compared against the Universities in our band. Although there was challenging wind after Hammersmith Bridge, we gained time against other crews and finished 7th out of 18. A week later and it was Durham Autumn Head. We had seven crews entered across the two divisions, with impressive results. The men’s 4+ set a course record and finished as the fastest 4+ of the day. The second men’s 4+ also put in a strong time and finished fifth, beating many other colleges’ first 4+ in the process. A special mention goes to the women’s first 4+ who finished as the fastest in their division out of nine. York Head was a perfect opportunity to introduce some members to their first race on a different river. The women’s first 4+ finished as the second fastest of the day out of 23, narrowly beaten by a York City crew. In achieving this fantastic result we beat University crews competing from Manchester, York, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull. The men’s third 4+ came a strong second in their band and the women’s third 4+ came third in their band. All in all, this was a highly successful day with all crews racing well and placing competitively in their respective bands. The seniors had no races the following weekend and supported the novices in their first race at Novice Cup. There was a large Hatfield contingent on the bank cheering the crews on. The men's first crew won both of the races in their band as did the women's first and second crews. Meanwhile the men's second crew won their first race but were beaten in the final of their band whilst the women's third crew were knocked out in their first round. This was a great start for our novices and a sign of great things to come throughout their rowing careers.
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Rutherford Head saw seven crews heading to the Tyne including three 8+. This was an extremely successful trip for the Club. The men’s first eight won the Colleges Pennant and comfortably finished as the fastest crew. The men’s second eight finished as the fastest second college boat. The women had a very tough race and were pipped to second place by only 0.5s. The men’s 4+ then went on to finish as the fastest college 4+ of the day bringing another pennant home in the process. All other crews put in strong times and not only did Hatfield have the most entries, but we finished as the most successful college.
The women’s 4+ racing at York Head
Tyne New Year’s Head provided a great start to 2019 with the women’s 4+ crossing the line as the fastest college. A week later, the Club entered Durham Small Boats Head and the men's second 4+ had a really strong race finishing as the 2nd fastest college crew and 7th overall. The first men's 4+ developed a major steering issue during the race but still managed to place as the 4th fastest college crew. The third 4+ finished as the 7th fastest college 4+. On top of this the women's first four came 3rd fastest college and 6th fastest overall whilst the second crew were the 12th fastest college, again another really encouraging set of results.
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We now look forward to the Head of the River Race in London on 30th March where we will see two men’s 8+ racing. [Editor’s update: both men’s crews had a very successful day at the Head of the River and maintained Hatfield’s position as one of the most successful Durham Colleges. The first eight once again broke the Hatfield HoRR record with their 115th place finish as well as coming out as the fastest Durham College in the event. The second eight were the fastest college second eight with their 245th place finish and even beat several college top eights, highlighting the depth of the squad.]
The Fours Head on the Thames
The Club owes thanks to the ongoing support of the Hatfield Trust and JCR for the funding of a new set of eight high specification oars. The continued help from alumni and the Trust is much appreciated by the whole Club and allows Hatfield students to participate in some amazing events. This year the Club says farewell to valued members Gemma Perry (Novice Development 2017-2019), Ed Hopewell (Novice Development 2018-2019), Mia van Diepen (Novice Development 2017-2018), Alicia Webster (Women’s Captain 2017-2018, Secretary 2018-2019), Christian Martin Redman (Men’s Captain 2017-2018), Kathryn Rogers (Coxes
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Captain 2017-2019), Christina Fialova (Women’s Captain 2018-2019), Bea Loveridge, Max Rippon, Joe Norbury and Calypso Phillips. The ethos at Hatfield College Boat Club is outstanding and I am proud to have been Club President for the past two years. Becoming involved with the Boat Club has been the best decision I made at university and it has given me some of my fondest memories with a group of exceptional people. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have rowed, coxed, coached and everything in between alongside fantastic people who understand what rowing at Hatfield College Boat Club is all about. Adam Kirk Boat Club President
Congratulations to Adam Kirk who received the award for Outstanding Contribution to College Rowing at the Durham Rowing Ball on 27 February 2019 [Photo credit: Above and Below Photography]
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Cheerleading This year the Hatfield–Cuths Cheerleading Squad has gone from strength to strength. Having lost a large proportion of our squad we managed to recruit many freshers meaning that we went into comp with 26 enthusiastic members. The competition was a great success and
even though we did not place in the top three we still achieved an outstanding score, and were awarded 9 out of 10 points for our dance routine which was excellently choreographed by our Dance Captains, Lissy Momen and Anabel Talco. A massive thank you and farewell to our third-year Exec members: Captains, Clemmie and Sydney, without whose hard work and dedication the team would not be possible, and to our fabulous Coaches, Yas Ebert and Katie Thompson, whose amazing coaching continually challenged the team for the better. After our successful year we are taking a much-needed rest and we are greatly looking forward to welcoming the new freshers in October! Olivia Emin Squad Member
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Darts Club Among some difficult circumstances, the Darts Club has had an absolutely terrific season. Every week we consistently get 24 players across our three teams, with the A and B teams fighting it out for Premier League glory, and the Freshers’ C team doing very well in Division 1. The A's are third in the League, keeping close behind last year's champions Grey A and are, at the time of writing, awaiting their draw for the semi-finals of the cup. The Hatfield singles tournament has yet again been a terrific success. After last year’s final saw an attendance of more than 100 people in the temporary bar on the tennis court, the final is set this year. Veteran fourth-year Jack 'The Warden' Whitmore is facing off against Jonathan 'The Matador' Whitaker in what should be a game for the ages. With no board in the new College bar this year due to health and safety precautions, we have been playing our home games in the DSU. It is not exactly the cauldron of old, but it has served as a useful home away from home. Hopefully next year all the problems with the board can be put to bed by the facilities department. Despite this, the Darts team is alive and kicking! Nick Harrington Club Captain
Football Club (Men’s) This is a season that will live long in the memory of members of HCAFC. There was a strong start in the League for the A’s, led by central midfield maestro Sam Ellison and veteran keeper Ben Gould, recovering well from losing many of the core players. These players have been replaced by many able freshers who have hit the ground running and have put in some terrific performances. A win against a Collingwood B side fighting for the league title early on in the year was
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cause for celebration, but due to some weekends of poor availability and injuries, a few defeats took their toll on our league position. At the end of the league season the A's are around mid-table, and still awaiting their opponent in the quarter-final of the cup after they disposed of the B's 2-0 in a very tight affair. Edge of the seat stuff. However, as I shall discuss later, the A's have had bigger things on their plate. The B's, under the captaincy of Will Whipple, carried out their usual ‘great escape'. Having been on one point after 7 games in a very tough league (Division 1) with many A team players featuring, they won 3 of the next 4, and with a game still to play on the final weekend of term safety has been sealed. Let's hope that next year is less of a rollercoaster. The C's had a fast start led by veteran C team men, Johnny Miller and Colm Hanway, but found their form drying up after the first five games. Another strong season from a team promoted to Division 2 last year, who really pushed for promotion to Division 1, displaying the depth of footballing quality in the Club. The D team enigma, led by stalwarts Ed Metherell, James Hand and Elliott Ghent, mounted an unexpected title challenge in Division 4. Here we saw a clash between the D’s and E’s, led by Will Harrison, in which the D’s came out comprehensively on top. Unfortunately, the D’s just missed out on promotion to the lofty heights of Division 3, almost inspired to glory by talismanic striker James Maloney. The E’s also did incredibly well despite occasional low availability, to finish comfortably in mid-table. Five years without the trophy returning to the now dusty cabinet, where songs concerning Savill, Cadman and ‘double dreams’ have been met more with confusion than with memories, showed how this year needed to be different. This year the floodlit campaign has been one to remember. After dispatching Ustinov A 6-0 and then Hild Bede A 3-0 in convincing fashion, the A's met Van Mildert A in the semis, a team who has won the league for the last two years and look like repeating that feat again this year. With colossus Andreas Conte scoring from a corner to make it 1-0 early on, the firm were dreaming. However, after one of their DU 1s players equalised after the break, nerves started to kick in, but after
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some brave defending from all 11 men, particularly centre backs Conte and Max Clark, we had a penalty shoot-out once again. Over the past two years HCAFC has fallen victim to shoot-out woe, including against Mildert the year before, echoing England and their ‘Golden Generation'. If Isola, Milos et al could do it, why couldn't we now? This year was certainly different. Back to back saves by Gould and then a Felix Saro-Wiwa spot-kick sealed the Club's ticket to the final, played on 20 March. This is certainly the biggest game for HCAFC in five years. The grass certainly looks very green… Let's hope its coming home. (See page 107) Nick Harrington Club Captain
Football Club (Women’s) Captain: Vice-Captain: Treasurer : Social Secretaries: Coach:
Sophie Moggs Georgie Gorvin Bea Loveridge Amelia Evans & Georgie Gorvin James Lehmann
This year started off with a fantastic influx of players who were going to be playing football for the first time. The newbies, combined with the more experienced returners, meant we had our biggest team ever with lots of potential for team development. Our first league match of the season saw quite a heavy loss against Mary’s; however, considering this match was played after we had had only one training session as a team, it came as no surprise as we were not used to playing together yet. After training with our new coach, James, we turned our position in the league upside down, winning five of our matches, and only sustaining two losses. Unfortunately this wasn’t quite enough to bump us up to the premiership, leaving us placed at a frustrating 4th position in the league despite having the same number of points as both Aidan’s and Mary’s and only three fewer than Cuth’s. However, for the first time in at least four years (the records don’t go back further than that) we
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made it to the Floodlit semi-finals! This is an achievement for the team that cannot be understated. The semi-final match was against Hild Bede who this year were playing in the premiership league. We were very clearly the underdogs, but support for the match was fantastic and despite losing we very much held our own and played some great football!
Floodlit win vs St Chad’s
We also decided to compete in the 7-a-side league this year which plays from the end of Epiphany through the Easter Term as we just LOVE football and can’t get enough of it. This year will also mark the first year of HCWAFC going on tour (that I am aware of) to celebrate this year’s successes as a team. HCWAFC is sadly going to lose a lot of players at the end of this year, but I am confident with those staying on, it will continue to progress in Division 1. With the rate HCWAFC has been growing during my time at Durham, we might even see the emergence of a B team in years to come. I would like to give a special shout-out not only to my Exec team, but also to Alice Coombes, Bernice Mitchener and Jackie Spang not only for their skills on the pitch, but for their enthusiasm in coaching the team during matches, giving great
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advice and boosting morale. I would like to especially mention Steph Hyland as well; she is irreplaceable as our goalie and will surely be missed next year. I would also like to commend all of the girls who came to join the team with zero football experience. Their enthusiasm at trainings and matches raised the morale of the whole team, and I would especially like to mention Jemma (with a J) Youngman and Katie van Riper as most improved this year. Sophie Moggs Club Captain
Hockey Club Hatfield Hockey has had an extremely successful season, both on and off the pitch. Given the large number of new freshers joining the Club, we decided to create a mixed team for those who wanted to play an extra match at the weekend playing as Hatfield ‘Men’s’ B team. The women’s team in particular did very well this year, finishing second in the Division, with the result of being promoted to the League for next year. We had a very strong team, with so many dedicated players, and weekend matches were always something to look forward to. Unfortunately, the cup match line-up was very tough for Hatfield, but there’s always next year! The men’s team had a good season finishing 5th in the League. The team got some great wins against Hild Bede and Grey, and defensively looked great all season. New players in Ben Watkin, Alec Garrett-Cox, James Clark and Will Manners were all contributing factors to the strong performances, as well as returning players such as Oli Platt, Gabriel Hardwick and Jack Dowell. The floodlit cup was another strong point for the team, getting to the semi-finals, but unfortunately getting knocked out on penalty flicks. There were also many socials this year, with themes ranging from ‘Emperors and Grapes’, ‘Anything but Clothes’ and a Nativity-themed social for our Christmas dinner. These were a great opportunity for the
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teams to bond off the pitch, cementing strong friendships within the Club, and much enjoyed by both committed players and social members! Louisa Parker Club Captain
Lacrosse Hatfield Mixed Lacrosse is a great sport that involves a wide range of students year on year, especially those who have never played before.
We kicked off the year with a themed Induction Week social of party animals vs. wild animals in order to encourage everyone to embrace their wild side and fighting spirit for the season. This certainly paid off as we have seen our strongest turn out of freshers this year which boosted morale and promoted the inclusive nature of the game.
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After our success last year, we have remained in the Premiership League meaning we have had a challenging, but extremely rewarding season. There have been some particularly great triumphs against both Cuth’s A and B teams, as well as John Snow A. Moreover, we completely surpassed ourselves in this year’s Floodlit Cup progressing to the semi-finals after delivering game on game of adept and coherent play. Each match of the cup became a fun Friday evening where those cheering on the sidelines fueled the vigour and persistence needed to garner so many victories. We have also dramatically increased training sessions this year utilizing this time to exact our technique and lock down key tactical plays which greatly contributed to our success throughout the year. Our socials have also been a huge hit incorporating some favourites from past years, but also introducing new and fun ideas. In particular, our joint socials with both Cuths and Castle have been a particularly great way to fuel some friendly inter-collegiate rivalry, while mingling with fellow laxers. We hope next year will bring just as much fun and success for Hatfield’s Mixed Lacrosse team! Izzie Asti Social Secretary
Netball Club Hatfield College Netball has had yet another unforgettable year. We started the season with our St. Trinian’s social which produced some scandalous outfits and entertaining stories. At that point it was clear that if we put in as much effort into our training as we did into our fancy dress, we would dominate this season. We had high hopes to train on the Hatfield court, which would be free of the make-shift bar from last year. Unfortunately, the court is easily waterlogged so we have trained at Maiden Castle every week instead. With our speaker blasting in the background, trainings have hyped everyone up for a Wednesday night out. Regarding matches, the A team has been playing in the Premiership, the B team in Division 1 and the C team in Division 2. All teams have played well this season with fairly frequent victories. The C team has done particularly well this season, coming fourth in
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their Division. We have continued to excuse our losses due to the vast size of the hill colleges, weather conditions and bad luck - nothing to do with our technical ability or fitness levels! This year, we have upheld several traditions: from pub golf to the annual Christmas meal at Lebaneat to coming head to head against our rivals on Hatfield-Castle Day (and winning may I add).
Competing in the Hatfield-Castle Challenge
Hatfield College Netball has been as crazy as ever. Next year we hope to create an even bigger stir in the highly competitive realm of collegiate netball. Niluka Perera B Team Co-Captain
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Durham University Polo Club Many Hatfielders are part of the Durham University Polo Club, which is one of the fastest growing clubs in Durham. We started playing polo just over five months ago upon first arriving at Durham, and with dedication and superb teaching we have gone from strength to strength. We have competed in the University Polo League and the SUPA University Winter National Championships with our respective teams placing 5th out of 30 at nationals, and a collective team placing of joint first in the League. The Polo Club provides two free training sessions in Durham, based around developing our strength and skills off horses. The nearest Polo Club is White Rose Polo Club in York or Bramham Polo Academy in Leeds, which makes training on horses very difficult. Team Durham does not provide any funding for Polo and therefore these lessons, as well as horse hire for competitions, are entirely funded by the members. It therefore requires huge time and financial commitment but is deemed worth it by those of us who have been lucky enough to experience this addictive, social and adrenaline-fuelled sport. ‘The Sport of Kings' is now the sport of students, as we, along with many other Hatfielders, are proud to represent Durham University at the national level. Scarlett Gray and Betty Lorimer Team members
Pool Club Our year kicked off with a good old clean out of the Exec, as all last year’s prominent members of the Club annoyingly decided to graduate at the same, leaving the Club in my hands. But being the trooper that I am, myself and my good friends Ben Taylor (A Team Captain), Harry Fluck (Treasurer), Sam Goring (Admin expert) and others, formed the new Exec and set about pumping the Pool Club with a new lease of life.
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This year the Pool Club has substantially grown, going from three teams to six! These teams compete in league and trophy competitions across Durham against other colleges. There is also an Exec for the overall organisation of the Durham competitions, of which I am proud to say that two of our HCPC are members, the previously mentioned Sam Goring (DUPL Treasurer) and Calum White (Friendly Ladder Officer). Our Club has had its fair share of success this season, with our C team winning the friendly ladder and gaining promotion to Division 2; our D and F teams have also gained promotion to Division 2 and our E team may join them as they reach the playoffs, which will be played post exams. Our A Team is currently 10th in the premier league, and our B’s 8th in Division 1, with very solid performances from both teams. We have also enjoyed a decent amount of success on the individual side of Durham Pool, with three Hatfielders making it to the last 16 of the University singles tournament, a competition that began with over 180 participants: they were Ben Taylor, Stuart Milne and me. At the time of writing, me and Stuart Milne are still in the last eight. [Editor’s update: Hatfield A finished 9th in the Premier League. Hatfield B finished 9th in Division 1. Joe got to the quarter finals, and Stuart got to the semi-finals.] Also, our Hatfield Pool tournament saw a record number of entries this year, with a tectonic 41 people entering; this is still ongoing, so nobody has won yet. Overall, I would put our success this year down to our highly inclusive nature. Unlike other sports, you don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest to succeed in Pool; it’s all about determination and holding your nerve. We are a laid back, easy going society, where everyone is welcome regardless of skill levels and this allows me to confidently say that HCPC is truly open for anyone in Hatfield to join. Joe McKeon President
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Rounders Club With the start of the Rounders’ season upon us, it is time to take a look at what the Club has achieved in the past 12 months. Summer term 2018 started in its usual fashion, with the first league matches coinciding with busy exam schedules. As a result, the first few games were rather muted, serious affairs. However post exams was an entirely different ball game - pun intended - with many training sessions, friendly matches and league matches attended by a bumper contingent of the year’s freshers, keen to learn the skills of fielding with a glass of Pimms in one hand! The pinnacle of the season had to be the annual festival of sports where a much-reduced team of three managed to fend off the entire competition and chalk up an impressive victory for Hatfield. We cannot talk of Rounders in 2018 without mention of the departing Club Captain of three years, George Davies, whose mantle I have taken on with honour. Thus far this academic year we haven't had the busiest of schedules with only one match in both Michaelmas and Epiphany terms. We were proud to be a part of the celebration of 30 years of women in Hatfield in an Alumni vs Current Students’ game which saw many alumni and current staff and students join in with the spirit of Rounders on a cold winter morning. This term we played Castle in the annual Hatfield-Castle Day, with an amazing fielding display only capped by the stunning batting display that ended up with the dismantlement of Castle, winning by more than double their score. Let's hope these performances continue into the forthcoming Summer Term. James Lawton Club Captain
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Rugby Club (Men’s) The Club has had a very successful year. We have two teams that play each week, an A and a B team, which means that boys of all ability can train and play competitive rugby. The A team won the biggest competition in Durham University rugby, the Floodlit Cup. (See page 109). It is an absolutely incredible achievement. We have come close to winning the cup in the past but this year we managed to be victorious in a tough Final. When the final whistle blew you could tell how much winning the competition meant to everyone involved in Hatfield College rugby. The A team also won their league to gain promotion for next year. The team worked exceptionally hard all year, training every week and playing very well in matches throughout the year. The B team has been competitive all season, in their league. We have had a number of social events throughout the year, which have helped to bring the Club together and develop friendships. All this success would not be possible without the hard work put in by players, captains, coaches, exec members and supporters. Theo Lazarides Club Captain
Rugby Club (Women’s) This year, the women's rugby side has been captained by Clodagh Cronin and Caroline Styan to its most successful season, seeing a topfour finish which secured a semi-final position for the Club for the first time in its history. With the success of the season came many great plays and the development of three players to progress into the Durham University Women's Rugby team. Alongside existing DUWRFC players in the team, this has allowed for a higher level of sport to be played within the College rugby system. The growth of the Club this year has been huge and we have been able to field numbers for almost every game. We are grateful to our two exceptional coaches, Dan Evans and James King, who come down on Mondays to help the team progress to the standing we are today.
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Unfortunately, amid the success we suffered a loss to Cuth’s in a hardfought game. Even with various injuries the team played well but sadly we were knocked out of the cup. Overall this year has been a stepping stone for future years and we are hopeful of winning the cup next year. Clodagh Cronin Team Captain
Running Club Amongst the myriad societies that Hatfield offers, a new one this year hit the ground running! With enthusiasm from the new Exec in October, the Hatfield Running Club was formed. The high demand for this Club was exemplified when it received nearly 100 member requests to the Facebook group within 24 hours – Luca Pittalis as Captain of the Club, and Ella Targett as Vice. Starting with 1-2 runs every week, the Club continued to cover ground with enthusiasm, reaching parts of Durham that its members had never ventured to before. At times, the objective of the runs became more exploratory than simply focusing on pacing and distance; the members found themselves scrambling up sandbanks on one occasion in search of the best view over Durham. After a Michaelmas Term full of group sessions, Epiphany arrived with a new challenge: inter-collegiate cross country. Synergistically intertwined with Park Run, taking place at 9:00am on a Saturday morning, the first race was nothing short of a triumph. Hatfield runner Andrew Milligan won the entire race – his victory not only placed him 1st out of 452 runners, but a time of 16:10 for the 5k race meant that he was also over a minute faster than the second-place finisher. Luca Pittalis at 33rd and Alex Down close behind also brought the Club important points. This meant that the Club was placed 5th out of all the Durham colleges, just 0.5 points behind St Aidan's. The Club aims to climb another place in the rankings in its next race. The newly-formed Club illustrates an intrinsic enthusiasm and skill for running – it proves Hatfield’s determination to rise to a new challenge.
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Whilst inter-collegiate cross country is still in its early stages, the Club’s flying start in the competition sets a strong baseline for the coming months. Luca Pittalis Captain
Squash Club (Men’s) Following promotion in the 2017-18, Hatfield Men's Squash found themselves in the top league playing some of the University's best squash players. Despite a good start with some close matches, we managed to win only two league matches. As a result, next year we will be returning to Division 1 where we hope to have a bit more success! In Epiphany Term we have had the Cup Competition. Unfortunately, after managing to win our qualifying matches, we were drawn against Grey A and suffered a heavy but expected defeat! With the season cut short, the Club has continued to thrive and with a much larger social community than in previous years, many members have found time to continue playing each other in their spare time. As the year draws to a close, we have to say farewell to a number of the Club's most talented players including Ollie Hope whose dedication to the Club over the past few years has been outstanding. Next year Charlie Gee will take on the role as Club Captain and I am very confident he will serve the Club well. Rupert Bates Captain
Squash Club (Women’s) This season has gone really well for Hatfield Women’s Squash. We are currently sitting second in the league and looking forward to playing in the quarter-finals, with a strong chance of getting into the 2018-19 Trophy Final. This season we have had some great new players, with a strong turn out at almost every game and training session. Some of our
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season’s highlights include winning on Hatfield-Castle Day and winning every individual match against Trevelyan, Chads, Van Mildert, Castle and Collingwood B. Emily Farr Captain
Tennis Club Hatfield Tennis had an extremely successful season in 2018. The membership of the society doubled, with good turnouts for training and matches. Despite the Hatfield court being out of use, lots of play still took place. The B team had some good wins over the season, finishing with a mixed set of results. The A team managed to finish the season unbeaten, winning every single match and fixture. This has seen the A team promoted to the Premiership division, with matches beginning after Easter. Training for the 2019 season has begun, and there is good potential to maintain and build on last year's successes Emma Jenkins Club Captain
Ultimate Frisbee Club Having been the most successful Hatfield team last year (after being undefeated and the only Hatfield Club to represent the College at the Dinner of Champions), Hatfield Ultimate Frisbee Club had a tough record to maintain after the bar was set so high by the previous year. Although we had lost many key members of the A team, many of the freshers from last year have come up from the Bs and have been valuable assets to the team this year. We have had many cancelled games and trainings due to poor weather and unplayable pitches, but after playing seven games so far, we still remain undefeated. With only two games left to play at the time of writing, and being the only undefeated college in the premiership league, we’re looking at another victorious season. [Editor’s update: congratulations to HUF for
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winning those two remaining games, and winning the league two years in a row!] We have also had a huge intake of keen freshers this year playing for the Bs who will hopefully continue to carry on the HUF legacy next year.
Congratulations to HUF As for winning every game this year!
Juju Liao Captain
Volleyball Club It has been an outstanding season for Hatfield Volleyball, with loads of emotions and fun. After Federica Rescigno took the lead as Team Captain, and I became Vice-Captain and Treasurer of the Club, it was decided to put a special focus on the personal development of the team players this year.
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The team spent the first term improving their technique and skills, while practising and making friends with other players from all the colleges. It must be emphasised that this year all Durham colleges demonstrated a very high level of skill during the games, but the Hatfield team has never been willing to give in. The team has been stronger than ever in this current season. We have fought valiantly in the tournaments, having won two and lost three games so far. Despite having encountered some losses, it has been a pleasure and pure enjoyment to play against such strong teams.
There have been some excellent performances from Layo Adeusi and Maggie Wong; their passion and commitment are definitely worth mentioning. The big return of 2016-17 Captain, Kalicie Freudiger, from her year abroad, has brought lots of positive energy and enthusiasm into the team, and she has also scored many points for the team. Hopefully our hard work and dedication will lead us to many more victories in the following weeks, and the rest of the season will be nothing but success. Pawel Rudnicki Vice-Captain
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Floodlit Success for Hatfield Football Cup (Men’s) With the biggest fixture in the College Sport horizon looming, the atmosphere was growing among the fans who had all congregated before kick-off. With old boys aplenty, stories of previous HCAFC teams were being told as though they had happened yesterday, even though the Football Club had been waiting for silverware for half a decade. With a full-strength side on show, minus the injury to fresher Harry Gilbey, including the return of talismanic striker Felix SaroWiwa, should we have ever been in doubt at adding another star to the badge? Hatfield started quickly and with intent, the three midfielders Eastham, Gordon-Clark and co-skipper Ellison linking well to weave through the Jobo lines. Jobo set up with three at the back, which allowed our terrier-like wingers Tracey and Campbell plenty of space throughout the game. First blood was drawn with less than ten minutes on the clock, as the ball was played over the top to fresher Isaac Eastham, who pirouetted and dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper with buckets of elegance to send the packed stand into absolute bedlam. With various fluids flying everywhere, the A’s did well to steady themselves once again, keeping the ball well and moving it around quickly. At this point the crowd were in full voice, singing songs about former floodlit glory, and as the ball fell to Saro-Wiwa who carved through the Jobo defence like Moses parting the Red Sea and slotted it past their keeper. 2-0 and comfortable as the half-time whistle blew. Members from other colleges and DU socials had arrived to see Hatfield attempt to shepherd this second half, clearly impressed at the quality of football being played by the boys in pink, blue and gold. The second half started as the first had ended, with Hatfield having plenty of the ball and Jobo only threatening on the break. The colossal Max Clark and Andreas Conte, with the latter’s father in attendance in the middle of the fans, maintained their imperious form preventing any clear-cut chances. Co-captain Ben Gould was more assured in the second half, commanding his defence and displaying the exceptional decision making we’ve gotten used to over the three years of the Floodlit. A free-kick clipping the bar was as close as they came, and
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when the towering Saro-Wiwa swooped in again with a booming header to make the score 3-0, the game was sealed. Four games, 13 goals scored and only one conceded. A pitch invasion of enormous magnitude ensued, with members of the team enjoying the new means of hydration - the cup offered as a drinking vessel. Players on shoulders, speeches from the two fantastic captains and with glory sealed, it was truly a night no one on or off the pitch will forget for a long time.
Anthony Bash, Senior Tutor and College Chaplain, shows his support in advance of the Floodlit Cup
Finally, members of the Club will sing songs of a more recent success. “March 20th 2019. The skies were blue and the grass was green. What a season. What a night!� Nick Harrington Club Captain
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Rugby Cup (Men’s) Having been in the Final for the last two years’ running and to have had the Cup seized with minutes on the clock on previous occasions, it is fair to say HCRFC’s 2019 Floodlit campaign was one epitomised by strong emotion and resilience, despite past results. Having fought to the Final for the third time in a row, Hatfield College were up against Grey College who have had an impressive journey to the Final and were looking to make history with a floodlit win. The pre-match preparation and changing room atmosphere was one of quiet determination. With the work done, the Hatfield boys reflected on their individual jobs, as we reminded ourselves what was at stake. Unfortunately, due to an injury in the Women's game before, the match was delayed by almost two hours, which only served to extend the ever-building tension. With the game eventually kicking off, the delayed start was certainly evident, as the first 10 minutes saw some scrappy and forced rugby from both teams. However, it was Grey College to get themselves on the scoreboard first with a penalty in front of the posts. With their tails up, Grey maintained the pressure and went over for a try to make the score 10-0 with about 20 minutes played. With this being unfamiliar territory for Hatfield in this campaign, the boys turned to the infallible leadership of Nick Cowen, Thom Munns and Theo Lazarides, who stressed the importance of maintaining team structure whilst also reiterating the magnitude of the occasion. The next 10 minutes of the half were controlled by Hatfield, as our forwards dominated contact and the backs began to use the space on the flanks. A well worked forward drive in the centre of the field saw a break away from Harry Kettle, who showed tremendous strength to score under the posts, despite Grey players hanging from every limb – the half ended 10 -7 in Grey's favour. It was vital Hatfield got the next score and when the opportunity of a penalty presented itself early on in the second half, Will Brinkley slotted the three points to level the game. Continuing to use his impressive boot, only minutes later Brinkley put a cross-field kick into the far left corner only for Oli Brown to collect after a generous bounce and score in the corner. Grey weren't about to hand
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over the Championship that easily as they came firing out of the blocks following the Hatfield try. After relentless pressure on the Hatfield line, their forwards crashed over the line to yet again even the score out at 17-17. With the time ticking away, both teams threatened each other's line in the final 15 minutes of play, making it an intense finish. With 10 minutes to go, and Hatfield camped on Grey's 22, a moment of brilliance occurred. As the ball fired back to Will Brinkley standing at 10 and with Grey's defence bunched towards the centre of the park, space opened up behind the right winger. A perfectly timed and placed kick saw the ball drop directly into the hands of the winger Oli Brown, who went over with minutes to spare to score the try that ultimately sealed the victory. We had said in the build-up this was our year and it was. HCRFC Floodlit Champions 2019! Theo Lazarides Club Captain
Rugby Floodlit victors with Edward Wood (centre), former Hatfield College Bursar and Rugby Coach
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College Societies Chapel Choir The Choir returned from a successful tour of Estonia in July and auditions for this year's Chapel Choir took place in the week following Induction Week; with a high standard of applicant, 24 of the finest singers in Durham were appointed. We welcomed some new faces and were delighted to retain the majority of last year’s choir too. This year, Hatfield celebrated 30 years of women in the College. The Choir sang in a special celebratory service with a new commission by previous Hatfield Choir member, Lizzy Hardy. The work was for SATB divisi and four soloists; the Choir sang the work superbly. In the middle of the term, to aid the celebrations we also sang a women's voices evensong with music by Dyson and DuruflÊ. As a final act of celebration, we sang a work as part of the College carol services written by current choir member and Hatfielder, Bella Elwes. At the close of the term, the Choir was also pleased to provide some music and sing Carols for the Christmas formals. The second term has thus far been a busy one for the Choir and its members. On All Saints Day, the Choir travelled to Ripon Cathedral, where we were invited to sing Festal Evensong in place of the Cathedral Choir, who were on their half-term holiday. The service included Wood in E flat No.2, Saint Saens' Offertoire pour la Toutpuissant, Shepard Responses, and some final responses written by our own Director, Matthew McCullough. It was a wonderful and special occasion for us all. Immediately following the trip to Ripon, the Chapel Choir celebrated its annual Reunion Weekend. A massed choir of singers from generations of Hatfielders as far back as the 60s joined forces. The weekend began with a rehearsal and welcome from the Master and Chaplain. A wonderful black tie dinner was enjoyed by all in the College dining hall, followed by a sing-along of some fond favourite canticle settings. It was wonderful to have so many returning for the weekend. Despite all the fun on the Saturday night, there was still work to do!
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The weekend climaxed in the singing of the two Sunday morning services in Durham Cathedral. Our organ scholars all took part in the College’s Epiphany Term Organ Recital Series, which this year celebrated local organists from Durham and the North East. They all performed wonderfully and very skilfully crafted programmes alongside performers from Durham Cathedral, and Hatfield and St Chad’s Colleges. The Chapel Choir also took part in Men’s voices evensong with music by Howells and Finzi which was also very successful. The Choir will have a busy term ahead with another concert, Floreat and Bishop Hatfield evensong, and to end the year, the Choir will be travelling to sing in venues in Northern Italy in August. Matthew McCullough (University College) Director of Music
Christian Union Every Friday, members of St Chad’s College and Hatfield College meet together for Chadsfield Christian Union. It happens in St Chad’s every week at 6:45pm. Afterwards, we all walk together to central CU. College CU is a time to meet other Christians from around College regardless of year group or which church you attend. In this time we aim to form a community by building each other up and forming friendships. These friendships formed over snacks, games and laughter enable us to be united together in faith. We share in a Bible study each week, run by the Bible study leaders, in which we have been studying the book of Mark. We always leave time to pray together for each other and our colleges. Each term an evangelism event is run in order to share the news of Jesus to everyone in College. The main event Chadsfield CU has been involved with in 2019 was the events week ‘Story’. The theme for this event was announced at our annual weekend away to Scotland in November. At this weekend we enjoyed a ceilidh and learnt that when we bear the image of Jesus we never feel more ourselves. It was a great
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weekend to form new friendships. The events week in February was extremely encouraging with a lunch bar each day as well as an evening of music and food in the tent. Talks were given on stories of identity, pain, dismissal and love. There were discussions surrounding the purpose of life, why we are worth more than our achievements and making sense of life’s toughest times. Both past and present students of Durham shared their own personal stories of faith. Chadsfield’s CU is also involved in the central CU initiatives text-atoastie, globe café, big question and Club mission. We are a group of students who know we are flawed and broken but trust that Jesus has a perfect plan for us in this world because it isn’t about what we do but what Jesus has already done for us. Everyone is welcome! “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give YOU a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11 Rebecca Lynn College Representative
DUCK After the bar’s renovations, the DUCK toastie bar was back and better than ever! Our delicious flavours include savoury specials such as ham and cheese and sweet treats such as chocolate and marshmallows. Running four times a week, and during Lion in Winter Ball, we managed to raise £810. We've also had some successful events, including everyone's favourite: Awkward Formal, as well as freshers’ events, Halloween face-painting, and a Valentine's Day pub quiz. One lucky person at the Michaelmas Ball won our grand prize of a flat screen TV in our charity auction. Our events this year raised a total of £470. The money went to two charities: Heel and Toe, and Durham Action for Single Housing. These are local charities making a direct and meaningful impact on our community. Heel and Toe provide facilities and therapy to children
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with Cerebral Palsy and DASH provides both short and long term housing to those in the local area. These are such important and overlooked causes, and any donations are warmly welcomed. If anyone has any items you would like to donate to our charity auction next year, please get in touch via our Hatfield DUCK Facebook page. Amy Saunders Co-President of DUCK
Kinky Jeff and the Swingers The day after last year’s exams finished, Kinky Jeff departed for Brussels on our annual tour. We enjoyed five days visiting different Belgian towns and performing for the locals, who from their response seemed to enjoy it just as much as we did; encores were called, drinks were bought for the band, and phone numbers were exchanged.
A huge thanks to the Hatfield Trust for partially subsidising our tour. We are all extremely grateful for the opportunity, generosity and support.
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On returning from tour, we were right back to business as usual, performing at five gigs including the St Mary’s Midsummer Ball and DUOS Ball. It was then time to elect a new Exec, and sadly say goodbye to our finalist members although thankfully not for too long, as some of them would come back for our Induction Week gigs, and the rest for our Reunion Weekend! As Durham's premier college band, Kinky Jeff has once again had a year packed with rehearsals, gigs, and socials. We started the year in a big way with four gigs in Induction Week and then adding no fewer than eight new members to our ensemble. Our newly inducted freshers didn't get much chance to settle in however, as Michaelmas Term continued with 11 more gigs, including a Purple Radio live session and a performance at the Alumni Weekend in October to celebrate 30 years of women in Hatfield. Despite our hectic gig schedule, there was of course still plenty of time for Messers, Fluck and Goring to arrange instantly classic socials such as "The Chicken" and the infamous "Giant Steps". Seven more gigs followed in Epiphany Term, with highlights including the Grey College President’s Guest Night, and of course Lion in Winter Ball. Thanks to the careful organisation of our producer Gabriel Hardwick, the Kinky Jeff 15 Year Reunion Weekend also took place, with many Jeffian alumni returning to Durham for socials, rehearsals, and a one-night-only performance. Kinky Jeff continues to improve musically under the direction of Juliane Deil, and we cannot wait to show off our new repertoire at our Easter Term gigs and on our tour to Amsterdam, organised by James Petley. Stay kinky! Joe Dugas President
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Lion in Winter Ball 2019 As one of the flagship events in the College calendar, expectations for Lion in Winter Ball are always high. This year was no exception and with the move back into College there were undoubtedly new challenges that the event faced. Nonetheless the Ball Committee collaborated with the JCR Exec and College staff to put together an extraordinary event which was enjoyed by almost 800 people.
Preparing the main stage for a great night of entertainment at the LIWB
This year’s theme, “Fly me to the Moon”, named after the infamous Frank Sinatra song, celebrated 50 years since putting man on the moon. We transformed College for the night, setting half of the site in ‘60’s America with our swingin’ ‘60’s diner in the Burt Room and jazz club in the Pace Common Room. Guests were transported to outer space through a black hole under the chapel arch to the planetarium in the Dining Hall, mission control over in the Birley Room and deep space in the tennis court marquee. The decorations team, led by Darcey Sergison, along with our theme director, Isaac Rudden, did
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fantastic work in bringing the theme to life and giving our guests an intimate and personal experience. The entertainments and music teams led by Lizzy Head and Leah Peacock ensured that all of our guests were treated with plenty of things to do and performances to watch. Particular highlights were the tribute band, ‘The Kopycat Killers’ and Philip George, a chart-topping DJ.
Behind the scenes at the Ball (L-R) Norman Darwin (Chef), Chloe Sweetland (Senior Man), Alok Kumar (LIWB Chair)
The food, as ever, was spectacular! Charlotte Robson and Will Green worked together to create a cosmic menu which was enjoyed by 300 diners. Beyond this we had Pizza and Taco vans, a Mac ‘n’ Cheese stall and Belgian waffles! Our marketing strategy, led by Amelia de Normann in collaboration with our graphic designer, Tanisha Jha, was a particular success. For the first time we had a launch party in December and we even launched a mobile app on Android and Apple devices. Further thanks must go to: Dasha Rozhnova, the Ball’s Treasurer; Nelly Kaidan as Head of Sponsorships; Cameron Jones, the Secretary
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and of course to Jasmine Mansfield, her team and all the Operations staff for doing such a spectacular job of making sure everything ran to schedule on the night. We’d also like to give special thanks to the Hatfield Trust for its continued support and generous contributions. We hope that all attendees enjoyed Lion in Winter Ball this year and we hope that its success continues for years to come. Alok Kumar Chair, Lion in Winter Ball
The Lion Theatre Company As a Company, LTC has taken DST by storm this past year. We started the academic year with ‘Something Dark', the autobiographical tale of poet Lemn Sissay. This beautiful piece, directed by Kimran Rana and staring Darrius K Thompson, explored the struggle of being raised in the foster care system and searching for his family, while being subjugated to racism and rejection. Branded a ‘must-see' production, it navigates Sissay's travels on finding his own path of self-discovery, through Sissay's own familiar tool of spoken poetry. As ‘Something Dark’ premiered at the beginning of December, auditions for Epiphany’s show ‘Skylight’, by David Hare, were well underway. 2019 was brought in with heavy rehearsals for ‘Skylight’, directed by Francesca Davies-Cáceres, performed in Cafédral in February. ‘Skylight’ celebrates the complexities of day-to-day life, exploring the social issues of modern society, and the consequences of love and loss. It was a resounding success with a fabulous reception from the Durham audience. February also saw a huge triumph for Andrew Cowburn, the LTC President, with his play ‘Tuesday’, being premiered at the Durham Drama Festival and being awarded the best show of the Festival. With over 30 scripts submitted, and nine being selected, ‘Tuesday’, touched on the relationship between two sixth formers in an exceptionally emotive and engaging way.
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With exam season looming, Director George Chilvers takes on the challenge of directing ‘Mojo', by Jez Butterworth. Noted for its hilarity, this fast-paced dark comedy transports us to Soho in the 1950s, a world of seedy gangsters and the underground Club scene. At the end of the academic year, ‘Mojo’ should be a great addition to Durham student theatre, reminding us of the great dramatic accomplishments of the past year. The success of all three productions showcases the astounding talent student theatre, and LTC, truly have to offer. As summer kicks in, our members are off to participate in various dramatic endeavours. LTC will be taking its production of ‘Skylight' over to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, and we hope it will have just as much success there as it did in Durham. The intake of new Hatfield freshers has been a great influence on the shape of the theatre company, and the face of the College itself, with many new faces proving their dramatic skillset in many aspects of the theatrical community. From musical theatre, sketch comedy, to some of the various Shakespeare productions of the past year, Hatfield students, and members of LTC have really shone and taken front stage. If the past year says anything for the future of Lion Theatre Company, it is the bright future through the outpouring of outstanding quality productions, and many accomplishments across the board. Andrew Cowburn President
Music Society It has been yet another successful year for Hatfield Music Society. After recruiting a large number of freshers at the Freshers’ Fair in October, we have been continuously networking the musicians in Hatfield. By doing this we have been able to form not only a clarinet quintet and clarinet choir, but a folk band as well! The Freshers’ Concert was a huge success and showcased a wide variety of new talent at Hatfield. Kate Arnold has done a fantastic job at organising these events and has engaged Hatfield musicians, not only
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in the Freshers’ Concert, but in the Christmas Concert as well, which also included some of our regular performers. Hearing several performers in Hatfield join together to sing Christmas carols in the Winter Concert is always a highlight of the academic year, and this year was no exception. Zhen Wei Chew has also contributed largely to Hatfield Music Society this year by organising a lunchtime concert in the Music department. This was a successful debut for many Hatfield musicians, including Tom Lipton, who showed off his comedic talents with his delightful rendition of ‘Poisoning Pigeons in the Park’. The Society has taken more of a presence on social media this year, with the new Hatfield Music Society Instagram account being active throughout each term and building upon the musical community within College. The Society has aimed to ensure that all musicians feel welcome and included in the musical community of Hatfield College, and looks forward to what the rest of the year has to offer! Hannah Thomson President
SHAPED This year has been an exciting one for SHAPED, as we trialled several new events and built on the ones already there. The Committee was made up of Zhen Wei Chew as Coordinator, Patricia Hu as Communications Officer, Quinn Higgins and Jonathan Birkett as Lions and Careers Reps, and Joyce Wu and Christina Dahl Andersen as Academic and Development Reps. Our Junior Reps were Navya Lobo, Miriam Parker, Anne-Marie Garrett, Rian Dhillon, and Lauren Powdrell. We began the year with the Blast-off talks, a series aimed at helping students get accustomed to life at Hatfield. The first of these was ‘How To Write a Manifesto’; where members of different execs, such as
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Lumley Ball, SHAPED and the Facilities Officer were invited to give advice on applying for junior positions. This was followed up by an Academic Panel, ‘How to get a First', where 2nd, 3rd or 4th-year students who received a First or 2:1 formed a panel and answered questions from freshers. The final Blast-Off event was a talk labelled ‘Opportunities in Durham'. The guests to this talk were Hatfield Nepal Project, Hatfield DUCK, Hatfield's SCA Rep, and a member of the Laidlaw Scholarship. Each guest briefly explained what their projects were and answered any questions the students had as well. This talk was particularly successful for Laidlaw as a number of attendees later applied for the scholarship. Aside from the Blast-Off events, which were mainly given by students, we also had several guest speakers. The first of these was a talk on the Civil Service by Kavneet Jolly, a Policy Advisor to the Civil Service Fast Stream, who explained how and the Fast Stream applications worked, and shared her experience of working in the Civil Service. Fifty people attended this presentation, making it one of the best well-attended SHAPED events ever. Another guest event was a drop-in session organised by the Bank of America, Merrill Lynch. Ten students attended this 1-to-1 session, many of whom stayed in contact with the guest. The final guest event was ‘How to speed read' by the Durham University Academic Skills Programme who sent down a member to lead a workshop on reading and absorbing material quickly, an important skill in most Humanities subjects. Around November last year, we began our Hatfield Mentors’ Programme, a new initiative. The idea behind the Programme is to make use of 2nd, 3rd and 4th years who received a First or 2:1 in
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Hatfield, lending them to mentor the freshers. We began by emailing the students who had been part of the Academic Panel as well as publicising the opportunity around College. Following a large number of signups from mentors, we organised several drop-in study sessions, labelled ‘Study with SHAPED’, for freshers to ask questions or to discuss formatives with the mentors in their subject. Though the attendance from the freshers was not as good as we hoped, this programme could certainly be expanded on next year. This year we also tried a new system of alumni events, entitled Career Conversation Dinners. Several alumni, usually three, were invited to a formal dinner in the SCR to which students were given the opportunity to sign-up, allowing more close and personal discussions to take place. The first one we held was on Accounting and Finance and the feedback was excellent. This event will also be something we hope to build on in the future. Finally, the last event we organised was the Annual Hatfield Debate. Another new initiative this year, we were given the opportunity to organise this when Rory Flynn, a third-year student, was awarded funding from the Hatfield Trust to attend the World University Debating Championships in South Africa. She offered to give a talk on Public Speaking and Debating. This event was followed up by the Inaugural Hatfield Debate a week later where freshers who signed up were given five days to prepare speeches either for or against the motion 'This House Believes that Durham University's expansion plans are against the interests of current Durham Students'. The debate was judged by Tom Scott, Ann MacLarnon and Rory Flynn. The speeches were fantastic and though the proposition won, it was a very close decision. Congratulations to the winning team, Emily Chen and partner, who were each awarded with their own cuddly Hatfield Lion Hatti - sponsored by the Hatfield Trust, as well as a voucher sponsored by SHAPED. Congratulations also to Lauren Powdrell who won Best Overall Speaker. Zhen Wei Chew SHAPED Coordinator
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Hatfield Welfare It is a great pleasure and a privilege to be able to report on all of the hard work the Welfare Team has put in so far this year. Over the past twelve months, Ciara McEvoy and I have continued to build on the hard work of our predecessors through running some of Hatfield’s most-loved welfare campaigns, as well as bringing our own innovation to the team. It’s clear to see that Welfare’s presence in Hatfield is as strong as, if not even stronger, than ever. We’ve worked especially hard this year with the transition of disabilities representation into the team. The team of 22 dedicated members are committed to making sure every Hatfielder feels as at home in College right from the beginning of Induction Week. Without the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Welfare Teams, none of this would have been possible – we’d like to thank them for all of their hard work and hope they have enjoyed being a part of this as much as we have! Our first campaign was Worksmart which took place during exams, with the aim of promoting healthy working patterns, and being conscientious of personal wellbeing throughout the exams. This included film nights, mindfulness sessions, yoga, and Tea and Toast at all times of the day. We even held a couple of Welfare walks, picnics and smoothie sessions. During more stressful periods it is rewarding to feel the impact we have on the Hatfield community. Shortly after exams, in the more relaxed post-exams period, we appointed our Senior Welfare Representatives: Isaac Rudden, Kelly McAulay, and Mia Connor. As well as this, we appointed our Senior Campaigns Representatives: Hannah Thomson and Georgie BurfordTaylor. Finally, we welcomed Thavish Annal as Senior Livers-Out Representative. Throughout the year they have proved to be an invaluable asset to the team; from holding drop-in sessions to support others, to planning and delivering fantastic campaigns, their enthusiasm and commitment to the team is unrivalled. The summer break brought planning for Induction Week, and the term ahead. The role of peer-led welfare provides a unique role in the support network here at Durham, and this is particularly important
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when introducing the new students to Hatfield and seeing them embrace the traditions we all love. We were particularly lucky to be some of the first to greet the freshers and introduce them to welfare right from the offset, enabling us to establish the team as a key aspect of college life. Alongside the madness that was Induction Week, Thavish was hard at work allocating our fresher ‘children’ to second year ‘parents’ as part of our family system. Both our parenting night, and family formal that followed on from it ran extremely successfully and strengthened our long-standing College family tradition. We then held a more relaxed “Re-freshers week” including our new weekly Calm to the Core sessions, sign up to the NHS C-Card scheme, film nights and ice-cream sundae-making. Shortly into term we recruited the remainder of our team. We were overwhelmed by the number of applications we received for the Junior Welfare Representative positions, and this made selection particularly challenging. It has been a pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic team of juniors: Adam Carruthers, Alexandra Krajewski, Beatrice Braithwaite, Bradley Sims, Bran Blackshaw, Emily Ball, Georgi Bain, Jemma Youngman, Jess Clark, Livia Brunelli, Lucy Elwy, Max Taylor, Pandora Wilson, and Sharah Athayde. We hope that their enthusiasm and involvement with the Welfare Team continues throughout their Hatfield adventures! Our first campaign as a full team was Hatfield’s original “Wolfpack” campaign which focuses on student safety. This mini-campaign involved a visit from the local Drug and Alcohol Services to raise awareness during mealtimes. On the Friday of this particular week we put on a Wolfpack themed formal with decorations and activities in the bar afterwards. The Hatfield staple, Tea and Toast, held after every formal, has been a continued success this year. Our Tea and Toast on this occasion came with an added surprise of doughnuts if you returned with your ‘Wolfpack’. With a full team hard at work, Hatfield Welfare continued to deliver. Some of the highlights of first term include a themed formal for World AIDs Day, and our ever popular “12 Days of Welfmas”. We filled a Santa Sack with all of our most popular supplies which were delivered at mealtimes – Timba Claus even made a visit to the newly refurbished
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bar after Christmas formals! This provided a fun treat during the festive season as well as raising awareness of the supplies that Welfare has available. Epiphany Term brought SHAG Week (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance), a much-loved regular campaign. It came equipped with a good balance of humour and guidance to warn students about the risks of STIs and STDs, including a piñata in the bar afterwards. This was followed later in the term by Mental Health Week, focusing on issues commonly faced by students. We hoped to raise awareness of mental health issues through social media, videos and events. Our free yoga sessions, Welfare walks and smoothies made a reappearance, as well as themed podcasts. You can catch up on these by searching ‘Hatfield Welfare podcast’ on iTunes or SoundCloud.
Hatfield Reps welcoming prospective offer holders on their visit to Durham
In addition to the consistently wonderful campaigns and events, our work has also spread within the JCR Executive Committee. This includes providing welfare assistance on Hatfield Day and at other events such as Lion in Winter Ball. As well as this, Georgie and Hannah worked hard to introduce the Welfare podcasts which have been an extremely popular, new way of spreading the welfare message. I have also been a member of the University’s Peer Support Training Task and Finish Group which aimed to standardise training for
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students in Senior Welfare roles that involve providing peer support to other students. Through this I delivered a talk to the University’s Student Support and Wellbeing Sub-Committee which, alongside the work of the Group, has resulted in changes to training that will be put in place for the next academic year. We have thoroughly enjoyed working together and have had a wonderful year leading Team Welfare. It has been amazing to see the impact and increase in engagement over the past year. We’d really like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s been involved in, and supported, our events. It has been an honour to be involved in something that we know is integral to College life, and we are immensely proud of all that we have been able to achieve. Although we’re extremely sad to be leaving our positions, we’re excited to see all of the fantastic new things that Team Welfare deliver over the next year. We feel happy in the knowledge that Hatfield Welfare is being left in the safe hands of Kelly and Jess! Some notes from members of the team: This year the Welfare Team has been a close-knit family full of kindness, care and laughter! It’s been a pleasure to be part of this team, whether it was through a welfare stall in Induction Week, weekly meetings or one-to-one drop-ins with fellow students. I look forward to being on the team again this year as Welfare Officer and carrying on the legacy of the Hatfield Welfare Team. Kelly McAulay (Senior Welfare Representative) There has never been a dull moment being a part of Team Welfare. Whether it’s making toast at 2am, delivering Christmas cards or giving people STIs (as a visual representation of statistics not literally) at SHAG Formal, every member of Team Welfare brings joy and laughter. I’ve been so lucky to be a part of such an amazing team this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Jess Clark (Junior Campaigns Representative) Being a part of the Welfare Team this year has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my time in Durham. On the livers-out team we’ve worked hard in organising livers-out brunches and introducing more regular supply drops at the science
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site. I feel very lucky to have been part of such a close-knit and passionate team and being able to see first-hand all the work that goes into Welfare has made me appreciate it even more. Bradley Sims (Junior Livers-Out Representative) It has been a great pleasure to be a part of the Welfare Team this year. Being one of the two Senior Campaigns Reps, I have had lots of opportunities to implement my own ideas. By far my proudest achievement in the last year has been launching the new Hatfield Welfare Podcast (available on iTunes). This has allowed Hatfielders to discuss important welfare-related issues in an honest way that is accessible for everyone, and I hope that it continues to grow after I graduate (I hear we even have listeners in York)! The Welfare Team has been a highlight of my time at Durham University and I wish the team the best of luck in the next year. Hannah Thomson (Senior Campaigns Representative) Working with Team Welfare this year has been one of the best decisions I have made at Hatfield – everyone on the team has been so friendly, inclusive and welcoming. Campaigns such as SHAG week, Wolfpack and Mental Health have been a great success and have raised awareness of different topics that are particularly relevant to us as students. Jemma Youngman (Junior Campaigns Representative) Even as a second-year, joining the Welfare Team has been super easy and one of the best decisions I’ve taken. Being Livers-Out Rep has been so great, and I’ve had so much fun organising livers-out brunches and formals. Everyone on the Welfare Team is so nice and lovely, and when we have had socials and brunches together the atmosphere has always been so pleasant. We have organised so many wholesome campaigns, including mental health and SHAG week (sexual health), we’ve done podcasts and formals and so much more, plus, you get STASH! Livia Brunelli (Junior Livers-Out Representative) Welfare love xoxox Kathryn Rogers JCR Welfare Officer
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Yoga & Meditation Society The Hatfield Yoga and Meditation Society began this academic year with a bang! Since the start of the first term we have accumulated a diverse and dedicated core group of attendees in our regular yoga and meditation sessions along with other events organised to allow people with very different previous experience of yoga and general wellness to take part. Our yoga sessions challenge the group to reach their individual potential by extending their physical and mental comfort zones, and all the while remembering the fundamental rule of yoga: smile! The sessions conclude with meditations to promote relaxation and stress-relief, including methods and techniques which one can use at home. This, along with a friendly environment, means that the weekly sessions have been designed to cater for everyone. Yoga Society Nature Walk
We have organised full-moon meditations, as, according to yogic philosophy, meditations at these times are particularly effective. These also function as socials after the meditation and have remained a unique opportunity to experience the night sky in a way in which we students rarely have the time to do.
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Our morning nature walks promote general wellbeing and an appreciation of Durham's natural environment, acting as a further opportunity to get to know the Society's members and the Exec in a more relaxed setting, and have a wider appeal beyond the commonly recognised realm of yoga. For our Society, Yoga is more than just stretching. We encourage physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing through our yoga sessions, and our other wholesome social events. To this end, the Society also held a Christmas bake sale with the aid of our members, in order to spread seasonal cheer and wellbeing. We recently organised a day-trip to Edinburgh to attend a professional meditation workshop and to explore the historical attractions of the city. The Society has in fact fostered links with the nation-wide yoga community, particularly thanks to the yoga training workshops attended by our President, who leads our weekly sessions. The Hatfield Yoga and Meditation Society has therefore been working for the past two academic terms to promote wellness throughout the Hatfield community, to provide chilled, inclusive social events for all members, and to encourage engagement with Durham's natural wonders, creating a friendly and relaxed community which is open to anyone. Anubhuti Jain (President) Lisa Prescott (Publicity Officer)
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The Hatfield Trust First established in 1987, Hatfield Trust has grown to be an important source of support for the College, key to enabling increased opportunities for students, to enhancing College facilities, and to supporting students who experience financial hardship. It is primarily funded through alumni donations, both one-off contributions and regular giving. To recognise our regular givers, in 2018 we initiated the 1846 Club. The 1846 Club currently has 62 members, and we are grateful to all our donors. Full details of the 1846 Club are available on our website here: www.dunelm.org.uk/hatfieldcollege/donations/1846-club. In 2018, we articulated a new strategy for the Trust, building on the major themes of funding. The four overarching aims are to support: ยก high quality student development activities; ยก aspirational student career development; ยก attracting and supporting students from a diverse range of backgrounds to be able to access and participate fully in College life; ยก sustaining a thriving College community and environment. Students can apply for funds throughout the year, either individually or for group ventures, including clubs and societies. We also have a number of special named awards for particular areas, from fieldwork in geography to musical development, to activities centred on Asia or Africa, based on substantial donations. Hardship funds are available for students who experience unexpected difficulties and needs. In 2018, we also launched two special fund-raising projects in celebration of 30 years since the first admission of women students to Hatfield College. These are the Lioness Sculpture project, to fund a commission for a female sculptor from the northeast to produce a lioness to be displayed in the College grounds; and the Lioness
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Scholarship project, to fully fund a women from a less developed country where female education is less available, to come to Hatfield to study for a master’s degree. To date we have a very significant sum towards the Lioness sculpture, and have commissioned a sculptor. All three College Common Rooms contributed as well as the Hatfield Association, the Hatfield Trust and a number of individual donors. More monies would be welcome to meet the final bill. The Lioness Scholarship has attracted very significant sums from alumni and other friends of the College. We have advertised for a student to start in Michaelmas 2019 and have already received over 300 applications. The assessment panel is going to have a very hard job! As yet, we have half the funding towards future years, and we are actively seeking further contributions. To find out more about either of these special projects go to: www.dunelm.org.uk/hatfield-college/donations/current-appeals. For incoming undergraduates from Michaelmas 2019, we are launching a Hatfield Bursary scheme for all students from lower income households; this will cover purchasing a gown, paying the JCR levy, providing funds for a ball ticket etc, so that students are not limited by financial means from joining in core Hatfield activities. Once again, through alumni generosity to the Trust, we have been able to get this project off the ground, and we’re hopeful that through continued support, we’ll be able to keep this scheme going for years to come. In the past year, individual awards from the Trust have supported more than 50 students, and the purchase of equipment etc has enhanced the facilities for many more. Hatfield alumni are extremely generous, and our students and the College as a whole are very grateful for all of the monies that have been given. The Trust ensures that they are put to the very best of use. Ann MacLarnon Master Chair of the Hatfield Trust
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Reflections of the Trust Director My connection with Hatfield began with my appointment as Parent Governor on the College Governing Body in 2001. At the time my son Alex was studying Geography. In 2002 Alex was elected as President of Hatfield College Boat Club and he invited me to coach the Hatfield women’s squad which I happily did for several years - to success - both at Durham Regatta and on two occasions, to qualifying at Women's Henley Regatta. My foray into competitive river life was first as a young man. It all started back in 1955 when, as a young cox to the talented first four crew from Durham Amateur Rowing Club, I coxed the crew to victory in the Grand Challenge Cup at Durham Regatta on two occasions and then, most successfully, to qualifying for European trials at Henley in 1956. There is a black and white photograph of me and my crew on the walls of Durham Amateur Rowing Club. In the years that followed, I too could regularly be seen in a rowing boat as an oarsman during my time at Bede College, Durham, where I studied during the 1960s and then in my later years rowing as a veteran for Durham Amateur Rowing Club. For a number of years, whilst interposing my time between my coaching roles, I was a regular commentator at Durham Regatta. My voice, familiar to many of the oarsmen and women who navigated the course in Durham, could be heard rolling out across the Racecourse where I would provide commentary on the day’s racing. I also spent time commentating at Women's Henley Regatta from the relative comfort of a chase boat while still managing to deliver insightful updates to the crowd as well as capturing the emotion of the tense racing. My connection with Hatfield College grew when I was appointed President of the Senior Common Room in the Michaelmas Term 2002, a position I held for four enjoyable years. I continued my involvement with College when I was appointed Director of the Hatfield Trust on 1 August 2008, where I worked to design and oversee fund raising strategies and initiatives to enhance the Hatfield College and Durham University experience for students.
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It was in this position that I helped to facilitate the modernisation of the Hatfield College boathouse, one of the historic buildings on the banks of the River Wear. Inside the boathouse, as well as new boats for the students (three eights and four fours) the ergo room training suite was also overhauled with new equipment and an honours board, which I designed, where the names of past Presidents of the Club could be displayed. Today the names of all the Presidents of the Club adorn this honours board from the late 1800s up to the present day. As well as my interest in rowing, I also have an interest in art. My work as an artist is something that developed from an early age into a lifetime of work, and I continue to actively paint and sketch today. My biggest single influence came from my time training as an architect and, although I never worked professionally in this field, I developed a skill for producing intricately detailed drawings of buildings which forms much of the work I have produced during my career. Some, you may have noticed, have been used for the cover of the Hatfield Record, and over the years the proceeds from the sale of my framed prints and cards within College have been donated to the Hatfield Trust. I finally retired as Director of the Hatfield Trust in the Michaelmas Term 2018, and at my retirement dinner on 19 January 2019, it was a great surprise and tremendous honour to be appointed an Honorary College Fellowship by the Master. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given me such strong support during my time in Hatfield, with grateful thanks especially to Cynthia Connolly. I hope that the Hatfield Trust continues to flourish, and continues to help Hatfielders be the best that they can be. Ian Curry Hatfield Trust Director (2008-2018)
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Notes from the Sabbatical Development Officer This year has witnessed a few changes in the Hatfield Trust Office. Our Director of ten years, Ian Curry, retired from the Trust in December 2018. Ian made an enormous contribution to the Hatfield Trust during his time here, and we were very sorry to see him go. We wish him the very best for whatever future endeavours he pursues!
Ann MacLarnon presenting Ian Curry, Director of the Hatfield Trust, with an Honorary Fellowship of the College at his retirement dinner on 19 January 2019
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This year we have also developed a new approach to awarding Trust funding to Hatfield students. All applicants to the Trust now apply through a standardised online form structured around a consistent set of criteria, with applications accepted twice a term. Emphasis is on encouraging aspirational student development, and we are very pleased with the projects we have been able to support this year. Of particular note is Rory Flynn, who received funding from the Trust to participate in the World Debating Championships in Cape Town, South Africa. Rory did us proud, attaining the result of second best speaker in the world, in addition to being the best speaker representing a European institution, Durham University’s best-ever result at the World Championships. We are very interested to see what Rory takes on next! The Trust has supported a wide range of student activities this year, such as sport (including assisting students to participate in national archery tournaments and overseas marathons), music (including lessons for students wishing to take their musical ability further), and academic activities (helping students to attend summer schools, internships and conferences). We have also provided support to Hatfield Clubs and Societies, including assisting the Boat Club with the purchase of eight new blades. We hope these will help our rowers to success! Alongside these general awards, we have continued to support the MCR through the MCR Research Awards, funding students pursuing a range of disciplines from Geology to English Literature. In addition, the Justin Browning Fund continues to be available to students facing financial hardship. We are very grateful to have received a substantial donation to this Fund from a Hatfield alumnus this year, which will ensure this Fund continues to be available to those students in need and means the Trust can continue to play its role in supporting an inclusive Hatfield community. A special focus for this year has been the establishment of the Lioness Fund, set up in honour of our 30th anniversary of admitting women students to Hatfield College. This Fund consists of two projects. The Lioness Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a female postgraduate student from a developing country where access to higher education
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for women is limited. Following from the extreme generosity of Hatfield alumni, we are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for our first Lioness Scholar to join us in October 2019. Fundraising efforts are continuing to make sure this scholarship can continue for future years. The second part of the Lioness Fund is a Lioness Sculpture to complement the proud lion sculpture, ‘Timba’ in the Dining Hall. A female sculptor from the North East has been commissioned to create this sculpture, which is due to be installed in the College grounds later this year. Speaking of lions, we have a recent addition to our Hatfield Merchandise range in the form of a cuddly lion toy, named Hatti! This friendly lion has been selling well, and has even become something of a ‘mascot’ for Hatfield (as testified by photos of Hatti accompanying Hatfielders on their travels around the world!). Furthermore, Hatfield Merchandise is now available to purchase online through the Durham University Official Shop (see page 187). We hope this will make it easier for Hatfielders around the world to satisfy their desire for Hatfield memorabilia. For those living more locally, merchandise continues to be available for purchase at Hatfield College Reception. Another development this year has been the growth of our 1846 Club for regular givers to the Hatfield Trust. Regular donors provide valuable support to the Hatfield Trust, and the 1846 Club scheme recognises their generosity through providing benefits (ranging from a specially designed membership badge to an invitation to a College formal) tailored to the four tiers of club membership – 1846 Members, Partners, Guardians and Patrons. We deeply value all our 1846 Club donors, and are very pleased to have a club membership of 62 alumni so far. Donations to the Hatfield Trust this year have not been restricted to the 1846 Club – we have also benefited from the generosity of Hatfield students’ parents through the Parent Membership Scheme, in addition to donations from alumni and other friends of Hatfield College.
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We are deeply grateful to all those who have supported the College this year, whether through a donation to the Hatfield Trust, or by volunteering their time to take part in alumni events. The work of the Hatfield Trust would not be possible without you! As Sabbatical Development Officer, I have also been involved in a suite of other activities. This has included further updates to the Hatfield Dunelm website, developing new promotional material for the Lioness Fund, and creating effective record-keeping systems for the various facets of everyday Trust business. I have also worked closely with the Hatfield Association, helping to organise alumni events including a College Songs workshop and the annual Winter Dinner, in addition to producing the quarterly Hatfield Association newsletter. This year I have also worked with Ellen Crabtree on the 30 Years of Hatfield Women celebrations. This has involved assisting with the launch of the anniversary celebrations in October, helping design our new ‘All-One’ Hatfield t-shirt, and supporting the creation of the College exhibition, ‘All Male No More!’ which tells the story of the first admission of women students to Hatfield College in 1988. It has been an absolute pleasure being Sabbatical Development Officer this year and I am very fortunate to have had this opportunity following the completion of my Masters. This year has been an excellent learning opportunity and provided me with valuable experience. Perhaps most of all, it has been a delight to work as a member of such a warm and welcoming college community, and to call Hatfield home. Rebecca Staats Sabbatical Development Officer 2018-19
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Hatfield students can apply for funds throughout the year from the Hatfield Trust, either individually or for group ventures, for a wide range of activities in the UK and overseas; the cross-section of reports that follow give a flavour of how our students have benefitted from that support.
Hatfield Trust Awards
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Examples of Trust Awards Tim Armitage (MCR Award) Postgraduate Programme, Geological Sciences
Being awarded the Hatfield Trust MCR Research Award allowed me to attend the Tectonic Studies Group conference in Bergen, Norway, and to travel to the University of Gothenburg in Sweden to meet a potential collaborator. It was a spectacular adventure with many inspiring presentations, interesting discussions and as much snow as you could wish for!
On Sunday, I attended a highly relevant short-course titled Seismic
interpretation; application to structural geology and potential pitfalls hosted by the critically-acclaimed Professor Christopher Jackson (Imperial College, London) and Dr Clare Bond (University of Aberdeen). This short course provided excellent training in methodologies I have not previously considered, and identified potential unconscious biases of interpreting geological data.
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From Monday to Wednesday, I presented my poster entitled Complex Shear Fabrics in the Shetland Caledonides (co-authored by Robert Holdsworth and Robin Strachan) at the University of Bergen’s Natural History Museum. The poster received a lot of interest and I was kept in various discussions throughout the three days, which was highly encouraging and provided excellent feedback for future research. Furthermore, the keynote speaker, Dr Grace Shepherd, provided a fantastic presentation of her latest research of the geological history of the Arctic Circle and formation of the Atlantic Ocean. In this presentation, she demonstrated the tectonic influence of far-field events and the danger neglecting such impacts in tectonic models; a warning that I shall certainly heed! The ice-breaker reception hosted at the University further provided opportunity for discussion and networking with other high-profile geologists from both academic and industrial backgrounds. I managed to meet many researchers interested in my work, including the Finnish Geological Survey who noted the relevance of my methodologies to many other contemporary industries, including disposal of nuclear waste large-scale infrastructure projects. To round off my excellent experience in Bergen, myself and another postgraduate student went for a morning jog on the final day of the conference up Fløyen, a mountain on the outskirts of Bergen. Although we were battered by wind, rain and snow, we managed to ascend for worthwhile views of the Norwegian Fjords in the early morning sunrise. Wednesday night, I caught the overnight train from Bergen to Gothenburg on the world famous Flåm railway. Although I couldn’t see the scenery through the darkness outside, waking up in a different city is a great feeling. On the Thursday and Friday I met Professor Thomas Zach to discuss a potential collaboration of research and access to his laboratories in the University of Gothenburg. The next logical step for my research is to geologically date the age of metamorphism in Shetland by using the innovative and novel technique of measuring in situ Rb-Sr isotopes. Professor Thomas Zach is a world-leading expert in this method and was keen to cooperate with my research, suggesting that I return to Gothenburg in September to start our work together.
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The research I presented showed that Shetland is a unique and exciting frontier of geological exploration, with a long and complex geological history that links Scottish, Norwegian and Greenland terrains. The geological processes active during the metamorphism of Shetland 410 million years ago are furthermore unique examples of the inner workings of mountain belts, with implications on the formation of other contemporary mountain belts presently active. During my presentation and throughout the conference I relished discussing my research with many outstanding scientists in tectonics, metamorphism and geochemistry; their feedback on my work and ideas was invaluable and much appreciated. I was furthermore able to improve my presentation techniques by demonstrating my research to world-leading experts who were able to give critical feedback and praise on both my science and communication skills. As I have now started my second year of PhD studies these discussions were also aptly timed, as I was able to meet both new and existing collaborators to discuss possible future project ideas by networking with world-leading industrial and academic geologists. As a second year PhD student with limited research funds, the Hatfield Trust MCR Research Award was invaluable, as without it my attendance at TSG 2019 Bergen and meeting Professor Thomas Zach would not have been possible. I can now pursue decisive methodologies that will improve my research and help me publish my work in high impact journals. I am highly appreciative of the Hatfield Trust in giving me the opportunity to go to Bergen and Gothenburg and recommend all postgraduate researchers network and present at conferences.
Emma Askew (Gant Award) Undergraduate Programme, Geography (Science)
With assistance from the Gant Fund, I successfully sampled four separate solar farms across Cornwall, including the sites of Trenouth, Trefullock, Bodwen and Carnemough, For each site, I extracted four soil cores at 10 individual sample points, collecting a total of 160 soil samples that were analysed and tested further in Durham University laboratories. To make this possible, the Gant Fund allowed me to gain
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access to LandIS maps and soil data, which aided the site selection process to ensure factors, such as soil type, could be controlled within this investigation. The Gant Fund also made the site visits possible during the first and second term of my third year at Durham University, in which I flew from Newcastle to Exeter and drove with an assisting chartered soil scientist to the solar farms. This would not have been achieved without the Gant Fund due to the issues gaining site access to the solar farms, and the limiting factor of only being allowed on site when solar company engineers and assistants are available and present. This resulted in four separate journeys to Cornwall as the site visits could not be planned to coincide during the same weekend. As a result, this gave me the great opportunity to assess how soil organic carbon could increase/decrease overtime after the construction of a solar farm. With this, my dissertation research unfortunately found no significant trend in soil organic carbon change over time, mainly due to the inevitable limitation that solar farms have only been present in Cornwall and the UK since 2011. Therefore, this short timescale could not detect a change and further research would be needed to assess soil organic carbon levels regularly over the 25-year lifespan of a solar farm. However, this investigation brought to light the importance of recognising soil organic carbon within a solar farm’s overall carbon budget, as it revealed that soil organic carbon had not yet been previously considered within the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations when constructing a solar farm. Indeed, with the increasing recognition of soil as a significantly vital carbon store, in regard to environmental services and wider climate change, this assessment exposed the opportunity that solar farms could be improved and advanced in the future with a potential ability to protect or sequester soil organic carbon, ensuring long-term environmental benefits in the production of low-carbon energy. The Gant Fund ensured the successful completion of my dissertation and supported research within the current topic of the importance of soils within climate change; solar companies across the UK have subsequently shown interest in this project.
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Rupert Bates (Gant Award) Undergraduate Programme, Geography (Science)
Over the summer I went to Iceland both to conduct fieldwork for my dissertation and as part of a geography module on glaciers and glaciation. Our trip started with a night on the floor of Luton airport but soon improved! A few hours later we were looking at breath-taking glaciers.
The trip followed the format of a few days being lectured in the field followed by us conducting research in small groups. For my group this involved measuring the dimensions of small indentations on the glacial outwash plain of Breidamerkurjökull – a major outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. Our aim was to assess whether catastrophic glacial floods
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had occurred at the site. Some people might think the fieldwork sounds rather tedious but we were lucky ones – the other groups were measuring the dimensions and angularity of thousands of rocks! We stayed in a converted farmhouse in the shadow of Iceland’s largest ice cap. It was an amazing trip and despite the fact our diet consisted entirely of tinned food, squeezy cheese, Ryvita and Nutella (all of which had been brought on a container ship from the UK with a couple of Land Rovers) we lived quite comfortably. After almost two weeks it was time to say goodbye to my colleagues and to set off on my own. For my dissertation I had proposed to study the vegetation history of a site in northern Iceland, the aim being to assess the environmental impacts of human settlement. Iceland was not settled until ca 874 but there remain many uncertainties about how the settlers interacted with the environment. Some studies suggested that vast expanses of birch forest were cleared within only a few generations – a theory I wished to test. To do so I needed to head into the Icelandic Highlands, collect peat samples, and eventually identify several thousand pollen grains within the samples. With little knowledge about what I should expect I had been in contact with Dr Egill Erlendsson at the University of Iceland for advice. He was extremely generous and soon a plan had been made for me to conduct fieldwork with him. I met Egill and one of his students at a bus stop in Reykjavik. After some quick introductions we started our journey north into the Highlands. After three hours’ drive we arrived at our first study site – an incredibly desolate spot, freezing cold with driving horizontal snow. Having put on our thickest layers we ventured out to collect samples. If there were any passers-by they might have wondered why three men were digging a grave-like hole on a snowy day in the middle of nowhere! They would have been even more surprised if they had seen Egill get out a breadknife and start cutting slices of peat from the hole! But these were the best methods. Egill had arranged for us to stay in the local power station (there was nowhere else) whilst we were collecting our samples. The staff were
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incredibly kind and made us feel at home providing large quantities of good food and giving us packed lunches in the morning! After a good night of sleep, we went back into the field for some more sampling. With the fieldwork eventually complete we headed back to Reykjavik. The sampling trip was a huge success and we returned with a number of good samples. Back at the University, Egill generously gave me some dated samples that he had in storage from a site we had visited which hadn’t yet been analysed. Being able to use these will greatly help me in my research. With everything sorted I was able to explore Reykjavik and even see the Northern Lights! The whole trip was extraordinary and has set me up perfectly for my dissertation. I am extremely grateful to Mr Gant for helping to make the trip possible.
Melody Bishop (Fever Tree Internship) Undergraduate Programme, Biomedical Sciences
As someone who studied both English Literature and Biology A level, whenever we were tasked with researching the context of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein I would always choose to focus on how contemporary science had inspired Shelley’s pivotal work. I chose to study “History & Theory of Medicine” (Philosophy Department) as my optional module in first-year; it was through this module that I truly became aware of how important this academic discipline was. I was therefore delighted when I was offered the Fever Tree Internship and accepted without hesitation. My involvement in the project led by Dr Marc Etherington (Physics) and Dr David Lowther (History) began with a tour of the Physics labs, giving me a modern-day insight into quinine as a fluorescence standard. I learnt much about Physics through the internship. For instance, astronomy was something I had not thought about in a while. I also attended a departmental talk to support Marc speaking about his research and was fortunate enough to hear other speakers too.
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My main responsibility during the internship was to transcribe 19th century correspondence and articles to discover how the study of quinine as an antimalarial and a fluorescence standard developed. This task mainly focussed on the writings of English polymath Sir John Herschel (1792-1871), Irish physicist Sir George Stokes (1819-1903), and Scottish science writer Mary Somerville (1780-1872). I gained cultural insight into the inherent sexism of the era; for example, Herschel urged Mary to observe astronomical phenomena, but she was unable to do so as the Collegio Romano refused to admit women. My examinations had a treasure-hunt feel to them; as each new name emerged from a letter, my attention would be drawn elsewhere. Frequent team meetings made me feel that my work was genuinely valued, despite its occasional repetitiveness! Certainly the most novel part of the internship was my trip to the Royal Society, London. I had with me a list of documents to find and photograph for further study. Everybody there was tremendously welcoming and there was a wonderful studious atmosphere to the reading room. I also attended a talk at the UCL IoE on recently-released website “Epsilon”. This was part of the annual conference of the European Society For The History Of Science. The panel consisted of a wide range of academics – from a PhD Student at Cambridge interested in the presentation of class, to a Brazilian woman interested in correspondence from her geographical area. One of the main themes of the panel was that of the discovery of “incidental” figures; by gathering together the correspondence of “bigger” names such as Darwin, this enables archivists to discover “smaller” names of people whose work remained unrecognised. I am told that my 150+ transcriptions (some 3000+ words long, and not all in English!) will likely be uploaded to the Epsilon website as part of a trial period. I feel that I have benefitted hugely from this internship in terms of my own personal and academic development, so it would be fantastic to contribute directly to future projects worldwide. Regarding my own future, having completed the internship I now feel that I am in a much better place to decide what I want to focus on in terms of both study and employment once I graduate. The History of Science has become even more valid an option for me – my Philosophy
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module leader in first-year actually started off as a Biomedical Scientist herself! In 1852, Stokes wrote to Herschel that: “your ‘epiploic’ dispersion has given me the clue to a most extensive field of research…” and I would certainly say that it has given me an insight into my own aspirations.
Indigo Brownhall (Gant Award) Undergraduate Programme, Geography (Science)
Firstly I would like to thank Mr Gant for his kind support and sponsorship to facilitate the collection of data for my dissertation in New Zealand. In total, 110 soil samples from the 2016 Kaikoura landslides were shipped back to the Durham Laboratories. The data will allow the research of carbon flows to help predict future climate change and to help reduce the socio-economic impact of future disasters. The generous award was well spent on return flights to New Zealand and hiring a campervan. Together with two Durham students, I spent a month travelling around the islands, finishing with ten days in the field. The journey to the fieldwork site went by quickly, exploring the geographical feats of New Zealand – of which there are plenty! Highlights of the trip included finding famous Lord of the Rings locations and isolated waterfalls, and boring the only non-geographer with geographical jargon that we had learnt over the two previous years at University. Milford Sound, a NZ self-proclaimed eighth wonder of the world, was a star location of the trip. Everywhere we looked resembled an aspect of what we had been taught in lectures. Eventually we travelled up to Kaikoura for the final ten days of the trip. In 2016 the 7.8M earthquake destroyed most of the coastal roads, and with <20,000 aftershocks it had a remarkable death toll of zero. With over 22,000 landslides the task of finding a suitable valley to study was an easy one. Shivering in the cold nights of winter, and trekking through snow-covered valleys, it became difficult to collect the frozen soil. However, 110 samples were collected over the ten days and seven significant landslides were mapped at 45-47°.
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After the fieldwork I completed an internship at NZME for three weeks in Auckland, and headed home via Lombok to undertake earthquake relief with New Zealand Red Cross. I would like to thank Mr Gant again for his generosity; without his kindness I would not have been able to complete this research project, or help the families suffering in Indonesia.
Mia Connor (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Chemistry
Last summer I travelled to Nepal to teach voluntarily in Kathmandu. I volunteered for six weeks with other Hatfield volunteers at the HVP Central school in Balkumari, Latipur. During this time, I travelled around Nepal and was privileged enough to celebrate several festivals with my students and fellow teachers. The skills I learnt from teaching and travelling were truly life-changing and I will forever cherish the memories I made in Kathmandu. One of the most challenging parts of this trip was inevitably going to be learning how to control and teach a class of over 30 students. Although this was tough at times it was hugely rewarding. I taught Class 5 and Class 6 English, and Class 8 Social Studies with my fellow volunteer teacher (Izzie Asti, Hatfield). Over the weeks we became better at planning and delivering lessons and faster at marking homework. We also managed to teach the students songs and games on ‘fun Fridays’. One of my favourite memories of teaching was when we studied the Christmas Carol with Class 6 and ended the topic by singing ‘I Wish you a Merry Christmas’ in September to the class. Controlling large classes taught me the importance of being patient and helped me develop my resilience when things did not go to plan. Being able to adapt lessons quickly was a skill I rapidly learnt, and I believe this will help me adapt better to difficult situations in the future. During my time in Nepal I lived in the school with the other volunteer teachers from Hatfield, Cambridge and Oxford. Living with the students and teachers meant we were able to become integrated into the Nepalese culture. My utmost favourite memory from my time in
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Nepal was celebrating Teej (a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival held in September). We danced with the students in the playground for hours in the afternoon before another two-hour prayer session (including more dancing) in the evening. This day was truly unforgettable and enabled me to appreciate and participate in Nepalese culture.
This trip was not without difficulties. It was incredibly upsetting to see the destruction caused by the 2015 earthquake and hearing the experiences of the teachers. Many of the historical Durbar squares were greatly damaged by the earthquake. The school is still fundraising to rebuild the building destroyed by the earthquake. I have fundraised to help assist in this project and this has allowed me to feel like I can give back to the students in Nepal in a long-lasting way since returning home.
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Overall, this trip was hugely rewarding. It has taught me to appreciate my lifestyle and the quality of education I have received. One of the main things I learnt was how to be spontaneous and adapt to difficult situations. This was achieved both in my teaching and by travelling around the country. I would thoroughly recommend anyone considering going to Nepal and am looking forward to helping future Hatfield students plan their trip to volunteer for HVP-UK Nepal this coming summer.
Rory Flynn (Trust Award) Undergraduate Programme, International Relations
I represented Durham’s A team at the World Schools Debating Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and an amazing opportunity to explore a part of the world that I had never previously been able to see. Without the generosity of the Hatfield Trust in supporting the extra-curricular activities of Hatfield students, I would not have been able to take part in this competition. I am incredibly grateful for the assistance that I have been given, and proud to come from a college that so evidently values the development of its students both within and outside of academic commitments. I arrived at the University of Cape Town campus just after Christmas, ready to begin the competition on 28 December. At the competition, there were 267 teams in total representing universities from countries including the United States, Mexico, Qatar, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, Russia, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Israel, New Zealand, and many more. The competition begins with nine preliminary rounds, followed by knockout rounds – partial octo-finals, octo-finals, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. After the preliminary rounds, Durham A was ranked as the seventh best team in the world. As we ranked in the top 16 after preliminary rounds, we went straight into the octo-finals. We made it through to the quarter-finals, as proposition on the motion “This House believes that an approach of Political Expansionism on the part of the Chinese state is in the interests of the Chinese people”. In the quarter-finals, we won the round, making it through to the semis – we were opposition on the
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motion “This House supports a norm of embracing anger in public discourse rather than one of aspiring to dispassionate objectivity”. In the semi-finals, we were proposition on the motion “This House would impose a narrow banking regulation”. We unfortunately did not make it through the semi-final on a split decision, with two of the judges on the panel voting to put us through. While we were obviously disappointed to have so narrowly lost out on the finals of the competition, we were very happy with this result as it was Durham’s best finish in at least the past 10 years as well as the third time in a row that Durham’s A team was the best all-female team in the world. Other than our team results, at the end of the competition I was ranked as the second overall speaker in the world – not only was this Durham’s best ever individual finish at worlds, but I was very excited to be the top female speaker in the world as well as the best speaker representing a European institution.
Outside of the competition, we also took the time to explore the city of Cape Town to truly get to know the new country we had come to visit. We visited the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is the oldest harbour in South Africa and home to some of the best seafood I have
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ever eaten. Then we went to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which holds the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. We also had a tour of the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest colonial building in South Africa and the best-preserved example of a Dutch East India company building in the world. It was amazing to learn more about South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history; I believe it is incredibly important to become aware of a countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past in order to understand its context in the present. One of the most amazing things about South Africa was its striking natural beauty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the weather was amazing, and we got to visit Seal Island as well as the African penguins at Boulder Beach. Our last excursion in South Africa was to go to the top of Table Mountain, which was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2011. It was a fabulous end to an amazing trip. I cannot thank the Trust enough for facilitating my ability to attend this competition and see this part of the world.
Jenna Graham (Floreat Scholarship) Postgraduate Programme, Management (International Business)
As a Hatfield undergraduate I studied Geography, an engaging subject which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, coming to the end of my undergraduate study, I decided to pursue a business conversion course to enhance my skills and further my future career opportunities. I joined Durham University Business School and applied for the Management International Business programme (MSc). The course offers initial conversion modules, such as Strategy and Business Economics, and further offers specialist modules to be chosen according to personal interests. Other modules I have studied include Global Marketing and Consulting. These modules have allowed me to explore my specific interests in International Business and I will now be completing my dissertation throughout the summer focusing on international business and business ethics. Overall the course has given me a good understanding of multiple business areas that I hope to use during my career at an international firm.
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The international aspect of the course is what initially appealed to me as it offers a unique ability to prove my attitude and eagerness to have a global career to employers. Studying at Hatfield for another year has provided me the opportunity to be involved in other extracurricular activities. This year I have joined Durham University Women in Business (DUWIB) as an Events Manager. Working with sponsored companies I have set up events for women throughout the University to attend, thus providing them a way to explore future career opportunities, network with professionals and listen to successful womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice and personal experiences. The Find Your Career Calling event, the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship event, was a huge success that many women around the University found particularly useful when considering their career choices. The event was panel-based with successful women highlighting their personal experiences in their chosen career fields. Overall, the Floreat Scholarship has enabled me to further my study and future career opportunities at the Business School.
Thea Hatfield (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Health & Human Sciences
This summer I spent 10 weeks volunteering in Tanzania with VSO. I lived with a host family in a tiny village called Kamachumu in the northeastern corner of Tanzania. We were a team of ten UK and ten Tanzanian volunteers, and we worked in local primary and secondary schools to contribute toward the RISE II project (Rise Income for School Education). The region faces serious problems with regards to unemployment; school dropouts (girls in particular); banana tree diseases, which cause both health and economic consequences for local people; environmental hardships with drought and extreme storms; and recurring health issues of UTIs, worsened by inaccessible and expensive healthcare. As the first volunteers in the village since 2014 our experience was varied and frustrating at times as we grappled with the difficulties of development work on the ground.
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The experience taught me a lot: new skills, new insight, and a clearer understanding of what I want to do in my life and why.
To teach in the schools we worked in small groups of Tanzanian and UK volunteers. We had to plan and lead sessions on subjects including HIV and AIDS, communication, peer pressure and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights. I developed many new skills such as working cross-culturally, speaking confidently in front of large groups, facilitating sessions, and being reflexive and adaptive to change sessions up if they were not working. As part of the program we also had to arrange community action days. These were events in the community that addressed certain issues faced by local people. For mine, we organised a careers fair-type experience where we invited local professionals to come and sit at desks and talk to people about their experiences. In another room we set up a CV
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workshop where students/young people could see example CVs and have a go at writing their own, with the help of a volunteer. This was very successful with about 70 people attending the event. Whilst in the community I decided to do some research for my dissertation at university. I wanted to explore the issue of girls starting menstruation and if/how it affects their school attendance. I also wanted to understand what interventions existed to mitigate this or promote hygienic approaches to menstrual care. I formulated a questionnaire to distribute to my secondary school class. I received many responses which are now in the process of being translated. I hope that this dissertation is informative and educational. Overall my experience in Tanzania was incredible. I made many friends for life; I expanded my career prospects with many new transferrable skills and work experience; I learned more about the actualities of working for a development agency, and I contributed to my academic studies in the UK.
Iona Hindes (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Anthropology
This summer Hatfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travel Trust Award helped me attend a Medical Anthropology expedition to the western Himalayan region of India: Himachal Pradesh. The trip was outstanding; not only did it expose me to and teach me about an area of the world I had never seen before, but it facilitated my dissertation research. My dissertation is focused in the area of medical anthropology. How health, illness and medicine are understood and experienced differently in different cultures and parts of the world. More specifically the area it focuses on is womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and reproductive health, how this is approached, understood, and delivered in the western Himalayan region. Having discussed the nature of my research with the Head of the trip before departing, they were more than happy for me to carry out my research while with them and were extremely helpful.
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The expedition was organized by the Himalayan Health Exchange. The organisation brings doctors and anthropologists from all over the world to the state of Himachal Pradesh where they can learn about the culture, explore the incredible area and work in local clinics and hospitals. The clinics and hospitals are in very remote areas and help provide local people with medical care and treatment, while also giving medical students and anthropology students a chance to learn. The trip was three weeks in total and began in Chandigarh. We met the team and started our journey into the mountains. The group was approximately 30 people in total, consisting of students of anthropology and medicine, of all ages ranging from 19 to 50. On the team there were also a number of attending medical doctors (to oversee the medical students), a couple of anthropology professors, the trip organiser, Ravi, and his assistant, drivers, and a few other members of staff such as cooks etc. Everyone was lovely and got along extremely well. Furthermore, the doctors and anthropology professors were all extremely kind and open in sharing their experiences in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and reproductive health and provided their insights from their respective home countries (for many this was the USA). In the first week the group moved up through Bilaspur to the town of Mandi. We spent four days here. We lived at the local monastery and worked in clinics nearby at the monastery and a nunnery. Here we learned so much about Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and got to see firsthand a Buddhist service and temple. The monks were incredibly hospitable and made the time in Mandi especially memorable. While at the nunnery I began my research by speaking with nuns, learning about their backgrounds and lives, and I also got to interview and speak with local village women. Often people from the villages would visit the clinics as well. Here the drivers were especially helpful as they doubled as translators and I was able to build up a solid rapport and gain really insightful data. The time in Mandi however was not just dominated by my research and clinics. As a group every morning at 7am we had yoga or mediation session. We also had lectures on medical issues which were specific to the region and one of the professors, who was a specialist on Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, gave lectures on religion specific to the area.
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The colours in the temple we stayed in were incredible and a wonderful point of difference between religious centres I had experienced in European churches. Learning about Buddhism was a major unexpected bonus. I came away with it having taught me a lot of different perspectives on life, patience, and balance in body and mind. When I wasn't interviewing and collecting data for my dissertation, I would help by working in Triage. Here I would take patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blood pressure, heart rate, etc. before sending them to a doctor. From Mandi, we started our assent into the far northern region of Spiti. We drove up over the Rohtang Pass, 4,000m altitude camped a night in the mountains, and then ascended over the Kunzum Pass, 4,590m altitude. Luckily I did not suffer any altitude sickness. The drive was incredible, however long and slightly terrifying. The roads were open to rock slides, rivers and the elements. Hence the drives were long and slow, but it was a great time to get to know fellow trip members, share stories and take in the breathtaking landscape which changed all the time as we got higher and higher into the mountains. The following weeks we spent in the far northern and culturally Tibetan region of Spiti. We worked in Triage and Pharmacy in the clinics and local hospital here, and gathered great interview material from locals and nurses and doctors at the hospital. A group of anthropology students also took a day to find a local Tibetan doctor whose practice we found after speaking with numerous locals and exploring the town. The Tibetan doctor was lovely and entertained us with tea and answered all of our questions for over two hours. In Spiti we explored a variety of temples, monasteries, and the landscape. A favourite was the monastery in Tabo, the oldest in the world, and the birthplace of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. We spent an unbelievable week in Spiti. Following Spiti we travelled back over the treacherous roads and camped another night. Then we explored the town of Manali for a couple days before driving down to the town of Birr. We worked at the Tibetan Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village, treating over 900 children. We also had the privilege of visiting a factory where Tibetan medicine was made and we got to speak to the workers, hearing individual stories of leaving Tibet following the Chinese
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Invasion. We then had our last few days in Macleod Ganj, near Dharamsala, which was an incredible place to end the trip and learn in depth about the brutality of the Chinese Invasion of Tibet and the struggles of the Tibetan refugees in the area. We also visited the Mensikang and attended an insightful lecture on Tibetan Medicine. All in all, the trip was incredible and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on it. Not only did I enrich my understanding of an area of the world which was completely new to me, but I was able to make great friends along the way. I was also able to gain first-hand, ethnographic data for my dissertation and test my anthropological skills. I learned that the greatest qualities to have when travelling somewhere so far and so different from home are patience and openmindedness. I am so grateful to the Hatfield Trust for awarding me funding towards this trip. It was truly an incredible experience.
Jake James-Falconer (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Mathematics
On 23 August 2018 I left Heathrow Airport for Kathmandu, Nepal. Alongside a group of six students, it would be my first time travelling to Asia. Upon arriving in Kathmandu the following day, we took the opportunity to do some sightseeing to make the most of the culture we found ourselves immersed in. The next day, we left Kathmandu to go to the project site, picking up some building materials and equipment on the way. The project site was a village called Salle Bhumlu, located in a mountainous region of Nepal approximately 1680m above sea level. Our main task was to help build a new school for the local community. This is where we spent the majority of our trip. The drive up the mountain was memorable. The higher we got, the more breath-taking the views became. Then the road deteriorated. In spite of travelling in jeeps, we still struggled to get through some sections of the road. It was an eye-opener to realise how isolated these mountain villages can be and what a monumental challenge it is for the government to maintain the roads. When we arrived we were stunned by the welcome we received from the village. The locals clapped and cheered, whilst we were given flowers and smiles from the
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schoolchildren. We were treated to some speeches from the teachers before being given more exotic flowers and powdered red tikka on our foreheads. We then set up some tents next to a school building and were shown the basic bathroom facilities. It would certainly be a different way of living.
The next day it was straight to work. Due to the terrain, the vehicle carrying the bricks could not transport them up the hill where the new school building was being built. This meant we had to carry the bricks, using wheelbarrows, sacks and our bare hands. We were fortunate to have the help of some local young adults who were working to earn some money over the summer. Other than brick-carrying, we mixed cement and coated the bricked walls with a layer of concrete. When the concrete dried, we applied primer then paint. We made tremendous progress with the school building, and it makes me happy to think of the difference we were able to make in the time we were there. Other than manual construction, we also had the opportunity to paint some educational murals on the walls in the building and another; we hoped these would be helpful in engaging the children with the English language which they considered to be an incredibly important
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language to learn. We also taught some mathematics to a group of children aged roughly 10-12 years old. We introduced English concepts in mathematics, such as equivalency and factor trees. We believe this was valuable education for them, as it showed them a different way of thinking about numbers. The volunteering part of the trip lasted just two weeks. By the end, we certainly didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel ready to leave. Over the last two days at the project site, the children took the opportunity to teach us some things of their own, including some Nepalese dances, popular songs and games. We also showed them the value of waste management and environmental protection, encouraging them to clear rubbish in their village and plant greenery for future generations to enjoy: the children really enjoyed this. Just as our welcome ceremony, we were treated to an incredible leaving ceremony, with speeches, dances and flowers. The remainder of the trip comprised mostly trekking through the Himalayas. This proved to be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. We started our trek in a village called Nayapul near Pokhara. We then spent the day walking to Hile, the next day walking to Ghorepani, then Tadapani, then Ghandruk, and finally back to Nayapul. The sights were spectacular. Some days were more tiring than others, but as a group we persevered and continued nonetheless, often ahead of schedule! Upon completion of the trek, the remainder of our time was spent experiencing the culture in Pokhara and Kathmandu, before heading home. This trip benefitted me in many ways; the volunteer aspect and the physical challenge of trekking tested me uniquely. The volunteering served as a humbling experience. Having very little in terms of technology, or even washing, served as an eye-opener into the things I take for granted at home although I was surprised by how quickly I adapted. Getting involved and making a tangible difference to the community was the most rewarding. Whilst painting the English murals we were often met with eager faces staring in through the windows; inquisitive minds at work, trying to read the words we had written for them. The new school building was a particularly rewarding feat. The materials we had bought for the roof, for example, were strong and noise-cancelling and it was a modern upgrade for the
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community, whose buildings and classrooms were mostly made from corrugated metal. This was an upgrade that would certainly last them a very long time. Seeing the smiles on the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces made it that much more special.
The trek improved my physical capabilities, and perseverance in times of difficulty. When trekking uphill for many hours, it took a level of determination to power through. I therefore believe I came out a stronger person â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both mentally and physically â&#x20AC;&#x201C; than when I started. Along the trek, I loved seeing the different wildlife. Being surrounded by trees, plants and bugs brought me closer to nature and more accepting of life. Learning about different cultures too was a fantastic experience! It certainly broadened my mind to a different way of living. I especially enjoyed learning about the importance of Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepalese culture.
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This trip made a difference to the community we were helping, due to the money we invested in special materials for the building project. The school ended up as the strongest, most modern building in the village, and the capacity for teaching in this village has nearly doubled as a result; clearly it would make a big difference. I also believe that hearing English from us was a valuable experience for the children, as they are eager to learn the English language and excited to hear about our culture. I would certainly recommend this sort of experience to anyone considering it.
Sarah Lohmann (MCR Award) Postgraduate Programme, English Literature
In early December of 2018, I had the great privilege of being able to attend a conference on science fiction studies in Graz, Austria, entitled ‘Worlding SF: Building, Inhabiting and Understanding SF Universes’. It was organised by the American Studies department at the University of Graz, and featured three days of parallel panels, three keynote speeches (by Mark Bould, Cheryl Morgan and Gerry Canavan), and a few additional programme points. The panels were grouped under headings such as ‘Worldbuilding beyond Storytelling’, ‘Beyond Petromodernity’, and ‘Imagining Non-Binary Futures’, and it was very difficult to decide which of the panels to attend; however, the papers that I managed to hear were all very interesting and often quite useful to my own research. Also, I was particularly intrigued by one of the keynote speeches, by Gerry Canavan, which dealt with the rising phenomenon of climate fiction, an area closely related to my work. Apart from the literary content, the additional events included presentations by members of the Austrian Space Forum, which were all fascinating: we learned about the Austrian government’s preparations for putting astronauts on Mars, for example, and also received a firsthand account by a scientist who searches for life on other planets. I particularly appreciated the organisers’ attempts to bridge the gap between science and fiction, which is not often the case at science fiction events.
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After the end of the conference, several of the participants took some time to explore Graz a little more and make use of its cultural offerings; some friends and I went to see an exhibition on Afrofuturism at the main art museum in the city, which tied in nicely with the research we had been discussing. As mentioned, several of the papers that I was able to attend were very relevant indeed to my own research, and will help me in finishing my thesis in the next couple months as well as in preparing publications in the period that follows. Papers that I found particularly useful included an interdisciplinary talk by Grant Dempsey on ‘The Ontological Complexity of SF and its Worlds’; an engaging presentation by architect Amy Butt on ‘The City as Social Structure’ in Ursula K Le Guin’s The Dispossessed, which I am also writing on; and a wellstructured talk by Chris Pak on ‘Modelling Science Fiction’s Environmental Futures’, which relates directly to my own work on science fiction texts as interactive models. Moreover, I presented a paper myself, within the ‘Greening SF’ panel; my paper was entitled ‘A Utopia Without Us: Ecofeminism, the Anthropocene, and the Paradox of the Non-Human Utopia’, and it dealt with the hierarchical and ethically dubious relationships between human and non-human inhabitants of utopian societies in recent feminist utopian novels, before going on to entertain the idea that a utopian society might actually work better if there are no humans within it at all. Drawing on complexity theory, ecofeminist philosophy, and Alan Weisman’s The World Without Us, I then suggested that such a separation is in fact not only unfortunate from a human perspective, but in fact counterproductive given the proven sustainability and self-improving nature of complex adaptive systems, which certain other recent feminist utopias tend towards in their structure and content. Having not attended a conference in several months due to PhD work, I found it very helpful indeed to clarify some recent ideas; in addition, I found it very useful and stimulating to present them to an audience of respected science fiction scholars, some of whom had very insightful feedback to offer on my paper.
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Once again, the act of writing and presenting this paper helped me to streamline my thoughts on my current research, which is helping me complete my PhD more efficiently; in addition, attending other people’s presentations filled gaps in my knowledge with information that I am now able to employ for my own work. Lastly, the interpersonal value of ‘Worlding SF’ was very great – the academic conversations I had with peers and superiors are already improving my work, and simply having participated as an active member in my own academic research community will certainly be of value for my upcoming job applications, since more people will be familiar with the themes and quality of my writing. As such, I am very grateful indeed to Hatfield College for the opportunity to attend this conference through this generous MCR Research Award, and I can assure you that the money has been put to good use.
Benedict Mackey (Ramsay Burn Music Scholarship) Postgraduate Programme, Music
My recent time studying for an MA in Music at Durham University was filled with incredible opportunities and new experiences. One of the major highlights was being awarded the Ramsay Burn Scholarship in Music which enabled further study in Canada last September. The award was advertised by Hatfield College for promising organists and after application I was delighted to be selected for the scholarship. It was generously offered by Professor Christopher Burn (himself an alumnus of Hatfield College) and his wife Joan, and consisted of a travel award to spend time in some of Canada’s major musical centres having organ lessons with some of the country’s musical luminaries. I was lucky enough to meet Professor Burn at the Hatfield Floreat Dinner in 2018 and we discussed the upcoming trip. During this meeting I realised that the Professor was a lover of the arts and was a highly engaging conversationalist (and a true Hatfielder!). I looked forward very much to meeting him again in Canada and when I arrived he showed me the major landmarks of Ottawa and took me to
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my first organ lessons in the city. I was in Canada for slightly over a week, during which time I had lessons in Ottawa, Montreal and Kingston. I was met by a fellow young organist, Josh Zentner-Barrett, who drove me to these various locations and discussed the organ world in Canada. As a musician back in Australia (where I am now Principal Organist and Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart), I feel I have grown from this experience particularly in regard to being exposed to a different school of organ playing. I believe along with the exemplary training I received in the UK my skillset was amplified by gaining further perspective and trying different instruments (including a French Classical organ I played in Montreal). I also played some of Canada’s own builds of organs during this time, such as the Letourneau and Cassavant instruments. The indisputable French influence in Canada certainly showed in the pedagogical approaches and I learnt several new approaches to organ improvisation by FrenchCanadian players. The connections I made in a new country were also invaluable. I have maintained contact by Facebook and email with some of my tutors and hope to return to Canada in the near future. I found the people I met during my week and a bit there to be so welcoming, and their passion for music was always infectious. I am indebted to the Burn’s astounding generosity throughout the whole process. Also the ongoing support from Hatfield College in the lead up to my travels made the preparations work seamlessly. Professor Ann MacLarnon and Professor Anthony Bash showed a vested interest in my musical development throughout the year and helped with the organisation on the UK end. I am grateful also to the Royal Canadian College of Organists, in particular Frances Macdonnell who orchestrated the visits to organs and lessons, and of course Josh Zentner-Barrett who gave a lot of his time getting me from place to place. Also, I would like to thank all my first-rate tutors in the various cities I visited for their interest in what I had to offer and ‘where I had come from’ musically as well as coaching and offering me new technical and musical approaches. I was lucky enough to perform a recital on my final day in Ottawa at St Bartholomew’s Church, a community that
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made me one of their own during my time there, so again I offer them my thanks.
Rory MacMillan (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Education Studies - History
Last Easter, the Durham University Triathlon team travelled to Cesenatico, on the East Coast of central Italy, for a week-long training camp. We all flew into Bologna airport, and after a few long trains journeys, arrived at our hotel. There was a lovely open water training pool, mountains for riding and gravel trails to run on – a perfect setting for our camp. Over the week, we would spend each day doing the three disciplines of Triathlon – swim, bike and run – in order to push on our fitness in a focused way and prepare for our main BUCS races in the summer term. Each morning our coach ran a swimming session that lasted one hour. For swimming, it was difficult getting into the pool with the cold morning air, but in the water it was warmer. During the week I covered 25 kilometers in the pool – the most I’ve ever done in a week. By the Sunday it was safe to say I was mentally as well as physically exhausted from the swimming. With the others around me though, it helped me to push harder at the end of the week. It really helped to make big improvements, especially as we had to swim in a lake in our main race, so we practised some techniques that would help us, including ‘sighting’ to see buoys and navigate, as well as ‘drafting’ to save energy by swimming just behind someone. After a swim and lots of breakfast, we split off into groups for our various cycle rides. Often on these camps people go off and ride long distances of over 100km a day, but this wouldn’t help us for the 40km biking section of our races to come. A faster group of eight of us would go off for more specific training rides on some days. We did every other day as a focused training ride and the others we did as longer rides. For example, on one day we rode to San Marino, which was around 120km. On another day we would only do about 80km, but with specific race paced efforts to push ourselves. These are very beneficial sessions for the races, but very tough! As a smaller group we
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pushed each other to the max until you drop off and can’t keep up. This was good for me as cycling is a stronger discipline, but still a challenge to work with others.
Normally we’d take lunch with us on the bikes but if not, after a snack at the hotel, we’d head out in groups or pairs for an easy jog, or a specific run session. For me the camp was a real challenge of physical and mental fitness (racking up 30 hours of training over the week), but
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also learning about the sport itself and working together with a group in a high intensity environment. Working together with people to support them through the week was great; despite some close calls with a few Italian drivers, and feeling completely drained, we had some great moments, and all in all we had an unforgettable week.
James Maloney (Trust Award) Undergraduate Programme, Mathematics
For many runners, an ultimate goal is to run the 26.2 mile (42.2km) distance of the marathon, and as a keen runner it has always been on my list. With several years of running experience through training on my own, running parkruns or racing in cross country events for school and university, I felt with the free time I had available at university, combined with my current level of fitness, that to run a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sub 3 hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; marathon this year would be a challenging, yet attainable goal to set myself. I chose the Paris Marathon, a top 10 world marathon with a route in one of the most scenic cities in the world, running with thousands of other runners. With the support of the Hatfield Trust I formed my training plan and began working towards my goal. A key part of my training was to include a long run every week, and through these I was able to explore different parts of Durham. I covered many miles over the converted old railway tracks which cut through the countryside around Durham and I even ran 30km from Durham to Newcastle via the Angel of the North one Sunday morning. With the award from the Trust, I set out to use part of this to enter some races prior to the marathon. These would be good indicators to see how my training was progressing, add variety to my training and hopefully give me an added confidence boost by competing against others. I entered the Run Nation Newcastle 10km race in February, which looped around the Town Moor. I finished in ninth place out of several hundred, setting a personal best time. Later
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on, when my training was starting to reach its peak at around 80km per week, I chose to run the Surrey Half Marathon. I finished 32/3500 in a time of 1h17 including a 10km split which improved on my personal best time in Newcastle. These two races were great experiences for me and greatly aided my training. I had one final race included in my schedule before the marathon: the second College Cross-Country race at Maiden Castle. I came first, which not only helped gain some points for the Hatfield team but was also a great confidence boost for myself. It is also worth noting some of the other ways in which I used the award apart from race entry fees. I was able to purchase a new pair of high-quality Adidas Boston trainers after my first pair wore out after about 600km, and I used it to aid my nutrition which changed over these weeks of training. I had to take in many more calories than usual due to my regular exercise, including more protein for growth and repair of my muscles as well as energy gels to keep me going during long runs. Around 60 hours and 800km later, my training was done, and I was stood on the start line in a chilly Paris (-1°C) at 08:20 on Sunday 14 April, ready to enjoy my race and put my training into action. It was an amazing experience which was definitely a test of my mental and physical strength, but the sense of accomplishment and euphoria as I crossed the finish line in 2h56, as the 9th U23 out of 586 and 894/47486 was a testament to my hard work and personal development over the past few months. As I reflect now, this challenge, which the Hatfield Trust supported me on has greatly developed me as a person. I had to be driven and organised to plan my training around other university commitments such as getting up at 6am to squeeze in a run before a day of lectures. It has also developed my athletic ability greatly. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;runbritainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rankings for UK athletics rank me (for U23 British Athletes) as running the 40th fastest half marathon time and 9th fastest marathon so far this year, which counts me as being in the top 1% of runners in my age group nationally. This challenge I set myself has proved to be very rewarding, and I hope it is possible for the Hatfield Trust to see the great effect it had with this!
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James Maloney successfully completing the Paris Marathon
Bryn Medd-Sygrove (McNamara Award) Undergraduate Programme, Archaeology & Ancient Civilisations
After receiving a Hatfield Travel Award, as well as the Simon McNamara Award, I was able to undertake my internship with The Itos Group. The Itos Group is a financial services company based in Bogota, with offices also in Chicago, Illinois; Mexico City, Mexico; and Curitiba, Brazil. The company has a strong focus on encouraging and introducing foreign business and investment into Latin America as well as acting as a professional employer organisation (PEO) and payroll mediator. I flew out to Bogota on 27 June 2018 staying in a hotel near Bogotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free Trade Zone. This is a part of the city specifically
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designated for encouraging international trade and investment, while tax relief for businesses based in the designated space. I was with The Itos Group for just over three weeks and was given several tasks to complete. My primary role built on work I had done for a previous company, based in the UK, which was to develop their online presence through digital marketing and SEO (search engine optimisation). Moreover, I assumed another role within the company which was to help grow and develop the level of English spoken within the company; much of their communication for work purposes will have been with English-speaking clients, but a common complaint was that their English was difficult to understand. With this, I spent an hour each day talking through common mistakes with learning English from Spanish speakers as well as providing practice which enabled their confidence in speaking to grow. Additionally, while at the company, we went on a team building trip to Suesca, a town two hours outside of Bogota. During this trip I got to know the team a lot better, as well as learning how the executives of the company were hoping to direct the company for future growth. Following the end of my time at The Itos Group I spent the next six weeks travelling around the rest of Colombia. I started with a visit to an island off the coast of Nicaragua in the Caribbean Sea: San Andres. Next I travelled along the Northern coast of the country from the colonial port of Cartagena to the Sierra Nevada region with its mountains and jungles. I then flew to Medellin, famed for being the home of Pablo Escobar and previously being one of the most dangerous cities in the world. However, the city has come a long way and is now the firm favourite of many travellers. By the end of August I flew to Leticia in the tri-border region of the Amazon Rainforest. Here, I went trekking into the Jungle for four days which took me into Brazil and Peru. Additionally, I was able to learn about the indigenous cultures of Colombia through my guide, Martin. I spent the final two weeks of my trip between Cali, the Salsa dance capital of the world, and Jardin, a small rustic town which is off the tourist trail. This trip to Colombia would not have been possible without the support of the Hatfield Trust. With this funding I was able to immerse myself in the culture of a country on the other side of the planet. The work itself at The Itos Group was personally challenging in building
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new skills relating to financial services, human resources and digital marketing; these skills will prove to be extremely valuable when entering the world of work. Moreover, my communication skills were enhanced through teaching English and communicating with those with little English, given I myself speak little Spanish. Furthermore, it has enabled me to gain a part-time job for a financial services company based in the UK while studying in my final year. For anyone wishing to undertake a similar trip, I would simply say donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let your fears get the better of you. It is a daunting prospect, however by throwing yourself in at the deep end you will grow immeasurably as a person.
Thomas Munns (Norman Richardson Rotary Award) Postgraduate Programme, International Law & Governance
After studying International Criminal Law and International Human Rights Law during my final year of undergraduate law, I had become familiar with the vast body of case law that arose in the aftermath of the 1990s Yugoslavian Wars. Yet when it came to the region itself and the contextual background of these cases, like many, I was at more of a loss. The nature of the conflict, with its many complexities and horrors have contributed to placing it further from our minds despite its relative temporal and geographical proximity. With this being the case, and as an aspiring International Human Rights lawyer, I felt a pull towards the region. I wished to unravel some of these intricacies for myself by experiencing first-hand the intertwining cultures, language, hopes, histories and personal stories of its peoples. My trip started in Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast. Nowadays, the medieval fort city is a UNESCO world heritage site, teeming with sunseekers, Game of Thrones enthusiasts and, after Croatiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent World Cup success, sports fans. All of which made the atmosphere somewhat claustrophobic and increasingly difficult to connect with the stories and pictures I was seeing in some of the museums I visited. I was initially worried that this would become a theme throughout my trip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that the region has moved on to such a degree that I would not be able to glean from it the immersion and understanding that I so desired prior to
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arriving. Nonetheless, my next destination, Mostar, proved these fears to be premature. Mostar is a city known for its segregation, being situated near to the Croatian border and therefore populated predominantly by both Croats and Bosniaks. Like many in Bosnia, the city still bears the scars of the conflict as many buildings still lie in ruins, abandoned. One such building includes what is known as the ‘Sniper Tower,’ an old high-rise that was used as a sniper post and feared across the city. The juxtaposition of the horror of this building and the children’s playground lying in its shadow was striking and epitomised many of the similar dichotomies I discovered in the ‘Land of Blood and Honey.’ My next stop, Sarajevo, also shows scars from the fourteen-month siege that it was a victim of. There, I began to understand the various attempts of the international community to alleviate the suffering of the people of Bosnia. I visited the Freedom Tunnel, built by local citizens underneath the airport that was designated as a UN Safe Area. It was therefore safe for Bosnians to transport supplies, arms and personnel to and from the territory they controlled. Another safe area that has since become synonymous with the genocide and ethnic cleansing that occurred in the region is Srebrenica. The day that I spent in the town was an emotionally moving and above all, inspiring day. As I begin to think about which career path I follow and how best to use my studies and interests, visiting Srebrenica, an abject failure of the international community, inspires me to do better. Whilst travelling, I repeatedly heard the phrase ‘I’m not angry at the Serbians/Bosnians, I’m angry at the international powers that be. The reason being that I still see people in Syria/Yemen/Sudan, living through the same horrors and the same mistakes being made’. As an international lawyer, it is my responsibility and goal to ensure these mistakes are averted and all that can be done to help those in need legally is done. I must take this opportunity to thank the Hatfield Trust for its generosity and support that allowed me to travel to the Balkans. It had a profound effect on me in many various ways: academically, professionally and for my personal development as well for which I am truly grateful.
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Caroline Newton (Floreat Scholarship) Postgraduate Programme, Philosophy
I am currently studying an MA in Philosophy at Durham University, having recently graduated from Durham with a BA in Philosophy and Theology. I have embraced the opportunity this year to focus specifically on Philosophy, as although I thoroughly enjoyed both aspects of my undergraduate degree, Philosophy has always been my passion. This is what motivated me to apply for the Floreat Scholarship as I wanted to carry on the research I began in my dissertation, specifically to do with ethics and the impact this can have upon interpersonal relationships. I have particularly enjoyed the difference in structure of the Philosophy Taught Masters course, as modules are taught over one term and assessed by 5,000 word essays. This has enabled me to become immersed in specific topic areas, and produce a piece of work that explores in depth and truly represents my thoughts. I have particularly enjoyed the two Business Ethics modules that I have taken, as modules such as these were not available at an undergraduate level. I have found a new interest here, specifically in the ethical obligations businesses have to future generations. I plan on trying to implement this in my career in some way, whether that be through acting on an ethics board or working for a start-up which focuses on promoting minimal waste and sustainable practice. I look forward to focusing upon the Ethics of Care in my dissertation, an ethical theory based on the psychology of women, who have often been side-lined in the history of Philosophy. The department at Durham has been an especially inclusive environment for this kind of research, as they place a big emphasis upon the importance of women in Philosophy. I have enjoyed participating in a reading group that focuses solely on women philosophers of the 20th century, and have found the work of other females within the department to be inspiring. Aside from my academic enjoyment, I have been so fortunate to experience another year of life at Durham. Starting again this year as a member of the MCR, rather than the JCR, was an exciting yet daunting thought at the start of term. However, any nervousness faded away
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when I went to the first event in the MCR Induction Week and realised the Hatfield Spirit was just as prevalent. Kleopatra Papa did an excellent job of hosting the events, from wine and cheese nights, to formals and a Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark social. All the rest of the MCR Exec made me feel very welcome and assisted with any queries I had. Being a member of the MCR has added so much to my year at Durham, and I am glad I got the chance to meet and befriend so many interesting new people. I am truly grateful to have been awarded the Floreat Scholarship, the opportunity to spend another year at Durham studying the subject I love has not been taken for granted. I thank the Hatfield Trust for its help and belief in me; this has allowed me to continue my research and even find new interests that I will take with me into my career. I now have more direction, and my skills have been developed immensely. I hope in the future that more humanities students decide to embark upon Masters degrees, as it is quite the norm within the sciences but students from other disciplines are less inclined to consider it. Even if a long-term career in academia is not the goal, it is still a valuable experience to have, especially if you have a passion for your subject and are part of an amazing college like Hatfield.
Saroja Lily Ratnavel (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, English Literature
This summer I was selected as one of five Durham University students to travel to Zambia for a five-week volunteer programme. This project aimed to support and educate underprivileged children and communities through the medium of drama, dance and performing arts. This is a cause that is incredibly important to me, and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to take part in it and to share my passion for performing arts with those who would otherwise not have such experiences. I am grateful to the Hatfield Trust for the funding which contributed towards the cost of a Rabies vaccine required for the trip. I needed to raise ÂŁ2000 to take part in this programme; the money was required to fund training, flights, equipment, accommodation and living expenses needed for the five-week project. In order to meet this
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target I organised a fundraising musical theatre concert called ‘Miscast’ in April at home in the Isle of Man. We produced a sell-out performance and raised an incredible £2485 towards my trip. I was so grateful for all the support of my friends and family who helped me put the show together, and I was really proud of myself for what I was able to achieve. My departure required lots of preparation. I had to have numerous vaccinations and ordered the necessary living equipment for Zambia such as a mosquito net and Malaria tablets. My five weeks in Zambia were split between the capital, Livingston, and the city of Lusaka. After flying into Lusaka, the other four Durham drama students and I spent the first two weeks in Livingston. Here, our days were jam-packed. Each morning was spent in Kwathu Children’s Home, a school and orphanage that cares for underprivileged children in the community. We each taught a class of approximately 30 children, teaching drama, music and performing arts, as well as assisting the teachers with the teaching of core lessons such as maths, english and science. At break times, the school offers a feeding programme for its most vulnerable children. We would help serve the meals and spend break time talking and playing games with the children. Though they had little, the children found so much joy in everyday living and I became really attached to them. Our afternoons were spent at David Livingston High School where we conducted music and drama lessons for teenagers aged 15-20. We worked on choral singing, improvisation and character work and by the end of our two weeks we performed Romeo and Juliet for the members of staff. It was really special to see these young adults grow in confidence and develop their skills. In the evenings our time was divided between a few different placements. We sang and donated food to an Old People’s Home and rehearsed with two Zambian church choirs: RCZ and DFCC. At the weekend we attended these church services and were lucky to be able to sing with the talented choirs. One of my highlights of the trip was conducting the DFCC Sunday School Choir in a performance during the service. During the rest of the weekend we squeezed in as many
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adventures as possible, thanks to some funding from my family. These included: a river and game drive safari in Botswana, a trip to Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwe sides, micro-lighting over the Falls and visiting cultural markets. At the end of our two weeks we had an eight-hour bus ride back to Lusaka. Here we stayed in a student house with the 15 other university students from the Wallace Group’s sports’ outreach programme. It was lovely to meet so many different people on the trip and I made some great friends. In Lusaka we were primarily placed in Fountain of Hope, a community school and orphanage which is supported by the Perfect Day Foundation with Dr Peter Warburton (Dean of Experience Durham) as one of its founders. During our time at Fountain we directed a production of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, helped organise the school library and worked in the health clinic. At the request of the School Principal, Honor (one of my fellow drama students) and I led health and sanitation talks with the girls and boys in the dormitories. A challenging but rewarding experience for me was chairing a discussion with the teenage boys and girls on the topic of relationships and sexual assault. It was difficult to hear the responses of many of the students and come to terms with the deeply anti-feminist thinking which has been culturally embedded into their society. At the end of our time at Fountain, Honor and I arranged a collection of money from the student house and with this money we were able to buy supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, sanitary supplies and disinfectant from over 25 independent sellers in the Kabwata market to donate to Fountain of Hope. We were thrilled to be able to give toothbrushes to everyone living there, and when we presented the supplies to the staff and children they were incredibly grateful. Other placements in Lusaka included: working with the children’s counsel of young activist performers at Barefoot Theatre Company, singing at Lusaka Cathedral, joining a community church, singing with Golden City men’s choir and attending salsa classes.
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My time in Zambia was an unforgettable experience. Although it was hard work and incredibly difficult on occasions, I met some inspiring individuals and made amazing friends. I learnt a lot about myself and made memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Katie Thorley (Trust Award) Undergraduate Programme, Biological Sciences
Last summer, I spent seven weeks working as an intern in the Identification and Naming Department of the Scientific Research Institute at Kew Gardens, London. This was a fantastic experience, and going into my last year of studying biological sciences, it provided me the opportunity to experience what working in academia would be like. I was involved with a research team focusing on the evolution and diversification of Dendrobium orchids in Asia. Principally, my work was split into two components. I spent time gathering information on the morphology of Dendrobium species from Kewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive collection of herbarium specimens, some of them being over 100 years old. The rest of my time was spent learning the computational skills required to analyse Dendrobium genomes. I found the computing aspect particularly interesting, being taught coding by researchers who do it every day. Whilst this was challenging, and at times frustrating, I was pleased that by the end of my time at Kew I was able to independently analyse the genomic data and begin building a picture of the history and relationship between the different species we were focusing on. Going forward, the skills taken from this will be invaluable, as computing becomes more involved in both scientific and non-scientific disciplines. Beyond the research, the internship allowed me to meet both researchers and other interns with a diverse range of backgrounds in science. I enjoyed getting to know everyone, and hear about their different experiences and advice for the future. I also had the opportunity to attend seminars by leading experts in their fields, and go on tours of Kew and their archives, including seeing their private nursery and collections of Charles Darwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letters.
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Overall, the internship benefitted me greatly, equipping me with skills beyond those gained during my studies so far and providing an insight into the world of scientific research, and on top of all this, it was a lovely place to spend the summer. I am very grateful to the Hatfield Trust for their grant, helping me to take this opportunity.
Andrew Tibbs (MCR Award) Postgraduate Programme, Archaeology
I sought support from the Trust to attend the Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG) conference which took place in Chester in December 2018. This was to be my first time at this type of conference, and I had been asked by the organisers to give a paper as part of a session on Roman frontiers, partly because Roman archaeology is a field which has not been particularly well represented at previous TAG conferences. As a self-funded student, I receive no support from the University or Department, and have to be selective about the conferences I attend because of cost, and as a result this was only the second conference I attended last year. The support from the Trust was hugely appreciated as it enabled me to take part in a theoretical conference which I had not previously been involved with, and it was a hugely beneficial experience to me both personally and professionally. Along with a Durham colleague, we put together a session entitled
(Not) the Final Frontier: Charting new courses for frontiers theory which featured a number of PhD and early career academics. Within this, I presented a paper entitled Roman Scotland: The Undiscovered Country? which examined some of influences on the archaeological interpretation of Roman Scotland and how this continues to influence the subject. The session was well attended and there were many questions about my paper as well as those of the others. I made some new contacts, and along with my co-organiser and one of the participants we will be organising a session probably at the next TAG conference in late 2019, which will highlight some of the issues which came out of our session and the development of this field of archaeology.
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As previously mentioned, attending TAG is not something which I have done before as it is slightly outside of my normal field of expertise. However, with encouragement from my supervisors, I wanted to attend the meeting, while also trying to present my research with a focus on the theoretical angle. Doing this has led me to develop theoretical frontier studies as a new and potential area for future research. I have built new contacts and am now looking to work with these on a paper and a conference session in the future. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all interested in the direction that Roman frontier studies are taking, particularly as it is a field which is generally perceived to be dying off with less teaching and research taking place in UK universities. Going forward, we want to explore how we can rejuvenate the field and develop the research direction that we want the field to move in, including the deployment of new technologies to survey new sites. Without attending the conference, I would not have made the contacts or presented a paper which was from an angle different from what I had undertaken previously, and the support of the Trust has definitely enabled this. In future, I will be doing more collaborative work in this field and hoping to contribute to the direction of the subject. Had I not gone to the conference in Chester, I most probably would not have discovered this interest in the theoretical aspects of Roman frontier studies. Indeed, some of the papers at the conference did not focus on just Roman frontiers and this has also sparked an interest that I am also keen to develop in the long term.
James Took (Drinkwater Award) Undergraduate Programme, Engineering
Exploring Germany last summer was truly incredible. I started my time in Germany by attending a German language course at the University of Heidelberg. I had language classes every morning and then optional seminars in the afternoon which comprised cultural and literary studies. In the language classes I studied Grammar, improved my pronunciation and expanded my vocabulary. My classes were, put simply, difficult. These were made more challenging by the average temperature of 36 degrees with no form of air-conditioning in sight.
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I can quite readily confirm that there was blood, sweat and tears in my class. Perhaps the most important, and certainly the most difficult, aspect of my time in Heidelberg occurred outside the classroom. The guided tours organised by the University took place outside Heidelberg and were conducted completely in German. Whilst initially this immersion was a huge shock it helped me overcome significant hurdles and I now speak the language with much greater confidence and fluency. Other activities organized by the University were numerous and highly varied; these included sports days, film nights and concerts. They provided me with relevant, everyday vocabulary which I was lacking prior to the course. Surprisingly, having fun whilst using the language was something quite new to me and has refreshed my energy and motivation for learning German. Heidelberg is a beautiful city. Relatively untouched by the world wars, the city boasts an old, beautiful German architectural style. The most rewarding view was at sunset on the Philosophenweg, a picturesque route that the eminent philosophers of Heidelberg once traversed when seeking inspiration for their works. The setting sun would illuminate the red sandstone of the buildings to give the most wonderful, exquisite glow. The ruined castle, which overlooked the city, was breathtakingly beautiful and this scene, combined with the spires of the many churches, made the sight of Heidelberg one could have thought to only experience in old fairy tales. The University, founded in 1386, has buildings dotted all over the old town and has an esteemed academic tradition, with 56 Nobel laureates associated with the University. The friendly students and academic staff give the city its lively, welcoming and liberal setting. It was an inspiring location to learn German. Despite my accommodation having distinct similarities to the Studentenkarzer, the old student prison, I loved spending my whole days out exploring new places, meeting new people and practising my language skills. After passing the final test and finishing my classes, a fellow Hatfielder joined me in Germany and we explored several major cities together.
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We met in Frankfurt and continued to journey through Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin and Hamburg. It was interesting to see the differences both historically and culturally between the cities. Through visiting countless museums and conversing with a few locals, it was certainly a special conclusion to my time in Germany. I will undoubtedly return to Germany soon.
Anna Trelawny (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Health & Human Sciences
On 16 September 2018, twenty-four second year Anthropology students embarked on the journey from Newcastle to Lajuma Research Centre, situated in the Soutpansberg mountains in farnorthern South Africa. On arrival, we settled into our thatched huts and were briefed on health and safety, which included a rather intimidating overview of the local snakes and spiders. Fortunately, the spectacular views of the mountains from our camp soon distracted us as we established ourselves in our home for the next fortnight. The following day began with an eco-walk which familiarised us with our surroundings, as well as with some issues faced by the researchers. After a substantial lunch, we spent the afternoon setting up our ‘givingup density’ project. This involved hanging three buckets from each of the selected trees and then recording the number of raisins eaten by monkeys at each bucket per day. The process proved comical, with many failed tree-lassoing attempts and a few stuck ropes requiring a lecturer to climb a rather spikey tree. The evening, like most at Lajuma, was spent feasting on one of Chef Kyle’s delicious meals and listening to music round the firepit. The next day, my half of the group travelled back down the mountain to the village of Indermark for a homestay. During our journey here, we stopped off at a school and played a game which promoted local wildlife conservation. On arrival in Indermark, we visited a crèche and played countless games of tag with the children there. In the afternoon, we visited a traditional healer who read our fortunes, many of which seemed to include the prospects of working for the government and
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owning lots of cars. The next day we visited the local clinic and were taken on home visits to meet some of their patients. We then visited an orphanage where we danced, attempted to teach them ‘Simon Says’ and gave gifts of pens and sweets. In the evening, our hosts gave us the opportunity to try Mopane worms, a local delicacy. The next morning we returned to the crèche before heading back to Lajuma for an afternoon swim in the waterfall pools.
The weekend was spent catching up with the other half of the group, searching for reptiles, swimming and enjoying a braai with the students and staff that lived at Lajuma. Following this, the second half of the group travelled to Indermark and we began our group research, which included following samango monkeys, measuring vegetation plots and
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identifying leopards based on their markings. On the other group’s return, we undertook a dawn hike which was unfortunately unsuccessful due to thick cloud blocking out the sunrise. After completing our research, we began our return journey to Johannesburg, stopping at the Makapansgat Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, en route. I would like to thank the trip leaders, Professor Russell Hill and Professor Kate Hampshire, for enabling such a wonderful experience, as well as the Hatfield Trust for its kind funding towards my trip.
Hannah Watson (Travel Award) Undergraduate Programme, Education Studies - Psychology
I travelled to Oman through GOLD as part of a team of six UK Girlguiding Leaders. My specific role within the team was to be Learning and Resources Coordinator and therefore was to ensure that training plans were prepared, and resources were available to deliver them. The main aims of our project were: ¡
To deliver training sessions to Guides and Advanced Guides on self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and decision-making.
¡
To deliver training sessions to Leaders and headmistresses in ways to recruit, how to speak about your guiding experiences, benefits of guiding and how to speak about guiding to others.
During the project we were successful in meeting these aims and delivered training to 719 members of Oman Guides and Scouts, 22 of whom were Guide and Scout Supervisors. During sessions we conducted evaluations to gain an understanding of the knowledge of the guiders we met, and this allowed us to measure their improvement. We used a number progression tool and gained feedback from 128 participants across four different sessions. On average, participants improved 3.32 points from the start to the end of the session on how confident they were about talking to others about their guiding experiences.
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Throughout Oman we visited four different regions: Al-Buraimi, Musandam, Al-Dakhelya and Muscat. This enabled us to reach the volume and range of guiders that we did. It also provided insight into Omani culture and life in more remote regions compared to the large city of Muscat. This was particularly enjoyable as we were able to experience the traditional food and lifestyle of each region. The regions that we visited were incredibly hospitable and friendly and as a team we received 111 roses as welcome gifts throughout our trip!
Most importantly, visiting different regions allowed us to gain an insight into issues that are present across all regions in Oman Scout and Guides. We discovered that because Guiding is school-based many teachers feel under significant time pressure to manage lessons and guiding. Additionally, many parents are anxious across Oman at the way guiding and scouting fits into traditional Islamic culture with concerns over uniform and travelling. Finally, we also learned that many girls choose not to be guides because they are worried about the impact that it will have on school-work and therefore guiding is only
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considered suitable for lower-ability children. This information was particularly useful to present to the Guide and Scout Supervisors and encouraged them to form solutions to integrate into a five-year growth plan per region. I wish to thank the Hatfield Trust and those that support it for my Travel Award. The award I received was a significant step in achieving my fundraising goals to ensure I achieved my GOLD project. Not only has the project benefited Oman Scouts and Guides, it has also significantly enhanced my personal skills and I am able to confidently deliver training sessions to large groups with the support of a team. I have learned that I am capable in achieving so much (even if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I can) through the unpredictable nature of events I encountered. This included being transported by military police boat to avoid pirates and being sent down a cave at short notice filled with cockroaches and bats! Overall, the trip has built my self-confidence and belief in myself that I can achieve anything. Therefore, the GOLD experience will certainly aid me in the completion of my Education-Psychology degree at Durham. Additionally, as a local North-East student I would not have been able to experience such a vastly different culture and gain confidence in the way that I have without GOLD which would not have been achieved without the generous support I received.
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Hatfield Merchandise There is now a range of Hatfield branded merchandise and memorabilia, available to purchase via the University website, including Hatti the Hatfield Lion toy (new to our collection this year!) Visit https://shop.dur.ac.uk to access the online shop to browse the full Hatfield collection.
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The Hatfield College Map The original of this map was hand-drawn on vellum in 2017 by our College Librarian, Kevin Sheehan, as a retirement gift for outgoing Master, Tim Burt. Hatfield and Manuscript Maps are pleased to offer signed prints, which help support the College Trust. The cost of the map is £28.00 and £12 from every sale goes to the Hatfield Trust.
First edition print run of 200, signed by the artist, dated, and numbered. ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Printed on high-quality 250gsm light cream paper with an antique 'laid' texture. Print measures 297 mm x 400 mm. Also available with a black or blue mount measuring 14" x 18”. International shipping.
For more information, or to order, visit: ManuscriptMaps.com
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Hatfield Association The Hatfield Association was established in 1946, at a time when the future of Hatfield College, Durham University was uncertain. This was the first time that Hatfielders came together and probably the finest proof of the legendary Hatfield spirit.
Our Aim Our aim is to ensure we have a strong, active and engaged network of Hatfield alumni (graduates), to facilitate and build strong relationships with the College and to support its educational and welfare aims. To this end the Hatfield Association plays an active role in: ยก organising annual reunions; ยก helping to connect members through regular updates and publications; ยก offering career advice for students through a partnership with SHAPED; ยก supporting the outreach programme for schools; and ยก playing an active role in all three common rooms supporting College development.
Our Membership Our membership consists of thousands of Hatfield graduates, but we are always keen to connect with more! On accepting membership of Hatfield College as either an undergraduate or postgraduate student you are eligible to join the Hatfield Association by signing up and paying the lifetime subscription fee. If you did not join and pay your
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subscription whilst you were studying at Hatfield but wish to join now we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us via: hatfield.development@durham.ac.uk. If you are a member you can register on the Hatfield Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own website to access previous electronic versions of our annual publication, the Hatfield Record, and to receive updates about our work and invitations to events. Register at: www.hatfield-association.co.uk
Getting in touch If you would like to find out more, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Read more at: www.dur.ac.uk/hatfield.college/alumni/associations
Keep in touch - Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let go! Once you have completed your university studies in Durham be sure to stay in contact with Hatfield after you have moved on from college by attending our reunions, keeping in touch with us or by visiting us in Durham again. You can also connect with us across our social media channels: @hatfieldalumni @HatfieldAlumni @hatfieldcollegealumni www.linkedin.com/groups/8143469
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Notes from the Association President Tributes At our executive meeting in January, Andrew Jackson who is the Association's Honorary Editor of the Hatfield Record, and also has been tasked with improving the Association's communication and digital footprint, asked us to highlight what we liked and disliked about the Hatfield Record. It prompted a lively discussion and some good suggestions. I had to admit that one of my likes was to read the obituaries and tributes section because of the wide-ranging achievements of Hatfielders in a huge range of disciplines and activities and what very fulfilled lives they led. This was brought home to me with the deaths in the past 12 months of Brian Killip and Chris de Saram who were both in my year cohort of 1964-67. Chris was on the same staircase in Gatehouse as I was in our third year and Brian was very much part of our post-lunch coffee group. Brian read Modern Languages and made his mark at Marks & Spencer achieving senior management status with responsibilities in sales and marketing. If he were still alive, knowing his resourcefulness, he would see online buying as a great opportunity! Like me he was a keen squash player. After retirement he became engaged in a number of charities Chris made his career in teaching both in the UK and overseas. However I was not aware of the impact he had made in northern jazz circles particularly as promoter of the Wakefield Jazz Club He was also very prominent in encouraging young people to become involved in this music.
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Sessions Table Some of you with a keen eye for detail may have wondered what had happened to the rather tired looking Sessions table in the old bar area. I am pleased to say that it has been completely renovated thanks to a grant from the Association and has a plaque to acknowledge this. It has pride of place in the new bar called the Burt Room in the newly refurbished Jevons building.
(L-R) Andrew Jackson, Liz Wild, Stuart Wild, Ann MacLarnon, Nicola Candlish, Tony Gray and Patrick Salaun
The new bar area is vast, the facilities much improved and the prices still very fair much to the pleasure of members of the Association and guests who were attending the Winter dinner in January. Situated in a cosy alcove with comfortable seating the Sessions table is a natural meeting point and members of the Association found it a very convivial place to conclude a very enjoyable evening.
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Music and the College Songs Music, like smells, transcends all boundaries and reaches everyone independent of race, language and religion. This was brought home to me recently when I listened to an hour's offering of a TOTPs programme of sixties music featuring the Rolling Stones, Status Quo, The Who, Julie Driscoll Brian Auger & the Trinity and Peter Sarstedt of ' Where Do You Go To, My Lovely' fame. It was very evocative and took me straight back to my time in Durham. Members of Association and JCR Executives and College staff recently took part in a workshop examining five decades of College Songs. Naturally these have evolved over half a century and, unsurprisingly, each generation regards theirs as the definitive Hatfield Song(s). What they all have in common, however, is being quintessentially Hatfield: cheerful, lusty, eclectic, a little quirky – but devoid of self-congratulation, enmity or any “message”... how refreshing! Tony Gray presented a framed print of the College Song (If I Should Plant a Tiny Seed of Love) to the Master at the Hatfield Association Formal on 22 February 2019, to be displayed in Jevons.
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Events Thanks to the hard work of executive members our events have been by and large well attended and enjoyable. The Association's first sponsored 'London Event' in May 2018 should receive particular mention. It was organised by Stuart Wild and Lydia Coldicott, the then College Sabbatical Officer, and held at the Banker pub under Cannon Street Station looking on to the Thames. Just under 100 Hatfielders attended and the free glass of prosecco wine helped the evening go with a 'bang'. Although we had our own designated space there was some spreading out to accommodate everyone particularly in the bar area. There was much singing of Hatfield songs across generations (and some dancing) during the evening which was enjoyed by all. You will be able to read elsewhere in this edition of the Record about the various events that have taken place to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first female undergraduates being formally admitted to Hatfield College.
Widening Participation Like the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Durham admits a worryingly low proportion of students from state schools. The University, through its Access programme is working hard to redress the balance, as is the College, with JCR volunteers mentoring students at local schools. For the past four years, the Association has made its own contribution: encouraging northern state schools to consider to Durham and Hatfield by inviting their year 12 students to a Careers Workshop, held in Hatfield. At our event on Saturday 9 March 2019, some thirty such students took part in workshops run by Hatfield alumni from the Law and Teaching professions, with presentations on Why Durham? and UCAS Entry from the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Access staff. Lunch provided an opportunity to interact freely with Hatfield students, who also led tours of College and provided an articulate and knowledgeable panel at the
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plenary Q and A. The year 12 students were mainly from local schools, but also from as far afield as Redcar and Berwick. On departure, their written evaluation feedback was very positive. Many congratulations to Tony and his team for this really worthwhile initiative! If any members want to volunteer their services next year please get in contact with Tony.
President-elect I complete my President’s five year term of office in June 2020: it’s now time to elect my successor. On election, she or he will become President -elect for 2019-20, enjoying every support from the current Executive, and taking over the Presidency in June 2020. If you have vision, are enthusiastic about Hatfield and have a little time to give, we very much want to hear from you. The deadline for nominations is 31 July 2019, after which the Executive will draw up a shortlist for election by the Association’s members. This will take place at the AGM, in Hatfield, on Saturday 21 September 2019 during the Reunion Weekend in accordance with the constitution. If you would like to consider taking on this important post, and/or would like to know more generally what serving on the Association’s Executive involves – in any capacity, please contact the Honorary Secretary, Tony Gray: anthonygray49@gmail.com.
Personal Note Over these past three years of great uncertainty and divisiveness, my visits to Durham and my involvement with the College community have been a great comfort to me providing a platform of clarity and stability and a very welcome refuge! Patrick Salaun President, Hatfield Association
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Hatfield Association Executive Committee President:
Patrick Salaun
Honorary Secretary:
Tony Gray
Assistant Secretary:
Cynthia Connolly
Treasurer:
Stuart Wild
Membership Secretary & Webmaster:
Stephen Galway
College Forum Representative:
Charlotte Furneaux
Hatfield Record Officer:
Andrew Jackson
Other members of the Executive Committee:
Ex Officio Members:
Samantha Dowling, Nicola Candlish, David Imrie, Julia Raszewska, Stephanie Wood The Master, JCR Senior Man, MCR President, Sabbatical Development Officer
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Members’ News Blowers, Andrew (1959-62) Congratulations to Professor Blowers for his recent award of the Melamid Medal from the American Geographical Society for his lifetime’s work on the relationship between human culture and the environment.
Buckland, Robert (1987-90) Congratulations to Robert Buckland QC MP who received the Dean’s Award for Achievement from the Durham Law School. The award recognises Robert’s achievement in becoming Durham Law School’s first graduate to serve as a Law Officer for both England and Wales.
Burn, Christopher (1978-81, 2017-18) Congratulations to Professor Burn who was awarded the prestigious Polar Medal by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony held on 5 November 2018.
Photo credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2018 Reproduced with permission of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, 2019
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“Chris Burn is an internationally recognized expert in the domain of permafrost and ground ice in Yukon and the western Arctic. A professor of geography and environmental studies at Carleton University, he is equally adept at fostering meaningful and productive partnerships with relevant stakeholders in Canada’s North, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the effects of climate change on permafrost terrain and tundra ecosystems”.
Burns, Andrew (1989-92) Congratulations to Andrew on his promotion to Rear Admiral in February 2019; he has taken up the appointment of Commander United Kingdom Maritime Forces. Andrew is also still involved with the University Leadership Academy and mentoring the Women’s Cricket Club Captain this year, which he finds very rewarding as well as keeping him in touch with the student body.
HMS Bulwark (Andrew’s former command) has a close relationship with Durham Trinity School & Sports College. Andrew is pictured here with Julie Rutherford (Cynthia Connolly’s daughter) who was the Head Teacher of Durham Trinity before her recent retirement.
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Clarke, Alex (1964-69) 50th Anniversary Graduates : Memories from the Class of ‘69 Going up to Durham in 1964 to study German with Russian subsidiary, I was part of the first group of about 25 Freshers at Hatfield College to be housed in the new annex at Shincliffe Hall, about two miles south of the City. We soon became a very sociable group with breakfast and dinner in the Hall and lunch at College. From Christmas, we were given special dispensation to bring up a car, which about four of us took up. The second year was spent sharing a room in the old Jevons building before demolition. After returning from my year in Germany at Plön, I had the luxury of a large room with an adjoining bedroom – with a washbasin! Gill started at St Hild’s in 1965, taking a degree in English, Theology and French, one of about a dozen degree students at the then Teacher Training College who intended eventually to become teachers. She has fond memories of being placed in Lightfoot House on the Bailey in her final year. We met for the first time when we stayed in to do our PGCE for secondary education. I and a fellow Hatfield postgraduate student rented the back of a cottage in Cornsay Colliery, then a ‘Category D’ village due for demolition, about 8 miles from Durham, with the metal numbers for 32½ on the door! Gill enjoyed Alma House (now no longer owned by the College) at Hild’s. At the end of September 1968, we were placed for three weeks teaching practice in a primary school. When our names were read out in the Appleby lecture theatre for Langley Park Colliery Primary School. We both stood up and introduced ourselves to each other – we were engaged the following year and married in March 1970. The photo shows us at our graduation. Although it may not look like it, we did not know each other – just caught on the same photograph!
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Our careers moved very quickly, both becoming Heads of Department in large comprehensive schools in 1974. When our daughters were born in 1977 and 1979, Gill took a short break and I moved on to a Deputy Headship, eventually becoming Headteacher of Poole Grammar School. Gill resumed teaching and quickly returned to Head of Department and then a senior teacher at Parkstone Grammar School in Poole. We have been back to Durham several times over the years and particularly recently as we celebrate our 50 years since meeting, visiting various old haunts – and the beautiful Cathedral. Durham University is a wonderful institution and our memories of the collegiate system are very warm. It was clear throughout both our careers that having a degree from Durham was very highly respected.
Kelly, Chris (1973-77) Email to College from Professor Tim Burt on 16 November 2018. ’It was very good to see a Hatfield man accompanying HRH Prince Harry at Twickenham last Saturday. I don’t think Hatfield (and perhaps even Durham) has had an RFU President before?’ [Chris holds the position of RFU President for the 2018-19 season].
Thomson, Richard (1963-66) 2018: Durham Once More Wednesday 19 September 2018: On the first day they rose again and forgathered in Durham, Francis Mordaunt from his Borders’ lair in Peebles, Andy Northedge from leafy Bucks, Chris Bailey from the even leafier Weald of Kent, Richard Thomson from asparagus rich Evesham and Jerry Moran from England’s newest city, Wolverhampton. Dai Lloyd, the sixth member of the ’17 party, this time called away in the service of his nation: we will drink to his health. The city was as splendid as ever as we walked that evening via Crossgate into the city centre. Jerry, ever the sportsman, popped into the Elm Tree to check dart board facilities and accoutrements, lest we should stumble on an idle moment. Then down over Framwellgate Bridge, noting that the cathedral works were continuing with the tower still shrouded in tarpaulins, round the Market Place into Saddler Street 200
and North Bailey. Again a steady chatter of where’s?, what’s happened to?, as dimly remembered former premises now in new guise loomed from all sides. Then Hatfield, yes. We gazed in. Arrangements having been partially made for a visit the next day, we moved on over Kingsgate Bridge: Richard recalled when the two parts of the bridge first swung together back in ’64. Well done Arups, a perfect fit. On to Hallgarth Street and the Victoria Inn, then to Old Elvet and the Dun Cow. Some things just have to be done. Hungry now, so remembering last year, away to Lebaneat. Crowded and very warm in there but an enjoyable evening. Thursday 20 September: A jolly word with Cynthia on the phone - she would be delighted to see us that morning and would be pleased to lead an inspection party of the new Jevons and sundry other refurbished parts of the College.
Francis Mordaunt (back left), Chris Bailey (front left), Andy Northedge (centre), Cynthia Connolly (centre right), Jerry Moran (right back), Richard Thomson (front right).
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Excellent. We set off and in the Market Place a bustling farm and craft sale underway. The Durham Pink Pointers also in evidence but what of James our Caledonian hero of last year? Coming later apparently - and he did, as charming as before and with a football question which left us gasping. A very good man. Gatehouse – and the lady cometh. Always a joy to see Cynthia and this time she was mob-handed. At least two Rebecca’s, one of whom accompanied us on our tour. Marvellous. I shudder to think of the size of some of the college members if they can do justice to the plethora of exercise kit gleaming away in the bowels of Pace block. I think the new bar and music/TV room are more our mark. Many thanks to all the girls we met that morning, in particular to Cynthia and Rebecca for all their kindness to us, expert knowledge and wonderful company. As I write this I am conscious that we saw the new works before they were reported in Palatinate. Result! The Master had sent her good wishes to us, she was out of the College that morning at a meeting. Thank you Ann, we look forward to meeting you next time. An afternoon out had been planned by Jerry. A spin out to Blanchland and the prestigious Lord Crewe Arms. It rained some but the hotel’s generous supply of umbrellas saved the day. The rain persisted but we were not deterred on our return to Durham, stepping out with a visit to Old Shire Hall transformed to Hotel Indigo. It is a fine building retaining many of its high Victorian features but missing the atmosphere of the Half Moon, which was our next port of call. Busy on Thursday nights it seemed, but we managed, then off to an excellent dinner at the Cellar Door. Back at the hotel Chris produced his guitar, Jerry a sheaf of songs with tunes we knew well but with new words to match the occasion. The end of a good day with all agreeing that this event should continue as long as we can. Thanks again to Jerry for planning the trip guarding the funds so effectively. Au revoir all.
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and to Francis for
Death Notices College has been notified of the deaths of the following Hatfield alumni since publication of the last Record. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Curry, Margaret (wife of Ian, Hatfield Trust Director), 18 August 2018. de Saram, Christopher (1964-67), 21 August 2018. Gant, Christopher (1957-60), 2 December 2018. [See page 204] Graham, John Michael (1956-59), 28 December 2018. Kirby, David (1961-64), died on 15 February 2019 whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka. The funeral, a Requiem Mass, was most sensitively carried out by Fr. Melvin at a local Church of Ceylon (Anglican) in Colombo. A Thanksgiving Service for David was held on 4 April 2019 in All Saints Church, Pocklington. [See page 210]
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Obituaries & Tributes Christopher Gant (1957-60) Chris Gant was a student at Hatfield College from 1957-1960 where he read geography. He was born on 26 May 1938 and died on 2 December 2018 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. His funeral was on 11 December at All Saints Church, Stamford. This obituary is written by Eddie Stringer on behalf of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hatfield Eightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and their wives and partners. The former were at college together at Hatfield and were close friends there and subsequently. Much of the information below was provided by them, especially his close friend Malcolm Glenn.
1st XV Rugby Team in 1956-57 (Chris is second from the right, seated) [Photograph by permission of Tiffin School]
Before coming to Hatfield, Chris attended Tiffin School, in Kingston upon Thames. The school regularly obtains outstanding reports from Ofsted. Chris was in the 1st XV Rugby team in 1956-57 and captained the 2nd XI Cricket team. He was also a Deputy Head Boy.
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I was Chris’s room mate in 1957 and it was clear from the start that our backgrounds were different, he was middle class, from Surrey and his father was a stockbroker, whilst I was from a working-class background. My father worked all his life at Vickers Armstrong’s Engineering Works in Newcastle. However, we related to each other very well, as did all of the group. I remember he was a light sleeper and asked me to put my watch in my slipper, because it kept him awake! However, we both had a sense of humour and a desire to work hard and made the most of our time at Hatfield. Chris threw himself into the life and times of Hatfield College. In November 1957, he led an expeditionary force to St. Mary’s College on what was then called Mischief Night. The group found an open window on the ground floor, climbed into an empty student’s room and removed the bed (via the window) and placed it on the lawn. Chris unwisely (perhaps wisely!) left a note containing his initials C.J.G. and the name of the College. He was easily apprehended, ‘gated’ for two weeks and his reputation was well and truly made! He was extremely active on the sporting front, having played rugby (at scrum half) and cricket for the College. He also enjoyed rowing and punting. A highlight in his time at Hatfield was being appointed Secretary of the JCR in 1958-59, thus acquiring a room in college (I was banished for one year to Sutton Street, underneath the railway viaduct). At his ‘inauguration’, he jumped onto a college dining room table and gave a loud rendering of ‘Any Old Iron’, a cockney rhyming slang song. He was involved in organizing Hatfield Day in 1959, and at the opening of the event, he descended, at some considerable speed from the top floor of the old Jevons building using the emergency fire escape rope (this was before Health and Safety had been invented!). Chris attended the Methodist Church in Elvet along with some other members of the group and enjoyed singing. On one occasion the group represented the church at cricket against a team from Castle (which was ‘well beaten’; according to Malcolm Glenn – more Brownie points for Chris).
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Tom Wingate, one of the Hatfield Eight, remembers singing with him and two others at a Hatfield Ball, where they did the whole cabaret for the evening, alongside the professional band, in close harmony Ă la Deep River Boys.
Hatfield Day 1959 Gladiatorial battle between Senior Man (Brian Shillaker) with helmet, shield and sword and Secretary of JCR (Chris Gant) with net and trident
Just before Chris left Hatfield, he was recruited as a trainee airport manager in Nigeria by BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now British Airways). After two years training Chris was posted to Nigeria, where he stayed for four years. He had married Jenny and his son and daughter were born in Nigeria. He came home, following political and social unrest in Nigeria and he was given a desk job by BOAC, which needless to say, he disliked! He left BOAC to work for a company that sold goods by post and by telephone. After this he was employed by Tesco International, where he was in charge of a budget worth many millions, travelling the world, looking for top quality nonfood bargains, in what was a new non-food venture by Tesco.
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During his time with Tesco he bought a smallholding in Yorkshire and began to rear sheep, pigs, goats and ducks. After leaving Tesco he bought a Bed and Breakfast in Moreton-in-Marsh. Here he had a narrow boat which was later transferred to his new property in Nassington, near Peterborough, where Jenny developed throat cancer and Chris began to show signs of Parkinson’s Disease. Jenny died and Chris moved to Arundel and eventually into a nursing home (Priory Court, Stamford). But even here, he was determined to make the most of his remaining years. He was a member of a local choir in Stamford and also a keen horseman, golfer and yachtsman. He loved flying and was an avid supporter of Brentford Football Club.
Boat donated by Chris to Rutland Water Sailability [Photograph permission of Rutland Sailability]
Yachting was an activity he was able to maintain up to the end of his life. He was a member of Rutland Sailability Club and regularly sailed in an adapted dinghy for the handicapped. In 2013, Chris donated a new Access two-sector boat, named Endeavour to Rutland Sailability. Mike Baumber and Jim Fleming from RS said about Chris, ‘Sailing was not the only talent developed at RS. His humour and inexhaustible supply of funny stories and reminiscences of his own life kept us fascinated and amused. He was always keen to join in new activities and make many friends.’
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The Original Hatfield Eight (L-R) Back row: Dave Slee, Tom Wingate, Tom Elder Middle row: Chris Gant, Malcolm Yorke Front row: Malcolm Glenn, Eddie Stringer, Dennis Ratcliffe
Reunion 2012 (L-R) Back row: Dave Slee, Tom Wingate, Tom Elder Middle row: Chris Gant, Malcolm Yorke Front row: Malcolm Glenn, Eddie Stringer
Also greatly missing him is Joan Botrill, who supported and loved him during his time at the Care Home in Stamford. She was a regular attendee between five and seven days a week at the home. Joan met Chris about thirteen years ago, when his former physical activities were now restrictive. They were on an anniversary boat trip of the Third Age on the river Nene and subsequently travelled together frequently on cruises. Chris asked if he could join the UTA Theatre group where Joan was a member and attended matinees in London. We must end this tribute on a positive note, relating to Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement with Hatfield. When the Hatfield Eight located Chris a few years ago, he so much wanted to come back to Hatfield with the group. This he did in 2012 and took part with great enthusiasm in the visits we organized. I remember particularly Chris meeting the then Master and his wife (Tim and Elizabeth Burt). Chris was also a financial benefactor to the College, providing considerable funding for students both current and future. More than 18 Hatfield Geography students have benefitted from Gant awards since these started in 201516, most commonly enabling them to carry out fieldwork in distant parts, where they also gain hugely in personal terms from new experiences and insights. Chris will never be forgotten. He always said that being at Hatfield and in Durham were the best years of his life. We are sure that most of the readers of this tribute will one day look back and say the same. Eddie Stringer (1957-60, 1971-72)
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David Kirby (1961-64) I first met David Kirby when I went to lecture at Huddersfield Polytechnic in 1977. David had been in the Geography Department since 1970 and remained at what became the University of Huddersfield until 1997.
(L-R) Tim Burt, David Kirby, Stuart Corbridge David and his wife, Margaret, returned to College in 2016 to renew their marriage vows in Hatfield College Chapel
As Lecturer in Geography, David helped develop an honours degree in Humanities. It was the forerunner of a degree course in Geography which admitted its first students in 1976. David became Head of Department after Harry Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement, building a group of staff who excelled in teaching and research. David subsequently became Dean of the Faculty of Humanities before being appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs in 1989; after 1992 when polytechnics became universities, he helped steer the University through a period of considerable change. In 1997, he took early retirement after a short illness.
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While at the University, David took Holy Orders and became nonstipendiary Curate of St Barnabas Church in Huddersfield. He had an active retirement as a clergyman in Portugal, France and West Yorkshire. In both his academic and Church careers he was much liked and respected. One of my colleagues in the Geography Department at Huddersfield Polytechnic was Stuart Corbridge, our Vice-Chancellor. Stuart and I were delighted to be able to welcome David and Margaret back to Durham in 2016 when they came back to renew their marriage vows in Hatfield College chapel. David and Margaret met at Durham – they met in an ambulance apparently, according to an obituary in the Huddersfield Examiner – and were married four years later in 1966, hence their “golden” celebration back in Durham in 2016. Tim Burt Master 1996-2017
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College Notes College Officers Master
Professor Ann MacLarnon, MA PhD
Vice-Master & Senior Tutor and College Chaplain
Professor Anthony Bash, LLB LLM BD PhD
Assistant Senior Tutor
Dr Ellen Crabtree, BA (Hons) MA PGCert PhD
Bursar
Ms Michelle Crawford, BSc
Honorary Fellows Professor Robert Allison Dr Sheila Armstrong Dr Bill Bryson Mr Richard Burge Mrs Elizabeth Burt Professor Tim Burt Professor Sir Kenneth Calman Mr Will Carling Mrs Cynthia Connolly Mr Ian Curry Professor Douglas Davies Lord Richard Dannatt Professor Terry Eagleton Professor John Gaskin Dr Will Greenwood The Reverend Theo Harman
Professor Bill Heal Professor Ray Hudson Dr Barbara Laithwaite Dr Tony Laithwaite Dr James Lancelot Mr Barry Northrop Mr Bruce Oldfield Mr Marcus Rose Ms Angel Scott Sir Tim Smit Dr Andrew Strauss Sir John Timpson Dr Jeremy Vine Dame Gillian Weir Mr Barrie Wetton Mrs Yolande Wright
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Email Contacts College Officers Master Vice-Master & Senior Tutor Assistant Senior Tutor Bursar Chaplain
ann.m.maclarnon@durham.ac.uk hatfield.seniortutor@durham.ac.uk hatfield.assistantst@durham.ac.uk t.m.crawford@durham.ac.uk hatfield.chaplain@durham.ac.uk
Hatfield Association Officers President Honorary Secretary Assistant Secretary Membership Secretary & Webmaster Treasurer
pasalaun@talktalk.net anthonygray49@gmail.com c.a.connolly@durham.ac.uk admin@hatfield-association.co.uk stuart.wild@hoge100.co.uk
Hatfield Trust Assistant Director Sabbatical Development Officer
c.a.connolly@durham.ac.uk hatfield.development@durham.ac.uk
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Forthcoming Events
www.dunelm.org.uk/hatfield-college/events-listing
Wedding Receptions, Functions & Conferences We would be delighted to host your special day or a variety of other functions. For further information please contact: Event Durham (T: 0800 28 99 70, E: event@durham.ac.uk). Event Durham offers a complete event management service which provides expertise and support, tailored to your specific needs. Event Durham and experienced staff in Hatfield will work together to help deliver a successful and memorable occasion for you.
Keeping in touch @hatfieldcollege @HatfieldCollege @Hatfield-College-Durham www.linkedin.com/company/hatfield-college-durham
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