Roll News 2009

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 1 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOREWORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL An exceptionally large number of former members returned to Homerton on 25th and 26th September, to attend the Roll Reunion and join in the University’s 800th celebrations. Among them were some of our first graduates. In 1969, they took a degree from the University of London and in their third year, having completed the Homerton course, they travelled to London for lectures while remaining Homerton students. The numbers were not large but we should remember the significance of their achievement 40 years ago.

Peter Raby, who presided over an extraordinary flowering of drama at Homerton, writes elsewhere in this volume about the progress with the Royal Charter and so I shall not say more about it here. We had hoped to become the University’s newest college in the 800th year. Now we shall be content to become the first 9th century College at Cambridge, where the concept of ‘ripe time’ has been long practised. If you have not read it, I recommend Gordon Johnson’s’ CUP book University Politics, as a masterly exposition of why this all takes so long. Understanding may explain the delay, I’m not sure it forgives it.

I am nearing the end of a six-year appointment as a Pro-Vice-Chancellor, currently with responsibility for the University’s international strategy. A mixture of geography at A Level and anthropology in my archaeological degree are my only qualifications for this, but it has proved a fascinating, if arduous, second job. I have written elsewhere about the growing diversity at Homerton since 2001 but mostly in terms of the range of subjects where instead of being a ‘monotechnic’, specialising in initial teacher education, we have students taking all the University’s Triposes except medicine and veterinary medicine. What is self-evident in term-time is the remarkable diversity of the students who come in large numbers from Europe (and are counted as ‘home’ students) and from right across the world. Teacher-training tends to be locally recognised and thus homogenous since the qualification does not travel - even in the US, teaching qualifications in one state are not necessarily recognised in another - and so the population of Homerton when I first arrived was remarkably uniform and predominantly female. All that has changed and we are an increasingly international community. As I write at dawn on the first day of the Michaelmas Term, I’m aware of just how English Homerton must seem to the incoming international students and how strange college culture is and how specialised and demanding it can be. We are vehement that it is not an ivory tower but you will remember the Victorian-Gothic buildings, dining in Hall, gowns and Latin all running alongside state of the art laboratories and e-learning in a curious and arcane mix for both home and international students alike.

As P-V-C, particularly in this 800th year, it has been hard to balance reminiscence of past Cambridge glories with a glimpse of modern Cambridge, where science and technology seem to dominate and the arts and humanities must struggle for parity. At Homerton we are doing our bit in maintaining the arts. Two new Honorary Fellows, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen’s Music and Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, make an unequivocal statement about the importance of the arts at Homerton. A recent lecture by Michael Rosen in our annual Philippa Pearce Lecture Series marks our continued strength in the academic study of children’s literature. We are building for the future: no longer bricks and mortar but a strengthening of our academic engagements with the full range of subjects and cultures.

It promises to be an exciting year.

Kate Pretty October 2009

Editorial In Cambridge the year 2009 has been one of looking back and looking forward as the University celebrates its 800th anniversary. In Homerton, too, we have been looking back, with respect and appreciation, as well as looking forward with anticipation to the beginning of the next stage of the college’s changeful history; and this Newsletter attempts to capture something of that mix.

So the spirit of Homerton Past is illustrated by tributes to former staff and students, as well as by recollections of the first Homerton crew to win blades; the history of Group Seven;, and Peter Warner’s account of a recently rediscovered film, commissioned in 1944 by the Ministry of Education to encourage ex-soldiers into teaching, and shot – of course – at Homerton. The present is also represented, as much by the list of prizewinning students as by Peter Raby’s account of the progress toward becoming a full college of the University. As for the Homerton that will be – well, who knows what future students may be among the many children and grandchildren mentioned in ‘News

from the decades’; or have their imaginations stimulated by Victor Watson’s first children’s novel, reviewed in this issue.

But the real importance of Homerton lies in the past, present and future activities of old-Homertonians, amply illustrated by the accounts of life ‘After Homerton’ and in the many shorter ‘news’ items from six decades-worth of former students. Some indication of what Homerton has meant to them is shown by the record numbers attending the Reunion this year. As one of those, returning after twentyfive years, commented: ‘I think the friendships that I developed during my time at Homerton have shaped who I am today.’

Whatever outward changes we may see, Homerton will still be Homerton if it remains ‘the friendliest college in Cambridge’.

Janet Bottoms jfb33@cam.ac.uk

CONTENTS A College in Search of a Charter

p 3

News From the Branches

p 18

University and College Awards, 2009

p 4

A Tribute to Peter Raby, on his retirement

p 22

Hollywood Star at Homerton

p 5 Paradise Barn: A Review

p 23

Group Seven

p 6 NEWS BY DECADES

On the River

p 6

A Memory

p 7

Letters

p 8

After Homerton (1) ’60 Years On’ (2) ‘Playworking’ (3) ‘Thoughts on being a JP’

p 9 p 9 p 10

REUNION 2009

p 12

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s Deaths

p 24 p 24 p 25 p 27 p 29 p 31 p 33 p 34 p 35

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A College in search of a Charter

By Peter Raby To anyone from outside Homerton watching the college's progress towards becoming a full Cambridge college, a self-governing institution under its own Royal Charter, the last months and years must have seemed interminable. They have seemed quite protracted to the current fellows of Homerton, and to our current trustees, who have been not only hugely supportive, but more patient than (and uncomplaining) Job. As the Principal has reminded us on a number of occasions, our College motto is 'Respice finem' - and now the end is clearly in sight.

A 'roller-coaster' is overworked even as a clichĂŠ. This has been more like tackling an obstacle course three times in succession, but with the obstacles changed at random - or a scene from 'Through the Looking-Glass', where it takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place. But here we are with a programme for the count-down, which looks realistic and relatively foolproof.

The progress through the university's administrative machinery was completed on February 6th, 2009, after a full report to Council and a historic Discussion in the Senate-House. For the first time in Homerton's relationship to this university, there was almost no dissent – just one muffled raising of questions, a faint echo of previous more virulent arguments. It was almost a relief to note that someone offered ritual opposition. But the speeches in support of the proposal, from Sir David Harrison, the chairman of the Trustees, from Professor Thompson, the ViceChairman, and from the Principal herself made an entirely persuasive case for Homerton's right to its new status, on academic, collegiate and financial grounds, as well as its excellent buildings and grounds. In talking about the event, I discovered that many people in Cambridge, both within and outside the university, assumed that Homerton had been a full college for some years (though admittedly there are also a few who, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary, continue to believe that the college only trains women as teachers). The Grace of February 6th conferred full college status on Homerton, and so enabled the next stage to begin, in the form of a Petition to the Privy Council for a Royal Charter, a procedure laid down by the 1871 College Charities Act. But not so fast! First, the Charity Commission had to indicate its support to the Privy Council Office, for

Homerton, of course, is a charity, with a long history that goes back to 1730 when the first lecture was given, and a number of bodies had to consent that everything was in order, in addition to this particular petition arriving just at a time when new charities legislation is requiring changes to all Cambridge and Oxford colleges. That section of the course has now been successfully negotiated, and once the Attorney General has given formal approval the Petition goes before the Privy Council (though just now the Attorney General may have other things on her mind).

There follows an arcane but impressive sequence, whose language invokes the full panoply of legal magnificence: the Submission lies before Parliament in session for one month (let's hope that we do not have an unexpectedly sudden election). The Crown Office produces Letters Patent; the Privy Council oversees and arranges for the document to be printed on vellum (another college's application was significantly delayed by a dearth of vellum); and, finally, Her Majesty engrosses the sealed Royal Charter, and the Bursar will travel to London to collect our Charter from Black Rod's Office. This, if all goes smoothly, will be in March.

At that stage, the transfer of governance takes place, from the Trustees to the Fellows, and the succession is at last set in train. The responsibility for the college and its future will then fall to the Principal and Fellows, and it will be a challenging and formidable task to maintain and develop Homerton's presence within the University of Cambridge in the twenty-first century and beyond, especially as the college is one of the biggest in terms of numbers - second only to Trinity in that respect. We will need the good will, the support and advice of our alumni to help us fulfil the challenge, and we are fortunate in having such a strong association. On a personal note, I've been very fortunate to have been part of the college's evolution, and although I have wonderful memories of the place as it was in the seventies and eighties, I do believe that we have changed in ways that have benefited our students, without losing that special sense of a college united by a common sense of purpose and public service, even if we might have difficulty in defining it precisely, and if that doesn't sound too solemn for times that were so enjoyable. The trick now will be to continue and develop that special sense of a college that may be superficially like other Cambridge colleges, but which has a highly unusual history, and has arrived at its present position by an entirely unique and unpredictable route.

'Respice finem.'

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STUDENTS UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE AWARDS AND HONOURS, 2009.

BLUES AWARDS 2008/2009 Helen Bellfield Helen Bellfield Erica Bodman Charlotte Brearley Patrick Crossley Briony Jones Luke Pendlebury Carly Thoma-Perry

Cricket; Half Blue Rugby; Half Blue High Jump; Blue Hockey; Blue Rugby; Blue Basketball; Half Blue Football; Blue Football; Half Blue

HOMERTON COLLEGE FINAL YEAR PRIZES 2009 A FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP for achieving first class marks in each paper in the final part of his/her degree DICKIE Andrew DRAISEY Ruth Eleanor EDWARDS Hayley Rebecca FILLER Sarah Louise GREEN Alexander PEIRCE Christopher

Chemistry Part II Education Part II Education Part II Education Part II Geography Part II Education Part II

A DAVID THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIP for achieving a First in Triposes other than Education BAHÉ, Yannick Michael; Astrophysics Part III CHI Hsi-Ping; Biological & Biomedical Sciences II HANZLIK Vladimir; Economics Part IIB HESSE Tilman; Geology Part III HOGREBE Ludwig; LLM LILLEY Samuel Edward; Chemistry Part II LOZINSKI Max; Social Anthropology IIB MACAK Matej; Psychology Part II ROLLISON Daniel Thomas; Music Part II NOURALLAH Afaf; English Part II

STAIRS Shaun Robert; Chemistry Part III SUN Shu; Manufacturing Engineering Part II WILLIAMS Andrew Robert; Physics Part II

A SHUARD/SIMMS PRIZE for gaining First Class Honours in the Education Tripos BOWN Tobias Andrew EVANS Lucy Victoria GILL Laura Kiran GRATTON Nicola Clare JONES Mary LEES Julian Somerville PHELPS Laura Catherine PIKE Lydia Ruth PRITCHARD Maria Louise SHAW James John Longsdon SPOONER Sarah STERRY Michelle WAXMAN Tamara Chana XYDIA Stephania THE HOROBIN PRIZE for the best overall results in the Education Tripos DRAISEY Ruth Eleanor EDWARDS Hayley Rebecca

THE WESTALL PRIZE awarded to a student who has made a most outstanding contribution to College life and has helped students, and others, above and beyond the call of duty BOWN, Tobias Andrew COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE awarded to students who received a University Prize for a dissertation or project DICKIE Andrew

BP Prize for Outstanding Performance in Chemistry

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Hollywood Star at Homerton – Elusive !

Oscar winning horror movie star Peter Cushing was filmed at Homerton – in 1944. This fact crept out from the college archive, but the story that unfolds is murky. First, archivist Peter Warner identified production stills that appear to have survived as a unique record. Then, further research in the National Film Archive and government papers revealed documentary evidence for a film commissioned by the Ministry of Education to encourage ex-service personnel to train as teachers - and where more enticing than Homerton, where scenes were shot in the sunny gardens and around the elegant Ibberson building, gym, art studios, and music room? Peter Cushing was an attractive young man at the outset of his film career, surrounded by smiling students. On a more seriously educational note, the film producers had been advised by Robina Macintyre, tutor in education and drama to the Youth Leadership Course at Homerton.

Thereafter, the plot thickens. No copy of the film could be found, not even any further stills. The screenplay and shooting script survive in government files, but a published memoir by film director and playwright Rodney Ackland reveals that the Ministry did not like the film and scrapped it after thousands of pounds spent and months of shooting.

He recorded however that it had been shown in a private screening by Paul Rotha, a leading documentary film director and cinema critic. Rotha, we discovered, had donated his private collection to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but curators there have not found this Homerton movie in their archive.

Further enquiries at the British Film Institute and the Imperial War Museum film archive reveal other teacher recruitment films of the time, sadly less exciting and lacking the star quality of Peter Cushing and Homerton College.

We continue to hope that one day a copy might emerge but meanwhile our archive photos appear to be the only pictorial record that survives.

Peter Cunningham

PS Peter Warner would love to see any film or video material that any of you may possess.

Such materials are easy to digitise and store these days, and would immensely valuable to the Homerton archives.

[Peter Cushing is probably the young man on the edge of the photo – but does anyone have any idea who the rest may be?]

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GROUP SEVEN – a Homerton success story

by Pauline Hunt Forty years on there were six of us in our group who had qualified as teachers in 1969 lunching together at the Homerton reunion in September this year. Nothing unusual in that you might think - except there was something very unusual. Our group was unique in the history of the college. It was called Group Seven, simply because there were six other groups setting off at Homerton in the autumn of 1966 on the road to a teaching qualification. What was different about Group Seven was that it was made up entirely of mature students looking for a new beginning. Ages ranged from just under 30 to the upper 40s, and there were three men - again a first for Homerton since it had moved to Cambridge from London at the end of the 19th century.

The college had taken mature students before but they had had to qualify for entry like the other young students. Group Seven was an experiment, a response to a Government initiative. A shortage of primary school teachers led to an appeal for colleges to train more mature students, and at a time when many young students qualified and taught for only a few years before concentrating on marriage and families, it was hoped that mature students would give many more years to teaching after qualification.

As a teacher training college Homerton had one of the highest entry qualifications in the country, but the college under its principal Dame Beryl Paston Browne took a gamble. By far the majority of the 30 plus students accepted for Group 7 did not have A levels like the young students; in fact, many of the group had left school before O levels were introduced. Family finances had often meant they could not stay on in education, so this second chance was a venture into the

unknown - a venture that was to prove very stimulating mentally but stressful, too, trying to reconcile the demands of college work with family needs.

The academic standards were high, and for the great majority it was many years since they had written essays or taken an exam. We took our special subjects alongside the young students, and did the same essays and the same exams, but even so the drop out rate was tiny - just one person, after one term, decided not to continue. Everyone else ultimately qualified.

Our education tutor John Ball, who chatted to the group at the reunion lunch, was the lecturer most responsible for looking after Group Seven - not always an easy task. People who had brought up children had sometimes definitive and challenging views on education as an academic subject. But lifelong friendships were forged during those years at Homerton and it was start of many satisfying careers.

There were strains and problems, true, but then there always are on taking a difficult path and I have not heard anyone saying she or he regretted starting out on that journey. It was not just about qualification. The education in itself was prized, too, for opening new doors and widening horizons.

“They were happy days,” wrote one member of the group explaining how she could not make the journey to the reunion. “I feel very privileged to have been here,” said another, as we walked across the beautiful gardens on the bright autumn day of the Reunion. “I would not have come here without that opportunity.”

Maybe that was true. But if it was a privilege she had repaid it with interest - more than a quarter of a century of skilled infant teaching. And that was true of the great majority of the group. More than two thirds spent the rest of their working lives in the classroom.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ON THE RIVER In Memory of Sue Johnston (Barbour) The Mays in 2010 will mark 30 years since Homerton first won blades, and it was my privilege to cox a very talented, determined and dedicated crew. All five of the crew came to Homerton in September 1977. Sadly Sue Johnston (Barbour) who rowed number 2 died in 2004.

It was an exciting time to be in Cambridge. We were anticipating the award of a Royal Charter, and as more of the “men’s” colleges admitted women, the opportunities to row and compete were increasing.

Sue reflected the spirit of the time. A level-headed northerner, who was always bubbly and full of energy, she had an enthusiasm for life and was warm and generous to all who knew her.

In the summer of 1980 we saw a real opportunity to win our blades. Lesley Thomas (Owen) and Hilary

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tunnicliffe returned from Blondie and together with Sarah Dawson (Cordeaux), and Sue we embarked on the training. One of our coaches, Francis Johnston, was later to become Sue’s husband. The week of the bumps arrived and with each day’s success the tension and excitement grew. The final day began with a crew breakfast as two of us had a birthday, and then off to the river. It proved to be a short row. In fact, several parents missed the bump as we had cautiously suggested that they stand at Grassy Corner! The following year Lesley decided not to row, but we were joined by Sue Runnacles. Our coach, Steve Jones, suggested some competitive rowing outside Cambridge and so at the weekends we might find ourselves in Norwich or near Bath, rather than on the Cam. It paid off and on June 6th 1981 the second set of blades were won.

With such success it is easy to forget the tough times the early morning outings in February and the races that did not go so well. The crew always worked well together, but if anyone ever felt down we could rely on Sue to cheer us up. Reflecting on thirty years ago, we all remember Sue as always smiling or laughing about

something. Lesley has commented on Sue’s smile in the boat club photos; Hilary’s memories all involve Sue smiling or laughing - “I don't think I ever saw her fed up” ; and Sarah remembers her “fantastic chuckle” and adds “she loved to laugh and I can’t remember ever hearing a negative word from her, even when we lost (very rare!).”

Sue and Francis married in Trinity Hall Chapel a few years after leaving Cambridge. Towards the end of the celebrations the Red Arrows flew overhead! It was an appropriate tribute to a very happy couple and to a wonderful woman who holds a very special place in the history of Homerton College Boat Club.

Carol Onley-Gregson May Bumps 1980: Bumped Darwin 1, Wolfson 1, Newnham 3, Sidney Sussex 1.

Coaches: Steve Jones, Ian Nissenbaum, Francis Johnston.

May Bumps 1981: Newnham 2, Clare 2, Selwyn 2, Kings 1 Coach: Steve Jones

______________________________________________________

A MEMORY Sabine Huynh responded to the request in the Homertonian for memories with the following poem.

Sabine was in Homerton in 1997-98, enrolled on a special program, the joint degree PGCE plus a Master's in French as a foreign language, and had been in college for a month when Princess Diana died .

Lady Di died yesterday Imagine, it’s morning, my rusty Raleigh hissing with anger, sliding on Station Road, darting along by red-eyed Cambridgians who are crying for Lady Spencer.

If nothing ever changed the trains would have run late, but that day the tea-lady shook her old wig - no.

Punting was only for tourists and undergrads; writing, grading, for Homerton College students.

They buried her the September I turned twenty-five.

She had never been a favourite with any of her husband’s family.

Austen we believed, but something was wrong with the timing.

Back-to-school blues wasn’t what the little princes felt.

I taught French in a small fishing place where they frowned on romantic affairs, where under-eye bags were as dark as tattoos, and cigarette breath warned me ‘the kid better do well’.

In class John always read the clouds instead of his book.

Do you know that Lady Di died in Paris, miss?

Why she had to go I don’t know; bring the felt figurines –better suited for describing deer hunting than grammar.

Once he asked if I was really French because my name and slanted eyes made him want to scream Chinese.

Harrods surely wasn’t British because of Dodi Al-Fayed.

Excellent heart and large fortune made a dubious match.

That September the pubs of England served bitter lager.

Drunk lads knocked on the porter’s door and ran away, laughing, some threw up on his mat and staggered away crying. Oh, yesterday came suddenly, Lady Di died.

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LETTERS From Pamela Judge (Gregory).

‘I note Dr Pretty’s comments about the need for high academic excellence necessary to incorporation in the university and fully approve of this. I consider that I was very fortunate in my two year course (1957-59) in having tutors who were highly academic themselves: Miss Eden, Miss Skinner and Miss Cooke among others. However, I should just like to comment that, having come from a highly academic grammar school education, art with Miss Melzie, dance with Pauline ..(?) was like being reborn as a whole being who was reconnected with the wider world of the senses. The Homerton ceremonies at Christmas and Mayday also contributed to a feeling of wholeness that I have striven for every since. Don’t lose this!

From From Denise Bayes (Carruthers).

“I read with sadness of the death of Mrs Brewer, of whom I have very happy memories during my years at Homerton. In particular, I remember a group of us who were studying medieval literature being invited to Emmanuel Master's Lodge where we helped to cook a medieval meal and then danced to music of the period.

Another memory - slighly amusing - was Mrs Brewer stopping in the middle of a seminar and announcing "Cambridge is the best marriage market in the world. Cast your nets widely girls." To the great surprise of us all.

I hope these memories may just add to those of others to remember a very special lady.

From Luke Lowry: “I was saddened to read about the death of Agnes Margaret Whyte (1910-2008) in the Roll News 2008. I was a BEd student at the college between 1985 and 1989 and took lodgings, like others, in her house for two years.

I remember Agnes with great fondness and respect.

She was always so welcoming to us students, and coped well with our youthful ways, noise and general untidiness! She was always keen to know what we were up to and the latest goings on across the road at the college. It was great to lodge at 171 Hills Road as I could crawl out of bed at five to nine

and still be on time for a nine o’clock lecture!

I think her secret to a long and active life could be found in the kitchen. She always fried her food in at least an inch of lard, and the same lard would be used time and time again for weeks on end I think. I spent four very happy years at Homerton, and Agnes palayed a part in that.

From Nancy Dunning: ‘I was interested to read the article in the CAM Alumni Magazine entitled “History of a Friendship”, concerning the eight who met at Homerton in 1959 and keep in touch by a “round robin” letter.

Congrats ladies! Nice phot too! Our group of five from 1945-47 are regularly in touch though not formally - just by phone, visits and letters and college reunions. At least three of us will be at this year’s Reunion.

Nancy Dunning,, Audrey Harrison, Jean Evans (Stott), Betty Thatcher (Street), Joan Dawes (Pindar).

WANTED – YOUR MEMORIES To celebrate the anticipated Royal Charter we are hoping to publish a book about the more recent history of Homerton, and it is obvious that the experience of student life must be an important element of this.

So I am asking you – yes, all of you – for your memories, to form a part of an edited account of college life in the decades since the war. I would be particularly grateful for memories from those of you who were at Homerton in the last two decades, since you are the people who tend to think nothing much will have changed. (How wrong you would be! ) Thank you.

Janet Bottoms, jfb33&cam.ac.uk

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AFTER HOMERTON (1) From Do Evans (Caldwell), 1949-51.

‘ 60 Years on! Ye Gods!!

Many memories and many thanks to Homerton. I was once offered a University Faculty post where the interviewer said “Oh! Homerton – Academic stiffening for the Department”!

There was no subject of “Drama” in y time at Homerton, but I was a member of, and acted with, the “Mummers Society” and in numerous other Cambridge Colleges. We could not, of course, join “the Footlights”. However, I was in a production at the A.D.C. where John Barton and several other Homertonians were mere dancing girls, and were coached by a Russian choreographer!

see it knocked down for a traffic roundabout some years later. We have resurrected it, with Mainhouse and Studio facilities, Bar etc., and some excellent dressing rooms that professionals, in particular, enjoy. I managed to entice David Suchet to be our Patron when he came to introduce a group of musicians from Stratford a few years ago. A delightful, encouraging, and gentle man. When, later, I directed Murder in the Cathedral in Worcester Cathedral he was kind enough to come and see it.

AFTER HOMERTON (2) From Christine Andrews (1947-49)

“Playworking” After teaching for a year in deepest Cheshire, I was accepted at Central School of Speech and Drama (in those days still at the Royal Albert Hall – an experience in itself). I am sure that Miss Skillicorn had something to do with my gaining a place, as the staff at Central thought the course was of no significance for an Infant/Nursery student. How wrong they were. My experience at both Homerton and Central has had a major influence on all my later work, both in the UK and abroad.

Afterwards, equipped with a degree, I became a Senior University Lecturer in Drama, Education and Teacher Training. I also worked in T.I.E. (Theatre in Education) and for the old CNAA as an external examiner for several University Faculties of Education. Later I became the International Training Officer for “the English Speaking Board : International”, working mainly in Spain and introducing E.S.B assessments also in Italy. I actually one ran a conference at Homerton! I can’t remember when that was (signs of old age!) but it was successful.

I have been very lucky in my professional life, working, acting and directing in both professional and amateur theatre. I am now the Artistic Director of the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster. There has been a theatre in this town since 1790. When I joined the company John Osborne had been Rep Actor there, and was said to have begun to write Look Back In Anger when he was at the Playhouse, as it was known in those days. According to his autobiography he didn’t much like the “Carpet” Town, and would probably have been very glad to

I trained at Homerton (1947-49) as a “nursery/infant” teacher, where I was given a wonderful education, had a great time, grew up a bit and gained some ideas of what to do with small children. Life moved on, giving me a very varied experience of teaching in the days when part time work was difficult and I had four children of my own to look after. I did lots of remedial reading, both privately and for the local council; some infant teaching in a large local school; and worked with a “nurture” group in Bermondsey in inner London, and as a teacher in a Children’s Psychiatric Department at a large London teaching hospital. In the hospital I found using play was an effective way to work with very disturbed children. Eventually I moved out of teaching and found myself working entirely in the “play” world, developing out of school clubs, training playworkers and being involved nationally with what is the emerging and developing new profession of Playworker.

When you talk to people over the age of thirty about their best memory of play at around eight or ten years old, it is nearly always of playing outside, with no adults around, doing quite risky and exciting things. Sadly, nowadays life has changed, and with parental fears, increased traffic, and a risk-averse society, children and young people have far fewer opportunities to “play out” without adults, doing what they choose to do and managing it themselves.

If you ask people in their twenties about where they played as children, the answers they give are that they played in their garden if they had one, in their bedrooms, or in the park if their parents went with

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------them. Yet play research shows that “free” play is vital for all children. In the research report Making the Case for Play (2001) by the Children’s Play Council (now Play England), the primary benefits of play were seen as “an opportunity to socialize, make friends and have a good time”. Health benefits were also mentioned, as were having new experiences.

However, play is more fundamentally important even than that. In early childhood play enables the brain synapses to make successful connections; and Dr Fraser Brown (Playwork Theory and Practice, 2003) suggests there is massive child development potential in the play setting. He talks about the interactive process which encourages the development of flexibility in the child. Flexibility enables the child to experiment, providing positive feelings and achievement, and promoting selfconfidence, self-awareness and self-acceptance. This leads to an ability to solve problems; directly affects the relationship between the child and its environment, and increasing developmental potential. Brown calls this “compound flexibility”.

Where the child is deprived of play, evidence suggests that it is more likely to become highly violent and anti-social, show more aggression, repress emotions, and become depressed, adversely affecting brain growth. To deprive children of play is to create a real risk for the society of the future.

Too much play has been eliminated in the school day. Schools have increasingly cut down on playtimes, and having worked with midday supervisors in school playgrounds I know how undervalued they are. Too many places to play have also disappeared, though a survey has shown that people believe schools should open up their grounds after school hours and during school holidays, and this is happening in some places. The National Play Strategy sets out guidelines for how play needs to be embedded in all aspects of our children’s lives, and suggests that there should be good quality outdoor equipment in schools, giving children access to different landscapes and varied spaces. The “Building Schools for the Future” capital investment programme will also have clear requirements around outdoor play and recreational spaces in schools.

Having started out training to teach very small children, I have ended up teaching adults who are working with children and young people. As a recognized playwork trainer, however, I also have to keep my face-to-face work with children, and I do that by working as a volunteer playworker in a women’s prison, providing play for the children visiting their mothers. The National Strategy also

makes some recommendations for the development of services to families of prisoners, and the importance of supporting them when they visit prison. It is very rewarding although sometimes distressing.

Everything I do now I can trace back to Homerton and the education and life experiences I gained there. Some of the lecturers were inspiring – I remember, particularly, Dr Cadman, with whom I did Health and Social Care and became interested in criminology; and Miss Gruter, who taught English. I did not make a very good student at the time, and struggled with some of the work, but I loved it all, and it has enabled me to grow and develop and have a very interesting and varied life.

AFTER HOMERTON (3) From Jean Pearch JP (Polson) 1960-63.

Thoughts on being a JP Just ten years after leaving Homerton, with a foster son and three small daughters, I was reluctant to return to full time teaching. Neither was I ready to join the coffee mornings and the ‘ladies wot lunch’.

Voluntary work seemed to be the answer; and so, in 1974, after two gruelling interviews, I became a magistrate, a decision which has enriched my life more than I could ever have imagined.

It is generally thought that Judges are at the hub of the Criminal Justice System, but in fact 96% of crime in U.K. is dealt with by our peers professionally trained yet un-paid magistrates (often known as Justices of the Peace, or JPs). Anyone between the ages eighteen and seventy is eligible to ‘try’(as with a jury) or sentence (as with a judge) a defendant. Sentencing for serious crime, robbery, burglary, shop lifting, domestic violence, criminal damage, drug possession, affray, assaulting a policeman and so on, all involve the possibility of prison or a community penalty. This requires a Probation Report which gives us a valuable insight into a defendant’s life, often a struggle for survival.

It aids our process of trying to make the ‘punishment fit the crime’ and protect the public from future harm. I remember this being very effective with a persistent offender for Indecent Exposure. We sent him, on a Community Order, to pose in the Life Class for three months. It worked!

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 11 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In coming to a decision which could be crucial and at the cross roads of a defendant’s life we bring all our own life experience and even our prejudices.

Magistrates are encouraged, of course, to try to recognise, acknowledge and set aside all prejudice or stereo-typing, and being part of a team of three Justices helps this process. I have for example seen an apparently grumpy, world-weary businessman lit up in the Retiring Room by the intelligent argument and insight of an enthusiastic, imaginative, twentyyear-old student. J.Ps are definitely not all middle aged and wealthy middle Englanders! Each Judicial area attempts to reflect the local community in its variety of culture, employment and ethnicity. Our system of Local Justice has been in existence for seven hundred years with minimum complaint. Only 1% of our decisions go to Appeal at the Crown Court. ‘Bail’ and a ‘Bind-Over’ to keep the peace are both expressions that have been used in Magistrates Courts since 1371, though the Youth or Family Courts are less than a hundred years old.

After working for three years in the Adult Criminal Courts we are given the opportunity to serve on the Youth or Family Panels. Both of these courts are now manned only by Magistrates who undertake further intensive training, and are less available to the public, who of course can walk in to view any adult Court action, (free drama, often of theatrical proportions!).

Youth Courts are dealing with the most troubled youngsters in society, who lead chaotic lifestyles.

They may well be no more than sixteen years old, living in a bed-sit with a baby and a violent partner.

Attending court or a probation appointment is the first time they have been required to do this and if they make it, then that is a reason for congratulation and encouragement before punishment. Loyalty to a gang, drug dependency and use of knives ‘for my own defence’ are all Youth Court problems of the moment. Yet I see in recent years the use of parenting classes, greater parental involvement, dedicated foster carers and an increase in options for restorative justice as bright lights in the work of the Youth Courts.

The variety of characters on the Bench with its mix of politics, creed and education is matched by the variety of characters who appear in trouble before us; the homeless, the fraudster, the police inspector’s wife, the battered partner, the professional footballer. In the latter category, we had Eric Cantona as a defendant in Croydon, to be sentenced following his Kung Fu kick into the crowd during a Manchester United game against Crystal Palace.

How to sentence him appropriately? A conditional discharge would send out the wrong message to young football hooligans. A fine would not be felt by someone who earned more in a day than our powers of fining permit, since the limit is £5000. A community penalty would involve coaching deprived Manchester youngsters – an activity which was already in place with his team members. A very short prison sentence, allowing credit for his guilty plea and previous good character was our decision.

This did not go down well with part of the press and indeed our decision was over-turned the following week on appeal in the Crown Court, but this is just one of the many thousands of cases in which we are reminded that we swear on oath to act ‘without fear or favour to all manner of people’. Despite stringent guidelines we treat each case as unique and each defendant or witness with respect.

What is required of a JP, then? First of all, patience and common sense. The Lord Chancellor requires the minimum of twentysix sittings per year, but employers are being encouraged to release employees for this and other valuable work. Using listening skills, making structured decisions, working as a team, being aware of proportionality are all skills developed whilst a JP – useful both in the work place and in ‘real’ life. I am happy to answer questions as I would like to think that you may now be encouraged to consider adding another dimension to your life by becoming a JP. You would never regret it!

Jean Pearch JP; japearch@aol.com _______________________________________

NOTE As we read in recent news reports, the Family Courts can be agonising. Removing a baby from a broken hearted but drug addicted mother, with an alcoholic violent partner, is not easy; but family cases can also be heart warming, as with Adoptions or successful mediation over contact between parents.

From the Editor.

I would be very pleased to receive more accounts of the varied lives lived ‘After Homerton’, to be published in the 2010 Newsletter. ________________________________________

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 12 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REUNION 2009 (National milk cocoa powder mixed with water!)

Food rationing was very much in force until 1953.

It is hard to believe that 60 years ago we were just beginning our life at Homerton.

Coral Harrow

GOLDEN GIRLS GOING, 1957-59 Joan Hollinghurst.writes: As one ages the years seem much shorter so was it really two years since we had met as ‘Golden Girls In’ and now it was 2009 and we’d become ‘Golden Girls Going’? Christine Jackson (Reiley) who had worked so hard to round us up greeted me warmly as I arrived. Her collected archives of our time at Homerton were spread out to view, instigating much discussion and the repeated refrain ‘Do you remember?’ The Golden Girls who attended including myself were: Averil Forrest (Lawrence), Joan Hollinghurst (Aizlewood), Christine Jackson (Reiley), Pam Judge (Gregory), Christine Lincoln (Ibbetson), Val Read (Exall), Liz Rimmington (Bailey), Vivienne Sadler (Guiton), Ruth Seal (Porritt) and Jo Sutton (Biddlecombe). Some welcome husbands joined us for lunch and tea.

Dr Kate Pretty and Mavis Smith (nee Roberts1947-1949) in her Homerton blazer

DIAMOND CELEBRATIONS, 1949-51 At the Reunion, eighteen of us gathered to catch up with our memories of our years at Homerton. We last met up in 1999, but alas this time many members were too frail to be able to join us. Eight of us were able to go in to Dinner on Friday evening, & then on Saturday another ten were able to join us for morning coffee & lunch.

There was a wide display of photos on the table at coffee time which showed us at various activities during 1949-51. Coral and Margaret remembered sharing a room at the top of D & E during our first term . There was no ensuite luxury in those days!

We recollected nights with cups of NAMCO

The day sped by as we went from coffee in our allotted room to speeches in the auditorium followed by pre-lunch drinks and a delicious meal in our beautiful hall. We were told it was a record year with 290 of us to serve. Then we dispersed to our chosen activities. ‘New Images of Homerton’ given

by Dr Peter Warner was a winner for me as I marvelled that the early history of Homerton was still being unveiled and the expanding collection of images from the 1700s onwards was still growing.

Afterwards some of us scurried to the auditorium to hear the excellent concert - the talented performers well deserved our enthusiastic applause - while others had enjoyed the Homerton Nursery School exhibition and the garden and college tours.

Afternoon tea brought us together again in the hall before sadly it was time to say goodbye as we voiced the hope that we would all make ‘Diamond Girls In’. We’d been greatly impressed by the 194749 ‘Diamond Girls Going’ along our corridor earlier in the day. Thank you to all who gave us such a wonderful time. It was a day of golden sunshine and golden memories. I’m very glad I was there.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 13 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kitchens, and laundries, and ensuite bedrooms at which those of us from a grubbier age gazed wistfully.

The library was especially impressive with its enviable section on children’s books, but I think most of us on the tour felt happier and more at home in the old section of the college where we could tell the politely listening students where such and such a room had been and what it had been used for. Later in the auditorium there was a music event produced by the current exhibitioners and those of us who were privileged to be present thought both the performers and the choice of music inspirational, and a lovely way to finish the day.

1957-1959, Averil Forrest (Lawrence), Liz Rimmington (Bailey), Pam Judge (Gregory), Vivienne Saddler (Guiton) and Christine Jackson (Riley)

GOLDEN GIRLS IN - 1959-61 We arrived to find the college brimming with reunions and the foyer rent with joyful cries as clusters of “old girls” found each other. We goldies gathered in our designated room to find coffee, cakes and name badges - tactfully writ large. A table had been set aside for memorabilia, and there we found photographs of games teams, groups on punts, and couples off to a May Ball. There was even a snap of two girls carrying an enamel can of Namco!

What did they put in that by the way? Amid universal cries of “What was I wearing?” a sensible soul turned up with an old timetable and a set of college rules to prove that we had actually worked quite hard and put up with restrictions unknown to today’s students.

After the informative addresses by the Principal, the HUS president and the Keeper of the Roll, we trouped into lunch where the high volume produced by the various groups was such that one expected the images of former Principals hanging on the wall to lean out of their frames and say “Young ladies, less noise please”.

I think that for the golden girls as for the other groups our own Homerton years will remain always the definitive college experience. We feel ourselves to be the inheritors of the spirit of the place, which last Saturday reached out to embrace all those friends who were unable to join us.

Elisabeth Stern September 2009

Golden Girls In group photo

The day was packed with events and hard choices to be made and one would have liked to attend them all. There were garden tours, the gardens looking really wonderful and full of colour, and there was an instructive talk by Dr Peter Warner on “New Images of Homerton”. There were also tours of the college and these started with an exploration of the new and spectacular buildings offering student accommodation of a very high standard. We saw Gillian Spurgeon, Janet Maer (Eddington) and Pauline Cavell-Northan (Howard) at lunch

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 14 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Hammond joins the group (top left)

Diana Lucas (Barber) cutting the Golden Girls In cake

THIRTY YEARS IN Saturday 26th September began dull & chilly - but not in MAB 106 where, with the arrival of the ladies & gentleman (Tony Mills) to the 30th-In Reunion, the atmosphere was definitely sunny, warm & exciting. Maureen (Cox) brought her copies of the 1979 intake of students & the Graduation photo. 4 years' later, so we were laughing as we located ourselves & each other in the pictures. After a short time adjusting to how we look now, we were amazed at how well we remembered each other. A number of close friends had lost touch & were so happy to meet again and swap news. John Hammond, Senior Biology tutor back then, popped in to say 'hello', and we were very pleased he was able to be there. Jennifer Embrey (Biology Tutor then) was unable at the last minute to attend & sent her regrets & best wishes.

There were about 22 of us present from our cohort almost 10% of the total ex-students visiting on Saturday this year, and a good number, considering that this is a very busy time of year for teachers and how far-flung from Cambridge Homertonians tend to live. Obstacles had to be overcome in order for some to attend. For instance, Linda (Pratt) Paterson had dropped-off her daughter at Durham University before travelling to Homerton & because of the closure of the A1 South, the journey took her 5 hours! With admirable timing though, she arrived at Homerton just as lunch was being served & found a seat at table opposite Karen Ready, an old friend from the 'English' ex-students. Glenda (Knights) de Brouwer found the journey from Sheffield just as difficult with its changes of train as it had been during her student days. Then too, Lizzie (Powell) Cozens had much organising to do in order to be able to leave her 5 children for the day. For all of us the weekend is always hectic & Tony was a good example of 'buying-out' the time in order to join us from his preparing a colleague's leaving present & attending his leaving party, to taking the Reunion photo's & sending them on, and then doing his holiday packing! Thanks to all who came to the Reunion despite the challenges!

30 Years In group photo

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 15 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After lunch, time was found to look into the answers to the questions which were uppermost.........Where's the Bar? What are our old rooms like now? Where are the Buttery & Dining Hall? What happened to the Pigeon-holes? Those seeing the College for the first time in 26 years found the changes to the College & grounds very pleasing; everyone seemed to feel that the buildings were tastefully & sympathetically constructed (a great improvement on those which were replaced) & the surroundings beautiful & peaceful. .Happily, beaming sunshine joined us in good time for the tours.

at the same time, knowing that we were part of something bigger, a culture of warmth and openness that seems to mark out Homerton as 'the friendliest College in Cambridge'.

As Dr Kate Pretty pointed out in her speech, this was the largest gathering in numbers that Homerton College had seen. It was wonderful to spot so many groups of friends catching up at different tables at lunch and around the Homerton grounds, all linked by their common experience of spending formative years together at the college. Dr Pretty also spoke of the contribution and opportunities that Homerton continues to offer in the area of drama and its links with the arts.

Leonie Kilburn, Tracy Marchment, Angela Payne and Caroline Daniels

The Group was excited to hear that the Charter may be granted soon & some of us may use that as another reason to return next year, though most were talking of meeting again for the next 'big' anniversary of our cohort. We'll have to see what is on offer to tempt us back before then!

Glenda wrote the following which well expresses how we felt: 'Wow ..... yesterday was fantastic. ........

It was just lovely to catch up with so many good folks and share news. In some ways 26 years seems like a really long time ago but yesterday I found that it's actually quite easy to pick up from where you left off.' A very happy & successful Reunion!

Brenda Thompson Pictures by Tony Mills

TWENTY FIVE YEARS ON On Saturday 26th September, twenty-nine women from the Homerton College year group 1984-1988 met together to celebrate their 25 year reunion. One had flown in from as far as the US to be there. As part of a larger group of reunions and a farewell lunch for Dr Peter Raby, it was a great opportunity to connect again with a small group of old acquaintances and revisit lasting friendships while,

Part of the 25 Years In Group gather for a photo

As an ex drama student, I also had the privilege of being able to share in the farewell drinks for Dr Peter Raby. What struck me most about this event (apart from the fact that Peter Raby hasn’t changed at all) was that he remembered who I was. After his highly distinguished career as Vice Principal, playwright and author, I was very touched that he was able to recall the names of students that he had taught 25 years ago. It reminded me that in essence Dr Peter Raby represents so well the culture of Homerton, which is to care for its students and to value them as individuals. I recalled that in our drama year group, one of our fellow drama students Halina Candlin died from cancer. The thing that struck me most about Peter Raby at that time was his kindness, support and genuine care for Halina and for her course colleagues during that sad time.

On the table where we were sitting as part of the 25 year reunion lunch, several of us reflected on what it was to be part of Homerton. We questioned whether it was the institution or the friendships that held us in loyalty to the college. We concluded that it was the culture of the institution that had informed our

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 16 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------relationships and allowed us to become such great friends. We passed a notebook around the table and the following were reflections from our year group about the day: ‘I think the friendships that I developed during my time at Homerton have shaped who I am today .The experiences I was offered as a result of being part of the college opened up opportunities that I would never have been able to pursue otherwise.’

‘When I looked at the graduation photograph, there were some people I didn’t recognise, but as soon as people walked through the door, I instantly matched faces with names and it all came flooding back. It was such a great time’’ ‘It was a very special time for me, I can honestly say those four years at Homerton were some of the happiest years of my life’ “None of us have changed; our spirits and faces seem so much the same. Between us we had such an eclectic mix of memories, pranks, mistakes And curious clothes ! Magic” It really was a great day and we were so grateful for the opportunity to be able to meet up again and be back in the college which holds so many happy memories.

Jane Travis (Goodall)

teachers. It is only natural, at this stage in life, to while away the hours reminiscing over our lost youth. Some take the sports car, tattoos and hair dye route to recapturing their youthful glory whereas others, rather more sensibly, if more boringly, start to consider attending reunions where they can reassure themselves that it is not only they that are showing signs of the passing of time and that their contemporaries are not all in a time warp in which they remain forever in their early twenties.

2009, at the risk of stating the obvious, marks the 21st anniversary of the arrival at Homerton of the fresh faced, nicely scrubbed (in most cases) and eager (again, in most cases) class of 1988. Phil Coldicott, who assures me that he was nicely scrubbed in 1988, if not terribly eager, did sterling work in co-ordinating this year's reunion with the result that thirty-three of his contemporaries, plus one interloper, descended upon Homerton for the annual Roll Dinner. This, coupled with an influx of ex-Drama students bidding a fond farewell to Peter Raby, gave the dinner a more youthful aspect than in previous years, something that we should all cherish as it is probably the last time in our lives that we will be described as youthful. Once we had all got past working out who was now doing what, how many children everyone had had, what had happened to our waistlines and who had fallen victim to male pattern baldness, it was amazing how quickly everybody got on with the business of renewing old acquaintances and laughter rang out across the hall and bar.

With most of the assembled company having finished the previous evening rather late in a cocktail bar by the cinema (we always were a classy lot), Saturday morning dawned bright, sunny and largely ignored. Those for whom early morning lectures were never too much of a problem went into college, those in need of sustenance (or ‘soaking up’ as it is sometimes called) set off in search of breakfast and the hardiest souls headed into town for a spot of shopping, reminiscing, sightseeing and rehabilitation before heading back to Homerton for lunch.

25 Years In group at lunch in the Fellow’s Dining Room

A 21st ANNIVERSARY Eventually we reach an age where the white hairs start to take over our once lustrous locks, the limbs begin to creak and we realise, with a jolt of horror, that we are old enough to have taught our children's

As morning became a glorious sunny afternoon, some of the party began reluctantly packing their belongings and heading for home. Others took advantage of the tours around college; while a few now took their opportunity to explore the delights of Cambridge town centre on a Saturday afternoon; and a sizeable group sat drinking Pimms (well it was Cambridge and it was sunny) and playing (I use the term advisedly) croquet on Queen’s Wing lawn. If we’d had a frisbee as well we could almost have

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 17 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------been ‘revising’. Finally, as the sun set and the temperature dropped, the remaining contingent repaired to the bar to reminisce further and bore current students with their endless anecdotes of the good old days.

Two things really stood out for me this weekend.

The first was how little had changed among the people that I had been a student with. Sure, there were physical changes, although these were more marked in some than others (I promised not to mention any names, least of all my own), but as a group we seemed to slip back into old friendships pretty seamlessly. Once we were over the initial shock of seeing people that we hadn’t seen since the badly dressed days of the early nineties it was astonishing how quickly the old, largely incomprehensible, in-jokes were dusted off and how comfortable and natural everyone felt with each other. The second was something that everyone always mentions: the physical changes to the college since the halcyon days of 1988-92. The new buildings were generally admired - although I, for one, still mourn the loss of the cricket pitch - and the demolition of the black and white buildings was understood and clearly an aesthetic improvement; but the place doesn’t feel the same without the Union Room and the old bar, dive though it was. For those of us who live locally or have been coming back to the dinner for a few years it wasn’t too much of a shock, but it is really striking that college has changed far more dramatically than those who had passed through it twenty years ago.

If you asked me to summarise this weekend in just a few words they would be these: it was fantastic to see everyone and I had a wonderful time. So, who’s up for next year?

James Thomson

HCBC Fundraising Dinner 26th September 2009 One benefit of The Roll is that it encourages Homertonians to return to College and pass on their memories of their time and activities in Cambridge.

This Roll Reunion saw two of the founder members of the Homerton College Boat Club, Alison Avery and Vanessa Jones, return to relive and pass on stories about the early days of the club.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with members ranging from those first few to several who had only recently left. Besides the Senior Treasurer and

Dean; Philip Stephenson; the current President, Adam Marsh; and Honorary Secretary, Laura Bevins, who did a great deal to encourage the recent leavers, the numbers spanned each decade, with previous captains and a member of the first Boat to get its oars (3rd May IV, 1980) as well as the first 1st boat to do so (1st May IV, 1980). The Dinner was held in the Drawing Room and despite some people having attended all the events of the weekend and others having dashed hundreds of miles to be involved after a busy week at work, there was a lively, but more importantly that friendly Homertonian atmosphere that many of you will remember so well.

This was a Fund raising Dinner to launch the Homerton Boat Club Fund, a way of getting regular income for this expensive sport similar to the incomes enjoyed by other colleges. There was a small addition to the cost of the meal, and a limited signed print by Stephen Doig of Sir Stephen Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsett was raffled raising £145. We are hoping that former ‘boaties’ will be generous enough to donate to the fund so that there can be better planning in respect of equipment.

The Dinner has been many months in planning and thanks must go to Alison Holroyd for all the time she has spent adding names to the database so that HCBC members could be invited. New rules and regulations mean that addresses and e-mails could not be passed on to the organiser, so the bulk of the e-mailing and the mailing (which cost us £125 from the proceeds) was her responsibility. There have been over 1,000 rowers at Homerton but, sadly, we were not able to inform everyone as we only had names of those in the Bumps programmes to go by.

This means that if you rowed in the Fairbairns, never got on the river to race in the Bumps or just rowed for fun, we may not have you down. In addition to this there were lots of ‘lost sheep’. Even on Roll Day itself, some people had not been aware that the event was taking place. If you rowed or know someone who rowed, please send details to Alison at The Roll Office so that we can get details out for future events, including rowing again for the club if you wish.

You can keep in touch with The Homerton Boat Club Alumni by joining the Facebook group and by checking out the HCBC webpage. If you would like to contribute to the HCBC Fund, please contact Alison Holroyd for further details. If you can offer support in coaching or in any other way, please contact Laura Bevins. An update and details of how

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 18 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------much was raised will be published in The Homertonian as there has been limited time since the Dinner and this publication deadline.

Ann Muston (McDonald)

The ‘youngster’s’ table

Founder members of Homerton College Boat Club Alison Venn (Avery) on the left and Vanessa Walker (Jones) on the right, both 1974-1978, joined by Hilary Tunnicliffe, centre, 1977-1981

NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES Cambridge Homerton Group A Summer lunch was greatly enjoyed by seventeen members at the end of July at Dorothy Elven's home.

The weather was good and we were able to enjoy her garden. On this occasion we especially wanted to thank Dorothy for coordinating the Cambridge group for the last twelve years. She had also run the group for several years at an earlier time and we are all grateful to her for the interesting times we have had together. Dorothy has been a very generous and welcoming hostess to us at very many coffee mornings and lunches at her house. Members thanked her by presenting her with a gift of Music Tokens.

The President’s table

The Senior Treasurer’s table

Dorothy hoped to find someone to take her place and Anthea has offered to coordinate the group for a year or two. A coffee morning was held in midSeptember at Anthea’s home, and we were very pleased to welcome a number of new members who joined the regular group. We have around 40 local members on the contact list now. Some of those who are working expressed an interest in having an evening event at a future date. Information about future events will be posted on the Homerton website and will be sent to members on the contact list. Please contact Anthea Wicks on 01223 234706 if you are interested in the meetings of the group.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 19 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------the high standard of everything we saw, including classroom lessons and practical activities. After enjoying our lunch in the school Dining Room with the pupils, we were invited to attend an Assembly Meeting of the whole school, where we were all able to listen to the general information and news given to the pupils and then watched the skills of the performance of acrobatic dancing by two boys and the musical skill of one of the girls. Clearly this school is enjoyed and much appreciated by its pupils.

Cambridge Branch members enjoying a Summer lunch at the home of Dorothy Elven

Homerton Oxford Branch The members of the Oxford Homerton Branch continue to enjoy each meeting. We are always pleased to welcome friends and, of course, visitors from other branches. During 2009, we had our usual three meetings.

On Thursday 21 May, we met in the centre of Oxford first, to have lunch together at the “helpyourself� MOMA Restaurant. We then walked the short distance to visit the delightful and interesting Christchurch College Picture Galler, and after this, members were free to do whatever they wished to do in Oxford! Clearly the day was much enjoyed by all.

Then, on Saturday 4 July, we met at our usual delightful meeting place at the Manor House at Toot Baldon, the home of our member Sonia Hewitt, where Sonia and her husband, Ron, give us a great welcome and have made arrangements for us to enjoy our time there. We were pleased to welcome some members from other branches. Each member took their contribution to the Bring-and Share lunch, after which we spent our time socially sharing our news with each other and talking about our future plans.

On Friday, 18 September, we had an unforgettable visit to the Mary Hare School for the Deaf at Newbury. After a warm welcome, we were escorted in small groups around this amazing school where there were over 200 pupils, some boarders and others day pupils, each receiving specific support for their hearing loss and who were thus able to participate fully in their lessons, led by skilled and happy teachers. We were all highly impressed with

It has been a good year for us and we look forward to a similar type of programme for next year. If you would like to visit us - and even to join us! - please contact either Mrs Sonia Hewitt, (The Manor House, Toot Baldon, Oxford OX44 9NG, Tel: 01865 343398) or Dr Dorothy Evans, (Flat 8, Diamond Court, 153 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7AA; Tel: 01865 515341).

The North East Homerton Association The North East Homerton Association meets twice yearly, usually in March and October.

In March this year we visited the Watch Tower in Tynemouth, Northumberland. Viewers of" 55 degrees North" would recognise the wooden structure which was built in 1860. This building is full of ships's artifacts and their construction and use was vividly brought to life by its curator. The inner woman was prepared by coffee and scones at the Grand Hotel and an excellent lunch was consumed at " Robinson Crusoes" restaurant on Tynemouth beach.

Visit to Watch Tower in Tynemouth

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wessex Branch News On 4th April 2009 we had a super lunch at Bowlish House (Shepton Mallet) in lovely sunshine. There were 24 of us altogether, but 3 had to leave early .... including my Johnny who went to bed (?!) ..... so only 21 appear in these photos! Ian may recognize that the Conservatory there has been completely revamped & all those brown beams & peculiar purple hangings removed! I really wish we had invited someone from College again this time as it was such a beautiful day which everyone seem to be enjoying so much! Johnny & I were given a bouquet & card for our Golden Wedding Anniversary which was during the week too!

Our next lunch is arranged for 31st October at The Monks Yard Horton Cross Farm Ilminster Somerset. This is a farm that has converted to a stylish restaurant & conference centre which should be interesting! At the moment 26 people have replied so we are looking forward to a happy gathering again.

Coral Harrow

Our Autumn meeting was held in September at The Great North Museum: Hancock. This museum is managed by Tyne Wear Museums on behalf of Newcastle University. Millions of pounds has been spent on its refurbishment and collections, and we much admired the wide range of its displays. Again, the inner woman was fortified by excellent coffee in the Hancock cafĂŠ prior to our visit and lunch was taken at the tapas bar of the University Theatre. .

We would very much welcome new members.

Elise Wylie 0191 4885106 elise.wylie@gmail.com

September gathering at The Great North Museum: Hancock

Wessex group gathered at Bowlish House in April

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 21 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------right through to those who matriculated recently.

With such a large membership we like to keep in touch by e-mail and send regular updates. Please make sure we have your current e-mail address if you want to be kept up to date with plans. Please also send ideas and suggestions for possible venues and activities for future meetings.

We next meet on Wednesday 2 December and hope that as many as possible will be able to make either afternoon tea in a central London location or preChristmas drinks in the early evening in Covent Garden. Full details will be circulated in November.

Homerton London Rollers –

Erica Hirsch (1965-1968); ericahirsch@hotmail.com.

Jean Carnall (1966-1969); jdcarnall@tiscali.co.uk.

Update for the Roll News, November ‘09 Around 20 of the London Rollers enjoyed a highly successful afternoon in April, meeting for lunch with a preparatory talk by Peter Warner. We much appreciated Peter and his wife coming along to our meeting and the background information on Sir John Soane, prior to visiting the museum, made our time there even more worthwhile. Tea in the Great Court of the British Museum made for an enjoyable end to the afternoon.

Yorkshire/Derbyshire branch In conjunction with the Keeper of the College Roll and Committee, and with the assistance of the longtime Sheffield Branch Secretary, Thelma Ramsbottom, 2009 saw the launch of the Yorks/Derbys branch of Homertonians. This begam with a lunchtime meeting at Sheffield Cathedral; and then a second, well-attended morning at Chatsworth House and Gardens, held during July and ending with a luncheon meeting in the stables restaurant.

We hope to continue the good work in broadening the group, with a number of names of the intersted already ‘on file’ and an open invitation to others to join us. Knowing as we do that Yorks and Derbys is a very substantial region, it is the current plan to keep moving around the region, so far as that can be managed, to see as many old boys and girls as we can. For example, we plan to arrange a November meeting in York – a tour of the Cathedral, lunch and then an opportunity for some early Christmas shopping.

Dr Peter Warner talks to the London Group prior to their visit to Sir John Soane’s Museum

Supporting the college team at the annual football match played at Leyton Orient’s ground proved less popular; maybe we’ll have a better turn-out when the match is next in London in two year’s time!

However several Rollers were able to attend the Cambridge Prom at the Royal Albert Hall celebrating the University’s 800th year in place of our usual summer outing.

It’s great to have about 90 people on our latest list, including members who started at Homerton in 1945

If joining this or any subsequent meeting appeals to you, then do please contact the Yorks/Derbys Branch Secretary, Chis Cox (’92-96) on c.j.cox@shef.ac.uk or suggzy@talk21.com, or ring either 07876797368 or 01142314488. As and when further events are planned, they will also appear as notes on the College Roll website.

Chris Cox.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 22 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STAFF

FOOTFALLS – A TRIBUTE TO PETER RABY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT Mention Peter Raby to any of his former drama students and the chances are that you will hear some reference to Chelsea boots, tank tops or a penchant for green sweaters only rivalled by the late, great Brian Clough. They might also possibly refer to his tendency to deliver lectures from a semi-recumbent posture, hands behind head. Personally, when I think of Peter Raby it is Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes that springs to mind - the tall, angular frame; the quiet authority; the incisive mind.

Whatever the recollection of Peter, what you won’t hear is a bad word.

Peter has always inspired tremendous, loyalty and respect from his students. Who didn’t strive for his approval, whether writing an essay, acting in or directing a play? His post-production comments were often concise, but always constructive and insightful; intended to help you develop your talents to the very best of your ability. In one play early in my Homerton career I was cast in a Vaclav Havel play. In the role of a social inadequate I performed a series of tics and mannerisms to demonstrate the man’s discomfort at the dinner party he was suffering. Peter’s comments were encouraging, but at the same time enabled me to see that there was need to connect outward behaviour to the ‘inner life’ or thoughts of the character. This ability to offer critiques that helped students reflect on their performance and make improvements, were instrumental in making generations of Homerton drama students better practitioners when they left than they could ever have imagined on arrival.

A number of Homerton drama alumnae have gone on to have fruitful careers in the professional theatre.

Chris Moran, Bobbie Robertson and Richard Marshall have enjoyed success on the stage; Matthew Mitchell is an award-winning producer; Steven Wrentmore is an established director and Des O’Connor has an ever-growing reputation as a comedian and cabaret artiste. These are just the people that I’m aware of from my peer group at Homerton!

Of course not everyone who studied drama at Homerton ever had aspirations to appear on the stage. However generations of children who have had a potentially dry lesson, in whatever subject, transformed by teachers confident in using drama have, in no small part, Peter Raby and his colleagues in the drama department to thank. It is a great shame that successive governments of whatever political colour have failed to recognise the value of drama as a tool to unlock the curriculum for children of all abilities and needs. This is not perhaps the place for a debate about the educational value of drama in the classroom. However in a tribute to a someone who has dedicated so much of his professional life to drama and the training of teachers, I don’t think it is inappropriate to acknowledge the difficult climate in which Peter and his colleagues have had to work.

Nor should the legacy that that work leaves be underestimated, not only in schools in the UK but wherever in the world there are Homertonians plying their craft.

During the hiatus between finals and graduation day 1993, Steve Wrentmore, Homerton Drama Technician, Keith Loveday and I decided to put on programme of three short plays. Performed on the lawn outside the old bar, as a bit of free entertainment, they were a kind of swan song after four years at Homerton. Although the academic year hadn’t finished for Peter, he kindly agreed to appear in the play I directed, which was called ‘Picnic on a Battlefield.” His commitments did, I think it would be fair to say, limit his opportunities for line learning and as a consequence, when he took to the stage, it was with a copies of the script liberally pasted throughout his road atlas. The plays went down well, graduation came and went, and some weeks later Peter and family were driving through France on holiday. Lost on a country road Peter sought directions from his wife who, on opening the atlas on the relevant page, was confronted by the pasted text from an obscure French play. Mrs Raby’s comments aren’t recorded!! But this is further evidence of Peter’s dedication to theatre and particularly to championing the cause of Homerton drama.

To have had four years to experience a host of theatrical styles, a diverse range of writers and practitioners, opportunities to explore my own creativity, and to work collaboratively with some immensely talented individuals was a genuine privilege. It is perhaps one that I have only really learnt to appreciate in the years since I have left Homerton and the constraints of work and family

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 23 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------have rationed my opportunities to enjoy and participate in theatre. On behalf of myself and I’m sure countless other Homerton Drama students, ‘Thank you, Peter!’ You set the tone for the department, fostering an atmosphere that was never anything short of challenging, supportive and exciting.

that their country is at war, this larger scale violence is kept in the background and impinges directly on their experience on only two occasions – a bombing raid in London, and the downing of a German plane over Great Deeping itself. Both events are described with vivid immediacy as they are experienced by the children.

I can’t really comment on Peter’s tenure as Deputy Principal as it post dates my time in Cambridge.

Suffice to say, it was no great surprise to learn of his appointment which seemed eminently sensible and I’m sure Homerton has benefited from his wisdom, knowledge and dedication.

The heart of the story, however, lies in what the children learn about the complexities of human nature, and how they respond to the situation with which each is confronted, whether the loss of a home, a father missing in action, or the discovery that a trusted friend is not what he was thought to be.

At one point Molly pauses to contemplate a stained glass window in the church, noticing that while Adam and Eve appeared to be ‘safely part of an old, old story’ the serpent, with its mouth open wide in a wicked, wicked grin’ seemed to be saying ‘to anyone who looked at it “I am part of you!” … and now the thought came to her that there was a serpent in her Garden of Eden too. A wickedness which had changed things, a killer who had struck in the night and left a man lying dead in the rain.’ Gradually, however, she begins to discover that ‘intentions, mistakes, plans and lies’ may be interlinked in morally complicated ways, and such concepts as wickedness and goodness, guilt or betrayal are more nuanced than she had thought at first.

Few things in life are certain, but I think it can confidently be said that Peter Raby’s Chelsea boots will be big ones to fill. We, his students from down the years, wish him a long, happy retirement and success in all he may decide to turn his hand to in the future.

Simon Ray (BEd Drama , 1989-1993)

A REVIEW Victor Watson, Paradise Barn: Murder on the ground, London: Catnip Publishing, 2009.

The many former students who fondly remember Victor Watson from his years as Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Homerton (1974-97), will be delighted to know that he has just published his first novel, called Paradise Barn, and set during World War 2.

Intended largely for children in the nine to twelve year age range, Paradise Barn tells of events in a small Fenland town or large village in the autumn of 1940. The frontispiece, an illustrated map of Great Deeping, reminded me a little of the Milly-MollyMandy books that I read as a child, but though there is a Molly in this story the world that she, her friend Abigail, and Adam, the evacuee from London, experience is a darker and more perplexing place.

This is a novel that works on more than one level.

The bones of the plot include a murdered stranger, a stolen painting, and the arrival of several newcomers whose activities seem not wholly explicable. In line with the detective story genre, the friends set out to solve a mystery which is satisfactorily maintained to the final pages. Though they are constantly aware

These moral and personal issues arise naturally from the story, but they are handled with a light touch and never allowed to slow the action. At the end the children have the satisfaction of unravelling the mystery, and are rewarded with the freedom of Paradise Barn, a conclusion that turns ‘their excitement towards the future instead of the past’.

At the book launch in Cambridge, Victor said that though he had always had plans for writing fiction, he had found it impossible to do so while he was analysing and teaching on the work of other writers.

Those who enjoyed his lectures on literature for children will be glad that he has now crossed the tracks and given freedom to his own creative instincts. We are told there may be several more books to come.

JB

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 24 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALUMNI NEWS

BY DECADES

1930s BARFORD, Bede (Betty), 1934-36.

About to celebrate her ninety-fourth birthday. She writes that living alone it is difficult to have “news” to contribute, but she has just renewed her driving licence and still plays bridge socially. In spite of having been “venerable” for at least sixty years, she has become semi-computer literate, although she still prefers the old fashioned letter to the email for social interchange.

GARSIDE, Margaret (Grimshaw), 1938-40.

She writes: ‘It was great to read Barbara Stark’s (Willis) letter in the last Roll News as I remember in my first year (1938) she was in the room next to me on the top floor in college. The start of my second year was delayed for about ten days due to war having been declared and the necessity for all college windows to be fitted with black-out curtains.

At nearly 90 I am lucky to be in reasonable health (mind and body!) and have recently become computer literate (garsidemargaret@yahoo..com, in case any contemporary would like to get in touch).’

Margaret spent 30 years teaching, the last 15 as headteacher, and her husband was also a teacher.

She has 3 children (now all OAPs!) and lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and although now widowed and living on her own she still drives.

She looks back on her 2 years at Homerton with happy and still vivid memories of it all.

1940s ANDREWS, Christine (Harbottle ), 1947-49.

Christine writes: ‘In spite of having turned 80 last year I am still working which is really great. I moved into Playwork training which is now an expanding field so my expertise is still useful!. I only work if it is interesting and I can always say no.’ [See Christine’s longer account of her work under ‘After Homerton’.]

BERRY, Margaret Francis (Emere), 1949-51.

Now retired, Margaret was a magistrate for twenty years, and has been married for 56 years, with three sons and five grandchildren.

BUCHANAN, Brenda (Dr) (Wade), 1948-50.

Brenda Buchanan is delighted to have just been made a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, entitling her to add FSA to her name. Continuing to pursue the gunpowder theme in her work, she has published an article in ICON, the Journal of the International Committee for the History of Technology, 14 (2008), on the subject of charcoal.

This was also the subject of a paper that she presented at a conference at the University of Victoria, in Vancouver Island, in the summer of 2008, after which she and her husband were able to join their family in a party of nine in Upper New York State, USA, for a memorable holiday.

CAWTHRA, Shirley (Beardwell), 1949-51.

Shirley reports that she is involved with U3A (the University of the Third Age), as well as doing volunteer reading in a primary school. Her daughter Lynette is now in charge of the Working Class Movement Library in Salford, which contains records of over 200 years of organising and campaigning for social and political progress as well as providing rich insights into working people’s daily lives. Her son Michael in global charge of new commissioned plants for Air Products.

EVANS, Doreen “Do” (Caldwell), 1949-51.

Now the Artistic Director of the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster. (See her account in ‘After Homerton’). She has two daughters and four grandchildren, and writes, ‘One granddaughter has just gained her Master in Economics (none of my DNA there; as an Infant /Nursery teacher my numeracy skills were not good, though I actually learned more by teaching maths/number practically, than I ever really understood before.) My other granddaughter is at UCL in the middle of a four year course to be a speech Therapist. I was always interested in ST, but I wouldn’t have been so lucky as to get into Homerton then, and what I would have missed! One grandson is into Graphics at University and the younger is rugby player, and a rower and is still in a Sixth Form College. Perhaps I should encourage him to apply for Homerton!’

GADSBY, Mary, 1948-50.

Her college “daughter”, Coral Harrow, writes that Mary is living very comfortably in Paxton Hall Care Home, and though not able to write letters any more joins in with the activities there and is always very pleased when told that friends have enquired after her.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 25 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GOODWILL-HODGSON, Joy ( Joyce Goodwill), 1949-51.

Now retired, but still marking GCSE Maths with AQA on-line and busy with theatre, concerts and travelling, especially abroad, as well as various charity work.

She writes: “I belong to Heinz Taste Panel, and also do voluntary work – meals on wheels, trolley shop at the hospital, etc.. As a ‘Friend’ of the Brewery Theatre and cinema I also do ‘front of house’ for them. I belong to Arthritis Care (+ exercises in a pool), and keep fit at the leisure centre; and go to courses at Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite, the best of which was a 20th Century Drama Course.

My church is still the one where my husband was minister, the United Reformed Church in Kendal. I am in the choir and also make loads of marmalade throughout the year, from Seville oranges kept in freezers, ready for coffee mornings and friends and neighbours. My elder son, Mark, has his own architectural firm in Nottingham, but is also taking a lay preaching course. Daughter Sue, adopted when she was 16, is now a regional manager in a drugs company; and my younger son, Paul, lives in the USA with his wife Jen with whom he has built up the Everyman Repertory Theatre which puts on many plays. My husband Andrew died twelve years ago, of cancer, and I still miss him dreadfully, but I keep busy, as you see.”

GRAY, Elspeth Mary, 1949-51; 1952-53.

Still busy, with not enough time to everything she wants. She writes: ‘I have been celebrating the University of Bristol’s Centenary this year – my second Alma Mater (197881) - a mere youngster compared to Cambridge! I am looking forward to the award of the Charter – Respice Finem – a new beginning, surely. Note to the Privy Council – Hurry up, please, I’ve been waiting for this for sixty years!’

HARROW, Coral (Hemsley), 1949-51 Carol writes: ‘Another busy year! I’m now the vice chairman of our School Governors and as the Chairman has been unwell I’ve had to chair the full meetings. I still go into school at least twice a week to hear Years 1 & 2 read. At home our great joy this year has been our 2 little grand daughters Ruby & Rosie born just 6 weeks apart in the summer of 2008. Ruby lives near us & although Rosie is 3 hours drive away she comes to stay, sometimes without her parents to give them a break. The two little girls are very funny when they meet up here to play together. They give us a lot of amusement, but we do wish we had had them 20 years ago when we were a lot more energetic!

Johnny & I celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary in the Spring with a lovely family party.

We have been to France & Malta, & hope to visit Malta again in October for more sunshine, but nevertheless life here in Dorset still keeps me very busy!’ The Wessex Branch continues to flourish and we meet up for lunch twice a year so I’m always on the look out for interesting places for us to meet.’

PAYNE, Molly (Brown), 1949-51.

At the recent Reunion, Molly was proud to share the news that her son has been appointed Professor of Computational Physics at Pembroke College, and elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. Her grandson will also be starting this year at Christ’s College, Cambridge, reading Classics.

SAUL, Sylvia (Ward), 1949-51.

Sylvia writes: ‘ Geoff and I, in a reasonable state of health for our years, still keep up with our usual activities. We are delighted that our grand-daughter Rebecca (Jackson) will be in residence at Homerton for her MPhil year (09-10), and are looking forward to having Becca’s impressions of today’s Homerton.’ Sylvia and her friend Brenda Underwood (Cole, 1947-49) meet regularly as ‘Friends’ of their local Care Home. She sends greetings to the “Golden Girls” and is sorry not to be joining them at the Reunion.

1950s BEETESON, Dora (Brennan), 1959-61.

Dora continues to give support to the Friends of Scottish Opera, sitting on two committees for them.

Having given three presentations in her village (Skelmorlie) combining local amateur actors with understudies from Scottish Opera, she has finally managed to establish a branch of Friends of the Scottish Opera – Clyde and the Isles. Local Cambridge interest is the two accompanists, Ian Ryan (Selwyn), Repetiteur, and James Grossmith (Clare) Chorus Master and Conductor, Scottish Opera, and she is pleased to have that link in her remote part of the UK, despite her own connections with Cambridge being 50 years away. So far they have presented Seraglio and Cosi Fan Tutte, and Verdi’s Falstaff to acclaim. When the accompanists complimented Dora on her organisational skills she replied ‘I didn’t go to Homerton for nothing!’

BILSON, Diane (English), 1954-56.

Still enjoying retirement.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BLAMEY, Norma (Kelly),1953-55.

Norma recalls Homerton in the fifties as a ‘golden era’, and writes of the interesting and colourful characters by whom she was taught, under the leadership of the delightful Miss Skillicorn. She also remembers being allowed to go to two May Balls, and sitting her final exams during the day, ‘after showing myself at High Table at breakfast time – the custom in those days’. After leaving Homerton she went to teach in Shepherds Bush (opposite the yard used for Steptoe and Son, ‘which stank to high heaven in the summer’) and in White City. She writes: ‘Teaching young children was so rewarding.

You would have lots of contact with the parents and the job became so much more than just a classroom exercise.’

Norma married in 1959 and gave up teaching while her children (two daughters and a son) were small.

In 1974 she returned to teaching, but ‘retired’ in 1986 to do a degree in Fine Art at Trent University.

She says that though meaning to paint ‘seriously’ there is always the garden and her five granddaughters to distract her. She looks forward to seeing them make their own future decisions, and hopes that one of them may be fortunate enough to study at Cambridge as she did.

DARR, Wendy Elaine (Kite), 1955-57.

Now retired to Devon and enjoying a busy life looking after a 3 year old granddaughter who lives next door; cooking for a local shop; and acting in Buckfastleigh Drama Society (now grumpy old grandmother roles, but loving it). She has also had her 11-year old (“going on 16, as they do”) over from America for the summer, and goes to Little Rock for 3-4 months every year in October.

DOLBY, Freda Lynn (Robson), 1953-55.

Has co-authored the ‘Coventry Primary Music Handbook: Coventry Music Guidelines’, now published by Hodder & Stoughton.

HATT, Margaret Christine (Jones) , 1959-61.

Now retired but a carer for her husband, John, who has myotonic dystrophy. She attends art classes, swims every week and plays badminton weekly. She is also a committee member for their local Bray Society, which meets monthly for talks from a variety of people. ‘ HASLAM, Shirley (Jefferies), 1952-54.

This year, finishes being Diocesan School Governor for our local C. of E. school for 20 years. She writes that this is her last link with education after 75 years, having been born in a village school in 1934 where

her father was headmaster, and been either in a learning situation, or teaching, or starting playgroups ever since.

JUDGE, Pamela (Gregory), 1957-59.

See her letter in the ‘Letters’ columns.

LEWIS, Pam June (Walker), 1951-53.

She writes that during a visit to he son in Hon Kong, the two of them spent a few days in Macau, and was very interested to see how the credit crunch was affecting these Asian islands. Since a visit 10 years ago there had been many changes by land reclamation, and a great development of hotels and tourist attraction s, but construction work on many of these projects has now stopped, and as the economy depends greatly on tourism the islanders are very concerned about the financial problems.

‘It is quite a change to see half-built hotels empty and silent but interesting that there is no vandalism.

What would happen to unattended sites in the UK?’ LUCAS, Diana (Barber), 1959-61.

‘We moved from naval life to Cambridgeshire 15 years ago, and last year my husband Victor was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the county. Two of our sons teach (without benefit of PGCEs!) and I fine-hone my counselling skills in various areas of voluntary work.

‘It has been a privilege to hav been a member of the Roll Committee during the 800 Anniversary of the University’s foundation, and to witness Homerton taking its place as its newest college. This year also sees our intake’s Golden Anniversary. As well as celebrating at college we continued our celebrations at our home on the edge of the fens.’

MACKAY, Annmarie (Joder), 1959-61.

Still working as an Interior Designer, and finally a grandmother with two delightful little ones.

MACKENZIE, Sheila (Hopkins ), 1954-56.

Retired from teaching, though she still takes a few assemblies, hears readers and has just finished 13 years as a governor. Still has 25 piano pupils, so keeps busy, and also active with tennis, singing, and playing the oboe in a local orchestra.

PROUDLOCK, June (Slater), 1959-61.

June writes: ‘ I would like to note the inspiration given by Christine Carpenter, my pottery tutor, who encouraged me to continue with ceramics.

Since retiring we are active members of the Northern Potters’ Association, exhibiting and selling ceramics. At the 2009 Reunion I shall sadly miss my

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 27 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------dear friend and fellow potter Chris Hall (Roberts), who died in December 2006.

RAINE, Barbara M. (Emsley), 1951-53.

‘Still in touch with “my 2nd Year”, Shirley Wise. We met recently for our own “Reunion Lunch” in Otley.

We have grandchildren from Jumior age to University students – a very different scenario from my experiences in “the olden days”.’

RIMMINGTON, Elizabeth Alexandra (Bailey), 1957-59.

Now retired, having taught in Leeds etc., and with the advisory service, and latterly as Language Consultant with Longman Education.

SHERIDAN, Brenda, 1951-53.

Brenda writes that she is still playing bassoon in the Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra and has ‘not run out of breath yet!’ She is also involved in the Swan Theatr;, the St Richard’s Hospice; and Home Start; and is a school Governor. She had cancer three years ago, and is now on annual check so is keeping her fingers crossed.

1960s AINSWORTH, Janina (Rev) (Brych), 1969-73.

In April 2007 she took up a post as Chief Education Officer for the Church of England, leading the Church’s education work. This includes responsibility for the Church’s role in informal education, especially children’s and youth work in parishes and dioceses; Higher and Further Education, including the church Universities and colleges; and adult education; as well as 4,000+ Church of England schools and academies.

CLEMENTS, Josephine Mary (Adams), 1964-66.

Retired from teaching, but still an active and professional gundog trainer. She has also been an active member of the Highland Children’s Panel for 15 years.

CUSACK, (Dr) Patricia (Desmond), 1965-68.

My book Riverscapes and National Identities is being published by Syracuse University Press in December. It combines art history, cultural geography, and nationalism studies.

FARMER, Wendy Edwina (Jones), 1966-69.

After teaching for a time, returned to study part-time for a degree in Physics and Psychology at Birkbeck College (1975-79), gaining the Aleksander

Silberfeld Prize for the most distinguished performance in the final examinations for B.Sc. degree in the Faculty of Science. Married, with two, now adult children, Wendy writes: “With my family I enjoy walking, tennis, skiing, swimming, travelling abroad and entertaining friends. I have always loved all sports either as a participant or as a spectator; I like to read, to go to the theatre and to listen to music and Radio 4.” Since 2004 she has worked as Assistant Head in charge of Teaching & Learning at the Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, Marlow, Bucks.

GIBBONS, Sally (Deeprose) 1966-1970.

"Enjoying life on the edge of the Fens near to Stamford with lots of gardening to keep fit in readiness for 1st grandchild early 2010! Acquiring some new skills including geography, with more fair weather boating!"

GROWCOTT, Avril (Kemp), 1967-71.

Avril writes: ‘Although I have reached retirement age, and my husband has been retired for more than a year, when it came to decision time I couldn’t quite give up a job I love (teaching French, Latin and Classics three days a week, in a great school with delightful girls and staff!) so I have adapted to yet another new A-level syllabus and will continue to teach until next year. After that, who knows?’

She visited Frances Turner (Weddell) this year, shortly after her 80th birthday, and found her still sparkling and still studying French literature. She also enjoyed a 60th birthday weekend get-together in Anglesey with Jen Taylor (Kilburn), Anne Small (Mills) , and B.A. Cummings (Whitley) – all still 20 at heart.

JONES, Jenny Cordery, 1969-72.

Now retired but studying for a BA with the Open University and hoping to graduate in 2009. She has two children, Rory and Ellie, aged 20 and 18 respectively, who still live at home, and has joined a local barbershop chorus. ‘I still love to sing!’

KIRKMAN, Anna Elizabeth (Foden), 1969-73.

Following retirement from teaching in 2004 I have been busy looking after aged parent-in-law and turned my interests to rering rare breeds of poultyr – Large White Orpingtons, silverspangled Hamburghs and Moscovy Ducks. I also do a lot of bell ringing and am organist aat the local church.

LEATHARD, Sylvia (Dominey), 1962-65.

On leaving Homerton she followed a teaching career in Wales until the birth of her son. When he was 2, the family were living in Sheffield, where she began

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 28 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------a volunteering career, first with the local Playgroup and later with the Play group Association.

Ultimately this led to a working career as a trainer and as the NE regional co-ordinator, until she retired.

LUKE, Lorna (Riddle), 1969-73.

Lorna writes: ‘Having met my Australian husband while I was teaching at Chew Valley School in Chew Magna near Bristol I moved to Australia in 1976. We have three sons and have recently become grandparents. I taught Maths at an Independent Girls' Grammar School in Melbourne for two years before our first son was born. From 1980 to 1996 Richard was Head of Glenn College, one of the residential colleges at La Trobe University and we lived on the campus. The experience of collegiate life in Cambridge was often reflected on during this time. For the last thirteen years I have worked in university administration and I am about to retire from my position of Executive Officer of a research institute within the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University.’

McCLEAN, Iris Dagmar (Clish), 1964-67.

Now retired after a full career including Deputy Head of a Hertfordshire Comprehensive and KS2 Co-ordinator of a Nottinghamshire Primary, as well as raising two children with her Prison Governor husband. Her interests include travelling (recently to the Rockies, Alaska, and the Holy Land), church and community involvement, walking, gardening, and looking after grandchildren.

MULLETT, Rosemary (Martin), 1965-68.

Now retired, Rosemary writtes: ‘I was a Club Scout leader for 20 years buthad to give up for health reasons. Now fully recovered, I enjoy rambling, singing and painting.’

PEARCH, Jean Maria (Polson ), 1960-63.

Jean recalls being the first President of the Students’ Union – previously titled “Senior Student” – in 1962/3. She has also been a JP in Croydon for the last 35 years – “longer than not one” – and in 1995, as Chairman of the Bench, sentenced Eric Cantona to 3 weeks in prison; causing an outcry, and resulting in 3,000 letters and Police Protection for 2 months. In 2,000 she undertook a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, walking 700 miles in 50 days, nonstop, with back-pack. “Brilliant!”

PENNY, Joan Elizabeth (Flower), 1962-63.

In 1964 married Tom Penny, a solicitor in Devon, with whom she now had 4 children, now grown up, and 7 grandchildren. Having qualified as a

pharmacist in 1960, and worked as a locum pharmacist when not teaching, in 2002 she decided to open a new pharmacy in a growing village 4 miles from her home. She and her husband ran it together and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the village, 28% of whom were over 65. They have now retired, to have more time with their grandchildren.

PINNER, Sue (Asker), 1965-68.

Sue started her career teaching at local primary schools, and then in a part-time capacity at the local FE college while her children were small. She changed careers to work in the voluntary sector – first with Help the Aged and then Age Concern after which she worked in social care for a local authority before becoming a regulator os social care in 1994. This work brought her back to the Cambridge area shortly after her second marriage in 2001.

While at Homerton Sue sang with CUMS, and on her return to the Cambridge area was able to re-join, having sung in choirs for many years. She has 3 children – all now grown up – and is enjoying being a grandmother.

PIPER, Janet (Grant / Phillips), 1964-67.

After 34 years of marriage Janet was divorced in 2006, but since March of this year has been happily married to Colin Piper, a conservator of historic objects.

SELLARS, Alison Christine (Alcock) , 1962-65.

‘I retired 2 years ago, having worked mainly as a primary school teacher. In 1997 I went to Pakistan for 2 years, working as a teacher trainer – a wonderful experience. While in Pakistan I met my husband and we now live in the Derbyshire hills – all visitors welcome. I have 3 children, Fiona (37), Belinda (35) and Iain (33)., and having now retired I have lots of time for my music and – of course – the grandchildren.’

THACKRAY, Rosemary Lynette (Davies), 196770.

Retired from teaching several years ago, and is working for her husband’s company. Two daughters, one married last year and one to be married in September 2009. The latter has gone into teaching too. Still enjoying tennis, swimming and bridge.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 29 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1970s AUDET, Maria (Davies), 1975-76, After thirteen years of full-time teaching, now primarily occupied as a full-time mother, though with a lunchtime role as a carer for a child with special educational needs. She writes: ‘When I left Homerton I taught African Literature and English as a Foreign Language, in a Kenyan mud-hut village school with a Christian Aid Organisation. There, I learned very quickly the value of living in an interdependent way with those around me rather than in the independent way our education system equips us with. Impossible not to draw from my experiences when exploring works of literature which touched on other cultures or value systems.

Eventually I married and when I had my own children (a boy and a girl now 17 and 16) I happily chose to replace teaching others' children with the role of supporting the lives of my own children, especially since my husband's job took him abroad a lot. I have thoroughly enjoyed this 'second career' and have done lots of voluntary work en route.

Unfortunately now that my children are soon to 'leave' home I am probably too old (54) to do a returners’ course, when others are retiring from teaching! I only found this website because I was looking up Open Days for my own children! I would love to hear from anyone who knew me.’

BEAUMONT, Kathryn (Phillips), 1979-83.

Working as a teacher of French.

BIRD, Alison Mary (Black), 1970-74.

Currently teaching part-time at St Mary’s Junior School, having recently returned to Cambridge after 34 years. Previously I taught at the Bluecoat School in Birmingham for 17 years and before that was the Head of my own Nursery School in Reading. I now lead and pastor Cambridge Vineyard Church with my husband Peter, and have four adult children. I enjoy being a very hands-on Grannie and am also involved in Parenting coaching and women’s projects in Kenya.

BRADLEY, Patricia Ann (Hurley), 1970-71.

She writes: "Teaching has been the doorway to opportunities abroad. For the last twenty years or so I have lived in central Prague and helped to set up the English College there. From there I moved onto China where I lived until my husband died there.

Returning home I have now set up my own business so I am semi-retired which means I have time to see my sons and go and visit them"

BRIMELOW, Louise, 1979-83.

Having now lived in Scholtand for 17 years, continues to work full-time as Headteacher of a school in the Pollok area of Glasgow.

BRISTOW, Helen (Burns), 1977-81 Taught in Cambridge for 3 years after leaving Homerton but has been living and teaching in Australia since 1984. Married to Hugh, with two boys, Josh (16) and Dan (14). Still enjoys teaching, playing tennis and blowing her clarinet in a band!

CHAPMAN, Clare Mair Cecile (Harris), 1972-76.

Emigrated to Australia in 1987, and married Jermey, a nephrologist at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. They have 3 children, Robert (1985), Matthew (1987) and Elizabeth (1991), and she is now working as a Maths teacher in a K-12 school (equivalent of 1-13 in the UK), and co-ordinating the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the school.

COOK, Sarah (Caudle), 1979-83.

Now Senior Primary Literacy Consultant for Somerset County Council. Married to Richard, with two sons, Joshau (17) and Jonah (14).

DAVIES, Sheila (Thompson ), 1977-81.

Moved to Wales in 1982 and has two children, both graduates of Glamorgan University.

DAVIS, Catherine Vincent (Davis/Gibson), 197883.

After a break of four years and a divorce, she returned to headship 18 months ago, as Acting Head of two schools in Devon, now forming a management partnership prior to Federation – a very exciting development. In September ’09 she will take up a permanent headship in Wiltshire. She writes that she visited Cambridge earlier this year, including a trip to Homerton, and held a party in Devon this summer to which she was pleased that her old neighbour on ABC – Sue Davies – was able to come with her husband Byron.

FRASER, Fiona (Bodie Smith ), 1977-81, Currently English Department Chair at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach,California, International Baccalaurate examiner and instructor. Married to Alastair (Christ's) with children, Kirsten, a forensic scientist working for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept. (yes, a real life CSI)and James, just graduated from Univeristy of California. Youngest son, Andrew, lost his battle with cancer in 2005. We honor his memory in October by walking to raise money for research in to his cancer - neuroblastoma.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 30 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GORHAM, Susan Mary (Woodley), 1975-76.

Following four satisfying years of Headship in West Sussex, Susan moved to take up the post of Headmistress of Nottingham Girls’ High School in 2006. Tragically, her husband, David, died in 2008.

He was a graduate of Trinity College and had worked for many years doing post-doc research at the Cavendish Laboratory before becoming a Senior Lecturer at the Open University in Milton Keynes.

Susan writes that her eldest daughter, Sarah, has followed the family tradition set by her grandmother, aunt and mother, and completed her PGCE at Homerton. She gained her MEd in 2008 and is now teaching modern languages in Peterborough. Susan’s son, James, is applying to study medicine, and her youngest daughter, Ruth is an intensive care staff nurse in Birmingham.

HARBOUR, Nicola Helen (McFarlane), 1973-76.

She writes: ‘I have been teaching for more than 30 years now, with a short gap to have three children.

All three have studied at Cambridge; one at Trinity, one at Clare, and now my youngest is in his first year at Homerton. He is very happy there and it has been lovely for me to go back and visit it again.’

HICKS, Joan (Rev), 1979-83.

Joan writes: ‘I was ordained deacon in 1990 and was amongst the first women to be ordained priest in the Diocese of Oxford in 1994. I have served in several different parishes in the diocese, and I am currently in charge of a parish in Maidenhead. I have been involved in local schools in all my parishes taking assemblies, helping with R.E etc. I very much enjoy this part of my ministry, and my teaching background has been invaluable.’

MILNE, Katie, 1974-78.

Still living in Cambridge and now Head of the Perse Girls Junior School. Misses having her own form, but is never short of classes to teach, and is enjoying new challenges on the management front. Holidays are usually spent with her family in Scotland, and she is in touch with around half a dozen other Homertonians.

MYERS, Clare (Bradley), 1977-81.

Currently working for the BBC CBeebies channel as producer of their weekly nature show ‘Green Balloon Club’.

PAVEY, Ruth (Chadwick), 1979-84.

Married to Trevor, with four children aged between 16 and 20. She has lived in Plano, Texas, for the past 19 years but still misses much about the English way

of life. Teaches history and Literature to 6th Grade (year 7) students, and a love of music is still a bit part of her life.

PHILLIPS, Ann , 1976-80 After teaching the English Literature Option of the International Baccalaureat at the Lycee des Pontonniers, in Strasbourg, Ann went to teach at Sarajevo University, but has now returned and been appointed as Head of Secondary English in the new European School of Strasbourg.

RODFORD, Sue, 1973-77.

Continuing to teach Maths and RS at the King’s School, Gloucester, but has added the role of Examinations Officer to her portfolio! She writes: ‘Had a memorable trip to Beijing in August 2008 to watch Beth, our daughter compete in the Olympics!

She’s been rowing since 1995, and was selected for the GB Women’s 8, which finished fifth in the final.

Eight of our family flew out to support her – an epic two week holiday. Now she is working towards selection for 2012. Our son, Ben, also rows in his spare time, and has competed at Henley for the past three years.’

SLUSAR, Priscilla Elizabeth (Woodley), 1975-76.

She writes: “After 11 years as Headteacher in two different comprehensive schools, I applied and was accepted for ordination training in the church of England. I started my training at Westcott House in September 2008, where I am studying for a Bachelor of Theology degree. I hope to be ordained in 2010.”

SMITH, Sue (Meenan , then Smith), 1970-74.

After 13 years as head of St Peter’s Primary School, Chippenham, leaving for a new life in Cyprus, where her husband, Derek, will become Anglican chaplain to St Barnabas, Limassol. They leave behind two married sons – Mark, now in the Foreign Office, and Tom, who works for Lloyds and has two small children, James and Lottie.

WALKER, Vanessa (Nessa) (Jones), 1974-78.

Working as a teacher and Head of Pre-Prep at St Peter’s Prep School in Harefield, Devon. She has 2 children, Benjamin, now 24 and working in Corsica, and Lucinda, 21, in her second year at Oxford reading Archaeology and Anthropology.

WESTCAR, Sarah (Wills), 1979-83.

Moving house in September 2009, but within the same area, so she will be continuing to take P.E. with foundation to Year 6 pupils at the local Primary

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 31 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------School in Bradfield. Paul is still a GP in Chapel Row; Emily is now 14 and Jamie 11.

WESTLEY, Mary (Weston), 1973-77.

Mary has moved to Welwyn, Herts, where she takes up a second headship at Welwyn St Mary’s C of E Primary School. Though sad to leave her previous school she is pleased to have the chance lead a larger one, with 420 on the roll. He husband Stuart became General Secretary of AGBIS on leaving Haileybury as Master this summer.

WILSON, Juliette (Walker), 1978-82.

Married with two sons, aged 17 and 14. Maintains a strong interest in the Ukraine, and organized a summer camp for the Children of Chernobyl, bringing a group of children to England for two weeks respite. Also a strong interest in photography, and is travelling in India as location manager.

1980s ADAMS, Lisa (Skinner), 1988 – 1992.

Now working as personal development tutor for all of the Educational Studies and Children\'s Interprofessional Studies students at Hull University as well as teaching two modules on the ChIPS degree course and doing a great deal of marking! In addition, Lisa teaches years 3 and 4 in primary school for two days a week. In 1997 she married Paul, whom she met when they were both teaching at the same school, and they now have 3 children India (9), Seren (7) and Huw (5). Between work and racing around ferrying her children to swimming lessons, Brownies, gymnastics, dancing, football and piano lessons she keeps very busy, but is still in regular touch with Homertonian friends.

ANDREWS, Janey (Susan Jane) Darian, 1987-92.

Not working at present, due to ill health, but looking for a home in preparation for getting married to John Holness.

ASTONI, Tamsin (Smith), 1988-92.

Now a Deputy Head as well as a free-lance Lunchtime Supervisor trainer. Married to Pierro, with two children, Isabella (4) and Michael (3).

BENEVOLO FRANCA DA SILVA, Valeria, 1986-90.

I moved to Brazil in 1991 and have lived here since then. I followed the field of EFL and have been teaching in the same language school in Brazil since I arrived. I worked my way up in the Academic Department and now am the Head of Teacher Training (we have over 500 teachers throughout Brazil and over 40000,00 students in our schools).I`m quite happy working in teacher training and every now and again find the things I learnt at Homerton provided me with the academic background I have been able to develop. I married in 2000 and in 2005 my son Gabriel was born. I always try to go back to England as frequently as possible generally every two years.’ She would love to be in touch with other Homertonians from 1986-1990.

CHERRY, Melissa (Jones), 1983-84.

Melissa spent many happy years teaching in both the private and state sectors in London, but now lives in rural Sussex with three children, and is married to an eye surgeon.

DALSEME-STUBBS, Emma 1981-1985.

Soon after leaving Cambridge I left Britain to live and teach in the Bahamas. A few years ago, family commitments saw me return to Scotland with my two children, where we have settled in the Highlands. I still enjoy theatre and am involved anually with the village pantomime,(the same sewing machine is still going strong!)I ventured back on the water with the local rowing club,but only a couple of times when they were desperate for a cox. (I am no elfin!) Having taken all these years to decide that I really do enjoy teaching, I am just embarking on the Scottish Standard for Headship Programme.

GALLAGHER, Sarah (Harber), 1988-92.

Living in the countryside of Suffolk with her little girl, Poppy, and working as a Headteacher nearby in Rendlesham Primary School. This was set up from scratch in 2006 – very exciting. She is the proud owner of Daisy, the VW Camper Van, and excitedly flashes her headlights at other Voubs, even when she forgets she is just driving a normal car!

GOULDSTONE, Suzie (Moss ), 1988-92.

Suzie writes: ‘I am currently Director of Music at a local girls' independent school. My husband, Jeremy, works for the Buckinghamshire Music Service and Cameron (5) has just completed his first year at school.’

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 32 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HALL, Dani , 1988-92.

Now with three children (Tom, Oliver and Imogen) and has just finished an MA in Children’s Literature, and launched a new business – The Literary Gift Company (www.theliterarygiftcompany.com).

HAMPSON, Anderley (Knowles ), 1984-88.

Married for 18 years to Martin, with two children – Genevieve (15) and Thomas (13), horses, dogs, guinea pigs and fish! She has been working in PR for schools, editing a school magazine and handling sponsorship, but is returning to teaching in September 2009, to teach English and Drama at the girls grammar school in Colchester.

HARROW, Marietta, 1980-84.

Working as a Training and Education Consultant for a variety of orgnaisations, e.g. the Refugee Council, Amnesty Interantional, the Food Standards Agency, and education authorities. Daughter Rosalind Ellianne Sarah Whitton (Rosie) was born on 21st June 2008 to Marietta and her husband Ken Whitton (Magdalene College). Now that Rosie is 15 months and running around it is just as well that Marietta can do quite a lot of her work at home on her computer!

HIORNS, Sue (Martel), 1981-85.

Still busy teaching, and has enjoyed seeing Sue Pilbeam (Tongue), Jane Warwick (Gibson) and Jo Georgiadis (Whittington) this year.

KELLY, Fenella Jane, 1987-91.

Currently studying a full time MA in Drama and Theatre in Education at Warwich University. She recently returned from India where she trained in Kathakali Dance theatre and Chenda.

SMITH. Ann (Davies / West), 1986-90.

She writes: I have married for a second time and have a large family totalling 8 children. They are all mine! The eldest is now 17 and our baby is 8 months old. I am still teaching in Milton Keynes and spend much of the rest of my time transporting my children to sporting events!

SOMERVELL, Jo (Palmer) 1988-1992.

After working for some time as a teacher, she is now back at Homerton lecturing in Drama .

THOMAS, David Samuel, 1983-84.

Now Head of Educational Performance at Nether Stowe School, Lichfield, having been awarded a Doctorate in Education in 2009. David writes that he is now in his 25th year as a teacher, and always grateful to Homerton for giving him a love of learning.

THOMSON, James, 1987-94.

James writes: ‘ Since Homerton I've worked in education, although not at the coal face, firstly working in assessment, then in publishing and now as a freelance project manager/writer/techie geek (depending on who will pay me to do what).

Living in Ely, I stay in reasonably close contact with college and have been to the roll dinner for the last few years - I would encourage others of my vintage to do the same because it really is a very entertaining weekend. Happily married for nearly ten years and with a five year old son just starting year one I occasionally feel quite grown up, but in spite of the white hair it wears off reasonably quickly.’

McGLADDERY, David (Revd.), 1981-85.

Appointed Vicar of Monmouth, August 2009.

McWHINNIE, Sarah (Jenkins), 1988-92.

Working as a nursery teacher. Sarah was widowed in 2003, and has two children, Hannah (9) and Rory (7).

MITCHELL, Sarah Catherine, 1981-85.

Married to Alex Kirwan, but has not changed her name. Moved to work on the national Challenge at the DCSF. SAUNDERS, Claire (Escott), 1988-92.

In 2007-09 Claire completed a PGDip in SpLD (Dyslexia) and achieved full AMBDA status.

WARNER, Melanie , 1981-85.

In 1990 she was awarded an MA, with Distinction, from London University Institute of Education.

Having worked in various comprehensive schools,s he is now 5 years into her second headship at the Castle School, Thornbury – a 1750 mixed comprehensive, high performing school which was judged outstanding by Ofsted in January 2009. She was awarded National Leader of Education, and her school National Support School in recognition of their capacity and skills in supporting other schools.

She is married to the poet Kelvin Corcoran.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 33 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1990s BARRETT, Emma J (Grant), 1995-96.

Now teaching maths. Graduated from Queen's University, Belfast with an MSc in Educational Multimedia with Distinction in December 2008.

CEARNS, Edward Benjamin, 1996-1997.

Currently working for Cambridgeshire County Council as project manager for the planning of new communities, including the planning os new schools and the wider needs of children and young people.

CRESSWELL, Helen Mary (Sparkes), 1998-2002.

Having got married in August 2008, Helen has just been appointed Deputy Headteacher of the Harwich School, Suffolk, and (with her husband) completed the converson of a barn into which they moved in June of this year.

DAVIS, James Michael (Jim). 1991-94.

Jim returned to work in the theatre rather than going into teaching in schools (though he has taught Theatre Design at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts). Since 2002 he has been Production Manager at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold, North Wales.

He now lives with his wife, Jude, in Chester, is learning Welsh and sat his GCSE last year. He runs for a local fell running club, climbs and makes music with another old Homertonian, Nicholas Dodds ( 1991-92).

GODDARD, Simon Leigh (Rev.), 1991-95.

Married Lisa in 2000, and was ordained as a Baptist ‘pioneer pastor’ in August 2008. He is the minister of a small rural churchin Cambridgeshire, whilst planting a school-based ‘fresh expression’ of churchin the same area. This new church uses Simon’s teaching experience as it is particularly focussed on primary school aged children and their families.

HATHAWAY, Dawn (Nelson ), 1998-2002.

Working as a maths teacher at Newport Free Grammar School, and married James Hathaway on 9th April, 2009, in Saffron Walden.

HUSSAIN, Ashaq, 1995-99.

Ashaq entered on his new post as Headmaster of the Junior School of Aitchison College, Lahore, in August 2008. He has found it both enjoyable and productive, though he is very conscious of the responsibility for a school containing 660 pupils – approximately 130 of them boarders - and 110 members of staff, of which 60 are teaching.

Aitchison College has an excellent academic record and strong tradition of sending boys to Cambridge, so he hopes to be able promote links between the College and Homerton.

KINGSFORD, Lorraine ( Knight ), 1995-96.

Formerly Head of English and Drama at an independent school in Devon, but left to have two girls, Hatty and Fleur. Now living in Wells as her husband now at Millfield.

DIDIER, Cedric B.A., 1998-99..

Now Head of French at the King’s House School, Richmond. Daughter Hannah Marjorie Bryony was born on 2nd October 2008, weighing in at 7lbs and a bit.

LEE, Katherine, 1998-2002.

Currently studying for an MSc in occupational therapy. Still shooting, and now part of the Eastern Region Squad, selected for an international match in February 2010.

EVANS, Tracey Lorraine, 1998 – 2002.

After gaining a Diploma in Psychology from the University of Nottingham, Tracey is now Assistant Head of the Faculty of Performing Arts at The Hewett School, Norwich.

LOWREY, Siobhan (Duggan), 1990-94.

Married for 11 years to Mark Lowrey – also exHomerton – with one son, Matthew (4). Woks as Director of Production for Discovery Communications.

FRYATT, (May) Armande (Robinson), 1991-95.

Now a specialist teacher and assessor of dyslexic children at St Christopher School Letchworth and The Old Rectory School, Ipswich.

LUTZEN, Ulrike (Hausmann ), 1999-2000.

Publishing Spanish school books for the German Cornelsen Oerlag, and now has three sons, born 2004, 2006, and 2008.

GALLOWAY, Craig, 1996-99.

Now working as Senior Recovery Practitioner at Ipswich hospital, and planning to get married on September 11, 2009.

O’NEILL, James, 1993-97.

‘After leaving Homerton I taught in primary until December 2000. Following that, taught ICT at The Cornelius Vermuyden School & Arts College,

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 34 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Canvey Island, my current school. In 2003, I met Miriam and we were married in August 2004. We now have two boys, Joshua and Daniel. In the spring of this year, 2009, I became Assistant Headteacher.

It’s a lot of work but very worthwhile.’

PINKUS, Susanna, 1990-94.

Susi and Andrew were delighted to welcome their son Bailey into the world in October 2008.

Workwise, she runs a provision for students with complex needs, and continues to advise on a variety of educational topics for Sky Teachers TV. PIPET, John S., 1996-98.

Now a fully accredited Methodist local precher, as well as manager of an independent Christian Resource Centre. Still plays for a variety of Ceilidhs, Barn Dances, etc.

SHEA, Janet Elaine (Noble), 1992-96.

After teaching in the Philippines and Indonesia, she moved to the USA, and is now married, with a baby boy born in June 2008. Her busband lectures in Education at a local University and she is enjoying being at home with their baby.

STANLEY, Sara, 1993-97.

Now working as a consultant with Childrenthinking, delivering training on philosophy for young children. She specialises in philosophy in the foundation stage; contributes to P4C.com (Philosophy for children); and has writen teaching materials for Scholastic Read and Respond series titles and Continuum.

THOMAS, Angela Carole (French), 1998-2001.

She writes: ‘I recently married on a splendidly sunny day at All Saints Church, Hempstead on the 27th September 2008. My husband and I live happily in Medway. I enjoy working for the University of Greenwich writing, editing and managing the production of their prospectuses, and other printed publications.’

WATKINSON, Ruth (Jackson), 1990-94.

Kept busy by daughter Sophie Elizabeth, who will be two at Christmas, but enjoying working four days a week as teacher in charge of the Foundation Stage at a Special Needs school.

WHAY, Vanessa, 1990-94.

Now Head Teacher of the King’s’ Infant School, Kings College in Madrid.

WILSON, Timothy, 1998-2002.

Gained a MEd in 2007 (Churchill College), and working as a teacher.

2000s CARNELL, Sylvie Eve (Leroy), 2000.

Now Head of French in a prep school in Kent, and gained a teaching award in 2007. Married, with two children, age 6 and 2.

COOPER, Simon Mark, 2004-07.

Has joined Red Gate Software Ltd, in Cambridge, as a software engineer.

COTTENDEN, Janet (Cottrell), 2002-06, Janet writes: ‘I married David Cottenden in July 2006. Since then we have spent time living in Louth, Lincolnshire, back in Cambridge, and now in Bishop's Stortford. I am currently teaching at Ashdon Primary School, near Saffron Walden, a lovely, small village school.’

ESPLIN, Victoria Louise, 2006-07; 2008-09.

Vickie writes: ‘I worked in a challenging inner city school in Brixton, South London, for my NQT year and first year QTS; and developed an Action Research thesis on Problem Solving and Creativity in Infant Mathematics for my MEd thesis.

I volunteered with the Oxbridge Cultural Exchange Project in July/August 2007, working for the British Council in Hanoi, Vietnam.

In July/August 2008, I volunteered with a Thai/Welsh Charity exchange for the United Nations Association on an environmental project in central Thailand. This was in a town called Ratchibun, where there is a floating canal full of stalls and markets that support the local economy.

In August 2009 I will start my new post as literacy co-ordinator and reception teacher at the British School in Kathmandu, Nepal.’

FACCINI, Marc , 2004-5.

On August 20, 2009, married Natasha Ausais-Dean ( Jesus, 2001-5) whom he met in Cambridge.

KANE, Amy Catherine Mitchell (Wilson), 2004-05.

Married in August 2008. In September 2009 will become Head of Year 8 at Mill Hill County High School.

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 35 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MEDHURST, Rachel Marie (Alexander), 2001-04.

Returned to the UK in July 2008, after teaching for three and a half years at Hebron School in South India. In December 2008, she married Benedict James Medhurst in Blackheath, London.

*

*

*

HASHAGEN, Hilary, 1938-40.

Hilary died on 17th October at Stamford Bridge, near York.

* * * MOFFATT, Naomi Clare (Manning), 2000-01.

Married William James Moffatt (Jamie) in July 2009 at Whitmore Church, Staffs, and is now living in Chester.

OWLER, Alison Mary (Collings), 2002-03.

At present taking a child rearing break with daughter Abigail , born, 21st June 2008.

PARSONS, Lucy Charlotte (Bevin), 2005-06.

Teaching geography, and married Andrew Parsons (Emmanuel, 1998-01) on 28th July, 2007.

PERCIVAL, Sarah (Adams), 2001-04.

Sarah and John’s first son, Andrew Paul, was born on 16th November 2008.

STAPLETON, Sandra (Afford), 2000-2004.

Got married in February 2008 and became Head of Science in March. Still loving teaching!!

DEATHS (The following are former Homerton students whose deaths have been reported to the Keeper of the Roll in the course of the last year since the publication of the Newsletter in November 2008.)

BLACKBURN, Sheila Winifred (Titterington), 1949-1951.

Her husband, Mr D R Blackburn writes to inform us that his wife sadly died 18th February, 2009. *

*

*

FURLONG, Edith (Holland), 1941-43.

Her daughter wrote to inform us of her mother’s death on 27th May, 2009.

HUGHES, Cicely Madge (Darnell), 1943-45.

Mary Bounds (Venables), her contemporary at Homerton and close friend for 65 years, wrote to inform us of Cicely’s death this year.

She recalls that Cicely taught at Chatteris Secondary School, and thereafter in Junior schools in Aylesbury. She married a Probation Officer and the couple had four children. * * *

JORDAN, Gladys Irene (Symonds ) 1966-1969, died on the 24th of March,.2009.

Peg Jordan, as she was known, was part of the Group 7, a group of mature students who took classes together.

Her daughter writes: ‘Mum was born on 9 September, 1920, and though christened Gladys was never referred by that name.

There were two stories relating to this. One was that her father delighted in singing an old Irish ballad, Peggy O’Neil, to her, and the other was that her older sister was reading a newly published weekly magazine, “Peg’s Paper” and the name caught on for her. She enjoyed her school days very much, and when she passed the 11+ her father signed a form to say she could stay until age 16, but unfortunately, half way through her final year, she had to leave because her parents decided she should be at work. She always regretted this and was very keen that her own daughters should have the best opportunities she could give them.

The war years were very hard, especially as her new husband was a prisoner of the Japanese, but she joined the National Fire Service, and as soon as she heard that the war in Europe had ended she and a group of work mates decided to go down to London that very day to join in the festivities. As she later wrote, “Flags and decorations were out all over London, people were greeting one-another as they swarmed down the roads, arms joined, singing and dancing, it was terrific. The memory will always stay with me.”

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 36 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When her husband returned after the war, Peggy became an itinerant wife, moving with him from place to place. Never idle, with a family and home to look after, as soon as her elder daughter was born she alto took a part time job as a school secretary – something she enjoyed enormously. Later there were several difficult and unhappy years when she had to carry the family alone on her shoulders, but at this time she had her first taste of teaching, when the headmaster of the local school asked her to sttep in and take a class for a time, as he was a teacher short.

In 1962 she married Arthur, and settled in Cambridge, keeping open house for family and friends, and working as a school secretary at Coleridge school.

The opportunity to train as a teacher in in 1966, when Homerton set up a course for mature students, supposedly organised to fit in with home life, though Peggy found it tough going as she was still working at the school as well as having a home to run.

However her husband, Arthur, was endlessly supportive, and she herself was industrious and determined. As she wrote, “It was a wonderful experience being at Homerton; college life gives one something one cannot explain, perhaps a new view of life and making relationships.”

Her teaching career was varied,and she took enormous pleasure in the successes of her pupils, following the paths of some of them for many years.

During this time she and Arthur also took advantage of school holidays to travel widely. Although she was lonely after Arthur’s death, she continued to enjoy visits to many different places, including such adventures as riding on an elephant in Thailand even after her eightieth birthday.

All this was achieved despite the fact that in 1987, after unsuccessful treatment for cancer, she had to have her bladder removed, and became a urostomist.

The positive way in which she dealt with this and got on with life was an example to all. She joined the local Urostomy Association, eventually becoming the secretary, and visited many people who were in the same situation to encourage them.

Peggy thrived on friendship, and enhanced the lives of many. Her family much appreciated the fact that so many of the old Group 7 got in touch with them on hearing of her death. * * *

KILN, Sarah, 1969-72.

Her friend and contemporary Elizabeth Cutter wrote to tell us of Sarah’s sad death on June 17th, 2009, aged 58. * * *

PEACE, Winifred (Murgatroyd), 1934-36, died on 28th May, 2009 . * * * RAGDALE, Jessie Elizabeth (Verrall ) , 1955-58. died on the first day of January, 2009.

* * * RICHMOND, Daphne (Ransley), 1947-49.

Her son recalls that his mother was a Senior Student at Homerton in her second year and that she always spoke of her years at Homerton with the greatest fondness. Most of her teaching career took place in Bedfordshire where she was for many years head teacher at Kempston Rural Primary School. * * * KEIR, Dorothy May (Frazer), 1944-46.

Died in January 2009.

* * * LONG, Tristan, 2002-2001.

We have just received notice of the sad death of Tristan in 2005. * *

*

OLDFIELD, Eileen, 1943-45.

Daphne Baker (Pratt) wrote to inform us of the death of her friend Eileen Oldfield, on 24th September 2009 at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, aged 84 years. They had remained close friends since their time at Homerton together.

Miss Oldfield was Deputy Headmistress of Avonbourne School in Bournemouth, 1959-1985. *

* *

SEARLE, Maxine (Brown), 1990-94, who sadly died in 2008, leaving a husband, Jason, and a two young daughters. * * *

Homerton Roll Newsletter, 2009 37 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THEURING. Barbara (Presland), 1947-49.

Her friend and contemporary Mavis Smith wrote to inform the college of her death earler this year.

The burial took place at Epping Forest Woodland Burial ground, and many tributes were paid to Jill, whose strong, life-time qualities of thoughtfulness, sensitivity, humour and wittiness were with her to the end.’

* * * * * * WHEELEY, Marian (Gent), 1940-42, who died on 23 rd November 2008 after a short illness which she faced with characteristic courage.

Her daughter, Susuan Ayres, writes: ‘Marian was born in Mansfield (Notts) and moved to Cambridge at the age of four, when her father took up a headmastership there. She herself later trained as a teacher at Homerton, and greatly enjoyed her time there. In recent years she has attended many reunions at which she was delighted to catch up with her old friends.

‘After qualifying, Marian taught in schools in West Bromwich and Huddersfield, before leaving to get married in 1947. She and her husband Gerald celebrated their diamond wedding in 2007 with a family lunch held at Homerton.

‘Marian loved teaching and put her skills to good use, not only in her professional capacity but with her own children and their children too. She was gifted musically and a talented pianist, blessed with perfect pitch and the ability to play by ear.

‘Marian’s sister, also a Homerton trained teacher, died earlier in 2008, which was a source of immense grief to her. She is survived by her husband, two children, seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

* * * WILLIAMS, Jill (Rose ), 1951-53.

Jill’s husband wrote to inform of us of the death of his wife on June 22nd, 2009, after suffering from MS for several years.

Her close friend Pauline Hood (Robinson), also wrote: ‘Jill trained to teach older senior children with a specialist subject of Divinity. Our friendship grew through sharing a room in D & E, and then a flat together in Birmingham. We kept in touch, though miles apart, all our lives.