Peter Warner and Libby Jared

Chairs’ Letters

Peter Warner & Libby Jared

It is with mixed feelings that I retire this year as Chair of the RSMA; it has not been a happy time for anyone, yet I am grateful to our committee for helping to carry the RSMs through this tiresome and fearful pandemic. I have done my four years, two of them under lockdown, and the time is right for me to move on and leave the chair in the very capable hands of Libby Jared. She has done more than anyone else to sustain the functions of the RSMA during lockdown by producing ‘bumper’ editions of our newsletter, when there was no social activity to report. Besides, Irene and I have moved away from Cambridge and we now live in Torquay – not any easy process to move house during lockdown, but we managed it. We love living by the sea and being close to Vici and her family at Newquay. I took over the chair when John Murrell became seriously ill and we needed someone to step in temporarily – I did not expect to run for a full four years. During my time I have always been conscious of my eminent predecessors, particularly John who worked closely with Kate Pretty to consolidate the status of the RSMA. Also I recall David Male setting up the Association when I was involved in the disastrous first Homerton Appeal. We are forever in debt to David, for his wisdom and foresight. It is on their shoulders that we carry the RSMs forward as a vibrant and robust organisation. Covid19 makes us all rethink the way we do everything; true no less for the RSMA. Losing all social events could have been crippling, but communication by email, Zoom and Newsletter has brought us closer together on an equal footing, regardless of whether we live near Cambridge, or Torquay, or on the other side of the World. Social engagement may never be quite the same again, whether it is coffee mornings, Christmas parties or simply dining in College as we loved to do; regardless, our human desire to keep in touch and reflect on shared experience prevails. The structure of the RSMA changes as more Fellows from the ‘new’ Homerton retire and choose to join our ranks. For new retirees who wish to stay in touch with colleagues, the RSMA is even more relevant now than it was in David Male’s day. However, we might need to change our name to salute them properly, but I leave that tricky problem to my capable and tactful successor!

Onwards (and upwards?)

Peter and I agreed to share the Chair’s Report page and the larger share goes quite rightly to Peter –the ‘older’ chair in all respects. Peter disappeared part way through the AGM (or rather his mobile phone link did) perfectly timed to coincide with my becoming Chair elect and all Zoom eyes were on me to take over. In at the deep end then. However, it gave me the ideal opportunity to publicly thank both Peter and Trish Maude – who had somehow managed TWENTY years off and on as Secretary (what does it say in the constitution?) Although not serving for quite so long, I had found Peter to be an invaluable asset to the RSMs, and a very wise head whilst still working ‘part-time’ in College and a very useful networker. I ended by saying: “Trish & Peter you retire from the Committee with our very best wishes.” This turned out not to be exactly true as I emailed Peter to tell him what I had said had he been able to be logged on and back came the reply immediately that he was willing to be co-opted to the Committee if we would like to agree. Yes – no discussion needed!

So I take over the Chair not only knowing that Peter’s wise head is not far away, but several other wise heads (including Anne Thwaites, Secretary extraordinaire) are helping me to take up the reins from all those giants who have gone before me. Onwards definitely, but upwards? I would like to think so, but the bar has already been set very high. Nevertheless, I promise to try.

Oh, and let’s hope we can meet up again in person soon!

I must thank Geoff Ward, who has been so well disposed to us during his reign as Principal. Setting aside two pandemic years, Geoff has presided over a golden era of Homerton College history and will leave his mark with some of the finest modern buildings: the new dining hall, the Griffin Bar and soon the new Porters’ Lodge. We are deeply grateful to him and also to Matthew Moss and the Development Office Team who have supported us in so many ways, not least through the practical help given by Clare Ryan, queen of Zoom! Regardless of Covid, the College has gone through the most extraordinary metamorphosis in the first 20 years of the twenty-first century; I am sure other RSMs share with me that collegiate sense of pride and achievement. It has been a hugely exciting rollercoaster ride and a great privilege to have participated in it. Long live Homerton and the RSMA.

Peter (Retiring Chair)

Libby (Incoming Chair)