AN INTERVIEW WITH
The Sternians’ Association President and Chairman We talk to Peter Booth (President) and John Bacon (Chairman) to hear the highlights from the last 12 months What have been the biggest challenges the Association has felt as a result of the global pandemic? JOHN: We are creatures of habit, so when the calendar is entirely stripped of Sternians sports fixtures, reunions, and careers events, it is going to take time to start again. It is encouraging to see the return of regional gatherings, with the South-West leading the way in Exeter. And now, under the “Give Back” banner, we are seeing the return of the opportunity for Sternians to work with pupils in the Mock Interview Morning, Futures Fair, and the new Round Table events to prepare them for the world of work. It almost makes me wish I was back at school again…. PETER: Covid hangs over everything and it is so hard to predict from day to day, we all must adjust and readjust as new challenges occur and the
Sternians is no different. 2022 is a really special year for the College and enormous resilience has already been displayed, I am sure we will manage to make the most of things.
What have the Sternian highlights been for you over the past year?
PETER: For me personally, I have enjoyed watching Ugo Monye dancing in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and marvelling at his sporting knowledge and infectious good humour as one of the captains in ‘Question of Sport’. “Being
President of the Sternians’ Association is for me, an immense privilege.”
JOHN: When the year started under continuing restrictions on movement, the programme of LWC Focus sessions on Zoom were a sign that we would maintain a kind of normality. By the start of the new academic year, we saw the return of President’s Drinks in September, where we introduced two years’ worth of new staff members to the Association. Then in November the Remembrance Service was followed swiftly by the over 60s Farmers Club lunch.
What has the last year brought for the Association?
JOHN: It is no surprise that regular activities of the Association have largely been suspended this year, but things have not stood still. LWC Connect has come into its own over the past year, with a consistent increase in members joining, new industry specific networking groups and a huge range of resources to help Sternians with their career, whatever stage of life they are in. Another significant plus point is the introduction of our vibrant new Alumni Relationship Manager, Justine Lammin. We are so grateful to Sam Corfield for reassigning Kate Boyd to hold the fort following the retirement of the long-serving Gill Kelly. Justine’s appointment to the role demonstrates that the College is fully committed to the ongoing development of the Association. And I couldn’t summarise the year without thanking Paul Richings and his fellow trustees for their administration of the Sternians Trust Fund.
John and Peter welcome Alumni Relations Manager, Justine Lammin to LWC.
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PETER: And although there have been immense challenges, Sternians have shown great resilience, determination and creativity, and in some ways people have become closer.
