Alumni Relations and Development
Memories from the archive Caerleon Campus
Alumni Relations and Development OďŹƒce University of South Wales The Lodge Treforest Pontypridd CF37 1DL UK E-mail: alumni@southwales.ac.uk Call: +44 (0)1443 482 400 southwales.ac.uk/alumni
Introduction We’re delighted to welcome so many former students and guests to our Alumni Afternoon Tea event. An occasion for nostalgia and renewing friendships – it’s our opportunity to celebrate the fondness felt by many for Caerleon, as the University moves forward while also acknowledging its proud educational heritage. At the same time that we’re positive about the wider future for the University in Newport, we appreciate both the history of the old training college site and the attachment that many people have to it. For us too, the decision to come out of Caerleon was one of the head, not the heart. Today is an opportunity for us all to be proud of what was achieved here, including the standards of excellence that will be continued at our facilities in the modern Newport City Campus.
USW Alumni Volunteers
With the University - its activities and its scale - having evolved in recent years, you can be assured that your graduate community continues to thrive, and I encourage you to maintain connections through our Alumni and Development Office. Whether busying yourself in a volunteer opportunity, reconnecting at a reunion or providing guidance to our current students; we encourage you to maintain connections with us - and each other - in the years to come. We trust you’ll have an enjoyable time back on campus, and I look forward to hearing more of your anecdotes and recollections firsthand.
Dr Carl Peters Deputy Dean (Life Sciences & Education)
Whether organising a reunion, mentoring a student or inspiring the next generation, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. • • • • • • • •
Provide a personal profile Return as a guest speaker Offer career support to current students Recruit USW talent Organise a reunion or event Become an alumni mentor Support our governance structures Contribute to building our archive
Alumni Relations and Development Office University of South Wales, The Lodge, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 1DL UK E-mail: alumni@southwales.ac.uk | Call: +44 (0)1443 482 400 southwales.ac.uk/alumni
2010-2016
1914-1920s
University of South Wales
The College at Caerleon was built on land that had been purchased by Alderman Parry and sold on to the Education Committee. In 1913 the Education Committee also acquired the land to the east and the land to the north of College Drive. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on 18 July 1912.
April 2013 saw the merger of the University of Wales, Newport with the University of Glamorgan to become the University of South Wales. As one of the UK’s major higher education institutions, the University has students from over 120 countries, studying a diverse range of degrees in campuses across the South Wales region. The University is recognised for its innovative support to students, and widening access to higher education through its pioneering UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Initiative) programme.
The first Principal of the new College was Sir Edward Anwyl, he laid the foundations of the College’s high academic reputation. Such was the calibre of the first staff appointments that it was suggested as early as 1914 that the College should offer degree-level courses. Unfortunately, Sir Edward did not live to see the College’s development as he died in 1914 (even before the official opening) and was succeeded by Ivor Bertram John.
New Chancellor installed Rowan Williams - The Rt Rev and the Rt Hon the Lord Williams of Oystermouth and former Archbishop of Canterbury – was formally installed as Chancellor of the University of South Wales in April 2014.
A Golden Reunion for Education Class of 1965
The first students at Caerleon arrived in 1914. One of the first students was Gerald Buck. He died in 1996, aged 103.
Having started their studies in 1965 and having weathered the sands of time as friends for 50 years, the Education Class of 1965 continued the tradition of meeting regularly in Caerleon in July 2015 – a reunion tradition started in the early 1990s. Classmates came from across the world for a weekend of celebration.
The development of the College began under difficult circumstances - as the First World War had already broken out – and the first planned student intake was drastically reduced from 56 to 18 students,
Pictured are (top to bottom) The College at Caerleon 1913, first intake 1914, Sir Edward Anwyl, Ivor Bertram John
Pictured are (top to bottom) University of South Wales logo - launched 2013, Rowan Williams Chancellor, Class of 1965, Newport City Campus at night 2015
2013 – Institution merged with the University of Glamorgan to become the University of South Wales
2010
13
2015-2016 – Transfer of courses to Newport, Cardiff and Pontypridd campuses
2015
The first students at Caerleon
2020
1910
1915
1920
1925
1930
2
1930-1940s
1990-2000s
John Owen
The Inauguration Ceremony of the new University College
The Principal from 1937-44 had been a member of staff since the College opened. Principal John Owen died in 1944, just before the War ended, after 30 years of teaching at the College. He was, according to the College’s Jubilee Celebration publication (1964), ‘…a great and dedicated teacher and one of the outstanding figures in the history of adult education in South Wales.’
The Inauguration Ceremony of the new University College took place on 14 May 1996. Principal and Chief Executive Professor Ken Overshott commented: “Today is the culmination of 155 years of education in Newport since this institution can trace its ancestry back to 1841, when a Mechanics institute was first formed in the town.” Some of the first Honorary Fellowship recipients included Sir Terry Matthews, Newport-born industrialist and Mr Mel Harries, former Principal of Gwent College of Higher Education.
Thomas John Webley Thomas John Webley was Vice Principal from 1944 until his retirement in 1952. He was a leading and enthusiastic figure in the local community, being involved in the Newport Playgoers, the Monmouthshire Drama League, Army Welfare and the Church.
University of Wales, Newport Only eight years later - in 2004 - the institution secured Privy Council approval to use the title University of Wales, Newport. Secretary General of the University of Wales, Dr Lynn Williams offered his congratulations, commenting: “ I am sure I speak for everyone within the University of Wales family when I say Newport has earned its new status through hard work and Pictured are (top to bottom) Fire at Caerleon campus through delivering quality results..”
Life at the College during the War “There were 90 students here back then. You had to be in your rooms from 8pm. There was a roll call at ten and then lights out at 10.30pm. We could go home to Abertillery at weekends if we wanted, but only after attending compulsory lessons on Saturday morning and supporting any football or rugby matches that were being played in the afternoon.” Eric Cox, Certificate of Education student, 1943-45
1992, Professor Ken Overshott awards, Anil Mathira
The Invincibles Rugby team The 1933-34 rugby team was never defeated Played 22 | Won 18 | Drew 4 | Lost 0 Principal T J Webley sits at the centre of the photo opposite “Near the church stood the Greyhound. This was counted as the first when after their exams the students of Caerleon College raced to have a drink in each of Caerleon's 13 pubs. The last was the Sun (or Star) out on the Usk road.” Brian Blythe, ‘Memories of Caerleon, 1935 – 1950’
The 1933-34 Invinciples Rugby Team
1930
3
1935
1937-44 John Owen, Principal
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) TJ Webley, John Owen, the Invincibles, 1940 Sport team, class of 1944 reunion in 2006 (right side top to bottom) 1940 drama class, 1940 college photo, Drama group of the 1930s.
1945
2004 – Institution name evolves to become University of Wales, Newport
1996 - Gwent College of HE 1992 - Fire at becomes University of Wales Caerleon Campus College, Newport
1944-52 T J Webley, Vice Principal
1940
“After 10 years of service in the Indian Navy as a Sonar Controller, I joined my wife who was working in England as a nurse. As an international student, I’ve got great memories including seeing snow for the very first time. I'm from Kerala, India - no chance of snow there! Living my whole three years on campus was one of the best things happened to me. Every night was memorable and I would love to go back and do another degree.” Anil Mathira (previous surname Jacob), BSc Secondary with QTS, 2007-2010
1950
1990
1995
2000
1995 – First collegewide computer 1999 – Caerleon network installed Sports Centre opens
2005 2007 - Kegie Building opened
2010
12
1980s
1950s
School of Art and Design
Gwilym Prichard Ambrose
By the 1980s it was clear that the expansion of the School of Art and Design had made the facilities at Clarence Place, Newport inadequate for the College. Norman Robson Smith designed an innovative new building for the Caerleon campus that was built on a steel frame with glass walling to utilise the full natural light.
The Principal from 1952-70 oversaw the profound changes in the post-war decades, including the threatened closure in 1959 and the introduction of female students in 1962. “I also remember the Principal, Mr Ambrose, with great affection. He was a kind, sympathetic and gentle Welshman.” Fred Stedman-Jones, Teaching Certificate, 1952-54
Rathmell Building The Building was officially opened in 1986 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. As reported in the prospectus at the time:
Leighton Jenkins The first Caerleon player to be capped from the College. While captaining the College in 1954, he was called up to play against Ireland. He went on to play in each of the five nations in 1956.
“The new building at Caerleon is in itself a bold architectural statement of the unique nature of the Art and Design courses. Students are able to circulate as their work demands through open, flexible studio spaces, large well-equipped workshops and to use the extensive telematic systems incorporated into the building… The College will posses some of the finest facilities in Europe…. and these will reflect the importance attached to developments in high technology and preparing students for careers in the 21st century.”
“September 1953, after a period of chasing bandits across the deserts of East Africa with the South Wales Borderers Regiment, I arrived at the front door of Caerleon College on my bike from Pontypool carrying a suitcase.”
Pictured are (top to bottom) Clarence Place, self portrait of artist Tom Rathmell, Rathmell Building, plaque marking the opening of new facilities in 1986
“Our evening activities were enthralling even without television or radios in our rooms. Alcohol was not permitted on the premises, or guests in the rooms, but being of a similar age we enjoyed each other’s company. We had choir practice, chess and pingpong in the common room and an occasional telephone call.” Don Watkins, Certificate of Education student, 1953-55
1987 – First degree ceremony held at Newport
1980
11
1985 1985 - Rathmell Building opens
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) Gwilym Pritchard Ambrose, student council 1950-51, swimming team 1949-50 Pictured are (right side top to bottom) Caerleon Campus, physical education group 1949-50, Leighton Jenkins.
1952-70 Gwilym Prichard Ambrose, Principal
1990
1950
1955 1954 Leighton Jenkins - first Caerleon player to be capped from the College
1960
4
1960s
1970s
The first female students, 1962
Gwent College of Higher Education
“The arrival of the ladies was looked forward to with great anticipation, but any chances of ‘visiting’ the women’s dorm was forestalled by the Dean of Women who took guided tours before the preceding summer holidays, with the admonition that “anyone I catch can’t use the excuse that ‘I just wanted to see what it was like’ ”.
September 1975 saw Newport College of Art, Caerleon College (formerly Training College) and Gwent (Newport and Monmouthshire) College of Technology merge to become a single institution – Gwent College of Higher Education. Mel Harris became the first Principal. There were worries about the merger due to each institution having their own individual characters – the College of Education having a residual family-like atmosphere.
“Meals were taken in the college dining room (turn right inside the entrance and go all the way to the end) and breakfast required appropriate dress when the ladies arrived (pyjamas and dressing gowns had been the preferred costume until then).” David Holmes, Certificate of Education 1960-63
“The relationship between students and staff in the different faculties were totally at odds. For instance the staff at Caerleon and Allt-Yr-Yn were appalled to find that in the Art Faculty, students always called staff by their first names.” Derek Butler, Art Lecturer 1962 – 1992
Caerleon students at Lands End in 1965 Note the signpost to the Training College – could it still be there, pointing the way back to Caerleon?
Aerial view of Caerleon College taken in 1964 The halls of residence and the Main Building can be easily spotted, with the Edward Anwyl Building between them. Between the left-hand halls and the main building are the huts that were used by the evacuated pupils from Dover County School for Girls. Between the right-hand halls and the road in the foreground are the ‘demountable’ teaching huts, which were located near the entrance where the modern car park stands today. The south edge of the campus was also used for growing food and the College was largely self-sufficient up to the 1960s.
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) the first female students 1962, Caerleon Campus aerial picture, Football trip to Bangor college, Caerleon students at Lands End 1965, (right side top to bottom) Rag Parade 1965 and 1966, Old students 1965, Caving Club, football team 1962-63, Caerleon campus in 1962.
5
Pictured are (top to bottom) Allt-Yr-Yn Campus, Mel Harris
1970 - Harold Edwards became principal of Caerleon Training College
1962 – First female students
1960
“In 1969, as a first year student, I travelled by coach to attend the Leavers' Ball at a hotel in Cardiff with my boyfriend. In those days, female students were locked in to our hostels at 10.30pm. My boyfriend was friendly with Barry Llewelyn, a fellow 3rd year student and Wales team player, who was about to depart the UK as a British Lion. Barry and his wife held a party for their friends at their home the night after the Ball and one of the coaches was designated to take the party guests there in secret. After a great night we returned to Caerleon at about 6.00am and hoped to creep back in with the cleaners. Oh dear! The college authorities had held a fire practice in the early hours so they knew who was missing. I remember standing in my evening dress in the long main building corridor waiting for Nellie Jenkins, who was Tutor for female students, to come and give us a dressing down. She made us wait for about 2 hours and we were very nervous. I joined Estyn as HMI in 2003 and found myself in that same corridor inspecting teacher training!” Rosemary Lait, Teacher Training, 1968-1971
1965
Caerleon students visit Lands End in 1965
1970
1970
1975
1975 – Coleg Gwent formed
1980
10
Alan and Maria Eveleigh Alan came to Caerleon in 1962 and Maria Williams started in 1963 only the second year of ladies to arrive at the college. The swinging 60s never really reached Caerleon. It was a more innocent time. A big sing-song in the pub before the College dance was the highlight of the social calendar!
Wendy Davies Wendy Davies, Teacher Training 1969 Here are the 'then and now' pictures. The first picture is of our third year finals dance. The final picture was taken in 2015, we haven't been able to find the girl seated bottom left, but the rest of us are in the same position as we were in the original photo.
They returned, engaged, to college after the Easter break, 1965, to find that two other couples had done the same. Maria and Alan Eveleigh celebrate their Golden Wedding on 20 August (2016).
Carolyn Jenkins Alumni Relations Officer 2006-present Undoubtedly the best part of my job is meeting our alumni whether at reunion events or as pop in visitors to campus. I have been very lucky over the years to hear many of your stories and although I sometimes got confused as to where the bar was situated in any given decade you soon put me right. A few stories stick out in my mind. A couple of years ago Barbara Yandle visited, she was a kitchen/chamber girl in the 1940s, aged just 14, Barbara remembers polishing the corridor until it shone like glass, she was most disappointed to see it no longer did. The corridors were named little Moscow, Rhondda and Upper Bogs. Climbing in through windows late at night after the pub when the front doors were locked and what about Sheep racing along the main corridor! Don’t tell Barbara that. Oh and a tutors small car picked up and put in the dining hall. I didn’t study at Caerleon but I feel that over the years you have all picked me up and carried me along with your love for the place.
Barri Hurford-Jones Teacher’s Certificate course at Monmouthshire Training College, Caerleon 1952 – 1954 My ‘Caerleon years’ which followed a period of National Service in the RAF were happy ones. Although over sixty years ago the memories are still bright. I captained the Tennis team and the rugby games where the whole college turned out to support were a weekly hi-light. I recall the terror of teaching practice at Christchurch Junior school and also proposing to my first wife in the music room on my 21st Birthday.
9
Clare Winfield Clare Winfield - Catering Manager 1983 – Present I first arrived at this beautiful campus of Gwent College of Higher Education in 1983 as a youthful 17 year old YTS trainee. As a department we took part in many wonderful events, here are a few of my favourite memories: The yearly graduation ceremonies, especially meeting the parents of the students that I had looked after for three years. The student Christmas lunches which we would dress up for while Mr Manchee (a music lecturer) played his organ! The Duke of Gloucester arriving in his helicopter for the opening of the Rathmell Building. The May Balls that used to include a three course sit down meal in the Main Hall and the students would end up having a food fight. The bands that performed at the May Balls including Girls Aloud, Supergrass, Scouting for Girls, Right Said Fred, Jools Holland, Joe Cocker, among others and of course Paul Daniels and Roy Walker. The money we used to raise for Children in Need by dressing up amongst others as a sheep, a bumble bee, 60s gear and a caveman. We raised money for an orphan boy from Navinki in Belarus by playing rounders against the Maintenance department. The worst memory I have is in 1992 the year that the gorgeous Main Building caught fire! The whole of the roof space was alight and I abandoned everything and came back to work to help to feed and water the many fireman that were on site.
6
Memories from the archive 7
Caerleon Campus 8
Memories from the archive 7
Caerleon Campus 8
Alan and Maria Eveleigh Alan came to Caerleon in 1962 and Maria Williams started in 1963 only the second year of ladies to arrive at the college. The swinging 60s never really reached Caerleon. It was a more innocent time. A big sing-song in the pub before the College dance was the highlight of the social calendar!
Wendy Davies Wendy Davies, Teacher Training 1969 Here are the 'then and now' pictures. The first picture is of our third year finals dance. The final picture was taken in 2015, we haven't been able to find the girl seated bottom left, but the rest of us are in the same position as we were in the original photo.
They returned, engaged, to college after the Easter break, 1965, to find that two other couples had done the same. Maria and Alan Eveleigh celebrate their Golden Wedding on 20 August (2016).
Carolyn Jenkins Alumni Relations Officer 2006-present Undoubtedly the best part of my job is meeting our alumni whether at reunion events or as pop in visitors to campus. I have been very lucky over the years to hear many of your stories and although I sometimes got confused as to where the bar was situated in any given decade you soon put me right. A few stories stick out in my mind. A couple of years ago Barbara Yandle visited, she was a kitchen/chamber girl in the 1940s, aged just 14, Barbara remembers polishing the corridor until it shone like glass, she was most disappointed to see it no longer did. The corridors were named little Moscow, Rhondda and Upper Bogs. Climbing in through windows late at night after the pub when the front doors were locked and what about Sheep racing along the main corridor! Don’t tell Barbara that. Oh and a tutors small car picked up and put in the dining hall. I didn’t study at Caerleon but I feel that over the years you have all picked me up and carried me along with your love for the place.
Barri Hurford-Jones Teacher’s Certificate course at Monmouthshire Training College, Caerleon 1952 – 1954 My ‘Caerleon years’ which followed a period of National Service in the RAF were happy ones. Although over sixty years ago the memories are still bright. I captained the Tennis team and the rugby games where the whole college turned out to support were a weekly hi-light. I recall the terror of teaching practice at Christchurch Junior school and also proposing to my first wife in the music room on my 21st Birthday.
9
Clare Winfield Clare Winfield - Catering Manager 1983 – Present I first arrived at this beautiful campus of Gwent College of Higher Education in 1983 as a youthful 17 year old YTS trainee. As a department we took part in many wonderful events, here are a few of my favourite memories: The yearly graduation ceremonies, especially meeting the parents of the students that I had looked after for three years. The student Christmas lunches which we would dress up for while Mr Manchee (a music lecturer) played his organ! The Duke of Gloucester arriving in his helicopter for the opening of the Rathmell Building. The May Balls that used to include a three course sit down meal in the Main Hall and the students would end up having a food fight. The bands that performed at the May Balls including Girls Aloud, Supergrass, Scouting for Girls, Right Said Fred, Jools Holland, Joe Cocker, among others and of course Paul Daniels and Roy Walker. The money we used to raise for Children in Need by dressing up amongst others as a sheep, a bumble bee, 60s gear and a caveman. We raised money for an orphan boy from Navinki in Belarus by playing rounders against the Maintenance department. The worst memory I have is in 1992 the year that the gorgeous Main Building caught fire! The whole of the roof space was alight and I abandoned everything and came back to work to help to feed and water the many fireman that were on site.
6
1960s
1970s
The first female students, 1962
Gwent College of Higher Education
“The arrival of the ladies was looked forward to with great anticipation, but any chances of ‘visiting’ the women’s dorm was forestalled by the Dean of Women who took guided tours before the preceding summer holidays, with the admonition that “anyone I catch can’t use the excuse that ‘I just wanted to see what it was like’ ”.
September 1975 saw Newport College of Art, Caerleon College (formerly Training College) and Gwent (Newport and Monmouthshire) College of Technology merge to become a single institution – Gwent College of Higher Education. Mel Harris became the first Principal. There were worries about the merger due to each institution having their own individual characters – the College of Education having a residual family-like atmosphere.
“Meals were taken in the college dining room (turn right inside the entrance and go all the way to the end) and breakfast required appropriate dress when the ladies arrived (pyjamas and dressing gowns had been the preferred costume until then).” David Holmes, Certificate of Education 1960-63
“The relationship between students and staff in the different faculties were totally at odds. For instance the staff at Caerleon and Allt-Yr-Yn were appalled to find that in the Art Faculty, students always called staff by their first names.” Derek Butler, Art Lecturer 1962 – 1992
Caerleon students at Lands End in 1965 Note the signpost to the Training College – could it still be there, pointing the way back to Caerleon?
Aerial view of Caerleon College taken in 1964 The halls of residence and the Main Building can be easily spotted, with the Edward Anwyl Building between them. Between the left-hand halls and the main building are the huts that were used by the evacuated pupils from Dover County School for Girls. Between the right-hand halls and the road in the foreground are the ‘demountable’ teaching huts, which were located near the entrance where the modern car park stands today. The south edge of the campus was also used for growing food and the College was largely self-sufficient up to the 1960s.
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) the first female students 1962, Caerleon Campus aerial picture, Football trip to Bangor college, Caerleon students at Lands End 1965, (right side top to bottom) Rag Parade 1965 and 1966, Old students 1965, Caving Club, football team 1962-63, Caerleon campus in 1962.
5
Pictured are (top to bottom) Allt-Yr-Yn Campus, Mel Harris
1970 - Harold Edwards became principal of Caerleon Training College
1962 – First female students
1960
“In 1969, as a first year student, I travelled by coach to attend the Leavers' Ball at a hotel in Cardiff with my boyfriend. In those days, female students were locked in to our hostels at 10.30pm. My boyfriend was friendly with Barry Llewelyn, a fellow 3rd year student and Wales team player, who was about to depart the UK as a British Lion. Barry and his wife held a party for their friends at their home the night after the Ball and one of the coaches was designated to take the party guests there in secret. After a great night we returned to Caerleon at about 6.00am and hoped to creep back in with the cleaners. Oh dear! The college authorities had held a fire practice in the early hours so they knew who was missing. I remember standing in my evening dress in the long main building corridor waiting for Nellie Jenkins, who was Tutor for female students, to come and give us a dressing down. She made us wait for about 2 hours and we were very nervous. I joined Estyn as HMI in 2003 and found myself in that same corridor inspecting teacher training!” Rosemary Lait, Teacher Training, 1968-1971
1965
Caerleon students visit Lands End in 1965
1970
1970
1975
1975 – Coleg Gwent formed
1980
10
1980s
1950s
School of Art and Design
Gwilym Prichard Ambrose
By the 1980s it was clear that the expansion of the School of Art and Design had made the facilities at Clarence Place, Newport inadequate for the College. Norman Robson Smith designed an innovative new building for the Caerleon campus that was built on a steel frame with glass walling to utilise the full natural light.
The Principal from 1952-70 oversaw the profound changes in the post-war decades, including the threatened closure in 1959 and the introduction of female students in 1962. “I also remember the Principal, Mr Ambrose, with great affection. He was a kind, sympathetic and gentle Welshman.” Fred Stedman-Jones, Teaching Certificate, 1952-54
Rathmell Building The Building was officially opened in 1986 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. As reported in the prospectus at the time:
Leighton Jenkins The first Caerleon player to be capped from the College. While captaining the College in 1954, he was called up to play against Ireland. He went on to play in each of the five nations in 1956.
“The new building at Caerleon is in itself a bold architectural statement of the unique nature of the Art and Design courses. Students are able to circulate as their work demands through open, flexible studio spaces, large well-equipped workshops and to use the extensive telematic systems incorporated into the building… The College will posses some of the finest facilities in Europe…. and these will reflect the importance attached to developments in high technology and preparing students for careers in the 21st century.”
“September 1953, after a period of chasing bandits across the deserts of East Africa with the South Wales Borderers Regiment, I arrived at the front door of Caerleon College on my bike from Pontypool carrying a suitcase.”
Pictured are (top to bottom) Clarence Place, self portrait of artist Tom Rathmell, Rathmell Building, plaque marking the opening of new facilities in 1986
“Our evening activities were enthralling even without television or radios in our rooms. Alcohol was not permitted on the premises, or guests in the rooms, but being of a similar age we enjoyed each other’s company. We had choir practice, chess and pingpong in the common room and an occasional telephone call.” Don Watkins, Certificate of Education student, 1953-55
1987 – First degree ceremony held at Newport
1980
11
1985 1985 - Rathmell Building opens
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) Gwilym Pritchard Ambrose, student council 1950-51, swimming team 1949-50 Pictured are (right side top to bottom) Caerleon Campus, physical education group 1949-50, Leighton Jenkins.
1952-70 Gwilym Prichard Ambrose, Principal
1990
1950
1955 1954 Leighton Jenkins - first Caerleon player to be capped from the College
1960
4
1930-1940s
1990-2000s
John Owen
The Inauguration Ceremony of the new University College
The Principal from 1937-44 had been a member of staff since the College opened. Principal John Owen died in 1944, just before the War ended, after 30 years of teaching at the College. He was, according to the College’s Jubilee Celebration publication (1964), ‘…a great and dedicated teacher and one of the outstanding figures in the history of adult education in South Wales.’
The Inauguration Ceremony of the new University College took place on 14 May 1996. Principal and Chief Executive Professor Ken Overshott commented: “Today is the culmination of 155 years of education in Newport since this institution can trace its ancestry back to 1841, when a Mechanics institute was first formed in the town.” Some of the first Honorary Fellowship recipients included Sir Terry Matthews, Newport-born industrialist and Mr Mel Harries, former Principal of Gwent College of Higher Education.
Thomas John Webley Thomas John Webley was Vice Principal from 1944 until his retirement in 1952. He was a leading and enthusiastic figure in the local community, being involved in the Newport Playgoers, the Monmouthshire Drama League, Army Welfare and the Church.
University of Wales, Newport Only eight years later - in 2004 - the institution secured Privy Council approval to use the title University of Wales, Newport. Secretary General of the University of Wales, Dr Lynn Williams offered his congratulations, commenting: “ I am sure I speak for everyone within the University of Wales family when I say Newport has earned its new status through hard work and Pictured are (top to bottom) Fire at Caerleon campus through delivering quality results..”
Life at the College during the War “There were 90 students here back then. You had to be in your rooms from 8pm. There was a roll call at ten and then lights out at 10.30pm. We could go home to Abertillery at weekends if we wanted, but only after attending compulsory lessons on Saturday morning and supporting any football or rugby matches that were being played in the afternoon.” Eric Cox, Certificate of Education student, 1943-45
1992, Professor Ken Overshott awards, Anil Mathira
The Invincibles Rugby team The 1933-34 rugby team was never defeated Played 22 | Won 18 | Drew 4 | Lost 0 Principal T J Webley sits at the centre of the photo opposite “Near the church stood the Greyhound. This was counted as the first when after their exams the students of Caerleon College raced to have a drink in each of Caerleon's 13 pubs. The last was the Sun (or Star) out on the Usk road.” Brian Blythe, ‘Memories of Caerleon, 1935 – 1950’
The 1933-34 Invinciples Rugby Team
1930
3
1935
1937-44 John Owen, Principal
Pictured are (left side top to bottom) TJ Webley, John Owen, the Invincibles, 1940 Sport team, class of 1944 reunion in 2006 (right side top to bottom) 1940 drama class, 1940 college photo, Drama group of the 1930s.
1945
2004 – Institution name evolves to become University of Wales, Newport
1996 - Gwent College of HE 1992 - Fire at becomes University of Wales Caerleon Campus College, Newport
1944-52 T J Webley, Vice Principal
1940
“After 10 years of service in the Indian Navy as a Sonar Controller, I joined my wife who was working in England as a nurse. As an international student, I’ve got great memories including seeing snow for the very first time. I'm from Kerala, India - no chance of snow there! Living my whole three years on campus was one of the best things happened to me. Every night was memorable and I would love to go back and do another degree.” Anil Mathira (previous surname Jacob), BSc Secondary with QTS, 2007-2010
1950
1990
1995
2000
1995 – First collegewide computer 1999 – Caerleon network installed Sports Centre opens
2005 2007 - Kegie Building opened
2010
12
2010-2016
1914-1920s
University of South Wales
The College at Caerleon was built on land that had been purchased by Alderman Parry and sold on to the Education Committee. In 1913 the Education Committee also acquired the land to the east and the land to the north of College Drive. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on 18 July 1912.
April 2013 saw the merger of the University of Wales, Newport with the University of Glamorgan to become the University of South Wales. As one of the UK’s major higher education institutions, the University has students from over 120 countries, studying a diverse range of degrees in campuses across the South Wales region. The University is recognised for its innovative support to students, and widening access to higher education through its pioneering UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Initiative) programme.
The first Principal of the new College was Sir Edward Anwyl, he laid the foundations of the College’s high academic reputation. Such was the calibre of the first staff appointments that it was suggested as early as 1914 that the College should offer degree-level courses. Unfortunately, Sir Edward did not live to see the College’s development as he died in 1914 (even before the official opening) and was succeeded by Ivor Bertram John.
New Chancellor installed Rowan Williams - The Rt Rev and the Rt Hon the Lord Williams of Oystermouth and former Archbishop of Canterbury – was formally installed as Chancellor of the University of South Wales in April 2014.
A Golden Reunion for Education Class of 1965
The first students at Caerleon arrived in 1914. One of the first students was Gerald Buck. He died in 1996, aged 103.
Having started their studies in 1965 and having weathered the sands of time as friends for 50 years, the Education Class of 1965 continued the tradition of meeting regularly in Caerleon in July 2015 – a reunion tradition started in the early 1990s. Classmates came from across the world for a weekend of celebration.
The development of the College began under difficult circumstances - as the First World War had already broken out – and the first planned student intake was drastically reduced from 56 to 18 students,
Pictured are (top to bottom) The College at Caerleon 1913, first intake 1914, Sir Edward Anwyl, Ivor Bertram John
Pictured are (top to bottom) University of South Wales logo - launched 2013, Rowan Williams Chancellor, Class of 1965, Newport City Campus at night 2015
2013 – Institution merged with the University of Glamorgan to become the University of South Wales
2010
13
2015-2016 – Transfer of courses to Newport, Cardiff and Pontypridd campuses
2015
The first students at Caerleon
2020
1910
1915
1920
1925
1930
2
Introduction We’re delighted to welcome so many former students and guests to our Alumni Afternoon Tea event. An occasion for nostalgia and renewing friendships – it’s our opportunity to celebrate the fondness felt by many for Caerleon, as the University moves forward while also acknowledging its proud educational heritage. At the same time that we’re positive about the wider future for the University in Newport, we appreciate both the history of the old training college site and the attachment that many people have to it. For us too, the decision to come out of Caerleon was one of the head, not the heart. Today is an opportunity for us all to be proud of what was achieved here, including the standards of excellence that will be continued at our facilities in the modern Newport City Campus.
USW Alumni Volunteers
With the University - its activities and its scale - having evolved in recent years, you can be assured that your graduate community continues to thrive, and I encourage you to maintain connections through our Alumni and Development Office. Whether busying yourself in a volunteer opportunity, reconnecting at a reunion or providing guidance to our current students; we encourage you to maintain connections with us - and each other - in the years to come. We trust you’ll have an enjoyable time back on campus, and I look forward to hearing more of your anecdotes and recollections firsthand.
Dr Carl Peters Deputy Dean (Life Sciences & Education)
Whether organising a reunion, mentoring a student or inspiring the next generation, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. • • • • • • • •
Provide a personal profile Return as a guest speaker Offer career support to current students Recruit USW talent Organise a reunion or event Become an alumni mentor Support our governance structures Contribute to building our archive
Alumni Relations and Development Office University of South Wales, The Lodge, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 1DL UK E-mail: alumni@southwales.ac.uk | Call: +44 (0)1443 482 400 southwales.ac.uk/alumni
Alumni Relations and Development
Memories from the archive Caerleon Campus
Alumni Relations and Development OďŹƒce University of South Wales The Lodge Treforest Pontypridd CF37 1DL UK E-mail: alumni@southwales.ac.uk Call: +44 (0)1443 482 400 southwales.ac.uk/alumni