St Mary's Friends Magazine 02 by St Mary's College, Durham

Issue 2, Summer Term, 2014

M A G A Z —

I N E —

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

contents Updates

04-15

Confessions of an Aid Worker

16-21

Basma Nirmi, Jordan, a review

22-23

Travel Bursaries

24-27

Durham News

28-31

St Mary’s Choir Tour

32-33

What Durham Gave Me

34-38

St Mary’s Hardship Fund

Mary’s Memories

40-41

Graduation Feature

42-47

What’s Been On?

48-51

A Look Back

52-53

P20

Career Mentor Update

Meet your new Alumni Officer

About our Friends Scheme

56-57

P24

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stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

welcome As we approach a new academic year, it seems

Before leaving St Mary’s, Gill was able to join in enthusiastically with the end of term festivities by an excellent opportunity to look participating in our traditional back on the highlights of 2013-14 Christmas pantomime at St Mary’s. It gives me great ‘Cinderella’, with the rather nonpleasure to be able to report that traditional twist that it focused Mary’s students have once again on the trials and tribulations of achieved academic success whilst Cindy’s freshers’ week, finding enjoying a wide range of social that she has been allocated to activities, with the encourageCastle rather than St Mary’s. ment and involvement of our Drama and music is always a Junior, Middle and Senior feature of life at St Mary’s and Common Rooms and St Mary’s other productions this year inCollege Society. cluded an innovative staging of First and foremost, most of you “Much Ado about Nothing” in will know that Dr Gillian Epiphany term and our summer Boughton retired from her post musical 2014: ‘Rent’, a rock as Vice-Principal and Senior Tutor musical based on ‘La Boheme’ at the end of the Michaelmas was reviewed as “a brave, dyterm. In December 2013, friends namic, and well-orchestrated and colleagues gathered to make production”. tribute to her at a special dinner, A programme of music events which proved to be an unforsuch as ‘Mary’s Got Talent’ and gettable occasion for all con‘Live Lounge’ continue to cerned. Rather than accepting a showcase the multiple musical leaving gift, Gill asked for accomplishments of our students. contributions to be made to charThe St Mary’s Choir, under the ities for Syrian children, a cause expert guidance of Joe Schultz, very dear to her heart. performed to acclaim in services

SIMON HACKETT COLLEGE PRINCIPAL held in the Cathedral and St Oswald’s Church and a report on their summer tour appears elsewhere in this magazine. Other events such as the annual Fashion Show and the Fairtrade Bake-off involved students and staff and raised much-needed funds for DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee). Building on the success of the Garden Party held in 2013, it was decided that for 2014 the College would host a theatre performance of ‘Macbeth’ by Illyria, offering an outdoor theatrical experience in the ideal setting of

UP DATES

“ St Mary’s is a very special place and we look forward to sharing it with you. ”

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE the SCR Lawn, inviting students, parents, staff and alumni to enjoy a picnic and a get-together before the performance. A cast of five played the roles, including the three witches. The entertainment continued in the interval, with an entirely unrehearsed comedy raffle routine involving the Principal, cast members and a number of cuddly toys.

produced various new works of art inspired by the College and Durham itself.

Other visitors during the year were two academics who benefited from the St Mary’s College Women’s Fellowship. Ms Aytakin Huseynli, a senior social worker in Azerbaijan, worked with staff in the School of Applied Social Sciences. Dr Ikram El-Sherif, Assistant Professor at Gulf University, shared her The College produced a Calendar research on Arab and Muslim for 2014 featuring photographs women in Western popular taken by students and staff. culture and spent time in the Another Photo Competition has English Department and School been held this year, with some of Government and International great entries illustrating College affairs. life and scenes of Durham City. A 2015 Calendar is being produced, The College also welcomed Dr so look out for details of how to Larissa Brizhik who joined us get a copy, which will be sure to from the Ukraine during revive memories of College and Epiphany Term as COFUND Durham. Fellow with the Institute of Advanced Study. Dr Brizhik is St Mary’s continues to increase leading research fellow at the its reputation as a scholarly Department of Nonlinear community by facilitating Condensed Matter Physics at research-related activities and Bogolyubov Institute for Theohosted several visitors during retical Physics in Kiev. Whilst at 2013-14. Our Artist in Residence St Mary’s Dr Brizhik became a during Epiphany Term was valued member of the College Basma Nimri, an artist and writer community, attending various from Jordan, whose exhibition of dinners and events, especially her work drew visitors from enjoying the experience of the across the University and interest Masquerade Ball. from the local art community. Whilst living in College Basma I am happy to say that the new

UP DATES academic year will bring some joining the team. new faces to St Mary’s. Mrs Catherine Paine is joining us as It gives me great Vice-Principal and Dr Dave Robson as Senior Student pleasure to be able to Support Officer. We are saying a report that Mary’s fond farewell to Imogen students have once Hampson-Smith, who in her year in the post of Development again achieved Officer has used her skills in academic success design and marketing to great effect including in the production whilst enjoying a wide of the Friends’ Magazine, range of social building a firm foundation for her successor, Harriet Batchelor, who activities I know is looking forward to

From this brief summary of some of the activities in College this year, I hope you will agree with me that St Mary’s is thriving as one of the most popular and high achieving of all Durham’s Colleges. It remains a great privilege for me to be Principal and I shall look forward to welcoming Friends to College whenever the opportunity arises.

Professor Simon Hackett, Principal

Congratulations| Barbara Laithwaite| awarded honorary doctorate Congratulations to Mary's Alumna Barbara Laithwaite who received an honorary doctorate, along with her husband, fellow Durham graduate, Tony Laithwaite. Famous as the founders and owners of Laithwaite’s Wine, the world's foremost home delivery wine company.

University students in the 1960s and support the University’s Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience. They were awarded their honorary doctorates of civil law during the congregation ceremonies on July 2nd. Mary's is very proud!

The couple met as Durham

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

A YEAR IN REVIEW BY MATT WATSON| JCR PRESIDENT 2013-2014. The academic year has drawn to a close

put on excellent performances with many students being either members of cast or crew at one or and many students have made more of these productions. As the transfer to alumni following President, Megan Frogley moved another fantastic few days on from Director’s Chair to the stage Palace Green for Congregation. As to star as a drunken, we look back, we can see that promiscuous Fairy Godmother to once again we have had a Bethan Stimpson’s Cinderella at fantastic year at this wonderful Christmas. Joey Green and College. Andrew Dallamore also starred as the hero, Buttons, and the villain, As usual our Arts Society had an Prince Charming and starred again exceptional year. Arts President, alongside Julie McElroy and Zoe Emily Higgins, led the team Marks in the wonderful extremely well as our most production of William exciting and busiest Arts Week Shakespeare’s Much Ado About culminated in the magnificent Nothing which received fantastic Seven Deadly Sins Masquerade reviews from the student newsBall, marvellously organised by papers, as did our summer Lizzy Howe and Rachel Pearson. musical production of Rent, in Basement Jazz performed at which Tom Thorpe, Greg Burr, countless College balls and ColAlicia Lee-Clarke, Catherine Crook, lege days, including the Freshers’ Rebecca Piper and Sarah Harrison Ball this year and continues to shone. grow in stature and acclaim under the wonderful leadership of Luke Mary’s sport did not have quite as Bentley. good year as we have done “Foot of the Hill Theatre” (our Drama Society) also continued to

previously in the overall sports tables but this was due to fewer

MATTHEW WATSON JCR PRESDIENT teams being able to enter College Festival of Sport due to tours on which they were embarking. In the regular season, we again had a successful year with the cricket, rugby and ultimate Frisbee clubs achieving promotion. The hockey club struggled with both the men’s and women’s teams eventually unable to avoid the drop and looking to bounce back next year. The women’s team did reach the semi-final of the knockout cup however, a great result considering the struggles in the

UP DATES league. The Darts A Team were narrowly beaten by Grey in the Cup Final having finished third in the league, but the standout team this year were the Men’s Basketball Team, led by Justin Cheuk, who only failed to achieve the league championship due to a 40-0 walkover given against them to Queen’s when they were unable to field a team at the second campus. This resulted in the top 3 of Mary’s, Queen’s and Collingwood finishing level on points and Queen’s taking the title on points’ difference. At the Sportsmen’s Ball, we honoured the standout performances from this year with a Most Valuable Player chosen by the captain, a Player’s Player and a Clubman of the Year from each club receiving sports’ colours for their efforts. Alex Hunt (4th Year) and Ellen Gale (1st Year) were awarded Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their outstanding contributions and the inaugural Team of the Year award went to the Men’s Basketball Team, before the Men’s Football Club took the Sportsmen’s Ball title with their superb performance to a Justin Timberlake medley. The Executive Committee have once again gone beyond themselves to make the year at Mary’s

as incredible as they can. The new Welfare at Mary’s (WAM) team flourished with its new accessible and friendly service and the widely attended Burst out of the Bubble events, which went Ice Skating, climbing on a High Ropes course and to the beach this year. Will Oster and Isla Robertson both now leave Mary’s for a year to embark on their year abroad but the impact they have made will be noticed for many years to come and they rightly received full colours for this.

I wish everyone at St. Mary’s all the success in the world.

Alex Aspinall, was also a huge success and the sea of Brazilian shirts on the SCR lawn for the Mary’s World Cup on Mary’s Day was a fantastic sight and the £1300+ raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Rob George Foundation in the Exec Auction was also a testament to the extreme generosity of the students at St. Mary’s. Looking forward, there was also a record number of people running for almost every position that was open this year, resulting in some very late nights at JCR Meetings but it is obviously a wonderful reflection on how proud the students are to be a part of this wonderful College.

Finally, I would like to say a personal goodbye and thanks to everyone for this year. I have had The Social Committee also ran many successful events and con- a wonderful year as President tinued to provide a great deal for and it has been an honour to students to look forward to, with represent the College in this way. I would like to thank all the staff Dan Redhead spearheading this and students of St. Mary’s Colsuccessfully. The rest of the Exec lege for their support and enthuwere also incredible this year and siasm. St. Mary’s is a truly brilit is very hard to name them all, liant place to live and work and I but I would also like to thank my cannot think of a better way to Vice-President, Chris Kingstone, have spent the last year and I am for being a brilliant support this very sad to be leaving the place, year in all the endeavours that I but I intend to be back for many have gone on. events in the future and I wish everyone at St. Mary’s all the The Great Gatsby themed Midsuccess in the world. summer Ball, orchestrated by

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

IMOGEN HAMPSONSMITH|ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER current students, parents, staff and anybody who has a vested edition of St Mary’s Friends interest in building on our strong Magazine. I’ve had such fun sense of community here at putting this magazine together College. For the first time, with and I really hope that you enjoy this edition, those Friends will reading it as much as I enjoyed include our incoming students making it! and their families and so to all our new Friends reading this It’s been a fantastic year for me here at Mary’s as the first Alumni magazine I extend the very warmest of welcomes. Please Relations Officer. It has been an honour and pleasure to serve the enjoy this edition and hopefully College and its alumni and I have learn more about the fantastic added considerably to the many vibrant community you will soon fantastic memories I have of this be joining wonderful place. Those of you I have met in person or spoken to Mary’s is so special, via email and social media have not just as a beautiful reminded me time and again how physical place but as a special Mary’s is, not just as a beautiful physical place but as a longstanding longstanding community of warm community of warm and inspiring people. I can only hope that I am able to meet and inspiring people. many more of you at alumni events in the future. As always my primary aim is to This magazine is tailored not just listen to your ideas for the future to our alumni but is designed for of St Mary’s community. If you all our ‘Friends of St Mary’s’, are inspired by any of the articles

Welcome to the second

IMOGEN HAMPSON-SMITH ALUMNI OFFICER

in this magazine, perhaps to run an event, join our careers scheme or get in touch with old friends. Please feel free to email me at stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk and I will provide as much help as possible for you to get involved. Many of our most successful schemes and events come from the ambitions of our fantastic volunteers who truly are ambassadors for Mary’s. So I would like to finally thank all our fantastic volunteers who have done so much this year!

UP DATES

BEXI DENISON SMITH| MCR PRESIDENT 2013-2014 they all took their role seriously and with a lot of enthusiasm, so special thanks to Ansley, Jenny, Paige and the two Daves!

BEXI DENISON SMITH MCR PRESIDENT

This year has been a cracking year for the MCR. We introduced the new positions of MCR Freshers’ Reps to assist with events during Freshers’ Week and it really made a difference. Tim Hughes and Ansley Blalock helped the new members - most only here for a year - really get excited about what the MCR can do. The exec this year was mostly made up of newcomers to Mary’s and

go to most of the Inter-MCR Formals this year, and our MCR members took advantage of their dual MCR-JCR membership to attend a lot of the JCR formals Hopefully we can and events. The MCR’s own events were well-attended... continue the trend we especially the ad hoc American started this year of TV sports in the MCR! I’d like to the best of luck to my more involvement, wish successor, David Van Rooyen and more events and even his huge team of MCR Freshers’ Reps. Hopefully we can continue more successes! the trend we started this year of more involvement, more events We had St Mary’s MCR members and even more successes!

Want to follow the JCR, MCR or Alumni Office on Facebook? Just click below. JCR MCR ALUMNI OFFICE

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

A BIG HELLO| FROM AMY SIMPKINS Hi Mary’s, I’m Amy Simpkins, a third year Theology graduate with the honour of taking over the role of JCR President in August. I fell in love with JCR PRESIDENT ELECT

I fell in love with Mary’s from the moment I visited as a wide-eyed sixth former back in 2010 and, four years on, that enthusiasm has not waned in the slightest!

upon with such fond memories and once upon a time dabbled in a bit of fresher rowing too. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing our Welfare Committee blossom into WAM, with students driven by Mary’s spirit ever eager to improve the university experience for those around them. This spirit evidently extends to all aspects of College, Mary’s from the moment I visited as a wide-eyed sixth for- whether that be on stage for our mer back in 2010 and, four years Christmas pantomime, abroad having hitch-hiked for DUCK, or on, that enthusiasm has not to new students on Open Days. waned in the slightest! During my time as an undergrad I think Along with the rest of College I’m I’ve been part of nearly 20 sports a strong supporter of Durham traditions; a keen member of and societies, and recently Social Committee, I’ve watched realised I’m a member of 50 Facebook groups related to just our formals and balls growing bigger and better, with the Mary’s alone – the amount of annual Mary’s Day and Midstash I have acquired is summer Ball getting ever more astonishing, never again will I ambitious! I can’t wait to need to buy a pyjama tshirt! represent such a fantastic Over the past three years I’ve College and am really looking represented Mary’s on the forward to continuing the great hockey and football pitches, work Matt has done this year. As whilst also organizing Old Boys our adopted Twitter slogan says, and Girls events for both clubs there really is ‘something about too. I’ve played tennis in those Mary’s’ and I’m very proud to be glorious post-exam days of a part of that! sunshine that we all look back

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“As our adopted Twitter slogan says, there really is ‘something about Mary’s’ and I’m very proud to be a part of that! ”

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

HELLO| FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ST MARY'S COLLEGE SOCIETY Elizabeth Fisher succeeded Liz Manning as the President of our Alumni Society in 2011 after retiring to the North East. She met her husband Peter ( a Chad’s man) here at Durham and her fascinating career as a Canon in the Church of England has taken her all over the world. Here she writes about the work of the Society within College and beyond. graduated, wherever they live, and whatever they do; we are one community with those who are studying now.

The St Mary's College Society (SMCS) is the society that is open to all old students of St Mary's College , whatever their age, whenever they graduated. It is, in fact, one of the oldest societies in the College! When students come up to Durham as freshers or as new postgraduate students they are asked to pay a modest membership fee to join the Society. On graduation membership becomes a reality . The Society is the ever-increasing body of alumni who are members of St Mary's College whenever they

reunion in the College, usually in September. In the spring we usually have a reunion lunch for those who can come to Durham for the day. Do try to book one of Recent graduates as well as older these occasions into your diary generations are represented in before too long- it's great to the membership of our Society share stories of times past and to Committee: the present and learn more of things present. Immediate past presidents of the JCR and MCR are automatically One of the Society's ongoing members. Like the College, we of aims is to assist in enhancing the course have both genders in our experience of current students in Mary's. From the modest income “SMCS represents raised by the fee students pay on joining, we give financial help in a both the traditions of variety of ways via book grants from the St Mary's Society Book the past and Fund, or by travel grants. This commitment to the year, we are launching an annual bursary for a postgraduate stupresent and future of dent who wants to live in College. Some of the initiatives we the College.” have taken, like Mary's Angels, are now being progressed membership. We try to promote through the College, who are events that will be of interest to trying to use the expertise of all in various parts of the country, alumni to benefit current as well as an annual residential students in careers advice.

UP DATES In these practical ways, SMCS represents both the traditions of the past and commitment to the present and future of the College. We like to think that we are some of the best advocates of life at Mary's, and some of its proudest products. Our older members knew they were pioneering women in a man's world. Now, our graduates are still pioneering on new frontiers. We look forward to seeing many of you at the events we sponsor,

and hearing of your successes. We hope that those of you reading this article who fall into the category of Friend of St Mary's who may wish to discover more of our activities will read the links to us on the College website. Those of us who are active in the Society know that St Mary's College is a real life-long community of people indebted to College. Often the demands of career and family can seem to loosen the bonds of belonging

and there are periods when some of us can become detached. But we know that we are always welcomed back into the community. Reconnecting is just a click away. It would be good to renew some old friendships and to make new acquaintances with the new Friends of St Mary's College, Durham.

Canon Elizabeth Fisher. President SMCS.

Thank you|to Kyle Wong Who took this edition’s cover photo and many more of the beautiful Images of Mary’s featured throughout this magazine. If you’re interested in seeing any more of Kyle’s fantastic work then please visit his website to view his online portfolio. http://www.kylewong.co.uk

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

Confessions of an aid worker| Sarah Packwood is a humanitarian aid worker whose journey since her days at Mary’s has seen her travel to countries in crisis all over the world. Here she writes about her life and experiences after her time at Mary’s.

F EATURE

On 6th April 1994 a plane carrying President Habyarimana of Rwanda was shot down. This tragic event triggered immediate violence, which spread like wildfire across the country leaving no family untouched. Genocide killed over 800,000 people and uprooted one million people from their homes, who fled to neighboring countries of Tanzania and Zaire to seek shelter in refugee camps. Little did I know then, that a year later I would be working in one such refugee camp in northwest Tanzania. It is now April 2014 and the twentieth anniversary of the horrific Rwandan genocide has prompted me to reflect on my journey as a humanitarian aid worker. How did I get here?

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE I graduated in Biology from research in Kenya in 1993. Contraumatic experiences. I rememDurham University in 1991 after fronted by the poverty of rural ber clearly a little girl who couldthree very happy and formative farming families and the challeng- n’t speak because she was trauyears at St. Mary’s College. There, es they faced every day just to matised, having been forced to I forged life-long friendships, exsurvive, I experienced an epipha- watch while her family was butchplored subjects I am passionate ny. Africa stole my heart and I had ered in front of her. She attended about, joined campaigns, orches- to return one day. a safe play group in the camp and tras and music groups and minThe following year, I was working some months later I saw a glimgled with students from different as an Assistant Scientific Officer at mer of hope when she began to countries. All this opened the the Forestry Commission in leafy play with other children. window on to the wider world- a Surrey, a world away from the Women and girls had been raped world I remain ever curious slaughter, displacement and trau- and remained at risk, re-living the about. I learned to stand on my ma in Rwanda. However, a few horror again and again, while the own two feet and be perpetrators lived resourceful, espeamong them. Genocially through 3am “Confronted by the poverty cide ringleaders had essay crises, 5am found safety in of rural farming families and rowing practices and numbers while fleefurious dancing at the challenges they faced ing across the borStudent Union Freakder and held the every day just to survive, I outs! camp populations in

experienced an epiphany.” Back then (gosh I a tight grip of fear sound old), I couldand intimidation. n’t get a job in Biology straight months later I took up a volunteer Families of mixed Hutu-Tutsi maraway so I took a gap year to learn position with a small, local charity riages suffered vicious attacks and how to apply myself. I did volun- called Christian Outreach Relief my colleagues and I helped them tary conservation work, a spell in and Development (CORD) and to escape death threats when retail, a stint as an assistant war- found myself on a plane bound they wanted to return home. It den at a haunted youth hostel for Tanzania in 1995. I joined an was a steep learning curve, I was and volunteered on intermediate amazing team of aid workers stretched beyond what I pertechnology projects in a Spanish providing construction, medical ceived my capabilities to be desert. Throughout I learned the and community services to Rwan- from being an administrator to importance of serving others and dan refugees in two large refugee being a leader responsible for working hard whatever the task. I camps in Ngara. Tentative and coordinating community services went on to gain a masters in Rural homesick, I struggled with the in a camp of 80,000 people. ComResource Management at Bangor shock of seeing refugees cramped munity services included reunifyUniversity, where I had the optogether in appalling conditions ing separated families, providing portunity to carry out my thesis and hearing accounts of their home-based care for vulnerable

F EATURE refugees and supplementary meals for malnourished adults, formal and informal education, youth vocational training, agricultural and environmental initiatives, micro-credit, support to sports and drama groups and cross-border peace initiatives. I learned the value of team work. My fellow team mates taught me what I needed to know and kept me going when times were tough. However, I learned the most from the refugees themselves, how the resilience of the human spirit can shine through adversity. I remember with fondness Odette, who ran our warehouse in the camp. She had lost her husband to AIDs and she lived with her son Eric. One day she invited me to lunch. I went to her home, a simple hut

made out of poles and plastic sheeting. She had very few belongings but she had saved money to buy a chicken to cook for lunch because she considered me an honoured guest. I was truly humbled by her act of generosity and kindness. Dignity, honour and friendship were very important to Odette, and I learned that refugees are not passive recipients of aid.

aster risk reduction and protection of civilians in Barbados, Bolivia, Kenya, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Thailand and advised senior military officers during Peace Support Operations training exercises.

I have been touched by both tragedy and poignancy. The tragedy of famine-stricken mothers carrying their babies for miles and miles to reach relief distribution Since then I have worked in over points and young boys recruited twenty countries for noninto rebel forces in South Sudan governmental organisations and while the conflict rages on; refuUnited Nations agencies. I have gees returning to bombed out responded to conflicts in South buildings in Kosovo, once their Sudan, Kosovo, Congo and Kyrgyz- homes, and struggling to stay stan and natural disasters in warm in winter; and the fourteen Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti, year old girl looking after her Mozambique and Myanmar to paralysed grandfather in a camp name but a few. In addition, I for internally displaced persons in have trained counterparts in dis- Congo, who had been repeatedly

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE forced from their homes as a result of cyclical violence. I remember many poignant survival stories. For example, in Bangladesh an eighty year old lady explained how her niece had carried her to safety across the storm battered delta to the cyclone shelter and said that twenty years earlier, when the last massive cyclone hit, she had carried her niece to safety. In Colombia, I witnessed families, who had been displaced by conflict and organised crime, receive a warm welcome and practical support from other displaced families and brave nuns who had stood up to armed rebels. In Ethiopia, I listened to the remarkable accounts of older women who were sent as envoys for peace to broker agreement between warring clans and in Sri Lanka I met women and men who had survived the Tsunami and worked tirelessly to rebuild their livelihoods so they could put their children through College. Being a humanitarian aid worker

means bringing life-saving assistance to disaster-affected people as quickly and safely as possible. Humanitarian assistance has to be appropriate, impartial, neutral and based on needs alone. The

years, I have survived several dodgy plane, helicopter and car rides, learned to drive a truck and 4 x 4s off-road and across rivers (yes I can change a tyre by myself), waded through swamps, trekked for miles across desert, sailed in dug-out canoes and speedboats, and rode on the back of ox carts, motorbikes and in the back of pick ups. I even had to co-pilot a plane, while flying out of a war zone! Much to my surprise the pilot sitting next to me said ‘Here hold this (meaning the co-pilot stick) and look out of the window and tell me if anything is coming’ . I did as I was told. Who wouldn’t? Needless to say my heart was in my mouth all the way back to base. Accomwork is not for the faint-hearted. modation can be risky too. I’ve It is not glamorous and risks are lodged in a one-person tent high. Aid workers risk death, ab(where I lived for two years), duction, injury and illness while round wooden huts, concrete working in some of the most dan- boxes, containers, shady guest gerous environments in the houses on red light districts and world. Just getting to work can be shared team houses, all of which challenging! In the last nineteen bring their own hazards i.e. rats in

F EATURE the kitchen (Tanzania), cobras in solidarity of walking alongside boys. In the coming years it is the shower and camel spiders in survivors of conflict or disaster highly likely that disasters, both my hut (Kenya), scorpions in my and doing what I can to assist, natural and man-made, will intent (Sudan) and mice in the bed however big or small the job. crease in frequency and severity, (Kosovo). I’ve been homesick, Along the way there have been a which will affect more people in dirty, sweaty, stinky and sunburnt few surprises. From the marriage our world. We have a choice. and a home for numerous intesti- offer of 500 cows from a rebel We can look on while this goes on nal parasites and malaria. Like commander in South Sudan to be around us or we can lift a hand to many humanitarihelp in acts of comans I have, on occapassion. We have a “Despite the hazards of the sions, had to escollective responsicape on foot from bility towards each job the rewards are many but armed militia (very other and the planet are not necessarily obvious rapidly), avoid aeriwe inhabit to be al bombings and ready to act in order nor expected. To me the minefields, hit the to prevent and oversmile of a child is worth deck to avoid crosscome some of the fire and been evacmore than a wage, as is the greatest challenges uated and mediof our time. As I solidarity of walking vacced. I have exreflect on the last 19 perienced PTSD alongside survivors of years in the best job and re-entry synin the world, I am conflict or disaster and doing drome, (the latter asking you, are you is the shock of rewhat I can to assist, however ready to be a huturning to one’s manitarian aid workbig or small the job.” own home environer of the future? ment and subsequent difficulties in adjusting) which has left me won- his wife number two (I politely dering where I belong. Over the declined) to a Congolese colIf you would like to know years, quietly and gradually, the league naming her baby daughter more about humanitarian realisation dawned on me that I after me in, which touched me aid work, then drop Sarah belong to a global family. deeply, I am reminded of our a line via Linked In here Despite the hazards of the job the shared humanity. rewards are many but are not necessarily obvious nor expected. To me the smile of a child is worth more than a wage, as is the

Twenty years on from the Rwandan genocide, conflicts and disasters are still an every day reality for many women, men, girls and

http://www.linkedin.com/ pub/sarah-justinepackwood/12/a98/602.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

ARTIS T IN RES ID ENCE

By Sophia Smith Galer Dramatic, poignant and sombre; the dull square of Kenworthy Hall became a showcase of deep emotion as St. Mary’s College held an exhibition for its resident artist, Basma Nimri, in March. Hailing from Jordan, Basma is unafraid of revealing the stories behind each paintings, and it has to be said that often they are sad. Basma lost her sister to cancer six years ago and in the paintings her sister is clearly a figure harrowed by what is happening to her, already a ghost in the presence of Basma. One painting in particular is especially disturbing, with the skin of the two sisters an Osirislike green, and her sister’s head and gaze is turned far, far away. Likewise, Basma’s louder paintings also rise from her personal conflicts. In one image a woman’s face is covered in blood, and when I asked for its back story Basma eagerly told me of how she was first trying to paint a beautiful face, but upon hearing about the violent turmoil back home in Jordan and the Levant, she was filled with such sadness and anger at the troubles that she dipped her hands in the thick red oils and scratched the surface of the painting. The result is a wounded, lonely face, staring

bleakly through lines – or are they bars? – of pure red fury. Her use of oils is really what makes her stand out as an artist; the texture becomes as heavy-lidded and thick as the convoluted emotions held by the artist and the dark, lugubrious colours likewise conjure this sense of profound internal turmoil. When I asked Basma what she planned on doing next, she told me that

she was filled with such sadness and anger at the troubles that she dipped her hands in the thick red oils and scratched the surface of the painting. she would love to return to the UK for another residency, and that perhaps she will open up a gallery with her sister in Santiago. What is definite, however, is that her time at St. Mary’s was lifeaffirming to say the least. She finished 9 works in her few months at the College and the brighter, less depressing colour palette used in these painting

expresses her happiness in her time here. One wonders what other brilliant changes we shall see in Basma’s work over the course of her career, one bound to be full of both many exciting ventures and challenges.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

TRAVEL BUSARIES

St Mary’s is extremely proud of our long tradition of empowering students to experience the life changing adventures of living and working abroad. Our students travel the world undertaking a huge variety of important works both charitable and academic benefiting not just their personal development but often whole communities

recount their experiences of following their passions across the globe and say thank you all those donors who helped enrich their lives through their endowments.

St Mary’s College offers travel bursaries to help support our students in these endeavours. Offering these bursaries is only made possible as a direct result of donations to the College. Many would be impossible if it were not for the generous gifts we receive each year from our Friends and alumni. Here a few students

Rory Bowe| New Zealand

If you think you would like to consider donating to St Mary’s please click here or email stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk to find out more information

Considering that I am only halfway through my study abroad experience at Otago University in New Zealand, I often question whether I am jumping the gun in saying that it is one the best decisions that I have ever made. But then I

remember going skiing in July on the Southern Alps, completing the 78km Heaphy Trek over 4 days, witnessing the atmosphere of a rugby showdown between the Wallabies and All-Blacks in Dunedin, the inimitable student life here, or waking up at 2am for two weeks so as to milk 1,100 cows. In essence, choosing New Zealand, and most specifically Dunedin, to be a University student for a year has come with some experiences that will be indelibly inked onto both my memory and me as a person. Otago University itself, situated in the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin, is a quintessential student town like Durham, and there are a variety of similarities

TRAV EL BUS ARIES between the two that have eased my transition from the UK. For example, both utilise a collegiate system that facilitates the integration of new University students into a new and alien way of life after school or College. For international students, this manifests itself in the University Flats group, the main body through which I was able to meet other exchange students from all over the world. Even only having completed one semester in New Zealand, I have managed to accumulate a vast array of lifelong friends from every corner of the globe, something that will undoubtedly benefit me in later life in terms of travel and contacts. Perhaps the most Important friends that I made were my flatmates, 3 Americans and a Kiwi. I imagine the contrast between my friends in Durham flatting with those that they have chosen to earlier in the year, and myself being expected to live in harmony with people from a completely different country that

I had never met before for 6 months! Luckily for me, they have been incredible, and making these friends has definitely enabled me to feel completely at home in Dunedin. However, I feel

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have managed to accumulate a vast array of life-long friends from every corner of the globe, something that will undoubtedly benefit me in later lifeâ&#x20AC;? that to delve into the essence of studying abroad, one must Immerse themselves into the culture of the host country. For me, this has been achieved through making Kiwi friends, with whom I have discovered places in the country that I would have never seen before, and had experiences that one would not otherwise ever hope to have as a mere traveller.

In terms of academic studies, Otago Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geography department has fallen slightly short of the teaching standards that I feel I could have expected in my second year at Durham. Being inherently aware of this, I have felt it very necessary to push myself above and beyond the work and reading set by my lecturers at Otago. Although this has meant that I have perhaps spent more hours studying than I would have otherwise, it has benefitted me in terms of furthering my knowledge and bettering my marks. This is an incredibly condensed version of my time thus far in New Zealand, and I could easily talk for hours about what a worthwhile experience studying abroad is. The initial decision to leave the comfort of, quality of teaching in, and friends that I have made in Durham was extremely difficult, but in retrospect it would have been a foolish decision not to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE Harriet Batchelor | Likoma Island This last summer I travelled to Likoma Island in the northeastern corner of Lake Malawi. Likoma Island is only 18km2 and the eight hour boat journey from mainland Malawi means there is a severe lack of jobs on the island for the 10,000 inhabitants. The traditional patriarchal society prioritises job entitlement for men, leaving the women and orphans of Likoma without a livelihood. A small artisan agency, named Katundu, has been setup for 26 women and orphans on the island, aiming to financially benefit and empower the women on the island. This is where I completed my research over a

period of two weeks. The aim of this trip was to complete research for my dissertation, investigating the commonplace premise that Fair Trade delivers the empowerment of women.

al becomes a daily problem. Alongside this, the fact there is no bank on the island refuses inhabitants the opportunity to create a savings account to afford long term investments, such as a tin roof.

“I wish to sincerely thank St Mary’s for their kind contribution of £100 to a trip in the region of £1500 which otherwise would have been impossible for me to afford.”

Living and working on Likoma Island was in itself an eyeopening experience. Working alongside the ladies at Katundu, it became evident that the initial barrier to both everyday life and empowerment was in fact the material reality of severely limited means. As a month of their wages at Katundu, As a white western geographer, I whilst generous, could only afford was expecting the female emthem a bag of sugar, sheer surviv- ployees to be concerned fore-

TRAV EL BUS ARIES most with equality, respect and power at work and home. Whilst these issues proved to be of concern for some, the majority focussed almost exclusively on monetary issues, reinforcing for me the importance of localised development schemes. Moreover, many of the ladies in fact did not desire any structural changes to society, claiming that as God made Adam first, so the man

should be the head of the household and “you cannot refuse God”. Shocked by this statement, my main lesson learnt from this trip was to maintain an entirely open mind on research and even as renowned geographer Spivak wrote, trying to “un-learn” your privileges as they prevent you from intimately understanding the crux of alternative cultures.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Likoma Island and found it to be invaluable to both my dissertation research and my own personal growth. I wish to sincerely thank St Mary’s College for their kind contribution of £100 to a trip in the region of £1500 which otherwise would have been impossible for me to

afford.

Dan Redhead| Romania DUCK Expedition Romania, to me, was particularly important as there have been recent cuts in government funding for the ever-growing population of orphans, and the main source of funding and contact with others is now through volunteer projects.

The time that I spent in Harghita region, Romania was one that I will never forget. Originally I chose the expedition as it was a great opportunity to understand a country that is so economically and culturally different to Britain, yet still in Europe. I applied to the expedition to help children that had experienced a completely different start to their lives to what I am accustomed and to give them the love, care and attention that they so deserved.

“thank you for helping make this experience possible.” My experience of Romania was unlike anything that I had ever expected. My eyes were most definitely opened and will remain so. The children in the orphanage apartments were admirable. They welcomed us with open arms, teaching us Hungarian, willingly learning from us and were much more courteous and

accepting of others than any other child I have ever encountered. I have learnt a great deal from this experience about how, even though we may have had different experiences in life, the fundamentals remain the same. Without a doubt I am going to return to Romania with other members of the group in the near future and would like to thank you for helping make this experience possible.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

Durham News

D URHAM NEW S Durham student secures a two-book publishing deal Not many students can say they are spending their first summer vacation from University promoting their debut novel. But talented writer Alice Oseman, who has just finished her first year of studying English Literature at Durham, signed a six-figure deal for her book Solitaire, which is released , Thursday July 31. More about Durham student secures a two-book publishing deal

Research into C13th bishop’s theories about rainbows published

Research into 13th

An interdisciplinary study of how a medieval bishop’s theories inspired modern thinking about colour conception and the rainbow has been published in the prestigious journal, Nature Physics. More about research into 13th Century bishop’s theories about rainbows makes Nature Physics

Astronomers create precision map to calculate amount of dark matter in far off galaxy cluster Astronomers have produced the most precise map yet of mass within a distant galaxy cluster allowing them to accurately calculate the amount of dark matter within the galaxy system. More about astronomers create precision map to calculate amount of dark matter in far off galaxy cluster

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE Two Durham University experts elected Fellows of the British Academy Durham University professors Sarah Curtis and Charlotte Roberts have been elected Fellows of the British Academy. The accolade recognises outstanding research in the humanities and social sciences. More about two experts elected Fellows of the British Academy

Excavations reveal Roman site of major importance A Roman site of international importance has been discovered by Durham's archaeologists in Northern England. More about Excavations reveal Roman site of major imp

Tory plans on European Court of Human Rights ‘cosmetic nonsense’, says legal expert Conservative plans to loosen the UK’s ties with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg are either a cosmetic nonsense or wishful thinking, according to a legal expert from Durham University. More about Tory plans on European Court of Human Rights ‘cosmetic nonsense’, says legal expert

“Cosmic own goal” another clue in hunt for dark matter The hunt for dark matter has taken another step forward thanks to new supercomputer simulations showing the evolution of our “local Universe” from the Big Bang to the present day More about “Cosmic own goal” another clue in hunt for dark matter

D URHAM NEW S Twitter

Durham University named Europe’s leading centre for space science researchers

Durham Alumni @durhamalumni Aug 01 Politicians from the main political parties debate the UK’s energy future @durham_uni 21 Aug http://bit.ly/ UIssaF #ElectEnergy

Durham University has been named as Europe’s leading university for highly-cited researchers in astronomy and cosmology.

Durham University @durham_uni Jul 31

The Thomson-Reuters list of the “World’s most

Congrats to @durham_uni graduate Jonathan Rex on receiving the Institution of Civil Engineers' Student Prize 2014 http:// bit.ly/1n5MiDP

influential scientific minds 2014” also saw Durham ranked sixth in the world for the influence of its space science researchers. Durham was the only UK University to feature in

Durham University @durham_uni Jul 31

the World Top 10, ranking above prestigious

Why drugs are no longer cool' Prof Fiona Measham on why teenagers choose the internet instead via @Telegraph http://bit.ly/1l7iaYZ

institutions including NASA, The Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, and the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in

Durham CEEC @careersatdurham Apr 13

the USA.

Submit your photographs for "Memories of Durham" today! best photo wins a Kindle! http://bit.ly/1m0z65q @TheTabDurham

More about Durham University named Europe’s leading centre for space science researchers

Durham Alumni @durhamalumni Apr 3 #ttvolmgrs Thoughtful Thursday! This week 'The Rise of the University Volunteer!' http://ivo.org/P/kE Get in touch if you feel inspired! Durham Alumni @durhamalumni Mar 27 What do you want from your alumni website? Let your alumni relations team know by taking this short survey https:// www.dunelm.org.uk/onlinesurvey Durham Alumni @durhamalumni Mar 21 @durham_uni Chancellor Sir Thomas Allen who has just received the Queen's Medal for Music. More info http:// tinyurl.com/p6w4rty

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

CHAPEL CHOIR TOUR| A Review by Anuradha Damale The Chapel Choir of St Mary's College (SMCChCh) toured Nice for a week this July, performing three concerts and a mass at some of the most beautiful choral music venues near the stunning Côte D'Azure under the direction of Joe Schultz.

We performed pieces from a variety of periods by composers including Tallis, Rachmaninov and Gjeilo, and the responses from the audience were overwhelming. As well as singing, we also got the chance to relax on the gorgeous beach, go swimming, para-glide, visit museums, shop, attend the Nice Jazz Festival and put on impromptu performances for

strangers we met at our hostel and the Bastille Day firework display on our last night in Nice was the perfect end to such a brilliant tour! A massive thank you to Lucy Cole for putting everything together for this tour, and to Jonny Davies for directing St Mary's Chamber Choir, who also performed at the concerts. We would also like to thank the

THE CHO IR TO UR hosts at our concert venues for being so welcoming and accommodating, and for the dozens of free water bottles (which were a treat in the 30 degree heat!).

The Bastille Day firework display on our last night in Nice was the perfect end to such a brilliant tour!

September will see our choir welcome our new director, Matthew Warren, who has been singing with us for two years and whom we are very excited to work with; and so we would like to thank Joe for all his hard work over the past two years and for an amazing tour. Please check out our YouTube Channel, SMC Chapel Choir, to see some of the pieces we performed at our second venue, l'Eglise Anglicane - the rest of the pieces and more to come soon!

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to have a listen to some of the choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful summer performances please click here to visit their youtube channel

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

What Durham Gave Me| Maali Qasem Khader is a noted business woman, international lawyer, humanitarian and political activist who has featured in Fortune Magazine’s "Most Powerful Women" campaign for the uprising women in the world . Here she writes about her life at St Mary’s and her fantastic adventures as an alumna.

F EATURE

October 1996 was a very memorable time of my life. I remember getting off at the train station at Durham looking around trying to take it all in hopeful of my coming three years at Durham University. I took a taxi and went to St. Mary’s my college. At the time, St. Mary’s was still a singe sex college and that had its perks – breakfast in pjs and many more I shall leave to your imagination. It was a very friendly place where unlike other colleges I hear – we were a unit especially when it snowed and we had to hold the fort down.

When I choose Durham as my university, I was unfamiliar with the collegiate system. Now, knowing what I know I think that is one of the best ways to integrate students into a university and create a healthy peer collegiate system. We studied at our faculties but we belonged in our colleges. It would be very difficult to sum up my three years at St. Mary’s but what I will say is that they were some of the best years of my life. I had a fantastic time, had a great education and most importantly created formidable friendships most of which I still hold onto till this day.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE By the time I graduated from Durham University I was in love. In love with the university, in love with the castle and palace green and in love with the city. Taking the decision to do my postgraduate degree in any other university was one the toughest choices I made but I knew if I spent another year there, I would never leave.

difference. So I took a trip to Africa and was the first Jordanian to summit Kilimanjaro and returned with a clear vision of what I want to do. I shifted careers towards sustainability and instead of advising clients on legal matters I now advise clients on corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and sustainable development.

laws instead of merely opining on them.

Some of the key projects I take pride in include drafting corporate governance regulations for various regulators in the Middle East, creating a social responsibility disclosure index for the financial sector in Jordan, creating a project whereby we facilitate bridging the gap I was one of the fortunate people between the needs and who knew exactly what I wanted expectations of the private sector to do in life – I want and that of civil to become a lawyer. society organiza“By the time I graduated So in 1999 when I tions for sustainable graduated, I went on change in local from Durham University I to do my LLM in the communities, adwas in love. in love with the hopes of being vancing sustainabilbetter equipped for castle and palace green and ity practices in the the corporate world. region by increasing in love with the city.” When I graduated I the number of returned home to organizations that Jordan and passed my Jordanian report, lobbying for increased bar and a few years later I passed Today, my clients and partners support for entrepreneurs in my New York Bar to practice law are not only corporations; they general and female entrepreneurs are governments, international more globally which I did. in specific, encouraging more Practicing law was a good career organizations and civil society stringent environmental organizations across the Middle but somewhere along the lines, regulations and succeeding in being part of the rat race and the East. The work that I do varies creating such changes. associated challenges the passion from providing strategic advice on Sustainability is a nascent field how organizations can be more diminished and I seeked worldwide let alone in the Middle responsible to national something more soulful. East. It was a challenge to create Something that does not restrain development projects that can the building blocks for a successimpact and change the way me to limited legal advice but ful business, build capacity, create people do business and interact something where I can leverage awareness and achieve some with communities not to mention all the experience that I have in positive change. Although there working with regulators to draft the legal field to make a

F EATURE

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE are days when it seems that no in 2011, and granted the coveted matter what I do it is not enough Global Rising Stars of Corporate to create the change I seek there are other days when it all seems “So I took a trip to worthwhile – when I child comes up to me and thanks me for chang- Africa and was the first ing their family’s lives, or helping Jordanian to summit improve the education system or Kilimanjaro and when I mother thanks e for feeling empowered to be herself.

returned with a clear

Not to mention it also helps to feel vision of what I want publicly appreciated and to do.” recognized for the efforts invested. Recognized as an upcoming global women of influence, named by Governance award by the Trustworthy Business Behavior as renowned Millstein Center for one of the top 100 Thought Corporate Governance and Leaders in Europe and Middle East Performance of Yale University all

Click Here to Follow Maali on Twitter

Maali is also a Regional Director for ALWANE, (Active Leaders for Women’s Advancement in the Near East) a newly established Coalition of experienced and emerging leaders from 16 countries across the Middle East and North Africa which has come together to work towards the advancement of women’s leadership in the Arab World. Click here to follow ALWANE on Facebook.

help in ensuring that I continue being vested in the work that I do. Fortunately, my achievements are many and looking back, if I had to pick a moment where it all started, where I found the strength to be the person I am today, where I learnt the skills to adapt to the challenging needs of my career. . . I believe I would say when I selected Durham as my university. At times when things are tough I do ponder my Durham days and on one occasion I did return to Durham to rekindle the fondest memories where I felt it all began – where I became the person that I am today.

F EATURE

St Mary’s Hardship Fund| A Student’s Experience You often hear about the good times you will have during your time at university, but sometimes you can be unprepared for the bad. At the beginning of my

believe that I had waited such a long time to do so.

I am not entirely sure what I would have done without your help. It is an invaluable extension of the incredible support and generosity I have always felt from St Mary’s.

College’s own hardship fund. Unfortunately I didn’t qualify for government support, so when I received £150 from St Mary’s College I was incredibly grateful.

The money meant I could focus on my studies for the remainder of Michaelmas term, until I could get back to work during the Christmas holidays. I am indebted to those second year at St Mary’s College I generous alumni that donated to was regularly travelling home to the fund. I am not entirely sure see my elderly father, who was in what I would have done without and out of hospital. Although I your help. It is an invaluable exworked in the summer holidays, tension of the incredible support my finances were getting to and generosity I have always felt breaking point and money worries from St Mary’s. As a recent were drastically affecting my They were incredibly supportive, graduate, I can tell you exactly work. Eventually I got the courage helping me through a government where my first donation to the together to talk to College about College will be going. hardship application and then the problem, and I couldn’t informing me about St Mary’s Thank you to all alumni and Friends who have donated to the St Mary’s hardship fund in the past, because of your donations St Mary’s can help students continue their studies here at Durham. If you feel that you are in a position to help other St Mary’s students who may be experiencing finical hardship please do click here to donate

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

MARY’S MEMORIES Recently we asked some current students, parents and alumni to share their favourite memories of Mary’s with us. These are some of our favourite replies from those who attended the Principals Dinner, Graduation Formals and replied through Social Media over the last few weeks. If you’ve got a memory of Mary’s you’d like to Share with us in our next edition please email them in to stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk Sledging down the slope to been fined £250 by College for the said she thought we were ‘heroic’. Williamson on Dinner trays in mess. Definitely got his own back! -JC (alumni) December of first year. Building a -Emma Russell [editor’s note: Simon Hackett saw blanket den in the Fergusson stair(graduating student) the abseiling video on Youtube well and watching the Royal ● and I like to think that’s when he Wedding in the JCR drinking fell in love with Mary’s] Meeting Jonathan’s friends in first Pimms out of a washing up bowl! year. Great support which you ● - Jess Williams (alumni) should take credit for! -Julie Being sat in the marquee at mid● Bourchier (parent) summer ball 2009 with all my best “Decorating” Richard Hall’s room ● friends at one table. Raising glasswith just paper cups filled with When Ross, Ben A and Pete H and es in several toasts to Chaz Bono water. The best part was his and being told off for being too I abseiled down the east stairwell. reaction. He sat us down at rowdy We got disciplined by everybody College dinner and told us he’d except from Gillian Boughton who -James Michael Smith (alumni)

M ARY ’S M EM O RIES ●

on the floor for a week.

●

The first day of Uni for my daughter was on of tears for her. Her last day of Uni was, reversing into one of the lampposts on the drive, one of tears for me!

-Bexi Denison-Smith

Waking each other up on Saturday morning to make sure we were the first in the queue for brunch—definitely the best meal of the week. Then sitting in the dining room for the entire duration of the meal to avoid going back to work

-anonymous parent ● Sneaking into castle SCR late at night for a look and walking in on a huge party. We tried to leave unnoticed but got caught by the porter! -anonymous alumni ● To Celebrate Katie Watkins’ AKA the Dalek’s 20th birthday we dressed in bin bags as Daleks and got the strangest looks all across Durham as people tried to guess who we were! -anonymous ● My proposal to Isabel Cafferty in Mary’s library at the start of Epiphany term and all my memories of the College parenting/family system -Ryan Cullen (alumni) ● One Mary’s Day night when someone left their tap on with the plug in and flooded their room to about two inches. They eventually flooded the whole wing and we had to keep towels

(graduating student and MCR President) ●

From start to finish Mary’s felt like home whether it be drama, music or sport. The College has been such a significant part of my university life that I will never forget it. A huge thank you to Simon and all the College staff for making my university time the best years of my life. I look forward to returning. SMCRFC -Sam Hulley (graduating student)

-Alice Thickett (alumni) ● Final term exams it was my birthday. My friends removed all the furniture from my room and replaced it with a giant paddling pool. They filled it with water and we spent the afternoon relaxing in the pool and drinking beers avoiding revision. - Michael Armitage (alumni) [editor’s note: Michael Gaunt (alumni) would like to say as he remembers it “the beer bottles were actually filled with water, then everyone went to lectures and recycled the beer bottles”] ●

Being bored one day and trekking down to Pets at Home en masse to buy two Gerbils which we then had to keep hidden, moving them between our room and avoiding ● the cleaners for the rest of the The legendary snowball fight on year! Palce Green. Mary’s V. the rest of - anonymous alumni the world -anonymous

●

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS|A MARY’S LOOK AT GRADUATION 42 Photo courtesy of Rebecca Mikowski

G RAD UATIO N Congregation Week in Durham is always such a special time.

say how proud we are of each and every one of you. You are all a credit to this university, to this College and to yourselves.

Amidst the huge buzz of countless ceremonies, drinks receptions and family meals is the knowledge that your time at university, often the definitive experience of your life so far, is coming to an end.

Your Graduation is not the end of your association with St Mary’s but rather the gateway to a bright future

Congregation presents a heady mixture of sadness and excitement. It represents both the burgeoning adventure of post university life and, often, the feeling of loss that accompanies the ending of an era.

Your Graduation is not the end of your association with St Mary’s but rather the gateway to a bright future as a member of our illustrious and vibrant alumni community. We urge In this feature a few you all to register for an alumgraduating students share ni account with Dunelm.org their photos and memories and to follow the College from Congregation 2014. alumni page on Facebook To all of our Graduating Class which will let you keep up to St Mary’s College would like to date on Mary’s news and

Hannah Bedding Photo courtesy of Rebecca Mikowski

Jonny Bourchair and Rebecca Mikowski Photo courtesy of Rebecca Mikowski

From left to right. Ellie Roberts, Catherine Redfern, Natalie Vaughan, Laurie Woodhead, Mary Palmer. Photo courtesy of Steve Vaughan.

Michael Walker and Will Walker Photo courtesy of Michael Walker

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

Natalie Vaughan “I have had the best time of my life in Durham but I’m also so excited to be moving on to new and exciting things. Thanks for everything Mary’s I’m going to miss you!”

Photo courtesy of Steve Vaughan

G RAD UATIO N

My Graduation Experience| As a recent 2014 graduate, I haven’t really had much time to mull over my graduation. When asked to reflect on graduation for this article, my prevailing memory of the time between receiving results and graduating is of hectic to-ing and fro-ing: filling out a seemingly endless supply of forms for graduation in an effort to make the day less stressful. Photographs, robes, and parchment…it all came in a barrage of deadlines and online forms that sometimes left me wondering if the fuss was worth it. I woke up on the morning of my Congregation with everything in place. I had double and triplechecked the day’s itinerary to make sure I wouldn’t miss anything, and I was surprised to find that I was nervous. I was remembering my four years at Durham (well, technically three, but I assure you during my Year Abroad my heart still well and truly longed for the drizzle and mist of Durham), and thought about how everything culminated here: this was the denouement of a story that began at a rather bleary-eyed matriculation on an October morning in 2010. From this point of view, the Congregation ceremony was in fact the most important day

of my university career. However, I swiftly put this out of my mind and decided to concentrate on making it up onto the dais and shaking Sir Thomas Allen’s hand with as little incident as possible. The ceremony itself was wonderful; there’s no other word for it. It struck a perfect chord between tradition and progress, with just the right amount of pomp and circumstance. I happened to be seated on the front row of graduates, so anyone who owns the DVD of the last Congregation of 2014 can see a rather gormlesslooking blonde girl for a large portion of the ceremony. I promise you I was simply in awe of the fabulous location in the Cathedral and the joyous atmosphere. I was aware I was witnessing Durham University at its very best, showing itself to be a well-oiled machine in an entirely positive way.

“I was aware I was witnessing Durham University at its very best” Later that evening I enjoyed a drinks reception at St Mary’s and say a few farewells to people I had not seen earlier in the day. I was able to introduce my family to members of St Mary’s staff,

By Mary Palmer enabling me to finally tie my lives of ‘Home’ and ‘College’ (or, as I like to think of it, my ‘Other Home’) together. It was a wonderful conclusion to a happy yet poignant day. For those yet to graduate, I am supposed to offer some advice. All I seem to think of is: try to look normal if you are seated on the front row! I learnt that one the hard way…. However, more generally, never let yourself get too stressed by the details; where you go for dinner after graduation may seem important, but I guarantee that a slightly tepid main course will not be able to upset you on your graduation day. Moreover, after a year where you seem to be unable to ignore your rapidly approaching ‘future’, Congregation is the perfect day to look back and feel proud of yourself and your cohort whatever your plans are beyond Durham and St Mary’s.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

My Graduation Experience| The nail-biting anticipation of results day had passed. I had done it. I was a soon to be graduate of St Mary’s College, Durham University. Gulp. Having spent 4 years leading up to this moment, I couldn’t quite believe it was upon me, in fact a month later I’m not entirely convinced that there isn’t someone on their way right now to whisk it all away.

seen so many enthralling debates, and I collected my tickets from the marquee where I had just the week before enjoyed an incredible summer ball, and then I followed the swarm of white fur into the castle.

Graduation week must be a logistical nightmare, but every member of staff involved was very enthusiastic, even at 7 AM on the third day. They seemed incredibly proud to be there for us which certainly made the day more Grad week was a whirlwind of special. Dr James Blowey, the head celebrations and tearful goodbyes. of the Natural Sciences departOne day I was rushing up to the ment, beamed as he shock every Cathedral to congratulate slightly one of our hands. He was a huge wide-eyed friends as they part of my Durham journey, processed from their own through the good and bad so that graduations, and the next it was was a lovely touch. time for my own. 6 45 AM and I was rushing along Durham’s cobI barely recognise that bled streets on my way to Palace green, running ‘exactly on time’ as slightly terrified usual. I needn’t have worried, eighteen year-old. Durham graduations run like a well -oiled machine. I followed the routine in a slight daze, trying to The ceremony itself was inspiring, savour the moments, so that I partly because of the awe-inspiring might relive parts of the day at a Cathedral itself, who could ask for later date, after all I was only going a more perfect setting, but also to do this once. So I had my gown because of the Vice-Chancellor’s fitted in the building where I had

speech about all those that had gone before us, and the success that they had found. I grinned as I crossed the stage to accept my degree and become part of that legacy (and not only because I had succeeded in not tripping up the steps). As we processed from the Cathedral I was taken back to my second day at the university when I matriculated there, excited and yet anxious about what the next few years might bring. Before my parents drove away that day they took a photo of me standing on the steps outside the Fergusson building, looking slightly overwhelmed in my brand new gown. Since then so much has happened, so many memories made, life lessons learnt and St Mary’s red wine spilt on that now comfortably familiar gown, that I barely recognise that slightly terrified 18year-old. Later on graduation day I recreated the picture as the much more confident me that Durham has helped me become. I am incredibly sad to leave Durham behind, but I am so proud to have become not only a Durham university alum, but also an alum of St Mary’s College.

G RAD UATIO N

Hannah Storey “I am incredibly sad to leave Durham behind, but I am so proud to have become not only a Durham University alum, but also an alum of St Mary’s College.”

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

What’s been on at Mary’s?

Photos courtesy of Anu Damale and Rebecca Mikowski luxurious, glamorous 1920s party. As always highlights included fairground rides, a silent disco and the infamous saviours hog roast served until 6am when the survivors photo is was a fantastic success. The great Gatsby taken to document all those brave ball goers theme chosen by Alex Aspinall (chair) and her to made it to the end of the twelve hour long fantastic team transformed Mary’s into a extravaganza.

The Midsummer Ball| 17.06.14 This year’s Midsummer Ball

M ARY ’S NEW S

a huge audience to a fantastic, moving and often humorous performance of Macbeth. A saw the Illyria outdoor touring company visit half-time raffle conducted by the actors and Mary’s for the very first time. The internation- Professor Simon Hackett was a light-hearted ally renowned Shakespearean troupe treated highlight of the evening!

Macbeth|29.06.14 This year

Photos courtesy of Anu Damale

RENT| 24-25.06.14 Rent

night run receiving great reviews from DST and the

Palatinate who called the performance ‘ a brave, provided the script for this year’s excellent summer dynamic, and well-orchestrated production’ musical which saw some of the most talented of all Mary’s student's take to the stage. The musical ran You can read the Palatinate review here to critical acclaim in Mary’s dining hall in a two

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE brilliant foam party!

Mary’s Day| 22.06.14 Mary’s Day always proves the highlight of the College calendar for current students and alumni alike and this year proved no exception. President Matt Watson and his tireless team put on a fantastic celebration of all things Mary’s with a great event themed around the Brazilian World Cup. Mary’s lawns were transformed with inflatable football, live music, great food and a

This year also saw the first Principal’s Dinner, a returners formal for alumni coming home to join in the celebrations. The event was a resounding success with over 50 attendees flooding Kenworthy Hall to book out all available tickets! Attending Alumni also provided us with some fantastic memories of their time in Durham for our memories project (p.30)

photos courtesy of Beth Rudd, Owen Graham and Lucy Rosa.

W HAT’S O N

What’s On? Durham Events | 20.10.14| St Mary’s Society Mini Reunion Weekend This year’s society reunion will be limited to just one day to fit in with the new server being fitted at St Mary’s. The Day will be one full of excitement however with the SMCS AGM, Cream Tea, a Chapel service and an evening meal all on offer. Accommodation will be available with a basic breakfast provided, if required. Please visit the society website for More details.

30.03.14-30.09.14| Auckland Castle: The Power and The Glory Exhibition Enter the magnificent world of early Tudor England in this temporary exhibition at Auckland Castle, the former home of Bishop Richard Fox (1494-1501), who was Henry VII’s most trusted advisor. More details.

05.04.14-05.10.14|Oriental Museum: Shifting Sands an exhibition of rare and beautiful photographs from Sudan taken by the anthropologist Ian Cunnison telling a story of migration, everyday lives and inter-ethnic relationships in late colonial Sudan. More details.

51 Photo courtesy of Oliver Grimmett

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

A look back| poetry, songs and wedding bells Last month we were sent this wonderful old poem by the Castle Alumni Officer which documents the plea of a Mary’s alumna for Castle and Mary’s reunion weekends to fall on the same dates so she and her husband can visit Durham at the same time Taken from Castellum 1984 (minutes of the previous year's Castle Society AGM): 8) The Secretary reported that he had received an anonymous poem which reflected the plight of a lady most concerned with the conflict of reunion dates: I am a Mary's woman, My spouse a Castle man, We like to come to Durham As often as we can. When vital dates don't coincide,

There's never any hassle; A short debate, an equal vote, Result - the winner's Castle! Now Mary's makes me welcome With breakfast, lunch and tea, But the hours between seem long sometimes When there's only me! Autonomy is excellent, But is not always very kind, Let's have individual decisions, With the same weekend in mind! A quick google search reveals that

Durham is thought to have the highest rate of inter student marriages in Britain, with over 10,000 couples claiming to have met at the University, The Independent estimates that give a Mary’s student a 72% of marrying a fellow Durham alumnus! This got us trawling through all the old publications in the Office to see if we could find anymore poems or songs about Durham love. Here’s what we could find...

A LO O K BACK A College Song for 1950| (verse 2). In Abbey House on Palace Green dwell twenty fair young students; Men take advantage of their teas and also their imprudence. In spite of Castle’s Christmas raids, and many an amorous meeting, it’s not their love which keeps them warm but Elgy’s central heating. And though their gate book may proclaim that they are fond of walking, they’re really sitting on a seat not wasting much time talking!

proved useful; the Bailey we could see; The walkers-past didn’t walk to fast, so we asked them up for tea!

St Mary’s Sunday School| (song. 1954, verses 4-5). If you’re all romantic, then come and join the ranks of those who stand on Prebend’s bridge and walk along the banks; And don’t believe what others say— experience is good, So leave your torch behind you when you walk through Pelaw Wood.

New St Mary’s| (song.

Second Year Song for 1957| (verse 4). Do you want a Castleman? Or if not, a Hatfield College man? A Chads or John or Cuthbert’s man? St Mary’s is the place. But we must now stay out all night, the windows barred up tight; Dashing along the banks at night, trying to avoid the policeman’s light, In Mary’s nightly race.

These Foolish Things| (poem/song, 1949, Lines 5-11)

We think we’ve told you quite enough, and now it’s up to you: At Mary’s dance you’ll have the It’s a long way to Hatfield College, chance to find a man or two. But an to Castle on the hill; Oh the if you’re not successful, perhaps a Johnsmen all will miss us, an the B.A. hood will do! Chadsmen will be ill. Prin said ‘I can hear you under my front door,’ So remember girls be A College Song for careful—don’t stand there no 1955| (verse 2). more!

A happy gathering of intending teachers’ a light flirtation with incipient preachers; Oh, how a Chadsman clings! These foolish things Mary’s means to me. They came, they saw, they stayed for tea—and after draining a cup or two, they said they’d stay for supper too…

When we came to St. Mary’s, so many moons before, we never spoke to Hatfield men, and Chad’s we would ignore; But now it’s all so different and much more fun we’re sure—With a rush and a dash to the porter’s lodge and a tumble through the door.

Did you meet your husband or wife while at St Mary’s? Perhaps you’d like to share your story or some pictures in the next edition of this magazine.

1952, verse 2).

A College Song for 1952| (verse 5). Now we who lived in College just had to toe the line, with Swinn and Prin and Bursar—and B.J most of the time. The fire-escape

If so please email in to stmary’s.alumni@durham.ac.uk

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

Career Mentor Update which allowed us to run a small

We are currently waiting on the

trial of the scheme. This trial was a development of centralised softsignificant success, as one student

ware which will allow us to safely

wrote in her feedback of the

and effectively handle the data of

scheme

the hundreds of people we

‘I've been given some really helpful advice about careers, my course at

envision the scheme eventually encompassing.

the moment and decisions for next We are extremely fortunate to be In the last edition of this magazine we announced our plans to launch a comprehensive career mentoring programme which will link current students and recent graduates with professional alumni or friends of College in their chosen field. We were overwhelmed by the response we received. Dozens of alumni and Friends provided us with their professional information

year etc. We've also been able to

members of a College with such an

talk about our experiences at

extraordinarily diverse and power-

Mary's which has been nice too.

ful network of friends. Together,

Overall I'm very pleased I signed

we are working to support our

up for this, thank you for making

current students’ career ambi-

us aware of it!’

tions, prospects and employability.

Some of you who have signed up from the scheme might be yet to

participation and engagement as the project develops.

hear back from us but please

Please do consider signing up to

worry not. We have plans to

be a Mary’s Alumni Angel here.

expand and grow the scheme significantly in the coming months.

CAREER M ENTO RING

Meet Your New Alumni Officer| Harriet Batchelor Hi! My name is Harriet Batchelor and I am thrilled to be the next Sabbatical Development Officer!

The Mary’s spirit of getting fully involved in every event, no matter of ability, is incomparable - a few of my own dancing performances with the hockey club at the Sportsman’s Ball spring to mind!

Looking back on the past three years, I am certain I could not have found a better College for my time at Durham. Yes, the location of the science site a mere 2 minutes walk over the road has proved useful for those early 9am lectures, but the Mary’s charm extends well beyond it’s handy location and beautiful grounds! In fact, it’s fair to say I have loved every aspect of life at Mary’s, from playing in tennis tournaments dressed as a ‘Mary’s fairy’ to performing in ‘We Will Rock You’ in a pink wig and green lipstick (my fancy dress wardrobe has definitely increased)! The Mary’s spirit of getting fully involved in every event, no matter of ability, is incomparable - a few of my own dancing performances with the hockey club at the Sportsman’s

Ball spring to mind! St Mary’s combination of both new and traditional events definitely makes for an enjoyable social calendar. I don’t think there’s one person who can say they

I cannot wait to continue organising events which extend the Mary’s spirit didn’t secretly love feeling like an extra from Harry Potter whilst going to matriculation in our long gowns! Working on the Social and Arts Committee, I’ve had the pleasure of organising events from our termly balls to the first ever ‘Mary’s Got Talent’ - my house seems permanently submerged by event decorations! Looking forward to the coming year, I cannot wait to continue Imogen’s fantastic work in organising events which extend the Mary’s spirit to current students, alumni and friends of St Mary’s alike.

S T MARY ’S | FRIENDS MAG AZINE

About the Friends Scheme| Although I know how much the College means for alumni, many of whom retain a lifelong link with the College, I have come to realise that family members, friends and supporters of students might also be interested in the College and may appreciate an opportunity to feel connected in some way, whilst of course allowing students their independence. As a result, we have created a ‘Friends of St Mary’s’ scheme to help people to keep in touch with the College, irrespective of their original connection with College. As well as issuing a standing invitation to visit St Mary’s, Friends will receive regular updates and newsletters, as well as invitations to special events, such as a Friends’ Formal Dinner, and opportunities to contribute to College developments, such as enhancing our library. I hope that you will consider registering as a Friend of St Mary’s and that this will herald a deep and meaningful relationship with you in the future! As many readers know already, St Mary’s is a very special place and we look forward to sharing it with you. With very best wishes, Professor Simon Hackett (Principal, St Mary’s College)

F RIENDS Receive our College Magazine| Members of the programme will receive a digital copy of our termly alumni magazine along with various newsletters and other information about concerts, lectures and events which we send out to our alumni and friends.

Event Invitations| Members will receive targets emails with details of College news and upcoming ‘Friends Of Mary’s’ events around the country which may be of interest to you.

Friends of St Mary’s Arrival Lunch and Pick Up Formal| Members are invited to attend a lunch in the College Hall the weekend before the start of Easter Term – the Saturday on which most students come back into residence following the Christmas Break. They are also invited to a Formal Three Course Meal at the end of Easter Term, the weekend most students leave for the Easter break.

Sweet Treats| Members will eventually have the opportunity to pre-buy sweets, ice-cream, shop essentials and toasties from our College Shop and Toastie bar and have them delivered to Mary’s students as an exam time boost or special treat

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Elvet Hill Road Durham DH1 3LR 0191 334 5955 www.durham.ac.uk/st-marys.college/ Principal Simon Hackett Email: simon.hackett@durham.ac.uk Alumni Relations and Development Officer Imogen Hampson-Smith Email: i.r.hampson-smith@durham.ac.uk 01913345972 Facebook

www.facebook.com/MarysAlumni

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https://twitter.com/StMarysOfficial

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stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk