Spring 2006 Newsletter by Girton College

Girton Development Newsletter of Girton College Cambridge

newsletter Spring 2006

In this issue... Development Campaign Why your support matters: the 21st Century Campaign and the College’s funding explained.

Duke Building Opening The Duke Building was opened on 23 April 2005, giving College excellent new IT, Library and Archive facilities for students, staff and visitors.

Trip to India Girtonians make international links, thanks to a new travel initiative by an alumna Barbara Isaac (Miller 1955). Editor Francisca Malarée Design cantellday Print Cloister Press Contact: Development Office Girton College

Interview: Jocelyn Mayne One of the founding members of the London Girton

FREEPOST ANG6880

Association talks to Margaret Nicholson about her lifetime’s

Cambridge CB3 0YE

work as a radio pioneer.

+44 (0)1223 766672/338901 development@girton.cam.ac.uk

www.girton.cam.ac.uk Copyright in editorial matter and this collection as a whole: Girton College Cambridge © 2006. Copyright in indivdual articles: © February 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this pblication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,

New boat for GCBC The Dr Alistair Reid was unveiled in June 2005, funded thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the boat club.

in any forms or by any means, without prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be issued to the public or circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. Cover photograph: Facade of the Duke Archive Building by Stephen Bond

Please see back page for forthcoming events, including details of Alison Duke’s Memorial Service.

The Girton year 2005 You will have received a letter from the Vice-Chancellor about the University’s 800th Anniversary Campaign. Girton has been working closely with the University’s Development Office, and I am one of the two Heads of Houses’ representatives on the Joint (College-University) Development Committee. To turn around a phrase that the Director uses in her statement, the University’s priorities are also the College’s. And have been for some time!

We are immensely proud of the portfolio of student bursary schemes we have in place, which have benefited so many Girton undergraduates, and delighted that this last year has seen a magnificent donation to research support for graduate students. This is not the only generous benefaction we have received from Girtonians in the United States, but is special because of the donor’s links with the University Campaign. A gift to the College is a gift to the University! No doubt we shall also be hearing of Girtonians who wish to help fund their Department or Faculty schemes. We also take pride in the prescience with which seven years ago a Girtonian, whose very substantial gift led the way in endowing the Emily Davies Student Bursaries, also helped endow a Teaching Fellowship in Classics. This last year has seen an innovative suggestion – from

one of the first Girton men – and his generosity turned out to be more than a suggestion – to fund a Teaching Fellowship in Law on a rolling basis. The Mathematics post is under way (Newsletter, summer 2004). In other words our aspirations to make sure that we safeguard the calibre of our teaching fellowships are aspirations that extend out from what we have long held to be of value and from what we have already accomplished in following those values through. In the background we are also getting on with our plans to enhance that other side of student education, sports, and in particular the sports pitches and pavilion, as we are with the refurbishment of Tower Wing and the Porters’ Lodge area. But of course, as you know, the funds must be realised for these projects without touching a drop of the precious monies that contribute to our Education account.

re-assembled in April. Anyone who has seen the building will know what a welcome its long, transparent entrance gives, with the view through to the archive reading room and its gifts of a hand woven rug and magnificent reading table, or out into the exterior space from which the newly angled views of the Chapel, the old Library and the high roofs of Woodlands Court strike one afresh. The new enhancing the old, and we like – and keep – both. ‘Keep’ in the double sense, for us, of looking after what we have and ensuring that our resources remain thoroughly up to date.

And this brings me to a third moment, to pride in the efforts of all the many Girtonians and other donors, individual and corporate, who trebled the college’s initial allocation (from a bequest) to bring the Duke Building, encompassing diverse facets of the Library and Archive project, to its completion last year. 2.5 million we said, and 2.5 million we raised. The library extension and IT suite, up and running since October, is now joined by the state of the art archive store that has had a steady stream of visitors ever since the archive itself was

We have followed University practice in bestowing special titles on major benefactors of the College. The Barbara Bodichon Foundation Fellowships single out those who have given us very substantial help, not just for the library and archive development but for all our projects. Yet Girton would not be Girton if it did not also single out each one who had helped or might help. In our eyes every contribution is a substantial one. Our thanks to one and all!

Some of the features of this new complex incorporate the names of the major instigators of the whole enterprise, and many donors will find their names engraved into the stone flags that surround the inner courtyard.

Professor Marilyn Strathern DBE FBA

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter

Development

The Development Campaign Development team news As you may be aware, we have some new faces in the

For enquiries

Development Office.

Regarding the Development Campaign overall, major gifts and

Caroline Venn is our

the role of research and database

planned giving:

new Development

officer in place of Margaret Nicholson,

Francisca Malarée, Development Director

Officer responsible

who is also on maternity leave.

f.malaree@girton.cam.ac.uk

for the Friends

Caroline Venn

Groups and donor

We were also sad

About alumni reunions and events:

stewardship, who

to say goodbye to

Emma Cornwall, Alumni Officer

also has an external

Helen Wright in

alumni@girton.cam.ac.uk

relations role in

July 2005, when

promoting access to Cambridge. Caroline

she left to take up

Regarding the Friends’ Groups,

studied Theology at Durham University

the post of Alumni

People’s Portraits, the Donors’

(College of St Hild and St Bede), and

Relations Manager

dinner and regular donations:

at the University of

Caroline Venn

Emma Cornwall

graduated in 2003.

Liverpool. She has been replaced by

c.venn@girton.cam.ac.uk

Kirsten Edbrooke

Emma Cornwall, who completed her

has gone on leave,

PhD in Biochemistry at Girton in 2004

For enquiries about the telephone

(and we are

and graduated from the University of

campaign, one-off donations, and

pleased to report

Otago in New Zealand in 1999.

address changes or updates: Sam Bowie

she had twin baby

s.bowie@girton.cam.ac.uk

girls in November).

We are delighted to also have a

Her temporary

graduate student working part-time on

replacement is

the College’s Register Volume III.

For Volume III of the Girton College

Samuel Bowie, who graduated from

Hannah James is working on her PhD in

Girton in 2002 in English and

Biological Anthropology. She graduated

Hannah James

Philosophy. Sam is covering part-time

from Oxford University in 2002.

Samuel Bowie

The University’s 800th Anniversary Campaign As the Mistress notes in her introduction, the University launched its 800th Anniversary Campaign, ‘Transforming Tomorrow’ in September 2005. The campaign focuses on Collegiate Cambridge, and alumni can support the campaign by making a donation to their College, as the Colleges’ fundraising totals count towards the overall target of £1 billion. So far, £350 million has already been raised by both the University and Colleges.

exclusion zon e

Girton Newsletter

Spring 2006

Development

“

”

Fundraising is well under way to build a pavilion worthy of the sporting triumphs of Girton’s recent years

Artist’s impression of the proposed new pavilion, Girton College

Development Campaign Funding Priorities The College’s priorities are also Cambridge’s at large. The University’s 800th Campaign has at its heart sustaining the quality of research, teaching and learning and is throwing its weight behind the funding of posts and bursaries. Funding of Teaching Fellowships Endowment of £1 million or annual funding of £40,000 Particularly important for Girton is its support of Teaching Fellowships, and as you know from the last Newsletter our plans have already been laid. Our long term aim: to fund at least half of our 12 full time Teaching Fellowships independently of fee income. Already accomplished: In 1999 the Wrigley Teaching Fellowship in Classics was endowed by the generous gift of Barbara and John Wrigley. From 2004 onwards an anonymous donation on an annual basis enables us to fund a fellowship in Law.

For the Future: Mathematics Medicine Arts (generic) The College’s income from the UK government and fees is moving forwards £1.8 million per year, yet the cost of providing our students’ education is around £2.6 million per year. The College is dependent on fundraising and its endowment funds to make up the shortfall. In order to sustain teaching for the long-term, it is essential that Girton endows teaching posts. The cost of funding a mid-level College Teaching Officer (Fellowship), including 22% oncosts of pension, room and commons as well as salary, is approximately £40,000 per year. In order to generate this in perpetuity, an endowment of £1 million is needed for each post. The experience of a Cambridge education is the experience of being taught by the best minds in your field, and having access to the knowledge of renowned academics as supervisors. Those who have really

had the greatest influence on our formation, aside from our parents, are most often our teachers. Supporting teaching at Girton will benefit generations of future students, and ensure they have best opportunity that the University can offer. We are currently on the way to endowing 2 Fellowships, one in an arts subject and one in Mathematics, and our aim is to establish at least 2 more from fundraising in the next five years. ‘Teaching Fellow’ is a shorthand for college teaching officers who are Fellows and lecturers in the college. The Refurbishment of the Tower Wing £2 million The Tower Wing, part of the College, which is immediately recognisable, is in great need of modernisation. The project focuses on bringing the students’ rooms up to 21st century standards, which includes adding IT networking and improving bathrooms and kitchens. The project will include improvements to the front entrance

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter

Development

and Porters’ Lodge, to make this aspect of the College more welcoming, and (hopefully) the restoration of the chequered brickwork in the tower itself. Because of the Grade II listed status of the building, and the extent of the work required, the target to refurbish the entire wing is £2 million. This can be broken down into £10,000 to refurbish each student room. Childcare bursaries £2 million Providing childcare bursaries underlines our commitment to equal opportunities and access. The College now has a new nursery at Wolfson Court but the costs

of childcare are still such that they deter many from continuing their studies after becoming parents. As well as encouraging more mature students and graduates with children to study in Cambridge, childcare bursaries are an essential benefit for academic staff. The Sports Pavilion and Pitches Redevelopment £1 million Fundraising is well under way to build a pavilion worthy of the sporting triumphs of Girton’s recent years. These include the promotion of the men’s rugby team to Division 1 and the men’s football team winning their division in this academic year. The women’s

football team won the Plate in the 2005/6 season. The new pavilion will be a two-storey building with four changing rooms, and will incorporate a new gym. Currently the College’s gym is located in two separate areas, and this will provide it with a unified and permanent home. The project also includes the realignment of the rugby and football pitches so that both sports can be played concurrently.

The College’s Funding Financial Year ending 30 June 2005 A mixture of public and private resources funds the University and its Colleges. In recent years, like other educational institutions, Girton has had to seek new private sources of funding simply to maintain current levels of provision. Funding from the UK government and fees: Fee income and the Education account The College’s financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. In the year ending June 2005, the College received £1.76 million from fees. The table below gives a breakdown of these fees. Detailed

Girton Newsletter

Spring 2006

below are figures showing how much we spend on providing educational facilities and teaching at Girton. The gap of £822,000 between the two is funded from the College’s own resources using investment and endowment income and conference income, bequests and donations. Fee Income:

College fee income

000s

From UK Government for students eligible for support

£1,339

Other undergraduate fee income

£172

Graduate fee income

£249

Total fee Income

£1,760

Development

Education Expenditure in the 2004/5 Financial Year Expenditure (figures include depreciation)

000s

Teaching

£1,309

Tutorial

£233

Admissions

£175

Research

£486

Scholarships and awards

£257

Other educational facilities

£122

Total expenditure

2,582

Other sources of Income: The College’s long-term financial future can only be secured by increasing our endowment income and by the careful management of our assets, as we are unfortunately unable to predict what the public funding situation might provide. Many of our teaching posts, bursaries and scholarships are endowed in order to preserve them in perpetuity. We expect an income of around 4% per annum – so that in order to endow teaching Fellowships or bursaries in perpetuity, we need 25 times whatever we want to spend in a year.

The College’s investment committee manages an investment portfolio that includes all these endowed funds. In the financial year ended 30 June 2004, the income from our investments was £1,415,000. Funds that are raised from alumni and friends of Girton for endowment are put into the investment portfolio. Donations for specific items where expenditure is incurred immediately, such as room refurbishment, are retained as cash until they are spent. Contributions from the endowment fund to the College’s operating budget total over £1 million per year. The chart below shows that only 29% of College’s annual income comes from fee income, including fees from UK government-supported students. Given this fact, College is more and more dependent on funding from its own endowment and benefactions to continue to offer a high standard of educational provision for all its students, and even more so if we are to fund improvements to College’s infrastructure.

Total College income and expenditure, Financial Year ended 30 June 2005 Income

2005 000s

2004 000s

Academic fees and charges

1,760

1,769

Residences, catering and conferences

2,815

2,764

Endowment income

1,415

1,321

Total income

5,990

5,854

Expenditure Education

2,290

2,434

Residences, catering and conferences

3,881

3,659

Depreciation of buildings and other fixed assets

973

933

Total expenditure

7,144

7,026

Operating Deficit

181

239

Operating Deficit including depreciation of assets

1,154

1,172

The operating deficit includes nominal expenditure of £973,000 for the year to factor in depreciation of the College’s fixed assets; excluding this the College still ran an operating deficit last financial year.

Gift from the USA We are delighted that one of our alumni in the United States, Mrs Elizabeth Stribling (1966), has recently made a generous gift to the College through Cambridge in America, which will endow scholarships for postgraduate and undergraduate students. These Stribling Fund awards will be available for students in any discipline who need help with research expenses, and therefore will not conflict with awards made from other funding bodies. We hope that by offering support of this type we will keep our best undergraduate students at Girton to continue postgraduate research, rather than these students leaving College for financial reasons. The fund will also help existing postgraduate students who find themselves in financial need.

“ support of this type we

We hope that by offering will keep our best

”

undergraduate students at Girton to continue postgraduate research Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter

Library Opening

A home for the

Girton College Collections

Girton Newsletter

Spring 2006

Guests at the opening of the Duke Building, at the marquee in Woodlands Court with the college and the early campaign for female education. The 15 special collections of books housed in the new library building include the private libraries of Mary Somerville and Barbara Bodichon, while the internationallyrenowned Blackburn Collection covers 19th-century debates on women’s legal, social and labour rights and their struggle for the right to vote. An extension to the existing library, the building also provides a new reading room for those working on both the archival and the special collections. This has been named the Littler Reading Room, after Shirley and Geoffrey Littler, who have been generous benefactors to the project. The Reading Room table has been presented by Oonah Elliott (Butler, 1945) in memory of her Grandmother, Agnata Ramsay (1884). It was designed by the Project Architect,

Eaden Lilley

The Duke Building was funded entirely from the support of Girtonians and friends of the college, including a major gift from Alison Duke, then our Senior Life Fellow. Designed by leading architects Allies and Morrison, the £2.5 million Duke Building provides a spacious IT resources area for members of the college and a remodelled library entrance with disabled access. Key to the whole plan is the provision of a climate-controlled repository and conservation area. This acts as a permanent home for the Library’s special collections and for Girton’s archive collection, recognised as the most important resource in Britain on women’s access to higher education. It includes the institutional records of Girton as a pioneering college and the personal papers of many of its members and supporters, who were connected

Eaden Lilley

part from a gusty wind which threatened to toss speech notes into the air, the weather looked kindly on Girton when Professor Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, opened The Duke Building at Girton College on Saturday 23 April. Some 400 guests attended the event. In the new Campbell Court, they heard speeches from the Mistress the College Visitor, the Vice-Chancellor and the Librarian, and enjoyed music from the College choir, including a new College song. Wellorganised tours of the new building continued throughout the afternoon, and guests were able to see exhibitions of material from Girton’s collections.

The College Choir, conducted by Dr Martin Ennis performing the Duke Building Song Helena Thomas of Allies and Morrison and was fabricated in European oak and stainless steel by Drayton Joinery, with lighting from Aktiva. The Reading Room rug was presented by Phaik Gan Lim (1934) in memory of two Girton Historians: MG Jones (Fellow 1924–45) and Helen Cam (Fellow 1927–48). It was specially commissioned by the College from designer, Kate Blee,

Stephen Bond

Library Opening

The new IT resources area by twilight

The Duke Building, viewed from the front

The building is thoroughly modern in conception, while also relating carefully to the surrounding architecture in terms of scale and the use of materials such as brick, stone and terracotta. The original Upper Library has not been changed in any way; however, the architects considered carefully the views of the new building from the upper windows, and so the roof of one wing of the new building is planted with sedum, while the other is made of lead. The layout of the building has created an addition to the College’s open spaces in Campbell Court, named after benefactors Juliet Campbell (Mistress

“Libraries are pivotal to our work as a university,” said Professor Richard in her opening speech. “They allow the transmission of knowledge between generations, between disciplines and between readers from all over the world. In this Library at Girton mathematicians and musicians, physicists and philosophers at every level will learn next to each other, and from each other, and scholarship and learning will be the better for it.” Among the other speakers at the opening was Baroness Hale, Britain’s first female Law Lord and Girton’s recently appointed College Visitor, who succeeded the Queen Mother in the role. Frances Gandy Librarian and Curator, Girton College

Eaden Lilley

of Girton 1993 – 98) and her late husband Alec. One of our Admissions tutors, the Personnel Officer and the Warden of Wolfson Court and her son, at the Duke Building opening

Eaden Lilley

and woven in central Turkey. Kate Blee is part of an established project to revitalise carpet weaving in Turkey by introducing contemporary design to traditional production techniques, thus bringing sustainable fair-trade employment to rural villages.

The Mistress, Professor Dame Marilyn Strathern (left) and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Alison Richard

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter

Travel Events

Swanning about The opportunity to enjoy summer sun in December, and the possibility of seeing both lemurs and penguins in the same fortnight, saw me jetting off to Mauritius on the last day of the Michaelmas Full Term to join Swan Hellenic’s ship Minerva II in Port Louis. In spite of tropical storms during our night-long flight, which bounced giant sparks off the aircraft wings, the dawn came up like thunder, and the sky was lit as though by the most intensely-coloured rainbow, as we made our descent over the Indian Ocean.

auritius was just the beginning of a trip that took us on to Madagascar, and then to the mainland of South Africa, stopping off all around the coast and ending at Cape Town. In fact the day spent in Mauritius was tantalising. Just time for an afternoon on a perfect beach and a trip to the Botanical Gardens, and we were rapidly embarking and headed for the east coast of Madagascar. A party was held for Cambridge alumni and their partners, who had booked through schemes run by either the University or their College. One Girtonian was re-united with a former colleague whom she had not seen for 40 years. Much networking followed. On Madagascar it was the lychee season, and a trip to the market in

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Toamasina had me bringing back a kilo or two, plus an inordinate quantity of local vanilla pods, which scented my cabin for the rest of the trip. But the highlight of Madagascar was the famous Reserve Privée de Berenty, home to a huge variety of the stunning wildlife for which Madagascar is famous – 115 plant species, 83 bird species, 26 species of reptile. The threehour journey on mud-rutted roads was fascinating. It took us into many villages, through the lush coastal vegetation and up into the dry landscape of the mountains with its eerie spiny forests and plantations of sisal. Of course, what everyone wants to see most are the lemurs, and Berenty has several species including ring-tails, red-fronted browns, sportives and the

Looking out to sea, Madagascar grey mouse. The last two are nocturnal, but I saw the others, and was also lucky to catch sight of several Verreaux sifakas, the graceful white lemurs. We made the mainland of South Africa at Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. The sand dunes that edge the St Lucia

Travel Events

”

The march of the penguins, Cape of Good Hope Wetlands reserve could be seen from several miles out to sea, as they are the second highest vegetated sand dunes in the world. Later on I was able to see the wetlands at close quarters, and, out in a small boat, encountered crocodiles, hippos, and African sea eagles, to name but a few of the many species that live there. Indeed, in the days that followed, the richness of the African wildlife was almost overwhelming; rhinos, giraffes, zebras, elephants, warthogs, wildebeest - all at close quarters from a 4x4, and biggest thrill of all – a leopard at less than forty paces. Meanwhile, back on the ship, games of Trivial Pursuit and serious sun-bathing were punctuated by lectures on the history of the areas we were visiting. Professor Christopher Andrew from Cambridge University was one of a team of experts directing this programme.

Zebras and a rhinoceros encountered in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

From Richards Bay the ship went on to Durban and Port Elizabeth, accompanied in the bow waves by flying fish. After that we headed for Mossel Bay, with a Great White shark in the water as we took the small tenders to get to shore. We slid into Cape Town as dawn rose, and many of us were up on deck to watch, our hands wrapped around warming mugs of tea. We had come to South Africa on the tenth anniversary of the first democratic elections, and it was a moving moment as we slipped past Robben Island and watched Table Mountain draw closer through the fluttering of the ship’s South African flag. I spent the rest of the day down at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Spectacular views and a brilliant variety of flora allowed for legitimate pauses on the stiff walk (nay, cliff-climb) between the two Capes. And this is where the

All pictures by Frances Gandy

“

And this is where the penguins come in, because there is a large colony of African penguins on Boulders’ Beach, where we stopped on the return journey. Just amazing!

A rural scene in Madagascar penguins come in, because there is a large colony of African penguins on Boulders’ Beach, where we stopped on the return journey. Just amazing! Frances Gandy Librarian and Curator, Girton College

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter 11

Travel Events

Girton trip to India February / March 2005

lmost two years ago, a proposal was made to the Mistress and the Development Office for a new kind of travel programme to be offered to the Girton alumni. Given that the College since its foundation has enjoyed the presence of overseas students, many of whom have returned and contributed in major ways to life in their home countries, why not contact these members to see if they would be interested in welcoming a group from Britain, introducing the visitors to projects or places dear to their hearts? This would give the travellers an informed and intimate view of a country, as well as strengthen ties between our scattered alumni. India was suggested as the first choice: it enjoys a goodly number of Girtonians, and a rich and ancient culture. With the support of the

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Mistress and Fran Malarée, Barbara Isaac (Miller 1955) developed an itinerary for us. Once circulated, the response was immediately overwhelming. We were a group of 17: 11 exGirtonians and 6 assorted husbands, friends and an ex-Newnham twin sister. The trip, involving special visits arranged by Old Girtonians, was built around a framework of sightseeing which ranged from the bustle of modern Delhi with its emphasis on commerce and government, to the slow pace of camel carts and elephant rides in Rajasthan. After Delhi we visited Lucknow where, in the former British Residency, the history of the Indian Mutiny, or more correctly, the history of the Freedom

Struggle, was vividly painted for us by Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah, one of the last descendants of the Nawabs of Awadh (Oudh). Thence to Agra, where we marvelled at the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the Fort. At Jaipur, the “Pink City”, named for the colour of its buildings, we saw the Amber Fort, where a picturesque elephant ride saved our knees from the steep walk down. We visited the Palace of the Winds, and the 18th century astronomical observatory with its giant sundial which tells the time to within 2 seconds of accuracy. Throughout our journey we were ably entertained and enlightened by accounts of the various monuments by Hemender, our Rajput tour guide. His explanations were by no means confined to

Travel Events

architectural detail and included the history, sociology and mythology of India. A very special feature of the trip was that it included a number of visits, arranged after much research and efficient planning by Barbara Isaac, our tour leader, to places where Girtonians are currently working. This gave us the chance to learn much more than the average tourist about Indian life, particularly that of Indian women. Our first such visit was to Dr Christel Devadawson (1989), a leading member of the English Literature Faculty at Delhi University. She had invited us to attend a seminar where members of her allfemale student group were reading their papers on Virginia Woolf’s ‘A Room of One’s Own’. This was part of our suggested reading for the trip too! Dr Devadawson is clearly continuing the Girton tradition: her students were lively and articulate and delivered their persuasive and thoughtful papers with great confidence. This led on to a spirited discussion ranging over a number of issues, including the problems faced by Indian women today, in the course of which the students dealt with our questions and comments very confidently, especially the provocative ones by some of the male members of our group! Although their exams were imminent, the students gave us a tour of the South Campus with very interesting insights into its life. Dr Devadawson is clearly a source of great inspiration to her students and their respect and affection for her was obvious. At the Indian School in Delhi we were the guests of Dr Nayana Goradia (Daftary 1962) and Mrs Brinda Shroff (Goradia 1988) who is the deputy director of the school. The students performed a delightful puppet version of The Three Little Pigs for us and gave us an enchanting display of Indian Classical Dance. Dr Goradia also very kindly entertained us to a party in her home later that day. She introduced us to a large number of distinguished friends, including the former Indian Attorney-General, the UK

At the Mehrangarh, Jodhpur

Students at Delhi University High Commissioner, a female former state Chief Justice, senior employees of the World Bank, civil servants and politicians including Dr Goradia’s husband, Mr Prafull Goradia. We greatly enjoyed meeting them all. Our third visit was to the National Museum in Delhi where Dr Janet Rizvi (Clarke 1958) talked to us about her research on Kashmir Shawls and together with Anamika Pathak, the Deputy Curator of Decorative Arts and Textiles, took us behind the scenes to see the Museum’s unequalled reserve collection. She explained the provenance of the shawls, told us about the animals whose hair/wool is used for them and a little about the craft and skills involved in making the shawls.

As well as organising these fascinating visits, Barbara was an indefatigable and endlessly patient tour leader. Thanks to her and to Hemender, the trip ran very smoothly and was a most relaxing experience for the rest of us. As a formula for a successful holiday group, assembling a group of ex- Girtonians is hard to beat and I would jump at the chance of another similar trip. As a practical memory, together with our photographs, the new Archive building received a welcome and satisfactory donation from our combined contributions.

Carol Darwin (Joll 1966) and Lindsay Merriman (Megarry 1961)

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter 13

Travel Events

Choir Tour to Japan Girton College Chapel Choir â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tour to Japan, August 2004

The Choir performing at the Kumamoto International Youth Festival

irton College Chapel Choir was able to enjoy a highly successful tour to Japan during the first half of August 2004. The central element of the tour was an appearance at the Kumamoto International Youth Festival, to which the choir had been invited. However, there was a seemingly perfect balance between the formal engagements that the choir was asked to fulfil and opportunities to explore Japanese life and culture. We spent our first four full days in Japan on the east coast of Kyuushuu island in the small town of Kadogawa. Here the choir was split into groups of two, and each pair went to live with different families. We were all very well looked after - Japanese hospitality being second to none - and each group had different stories to tell about the experiences of living with its family. We

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performed in their town concert hall, and performed a local song called Ware wa umi no ko (I am a child of the sea), which went down particularly well with the audience. Even our Japanese pronunciation was much praised, though whether this was thanks to careful teaching or to politeness on the part of hosts was not entirely clear. After a free day (during which some of us were taken all the way to Mount Aso, while others stayed in Kadogawa to sample local food or the delights of local onsen), we bade a sad farewell and took the coach to Kumamoto, the largest city in the region. Here, alongside groups from Germany and Switzerland, we were to take part in the Kumamoto International Youth Festival. During our time in Kumamoto, our main engagement was a concert in the vast Prefectural Theatre. However, we were also guests at a grand dinner party, hosted by the Japan-British

Members of the Choir with HIH the Princess Takamado (Tottori 1972) Society Choral Club, and we also had a memorable cultural exchange and barbecue with Hitsuyukan High School, who generously responded to our performances with vivid accounts of Japanese music on the koto and other Japanese instruments. The final leg of the tour was spent in Tokyo, where our only official engagement was a concert at the British Embassy. The guest of honour, however, was Crown Princess Takamado (herself an old Girtonian), and the British Ambassador to Japan was also present. All in all, it was an extremely successful tour. The concerts were very well received, and there were many opportunities to experience Japanese culture, particularly through the experience of staying with host families. We should like to use this opportunity

Travel Events

US Events

Dr Ennis and HIH Princess Takamado

Girton Campaign dinner, New York November 2005 The College co-hosted a highly successful alumni dinner in New York city, at the New York Racquet and Tennis Club in November 2005, with Selwyn, Downing, King’s and Darwin. The event coincided with the launch of the new Development Campaign for the University, which was held at the CUNY graduate school during the day. Alumni were treated to a talk by Girtonian NY Times journalist Christopher Mason (1980) who spoke about his recent book, The Art of the Steal: Inside the Sotheby’s – Christie’s Auction House Scandal. Members of the King’s College Choir also sang at the event.

Mrs Anette Goelet (Hoegh 1982) and Dr Stephen O’Keefe at the Racquet and Tennis Club, New York

Boston Girton and St John’s dinner, November 2005 We were also pleased to see many Girtonians from the Boston and Cambridge area attend a dinner hosted by the Master of St John’s College and our former Professional Fellow, James Simpson at the British Consulate in Cambridge MA. We are grateful to St John’s College Development Office and to Valerie Warrior (1955) for helping us to organise this event. The Choir at the British Embassy, Tokyo to thank all those who supported the tour: the trustees of the Daiwa Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, as well as many alumni and friends of the Choir who donated in an individual capacity. Without their generosity the tour would not have been possible. The Choir is currently planning its next tour to Australia, in September 2006 – if you would like to find out more, please contact the Development Office – development@girton.cam.ac.uk Dr Martin Ennis Fellow and Director of Music, Girton College, Cambridge | Chairman, Faculty Board of

Left to right: Dr Pamela Talalay, (Samuels 1947), Dr Paul Talalay, Ms Francisca Malarée and Mr Christopher Mason (1980) at the Racquet and Tennis Club, New York

Music, University of Cambridge

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Alumni Events

Alumni Events Alumni Reunions

he very first event in a series of Annual Reunions took place in College on Saturday 26 June 2004, with a gathering of Girtonians who matriculated 20 years ago. Dr Roland Randall presided at the dinner, extending a warm welcome to Girtonians and guests, and explaining some of the changes which had taken place over the years. The presence of Dr John Marks was particularly appreciated by some of the past students in medicine. The event was a great success, a rare opportunity for Girtonians to renew their friendships in a setting which evoked vivid recollections of life in College. The second Girton Reunion event was held in College on Saturday 4th September 2004, for those who matriculated in 1994. Guests took full advantage of the surprisingly warm evening, enjoying pre-dinner drinks outside, before dinner was served in the Fellows’ Dining Room. A total of 40 Girtonians attended this event, representing a good cross-section of the year group. The evening was a chance for everyone to network and catch up on life developments since their last gathering in College for the MA congregation. After a candle-lit dinner Dr Trevor Rayment, ViceMistress, welcomed everyone back to College and went on to describe recent developments in College with the imminent opening of the new Library Archive extension. He also talked about the new Nursery building at Wolfson Court. He was delighted to greet familiar faces back to the College and catch up on career developments.

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Guests at the 1995 Reunion dinner The 1979 Reunion Dinner on Friday 1 October 2004 was enthusiastically supported and proved to be a memorable evening for all. Lively conversation prevailed throughout the evening, as nostalgic memories of College were recounted and many life experiences exchanged. We were delighted to see a span across the generations, when Girton couple Ward Crawford (1979) and Sarah Crawford (Brown, 1979) brought their daughters Jess and Alice Crawford as guests. Jess Crawford was due to take up a place to read History of Art at Girton. We are delighted that she has now joined the College. The Mistress extended a very warm welcome to everyone, pointing out that 1979 was a landmark year for the College, when male students had been admitted to the Girton community for the first time. The Mistress explained that the College had undergone a series of structural improvements over the years. In a highly competitive educational climate, she stressed the importance of continuing to upgrade College facilities in order to meet the demands of the future.

A special Reunion Dinner for Girtonians who matriculated in 1995 was held on Friday 18 March 2005. Pre-dinner drinks were served in the Fellows’ Rooms prior to a formal three-course meal in Hall. Dr Roland Randall, Fellow and Lecturer in Geography, presided at the dinner. He offered a very warm welcome back to the College, and went on to talk about the changes which had taken place over recent years. He spoke of the forthcoming official opening of the new Library extension building, and of the Nursery, built on the Wolfson Court site. He also spoke about new College projects, such as the Tower Wing Refurbishment, the Sports Pavilion and Pitch Redevelopment and the Teaching Fellowships. As a direct result of holding the Reunions we have been able to trace 66 Girtonians for whom we previously held no contact information, through the circulation of ‘lost lists’ with our invitations.

Alumni Events

Donors’ Dinner 2004 and 2005 The Annual Donors’ Dinner continues to be a very popular occasion and is always well attended. It is a lively event designed to thank all of our current donors, and is also an opportunity for guests to catch up with old friends and make new ones. The last two occasions have been blessed with good weather, enabling everyone to enjoy the Pimms Reception and after dinner drinks in Eliza Baker Court as well as the Fellows’ Rooms. The Catering Department excelled themselves at this year’s dinner, providing a quite delicious meal. As ever the food was perfectly cooked and we would like to sincerely express our thanks to those involved. The next Donors’ Dinner will be held on Friday 23 June 2006, and all those who have donated since May 2005 will be invited. We look forward to seeing you there.

All pictures by Andrew Houston

Left to right: Mr Tom Stone, Mrs Mary Hellon, Dr Valerie Warrior (1955) and Mrs Judith Anstice (Williams 1955)

Guests enjoyed the reception in the Fellows’ Rooms and Eliza Baker Court

The Mistress with fellow diners

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Alumni Events

Fifty Years On Cambridge Geographers Celebrate Golden Anniversary at Girton

n 4 June 1954 the Cambridge University Reporter duly printed the dry class lists for those who had taken the Geographical Tripos Part II that summer. There were 56 names on the list, 17 women and 39 men. Those graduating that year had came from 18 colleges across the University. The last time most of the group had seen each other was as be-gowned, scribbling figures in the bare hall of the Corn Exchange during final examinations or, perhaps, in May Balls and parties at the end of that hot summer term. For most of us outside our particular college circle there had been little or no contact since.

The three professors: Peter Hagget (University of Bristol), Gerald Manners (UCL), and Michael Chisholm (University of Cambridge) Cambridge in the early 1950s had been an incredibly lively place. Of course, we still had to bring our ration books and the presence of United States servicemen reminded us that war had not long ceased. But life was good. Bicycle Thieves was showing at the Arts Cinema and Zuleika Dobson at the Arts Theatre. Peter May was batting at Fenners and Jonathan Miller performing

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at the Footlights. The structure of DNA was being worked out by Crick and Watson at the Cavendish while F.R.Leavis was turning English criticism on its head at Downing. And in the Geography Department at Downing Place, Vaughan Lewis was sorting out the way glaciers really moved while Clifford Smith was resolving the riddle of the Norfolk Broads. It was a great time to be in Cambridge. A half-century later, on a beautiful early autumn day in September 2004, over half of the surviving cohort of 1951-54 geographers came back together to Cambridge once again – this time to Girton. Of the 48 who could be traced, three quarters were eager to come if they could. Two were prevented by remoteness (they were now living in Adelaide and Malaysia) and a further four by illness so in the end 29 gathered in the Girton S.C.R. by kind permission of the Mistress. Just to ensure we could be mutually recognized a number of members had supplied old photographs. If the early 1950s were our ‘Salad Days’, the ensuing decades had inevitably taken some of the crispness out of the lettuce. But the passage of fifty years was soon forgotten in reminiscences and tales told. While some of us had gone on into donnish or school life others’ careers varied tremendously: from the ministry to MI5, from fighting to farming, from the colonies to California. We seem to have lived for a while in all continents outside Antarctica and had experienced the usual snakes and ladders which make up all lives. But these years slipped away and we found ourselves

arguing illogically in just the same impossible way as ever we had over Coe Fen and Gog Magog surveying, or digging holes together in snow patches and glaciers in Cairngorm and Skautbreen, or on fieldweeks in the Weald. Three earnest professors who had once been Cat’s undergraduates (and still behaved as such) were persuaded against their better judgment to speak. They had been commanded to perform a trialogue (much like the Three Tenors) and to speak of changes in the discipline over the last half-century. But the company, the wine, and the Girton cooking were much too good for such seriousness and they wandered off into mutual reminiscing, including a shared bicycle ride through the Massif Central of France in the Long Vacation of 1952. (We note with sadness that while the Cambridge Pocket Diary still endures, the ‘Long Vacation’ is now labelled mirthlessly as ‘Research Period’). One especially welcome guest was Dick Grove, bronzed and hale in his eighties, who had taught us geomorphology in the 1950s. Dick was, of course, the husband of the much-loved Jean Grove. As Jean Clark she had arrived at Girton in October 1953, just in time to inspire the graduates of our year, and then successive cohorts of geographers up to her death in January 2001. Another special guest was Geoff Willett, the omniscient librarian of the Geography Department library in Downing Place. Geoff will be known to other cohorts of that period as the fount of all knowledge on just the right way to gain the maximum academic returns from the minimum reading input.

Alumni Events

Savoy Ball On the 8 October the College hosted a fundraising Ball in the prestigious Lancaster Ball Room at the Savoy Hotel, London. The event was to help raise the remaining £20,000 needed at that time for the Library and Archive project. The evening was the result of much hard work from both the Development Office and several Old Girtonians, being the inspiration of Margaret Llewellyn and Margaret Berringer who offered their expertise in arranging the evening. Tickets to the event included a Champagne Reception where guests were kindly entertained by Jane Woolcock (Lister, 1972) on the Harp.

Our final thoughts were with three groups. First, all those we know who would love to have joined us but infirmity or geography had kept separate. Cards were signed and sent. Second, the young graduates of 2004 who were carrying the baton forward. We drank to their future and hoped the Gods would be good to them; if they have half as good a time as we have had they will be greatly blessed. Finally, we passed a great vote of thanks to the College for its warm welcome, its excellent kitchen (not forgetting its easy parking), and to our Girtonian quintet in general (and to Dorothy Darke in particular) for bringing us all together. Thank goodness that some things don’t change over the decades and that Girtonians continue to organize the rest of us in the University so efficiently. Peter Haggett St Catharine’s College, 1954

The evening concluded with the opportunity to dance to the sound of the critically acclaimed band ‘The Dark Blues’, the definitive party cover-band. The lead singer, Nigel Tully, who formed the band in Oxford in the 1960s, also happens to be the husband of Deborah Cunningham (Yeates, 1967), and son-in-law to Jozy Yeates (Fairweather, 1937), who both attended the event. The evening contributed hugely to raising awareness of the Library and Archive project and we would like to thank everyone who was involved with the event. This event was kindly sponsored by Swan Hellenic Cruises.

Simply Photography

The speaker at the Savoy Ball, William Buckley (1983)

After the meal came the opportunity to bid in a Charity Auction with lots including a Swan Hellenic Cruise to the Baltic; a weekend in the ultra-modern Towers Hotel, Jersey Marine, Swansea; a mixed case of Adnams of Southwold French wine, and a return ticket for a car and up to four passengers on P&O’s Dover-Calais route. The auction was brought to life by the enthusiastic volunteer auctioneer, Will Buckley, a

sports writer for the Observer, to whom we are very grateful.

Guests enjoying dinner, including Margeret Llewellyn (1974), one of the ball organisers (second from left)

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Alumni Interviews

Girton Interviews All interviews by Margaret Nicholson

Jocelyn Mayne Ferguson, 1952 Jocelyn Mayne came from North London Collegiate School to read History at Girton in 1952. Her Director of Studies was Mrs Lindsay. Jocelyn remembers her as very upright, with black hair fixed in a knot. She had a strong belief that her students should do something with their lives. Academically, she encouraged them to think for themselves by saying they could take any point of view so long as they could prove it. She also took it upon herself to socially civilise her students by holding parties to introduce, to them people from all over Cambridge. It seems she thought laughter a civilising and indeed romantic influence by including a big china bowl of smarties, over which hands might accidentally touch or smiles be exchanged. At that time World War Two was still an influence: Jocelyn made her own clothes, and had only one bottle of sherry a term. She welcomes the changes to the College since then, especially central heating! She was also very much in favour of going co-residential: “it’s civilised to have men about”. At Girton Jocelyn had lots of fun, and made friends for life. She threw herself into Scottish and Jazz dancing, singing in the Pirates of Penzance, and became involved in theatre at the ADC, including being a lewd woman in Volpone and making costumes all in black and white for Peter Brook’s production of Hamlet.

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A friend of hers in the year above, Janet Donald (Blood, 1951) became a Studio Manager at the BBC and told her, “you must come too, it’s such fun”. So, on leaving Girton, Jocelyn spent three years as a studio manager, working in radio for the BBC World Service at Bush House. This was a technical job, ‘on air’ 24 hours a day, twiddling knobs, spinning discs and making short announcements. During the Suez Campaign she saw Arabic and Israeli news services fighting in the canteen. After the Hungarian uprising, people who had escaped to London broadcast back to their country with tears in their eyes: “they depend on us to tell them what’s happening in the next village”. Jocelyn saw at first hand what a force for freedom radio could be. The policy at the BBC was for people to compete for different jobs internally. Jocelyn became a producer on the Today programme, which was then less than a year old. As producer, she had discretion over what was in the programme, a mixture of short items, some light and others rather solemn

Jocelyn Mayne (Ferguson 1952) current affairs, and producers researched the subjects themselves each morning. At that time the journalists were overawed by cabinet ministers, unlike today’s interviewers! After eighteen months, Jocelyn moved to start the In Touch programme for blind listeners. This was set up in six weeks, and was independent of the

Alumni Interviews

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). Even among blind people she met opposition to the idea of a separate programme. Jocelyn believed that the jobs open to blind people were too restricted, and she set out to interview those who had made it into other jobs – not just the archetypal piano tuner – and ask them how in a practical way they had achieved it, what equipment they used etc.

On returning to work, she took on a different challenge, that of reviving Overseas Radio Training. Since 1937 the BBC had helped countries as they gained Independence to develop their own media by providing training. Jocelyn spoke to Chris Patten, who was then Minister for Overseas Development, who agreed that Radio Training should be part of Development. After qualifying at Wolverhampton University, she set up a three months training programme, specialising in the third month on News, Drama, or perhaps training as a trainer to pass on the knowledge back home. At Bush House overseas trainees met their countrymen broadcasting home in their vernacular languages. They may not have had experience of free speech in their own countries. By interviewing leading politicians in Britain, they gained confidence. Jocelyn’s advice from working in current affairs was “speak

Peter Ashley

Nevertherless, work never completely took over Jocelyn’s life. She spent time caring for her mother, who was seriously ill. Also she loved sailing, to which she devoted as many weekends as possible. Then, in her thirties, she met Richard Mayne, one of her speakers on The Critics. Richard, a writer and broadcaster himself, had been involved in setting up the EEC, including acting as assistant to Jean Monnet, dubbed “the Father of the European Community”. Jocelyn and Richard married in 1971, and following the birth of their two daughters, Jocelyn decided to be a full-time mother for a few years.

truth but without adjectives”, and she feels that the BBC maintains a cool independence from government which is still important today. After growing the job, possibly beyond the BBC’s financial constraints, in 1990 Jocelyn was made redundant. She had many contacts in the media, the environment and government and set up The Radio Guild with other people who’d been in radio training. She taught in Tanzania, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Indonesia and Romania. The radio training had given her a very

serious purpose in promoting democracy. In 1996 The Radio Guild won the Cable and Wireless Award for Effective Communication, for the effect that the radio programmes had in encouraging a high turnout for voting in the 1995 elections in Tanzania. Jocylyn retired in the last few years but even then was the founding President of the London Girton Association, a flourishing alumni group. She retired again in 2000, and now enjoys spending as much time as she can with Richard and the rest of her family.

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Alumni Interviews

Dan Germain 1991 The offices of innocent in west London where Dan Germain (1991) is based as Head of Creative for the company present the visitor with a slightly surreal mix of corporate office and film-set. Outside stands a van painted with the black splodges of a pedigree cow. Inside in the open-plan space people quietly focus on their screens, yet the floor is carpeted with astroturf! Dan’s position at innocent indirectly stems from following his headmaster’s good advice that he would be suited to Cambridge. As a teenager Dan had no clear expectations of Oxbridge, and decided on Girton because a previous head boy of his school, Mark Bailey (1989) was already there. When he visited Girton for himself he fell in love with the grounds and buildings, and came here to study geography in 1991. Dan’s happiest memories of his time at Girton are the days when he was able to hang out all day around the College with friends. Although he learned about geography in his department, in

long discussions with his friends he learned about law and philosophy too. Dan says Girton changed his life through the many people he met there, and who are still his best friends. It doesn’t feel to Dan that it is ten years since he graduated, and he says he is the ‘same bloke’, just with shorter hair and a mortgage, and perhaps a bit slower on the football pitch. Since leaving Girton, Dan has continued to explore as much as he can. Upon leaving Girton he took a TEFL course, and spent three years teaching children in Thailand, and adults at the British Council in Indonesia. He was in Jakarta in 1998 during the coup that overthrew Suharto, during which he witnessed tanks on the streets and experienced house arrest. Following his return to the UK, he agreed to help three of his friends from Cambridge, who had followed more conventional paths into advertising and management consultancy before setting up innocent while still in their mid twenties. While at Cambridge their entrepreneurial activities had already provided a path for Dan’s creativity, as they ran club nights at which he used to DJ. Now, Dan became the first employee of innocent. That first summer Dan made the deliveries of the drinks, initially intending to return to study, but as the company quickly expanded so did his role. Today Dan’s role as Head of Creative covers very wide ground,

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including design, packaging design, copywriting, two books (Innocent – Little Book of Drinks and Innocent – Stay Healthy, Be Lazy) and the website. innocent has nearly 70 employees at the present time, and their winning drinks have earned it a place on the financial pages as well as supermarket shelves. Dan feels the success of the company is partly down to timing, as people were ready for something as natural and honest as juices and smoothies made with 100% fruit. The drinks themselves are made in the same way they’ve always been made, but now it is a big operation with over a million bottles a month being produced. Dan does not see a downside to the fast company growth, which enables people to do very specific things that they are experts in, and feels confident they can retain a shared understanding the company’s ethos. Dan says, “As innocent was started by a group of friends, it was always going to be more than a business”. As the astroturf suggests, a sense of fun appears to permeate the company, and is reflected in the way the drinks are presented to the public. The image of innocent is not something that was concocted using marketing theory, but is a reflection of the way it developed and the personalities of those involved. Dan’s belief that we should enjoy life, and the best way to do so is by being natural, honest and funny, is embodied in the way the drinks are presented to the public.

A fun aspect to working at the company is concocting the drinks themselves. For the recipe books Dan wrote they tried out the drinks at the home of Lucy, the Head of Product Development. In addition to familiar fruit mixtures, many off-the-wall vegetable combinations featured, which did not make it beyond her kitchen. Dan says the most disgusting one they tried

was onion juice, which is a foul cloudy brew. Luckily for the rest of us, delicious fruit combinations like mangoes and passion fruits, or cranberries and raspberries are the ones for which innocent is best known, and with a new recipe book mooted, Dan should be able to continue, in his unassuming way, to enjoy his life at innocent.

“ of his time at Girton are the Dan’s happiest memories

”

days when he was able to hang out all day around the College with friends

Sarah and Ward Crawford 1979 Sarah and Ward Crawford met twentyfive years ago in the first year that male undergraduates were admitted to Girton. Neither of them realised when they applied they would be part of an historic year. Indeed Ward, who was the first member of his family to go to university outside Ireland, wondered if there had been some shocking mistake when he was offered a place at Girton! Their daughter Jess this year became part of another first for Girton, as she is the first child of a Girton couple to attend the College herself. I was fortunate to visit the family in their whitewashed cottage in the Devon village of Thorverton shortly before Christmas. The house doubles as a small-holding – outside their front door, I was greeted by hens, and as I stepped in the door one of their friendly dogs brought me a shoe in hope of a walk. As well as their daughters Jess and Alice, the two boys, Patrick, who is fourteen, and Edward, who is twelve, were also at home. Sarah and Ward made a point of not influencing their children to follow in their footsteps to Girton, and initially

Ward Crawford (1979) and Sarah Crawford (Brown 1979) Jess had no intentions of doing so, but it seems to be a decision that once made, everyone was glad about. Ward and Sarah met at College through the Christian Union and through mutual friends in the Engineering Department. Sarah herself studied Modern & Medieval Languages. But it was not until

a couple of years after university that they got together. At that time Sarah (née Brown) was in Durham studying for a PGCE and Ward was in Hereford. Sarah and Ward were among those attending the 1979 reunion in October 2004. They chose to take Jess and Alice, who is in the sixth-form, as their guests.

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Alumni Interviews

I asked both Sarah and Jess for their experience of the occasion. For Sarah it was “quite disconcerting” - much more so than she had imagined in advance. The smell of furniture polish was reassuringly evocative of student days, but seeing people she had last seen twenty-five years ago was quite a challenging experience and initially brought out a feeling of shyness. Jess remembered Girton quite well from when they lived in Cambridge as children, and had used the swimming pool. She really enjoyed meeting people she had heard her parents talk about but had never met, while for her parents it was really interesting to catch up with friends they had not seen in a long time. The family seem very settled in Devon, having initially moved there because of Ward’s job. Following his Engineering degree, Cadbury Schweppes sent him on a year’s course in Cambridge. He has stayed with the company ever since. He started out as a production engineer, and was based in different locations around the UK, including Bournville, before being offered the post of Managing Director of a small business in Crediton called Ernest Jackson, which mainly makes medicinal confectionery.

Then, eighteen months ago, Ward was offered the job of President, Cadbury Japan Ltd, based in Tokyo, which, as Sarah says, “couldn’t be more of a contrast” to Thorverton. This time the rest of the family stayed in Devon, though school holidays are generally spent in Japan. Two years ago they spent Christmas in Tokyo. Christmas Eve out there is the Japanese version of Valentine’s Day, and the city was filled with kitsch decorations. Sarah is very involved in village life. Following a campaign to save the local post office, they were given a government grant to buy a portacabin, and for three years Sarah was postmistress. A teacher by training, over the years Sarah has fitted her jobs around her family commitments, including acting as an advisor for the Pre-school Learning Alliance (when she was able to take Edward round with

her visiting pre-schools), and teaching at the West of England School for the Blind in Exeter. I couldn’t leave before visiting the the animals in the six-acre smallholding. Sarah is a member of the Devon Association of Smallholders, and after attending a goat-keeping course with the Association she came back with two kids (of the goat variety). As they heard us coming towards their shed, they lifted up their front legs onto the partition in the shed to stare at us curiously and wag their wispy beards. They are Golden Guernsey goats and are a beautiful clotted cream and coffee colour. Sarah explained that the smallholding does not meet the strict DEFRA criteria to produce milk and cheese commercially, but that they are self-sufficient in eggs and vegetables. We pass the vegetable garden, and at the top is a large field, currently holding two geese, but previously the home of sheep, including an orphaned lamb called Wally whom they had initially looked after in a box in the kitchen. Sarah mentioned that Ward has planted a small wood of oak and other broad-leafed trees, and dreams of adding a vineyard on the south-facing slopes; and in this landscape where it is so easy to dream, I hope that the family’s dreams for the future come true.

Nigel Stead

Ward’s next challenge was becoming Managing Director of Cadbury

Malaysia, and the family moved to Kuala Lumpur for two years. When they came back to the UK, they spotted the house with the land they dreamed of on the Internet, in the same village they had left two years before. At that point Ward became Director, Insights and Knowledge, a broad-based position involving development of the company’s intranet and based in London.

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Sport

Sport Girton College Boat Club In recent years, the College’s Boat Club has made great progress, thanks to the support of current and former members of Girton. Girton’s 1st Women’s VIII is currently 6th on the river. This is the highest

Peter Hempsall

position they have held since women were ‘allowed’ to start racing in VIII’s back in 1990.

Emily Hall (2001) President of GCBC 2004-2005 In the past three years the 2nd Women’s boat, the 1st Women’s boat and the 2nd Men’s boat have all been awarded blades. This success is a result of long hard work and hours of training by the club members, but could not have been achieved were it not for the recent improvements to our training facilities and equipment. The most important improvements have been to the Boat Club’s fleet of VIIIs, used almost daily for training and racing. In 2003 the club purchased the

Dr Alastair Reid names the new boat, together with 2004/5 first VIII men’s captain Edward Mottley (2002) Jane Marks the 1st women’s VIII, a boat that has seen them go up 10 places in the May Bumps in the last 3 years. In June last year, the club purchased the Dr. Alastair Reid, (named after the longstanding senior Treasurer of the Boat Club) and the new 1st men’s VIII, which will make its Bumps debut during the Lent Bumps. Neither boat could have been bought without the continued support of our sponsors Price Waterhouse Coopers, the kind help

of the College, or the invaluable generosity of our donors. GCBC is not one of the larger boat clubs on the Cam, and does not have the financial resources to purchase new boats on a regular basis. The two new 1st VIII’s are replacing boats fifteen and seven years old respectively. Donations to the Boat Club are essential if we are to continue our recent success. Currently, the Club recieves support

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Sport

from the Boat Club Millennium Fund, an endowment fund which stands at £20,000 thanks to the generosity of former Girton rowers. Ideally, we would like to increase the fund to £100,000 in the next two years, so that it generates at least £4,000 per year towards new equipment. Alumni also support the Club by getting involved with the alumni boat club, the Infidels. If you would like to know more about the Infidel Boat Club or support GCBC, please contact the Development Director (development@girton.cam.ac.uk), who will put you in touch with the Boat Club President, or go to www.girton.cam.ac.uk/giving Emily Hall GCBC President 2004-2006

The first VIII, 2005 May Bumps, with the Dr Alastair Reid

Old Boys Football Match 2004 A large crowd gathered for the rugby, as the elite of the past ten years of Girton football prepared to take on the present Girton team. The visitors, captained by Bob Reddy (1995), lived up to their name and straightaway felt the pressure as the home side, captained by Jamie Knibbs, passed and moved with fluency. The Old Boys held their shape with centre-backs Andy Hall (1995) and Michael Coulson (1997) winning most of the headers. In front of them, Mike Farrington (2000) was putting in crucial strong challenges while his opposite number Mike Dankis was looking dangerous with frequent direct forward runs. The visitors’ defence was eventually breached after a deflected cheeky Mike Dankis shot found its way to the back of the net. One-nil to the young boys at half-time. The second half was more exciting, with Girton finding avenues of attack down the wings, when they realised that the Old Boys had brought along a comedy left-back. One memorable attack saw the

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ball heading towards the Old Boys’ net, only to be clawed off the line at the last second by the legendary ‘Micky Villa’. Fortunately, Girton right-back Apps took the resulting penalty in his own inimitable style, prompting an excellent save from the Old Boys’ keeper John Bee (1999). The visitors pushed forward from this with Nick Howard (1995), the lone centre forward, laying off some decent balls and attempting a spectacular overhead kick that went wide. Girton rallied, almost certainly in shock that the overhead kick had not come from their own centre-forward Tom Baden, who overhead kicks when others would control with their chest. The current team fought back with three goals. The first was an unmarked Knibbs header following a corner. The second was a typical Alex Mugan goal from the

left and the third was a Donald Davidson well-placed finish from the right. The Old Boys had several more chances, all spurned by Reddy, but they were rewarded in the last minute as a high ball from a corner hit Andy ‘Macca’ McNally (1999) on the head and unexpectedly went in. Final score, four-one. It was expected from the Old Boys’ match statistics that the goalie would have the lowest player mileage, but after running forward for a corner in the last minute John Bee notched up 100m, knocking Ian Deacon (2000) into last place, whilst Farrington totalled twenty-five miles. It was a friendly match and everyone said hooray for each other at the end. Ian Short (1997) The next Old Boys football match will take place on 25 November 2006

Sport

Old Boys Rugby This year’s game was played on its now traditional date of the last Saturday in November. It is believed that the game has been played every year, uninterrupted, since 1982 and has become a great tradition of modern Girton times.

he match is always played in great spirit, between past members of the Rugby club and the current First XV. The Old Boys team includes players from the first male intake at the College, as well as players who graduated as recently as this year. A record of the scores over the last twenty-two years has been compiled from memory, although there are unfortunately a few blanks. Current estimates show the Old Boys having won ten times, College four, with three draws and six years where no one can remember the outcome! If anyone can help fill in the blanks (or would like to join the ranks of the Old Boys) please send an e-mail to the current organiser, guylavarack@cantab.net This year’s game was a keenly fought contest, with the result in the balance until the last couple of minutes. The College side eventually took the honours 14-7; however, as always, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Expecting a big onslaught from a College side who are now mid table in Division 1, the Old Boys, led by skipper, Jon Lowe, made an impressive start, going 7-0 up early on. After a blistering first quarter, the Old Boys’ fitness began to tell and they let College back into the game, but strong defending kept the score-line constant. Spurred on by some fresh legs at half time, the Old Boys made a strong start to the second half and threatened the College line on a couple of occasions. However, in the final quarter, fitness and some poor referee decisions came into play and College were fortunate to score two converted tries.

A good time was had by all, although the Old Boys couldn’t help but come away feeling that they deserved a draw at the very least. Man of the Match went to Robbie Pitcher, who scored the Old Boys’ only try and led by example in the forwards, stealing balls on the ground, making the hard yards and putting in some big hits. The Old Boys were delighted to see that the College are now fighting it out with the big guns in Division One of University Rugby and long may it continue. In particular, they singled out the College lineout and scrums which were very well organised and helped College to retain much of their possession. As always, the Old Boys promise to come back next year even fitter, stronger and eager for revenge! Finally, the Old Boys wish to thank Fran in the Development Office for laying on tea and sandwiches after the game. It is hoped that in future years, there may be a dinner after the game, and perhaps the commissioning of a trophy to officially record the results and provide something, other than pride, to play for! Guy Lavarack (1996)

Year

Result

Score

1982

12-10

1983

6-0

1984

1985

Draw

12-12

1986

30-12

1987

1988

16-0

1989

Draw

9-9

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

Girton

1996

1997

1998

1999

10-4

2000

Girton

28-26

2001

Draw

17-17

2002

Girton

34-7

2003

10-7?

2004

Girton

14-7

Can you fill in the blanks? The next Old Boys’ Rugby Fixture will take place on 25 November 2006

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter 27

News

News Telethon 2005 This year we extended our telephone campaign to 3 weeks of calling, which enabled us to call our European alumni for the first time. The campaign was a great success and over £135,000 was pledged. We would like to thank all of our generous donors for their contribution and hope that everyone that we contacted enjoyed the experience. Postgraduate student Afia Aslam, one of our twelve callers, below shares her experience of the campaign: When I saw the poster for the telethon I thought, “Piece of cake!” and promptly applied. After two days of intensive

training, I’d realised that this telethon was a serious, highly organised effort, and that we were doing something far more delicate than asking alumni for money: we were expected to build relationships while we were at it. It was a tall order, but I still wound up having the most incredible calls with many of the alumni – friendly and warm conversations full of hilarious reminiscences, serious discussions and inspirational stories. I was in fits to hear of the streaker who roamed the College grounds in the winter of 1963, whom the Girton women appropriately nicknamed Chilly Billy. I was touched when one alumna said her husband

wanted to make a gift to the College “because I was a gift from Girton to him.” I was inspired when alumni told me about their experiences teaching underprivileged people in India, Iran and Kenya. The latter category, in particular, got me thinking hard and I’ve started exploring opportunities for volunteering with an international charity organisation. Imagine, this time next year I might be sitting somewhere in Africa teaching in a community school, and it’ll all be because some kind strangers who went to the same College that I did took the time to speak to me on the telephone. That’s the power of building relationships.

Benefits?

College only) or ‘Available to other Alumni’. The majority of Girtonians should now have every confidence in sharing their contact information with other Alumni.

Girton Alumni Online As the ‘Girton Alumni Online’ membership grows (approaching 25%), we are reaching an even wider circle. More Girtonians are hearing about Girton Association activities and College events, and these are enjoying greater support. Members of ‘Girton Alumni Online’ have immediate access to College news and events. Increased participation in our Online website will allow us to circulate some of our information at a fraction of the cost of postal mailings, and enable us to give you early notice about news and events in College.

• News about Girton College • Calendar of events • Search for Alumni (by matriculation year, subject, country, profession or interests) • Forward a message to a contemporary (even if details are not displayed)

new members online, and all

• Careers advice

most welcome.

• Girton Regional Associations news pages • Bulletin board

Our community website now provides a vast networking resource for all the membership, and there is no charge to join. Individual registration details are needed in order to activate an account. These can be obtained upon application at this location:

http://web.girton.cam.ac.uk 28 Girton Newsletter

Spring 2006

We look forward to welcoming

• Calendar of events • News about Girton

Security? The website has been specifically designed to ensure that at every stage, the information you choose to submit is either ‘Confidential’ (available to Girton

feedback on the new project is

News

The Reverend Dr Malcolm Guite

alcolm Guite has been the Chaplain at Girton for three years. However, he has a long and happy association with the College, having married a Girtonian in 1984. Maggie Guite (Hutchison 1971) is also a vicar, and has begun working at St Mark’s Church in Newnham. He started working at Girton four years ago to cover the then Chaplain, Jo Crich-Smith’s leave. In 2004, the College decided to ‘make an honest man of him’ and officially appoint him Chaplain as Jo had moved to a parish in the north of England. He was born in Nigeria and grew up in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Canada. Several of his earliest memories include the family’s guest, a chimpanzee called Zimba, who lived with them when he was a young child as part of a research project for Ibadan University, Nigeria. Malcolm studied English at Pembroke, Cambridge, and went on to Durham to begin research for his PhD examining The Art of Memory and the Art of Salvation: A Study with reference to the works of Lancelot Andrewes, John Donne, and T.S. Eliot. He is still extremely interested in the expression of spirituality and faith through literature, and when not being Chaplain, his numerous teaching posts reflect this. He has held a variety of teaching and academic posts, and teaches at the Federation of Theological Colleges and Ridley Hall. He is also an advisor on cults and new religious movements for the Diocese of Ely. He believes that the Chaplaincy in College is important in assisting the development of individuals within it, and his role is to facilitate students connecting with their spiritual side, mainly within Christianity. However, he has many contacts with other faith

Malcom in his other guise as Mystery Train’s frontman

communities, and often is the first port of call for students asking for advice, whether they are of any faith or of none. He sees education in College in its broadest sense as being about the development of the individual not only intellectually but also philosophically, and hopes his post assists students and other members of College in exploring their beliefs. The Chaplain also has a formal role of course, in officiating in College events held in Chapel as well as a pastoral office, and one of the most frequent requests is to officiate at weddings, of which more below. Dr Guite has also just published a book entitled What do Christians Believe?, part of a series published by Granta this year, with Ed Kessler writing a counterpart volume on Judaism and

Ziauddin Sardar a volume on what Muslims believe. It is important that this sort of dialogue between faiths continues at a time when there is so much misunderstanding and misinterpretation between the major religions. When not writing and teaching, Reverend Guite enjoys spending time with Maggie and their two children. He also cherishes his Harley Davidson – he has owned one since he was a student, and also likes to sail in Suffolk when he has the time. Malcolm, aka ‘the rocking Reverend’ is well-known for playing in a band, Mystery Train, who ‘specialise in good-time, rootsy, Blues and R'n'B-based music, well known for rocking local pubs, clubs and May Balls.’ Mystery train played at Girton’s spring ball, and more information about them can be found on www.mysterytrain.org.uk

Spring 2006

Girton Newsletter 29

News

Malcom Guite at a chapel service

Civil Ceremonies The College has now obtained a license for civil ceremonies in public College rooms. For details of this, please contact the conference office and do bear in mind that you may not use any religious texts or icons in these ceremonies. Blessings The Chaplain is very happy to conduct blessing in Chapel after a civil partnership or civil marriage has taken place, either in College or elsewhere.

30 Girton Newsletter

Spring 2006

Church of England Wedding in Chapel If alumni or members of College wish to be married in Chapel there are some conditions. Alumni usually need to have graduated from College in the last five years. Permission also needs to be obtained from College Council after the Chaplain has agreed to the date. In addition to this, because the Chapel is not a parish church, alumni must request an archbishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special license to be married in it. This system may change in the near future, but for more information, please contact the Chaplain on chaplaincy@girton.cam.ac.uk The College conference office also offers a wedding package for receptions, and there is en-suite accommodation available in Pear Trees outside of term for those wishing to stay in College after a wedding party. Please contact conferences on conferences@girton.cam.ac.uk for more information.

Peter Ashley

Weddings in College Both the Development /Alumni office and the Chaplain are often asked about weddings in College. There are currently three options for alumni who wish to have a public ceremony in College, listed below.

Events Calendar 2006

Old Girtonians Honours

4 May

23 September

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2004

6.45pm for 7.15pm

People’s Portraits Reception

Alumni Formal Hall

To celebrate addition of a new portrait.

Contact: development@girton.cam.ac.uk for

3pm, to be added to the mailing list please

Mrs Christine Tacon (1978), general manager, Farmcare, was awarded a CBE for services to agriculture.

more information

email: c.venn@girton.cam.ac.uk

17 June

23 September

From 11am onwards

Roll Weekend/Roll Dinner & University Alumni Weekend

Girton College Boat Club May Bumps Marquee, Ditton Meadows, all supporters welcome. Tickets will be available from May.

Roll dinner, 7pm for 7.30pm, in the Hall. The guest Speaker is Anna Carboni (Young 1981), Barrister at Wilberforce Chambers. Contact: development@girton.cam.ac.uk

23 June 7.30pm for 8pm

24 September

Annual Dinner for Donors

Roll Weekend/Sunday Garden Event

Hosted by the Mistress, in Hall (Black tie). By invitation to all those who have donated since April 2005.

24 June

11am in the Old Hall by Dr Susan Oosthuizen, from the Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley. The subject of Dr Oosthuizen’s talk is ‘Garden Archaeology; two late medieval gardens in Bassingbourn’.

7pm for 7.45pm

Contact: development@girton.cam.ac.uk

1981 and 1986 Alumni Reunions

for more information

In the Hall. Pre-dinner drinks will be served in the Fellows’ Rooms.

25 November

Contact: alumni@girton.cam.ac.uk for more

Old Boys’ Rugby and Football matches

Contact: development@girton.cam.ac.uk for more information

information

Details TBC, if you are interested in joining in

8 July

please email development@girton.cam.ac.uk

Garden Party and Roll Annual General Meeting Contact: alumni@girton.cam.ac.uk for more information

Memorial Service for Miss Duke Alison Duke, M.A., Official Fellow

Professor Elizabeth Simpson (Browne, 1957), Professor and Deputy Director, Medical Research Council Clinical Services Centre, was awarded an OBE for services to biomedical research. New Years Honours 2005 Professor Susan Iversen (Kibble, 1958), Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Oxford, was awarded a CBE for services to higher education and science. Professor Cheryll Tickle, FRSE (1964), Foulerton Royal Society Professor, University of Dundee, and Member, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, was awarded a CBE for services to biology. Ms Caroline Thomas (Warne, 1960), Chair, International Standards Organisation’s Committee on Consumer Policy, was awarded an OBE for services to consumers. Mrs Ling Thompson (Lim, 1971), Head of International Affairs, Royal Society, was awarded an OBE for services to science.

and Lecturer in Classics 1948-82,

9 September 2006 Australian alumni reunion, with the College Choir performing as part of their tour to Australia Further details will be posted at www.girton.cam.ac.uk/development, and

Praelector 1950-68 and 1973-82,

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2005

and Registrar of the Roll 1978-85

Dr Meryl Foster (1971), formerly Knowledge Development Manager, National Archives, Kew, was awarded an OBE.

Girton College Chapel Saturday 6 May, 2006, 2.30pm

will be sent to Australian alumni

Girton College Cambridge

Ms Susan Palmer (1970), formerly trustee, National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, was awarded an OBE for services to national heritage.

Development Office Girton College FREEPOST ANG6880 Cambridge CB3 0YE +44 (0)1223 766672/338901 development@girton.cam.ac.uk www.girton.cam.ac.uk