Who? What? Where?

Professor Brian Robson (50-58) writes: I have retired from Manchester University, but still run my research unit in the University – the Centre for Urban Policy Studies – through which I continue to do various research projects for the Government. I was awarded the Founder’s Gold Medal by the Royal Geographical Society in 2000 and was appointed an OBE in 2008.

Andrew Cooper (97-04) is online marketing manager for DFDS Seaways.

Graham Wilson (82-89) works for P&G Innovation Centre in Surry as Regulatory Affairs Manager.

Alan Lawson (69-76) writes: I am currently running my own interim executive and consultancy business as well as being on the board of a global telematics company. I lost my wife of 19 years, Thelma, suddenly last year and have had great support from family and friends. I am over in the USA regularly and it has almost become a second home but the draw of the North-East and the madness of NUFC always wins!

After a full and varied career in theatre administration, David Lingwood (54-64) is now happily retired and is living on the south coast. His work in senior positions with many major theatre companies, included a long period as Theatre Manager of the London Palladium in the early nineties. He recently returned from living and working in Toronto.

Ross Ryles (92-99) graduated from Newcastle University in 2003 with a first in MEng. Microelectronics and Software Engineering. He now works as a software engineer in North Tyneside.

Annsley Ward (01-02) is a trainee solicitor (Intellectual Property and Media Litigation) at Gallant Macmillan LLP in London.

Richard Anderson (67-73) writes: after a lifelong career in BP production line management and then business intelligence at their corporate headquarters in London, I am now running my own management consultancy A de V (www.scorecardadev.co.uk) with my wife Alison.

George Gair (85-87) is a RAF Wing Commander, flying C17 Globemaster III aircraft throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003 he was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (Afghanistan).

Ray Taylor (48-55) writes: After leaving school I spent 5 years at Durham University (BA (Hons) Geography) followed by a two year research degree (M.Litt) including one year’s fieldwork in Libya. Don Meakin had a lot to answer for! I met my wife, Margaret, at St Mary’s College, and subsequently had three sons. My teaching career started at Tiffin Boys School, Surrey, before moving to Wiltshire where we settled in Devizes and I taught for seven years at Dauntsey’s School during which I did a teacher exchange year in North Dakota, USA, concluding my career at George Ward Comprehensive in Melksham and retiring in 2008.

Since arriving in Wiltshire we have been heavily involved in local politics, raising the red flag in a largely blue area. Both Margaret and I are Labour Councillors, each having been Mayor of Devizes and I am Chairman of the Constituency Party.

Rugby has been a dominant element in my life ever since RGS days. I played County Rugby for Durham and Dorset and Wilts, later becoming President of Dorset and Wilts and Chairman of the now defunct South West region.

Since leaving the North East I regret that my links with ON’s have been very tenuous.

Paul Brown-King (64-74): On 17th October, at the thoroughly enjoyable ON Dinner (at which I managed to remember the first two verses of the school song without referring to the crib sheet), it was kindly announced that as part of my continuing midlife crisis and to raise money for Children with Leukaemia I would be running the New York City Marathon on 2nd November.

The photograph shows the agony and the ecstasy of the day –and a successful conclusion! I managed to raise over £1,000 for charity.

I wouldn’t say that my time was slow but rumour has it that by the time I finished, Paula Radcliffe was already back in the UK (just over 5 hours).

My trip to New York was also part of my 25th wedding anniversary celebrations having reached that milestone successfully with my beautiful and understanding wife Roz. Dakis Hagen (87-97) recently featured in The Times “Future Stars of the Bars 2008”, which highlights some of the country’s brightest young legal talent. Dakis is a member of Serle Court barristers’ chambers in London.

Paul Mason (68-77): I graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Hons) in Economics and then joined BP on their UK commercial graduate scheme. I stayed with BP for nearly 28 years, spending many years as an oil trader, running its UK natural gas sales & marketing business and finally as Vice President for IT for Group Functions. I left BP in the middle of 2008, being one of the lucky ones young enough to retire at 50 before the Chancellor increases that to 55!

As I look back on my BP career, it reminded me that Kevin Miles (71-77) would have been very amused. He sent off an application form in my name to BP to sign up as a sea cadet on their tankers (aged 16). I felt so embarrassed when they asked me for an interview that I didn’t feel I could say no, so I borrowed a suit from my brother and went along to the Central Station Hotel. Thankfully they realised I was in the wrong place and sent me packing! It obviously didn’t do me any harm though!

I have now relocated to Dubai where I am Manager of the Dubai Supply Authority responsible for ensuring the country has enough energy to keep all the lights on! Having left the North East to go and work for BP, I’m afraid over the years I’ve lost all contact with former pupils, so would be happy if people want to get in touch with me (via the ONA Office).

We were still in New York on Election Night seeing history being made. I’m hoping that my many Barrack Obama souvenirs will supplement my economically threatened pension provision –or maybe not!