Cuthbert's Chronicle Yearbook, November 2023, Issue 15

ST CUTHBERT’S SOCIETY YEARBOOK

Cuthbert’s Chronicle

#15

St Cuthbert’s Society Durham University

November 2023

CONTENTS

Principal’s Letter

By Professor Tammi Walker

A message from the Vice-Principal

By Dr Jon Warren

Junior Common Room

By Ben Thomas

Senior Common Room

04 05 06

By Dr Mark Miller

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St. Cuthbert’s Society 2022 Matriculation

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Cuth’s host visiting IAS Fellow: Dr David Kneas

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Writer in Residence: Ted Gup

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A Heartwarming Journey Back in Time: Cuth’s Freshers of ‘72 Return to Their Alma Mater

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The Vice Chancellor opens Cuth’s new building: The Tom Percival Annexe

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Tom Percival: A Cornerstone of St. Cuthbert’s Society History

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Cuth’s Week 2023

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St. Cuthbert’s Alumni Weekend 2023

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St. Cuthbert’s Society Postgraduate End-of-Year Trip: A Celebration of Success

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Remembering John Norton

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A Decade Apart: A Candid Conversation Between Two Presidents Of The Society

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A message from the Assistant Principal

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By Dr Robert Banks

By Dr Robert Banks

By Dr Lydia Harris

Retirement Reflections: Celebrating Dennis, Cuth’s Beloved Porter

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Gardening Society: Together We Grow

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A message from the JCR Development Officer

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By Dennis

By Peter Thacker

By Keely Brown

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St. Cuthbert’s Society 202

The new students were warmly staff and their fellow students

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the latest edition of The Chronicle! As we begin a new academic year, I am de-lighted to be a part of the St Cuthbert’s Society community as the new Student Enrichment Assistant and to serve as the editor for the publication.

22 Matriculation

y welcomed by the college

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The Vice Chancellor opens Cuth’s new building: The Tom Percival Annexe

St Cuthbert’s Society celebrated the opening of its new building, the Tom Percival Annexe, with a ceremony led by Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University

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Gardening Society: Together We Grow

Peter Thacker, President of the Gardening Society, shares the Society’s accomplishments from the past academic year and previews upcoming events

One of the most striking aspects of our college is the close relationship between our students, staff and alumni. It’s heartwarming to witness the bonds that connect current students with those who have graduated, further enriching our unique Cuth’s experience. The support within our community is truly special, and I look forward to sharing stories and memories that showcase these connections.

As we emerge from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a joy to see life at St Cuthbert’s Society returning to its vibrant and lively self. The college is buzzing with a wide range of activities, events, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. It is a nice feeling to know that we can once again come together, enjoy in-person gatherings, and create lasting memories as students continue their educational journeys.

Join us on an adventure through The Chronicle for insights and inspiration, and to feel more connected to the St Cuthbert’s Society community.

Warm regards, Joel Lozano Student Enrichment Assistant

PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

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would like to warmly welcome you to the St Cuthbert’s Society Yearbook for 2022/23. I am immensely proud to see how much our students have thrived and developed over the last 12 months post-Covid. As you will see later in the yearbook, Cuth’s students are making excellent use of our new facilities down at Parsons Field, and I was so very pleased to open the wonderful Tom Percival Annexe with Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice Chancellor, and Warden at Durham University in January 2023. On the Bailey, we have provided the JCR with a new “hub” to work from in House 8, which is a dedicated space for the JCR officers to work together and devise new projects.

As Principal of such a vibrant and exciting Society, I continue to have ambitious plans for Cuth’s. I aim to

create an environment that is supportive, enabling, and empowering so that our students can become the best they can be. But their Cuth’s connection should not end at graduation. I wish to ensure that there is a lifetime friendship.

The Society has three priorities for the academic year 2023/24 that I would like to ask you to become involved with: • Delivering campaigns and strategies to recruit and engage all students, with particular attention to minorities, international students and students from local areas in the North East.

• Developing a new Cuth’s student enrichment programme that will give students the opportunity to try new things and explore and develop interests outside of their academic

work at Durham University.

• Developing a new Society Alumni Strategy to increase engagement and event organisation.

If you would like to discuss any of these projects further or visit the Society, please do get in touch.

Lastly, thank you to all our students, staff, the Common Rooms, Fellows and College Advisory Board, and everyone who has supported St Cuthbert’s Society over the last year. Your support has been much appreciated and has contributed to a very successful and rewarding year.

I hope you enjoy the Chronicle, and we look forward to another exciting year ahead.

Professor Tammi Walker St Cuthbert’s Society Principal

I aim to create an environment that is supportive, enabling, and empowering so that our students can become the best they can be”.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRINCIPAL

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022-23 was a memorable year for Cuth’s in many ways.

The society, after many years finally got its long awaited multipurpose social space.

The Tom Percival Annex was opened by the Vice-Chancellor in January 2023, and for the first time in 70 years, the Dining hall at 12 South Bailey is not the only large space available in Cuth’s! The new Gym and JCR facilities at Brooks house are excellent and are being well used.

For the first time since I joined in 2018, the Society has come close to its full complement of staff, making life a lot less stressful. We welcomed Leigha Tait (Brooks reception), Alex Haigh (Assistant Student support officer and Joel Lozano (Student Enrichment Assistant).

We were delighted to welcome groups of Society Alumni throughout the year.

The class of ’72 came to mark their 50th anniversary in October 2022, and the Alumni weekend in July, which coincided with the Durham Miners Gala, was very successful. Bob Elder, who was an exchange student at Cuth’s in 1956, travelled all the way from Kentucky, USA to be with us.

Proof again that “Once Cuth’s means Forever Cuth’s!”

Links between Cuth’s and the Armed forces have been maintained and strengthened. I continue to serve on NUMEC, Northumbrian Universities Education Committee. The college hosted a talk by Colonel Giles Timms Rtd, who led the UK’s contribution to the UN mission to Mali, about the mission. On several occasions throughout the year, the Northumbrian Universi ties Air Squadron (NUAS) held their

in-town meeting at 12 South Bailey.

I was honoured to attend the NUAS Annual Dinner at RAF Leeming and also their Annual Formal inspection, which included a chance to go flying.

Cuth’s week proved a great success, with events being held every day.

For the second year, we ran a very successful trip to Lindisfarne in glorious weather, and Cuth’s Day was as ever fantastic.

However, the best thing about the year was it finally felt as though the Society came back to some kind of normality after the trials and tribulations of the pandemic years. Whether it be dancing, eating, drinking, playing sports or just talking, doing things together is at the heart of our community, long may it continue!

Dr Jon Warren St Cuthbert’s Scoiety Vice Principal CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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JUNIOR COMMON ROOM Ben Thomas President of the Society

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lot has happened in Cuth’s JCR since the last edition of the Chronicle came out. It has been a challenging last year, but never without success, progress, and a few exciting projects along the way.

I rather unusually came into the role in January 2023, after the previous President had to step down for personal reasons. Having been on the Executive Committee during Covid and the Vice-Chair of Trustees in the year coming out of Covid, I was no stranger to a challenge. Coming in halfway through the year meant that there was a lot to catch up on, but the JCR Executive Committee excelled that year, taking on tasks that would never normally be expected of them with great determination and initiative.

Despite some uncertainty during this period of change, our events

no exception. We saw the opening of the Tom Percival Annexe in January, a space that has come into its own for talks, presentations, and training our freps during freshers’ week. We’ve also developed a new “JCR Hub”, where the gym used to be in House 8, which aims to give a dedicated space for JCR Officers to work and collaborate together on projects.

After coming in halfway through the 22/23 academic year, I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of being elected again to serve a second term for the 23/24 academic year. After having a full-time sabbatical Finance and Compliance Officer for the past 4 years, a number of circumstances around finances and accommodation means that we’ve returned to having a student Treasurer this year. Despite not having another sabbatical officer at my side, things continue to go smoothly.

continued as strong as ever.

Michaelmas Ball welcomed guests with a ‘regency’ theme, no doubt inspired by Bridgerton. Cuth’s Dining Hall was transformed for the ‘Celestial Nights’ Feast of St Cuthbert, and Summer Ball with its ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ theme was a hit. Cuth’s Day had a rodeo theme, with plenty of cowboy hats around and a Dolly Parton tribute act stealing the show!

We revamped our access funds towards the end of the last academic year, introducing a sliding scale for discounts to events for those on different levels of the Durham Grant.

We also saw record engagement with the participation fund to enhance access to sports and societies in Cuth’s, which was consequently also expanded.

Facilities have always been a talking point in Cuth’s, and this year has been

We’ve just had Freshers’ Week, and it was an enormous success, all down to the work of our fantastic freps. We had a great engagement at the events we ran during the week and helped get Freshers’ suitably integrated and accustomed to life at Cuth’s. The real proof of this has been seeing some of the highest engagement I’ve seen for several years with the JCR committee, formals, events, and sports & societies.

It’s also been great to see first and second years start to get involved in the JCR despite not taking up the opportunities in previous years.

I’m hugely excited to see what Cuth’s, the Executive Committee and all JCR volunteers achieve in the rest of this year. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re still a big voice in the University, and I know that the team will continue to pull off success after success.

Ben Thomas, President of the Society CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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SENIOR COMMON ROOM

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write this as falling leaves, a low morning mist over the river, and the arrival of some twenty thousand students signal the start of a new academic year. The long-term effects of the pandemic and the disruption of last year’s industrial action in UK universities are not completely behind us, but the prospects for the coming year look bright.

Another public lecture by our resident visiting Fellow Diana Johns, Professor of Criminology at the University of Melbourne, will follow later in the term. On the purely social side, lovers of real ale, adventurous wines, or simply good food and interesting conversation will be able to attend tastings and dinners. There will be much more, too, from gardening to music.

The Senior Common Room is planning a full programme of events. Our members come from all departments of the university (not only the academic ones) as well as from local alumni and members of the wider Durham community. One of our main aims is to connect people from these different dimensions of the university with each other and with Cuth’s students of all subjects and year groups. This year’s Fellows’ Lecture, to be given by historian and Durham alumna Emma Wells on “How to Build a Cathedral”, is a good example of a thought-provoking but accessible evening that is open to all.

The SCR continues to support student members of the college in several ways. Throughout the year, many SCR members serve as college mentors -- an important part of the pastoral care at the university. On the financial side, the SCR offers small grants to defray the costs of participation in the performing arts, with applications accepted on a termly basis. At the end of the year, the SCR Committee has the difficult, humbling, but uplifting task of selecting the winner of the SCR Prize for Voluntary or Charitable Work. It is always inspiring to find out how Cuth’s students give of their enthusiasm, talent and time to help others.

The Palatinate Orchestra in Paris (July 2022), supported in part by an SCR Performing Arts Grant.

Dr Mark Miller SCR President

I will end on a reflective note. January 2023 brought two major losses to the Cuth’s community. Rev. Colin Colclough was President of the Society in 1949-50 and was, to the best of my knowledge, the oldest of our alumni who were still actively in touch. He dined in the hall with us as recently as the Christmas Formal in 2021. Colin’s daughter Ruth thoughtfully visited us in July to bring us some moving items from Colin’s belongings, including photographs from his time in Durham and the professionally printed script of a speech that Colin made as President -- the physical article being a thing of beauty in its own right. And, as many members already know, John Norton, Principal from 1985 to 1990, died in the first week of January, just over a year after the loss of his wife Joan. We are in touch with John and Joan’s daughters and are planning a gathering to celebrate their lives and lasting contributions to our community.

With best wishes to all members of the Cuth’s family, Mark Miller SCR President CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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A GRAND WELCOME: ST. CUTHBERT’S SOCIETY 2022 MATRICULATION

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s the sun dipped below the ancient spires of Durham Cathedral, a sense of anticipation hung in the crisp autumn air. It was the beginning of the academic year at Durham University, and the historical city was alive with the promise of fresh beginnings. For St. Cuthbert’s Society, a college with a rich academic excellence and community spirit tradition, this year’s matriculation ceremony was poised to be truly special.

It began a new chapter for hundreds of students, united in their pursuit of knowledge and the enduring bonds of the Cuth’s community.”

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The event was a grand celebration of new beginnings and the enduring camaraderie of the St. Cuthbert’s community. The 2022 matriculation at St. Cuthbert’s Society was nothing short of spectacular. As the college’s staff, students, and the new matriculants gathered at Durham Cathedral, there was an undeniable air of excitement and anticipation. For the fresh faces of the incoming students, this event marked the official beginning of their academic journey at Cuth’s, and the gravity of the moment was not lost on them. The college staff went above and beyond to ensure this matriculation would be memorable.

Dressed in academic robes, they welcomed the incoming students with warm smiles and words of encouragement. It symbolised the nurturing environment St. Cuthbert’s is known

for, where every student is made to feel like a valued community member from the very start. As the ceremony began within the hallowed walls of Durham Cathedral, the sense of tradition and history was palpable. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the occasion.

It was a moment when the past and future converged, reminding everyone present of the enduring legacy of education in Durham. However, the active involvement of the current St. Cuthbert’s students made this matriculation particularly special.

They took it upon themselves to make the new students feel at home. From providing guidance on navigating the university to sharing their personal experiences, the current students played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition for the newcomers.

One of the most noteworthy changes this year was the location of the college photo. This year, the college decided to capture the momentous occasion at Palace Green, just in front of the cathedral. This decision was met with excitement and curiosity, representing a departure from the usual customs. The change symbolised St. Cuthbert’s commitment to embracing new traditions while honouring its heritage. This photograph would serve as a lasting memory, a testament to the tight-knit community that St. Cuthbert’s Society embodies.

In conclusion, St. Cuthbert’s Society’s 2022 matriculation celebrated tradition, community, and the promise of the future. It showcased the dedication of the college’s staff in welcoming new students and the eagerness of current students to embrace and support their peers. It began a new chapter for hundreds of students, united in their pursuit of knowledge and the enduring bonds of the Cuth’s community.

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CUTH’S HOST VISITING IAS FELLOW: DR DAVID KNEAS

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Cuth’s was fortunate enough to host Dr. David Kneas, an IAS Fellow from the University of South Carolina. David lived in the fellow’s flat while attending college formals and events. He is an Anthropologist who is researching the phenomenon of beachcombing for sea glass at Seaham as part of a larger IAS project focused on Pollution.

Dr. Jon Warren, the Vice-Principal, is also involved in the project and is contributing his knowledge about mining and its impact on the region. They both participated in a “walkshop” to former lead mining sites in Weardale in early March.

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WRITER IN RESIDENCE: TED GUP Ted Gup’s reputation preceded him as a best-selling author, former staff writer for the Washington Post, and esteemed professor. His writings, which have graced the pages of renowned publications like the New York Times, GQ, National Geographic, The Guardian, Time, Politico, and more, brought a wealth of experience and insight to St. Cuthbert’s. Gup’s unique focus on first-person writing – encompassing memoirs, essays, reflections, scene-setters, and public letters – resonated with the students.

Through his guidance, he encouraged them to dig deep into their experiences, emotions, and observations, unlocking the power of their personal narratives. The welcoming and collaborative environment he cultivated made Ted Gup’s residency particularly exceptional. Students, regardless of their writing backgrounds, gathered in the evenings to explore the world of nonfiction writing.

A Pictured: Ted Gup, Writer in Residence 2022

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literary spark was ignited in 2022 with the arrival of Ted Gup, a distinguished American writer and journalist, as the writer-in-reside. His once-a-week seminars and workshops in nonfiction writing quickly became a beacon of creative exploration, welcoming all students with open arms and a passion for storytelling.

They analysed short readings handpicked by Gup, delving into the nuances of storytelling and craftsmanship.

These sessions were about learning, sharing, growing, and supporting each other’s creative endeavours. Gup’s warm and approachable demeanour fostered an atmosphere where students felt safe to share their work and ideas. His one-on-one guidance and insightful feedback were instrumental in helping each student refine their writing skills and develop their unique voice.

For St. Cuthbert’s Society students, Ted Gup’s residency was a once-in-alifetime experience. It was a journey of self-discovery through storytelling, an opportunity to tap into the power of words, and a chance to learn from a seasoned writer who had travelled the literary world.

A HEARTWARMING JOURNEY BACK IN TIME: CUTH’S FRESHERS OF ‘72 RETURN TO THEIR ALMA MATER

The day began with a delightful lunch in the Dining Hall, which witnessed countless conversations, shared meals, and the forging of lifelong friendships over the decades.

At the SCR, copies of the 1972 Society photograph, were brought out.

Laughter and exclamations filled the room as faces from the past were spotted, and long-lost friends were identified.

The group embarked on a tour of Cuth’s Bailey buildings as the day continued. The transformation that had taken place over half a century was evident, yet in some profound ways, the essence of Cuth’s remained unchanged. A visit to Parsons Field, where Cuth’s new social space was nearing completion, showcased the college’s commitment to evolving while preserving its traditions. The alumni marvelled at the progress and looked forward to future generations of students enjoying this vibrant space.

What resonated most deeply among this remarkable group was the enduring and positive impact that St. Cuthbert’s Society had on their lives.

It was a place where they had not only received an education but also forged lifelong friendships and created memories that stood the test of time.

The visit of the Freshers of ‘72 was a poignant reminder that the bonds forged at Cuth’s endure through the decades.”

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n the crisp and nostalgic Friday of October 21st, a remarkable group of 17 Cuth’s alumni, accompanied by their partners, embarked on a journey back to St. Cuthbert’s Society.

Their mission? To commemorate and celebrate a remarkable milestone – 50 years since their arrival in Durham as eager freshers in 1972. This special reunion was hosted with warmth and enthusiasm by the Vice Principal, Dr. Jon Warren, Assistant Principal, Dr. Lydia Harris, and SCR (Senior Common Room) President, Dr. Mark Miller.

As the day came to a close, the sentiment among the returning alumni was unanimous – St. Cuthbert’s Society had left an indelible mark on their hearts and lives. Their alma mater had shaped them, cultivated their aspirations, and provided a home away from home that transcended the bounds of time.

The visit of the Freshers of ‘72 was a poignant reminder that the bonds forged at Cuth’s endure through the decades. As the alumni departed, they carried a sense of gratitude and cherished memories, looking forward to their next visit, whenever it may be, to the place that would forever hold a special place in their hearts.

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THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OPENS CUTH’S NEW BUILDING: THE TOM PERCIVAL ANNEXE

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ichaelmas term of 2022/23 saw the final touches being put on Cuth’s new building. On Monday, 16th January, Vice-Chancellor Karen O’Brien officially opened this much anticipated new structure in front of an audience of staff, students, SCR members and Alumni.

The Tom Percival Annexe, located at Brooks House on our Parsons Field site, will give the Society a new flexible social space, Junior Common Room, and gym. Funded by a two million pound investment from the University, construction work began in September 2021. The building features a state-of-the-art sound system and is home to the college Steinway grand piano.

The building has been named after Tom Percival, a significant figure in the history of St Cuthbert’s Society.

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TOM PERCIVAL: A CORNERSTONE OF ST. CUTHBERT’S SOCIETY HISTORY

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xactly eighty years ago, in January 1943, Tom Percival was a prisoner of war in Europe. Here in Durham, meanwhile, the future of St Cuthbert’s Society was uncertain, perhaps for the first time since its foundation. The University had regarded those students who, for various reasons, were not resident in University College or Hatfield Hall as “unattached”, and the students had founded the Society in 1888 to provide their community with some of the sporting and social activities enjoyed by the collegiate bodies. After early growth, however, the number of “unattached” students declined during the depression of the 1930s, and by 1941, following the outbreak of the Second World War, there were none.

Tom Percival had been captured on Crete in 1941 while serving in the Merchant Navy and transported across Europe in a cattle truck to spend the remaining war years as a prisoner.

As soon as he could after his release, he came up to Durham in Michaelmas 1945 to read History but did not join one of the Colleges. He was thus one of the first to revive the latent body of the “unattached”. By Epiphany 1946, he had been joined by six more unattached, including four ex-servicemen from the Polish Army School in St Andrews. Together, they set about restoring St Cuthbert’s Society by joining the Union Society, reoccupying their “ancestral” common room in Cosin’s Hall, and reclaiming their boathouse from Bede College.

Then, in Michaelmas 1946, they called

a general meeting of the unattached, already numbering over forty, and formally elected a new committee of St Cuthbert’s Society with Tom Percival as the first President to be elected annually rather than termly.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in 1948, followed by a postgraduate education certificate in 1949. Midway through his four years in Cuth’s, in May 1947, the University Council decided that the male unattached students would be officially known as “St Cuthbert’s Society”. Ten years ago, in 2013, St Cuthbert’s Society celebrated its 125th anniversary.

In Michaelmas 1946, a general meeting of 40 unattached students formally elected a new St Cuthbert’s Society committee, with Tom Percival as the President.”

That it was able to do so and continues to thrive is due in no small measure to the alumnus being honoured today by naming this latest addition to its facilities: the Tom Percival Annexe..

Dr Robert W Banks Fellow of St Cuthbert’s Society CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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CUTH’S WEEK 2023

Cuth’s celebrated the end of a successful term and academic year from 12th to 17th June. The week started with an annual student art competition that received over 40 entries. On Tuesday, the SCR hosted an informal wine and beer tasting, which followed a new format that proved to be very successful.

Sports and Soc Formal, held on Wednesday, was a joyous occasion where the JCR awarded honour and half and full colours to members.

On Thursday, two coachloads of Cuth’s students, staff and SCR members visited the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where St Cuthbert lived, worked and died. The weather was astounding, and some brave souls even swam in the sea. The week concluded in the traditional manner with Cuth’s Day in House 12 garden.

This year’s theme was Wild West Rodeo, and a host of student bands performed. The evening ended with Dolly Parton and Abba tribute acts.

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NOSTALGIA AND REUNION: ST. CUTHBERT’S ALUMNI WEEKEND 2023

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rom July 12th to the 14th, 2023, St. Cuthbert’s Society witnessed a heartwarming reunion as alumni from various cohorts gathered to celebrate Alumni Weekend. This cherished event provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a chance to reconnect, and a unique opportunity to relive the college experience that shaped their lives. Alumni Weekend 2023 coincided with the Miner’s Gala, a significant cultural event in County Durham. This timing was serendipitous for many alumni, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local traditions and festivities, just as they did during their student days at Cuths. The atmosphere was electric as alumni from different generations shared memories, stories, and laughter. The college, which once served as their home away from home, welcomed them with open arms. For this special occasion, alumni were offered to stay in the college accommodations, recreating the familiar sense of community they had cherished during their academic journeys. One of the weekend’s highlights was visiting the college bar, a symbolic and cherished place within St. Cuthbert’s.

Over the years, countless friendships had been forged in this cosy corner, and it was here that alumni reminisced about their college days. The bar echoed with laughter and heartfelt conversations as old friends caught up and new connections were formed.

A warm reception from the Principal, Tammi Walker, added a touch of formality to the festivities. Alumni had the opportunity to hear about the latest developments at St. Cuthbert’s Society and the college’s vision for the future.

This interaction reinforced alumni’s sense of belonging even years after graduation. Alumni Weekend 2023 was more than just a reunion; it was a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the walls of St. Cuthbert’s Society. It reaffirmed the sense of family that continues to connect students across generations. As alumni departed, they carried with them fond memories and a renewed sense of pride in being a part of the Cuths community. In the spirit of tradition, Alumni Weekend 2023 was a celebration of the past, a toast to the present, and a promise of a future where the bonds formed at St. Cuthbert’s Society remain unbreakable.

The atmosphere was electric as alumni from different generations shared memories, stories, and laughter” 18

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ST. CUTHBERT’S SOCIETY POSTGRADUATE END-OF-YEAR TRIP: A CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS

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n a grand finale to their academic journey, the postgraduate students of St. Cuthbert’s Society embarked on an unforgettable end-of-year trip. This well-deserved excursion was a jubilant celebration of the successful completion of their degrees, a momentous occasion that deserved to be marked with adventure and camaraderie. The destination for this memorable outing was carefully chosen to reflect the grandeur and natural beauty of County Durham.

The first stop on the itinerary was the awe-inspiring High Force Waterfall, where the sheer power and majesty of nature left everyone in awe. As the cascading waters thundered into the plunge pool below, it was a fitting metaphor for the graduates’ journey – a powerful culmination of their academic endeavours. Next on the itinerary was visiting the historic Raby Castle, a true gem of English heritage.

Amidst the grand architecture, opulent interiors, and sprawling gardens, the postgraduates explored centuries of history. The castle’s rich tapestry of stories and the resilience of its enduring walls served as an

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inspiration to these graduates, who had overcome their own challenges to reach this significant milestone.

The day concluded with a leisurely stroll through Raby Castle’s Deer Park, where graceful deer roamed freely against rolling green hills. This serene setting provided the perfect opportunity for reflection as the postgraduates contemplated their personal growth and the promising paths ahead. Throughout the trip, laughter and camaraderie filled the air as friends and fellow graduates shared stories and toasted their achievements.

It was a day filled with memories that

would be cherished for a lifetime, a fitting tribute to the dedication and hard work that had led them to this moment. As the postgraduates returned to St. Cuthbert’s Society, they did so with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of their academic home. This end-of-year trip was a celebration and testament to the resilience and determination of these exceptional individuals who had successfully completed their postgraduate degrees and were now poised for the next exciting chapter in their lives.

Embrace the end of this chapter as the beginning of your limitless journey.”

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REMEMBERING JOHN NORTON

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The following article was first published in the Turkish Area Studies Review (Bulletin of the British Association for Turkish Area Studies) and is published here with the bulletin’s kind permission.

John Norton acted as St Cuthbert’s Society Principal from 1985 - 1990

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ohn Norton, Principal of St. Cuthbert’s Society in the University of Durham from 1985 – 1990 and formerly lecturer in Turkish, died on Friday, 6 January 2023. John and his wife, Joan, who had died in December 2021, were staunch supporters of St. Cuthbert’s Society, both during his Principalship and afterwards as members of the Senior Common Room and as Fellows. They are both remembered with a mixture of great affection and admiration by staff and students and will be much missed.

John’s early career was as an army officer: after leaving school and national service, he received officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. From Sandhurst, Lieutianat Norton was sent to Malaya, where he was wounded in 1951. Marriage to Joan soon followed, and they had two daughters, Anne and Sue. In 1956, the family was back in the UK, where John worked at GCHQ in Cheltenham. He was stationed in Cyprus with the rank of Captain in 1959, leading up to the creation of the independent republic in 1960. John was subsequently posted to the British Embassy in Turkey as military attaché, where he taught himself Turkish; then to Canterbury, where he was in charge of young men who had joined the army straight from school at 16 years old; and finally to Warminster with the rank of Major.

In 1967, on leaving the army, he enrolled at Durham University as an undergraduate in St. Cuthbert’s Socie-

ty, completed his bachelor’s degree in two years, and followed that with teacher training. John first lectured in Liberal Studies at New College, Durham, before being appointed Lecturer in Turkish in the School of Oriental Studies at the University in 1972.

After his appointment as Lecturer in Turkish, John also returned to St. Cuthbert’s Society as a tutor before becoming the sixth Principal in 1985. St. Cuthbert’s Society had originally been founded in the late 19th century by students themselves.

Although, by the 1970s, it had a governing structure similar to the maintained colleges of the University, it retained a strongly independent character and was the natural home for mature students such as John himself. The post of Principal was part-time and in John’s case, it was, in essence, a secondment from the School of Oriental Studies, which provided his salary. When, therefore, the University closed the School in the late 1980s following the resignation of its director, Professor John Harris, John faced a dilemma: despite his strong desire to continue teaching his subject, his academic post had gone. Although he was offered the Principalship of St. Aidan’s College, he was committed to St. Cuthbert’s Society and his subject, so he chose to retire early from the University. By setting up a private company, the Centre for Turkish Studies Ltd, John was able to continue teaching and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In later life, John was a patron of the arts in the North East generally and in the University in particular, he was, for instance, responsible for getting the mining artists Tom Lamb and William Hindmarsh exhibited in Durham and their works included in the University collection.

Dr Robert W Banks Fellow of St Cuthbert’s Society CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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A DECADE APART: A CANDID CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO PRESIDENTS OF THE SOCIETY

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en Thomas, the current President of the Society, and Serge Chapman, who served as the President of the Society from 2013 to 2014, recently discussed the changes that have taken place in the JCR over the past decade.

They also shared their personal experiences as leaders of the common room.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity, and you can find the complete version on the St Cuthbert’s Society website.

SC: So Ben. How are you feeling at this point in the term?

BT: I’m feeling quite good. A lot is going on at the moment. It’s very busy, and getting everything up and running in the first instance takes quite a lot of effort. And it’s frustrating when there are a lot of projects and larger stuff that I’d like to focus on.

And actually, I have to spend quite a lot of time just trying to make sure that everything’s running smoothly.

SC: For sure. My predecessor used to say: “If you don’t get what you need to get done during the summer, you will never find time because it gets pretty

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full on pretty quick”.

time?” Starts up straightaway.

BT: Obviously, I started back in about January. Rather oddly. And then came into the summer having already done six months in presidency and having already got to grips with quite a lot of it, but even so, the summer just absolutely went by. By the time the summer had gone, luckily, I managed to do much of the stuff I needed.

BT: Our tickets are coming out this evening for Michaelmas Ball. Fingers crossed.

SC: That’s lovely. Have you still got a lot to do on your to-do list?

BT: It is slowly getting reduced because I’m currently working on two to-do lists. My immediate list, and then it’s the long-term things I would like to do. In the short term, I still need to do the insurance and ensure the committees are up and running. That stuff is now getting reduced, which is a nice position to be in. Still, there’s always stuff hanging over that you can never really avoid, like event planning.

Michaelmas Ball is around the corner, and that’s also constantly lingering there. So that’s something you have to watch out for.

SC: And with those bigger events, it’s like, “Oh, glad that one’s over. Right, what will we do to sell tickets next

SC: How are your committees this year?

BT: From what I’ve seen so far, they’re all absolutely brilliant. And my exec is really strong. A lot of them ran the exec last year and have returned.

We’ve also had some incredibly impressive newcomers, in many ways, especially people who came in later to the exec. We had two exec members who joined in the first meeting of newcomers and immediately were already starting their roles the day they were elected.

The facilities manager was elected Wednesday morning and ran all the gym inductions on Thursday. Real dedication. And then, across other committees, we’ve seen really good engagement from first years, which is nice, and second and third years who had never taken JCR roles. And there’s always some committees where you might have wanted a few more applicants, you know, some committees were overwhelmed, and some committees, you might be short.

Serge Chapman, President of the Society 2013 -2014

The biggest change I’ve seen is that Cuth’s embraces that untraditional tradition; by that, I mean people try new things or do exciting things” But largely speaking, it’s a really strong group of people.

SC: That’s great. As you say, you might always want more people, but you can’t replace dedication and passion. I mean, that facilities manager. Those roles you don’t appreciate make such a difference to the lifeblood of the JCR until you don’t have someone there doing it.

BT: That’s the thing. People were messaging me when we didn’t have a facilities manager, “When will the gyms be open?” I was like, I know nothing about gyms! I could vaguely tell you how to use one. I was clueless about bookings, giving them access, inductions, etc. It was a real relief.

SC: I love that it hasn’t changed either. It’s, you know, “you’re in 25

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charge, you know everything, what is going on with this set of weights?”

I’m sure you now have seen this, having been involved with the JCR, many people don’t want to go to a meeting, don’t want to go to committee, but want to use things like the gym or want to use the library or walk down the bar and feel like there’s a bit an atmosphere.

Because events are going on, there are sports teams they can watch.

You realise after a few years that all of that stuff only happens because of the dedication of people, the real passion there. I’m glad that it is still there. I’m glad it doesn’t go.

everyone volunteer for very little reason. Ultimately, we have a small group of dedicated people who volunteer, and everyone else can take advantage of that.

BT: Fundamentally, we’re a member service organisation. And if there aren’t people volunteering, just taking advantage of our services, we’re not a member service organisation. We’re just making

BT: My questions are not necessarily backwards-looking but slightly more introspective. I was interested in what you thought was the main change in both Durham and Cuth’s because I think Durham has

SC: Absolutely, and otherwise, you’re just a bunch of people sitting around in committees wondering why no one showed up because people don’t want to go. Through that whole process, people realise that they have interests and are part of an event, a group, or a sport. I don’t want to monopolise any questions, but do you have any questions for me, Ben?

Ben Thomas, current President of the Society

that’s how I see it from afar.

BT: I agree because that is what Cuth’s is to me, and I’ve only been here since 2019. I think I’ve seen that change be implemented because that is what defines us. We’re progressive and forward-thinking and don’t cling to things in the same way; if things aren’t working, we change them. If somebody goes, “I don’t think this is right; we should do it like this”, then we do that. I think that is what we are now.

We’re progressive and forwardthinking and don’t cling to things in the same way; if things aren’t working, we change them.” changed quite a lot. I think Cuth’s has changed in a different way to University. We’ve retained more of our heritage in the last ten years, whereas Durham University feels like a different place than five years ago. You’re from an entirely outsider’s perspective, but I guess both of those elements.

SC: I interact only with Durham through magazines, Facebook, and social media. I’m very rarely there. Never there. Occasionally, I see people who’ve returned and seen that pop-up on feeds. And it’s interesting what you say about 26

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tradition. The biggest change I’ve seen is that Cuth’s embraces that untraditional tradition; by that, I mean people try new things or do exciting things. It’s not just the same report year-in-year out of what the Michaelmas ball is, and there’s always some new society or sport or some new lecture that the college is putting on, and it feels like there’s always new stuff. My perception of it when I was there was that we were hanging on to some traditions. And how I think of it now is Cuth’s doesn’t need to hold so tightly to things because it embraces the new so much. That’s a bit philosophical, but

SC: Absolutely, and I love that.

When I was there, I found a voice in myself. I saw other people find a voice. If something isn’t right, we will change it, and you can stand up. You can tell me that’s not right, or you can go off and say, “Okay, no one’s listening to me, I’ll just go and do something else”, and be supported in that rather than be shut down or controlled in any way by any formal structure. Trying to talk about tradition is weird, which is all about renewal and change, but that’s how it feels. In terms of the University as well. I feel strongly like I went to St Cuthbert Society first instead of Durham University. And I know that’s not how many people see it. I feel much less attached to this idea of what Durham University was. Because I just saw it through green-tinted lenses. It was “Durham University, is this thing going on in the background”, which you know is some lecture series I’m going to; I’ve got this timetable. But what’s important is sorting out the next welfare committee meeting or getting the posters up around the sites! I have this perspective on that.

I don’t believe that’s a normal way of thinking.

BT: I think that is how a lot of people at Cuth’s feel. I think that is often what we’re trying to achieve. That’s also part of what the University is trying to achieve. I feel like there is an attempt from Durham University to have a slightly bigger personality of its own, but I think in Cuth’s, we do

a good job making people feel like Cuth’s is their primary focus.

SC: If Durham University wants to compete with it and offer people more options in terms of personality, bring it on. It only provides opportunities for people, which I now look back on again and think all that stuff I had a very narrow focus on. With a bit of perspective, I can now see loads of other stuff in the background, which was also great about being at Durham and Cuth’s. I want to ask you; I said I’d received some presidential wisdom. Did you? Have you noticed any presidential wisdom? I appreciate you are in a unique scenario. Did you get any little nuggets handed down for you from generations back? These long-bearded people?

BT: I have. I knew Saskia very well.

And Elena, the Association Chair, and we share ideas and thoughts. That’s been really useful. I met Megan Croll back in August.

SC: You do! She was a fresher when I was president!

BT: She gave me some good advice about being straight-talking and not being afraid to say what you mean, especially when meeting with University officials. You say what you think is going to be, somewhat acceptable or in a way that they understand, and it’s not sometimes; it’s just best to say it how it is. That’s more impactful and useful for them as well.

SC: I love it. What do you want your relationship to be with Cuth’s in ten years?

BT: Oh, that’s a really, really difficult question. It is hard. I am in that unique situation where I left Cuth’s for six months. And then came back. And at that point, I don’t think I’d left for long enough for it to sink in before I was back again, which is not what I expected in any way. I think I do find it hard to imagine a life where I am not interested in some way, to be honest. I don’t know how other presidents have 27

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felt. Obviously, we’re both in positions where we are still very interested in Cuth’s.

SC: It sounds like you’ve noticed something about yourself there, about being an empowering and supportive person and helping nurture and grow other people, which is very beautiful to see, Ben. And I suppose that question about your relationship with Cuth’s in ten years, what I could be reflective about in my ten years, is the experience that I had, doing different things for people at a JCR level. But it sounds like you would do that supportive thing, so in ten years, you are still going to think about all that kind of supportive element and every time you support someone else, or you’re able to help nurture someone, you’re using all these skills or this language or this way of being with people. And I think that’s how I sort of see my relationship with Cuth’s.

It’s a little bit of that fire that forges the steel, but then when you use the steel, you’re always thinking about that process of where you’ve come from and the experiences you had and looking at it in a new way but never forget it. That’s what I say as some grey-bearded old man (and please put in the notes, “Serge cannot grow a beard!”). Sorry, Ben. I just thought I’d get that back to you. I think it’s lovely that you found yourself like that.

BT: This is a very unique role where you learn a lot. Not only about things you never think you have to worry about knowing. When you were president, what was the most valuable thing you took away from it? Or the most valuable skill or learning experience?

about what we as an organisation want to do. Do you have more questions for me, Ben?

BT: What do you regret about when you were Cuth’s president?

SC: There are many little things and a couple of big things that I regret not doing or that I had to give to my predecessor and say, “Hey, this was really hard. I didn’t work it out.

Here you go!”. I regret some of that stuff. To not answer your question, I don’t regret spending time with the volunteers or exec or spending some time with people coming in on open days. And yes, I had my emails, I had my other emails and my other other emails, but it’s that sense that you have had a conversation which might have really radically changed someone’s perception or feeling about whether they can do something, set up a new society or join a sports team. Or even come to University, full stop. I don’t regret that.

BT: I did some open-day tours for people back in March. And then have them turn up on moving day and be like, “Oh, you gave me a tour in March”. Pretty awesome.

SC: And it’s also nice to walk back into the building through that archway. And you see all the staff you remember, and they say, “Hi, Ben, how’s it going?” And it’s like you have just left.

BT: Yes. SC: Thanks, Ben. BT: Thanks, Serge!

SC: It’s a really sad answer. Trying to read template charity constitutions on the Charity Commission website and a process that started before me that I didn’t finish. It was one of those big things on the to-do list, your second to-do list, that I didn’t crack properly.

But that whole process of trying to go through it and run referendums and really think about the big question

A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL We are continuing to offer appointments for students who are struggling due to academic concerns, disabilities, mental health struggles, personal circumstances, and anything else that may be on their mind.”

S

tudent Support at Durham has been focused on celebrating and encouraging greater equality, inclusivity, and diversity amongst our student community. We are holding a number of events over Michaelmas Term 2023 to celebrate our diverse student body and to ensure Cuth’s continues to be a welcoming society.

These events include a Black History Month formal dinner to celebrate and recognise the positive contributions of Black Britishness both within the university and the UK as a whole.

We are also holding the second annual Trans and Non-Binary Awareness formal dinner to mark the celebration of this community in November. Both events will feature guest speakers and after-dinner events for students. In addition to these events, we are continuing to work with our EDI Committee actively, made up of student representatives of marginalised groups and members of College staff. This committee is dedicated to improving relations and representation for those students in the LGBTQ+ community, those who identify as people of colour, international students, students with disabilities, working-class students, and those in the PG and mature students groups. Our mission in this Committee is to ensure positive, proactive change, implementations, policies, and practices can be instilled

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in Cuth’s for the betterment of our students, staff, and the wider community.

In addition to our involvement with EDI, the Student Support Office has recently welcomed a new permanent staff member. Mrs Alex Haigh has joined our team as the College Student Support Officer and works alongside the Assistant Principal to continue delivering a high support standard. Alex has considerable experience in the university after working a decade at Stephenson College. Her commitment to student support extends to her undergraduate at Nottingham Trent University, where she focused on psychology. Alex is also a mental health first aider and enjoys participating in various creative hobbies when not in the office. She has proven to be a valuable team member, and we’re thrilled to have her at Cuth’s!

We recently welcomed new student welfare officers for the 2023/24 academic year who are elected by the JCR. They continue to work closely with the Assistant Principal in their non-advisory roles and offer valuable peer support to all students.

All of our student representatives for marginalised groups also hold drop-ins for peer support to those who identify with their communities to ensure welfare is accessible to each student. We have a number of welfare events occurring in Michaelmas

term, including Movember, an initiative to focus on men’s mental health, and breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October. Our student representatives continue to be excellent ambassadors for Cuth’s and leaders in their communities.

Within the Student Support Office, we are continuing to offer appointments for students who are struggling due to academic concerns, disabilities, mental health struggles, personal circumstances, and anything else that may be on their mind. We are proud to be an accessible support service for our students and are always happy to help in any way we can.

Dr Lydia Harris (she/her) Assistant Principal

A WARM WELCOME TO ALEX HAIGH, OUR NEW ASSISTANT STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER

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t. Cuthbert’s Society is delighted to welcome Alex Haigh, our newest addition to the team, as the Assistant Student Support Officer.

With her wealth of experience and a deep passion for student wellbeing, Alex is set to play an important role in ensuring our students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally. Alex will work closely alongside the Assistant Principal and Student Support Administrator in her role, forming a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the overall student experience. Her primary focus will be to provide invaluable support to students, addressing their wellbeing concerns and offering guidance throughout their academic journeys.

Before embarking on this exciting new chapter at St. Cuthbert’s Society, Alex had already established herself within the Durham University community, having been a dedicated member since 2014. In her most recent role as the Student Support Administrator at Stephenson College, she gained invalu-

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able insights into university students’ unique challenges and aspirations.

Alex brings a strong academic background to her role, earning her degree in Psychology with Sociology from Nottingham Trent University.

This educational foundation equips her with a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and the importance of fostering inclusivity within a diverse student body. However, her unwavering commitment to promoting wellbeing and inclusivity sets Alex apart. Her passion for creating a supportive and inclusive environment aligns perfectly with St. Cuthbert’s core values, where every student is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

As we usher in this new era with Alex as our Assistant Student Support Officer, we are confident that her expertise, empathy, and dedication will contribute significantly to the wellbeing and success of our students.

St. Cuthbert’s Society looks forward to working closely with Alex to

continue nurturing a welcoming and supportive community that empowers every student to achieve their fullest potential. Join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Alex Haigh, who embodies the spirit of St. Cuthbert’s Society and the commitment to excellence that defines our community.

Together, we look forward to creating a brighter future for our students, guided by the compassionate leadership of Alex.

I think of the students who have graduated and moved on.

I hope they are all living happy and successful lives. I hope I have helped some of them, while they were here at University.”

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RETIREMENT REFLECTIONS: CELEBRATING DENNIS, CUTH’S BELOVED PORTER

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y career with the University of Durham began in September 1985 on a temporary 2-year contract lasting almost 38 years. I guess I liked the place so much that I forgot to leave. My first job was as a Department Technician at the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, 32 Old Elvet, Durham. I am proud to say I was in the senior position of ‘Head Technician’ for many years (in fact, I was the only technician for many years!).

Over the years, the Department underwent many changes because of advancing technology and University policy changes. At the behest of the University, we successfully adapted a teaching programme to offer modular qualification-based courses to provide mature students with a route to Foundation Year Level studies.

All went well until there was another change of policy. It was decided by the University that mature student education should be more closely aligned with the University’s mainstream undergraduate offering, so our students were integrated into the undergraduate teaching program to allow them to study alongside the younger full-time undergraduate students. The Counselling and Foundation Courses were transferred to other areas of the University. That

was the end of the Department and, therefore, my role, but I was fortunate just in time to obtain a transfer to Ustinov College (Graduate Society) into the role of Permanent Night Porter.

This was in the year 2000. My duties there were the support and care of College Buildings, Staff and Students.

The students were all studying at postgraduate level, and most were from overseas. For some, it was the first time away from their family. The shift times were 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., so I was able to support students at the times when some needed someone to talk to. I am a good listener, and it was interesting hearing about customs and culture first-hand from students from all over the world.

In 2005, Ustinov College and St Cuthbert Society underwent major building and staff changes. I was asked to transfer to St Cuthberts Society, which I happily did as I thought it would be a new learning experience for me to work with undergraduate students. This was in 2005 when I became a Permanent Night Porter at St Cuthberts Society, 12 South Bailey, Durham. Initially, my duties were primarily security of St Cuthbert’s during the nights. This included the Bailey, Parsons Field (now transferred from Ustinov College), and various student residences throughout Durham. To my astonishment, St

Cuthbert’s had ‘inherited’ the blue Daihatsul van from Ustinov College, so we were reunited again! At this time, St Cuthbert’s had the system of having a resident senior student (known as ‘proctor’) in each residential building who took care of any out-of-hours student issues. This was gradually phased out as out-of-hours student issues were added to the Duty Porter’s responsibility. This was when “all the fun started”, and my eyes were opened to the nocturnal activities of young people. Working nights in a busy city centre revealed another side of Durham City I had not expected. As dusk approached, the quaint tourist city would magically metamorph into the nighttime party city. Not just students, I should add, as local young people would migrate to the city centre after dark.

After many years of service, my increasing health issues took their toll, and in March 2023, I reluctantly stepped away from my role of St Cuthbert’s Night Porter.

I have many fond memories of some of the people I have worked with over the years. There are too many to recall here, but a memorable time was working with Dame Margo Fonteyn, when she was University Chancellor, on a soundtrack for a University production. She was a very nice, gentle person. I think of all those Staff and Students who are sadly no longer with us. I think of the students who have graduated and moved on.

I hope they are all living happy and successful lives. I hope I have helped some of them, even in a small way, while they were here at University.

Now, it is my turn to discover if there is life outside the University of Durham.

It is a scary thought, but I tell myself we must adapt to survive. I leave with thanks and gratitude to those who have been so kind to me, and I hope we can keep in touch now and in the future.

Goodnight and Good Wishes.

Dennis (Retired Porter) CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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Hi, I’m Peter Thacker, the president of gardening for this year! I’ve spent the last three academic years in Durham, completing a foundation in my first and currently in my second year of environmental geoscience undergraduate. Cuth’s gardening society has undergone rapid regrowth and revitalisation over the last couple of years, winning the Society of the Year award for 2022/23 thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of our members. I would like to give a special thanks to our exec from last year who made so much of what we’ve done possible, Charis Thompson (president) and Andy Charteris (treasurer), who have nurtured the gardening society over the last few years. This article will be a bit of a breakdown of what we did last year and some of the plans we have going forward.

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GARDENING SOCIETY: TOGETHER WE GROW

Cuth’s gardening society has undergone rapid regrowth and revitalisation over the last couple of years, winning the Society of the Year award for 2022/23” CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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Contact us: Email: gardening@cuths.com Instagram: @cuths_gardening

There is a real sense of community and acceptance within our society.”

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t’s hard to avoid mentioning COVID-19 when discussing the last few years, but obviously, due to restrictions in place as well as planning and health and safety, gardening society was in a muchreduced state in my first year. We finally broke ground in the Wendy House Garden on the 16th of October, 2022.

Much of the work done initially was digging and planning out plots for our garden. We found all sorts of buried treasures and trash in the garden, including fragments of glass and old bottles, small bones, various burrowing bugs and insects, a few disposable vapes and lots of dandelion roots, which we used to make coffee!

We’ve grown a lot in the garden since those early days: red onions, beans, marrows, tulips, lavender, raspberries, salad greens, lavender and mint in our herb section, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, garlic, leeks and sunflowers.

Whenever we get to harvest, we offer

and encourage any members to take home what we’ve grown, and many of us have made meals with the produce.

One of the most difficult parts of gardening is maintaining the gardens out of term time, especially over summer when we had a lot of growing and high temperatures with little rain, but thanks to the dedication of some of our members last year (especially our previous treasurer and president) who were around in Durham, we came back to a thriving organic garden with some of our sunflowers reaching at least 2 meters tall! Our latest session was mostly focused on weeding, trimming some hedges back and planning what to plant for this season, as well as harvesting some of our crops that were ready, and it was lovely seeing familiar faces as well as new budding gardening enthusiasts.

Alongside our regular Sunday gardening, we also had various inter-society events: plant pot painting with the students with

disabilities society, balsam bashing with the environment committee and painting strawberry rocks with the art society. We hope to continue running events like this within Cuth’s and have also begun branching out to do collaborative events with other colleges, such as Castle and St Johns. We look forward to working in and on other greenspaces within Durham in the future! A lot of what we do at Gardening Society wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of college staff and the SCR. We have a termly garden clean up, usually of the House 12 gardens, with any volunteers getting a free brunch in the dining hall. In particular, I would like to thank Jon and Susan Warren for their contributions to our society and for organising the brunches with catering.

Pictured: George Tucker, Cuth’s Gardening Society 2023/24 Treasurer.

One of the aspects of gardening which I’m most proud of is that we do not charge subs; our society is free to join and attend every week.

This ensures that anyone can attend gardening, regardless of their financial situation (which is more important than ever considering the ongoing cost of living crisis). Additionally, this has encouraged people who have never gardened before to get involved and give it a go! Gardening also is beneficial to the mental and physical well-being of students.

Spending time outside in nature offers a therapeutic escape from the stress of academics and promotes relaxation.

Furthermore, our gardening sessions (especially when digging is involved!) get people active and moving, which is a great way to boost your mood. It is also extremely rewarding to watch our plants grow, and people feel a real sense of accomplishment when they see that all their hard work has paid off.

There is a real sense of community and acceptance within our society, and I am so proud to be able to watch it grow over the coming year.

Peter Thacker Gardening Society President 2023/24 CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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THE SIMON COLE MEMORIAL FUND

ALUMNI REFLECTIONS: JOHN BUSH

Cuth’s has launched a new student bursary scheme to improve mental health. The Simon Cole Memorial Fund has been set up by a group of alumni in memory of their friend and fellow Cuth’s Alum Simon Cole.

Simon Cole was a student at Durham University and a member of St Cuthberts Society from 1984 to 1988. He studied English Literature, and alongside his studies, he was an active participant in Cuth’s life and a keen sportsman. He was a well-known and universally liked figure during his time at Cuth’s and was always helping and supporting those around him. Simon joined the Police when he graduated and earned widespread respect for his passionate focus on supporting his local community and colleagues. He went on to become the youngest ever Chief Constable at the age of fortythree. During his career with the Police, he was awarded the Queen’s Police

I was glad to visit Cuth’s briefly during my journey from Northumberland to my home in East Sussex.

Medal in the New Year’s Honour List for 2014 and the Sir Robert Peel Medal for Outstanding Leadership in 2021. Simon took his own life in 2022, shortly after retiring from the Police. Simon’s family, friends and colleagues were all shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Simon’s friends from his time at Cuth’s decided to establish a fund in memory of Simon, with the help and support of Simon’s family and in conjunction with the Society.

During my time at Cuth’s (1958-1963) (a year’s absence to revise and resit exams!) I enjoyed studying Geology, ending with an Honours Degree which led me into a very successful career in the oil industry. My final year in residence (no. 13) was great fun, although I missed a term having caught jaundice and spent the time in Durham hospital. My main sport was rowing (I may still be a Past Member of Cuth’s boat club) when I managed to get as far as the University trial eights before I had a back injury which put a stop to all sport.

The Fund will seek to promote the importance of all students’ mental health and wellbeing through active participation in extracurricular activities like sports, drama, outdoor challenges and other social events by people of all abilities.

Durham was a great place to be and I made friends with many local people as well as students.

For further information, please contact the Vice-Principal, Dr Jon Warren: cuthberts.vp@durham.ac.uk

Glad to keep in touch.

John.

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KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CUTH’S @st.cuthberts.society @CuthbertsAlumni

cuthberts.alumnirelations @durham.ac.uk

@CuthsSociety @CuthsAlumni

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS St Cuthbert’s Society invites you to our biggest events of the year.

For more information, please contact cuthberts.alumnirelations@durham.ac.uk.

20 March 2024 St Cuthberts’s Day 10-15 June 2024

durham.ac.uk/st-cuthberts. society/

12-14 July 2024 Cuth’s Alumni Weekend

A MESSAGE FROM THE JCR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

activity and engagement within the JCR and also updating you all on what current students are up to.

Additionally, improving access to career resources and events is really important to me as someone who had to learn the basics of CV writing, networking skills, etc., all from scratch upon arriving at Durham. I’m hoping to run headshot sessions and CV drop-ins and would love to meet some of you at potential careers fairs & evenings in college this year!

If you would like to hear more about any of this, fancy getting involved or would just like to get in touch, please send me a message at: development@ cuths.com, or you can follow the instagram at cuths.development.

Hi everyone, I’m Keely, and I’m Cuth’s Development Officer this year. A bit about me: I’m a 4th year at Cuth’s studying German, and I have just come back from a year abroad split between a work placement in Berlin and studying in Freiburg. Besides being probably a bit too enthusiastic about Cuth’s, I’m involved with the 93% Club as a first-generation student in Durham, Cuths’ brand new F1 Society, and have previously been a student trustee and the Year Abroad and Placement Rep - apologies to those of you I cold-called for help with that one!

The role of the Development Officer encompasses a variety of different

Cuth’s Week

Keely Brown (She/Her) JCR Development Officer

things, but one major part is strengthening alumni relations and liaising between Cuths’ students, past and present. Alongside Joel and Elan, this includes helping with in-person and online events, spotlighting alumni CUTHBERT’S CHRONICLE

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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024 WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR ALUMNI WEEKEND FOR 2024 WILL TAKE PLACE FROM JULY 12TH TO JULY 14TH. PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO RSVP.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL US AT CUTHBERTS.ALUMNIRELATIONS@ DURHAM.AC.UK.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN DURHAM IN 2024!

Once Cuth’s, forever Cuth’s