Postcard News
The Editor appreciates that some of these entries are dated.
Somerville, C Mr 1971
After the unpleasantness re: the Darzee’s daughter and the refusal of the Guild of St Gudmunds Arason ep Holar even to countenance a modest stipend against my collection of Xiaoquandong plaid tippets (unaccountable cheek from a congeries of rogues), I judged it best to lie low for a season at Biffy Bugremall’s shooting lodge in Roxburghshire. Met a most engaging chap out cubbing, and invested fairly heavily in his hedge fund scheme on ‘Change. May have slightly misunderstood the nature of the business. Far from snaffling funds to plant windbreaks in that cursedly cold part of the Borders, found myself neck-deep in a lot of damned papers from impertinent persons. Stoked the boiler with the lot. Found I had somehow emptied the coffers at Coutts, Frightful shindig. Forced to flit to the Pungwe, happily just in time for the xebec season. Picked up a .78 express (long cartridge) at Nkruma’s kraal and acquitted myself prety well. Six bucks and a half. Wired Buffy to come out and bring a dozen of the Cliquot ‘06 with him. No reply. Made enquiries. Found some ghastly cads had plucked up the nerve to blackball me from the club. Seaplane home in short order to sort out the stink. Horsewhipped on the steps of the Rag by the General – most embarrassing. Turned out he had taken my word on investing in the hedges and dropped a packet. Had to get out in my nightshirt. Trust a sherpa will take this from the hut where I am writing it just beyond the Great Snows of Tsu-erh-ken-wu-la Shan. Better luck next year – a wish which will certainly cause young and impressionable Members to reflect that the lichen sclerosus et atrophicus invariably clings longest to the most precarious protuberance.
Coates, JR Mr 1950
After five years’ service as a RAF Officer and teaching in Leeds, Shrewsbury, Hull and Doncaster, I worked as a head of department at the Lawn Tennis Association for 15 years. After formal retirement, I continued working at county level on a voluntary basis. Now fully retired, I moved to Fife, Scotland in August 2006.
Devonport, G Mr 1956
Retired from Forensic Science Service and also as consultant for seven years. Happily married to Betty. Involved in local community work and on NHS Forum. Children widely spread across UK and Europe.
Dodd, R Dr 1956
Enjoying retirement since 1984, though mobility is becoming difficult. Seven grand-children & counting. Any ‘56’ers still out there?
Shone, GG Mr 1956
My wife Nora nee Beech (Nevilles Cross College) and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in April 2007. Two months earlier, we recognised another important event – the 52nd anniversary of our first meeting – as students at Rag Ball 1955 in Durham Town Hall. We danced to an excellent band led by an undergraduate whose name we have unfortunately forgotten.
Block, WC Dr 1960
Emeritus Fellow at British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge. Retired but active beekeeper and canoeist. Tutoring two courses on polar topics in University of Third Age, Cambridge.
Willey, PCT Dr 1960
Retired Academic. I wanted to keep busy so I re-married in May 2007 to a lovely widow, Joyce. The sun has come out again in my life!
Church, AW Mr 1962
Retired. Just enjoying being a gentleman – at last – of leisure.
Cleasby, MA Mr 1962
Property Consultant. Now reborn as “Maison du Gers” in a lovely South West France town called Samatan. Gabrielle and I are very happy here. Almost a Gascon now.
Davis, PM Mr 1964
My wife and I have retired and are enjoying travelling when we would otherwise have been working.
Griffiths, GA “Jed” Mr 1964
Town Planning Consultant. Still living and working in Hertford. Travel all over GB by train, training councillors on planning committees, so can visit Durham often. Can be found on Friday evenings, working behind the bar of the “White Horse” in Hereford. Do say hello! (Is that Hertford or Hereford, Mr. Griffiths?—Editor)
Shiels, MJ Mr 1967
In August 2007, retired from teaching after 39 years. Took part-time PGCE lecturing post at Durham the following month. Married 1972. One child currently doing post-graduate medicine at Cambridge. Reunited with St Cuthbert’s via ‘old crocks’ rowing event on St Cuthbert’s Day.
(Good to discuss, briefly, the Society presidential election 1967 with you Mr. Shiels—Editor).
Robson, PGR Mr 1968
Retired from British Geological Survey in 2004. Working (honorary capacity) with the UK Oracle User Group as a Director. Lecturing on database technology in UK & Europe.
Archer, RD Mr 1969
Still much involved in music, conducting choirs and accompanying them.
Sarson, CDE Mr 1970
Head of HR Service Delivery, HMRC. Due to retire in 2008. Married 37 years to Julia (Trevelyan). Delighted that offspring are surpassing my career achievements. First grandson born August 2007 and another grandchild due in 2008.
Wood, ML Mr 1970
Chief Parking Adjudicator.
Ditton, JNA Mr 1971
Now retired (although academics never retire – they just lose their faculties). All golf and sailing from now on.
Goldsmith, N Mr 1971
Independent management consultant. Defying the ravages of age by running, cycling and climbing when joints allow. Staying solvent by reviewing large government projects. Would like to hear from anyone who knew me: Bob Yates, John Braythorne, Keith Reed, Rosemary Unsworth et al.
Somerville, C Mr 1971
First Cuthbertsman to reach Khantayskoye Vodkhranitishche. Beastly cold. A small unpleasantness at the border resolved when the acting Bryar turned out to be a fellow member of the Uffington. Splendid seat for a foreigner. Three days’ hunting for snow sheep ensued. Tremendous slaughter, thanks to the Martini .45 (shot cartridge) with which I was fortunately equipped. Left forefinger and unmentionables lightly nipped by frost bite – no permanent malfunctions. Back in Xhosa county for the Kudu season, having had the Cockburn ’07 confiscated at the quayside in Fort Palmerston. Poor form the result. Consoled myself with bridge and the attentions of the Darzee’s daughter. Discovered by HMG in her compound in the early hours. Frightful misunderstanding. Had to leave in my pyjamas on the first ox-cart to the west. Lay low at Cheltenham for a month or so. Lost my shirt on Apparatus in the Novices Hurdle. Decamped to the Vestmannaeyjar, where I have enjoyed the services of a sturdy fisher fellow to beat off creditors. Am currently negotiating entry to the Guild of St Gudmunds Arason ep Holar, a venture in which – Junior members of the Society would do well to observe – a thick hide is often preferable to the silkiest of sheets.
(Mr. Somerville is clearly an imaginative gentleman. Anything known? Editor)
Walsh, MJ Mr 1971
Semi-retired. Currently Chairman of the UK Disaster Emergency Committee; Member of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Board; continuing involvement in the Ogilvy Africa business and trying to spend more time at our house on the north Norfolk Coast . Feeling old as my daughter has just graduated from Collingwood.
Webster, F Mr 1971
Professor of Sociology. Sorry to learn that Peter Jenkins (1971), who studied Geography, died on 12th October 2007 of cancer.
MacKenzie, HJD Ms 1975
I am a war correspondent and named a ‘Woman of Scotland.’ Your USA alumni organisation is in touch with me at my US address.
Dylan, W Prof 1976
University professor. After three years in the US, Siobhan and I are back in the UK. She is on her third secondary headship and I am now Deputy Director of the Institute of Education, University of London.
Mountford, JT Mr 1976
Financial PR director. Married Catolina 18th October 2003. Benjamin Mountford born 13th March 2006.
Harvey, KM Dr (née Younger) 1979
Lecturer in physiology & nutrition. Still enjoying lecturing, and living, in Dublin. Our eldest is enjoying her degree course at Durham, so it is great to be able to visit the place again.
Kane, J Mrs 1979
Tourism Manager, Wycombe District Council. Now divorced from John Kane (1977) but settled and happy. Children growing up fast and starting to fly the nest. One daughter just finishing at Southampton Uni this summer and about to start PGCE there. Other daughter desperately wanted to go to Durham but sadly turned down so she is off to Cardiff in October. Son still at home to keep me company. GCSEs this summer (heaven help us!) Single life has forced me into full-time work (quite a shock to the system). Can’t believe it’s nearly 30 years since I finished at Durham. My best wishes to anyone who remembers me.
Hill, AJF Mr 1981
Managing Director, Henri Picard & Frere Ltd. Two years to go before my eldest child will be looking at universities. Agh! Am I really that old?
Kingston, DK Ms 1984
Housewife. On a career break with BP while I’m in Texas. My husband is on a project based in Houston and we have been here since August 2004. Enjoying the holiday from work. Now have three children, and have run in five marathons since April 2004.
Dixon, A Mr 1988
Director, Grant Thornton, accountants and business advisers. Busy at work and busy at home in Northampton, the centre of the universe. Still running lots. Catch up with Durham friends whenever I can. I was 40 last year, travelling to Italy and, hopefully, Libya.
Gallagher, PD Mr 1988
Civil Engineer. Married wealthy farmer’s daughter who turned out to be “mad and reclusive.” Living in deepest Northumberland with two children, four hens, two pigs and a sheep.
Talbot Rice, AEM Mrs (née Lindsley) 1989
Barrister. Married Robert (Cuth’s 1987-91) and have two daughters Emma (2001) and Kate (2005) with a third due in May 2007. Living in Hampshire with horses. Practising from Chambers in Lincoln’s Inn, London. In touch with Scott, Black, Cole, Moir, Biggles, Waugh and others. (See RH Talbot Rice)
Adam-Smith, MA Mr 1990
Partner, Grant Thornton (Chartered Accountants), Sydney, Australia. Kris (née Barton, Trev’s (1988-91) and I are still enjoying life down under. Kids (Scott, 8 and Daniel, 6) love the outdoor life (rugby, cricket, tennis, surfing, swimming, skiing). Have been in Oz for nearly 13 years now. Still in touch with a few of the old crew. Will (?) and Sally (?) have twins aged seven. Will still writing. Richard and wife Lucy are now in the country and have just had twin boys, as well as Seb who is now six. Get in touch if you are visiting Sydney.
Burton, GR Mr 1990
Unix Sys Admin. Have been back in Kent for the last few years and working for a financial company. I’ve been much involved with Maspirdzel: the London Georgian Choir. Am now one of the musical directors and still trying to find time to travel in between.
Talbot Rice, RH Col 1990
Married to Elspeth, née Lindsley (Cuth’s 1989) with two girls aged six and two and one more due in May 2007. Now a colonel, working in the MOD and living in Hampshire. (See AEM Talbot Rice).
Walker, KJ Mr 1993
Head of Research & Development, Botanical Society of British Isles. Moved back to Harrogate after 20 years with beautiful partner Clare and baby Rose, born Boxing Day 2007.
Kee, G Mrs (née Creek) 1994
Married to Chris and have one-year-old Francesca. Back to full time work at Siemens as Senior Project Engineer.
Golden, KEG Mr 1994
Personal trainer & nutritional therapist. Emigrating to Australia in December 2007 with my husband.
Parnaby, AD Mr 1995
European Market Access Manager, Glaxosmithkline. Working in Marly-Le-Rot and living in Paris (8th Arr). Still in contact with a lot of Durham friends, even here in Paris.
Lawes, PR Mr 1995
Corporate Development Manager, Virgin Management Ltd. Enjoying working on launching new businesses for Richard Branson!
Holliday, C Ms 1996
Community nurse in Easington. My little boy was three on the 28th May 2007. His name is Alexander and he is gorgeous. I enjoy my very challenging part-time role as a community nurse. I enjoy researching health issues.
King, GM Ms 1996
Management consultant. Gave birth to my first child, William Steven Austin-King, in January 2007. Still living and working in London. Looking to move to a bigger house.
Penny, A Mrs 1996
I am still teaching at Castleside Primary School, where I have been since getting my QTS. Sailing plays a big part of my life. I am Vice Commodore of Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club where I race a GP14. I still do a “panto” every year.
Hopkins, M The Revd
Minister of the United Reformed Church. Happily settled in Farnham.
Jones, HR Ms 1997
Primary Teacher. Hadrian Briggs and I are getting married this year (2007). We live in Bristol.
Wade, AR Mr 1998
Engineer. Working in the oil industry in Aberdeen, having returned from working in Algeria for four years. Married in 2005 and have a baby boy.
Cates, SEA Capt 1999
Army Officer. This year (2007) was spent preparing for and then deploying to Iraq—seven months spent in Basra Palace with Two Rifles as adjutant. Moving on to next appointment: Instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Married Joanna Crocket (Hatfield 2000) in July 2007.
Robinson, SG Mr 1999
DWP Manager, Civil Service. I am Captain of the 2007 England Fly Fishing Team. I will fish in the World Championships in Finland 2007. Hopefully will be selected in 2008 team for New Zealand.
Bray, A Mr 2000
Banker, Lloyds TSB. Still living in Soho. Happily in contact with loads of Cuth’s people. Still running the Phoenix Garden. Hope Cuth’s terraces are OK.
Habron, CJ Dr 2000
Part-time Lecturer at University of Southampton. Completed my PhD and continue to compose, perform and write about music. For more details see: www.habron.co.uk
Mallinson, AR Mr 2000
Operations Manager. Spent the last three years at Handel House Museum near Oxford Circus. Look me up of you want a tour. www.handelhouse.org
Fowlston, BA Mrs (née Plunkett) 2003
Full-time mum to Emma (2). Part-time Secretary & Events Organiser for Bedfordshire & Luton Geology Group. In October 2006, I became involved therein and am thoroughly enjoying returning to geology.
Wood, IEE Ms 2004
PhD Research Student at Exeter University.