Simmarian Issue 21 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of theSimmarian Magazine. I hope thatyou enjoy reading the latest newsabout life here at the UniversityCollege.

This year, we are conducting anonline survey of our formerstudents to find out what you thinkabout this magazine and about theother services we offer to you.

I would be very grateful if youcould complete the questionnaireonline at www.survey.smuc.ac.uk/

alumni. Completed questionnaireswill be entered into a prize draw towin a selection of alumnimerchandise including a teddybear, mug and pin badge. Theprize draw will take place onMonday 7th September 2009.

If you know a former studentwho does not currently receiveThe Simmarian please ask them tocontact me or to complete theonline alumni reply form atwww.smuc.ac.uk/alumni.

With very best wishes fromStrawberry Hill.Dr Karen Kendel-SmithHead of Alumni Services

Simmarian2009

St Mary’sUniversity CollegeTwickenham LondonThe Alumni Magazine of St Mary’s University CollegeIssue 21

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Letterfrom thePrincipal

In my last letter to alumni Ireported that Walpole House hadbeen leased to the Strawberry HillTrust in order that an £8.9 millionrestoration project could beundertaken. Work is now wellunderway and to the campusvisitor there are all the signs of alarge building site with screens,scaffolding and tarpaulineverywhere in evidence aroundWalpole House.

Elsewhere on the campus wecontinue building for the 21stcentury with planning permissionnow obtained for a majordevelopment of the facilities forthe School of Human Sciences ofwhich Sport Science is the largestprogramme.

In terms of student numbers,we are now close to the 4,000 full-time equivalent studentrequirement for full university title.With the halt in expansion of homestudent numbers our hope is toreach our target through increasedinternational recruitment. In spiteof the global recession, the signsare positive that these numberswill grow in 2009/10 after anintensive overseas recruitmentcampaign.

I very much hope that you willfind in this alumni magazine asense of the energy and will thatthere is at St Mary’s to continue tobuild on our very firm foundations.Dr Arthur NaylorPrincipal

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St Mary's HonoraryFellowshipsAwardedThe University College held its annual awards dinneron February 10th in the Waldegrave Drawing Room.The evening was introduced by Dr Michael Hayes,Vice-Principal, and the 2008 University CollegeAnnual Report was presented by Dr Arthur Naylor.

Professor Ronald Barnett, Dr Patrick Duffy andSister Ellen Flynn all received Honorary Fellowshipsfrom the University College.

Honorary Fellowships are conferred on peopleeminent in their chosen field who have made anoutstanding contribution to society. “This is alwaysan immensely enjoyable evening for the UniversityCollege as we launch our Annual Report and alsomade awards to individuals associated with us whohave made a distinct contribution to the widercommunity,” said Dr Naylor.

Feast Day Mass St Mary’s University College celebrated the Feast ofthe Immaculate Conception on Monday 8thDecember. The Feast Day Mass, celebrated byBishop Peter Doyle, the Bishop of Northampton,was held in the University College’s chapel and wasfollowed by a lunch in the campus refectory at whichthe St Henry Walpole Award for Teaching andLearning in 2008 was awarded to Mark Griffin for theHelios Project. The Helios Project prepares dramastudents for employment through the creation of atheatre company to promote site-specificpromenade performances whilst working with pupilsfrom local primary schools. The 2008 Equality and Diversity prize was awardedto Paula Askew, Siobhan Cockrill and Bob Vertes forrecruitment of a more diverse intake into initialteacher training courses. The Equality and Diversity prize was established in2008 to recognise and reward achievement andinnovation that improves equality and diversity at theUniversity College.

the SimmarianEditor: Dr Karen Kendel-Smith

Design: www.fredd.co.ukPrint: Stag Print

Photography: Christine Jarvis

St Mary’s University College Waldegrave Road,Strawberry Hill, Twickenham. TW1 4SX, UK.

Switchboard: 020 8240 4000Alumni Office: 020 8240 4039

Fax: 020 8240 4256E-mail: [email protected]

The Simmarian is published once a year. Allcorrespondence should be addressed to Dr Karen Kendel-Smith, Head of Alumni Services. No part of this magazinemay be reproduced without the permission of the editor.The opinions expressed are those of the contributors andnot necessarily those of St Mary’s University College.

© Copyright reserved 2009 St Mary’s University College

1998 Data Protection ActAll data is securely held in the University CollegeAlumni Office and will be treated confidentially andwith sensitivity for the benefit of St Mary’s UniversityCollege and its members. The data may be madeavailable to academic and administrativedepartments, recognised alumni societies, sports andother clubs associated with the University College,and to agents contracted by the University College forparticular alumni-related projects.

Data may be used for a full range of alumniactivities, including the sending of University Collegepublications, the promotion of benefits and servicesavailable to alumni, notification of alumni events andof programmes involving academic and administrativedepartments. Data may also be used in fundraisingprogrammes which might include an element of directmarketing.

Under the terms of the 1998 Data Protection Actyou have the right to object to the use of your data forany of the above purposes.

If you are unwilling for your data to be used in thismanner please write to us at the Alumni Office, StMary’s University College, Waldegrave Road,Twickenham. TW1 4SX or email [email protected] you will be removed from our database.

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St Mary’s University CollegeTwickenham London

Grant Increase for St Mary’sThe University College’s HEFCE (Higher EducationFunding Council for England) research funding grantis to increase by 269%, recognising the ongoingimplementation of a successful strategy adopted bythe University College over several years to raise itsresearch portfolio in a wide range of key subjectareas. The news also follows the published ResearchAssessment Exercise (RAE) which underlined theUniversity College’s level of maturity across a widerange of research activity, including internationalrecognition of four schools that submitted researchoutputs to the RAE. The national average increase inresearch funding grants is 7.8%. “This is avindication of the hard work put in by manymembers of staff towards ensuring quality anddiversity across our research programmes,” said Dr Mary Eaton, Vice-Principal. St Mary’s will alsoreceive a 5.4% increase in recurrent funding acrossthe board (the national average being 4.1%).

Dr Kevin Cook Retires

Dr Kevin Cook retired last year as Director ofGeography after 35 years of service. Dr Cook’s longassociation with St Mary’s spans 46 years, havingjoined as a student in 1962. During his time workingin the Geography department, Kevin taught,mentored and inspired hundreds of students, manyof whom he has kept in close contact with as theyhave progressed with their careers. Kevin continuesto administrate the Strawberry Hill Overseas andCommunity Concern (see his report on page 19).

Historic Moment for St Mary’sThe first St Mary’s University College degrees wereconferred in Education last summer following theawarding of taught degree awarding powers in 2006.

Dr Arthur Naylor said, "These new graduates arenow working in educational settings and this takes St Mary's right back to our 19th century origins.Weare proud of the particular and distinctive role whichwe have within university education as the country'soldest Catholic college, and I know that thesegraduates will make as important a contribution tosociety as their predecessors have over severalgenerations".

NEWS

Continued overleaf >


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Geography Students in GrenadaNineteen third year undergraduate studentsparticipated in a tourism and geography field trip toGrenada earlier this year. This annual event is part ofa degree module which allows students to explorethe history, geography and contemporary conditionsin the Caribbean country. This year, students had theopportunity to attend the official Independence Daycelebrations in the National Stadium and hear newPrime Minister Tillman Thomas speak.

Agreement Signed With NewPartner InstitutionA Memorandum of Agreement was signed withViterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin on 30thOctober 2008. Viterbo University was founded bythe Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in1890. Vice Principal Dr Michael Hayes said, "As partof the University College’s planned strategy thismemorandum of agreement will enhance further theopportunities for our students to spend a semesterabroad on the Study Abroad programme".

CBET’s Inaugural ConferenceThe University College’s Centre for Bioethics andEmerging Technologies (CBET) hosted a dayconference on health and social responsibility onSaturday 14th March.

The aim of the day was to consider differentethical approaches to new technologies such asnanotechnology and human enhancementtechniques alongside ongoing ethical problems suchas the use of animals in medical research and thetensions between rights and responsibilities inhealthcare provision.

Charles Plater Trust Awards St Mary's University College received two awardsfrom the Charles Plater Trust at a reception hostedby the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster inFebruary. Professor David Jones was awarded£17,000 to research Resource Allocation Models inHealthcare and Dr Anthony Towey was allocated ashare of a £60,000 bursary to develop a newcertificate programme in Catholic Social Thought.

The Grant Making Body (GMB) for the CharlesPlater Trust evaluated 37 bids submitted for 2008. Inmaking their recommendations, the GMB noted thehigh quality of the applications, adding to theimportance of the deliberations needed by thetrustees. Professor Jones, whose project will involvepartnerships forged by CBET (the Centre forBioethics and Emerging Technologies) based at StMary’s University College, said: "This is an excitingenterprise that will help healthcare professionals toallocate time and resources according to principlesof fairness."

Gothic SymposiumThe Film & Television and English programmeshosted a one-day symposium in January on thetheme of the Gothic in the 21st Century. Thesymposium provided a focus on aspects of theGothic within more contemporary culture, as well ashistoric aspects of the Gothic.

The symposium included a wide range of themedpanels and brought together researchers fromdifferent disciplines, creating a useful dialogueacross the field of the Gothic. The Keynote Speakerwas Dr Catherine Spooner.

NEWS continued

Professor David Jones Dr Anthony Towey

'Yard Gal' Wins Theatre Award

Yard Gal, a production featuring three graduatesfrom St Mary’s University College has won the BestFringe Production award from The Fringe ReportAwards 2009. The production was originally createdat the University College and was directed andacted by third year students. It transferred to TheOval House and was directed by Stef O’Driscoll.

Stefanie Di Rubbo and Monsay Whitney playedthe role of two teenage girls and were described byFiona Mountford of the Evening Standard as‘charismatic young actors with great futures.’

Lecturer in Education Co-Authors Second BookBob Vertes, Senior Lecturer in Education at St Mary’s, has co-authored his second bookpublished by the Association of Teachers ofMathematics.

'More People More Maths' develops approachesdesigned to be used in teaching and learningmathematics using kinaesthetic and collaborativeapproaches, active learning, games and puzzles.

Mr Vertes has been teaching at St Mary's for over20 years and is the PGCE (Secondary) AdmissionsTutor.

New Workplace Health Project UnderwayHarrow Primary Care Trust has commissioned theCentre for Workplace Health at St Mary’s UniversityCollege to deliver a workplace health project. Theyear long project started last August and 12businesses in the Harrow area are involved.

The project, Works Well, will offer training andconsultancy to Harrow businesses to support themto survey their employees' health and wellbeingneeds, design and deliver appropriate interventionsand evaluate the project’s effectiveness. The projectis being fully funded by the Primary Care Trust.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Harrowbusinesses to really make a difference to the healthof their employees. We spend 60% of our wakinghours at work and so the potential of the workplacefor health improvement is huge. We are reallyexcited to be running this project for Harrow PCT,”said Rebecca Willans, Project Coordinator.

The Institute of Health andSocial Care at St Mary’sThis new Institute will be established this year tobring the strengths of the University College’s fiveSchools together for maximum effect in the widerHealth and Social Care community.

The Institute of Health and Social Care will focuson specific areas in which St Mary’s already hasstrength (including bioethics, children’s services andhealth and physical activity) but will also identifyrelated areas where opportunities exist to improveworkforce development (for instance speech andlanguage therapy; drama in the community). TheInstitute of Health and Social Care aims to have itsgreatest impact at the primary healthcare level,where individuals and communities are empoweredto take responsibility for their own well-being.

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100 years ago The bare look about theuncovered planking on the dormitory floors nolonger exists as linoleum now covers its splinters.‘The Simmarian’ Christmas 1909

75 years ago We were successful inobtaining a radiogram and records and we maynow enjoy dance music and entertaining songs atall hours of the day. A levy of 6d. was made forrecords. ‘The Simmarian’ 1934

50 years ago It has been suggestedthat a day may come when St Mary’s shallbecome a mixed college. ‘The Simmarian’ 1959

25 years ago Further instances of dryrot (in Walpole House) have been found which hasrequired the erection of scaffolding all around thebuilding and the construction of a temporary roofas the existing roof had to be opened to the sky in parts. ‘The Simmarian Newsletter’ Spring 1984


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Discounts forAlumniDid you know that our former students receive 25%discount on room hire charges for functions held oncampus? Please contact the Conference Office on020 8240 4114 for more information.

Careers Information ExchangeWould you like to help us by inspiring futuregenerations of Simmarians about possible careerpaths? St Mary’s Careers Service is looking forSimmarians of all professions and industries to getinvolved with the Careers Information ExchangeProject. We encourage alumni to provide informalcareers information and advice about areas of workin which they have experience. There are manymediums of information exchange from email orphone contact to work shadowing and jobopportunities.

There will also be the chance to give talks orpresentations at Careers Service events. Recentevents have included the Teaching AppointmentsFair, Sports Forum and Tourism Forum at which anumber of Simmarians talked to students about theirown career progression and offered advice.

If you would like to find out more about gettinginvolved please contact [email protected] or callus on 020 8240 4055.

You can also complete the Alumni Reply Formstating that you would like to participate.

Recent alumni feature on our careers websitewww.smuc.ac.uk/careers. Real insights from alumniinspire current students, so if you’d like to appear,please contact [email protected]. If you wouldlike help and advice regarding your own careeroptions and completed your SMUC course in thelast two years you can join GradClub. Sign up atwww.smuc.ac.uk/careers or directly atwww.gradclub.co.uk.

Linking with Business and the CommunityEach year over 150 St Mary’s students participate inpart-time work placements in businesses orcommunity projects. Students from a variety ofdisciplines bring their academic learning to theworkplace and help organisations to benefit fromtheir knowledge, research, enthusiasm andmotivation. Opportunities to undertake workplacements are offered to students in their secondand third years studying across the full range ofundergraduate programmes offered at St Mary’s.

The students don’t expect payment for theircontribution to the workplace as the workexperience provides them with an opportunity toapply theory in practice, explore different careerareas, develop their transferrable skills; boost theiremployment chances on graduation and improvetheir self confidence and sense of responsibility.

Feedback from host organisations has been goodand most have seen tangible benefits to theirorganisations. Last year, one host organisationcommented that this was “one of our bestexperiences of placement, organisation and studentperformance”.

This academic year we have students working inall aspects of business, legal practices, local andnational government offices, hospitals, schools,charities, sports and leisure clubs, and many more.

If you know of any organisation which you thinkwould benefit from a university student onplacement and to find out more, please contact Liz Coombs, Director of the Centre for WorkplaceLearning on email [email protected], ortelephone 020 8240 4015, or write to Liz Coombs atSt Mary’s University College.Teaching Appointments Fair

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Did you complete yourhigher educationqualification in 2004/05?You may recall completing a questionnaire as part ofthe Higher Education Statistics Agency's (HESA)Destinations of Leavers from Higher Educationsurvey six months after you finished your studies in2004/05. You may have seen information from thesurvey in the media, for example, as part of theUniversity League Tables. The information youprovided will also have been used within theinstitution and by government.

There is now another opportunity for some of youto let us know what you have been doing since yougained your qualification. IFF Research, on behalf ofHESA, is conducting a survey (the ‘DLHELongitudinal Survey’) and they may send you aquestionnaire. The questionnaire will ask you todetail your activities since you graduated in 2004/05.Any information you provide will help in reviewingand promoting courses and giving current studentsan insight into early career progression, as well asproviding input to government policy developmentand review.

If you are contacted by IFF Research (by email,post or phone), please take time to complete thesurvey and return it – your participation is valuable.

If you have lost touchwith a fellow Simmarian,the Alumni Office may beable to help!If you have lost contact with someone werecommend that you look on the Friends Reunitedwebsite. Thousands of our former students haveregistered with the website and this is an excellentway to contact old friends.

If you would like advice about how to use FriendsReunited, please contact us and we’ll send you afact sheet.

If you cannot locate the person you wish tocontact, we can check our database to see if theyhave registered with us. As all information is heldunder the Data Protection Act we cannot give outthe details of former students without their priorconsent. However, we can forward stamped mail orcontact an individual on your behalf asking them tocontact you.

If you wish to contact more than five people, wesuggest that you ask to be included in ‘Where AreThey Now’. Mention that you would welcomecontact from former friends and we will forward anymessages to you.

Don’t forget to tell us if you change your contactdetails and if you have details of a Simmarian whomay not be on our records, please let us know.

Alumni Postbox

Body & Sports Massage • Management of ActivityInjuries • Taping & Strapping • Personal TrainerGym Instructor • Aromatherapy • Reflexology

St Mary’sUniversityCollegeTwickenham London

St Mary's University College, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4SXTel 020 8240 4321 Email [email protected]/shortcourses


8 www.smuc.ac.uk

Harlequins Rugby League is the University College’smajor shirt sponsor for the 2009 season. The dealcements an already strong relationship which inrecent years has seen coaches from HarlequinsRugby League coaching the St Mary’s UniversityCollege Rugby League.

Dr Arthur Naylor, Principal, said that St Mary'swas delighted to take this opportunity because itunderlined the University College's commitment toworking in the community and developing sport atall levels. "Like us, Harlequins are committed todeveloping strong community networks across thearea and the sponsorship will flag up the excellentwork the University College is doing in many areasof sport."

He added: "Of course, we hope that this willencourage recruitment to a wide range of courses

but our chief aim is to work widely and broadlytowards advocating sporting excellence across theboard."

Harlequins chairman, David Hughes, said: “St Mary’s has a thoroughly well deserved reputationfor excellence in sport and we are very proud tohave the University College on board for the 2009season.”

Phil Jones, head of youth development atHarlequins Rugby League, has worked closely withSt Mary’s for the past five academic years and said,“St Mary’s is at the forefront of sports science, andtogether we are working towards developing aninternationally renowned performance pathway.We’ve already seen several St Mary’s studentsrepresenting their country and I hope to see manymore.”

SPORT Report

Principal Welcomes Harlequins RL Sponsorship Deal

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St Mary’s Athletes DominateEuro Cross Country Athletes from St Mary’s University College figuredprominently at last winter’s SPAR European CrossCountry Championships in Brussels. Theyaccounted for a third of the Great Britain & NorthernIreland team who had an exceptional day, headingthe medal table with a record breaking performanceand winning an unprecedented 12 medals, includingfour golds.

Steph Twell, a sports student at St Mary’s, ranimpressively to win her third successive under 20women’s title. She has become the first athlete toachieve this, and in the process helped the juniorwomen’s team to gold. Steph, who narrowly missedout on a place in the Beijing 1500m final, led homethe GB & NI athletes who took a clean sweep of thetop six places. Charlotte Purdue and Emma Pallant,also coached by Mick Woods at the UniversityCollege, backed up their fellow St Mary’s EndurancePerformance Centre athlete to take 2nd and 5threspectively.

Mitch Goose, another St Mary’s UniversityCollege student and sports scholar, was a memberof the men’s Under 20 team that won bronze whilstfellow students Andy Vernon, Ben Lindsay (sportsscholar) and Keith Gerrard all ran well to gain goldfor the Under 23 men’s team. Andy took theindividual silver medal with Ben finishing in 4thposition and Keith in 7th. Katherine Sparke, anotherstudent sports scholar, finished 7th in the women’sUnder 23 race to help the team win gold.

In the senior women’s race, Hayley Yelling, aformer University College student, was part of theteam’s silver medal performance finishing in 19thplace. The senior men’s race saw an exciting finishwith Mo Farah, another former student, winning asilver medal and the team gaining bronze.Endurance Performance Centre athlete, ScottOverall, came in 39th whilst Mike Skinner, who trainsat St Mary’s, had a good race to finish in 20thposition.

Professor Richard Fisher, Head of St Mary’s 2012Preparations, said, “At a time when the country islooking to rebuild its historically strong reputation fordistance running, St Mary’s University Collegecontinues to demonstrate its terrific contribution tothis process through its partnership with UKAthletics and the London Marathon.”

Andrew Reid-Smith, Director of Sport, said, “St Mary’s University College athletes made asignificant contribution to the squad and helped togain ten of the twelve medals won. Arguably thebest performance of the day was by Steph Twell.Sport St Mary’s has worked in partnership with UKAthletics and the English Institute of Sport toestablish a high performance programme and it isgreat to see the athletes achieving at this level ofcompetition.”Mo Farah competing at the Beijing Olympics

Professor Richard Fisher


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Steph Twell has been voted Waterford CrystalEuropean Athletics Rising Star by the EuropeanAthletics Association.

The award recognises future young athletic starsin Europe. Winners are decided by votes from thegeneral public, the media, European AthleticsMember Federations, and by a panel of experts.

Steph became World Junior 1500m champion inPoland last summer and performed well at theOlympic Games in Beijing. She achieved the fastesttime by a junior woman in the world in 2008 at theGolden League meeting in Paris.

Paralympic HandoverSt Mary's University College joined forces withRichmond upon Thames College and the LondonBorough of Richmond upon Thames to celebrate thehandover of the Paralympic Games to London onWednesday 17th September with a torch relayaround some of the Borough's Primary andSecondary schools.

Professor Pat Wade Wins'Spirit of Sport' The former Head of Education at St Mary'sUniversity College was awarded the prestigious'Spirit of Sport' at a ceremony in Athens last year.The 'Spirit of Sport' is given for lifelong commitment

to the Olympic Movement and to sport in general. The citation included the following statement:

“Through her dedication and humanitarian spirit, Pathas made an exceptional and lasting contribution tothe pursuit of sports excellence, sportsmanship,sport for all and other legacies directing andnurturing sport as a major contributor to thebetterment of society and world peace.”

Professor Dick Fisher said, “I am sure that Pat'smany friends and former colleagues will take greatpleasure in this recognition of her outstanding workin sport from one of the world's largest sportsassociations.”

St Mary’s and Surrey CCCThe sport and exercise scientists from the School ofHuman Sciences at St Mary’s University Collegehave joined forces with Surrey County Cricket Clubto provide a series of professional developmentworkshops for their coaches. The workshops arebeing delivered by Glyn Howatson, Gill Horgan, TimHolder and Stacy Winter and address areasincluding recovery, nutrition, mental toughness andimagery. The aim of the project is to providebespoke continuation training that gives qualifiedcoaches additional skills and knowledge to helpfacilitate their effectiveness in supporting players.Project Leader Glyn Howatson said, “We are verypleased to welcome Surrey CCC to St Mary’sUniversity College. The team has worked extremelyhard in compiling the programme and we aredelighted to be involved with a programme thatmakes a meaningful addition in the development ofcoaches and, ultimately, the players”.

The content of the workshops has been based ontopics that are not traditionally addressed duringcoaching courses, and the team lends additionalprofessional development opportunities that are notreadily available. Ian Read, Community CricketCoach for Surrey CCC, said “these workshops areextremely insightful and offer a real chance for ourcoaches to up-skill and make a positive impact onour professional practice”.

In this series of development workshops over thespring and summer, Glyn and the team also lookforward to welcoming Ladies Cricket World Cupwinning coach Mark Lane, who will also benefit fromthe expertise of the team of sport scientists at St Mary’s University College.

Steph Twell Voted Rising Star

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In 2006 St Mary’s University College introduced TheShooting Stars Children’s Hospice Charity 6-a-sideFootball Tournament, which consists of 8 teams in aknockout-style format. This tournament wasdesigned to raise awareness for the charity.

The Shooting Star Children's Hospice providescare, support and advice for children and youngpeople with life-limiting conditions and their families,free of charge, 365 days a year across West Londonand North Surrey.

In the first year of the tournament £360 wasraised. This has become an annual event in the StMary’s sporting calendar and last year’s tournamentraised £1,170. This year £1,200 was raised for theHospice.

The tournament was organised by Sue Whithamof Student Services, the St Mary’s University CollegeChaplaincy and Athletics Union President JasonArday with help and support from the Sports StMary’s Team.

Jason Arday said, “Through the tournaments andvarious other fund-raising events, we have managedto raise over £4,000 within the last three years.”

Sports ShortsWomen's BasketballThe St Mary’s team finished second in the league inthe BUCS Trophy Final in Sheffield.

Men's FootballThe First Team lost the league by a point toUniversity of Hertfordshire and reached the semi-finals of the BUCS Trophy. The Third Team lost theleague by one point on the final day of the season toBrunel. The Fifth Team won their third league title inthree years.

Netball: The Second Team became the first netballside to win the league in four years.

Men's Rugby Union: In their first year of formation,the Third Team won the league, and were unbeatenin the league this season.

Women's Rugby Union: League winners for the thirdyear in a row, the St Mary’s team will be competingin a play-off to get into the BUCS Premier Leagueagainst St Marks and St Johns (Plymouth)

Men's Volleyball: The Men's First Team won theBUCS Knockout Trophy.

ShootingStarsFootball Tournament


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An interviewwith Rob Lake

Sport Science Lecturer Dr Robert Lake explainswhy coaching thewomen’s basketball teamthis season has beensuch a rewardingexperience

Last summer, the women’s basketball captain, thirdyear Sport Science student Lorraine O’Malley,emailed me to ask if I would be interested incoaching their team for the upcoming 2008/09season. In previous years I had been reluctant to getinvolved because of the heavy workload that itwould entail, but having just completed mydoctorate, I felt the time was right to give up moretime for extra-curricular activities that would benefit

the University College and its students. Since accepting the invitation to be their head

coach in August, I have been witness to, andexperienced myself, a number of the positiveoutcomes. This experience has further reaffirmed mybeliefs of how participation in structured sportprogrammes can serve as an important tool inpromoting positive values for everyone involved.

The team began training in September, and sincethen I have been very pleased to see noticeableimprovements both on and off the court. These havebeen not only in relation to the team’s physicalconditioning and basketball skills, but also withgeneral attitudes to working hard, reaching targetsand making personal sacrifices for the benefit of theteam. The sessions I run at the crack of dawn onFriday mornings are particularly important for thewomen in this regard. The players have come to therealisation that genuine improvements are made onlythrough willpower, perseverance and supremededication to the cause. Moreover, sacrificing awarm bed for sprints up and down a basketballcourt says a lot about who you are as a person andwhat your team and university means to you.Regular training sessions and games each weekhave helped to develop team cohesion anddiscipline, and a strong sense of community anduniversity spirit. It is this spirit that over the yearshas helped St Mary’s University College develop itsspecial reputation as a leading sporting institution,with a record to match.

At the end of 2008, the women’s basketball teamwhich plays in BUCS Division 1, has a record ofseven wins and just one loss. Success for me,however, is judged by more than our win/loss recordbut by the role that I can play in long-term playerand personal development. My involvement as acoach is performed voluntarily, but I have gained agreat deal of enjoyment and experience in a shorttime and have since obtained my NBL Level 1coaching qualification.

By the end of the season the team finishedsecond in the league winning eight and with twodefeats. Having qualified for the TrophyChampionship they beat Cardiff University 92-65 inthe semi-final and lost narrowly to University ofWolverhampton in the final played at the BUCSChampionships in Sheffield. Overall, an excellentseason and a positive experience for all involved.

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St Mary’s University College hosted its firstEnterprise Awards Dinner on 2 May to celebrate theachievements of students who have undertakenplacements in businesses this year, and to thank theorganisations that have played host to the students.

Awards were presented to students who hadshown commitment and dedication in theirplacement beyond that which was expected, and tothose who had made exceptional progress. TheMalta Tourist Office was given an award for theexcellent opportunity that they offered to a St Mary’sstudent to undertake a research project with them,and for the support that they gave him.

The ‘special’ award honouring a long standingpartnership and ongoing support for St Mary’sstudents through placements and volunteeringopportunities went to Richmond AID.

Student presentations focused on the learningjourney, the new experiences and the aspirationsthat have grown from the placement experience.Judolene Bergh, a final year student, spoke of herchallenging work with the Richmond Young People’sDrug and Alcohol Support Service, and her ongoingcommitment to one of their projects.

Matthew Pittendreigh, who is studying for adegree in Sport Science, talked about his experiencesupporting the PE department at Cardinal VaughanSchool, and how he fitted in his placement aroundhis work as a special constable, his role as a seniorresident at the University College, and his studies.

Perhaps the most unusual placement this yearwas Sanaa Khan’s. Sanaa secured a placement inthe House of Lords, working in Lord Ahmed’s officeand has gained invaluable experience in work, lifeand politics.

EnterpriseAwards Dinner

On Wednesday 3 June, Sport St Mary’s hosted theSt Mary’s Classic (formerly known as the St Mary’sRelays), a prestigious UK Athletics Challenge series.

The meeting offers high quality competitionopportunities for young and emerging eliteperformers so that they can gain valuable racingexperience, improve their personal performancesand try to achieve qualification times for majorchampionships.

This event also showcases the EndurancePerformance Centre at St Mary’s University Collegewhich has helped athletes including Andy Baddeley,Mo Farah and Stephanie Twell to become topperformers on the world stage.

In the past the Classic has been visited byathletics legends such as Steve Cram , KellyHolmes, Ian Stewart and Dave Bedford.

St Mary’sClassic

Peter Pledger, ChiefExecutive, South LondonBusiness and Governor,St Mary's UniversityCollege, presentingEnterprise Award to theMalta Tourist Office

For the second year in succession The Club'sAnniversary Mass was held in The Cathedral ofChrist the King. The celebrants, Fr Alex Fleming(44/46), Club Chaplain and Fr Joe Cunningham(48/50), remembered in particular three memberswho died in 2007/8 namely, Gerry Breen (41/43),Austin Tipping (52/54) and our past president, JohnMalone (54/56). Gerry was represented by hisdaughter Nicolette, Austin by his wife Margaret anddaughter Jane, and John by his wife Joyce. Whilst at College Austin Tipping was an outstanding athletewinning, in two successive years at Motspur Park,the 100 yards, the 220 yards, the 440 yards and wasthe anchor man in the two successful relay squads. His daughter Jane and son-in-law Steve Meredithare both Simmarians (86/89).

They met for the first time atCollege marrying shortly aftergaining their degrees.

The Anniversary Mass wasfollowed by lunch in The GibberdRoom of The Cathedral withmembers and their wives enjoyingboth a fine meal and an addressgiven by our president GerryWright (52/54).

The 8th December UniversityCollege Feast Day was recognisedwith due solemnity with Mass at St Joseph's Blundellsandsconcelebrated by Fr Alex Fleming(44/46) and Fr Godric Timney OSB(70/71). Lunch, which followed atThe West Lancashire Golf Club,was attended by 24 Simmariansphotographed here, beforepartaking of a Christmas meal. Two of our guests were RickyRichmond (55/58) representing theManchester Simmarians and

Vin MacDermott (52/54) by kind courtesy of thePontefract Simmarians. Both have given welcomesupport to the activities of the Liverpool Simmarian Club.

Recently, members voted for a change of venuefor the anniversary mass from its long-standing linkwith The Metropolitan Cathedral. Now, both of ourmajor celebrations will be jointly housed by St Joseph's Blundellsands and The West LancashireClub. This change allows for a Saturday date for theanniversary mass and the possibility of attendanceby members who remain actively employed.

Well attended meetings continue on the lastThursday of each month at the West Lancashire Golf Club. New members are welcome.Geoff Farrell, Secretary


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Members attending The College Feast Day lunch on Monday 8th December 2008Back Row: Steve McKenna (treasurer) 58/60, Gilly Fyles 45/47, Ricky Richmond(guest) 55/58, Frank Ellis 52/54, Peter Duff 59/61, Tony Halpen 65/69, Mike Chapman 61/64, Des Hardman 61/64, Tony Brookman 62/65, Jim Sinnott56/58, Terry Doyle 56/58, Tony Garrigan 60/63, Lawrence Growney 59/62, Vin MacDermott (guest) 52/54, Ralph Hope 45/47, Bill Swainson 53/55.Front Row: John Metcalf 53/55, Jim Hynes 53/55, Geoff Farrell (secretary) 54/57,Fr Alex Fleming (chaplain) 44/46, Gerry Wright (president) 52/54, Bill Cullen 42/44, Fr Godric Timney OSB 70/71, Tony Larkin 46/48

ALUMNI News

Alumni Associations and ClubsThe Liverpool Simmarian Club 1904-2009

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DonationsThank you to everyone who contributed to lastyear’s magazine appeal. Listed opposite are thedonors who gave us permission to acknowledgetheir donation. We would also like to thank all of thedonors who wished to remain anonymous. If youwould like to contribute to their year’s appeal,please complete the relevant section of theenclosed Alumni Reply Form.

Thank you for your much needed supportBreen, MichaelCollins, PeterCuthbert, JohnDavies, VincentDodds, PatriciaDorman, StephenDoyle, JohnGrassi, JohnHanbury, Andrea

Hopley, LeoHoward-Grubb, AntonyMcCormick, GerardMorgan, PatRynn, ThomasSheil, DannySmith, Marie-HeleneSozzi, MarieWheeler, Sandra

Let Us Entertain YouHistoric and Modern Dining on Your Doorstep Following refurbishment, the 19th Century Waldegrave Suite is now availablefor functions and dining. Re-launch special offer for 2009 only: no venue hireMonday-Friday for banquets and dinners in this historic Grade I listed venue.

Strawberry Hill Conferences and Banqueting can also offer you a variety ofmodern facilities available for private hire to the local community including: - bars and dance areas for private parties - a stylish coffee shop available for more sophisticated nibbles

The Waldegrave SuitePerfect For Your Wedding Reception The 19th Century Waldegrave Suite is the perfect location for weddingreceptions. Gothic charm is complemented by beautiful grounds and fabulousfood for a truly memorable day.

Our Space For Your Business‘State of the Art’ Conference Rooms for Hire The Shannon Conference Suite is an ideal location for business meetings ortraining courses. Located close to Strawberry Hill Station it offers threemodern meeting rooms and has its own dedicated entrance, lift, toilets andcatering area to ensure a professional environment is maintained at all times.

Whether you are looking for a venue for a Christmas party, a celebration, orneed a space for business meetings and entertaining, contact Strawberry HillConferences and Banqueting at St Mary’s University College:

Bernice Ostle Steve GallagherTel: 020 8240 4044 Tel: 020 8240 4114Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Strawberry Hill Conferences & BanquetingVisit www.smuc.ac.uk/conferences for more information Take a Tour – Click on ‘Virtual Tours’ on the website to tour a selection of facilities available


16 www.smuc.ac.uk

The Chaplaincy team is always inspired by a numberof students who give freely of their time to take partin the various Chaplaincy groups and activities. Weare committed to building up our own communityand, with the help of students, we continue tofundraise so that we may help local, national andinternational charities.

On 30 September, Bishop George Stack camealong to celebrate the Academic Mass. It was also anew beginning for the University College charity,which has been renamed Strawberry Hill OverseasCommunity Concern (SHOCC). SHOCC has beenrunning successfully for over thirty years but thisyear has managed to attain full charity status and anew Board of Trustees. There has been a greaterinvolvement of existing staff from all areas of theUniversity College and a sharing of ideas regardingfundraising and raising the profile within theUniversity College community.

The work of SHOCC has been closely linked withthe Chaplaincy over many years and has so farraised £250,000 for global and local charities,working with over 150 projects in 35 countries.

During the Season of Lent we have organised aLenten Appeal and the money will be donated toKatin Aran Children’s Centre in the Philippines whereClare Keily, a former student, is working with theAssumption Lay Volunteer programme. Clairegraduated from St Mary’s University College lastsummer and works in a town called Roxas at theChildren’s Centre which provides health andeducation for disadvantaged children. In her recentemail she said, “I am settled now and I would like tothank the Chaplaincy for all their support in helpingme organise this special year. The happiness andwarmth of the people and children keep me going!Every day I am learning something new – to livesimply, and what really matters to me.”

Chaplaincy

Reaching Outto Others

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So far we have raised £1,500. You can read moreabout Clare’s work in the SHOCC report.

Gary McDermott, a second year student,completed the Connemara Marathon and has raisedover £1,250 for our Lenten Charity and we awaitfurther money which has been pledged to us.During Lent we have also raised £500 for theMustard Seed community in Zimbabwe and £200 forCAFOD.

Our two nights of Carol Singing in the West Endof London and our fundraising evening in theStudent Union raised £6,500. This total wasincreased with our Advent Special Collections andwe gave away £7,500 to representatives fromvarious charities at the end of the Christmas CarolConcert. The charities which benefited from ourfundraising were: SHOCC, Shooting Stars Children’sHospice, Roy Kinnear Charitable Foundation,Catholic Children’s Society and the London TaxiDrivers’ Fund.

At this year’s Honorary Fellowship evening, threestudents who work closely with the Chaplaincytalked to the assembled guests about the work thatthey do in terms of serving the community andbeyond. Elaine Cahill said, “By being part of theoutreach programmes with the Chaplaincy I havebecome more involved in the community of St Mary’s and I can honestly say I can see a realdifference being made in the lives of other people.”

Gary said, “the Chaplaincy helped me to settleinto life on campus”, and “the community feel of St Mary’s has appealed to me from the first day Iwalked through the gates. Every day provides anopportunity to give something back to the

community which has accepted me as one of its own.”

Their testimonies are very encouraging and theyboth work hard at involving other students in servingthe needs of others.

Both Elaine and Gary serve the community asReaders and Eucharistic ministers as well as takingpart in outreach programmes.

The Annual Lenten Retreat took place inCumberland Lodge from 27th February to 1st March2009 and the theme was ‘Vocation and You’.

The challenge put before us was to live up to thewords of St Catherine of Sienna, “If you are whatyou should be, you will set the whole world ablaze”.

The Retreat concluded with a Service in the RoyalChapel in the presence of Her Majesty QueenElizabeth II and Prince Philip and the students weredelighted to have the opportunity to speak to theQueen after the Service.

The Chaplaincy team is committed to providing ahigh level of pastoral care and encouraging ourstudents to grow in their own faith whilst respectingand valuing other religious traditions. We willcontinue to encourage students to engage with thebuilding up of our own community and the localcommunity, our hope is that the outreachprogrammes will continue to flourish thus ensuring acontinued involvement of staff and students inmaking a lasting contribution to the growth ofcommunity life on the University College campusand beyond.

For further information on Chaplaincy groups andactivities please take time to look at the websitewww.smuc.ac.uk/chaplaincy

Elaine Cahill

Gary McDermott


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James Barrett 1940-42Darren Bray CurrentPeter Cassidy 1957-60Jack Connor 1940’sClaire Cordon 2007-2008Mike Coyle 1951-61Anthony Davies 1944-46Barbara Doyle 2000-01Fr Peter FlanaganWilliam Foley OBE 1928-31Michael Hill 1951-53Melanie Innocent 1994-97Cassandra Levesconte 2002-03Canon Stanley Luff 1951-53Ruth Martin 1986-89Robert Marr 1948-50Anthony Mitchell 1954-56John McCarthy 1952-54

Edward McIntosh 1936-38Desmond McMahon 1940-42John McNamee 1940-42Michael Minuti 1962-63Terry O’Neill 1953-55Peter Oughtibridge 1946-48Denis Potts 1947-49Austin Tipping 1952-54Mike Titcomb 1951-53Paul Wallace 1968-71Elizabeth White 1968-71

Staff Sheila Dampney, EducationMike Holliday, PEFr Eugene Sweeney, BursarGordon Vosper, Assistant PrincipalDr Michael Partridge, Theology

Rest In PeaceNews of the death of the following Simmarians has been received. Pleaseremember in your prayers these Simmarians, their families and their friends.

If ‘Band of Gold’ by Freda Payne was number onewhen you first walked through the gates of St Mary’sthen you must belong to the class of 1970. You willremember jam-packed Friday nights in the Collegebar, Pink Floyd playing in the theatre, using a veryearly microwave to heat up pies and pasties from amachine next to the bar and having meal books forthe refectory. Ever wondered what happened to allthose crazy people who shared those wonderfulthree years? David Lawrenson and Tony Jones didwhen they recently bumped into each other on Kings Cross station. They thought that maybe it’stime for a reunion. Next year will be the 40thanniversary of dragging suitcases from the station all the way up Strawberry Hill Road in baking heat to the College gates.

So if you were one of those poor souls and areinterested in finding out what happened to your oldstudent friends, look out for details of a reunion.Contact David Lawrenson [email protected] or Tony Jones at tony.jones@ uk.fcm.travel

Time for aReunion?

September 2010 will mark the 50th anniversary ofthe first 3 year Dip. Phys. Ed. program at St Mary’s.

If any members of this group are interested in aninformal get-together to celebrate this milestone(details to arranged later, depending on feedback)please contact Dave (Dai) Thomas, originally fromPenarth, at [email protected] or telephone001 519 633 9751 (Canada).

Physical EducationTeaching DiplomaCourse 1960-63

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Re-reading my report in the last edition of theSimmarian, I note that I brought you up to date withthe changes that took place within SHOCC during2007-8. Over the past year the charity has continuedto develop not least within the University College.We were delighted when Bishop George Stack, ourChair of Governors, agreed to make the inauguralMass of the new academic year our official launch.This was the highlight of a week of publicityinvolving displays and events.

The Trustees and the supporters group have metat regular intervals during the year and we now havefour committees that report to the Trustees. Theseadvise us on financial matters, project funding, fund-raising and publicity. There is now a clear path todecision making with potential projects making useof a simple form that enables the Project FundingCommittee to reach well considered decisionsregarding the allocation of our funds. Two of ourTrustees, Valerie Cunningham and Elizabeth Byrne-Hill, are members of our Fundraising committee.Valerie, formerly PA to Fr Cronin and Elizabethformerly of the Drama Department, are looking forways of developing financial support for ourcharities. If any readers have ideas for fund raising,please contact Kevin Cook at St Mary’s at our usualaddress or email [email protected].

Alternatively, if you have a project that you wouldlike considered for funding please see the form onour website at: www.smuc.ac.uk/community/shocc/funding.htm

We continue to support projects such as BroJoachim Naas’ secondary school at Tumu innorthern Ghana which receives regular monthlydonations from a Simmarian via the Charities AidFoundation. This is a simple yet, for us, effectiveform of giving as the donations are paid via CAFdirectly into our bank account. Each year we areable to send several hundred pounds to BrotherJoachim.

We are hoping to extend this form of givingthrough a staff Give as you Earn scheme during thecoming year.

Over the past year we have further strengthenedour links with the Chaplaincy team of Fr Gerry, Davidand Kerry. Their help has been invaluable not least interms of identifying projects for us but also byproviding students with advice about fund raisingand working with local and global communities.David took the lead in designing our new SHOCCbanner and this had its first outing at a recent fund-raising event at the Bentalls Centre in Kingston.David has also designed shirts for us to use atevents such as this. Thus we are becoming betterknown locally for our charitable work.

This leads me on to telling you about some of therecent major fundraising events involving SHOCC. Inthe summer of 2009, Mark Glaister, John Goodwin,Corinne Abraham and Tom Bennett, otherwiseknown as Team Human Science, will take part inRAAM, the Race across America. This 3000 milerace from Oceanside California to Annapolis,Maryland is one of the most demanding enduranceevents in the world. The Team is busy training for theevent and one weekend in March they took theircycles and equipment to the Bentalls Centre topublicise the challenge and to raise funds.

Strawberry Hill Overseas and CommunityConcern (SHOCC) Charity No: 1120787

Continued overleaf >


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They managed to raise the fantastic sum of £950from generous shoppers and they are on their wayto their target of £20,000. Along with LeukaemiaResearch and Special Olympics Richmond, SHOCCis one of the charities that will benefit. You can findout more about their challenge including a map ofthe route and regular updates on their website:http://teamhumanscienceraam2009.synthasite.com.It includes a short You Tube video of them training inthe labs at St Mary’s.

In an attempt to do my fundraising bit, I decidedto select a SHOCC project for the year. My days ofcycling across America are long gone and I’m notsure I could still get to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro.However, in the summer of 2008 I was able to visitthe Assumption Sisters in Moshi, Tanzania andaccompanied them and their architect to the site ofthe proposed new girls’ secondary school outsidethe town. I had brought with me a cheque for £5000from SHOCC and presented this to the Sisters at thesite.

In the last edition of The Simmarian I mentionedthe start of construction work on the school thanksto a generous donation from the Sir Harold HoodFoundation and from SHOCC supporters. By thetime of my visit the foundations had been completedand work on two classrooms started. The challengewas to complete these classrooms and get themroofed in time for a September 2009 opening. To thisend I have opened a JustGiving site with a target of£10,000. As I write this article, I note that donationsare nudging the £1000 mark. I will be visiting theschool again in July 2009 and hope to be able toreport on work moving forward on the classrooms.Donating to the SHOCC project couldn’t be simplerand if you are a UK tax player, the government willadd a further 28% to your donation. You can donateby logging onto the JustGiving site at:http://www.justgiving.com/kevincook1

SHOCC does not exist simply to raise funds forlocal and global charities. We also act as a source ofinformation for students wishing to contributepersonally to projects in the ‘not for profit’ sector. Inthe past we have provided advice, encouragementand funding to enable students to work in Kenyaand Zambia.

This year we were delighted when Claire Kielywas selected onto the Assumption Lay VolunteersProgramme. Claire has been working in thePhilippines since her graduation last summer andregularly sends us news.

This summer, Claire comes to the end of what hasbeen a memorable experience for her. To celebrateher success, with Fr Gerry’s agreement, we choseher project at Katin Aran for our Lenten collection. Todate we have received over £1500 in donations andstill have to receive money from the sponsorship of astudent who ran in the Galway marathon. Keep aneye on our web site for details of the ways Clairemakes use of this money.

It’s been a great year for SHOCC. We havecontinued to support the work of Dee Smith (1972-1975) in Guatemala and, despite deterioratingpolitical conditions in that country, she continues todo marvellous work with the Proyecto Vida HIV/AIDSproject. Do remember her in your prayers. Sheregularly sends us news and you can find out moreon our website.

With your support 2009-10 will be an even betteryear for us and we will continue, as our straplinesuggests, ‘helping others to help themselves’.Kevin L Cook and the Trustees

SHOCC Continued ...

Come back to St Mary’s!The University College has a vibrant postgraduatecommunity, offering an increasing number of taughtcourses as well as research degree programmes.Why not found out more? Programmes include:Applied Linguistics and English Language TeachingApplied Sport and Exercise Physiology*Applied Sport Psychology*BioethicsCatholic School LeadershipCharity ManagementCreative Writing Studies – Creative Writing the

Community Education (Leading Innovation and Change)Education (Pedagogy & Professional Values and

Practice)History, Culture and Belief *Leadership Development**LLM Employment and Corporate Law**Nutrition and Physical Activity for Public Health Pastoral Theology- Pastoral LeadershipChristian Spirituality

Chaplaincy Studies Physical EducationPhysical Theatre*Sports Journalism** Sport and Exercise RehabilitationStrength and Conditioning Science*Theatre Directing

*subject to validation ** 2010 start

Research Degree programmesMPhilPhDVocational ProgrammesPostgraduate Certificate in Primary and Secondary Education (PGCE)

For more information Tel 020 8240 4027Email [email protected]

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PGCE (Post GraduateCertificate in Education)Primary (full and part-time)For further information contact Trish Lee Tel 020 8240 4144 Email [email protected]

SecondaryFor further information contact Bob VertesTel 020 8240 4154 Email [email protected]

PGCE Open Mornings, 9.30am-1.00pm4th November 20092nd December 200910th March 201023rd June 2010PGCE Open Evenings, 6.30pm-8.30pm3rd November 20091st December 20099th February 20109th March 20104th May 201024th June 2010

Spread the WordAs you know, St Mary’s University College is agreat place to study, so we need your help tospread the word. Year after year our surveysshow that recommendation is a very importantway for people to find out about the UniversityCollege. You may be a teacher and be able todraw your students’ attention to the opportunitiesat St Mary’s, or want us to come in to visit. Youmay work in a college with older students, or youmay know people in your work place or sociallywho are looking for a course. You may needinformation leaflets to pass out, or knowsomewhere to display an Open Day poster. If you can see any way that we might be able towork together to spread the word about St Mary’s University College we would bedelighted to hear from you. Contact the team on020 82314/4156 or email [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you.


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Don’t forget to return yourAlumni Reply Card if youwould like to feature in‘Where Are They Now’.

1940’sPhilip Powley (1948-50) lives in Oxford where heenjoys gardening and local history. He was awardedthe long service medal from the Scout Associationand a Certificate of Recognition from the Duke ofEdinburgh Award Scheme.Thomas Rynn (1949-51) is a retired head teacherand former magistrate. He lives in Wigan.

1950’sPeter Collins (1950-52) retired after teaching inLondon. He lives in Clevedon.Gerard McCormick (1951-53) lives in Flint where heis ‘happily retired’ after teaching in the local area.Pat Morgan (1950-53) taught in Zimbabwe andSouth Africa. He would like to hear from old friendsfrom College.Eric Stringer (1950-52) is a former head teacher andwas Commodore of a sailing club for some years.He lives near York.

1960’sMichael Breen (1961-64) retired as a professor oflanguage education. He has been studying for adegree in Fine Art and lives in Perthshire.Michael Collins (1969-73) works for a church charityafter retiring from teaching. He lives in Sunderlandand is married with one son.John Deevy (1969-73) retires this year after 22 yearsin headship. He would like to resume contact withold friends via the Alumni Postbox.Gerard Egleton (1967-70) is married with threechildren and lives in Ormskirk. He would be pleasedto hear from old friends from College.Kathleen Kirkbright nee Weekes (1966-70) is aretired head teacher and is married to Michael(1966-70), a retired FE lecturer.

Paul McLaughlin (1969-72) lives in Doncaster and isthe head teacher at a local Catholic primary school. Dave (Dai) Thomas (1960-63) lived and taught inAlberta for 40 years. He moved to Ontario afterretirement and would welcome hearing fromclassmates at [email protected]

1970’sKathleen Austrin (1970-73) is a special needsadvisor based in Abu Dhabi where she implementsinclusion in education, the community and theworkplace. Ronald Barnett (1970-71) is a Professor of HigherEducation at a London HEI. He lives in London.Stephen Dorman (1970-73) is married with sixchildren. He is a retired Royal Naval Officer and runsan agency for retiring teachers. Nigel Evans (1970-73) has taken early retirementfrom his position as head teacher of a Catholicprimary school. He lives in York.Antony Howard-Grubb (1975-79) taught in the UKbefore moving to Milan where he is a languageconsultant for multinational companies. He ismarried with two children.Anne Hunter (1973-76) taught at a London primaryschool before moving to Edinburgh where she runsthe family business.Patrick Regan (1973-77) was a head teacher inLondon. He works for the Board of Education and isalso a link tutor at St Mary’s. He lives in Tenterden.Carmel Strong (1974-78) is teacher of Humanities ata school in Lincolnshire. She lives in Sleaford.Sandra Wheeler (1971-74) took early retirement fromteaching in the UK and taught in New Jersey. She isnow back in the UK and would like to hear from oldfriends via the Alumni Postbox.

1980’sIan Andrews (1989-92) is a lecturer teaching Accessto Higher Education at a HEI. He lives in Readingand has one son.Matthew Baker (1987-90) is the Head of English at astudy centre in Nepal. He enjoys trekking, raftingand paragliding in his spare time.

Where Are They Now?

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Lindsay Goward (1983-86) worked for a number oflocal authorities and charities and is now a trainer inthe voluntary sector. She lives in Kings Lynn and hasone son.Michael Evans (1989-92) lives in Australia where heis a project manager.Jonathan Gurney (1989-90) is a FE lecturer at aWest London college. He lives in Teddington.Mary Jones (1985-89) is Head of French at a prepschool near Windsor. She sings with a chapel choirand in a choral society and lives in Ashford.Clare Napper nee O’Shea (1980-85) is a learningsupport teacher based in Dubai. She has 3 children.Linda Odunsi nee Bracken (1984-88) lives inBookham and is Head of Maths and Director ofStudies at a school in Surrey.Christopher Short (1989-93) is Head of Secondaryat a curriculum school in Dubai.Michael South (1981-84) is a Senor Staff Nurse. Helives in Exeter.

1990’sPaul Avery (1994-98) is an assistant head teacher ata secondary school in Surrey. He lives in ColliersWood and married in 2007.Jo Brooks (1994-98) is Head of Advisory Service inWandsworth. She has travelled extensively. Shewould like to contact old friends via the AlumniPostbox. Vikki Chubb (1992-95) has been a primary schoolteacher for eleven years. She is involved in Christianyouth ministries and is a keen horse rider. She livesin West Sussex.Jez Daniel (1995-98) taught in secondary educationbefore becoming the study centre manager at afootball club. He would like to hear from anyone whoknows him. Andrew Faas (1998-00) studied for an MPhil atCambridge and is a project officer at a HEI. He livesin Reading and would love to catch up with oldfriends.Andrea Hanbury nee Rose (1995-99) is a primaryschool teacher in London and lives in Edgware. Shewould love to hear from anyone from her year group.Gemma Harris nee Whitehead (1998-02) marriedSimmarian Matt Harris in 2008. She is a teacher at a

primary school in London and lives in Twickenham.Paul Holbrough (1990-94) owns four sport injuryclinics in London. He is married with two childrenand lives in Teddington.Lisa Kippen (1994-97) works as a physiotherapist inBury St Edmunds. She lives in Suffolk.Lisa Mathie (1992-96) is an assistant head teacherat a school in Leicestershire. She is married with twodaughters.George Mocharko (1998) is the communicationsmanager for an educational association and is awriter for Examiner.com/dc. He would like to hearfrom anyone who remembers him.Rhianwen Moore (1991-95) is a PE and Danceteacher at a school in Caerphilly.Benjamin Perkins (1993-97) works as a classteacher in an autism unit in a school in Co Kerry. Hehas a MA in Celtic Christianity.John Steven (1991-92) is a lecturer at a university inSierra Leone. He has been completing a PhD inLinguistics. Jamilla S’Liti Kurt (1994-99) is a SEN teacher basedin Switzerland. She is married with two children andwould like to hear from anyone who remembers her.Toby Wilson (1993-96) is a neighbourhood youthworker based in West Sussex. Melanie Wright (1997-00) is the Marketing and PressManager for a dance festival. She lives in Dublin.

2000’sMichlyn Caffrey (2002-05) is an English teacher at ahigh school in Surrey. She lives in South Croydon.Amanda Hind (2003-04) teaches at a primary schoolin Essex where she is Literacy Coordinator. She livesin Hornchurch.Alberto Mabui (2002-03) lives in Maputo,Mozambique and is a teacher at an institute oflanguages. Anupam Nischal (2003-04) is a teacher ofmathematics at a school in Sunningdale. He lives inWarfield, Berkshire.Marie-Helene Smith nee de Almedia (2000-01)teaches French and Spanish at a school inWaterlooville. She lives in Fareham.Victoria Thompson (2003-07) lives in Hampton. She is a PE teacher at a Catholic secondary school.


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Business LawClinical Exercise Science Drama Drama and Applied TheatreDrama and Physical TheatreDrama and Theatre Arts Education and EmploymentEnglishFilm and Popular CultureGeographyHealth and ExerciseHistoryIrish StudiesManagement StudiesMedia ArtsNutritionPhilosophyPhysical Education: BA (ITE) SecondaryPhysical and Sport EducationPrimary Education with QTS

Professional and Creative WritingPsychologySociologySport RehabilitationSport ScienceSports Coaching ScienceStrength and Conditioning ScienceTheology and Religious StudiesTourismTourism Management

Foundation Degree ProgrammesEducation in ContextHealthcare ChaplaincyHealthcare StudiesIntegrated Children’s ServicesPsychology and CounsellingSocial CareSport, Health and FitnessYouth Ministry

Open DaysFriday 26 June 2009Saturday 12 September 2009Wednesday 28 October 2009

Open EveningWednesday 4 November 2009

For more information see our website www.smuc.ac.ukor contact us on 020 8240 2314 or [email protected]

Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4SX

St Mary’sUniversity CollegeTwickenhamLondon

An exciting range of undergraduateprogrammes are open to you at St Mary’s University College

Documents

Simmarian Issue 21 2009