When were you at John’s? How did you come to study at St John’s?
I was an undergraduate at John’s from 1973 to 1976 and gained a BSc in Geography. I originally applied to Mary’s and went there for my interview. However, I received a letter inviting me come to John’s. I suspect because I put Bell Ringing as a hobby on my UCAS form. So I only saw the college when I arrived on my first day. I clearly remember my parents carrying my suitcases up the stairs to the top of Linton House and when they left all of us ‘new ladies’ meeting on the landing for coffee. I shared a room with Lindsay Nash nee Rayson in my first year. I luckily got a room in Cruddas for the remaining 2 years.
What was your involvement with college?
I had no formal posts. However, I help to set up the Ladies hockey team as well as trying to row for the first time in my life. In my final year I played hockey for the University.
Tell us a bit about St John’s and the atmosphere in college at the time you were there
My lasting memories are of the sense on community, of belonging to my second family. Everyone was friendly, as we all lived in at that time. I made friends for life. However, resources were limited. There was only one TV in the Junior Common Room and no laundry facilities. It was the local laundry or nothing. I can clearly remember a friend getting the first pocket calculator. All essays were written by hand and all research done at the library.
Tell us a bit about you, your career and your life?
I am now an active retiree and spend my time travelling, bowling and painting in water colour. I spent 14 years teaching Geography to A Level in state schools; took a career break to have two children and then started my final career as an insurance underwriter. This led me to working at Lloyd’s in London and my final job was as a Personal Lines underwriter in Bermuda.
How did your time at John’s contribute to these aspects of your life?
My time at John’s gave me the confidence to live my life to the full and to make the most of every opportunity that came my way. I grew up on a council estate and was the first person in my family to attend university so life at Johns was completely alien to me. But I have found out that if you make the effort you can thrive in most situations. I came out of Johns equipped with the social skills to feel comfortable in most situations.
Please could you share a favourite memory of your time at John’s with us?
I have so many good memories my time at Johns. One that stands out are the bun and water fights at Sunday tea time, all dressed in our gowns. Formal dinners were also a highlight especially with guest speakers (Dr David Bellamy as a stand out).
What would your advice be to current John’s students or those thinking of applying to Johns either at undergraduate or postgraduate level?
My advice to all prospective students is to embrace the experience. You are so lucky to have been given the opportunity to do so.
In just 50 years, the women of John’s have made a lasting impact on our community. What is your hope, both as a woman and a Johnian, for the next 50 years of women in the College?
I would love it if we could establish a legacy for future generations of undergraduates. A hardship bursary for students from underprivileged backgrounds is something I would support.
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