forever:keele - Keele University

keele:PEOPLE
what happened to…?
1980
Alison Bate (Godfrey): I now live in
Melbourne, Australia, and work as
Head of Middle Years overseeing 600 students and
50 staff. I teach a couple of classes in French and
German though a lot of my time is spent developing
curriculum and delivering educational initiatives.
Teaching is just as fickle a beast here as ever it was
in the UK. Too late to become a rock’n’roll star now.
Married Gerard whom I met at London University.
We have three children and two dogs. Aside from
the fact that Australia is a long way from home
and it costs us a fortune to keep travelling back,
life is pretty decent and certainly a lot warmer.
Christopher Sturton: Living in Squamish, Canada.
Philip Wain: Went on an MSc in Computing at
North Staffs Poly and have worked in the IT industry
for the last 20 years, building up a consultancy
business in Software Quality. I would love to hear
from old Keele friends especially SF Soc buddies.
Simon Daly: Married with one child.
1981 Careers in criminal justice in UK and New
Zealand. Still interested in sport, arts and travel.
Melanie Greenwood: I left journalism after
nearly 20 years in 2008. Then as editorial
manager at a PR company and left to launch my
own in 2009. I’ve got four children, aged from
6 to 27! Married Tom Henry, a journalist and
writer, and we live with a whippet and a cat!
Nigel Peters: Have worked in the food industry
for 26 years mostly in distribution and supply chain
capacities collecting an MA and an MSc along the way.
1982
Peter Bird: My second book, a collection
of short stories and a novella, ‘The
Moon Can’t Wait,’ came out last Christmas.
Chris Bullick: I am one of the managing partners of
Pull Digital, an Internet Marketing Agency.I worked
first for Procter & Gamble for eight years and then
for Motorola, where I ended up as EMEA Director
of Marketing in Frankfurt. Since then I have worked
as a Marketing Consultant and founded Pull Digital
in 2008. Married to Sara, settled in Hampshire and
have two kids, one working and one at University.
Jo Goossens (Abbott): Married with three children,
living in Canada and teaching French. Also teaching
part-time in the Faculty of Education at a university.
David Jones: Recently set up my own
company after 10 years as director and
head of security for MTV and BSkyB.
James Nainby-Luxmoore:
1983 Married to Aine Nainby-Luxmore
(Fitz-Gerald) with three children.
Cheryl Pope (Cresdee): After a “practice marriage”
I have remarried and have two daughters and
a step-daughter. My husband is studying for a
PhD and I like to think my positive experiences
of Keele have helped to influence him!
Janice Ayers (Worrall): My daughter,
1984 Angela Nelmes (2009) graduated
at Keele last summer in Medicine, 25 years
after I graduated. Keeping it in the family!
Chris Beeching: Part-qualified accountant then
Deputy Director of the Cyclists Touring Club. Later
I was the youngest departmental manager in the
country at Kent County Council Public Rights of Way
Dept. Married to Buffy; four children aged nine to 20.
Karsten Kirchner: I lived in Ghana from 2001 to
2006 but now returned to Germany. If anyone needs
anything to do with marine technology get in touch!
Miranda Mawer (Barry): Moved to New Zealand in
March 2010.
Steve Rowe: Married Pip Kear (1985) and
had two kids but Pip died in 1998. Now married
to Belinda with three more kids and living in
Sydney with land, dogs and chickens.
Mary Rasefske (Toolan): After returning to the
USA I graduated from Hartwick College and
began teaching elementary music. I have been
teaching for 25 years. Married for 21 years and
have three children. In my spare time, I write and
have been published in several magazines.
20 forever:keele | issue : six : April 2011
1985
Polycarp Ambe-Niba: I did an MA in
Translation at the University of Montreal,
followed by a PG Diploma in Education (TFSL) at
McGill University. I worked briefly as translator in
Toronto before returning to my home country of
Cameroon, in 1991. I did a PG Diploma in Conference
Interpretation in Cameroon in 1994. Thereafter I
worked as Translator/Interpreter for the Cameroon
Bishops’ Conference until 2001 when I left Cameroon
to go and work for the pan African Postal Union in
Arusha, Tanzania. In 2002, I joined the staff of the
UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda until
December 2009 when I relocated to Cambodia,
to work at the UN Assistance to the Khmer Rouge
Tribunal. That is where I am currently working.
Warwick Cairns: I have a new book out in April
2011 called “In Praise of Savagery”. It’s about
“A journey to the heart of Africa via Harlow,”
adventure, lost kingdoms, sheep and goats,
savage murder, and getting slightly drunk on
poor-quality sherry, among other things.
Mandy Seddon (Bent): Married to Peter for 17 years
with two sons.
Pascale Reder: Still in Avignon, working at University
of Avignon for Algerian-French scientific co-operation.
1986
Nick Barnett: I run a small flying
school – Staffordshire Microlights
– only 30 minutes from the University. I give a
discount to Keele Alumni so take the controls
yourself for a really memorable time.
Steve Delany: Currently an Operations Geologist
in Oil and Gas industry. Previously worked in
Uganda, Yemen, Papua New Guinea, Siberia,
Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritania, Algeria, Albania,
Kazakhstan, Norway, Australia and others.
Lisa Jack (Adnitt): Lisa married Steve Jack
(1985) and they have two daughters, Annette
and Kat. She qualified first as an accountant but
then moved into academic life, and is currently
working at Portsmouth Business School.
Tracey Maxwell (Goddard): Married to Keith
Maxwell (1984) and happily teaching in Somerset. Our
daughter Sophie was the ninth member of the family
to start at Keele in 2010 and another daughter will
reach HE age in six years – will we make double figures?
Rod Slip: Currently on assignment for Oxfam Australia
experiencing the joys of domestic air services in Papua
New Guinea. Here by way of a range of obscure work
locations but with a family base in Leeds. Awaiting a
new round of “when you reach the back of beyond,
turn left and then ask” assignments for Oxfam GB.
1987
Ian Brown: Living happily in Windsor
running an IT company having
previously lived in Germany for eight years – who
says you never use your degree subjects!
Sarah Davies (Slater): I went to Chester Law School
and did Articles in Liverpool. I was a Solicitor in
private practice in Liverpool for a number of years
specialising in adoption, children, family and mental
health and became a Partner. In 2002 I was appointed
a Tribunal Judge with the special educational needs
tribunal and mental health review tribunal.
Austen Hypher: Settled in Boston, USA.
Mark Kent: Still at BT, still married.
Pete Rhodes: Running my own company specialising in
sports marketing and events that benefit charities and
good causes. Married, then divorced with three boys,
one of whom is keeping up the tradition and playing
for Derbyshire U10s at cricket. Soon to re-marry!
Peter Tench: Any Thorns from my era? A couple
of us meet for a beer in London – you’re welcome
to come along!
Maria Woods (Norris): Have travelled a lot as a
teacher. Worked in Milan then Taiwan, where I
met my husband Ralph. Our daughter was born
in Singapore and we then moved to Brazil for
six years. We are now working in Bermuda.
1988
Mhairi Billington (Donlan): Married
with two boys. Working in performance
sport and already hyped up about 2012. Very
into competitive triathlon and running – which
might surprise those who knew me at Uni!
Bill Evans: After a couple of decades in the Ministry
of Defence I joined DWP in 2009. Between Nov 2008
and May 2009 I served in the British Army in Iraq as
ward-master in the Field Hospital in Basra, Iraq.
Philip Gillingham: I was awarded the Vice-
Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution
to Research in 2010 at Deakin University,
Australia, after completing my PhD in 27
months and for a strong publication record.
Jonathon Hope: Worked in Hong Kong for five
years as China specialist stockbroker, continued
for another fifteen in City of London. Left in
2009 and now a consultant helping to modernise
healthcare. Happily married and first book on
overcoming suffering will be published soon.
Tim Howle: I have been appointed as Professor of
Contemporary Music at University of Kent.
Gordon Okafor-Ross (Ross): I continued study to
get my PhD in music. I set up a recording studio in
Wales and composed for several orchestras, had a
piece performed by BBC Symphony in the Proms
in 1996. Then I became senior lecturer in sound
technology at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
In 2006 I became music programme manager for
Liverpool Culture Company planning and delivering
the music for the European Capital of Culture
celebrations in 2008. Now I’m director of Creative
Universe Ltd. music production and consultancy.
1989
Simon Burney: I married Sarah
Jones (1990), and we are living
in Worcester, with two sons; currently an
RBS Director in Motor Sector Banking
Huw Edwards-Westlake: Shortly after leaving I moved
to Catalunya to try out a different culture. Love got
in the way and I never moved on. More than twenty
years and two kids later, I am an English teacher in
a Spanish school and responsible for international
projects. I have worked a lot teaching English in
private companies and also in the local university.
1990
1991
Joanne Waltham (Clark): I recently
started my own online business selling
innovative and practical baby products and gifts.
Julie Bloor: I am Principal
Designate of Shirebrook Academy
in Derbyshire which opened as the first
Academy in Derbyshire in September 2010.
Nikki Greenway: Relocated with work
to Warwickshire in summer 2009, and
now Head of IT at OfQual.
Zainab Omar: Currently in Doha since July 2009.
Last job at Shell was Corporate Affairs Manager in
BLNG, Brunei. Left Shell after 25 years of service and
now working in the Oil and Gas Industry in Qatar.
1993
Helen Clark (Smith): I lived in
Japan and Nepal before meeting
my husband Tom. We have two children and
live in Derbyshire and teach in Sheffield.
Zoe Mitton: I qualified as a Librarian and worked at
the British Library and with Manchester University
in their Deansgate library. I retrained as a Careers
Adviser and am now deputy head of a university
careers service. Not married but I have been with
my partner for seven years and am very happy.
Deirdre O’Brien: Worked around London for a few
years – nursing and auditing the Health Service. Then
packed my bags and moved to Saudi Arabia, where I’ve
largely stayed for the last 14 years except for about
six months in Australia. Now married to an Aussie
so will be heading back there to live – sometime!
Simon Peberdy: I was Head of Languages and
Housemaster at Pangbourne College, also organist
of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel. Didn’t
have much family time (Justine and three kids) so
in 2007 I gave it all up and we moved to Austria. Ski
instructing in the winter, various jobs in the summer,
living hand to mouth. Kids happy (and bilingual).
Intention was just for a year, but we’re still here!
Carol Ronan-Heath (Ronan): After two stints
in London and 5 years in Geneva, I am now
a solicitor working in-house for Emirates in
Dubai. Married to Mark Anderson. No children
but a lovely Westie called Molly instead!
Desmond Royle: I moved to London and about to
move to the outskirts. Married, no kids yet. I’m still in
touch with Anita and I hear Matt is a copper, wow!
1994
Maqbool Al-Awaira: I am still working
for the same Financial Establishment in
Oman. I have finished a PG Diploma in Management
from Lincoln University and thinking to pursue
further studies in financial management.
Susan Baker: I own an art supply shop.
Vicky Barsky (Avery): Living and working in the USA
since 1999.
Lisa Butler (Jarman): Had two lovely girls with
husband Mark. Now Assistant CEO at a disability
charity called Optua. I enjoy singing, theatre,
writing murder-mysteries and family trips away
in our caravan – off to Latitude this year.
Martin Deane: I am now living in Barbados
managing a small supermarket. I am married
to Ann Marie and have two children.
Michelle Duesman (Dannen): I taught 3rd and 5th
grade for six years before having my two children.
I am now home enjoying my time with them.
Juriah Abdul Hamid: Retired from government
service. Formerly a lecturer in teacher’s
college and later responsible for curriculum
development for teacher training with the
Ministry of Education in Malaysia.
Alan Hodgkinson: Mainly Adult English teaching
in FE – last six years in a prison. I still do Drama!
Michael Keaveny: I followed Keele with a PG at
Leicester Uni. I have been working at Morgan Stanley
since 1997. Married to Miriam since 2000, we have two
fantastic girls and another baby due imminently!
Jeanette Larkinson: I’ve been working at Umicore
(precious and non-ferrous metals) since 1996 as QA/
Credit Insurance Manager. I have a son born in 2001 and
married Lloyd, who I met just after leaving university.
Philippe Magalon: and Vicki Magalon (Parker) met
at Keele. Philippe moved to Wirral to work in industry
before doing PGCE in Liverpool and then taught until
2007. We have three sons and now live in Scotland
where we both teach at the Independent school that
our boys attend. Vikki did a PGCE, taught for seven
years in Wirral followed by five years in Liverpool.
James Ryan: Working in Trinidad.
Robert Swift: I have been working for 13 years in
telecommunications and after working for Orange,
have now moved to the United Arab Emirates.
Joanna Waddington: I attended College of Law
Chester and have lived in Oxford and London working
as a PA. Now returned to live near Llangollen and work
in Chester. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma two
years ago I worked part-time and continued going
to the gym throughout and am now in remission.
My hobbies are the gym, trying to do up my country
cottage and I am always planning my next holiday!
1995
David Galvez-Casellas: Married Nicole
and we have three children. Started a
PhD at Emmanuel College on Argentinean literature.
Worked in Germany and Andorra as Spanish and
English teacher at language schools, schools and
vocational training institutions. Worked as headmaster
and educational curriculum technician. Collaborated
as freelance writer in journals and history publications.
Co-wrote the book “Cortãzar sin barba” with
Argentinean film director Eduardo Montes-Bradley. In
2009 nominated General Director of the Department
of Vocational Training and Technological Education
Development (Ministry of Educcatio, Andorra).
Eric Jeanpierre: Now a university lecturer
and co-trustee and founder of the charitable
project ‘Books for Sierra Leone and Sudan’.
Nick McIntyre: Completed my PhD from
Manchester University. For the last 10 years, I
have owned and managed a popular hotel in
Blackpool as well as pursuing other business
interests. Fondly remembered as ‘The Padre’
of the unofficial ‘Rough Diamond’ Association,
I am looking to organise a reunion.
Gail Haigherty (Jones): In London for 10 years
as a primary school teacher before moving to
Colchester and becoming a full-time mum to two
girls. Intend to return to teaching soon-ish!
Dave Owen: Ridden motorbikes for charity in
southern India and South Africa; ridden motorcycles
around Australia and across Europe. Written and
published articles on all motorcycle events since 2004
in motorcycle magazines, national and international.
Aris Zacharoff: I got married in April 2010.
1996
Ruth Abbott: I moved to Cyprus
with Lazaros immediately after
University. We married in 1999 and now have two
boys and have lived in Larnaca for 12 years.
Sabiha Bauer (Khan): I feel very privileged to
have found a teaching position at a German and
English school in Munich teaching my favourite
subject, music, to children between three and
six years old. And what’s most important, of
course, having enough time and energy for
family life as the mother of three young girls.
Joanne Cornfield: I am married and have two children.
I live in Leeds and work part-time as an ecologist.
Nicholas Kimani: Nick spent a few years in London
and then moved back to Kenya. After a few years in
academia, he moved to Australia for a PhD and then to
Cape Town for a post-doc. He is now back in Kenya.
Yuko Kojima (Ohashi): I worked as an office clerk at
a small trading company in Japan. I often remember
England and Keele as my best cherishing memory.
Dan North: I am now teaching film studies at
the University of Exeter and living in Cardiff.
Sonia Meadows (Outhwaite): I married fellow
Keele graduate Robert Meadows (1997) in
2002 having met at Keele in 1993. I qualified as
a solicitor in 1999, and have worked in Essex,
London and Surrey. We have a baby boy.
1997
Catherine Allen (Sands): Moved to
Tokyo and working at the British School.
Helena Curtis: Worked as a geography teacher
for a while, married and had three babies.
Lawrence Grant-Woolley: Currently working
as a Senior Production Geologist at Shell
(PDO Petroleum Development Oman)
Riaz Hussain: Since completing CPE I gained
admission at the College of Law in Bloomsbury. I
have been studying on the weekend programme.
I have yet to eat the Dinners and I have not yet
secured pupillage. My interest is in the criminal bar.
Jon Short: Although my immediate plan was to
pursue a glittering legal career, things did not go
according to plan. I have pursued other avenues
and currently work in housing with emphasis on
leaseholders’ rights and responsibilities so my legal
skills are being put to use. I have many fond memories
of the Union, chips and cheese and The Place in
Hanley. I am very proud to have studied there and
as “Take That” once sang, I will “Never Forget” the
place on top of a hill with its own microclimate!
1998
Stephanie Abbott (Carless): Living
and working in Warwick. Married to
Tom since 2005 with a son aged two and a half.
Gwyneth Harding: I embarked upon employment in
Primary Education. I went on to study at Manchester
Metropolitan University for a BA in Professional
Studies in Education, which was an achievement as
I was studying while in full-time employment. I am
now studying an MA in Education (Primary). Keele has
always stayed close to me and while I studied at Keele,
I remember my two young sons accompanying me
and attending the crèche there during school holidays.
Keele impacted upon my youngest son so much that
he is now at Keele studying Computer Science.
Marie Kendrick (Almond): Married in 1998 to Mark.
Worked as a buyer for an IT company and then for a
Charity for disabled children. Mum to two children
(age 4 and 6). Currently working as a Degree Course
administrator for the University of Liverpool.
Jamie Pratt: After four years of not doing much
apart from running the popular “Shimmee” night I
left Keele and did a Masters in Cultural History. Then
I went to work making ridiculous short films about
people doing stupid stuff for Eurotrash. After that
went to work as a newsreader on the South Coast
before becoming the Group News Editor for the 7
KMFM radio stations. I left to work at ITN and Sky
before ending up as the London writer for CNN.
keele:PEOPLE
congratulations
Got disillusioned with the media in general so took
a sabbatical and am now running a community
radio station in Canterbury as well as editing the
University of Kent’s student newspaper and website.
Eva Shammas Chell (Shammas): I married
Stephen Chell (1998) in 2003. We have since
had a son and a daughter. I am currently
a senior associate in the corporate law
department at a leading law firm in Cyprus.
Amanda Seys (Etherington): Married Ray Seys (2001)
whom I met in my final year. Spent several happy
years living in Newcastle and teaching History in
Tunstall. Now living in Telford with our two gorgeous
sons, teaching History at the 6th form college where
I once studied and sending many, many students to
Keele... all of them know that I am sick with envy!
Ken Williams: I moved from management in a local
authority and embarked on a PGCE at Sheffield
Hallam University. I taught mathematics for six years
in secondary schools and I am now employed as a
lecturer teaching Electrical and Electronic Engineering
at Sheffield College. In 2010 I started on the Keele
MBA Education programme – I can highly recommend
it. It was also good to be back on the campus as a
student – I must be a glutton for punishment!
1999
Chris Broomhead: Married
Louise Buggins (1997) in 2005.
Melanie Ealing: Joined the Civil Service in 2000,
working for the Immigration Service then Home
Office. Living in Epsom, just around the corner
from the racecourse, with husband Mark and
son Charlie. Not planning to return to work
until Charlie starts school – lucky me!
Andreas Hilger: Consultant Head surgeon since 1998
at Ipswich and Norwich Hospitals and Clinical Teacher
at University of Cambridge. Associate Professor of
Surgery at St George’s University of Grenada.
Sarah Stratton: I am working at the Open University.
Change and Risk Management has become the norm.
2000
Nelson Almeida: I’m back
in Recife, Brazil, teaching at
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in the
Music Department. I play double bass in the
group ‘oQuadro’, instrumental armorial music.
Mark Corns: Went to the USA, came home, got
a job, stuck at the job, met a girl, got married,
we had a baby, another one is on the way.
Gemma Droughton (Jones): Having co-ordinated
my wedding to Jim in August 2009 and the extension
of our home the same year, I’m now considering a
change of career – perhaps to event management.
Oliver-John Keetch: Currently working at
the British Embassy in Rangoon, Burma
Michelle Smalley: I gained my clinical doctorate
in psychology from Southampton University then
specialised in neuropsychology and gained PG
diploma from Glasgow University. I have been living
and working in Cardiff as a neuropsychologist for
five years and was recently awarded the title of
honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University.
Matthew Smith: Married Emma Williams
(2002) whom I met in final year when she was
in her first year. Been together for ten years
now and married for over five years. Enjoying
a peaceful life in the Cheshire countryside.
2001
Catherine Clawley (Heraty): I stayed
at Keele for a PGCE in Secondary
science. I then went to teach Biology in Seaford,
East Sussex and now I live in Devon. Still teaching.
James Fleet and Sarah Fleet (Allen): We
married in 2006, having met at Keele. We had
a little boy in April 2007 and in January 2010
had our second child, a beautiful baby girl.
Adam Frankenberg: I went to Manchester and took
an MA in Jewish Studies. I am in the final stages of
writing my PhD thesis. I have been accepted onto
the Rabbinical programme at Leo Baeck College,
London, but I am doing a year in Jerusalem first.
Vincent (Adam) Gaine: Vincent graduated from
his PhD in Film and Television Studies at the
University of East Anglia in 2009. He is looking for
a lectureship in Film, Television, Media or Cultural
Studies anywhere in the English speaking world.
issue : six : April 2011 | forever:keele 21