Alumni: Who graduated between 1970 and 1979

1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979

How does it Work?

We collect What Happened To's from about May to about February each year and publish synposes of these in the annual forever: keele magazine.
When forever: keele is ready to be published (usually about April), we replace the WHTs on the website with those received since February of that year and start all over again, adding them as they come in.... The current series of WHTs was begun in March 2013.

You can read past What Happened To's in our online versions of the forever: keele magazine 

1970

John Clarke: Now retired after 40 years of teaching. 4 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren. Playing golf and researching great uncle Charles in world war one. Would love to hear from contemporaries. 

Philip Newall : Retirement has no attractions so I continue to work as an audiologist and to supervise some PhD students at Macaquarie University in Sydney and to give a few lectures. My son John and his wife Carol are both lecturers there. My other son Tony is a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales. I also have an involvement with the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. My wife Christy is an audiologist and we attend conferences and visit Samoa three times a year to test and fit hearing aids on a voluntary basis to deaf children.

Jim Nicholson: Happily retired from FT work – still working for exam board some PT teaching, a bit of buying and selling (antiques/ceramics). Grandfather to 4 so far. Would like to hear from old friends 1966-70.

Leo Pilkington: Retired in 2011 as Crown Advocate (jury cases in Snaresbrook Crown Court) with Crown Prosecution Service under early retirement scheme. Now writing philosophy, playing squash, travelling with partner who is a Professor of Law: Wonderful!

Jo Sinclair: I retired from full-time work as a local government officer in March 2012, having set up an energy agency (Watford). Run programmes on sustainable housing. I now work as an internal consultant on a European Project around creating sustainability among communities. Find out more on www.turas-cities.eu

James Toon: Retired 4 years ago after working in Wigan for 38 years – initially in Wigan and Leigh College and then for the local authority’s children’s services department. I was a county councillor in Lancashire for 12 years. Active rock climbing, ski-touring and mountain biking.

1971

Jerry Beech: I retired in 2005 after more than 30 years at the national archives, much of that time as specialist in maps and cartographic records. Now in Lymington, I am involved in the WEA, historical society and as a town tour guide.

Robert Digby: I’m working for myself after 35 years teaching in schools and Universities. Currently the President of the Geographical Association. I work for the GA in a voluntary capacity, but also work as a school consultant, as well as authoring textbooks and leading CPD events for teachers. Living in Cornwall with husband (Mick) and dog (Holly).

Jason Hill: I retired in 2007 from my job as Advisory Teacher working with visually impaired youngsters. I still perform occasionally with my ceilidh band Alf Alfa & the Wild Oats. In 2011, I received the Blair Peach honour from the National Union of Teachers in recognition of my campaign work against the far right in Stoke-on-Trent.

Robin Noel: I retired last year after working for 34 years for the Michelin Group at corporate headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand. In that time I held positions in personnel, quality and information technology and had the good fortune to travel widely. I consider that the broad-based Keele degree gave me the outlook and fundamental skills to thrive in a leading international company. In fact, since graduating in 1971, and after spending three years at the University of Edinburgh preparing a PhD, I have been in continuous full-time employment. Since retiring, I have retained some part-time teaching and consulting activities. Keele graduates never stop working.

Russell Ogden: I worked as a Planner and Scrutiny Advisor in local government since going onto an MSc. Having worked for most of my career in South Yorkshire, I retired in 2010. I have been happily married for 35 years, with three children and four granddaughters. Still an avid Stoke City supporter.Judith Wilson: I returned from the prison service in 2009 as a Chaplain and since then have been working part-time as Assistant Diocese Director of Ordinands – which means I am busy as ever – just a different sort of busy! Retirement is a little way down the line.

Maggie Schaedel (Barker): I have spent most of the last 40 years working in concurrent University and NHS settings. I specialised in psychoanalytic psychotherapy developing training and clinical programmes and I founded a unique NHS service for woman sexually traumatised as children where I continue to work. I am married with children, grandchildren, a garden and my closest friends remain those whom I met at Keele.

Frankie Taylor (Band): Career in private and public sector, lately in local government. Currently working as an artist and teaching English as a foreign language.

1972

Neil Alldred: In ’72 I went straight to Africa as a volunteer in Cameroon and then spent 23 years in increasingly senior posts, eventually running a couple of fascinating African organisations. Now in Ireland, married to the most wonderful woman imaginable – and still beavering away to overthrow capitalism!

John Bowers: I get paid for 2 ½ days a week at the National Park. On Mondays I work as a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Jill Hairsine (Clements): Retired since 2001. Would love to hear from any old friends.

Paul Hills: In 1998 I became a “General Superintendent” of the Eastern area of the Baptist Union (a bit like a Bishop). In 2000 a reorganisation of the union led to a new title and working in a team with two other colleagues. My work involves work with other denominations at a regional level and I have been honoured to be appointed an ecumenical canon of both St. Edmundsbury Cathedral and Ely Cathedral. Working with other faith groups I have chaired the East of England Faiths’ council until recently.

Peter Lee-Smith: Peter and Sue (nee Susan Marshall) have ‘semi-retired’ to Evesham. Peter is still involved as a consultant in independent education and Sue in Citizens Advice Bureau. Both are always pleased to maintain and renew Keele contacts.

Roy Mantle: I live and work in central London, mainly involved with sport and marine conservation.

John Roberts: Spent my career working with young people as a youth worker and eventually becoming chief executive of a Connexions service (now sadly scrapped)! I retired from that 10 years ago but have been a Parish Clerk in Telford since then. Now fully retired and planning my next life!

Ian Snaith: Retired from full time work in 2009. Now combining part-time Law teaching with consultancy, research and writing. I still work actively with the Co-operative movement and remain politically active. Judith and I live in Leicestershire.

David Swift: After 39 years at the chalk face, I finally retired last year. I am married and now living near Preston and wondering if I have another 10K or even half marathon in me. Happy memories of Keele; the Classics department, Hawthorns D-block and the Flats.

John Wilcock: PhD; studied under Dr Francis Celoria (Dept of Adult Education: Archaeology) and computer science. Supervised many computer archaeology PhD students; retired as reader in computer, Staffordshire University 1997. lecture in Archaeology and Local History.

1973

Stephen Brooks: I have been fully retired for the past two years. Spend my time reading, watching the weeds grow, on courses and being a taxi driver for my daughter.

Gillian Burgess (Hindle): Gill and Martin Burgess, both now enjoying retirement after years as head teachers – happy to have escaped the Gove-era!! Enjoying garden, horses, cats and grandchildren.

Jim Fisher: After Keele I married Susan and we have 2 sons, Kim and Aled (Respectively 27 years and 25 years old).

Dave Garry: After partial retirement in December 2010, I fully retired in October 2013, and it’s great! I’m keen on going to the gym and volunteering which resulted in carrying the Paralympic Torch for a part of its trip near where I live.

Robert Henderson: Running two blogs - Living in a Madhouse and England Calling.

Anthony Smallwood: After nearly 40 years abroad with either the Brits of the EU, Sue (nee Vines) and I have returned to Somerset where we watch the floods rise and fall. Our children seem likely to follow a similar path with one in Abu Dhabi and the other in Geneva.

1974

Robert Ash: My wife, Gail, and I have both been retired for some years from our careers in the NHS, and I live in a cottage in Clifton, Bristol, within walking distance of the suspension bridge. Retirement has allowed us to expand our travel experience: destinations visited in recent years include Nepal & Bhutan; New Zealand & South Pacific; Patagonia; Laos & Thailand.

Christine Ball (Walch): Recently retired as head of family law at a solicitors firm in Burton-on-Trent. Currently a trustee and legal volunteer at domestic violence charity. Married to Peter (1972) and mother of Simon and Caroline (Keele 2003) who is now a Law librarian at Derby University.

John Cantelo: Since retiring from teaching (2010) I am able to devote more time to editing the Crossbill Guides – a series of books on the wildlife and wild places of Europe. I am currently writing and researching the next book on the wildlife of Andalucía. NB. Liz (Hagger) and I are still married!

Stuart Raymond: My latest books are, The wills of our Ancestors (Pen & Sword), My ancestor was a Gentleman (Society of Genealogists), and The Home Front 1939-45 (Family History Partnerships).

David Regester : After graduation i began to teach myself to turn wood which i have been doing full time ever since. I have written books an dmagazine articles on the subject and taught many peeople. I teach part time at West Dean College, Chichester.

Christine Spratt (Howells): Looking forward to retiring this summer and spending more time golfing, gardening, travelling and learning to paint!

Lynda Williams (Smith): Married Martin Williams (Keele '72) in 1979. Moved to mid-Wales. 2 children. Warden of remote Quaker meeting house, career in mediation plus yoga teacher.

1975

Betty Albon (Gear): I have now retired from local government, after 34 happy years at St. Edmundsbury Council. One of my new interests is as an alumni trustee for Keele Students Union, which gives me an excuse to make regular visits back to the campus. 

Peter Barham: After 20 years in managing costs I went into industry for 10 years, developing sustainable development management to the ports industry. In 2009 I left to start my own company which specialises in marine environment and development issues, particularly new sources of renewable energy and conservation of the marine environment.

Sharon Barker (Young): Took early retirement in 2011 from Leicestershire County Council where I was manager in the children and young people’s service. Now spending time gardening and looking after my 2 grand-daughters as well as visiting friends, joining local groups and generally enjoying my leisure.

Carol Linton (Lennox): Recently retired along with my husband enjoying helping out with our three grandchildren.

Margaret Loxton: Still working in education! Three older children have now left home and only the 16 year old remains. Anticipate working until she graduates in 5 years’ time.

1976

George Rogerson: Very happily approaching retirement in a wealthy suburb of London in a valuable semi-detached house. My two sons are just embarking on their careers to support me as my reward for their great upbringing.

1977

Rodney Thorpe: Continue to work in probation. Married to Liz (Lumson). Our 3 children all live independently.

Glyn Thomas: Manager of Wales Great Grand Masters Hockey and goalkeeper (over 65s). Played in Celtic Cup against Scotland in Cardiff May 2013. Playing for Welsh Dragons in Barcelona in June 2013.

Maria Doherty (Stepek): I retired from private physiotherapy practice in March 2012 with the diagnosis of Spinal Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma first diagnosis in August 2009. I met my first target of being alive to attend my son’s graduation from Strathclyde University last June. The new goal is being here for his wedding and eventual grandchildren. NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE IN.

Kim Parry: After ten years as head of internal audit for the Church of England, I took early retirement and am now part way through my training as a counsellor – psychotherapist. I married Dominica in 2006.

Richard Shanks - Still Rockin' in the USA

1978

Philip Bromby: Phil and Sharan – Phil now retired following a management career in social care and developing commissioning approaches with the welsh assembly. Sharan retired after 15 years teaching infants and raising 4 children! Will now use our time for family, grandchildren, painting, travel walking and sailing.

Martin Lee: Retired to Bournemouth in 2006 after 28 years as a university lecturer. Now enjoying retirement as a dance host on 60+ cruises and a port lecturer on half a dozen cruises.

Rick Potter: Argyll remains an amazing place to live and work. Music taking an increasing amount of time, and am recording a CD at present (first since 1994). Incidentally noticed recently that The Exits’ single “Yodelling” (recorded at Keele in 1978) has been selling for c £250.00!

Frances Spencer: Eighteen years in IT in the Civil Service, 4 years doing the same in private sector. Voluntary redundancy, 1 year self-employed Market research. Cared for elderly mother 4-5 years. Gradually joined NHS admin locally. Still single with one cat. Avid choral singer.

1979

Guy Briggs: Planning early retirement after 30+ years in education.

John Burgess: I have now completed 25 years at Emerson Group – based in Cheshire. One of the largest privately owned property companies in the UK. Company solicitor rising to main board director. Son (24) now living and working in Manhattan, New York, and daughter (22) living and working in HR in London. Still sports mad – but a bit slower than I was at Keele. Would love to attend a class of ’79 graduates’ reunion!

Carol Ellero (Jones): I took voluntary redundancy from API technology last year and am happier working in the care sector, less hours and more job satisfaction.

Alex Hunt: I have now been an IT contractor for 18 years. In 2010 I under took my first Masters at University of Edinburgh in High Performance Computing now (Sept 2013) I am going to take Masters #2 in Mobile Device Software Development.

Chris Tatton: Living in the Cotswolds with Emma (nee Matthews). Recently studied for an MSc in Environmental & Energy Studies and trying to establish an environmental business. Emma works as a manager in retail.

Martin Webster: After 3 ½ years working in one of the UK’s biggest ever administrations, am just about to move on to pastures new, probably in a more entrepreneurial vein.