Alumni updates

As of today, my initial 12 month contract has been made permanent, and I have been heavily engaged in '#Merky FC', as it continues to create opportunities for people like me that wanted to work in football. I cannot thank Staffs enough for being a large part of my career thus far."

Ayo Oluyede graduated from BA (Hons) Graphic Design in 2021.

We eventually retired to Stafford to prepare for the main event- a Curry arranged by John Beckwith (1974 Geography intake) in the Thawa House on Bridge Street in the evening. Everyone came and we completely filled the tiny restaurant. An informal geography quiz stimulated much debate and banter and the evening went with a swing thanks to the amazing staff at Thawa House.

Many of the group stayed at the Vine Hotel in town and there was lots of opportunity for nightcaps and meet ups in the bar over the weekend. You can imagine the tales of drunken nights at the 5p bar on Tipping Street- our semi derelict Students Union which has long since been erased from the Stafford streetscape.

We had tried to involve two of the most influential lecturers - Norman Sharp and Rod Tolley in the event but they weren’t available or sensibly kept their heads down in case of recriminations!!

The year group who entered Geography in 1973 were the first cohort of the course- and it was sometimes difficult to distinguish the keen young lecturers from their students.

We have managed to mark several key anniversaries over the intervening years, and it was mooted that we should perhaps do it again to celebrate a half century since we graduated!"

John and Janette Knight graduated from BA (Hons) Geography in 1976.

The value of design and designers has been viewed through a concave lens in many quarters of the ad industry for a while now. With a focus so heavily skewed on ideas (rightfully so), designers have been placed in the running of things at the end of the conveyor belt, only called upon to bring other people’s ideas to visual fruition. With a knee-jerk reaction from ad agencies of writing TV scripts in responses to briefs, designers probably needn’t be involved until an end frame layout is needed, anyway. And with growing strategy departments just focusing on collaborating with creative departments, it feels like the design department is just there to add the final flourish to all that thinking. Right?

Respectfully: *Expletive*, no...

Andy Cooke graduated from Graphic Design in 2010.

The book has received five-star reviews with readers praising Oliver’s well developed characters and his ability to create tension in the plotline. It has been called a must read for lovers of the fantasy and western genres.

But what is the book all about? Over to Oliver:

“The Warped Scorch is known as the most dangerous area on the continent of Lux for good reason.

“Ever since a strange meteor hit the land and transformed it into a crystal hellscape, all four bordering nations have been trying to establish a foothold in the extremely dangerous new territory and lay claim to its many treasures.

“Cyrus is a crystal gunslinger, one of the individuals that face the horrors of the Scorch on a daily basis in order to make a living. With his trusty ruby repeater and plenty of experience, he is prepared to deal with whatever challenges the strange creatures and deadly environment can throw at him.

“But Cyrus will soon learn that the true horrors of the Scorch are much more human in nature, and no matter how hard he tries, escaping his past will be nearly impossible.”

Oliver Laws graduated from BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing in 2020.

Dame Dawn Childs DBE FREng graduated from Honorary Doctor of Science in 2014.

Keep your eyes peeled for Saqib Uddin’s name! 

Saqib Uddin graduated from BA (Hons) Sports Journalism in 2019.

Elspeth’s holds a reputation for including cows, sheep, horses and even donkeys in her services – ‘Follow the Star’, an interactive nativity story had a donkey play a large part in the story! Not to be outdone, Elspeth wore a tutu, angel wings and a halo as the narrator as well.

In January 2023, the new Presbytery will be formed, and includes Orkney, Shetland, Moray, Buchan, Gordon, Aberdeen, Kincardine and Deeside. Elspeth will bring so much experience and enthusiasm to her new role.

Presbytery: a body of Church elders and ministers, especially (in Presbyterian Churches) an administrative body (court) representing all the local congregations of a district.

Reverend Elspeth McKay graduated from LLB Hons in 1993.

During his degree, Fergus completed a year-long industry placement with game developer Codemasters where he worked as part of the F1 2021 game team. This month, he has taken up a role with Creative Assembly – the studio behind the award-winning Total War series and the newly announced sci-fi shooter, HYENAS.

Congratulations Fergus!

Fergus Griggs graduated from BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming in 2022.

If you are in New York and would like to view a thought provoking exhibition, Clatter…THUD will be able to view until 15 October 2022.

Sarah Dwyer graduated from MA Fine Art in 2001.

Designed to inspire and reconnect, Sian will showcase beautiful pots made with a stoneware clay body. The distinctive hand-built pots depict various figures and sit alongside vibrant tiles inspired by Vincent Van Gogh.

The artists showcasing their artwork in ReConnect will reflect and celebrate diversity. This exhibition will be one to visit!

Sian Mather graduated from HND Industrial Ceramics in 1992.

Wildgoose’s latest vision of being a team building company with a difference has led to the arrival of Icebreaker games – 3 brand new activities designed to connect, energise and invigorate the team in 30 minutes!

With delivery of events within as little as 24 hours’ notice, on any time zone, anywhere in the world, team building is just a click away!

Jonny Edser graduated from BA (Hons) Sport and Leisure Management in 1997.

A story of self-discovery, originally created for his nephew’s first birthday, Massive Monsters was redesigned to enable the world to enjoy it:

“Henry is a huge City Monster. One morning he feels fed up with being a city monster and decides to go on an adventure to find a new home and be a different monster. With a little help from friends, will henry be able to find out what monster will suit him best?”

Kol is currently working on a follow-up book titled ‘Massive Monsters and The Grumpus’ – no doubt another perfect children’s book!

Kolin Humphries graduated from BA (Hons) Animation in 2009.

What are you waiting for? It’s out now!

Chris Evans graduated from BA (Hons) Sports Journalism in 2009.

Organised by freelance graphic designer and Illustration graduate Daniel Rhead-Brown, from Packmoor, the aim is to break down taboos and help people to enjoy art and talk about mental health in a location that feels accessible to anyone.

“A few friends and people I’ve been close to have committed suicide,” said Daniel, whose business DRB Designs is based in Silverdale.

“It’s important to get people talking and to help to spread the word about the help that’s out there. There’ll be signposting to support at the exhibition.”

For Daniel, whose own artwork will be amongst that on display, art is a great way to get people talking about their feelings.

“People can express themselves through creating art and through enjoying other people’s art. A lot of people take up art for their own mental health reasons.

”The support group Men Unite is set to have a hub at the exhibition and Daniel is bringing in other groups for sessions and workshops. The exhibition will also be open to the public. The work on display will include paintings, photographs, sculptures, illustrations and ceramics."

25% of the proceeds from any work sold will be donated to mental health charities. Daniel is hoping the exhibition can become an annual event. He added: “I hope that we can use the medium of art and the accessibility of a venue right in the heart of the community to highlight a different issue each time we stage an exhibition.”

Daniel Rhead-Brown graduated from BA (Hons) Illustration in 2012.