My Durham Story - By Andrew Hemmings, FCILT

By: Andrew Hemmings Class of: 1968 College: University College Subject: History Location: Wales

Job title: Author , researcher and speaker; CWGC Volunteer ; Member of CILT Rail Freight Forum; Chair of Advisory Body ; Newport Harbour Commission

Organisation name: Self employed author

Why did you choose to study at Durham?:

I loved the Castle , Cathedral and City the moment I saw them from the train in the winter of 1965 . Staying in Castle for my interview I felt I had found my spiritual and social home.

What was it like to be a student at Durham? Tell us about college life, the city, your course and any sports or societies you were involved in.:

It was absolutely great . I really enjoyed being at Lumley Castle in my first year and staying in Castle Keep in my third year . by this time I was president of Durham University Railway Society and a founder member of the University Industrial Archaeology Society

What are your fondest memories of your time here?: All of them

What have you been up to since you left Durham?:

I worked for the Department of Employment's Jobcentre Service from 1968 to 1999. At the start of the century , I turned my hobby in to a career becoming a transport consultant and adviser to Welsh Ministers . I have continued in this vein as unpaid secretary of the Rail Freight Forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK CILT UK . I am a Fellow of the Institute.

I have written 2 published books : From Lancashire to Yorkshire by Canal - a journey in 1958 and SECRET NEWPORT

How has Durham inspired you to get where you are today? Tell us about any career highlights and achievements.*:

Durham instilled values of intellectual discipline , taught me how to be a historian . It encouraged self-expression and literacy
across a range of interests and activities . One career highlight from my days as Jobcentre manager was the successful introduction of Jobclubs into Britain to help long term unemployed people from a diverse range of backgrounds into employment and training . I also set up a Jobcentre in inner city Leicester to give direct help to local residents. This achievement was acknowledged by an invitation to the Buckingham Palace garden party

What would be your top piece of advice for anyone considering studying at Durham?:

It is not a holiday in spite of looking like a tourist destination . Work , work and make friends . Indulge your interest and stay true to yourself . Take all opportunities that come your way . You never know where they will lead

Why is staying connected to your alumni community important to you? Tell us about anything you have gained from your alumni engagement with Durham.:

I am a member of Castle Society and regularly attend Reunions. I value my friends and invest time and effort to sustaining friendship groups

Any published work?:
From Lancashire to Yorkshire by Canal
SECRET NEWPORT