Peter Swift reflects on his tenure as Vice-Principal after returning to the Department of Physics. He will remain involved with Grey alumni through the College Trust.
I’d just like to drop all at Grey one final message as I finish my time as Vice-Principal of the College. As those in the upper student years know these became a regular feature when I was Acting Master from 2021 until April last year. Many students were at my final formal, Sportspersons, a couple of weeks ago when I was able to say a few words, for which thanks go to Sonia Virdee (Principal), but I’d also like to ensure that the spirit of those reach the wider College community, so here goes!
As I said at Sportspersons, it was my final formal as Vice-Principal of Grey College, and my full-time return to the Department of Physics has arrived, becoming a reality imminently! For me it was especially nice that the final formal was Sportspersons with many second and third year students present who I had the privilege of welcoming to this special place when Acting Master over the past couple of years. It was also lovely to see many students more informally at a whole host of things over the term and at coffee and cake get-together.
Upper year students may recall that when I welcomed them at their first formal when Acting Master, I said I had first come to Grey (Thursday 14 January 1999) on a Residential Open Day. I immediately loved the place and felt a sense of belonging – the people, the welcome given, and the sense of 'what might this place might offer to me'. I then arrived here as a bright-eyed, bushy tailed 18-year-old on Sunday 3 October 1999, receiving a truly Grey welcome, met a whole lot of lovely people in Oswald West (middle floor), other blocks do exist (!), and of course some of those people are now my best friends for life. I didn’t think then, that 25 years later I’d be eventually moving on from Grey having had the privilege of leading this place, or realised the myriad of opportunities it has presented to me.
My time leading Grey was of course exiting the Covid-19 pandemic – many of you will remember the 'Test to Participate' and then the challenge of a lack hospitality staff so we couldn’t run formals, before that pesky refurb – 16 weeks we were told, which became a 70 week project! The finished product is so much better than what was before, despite the memories of the Barquay and my much greyer hair! Throughout those times, the spirit of Grey (you often refer to it as community) remained strong. I’m reminded of what Vic (Watts) the Master who welcomed me to Grey, said: “Above all, what distinguishes us, a College, from a hall of residence is spirit.” We find that spirit in the bar, at social events, on the sports field, around the corridors, and then many years later when you meet-up with friends. It would truly be a sad reflection on Grey if this had died, only to be fondly remembered, during those challenging times we have lived through.
Working at Grey has been special, and this is particularly made so by the people. Tributes to all the staff from the most junior member of the operations and catering teams right up to Tom Allen and now Sonia, the two Principals I have worked for. I’d like to thank the team we had here for many years: Nic and Bryan in the kitchens and dining hall, Peter and Dave in ops, Julie and Kellie in the office, more latterly joined by Antonia, Judith, then Vince, and now Jo. But of course, the real reason I’ve loved coming to work at Grey is because of students; I’ve loved getting to know so many across different generations supporting your endeavours and the work done by the JCR and MCR, so ably led by Warwick and Asa and their predecessors.
A few students have asked recently for some of my favourite memories of Grey, so here goes!
From my time as a student: the great fun it was being resident for three years (!) as an undergraduate and time spent socialising with friends in the dining hall and bar; playing cricket; singing and then conducting the choir particularly at Vic Watt’s memorial service and then playing the organ in the Cathedral for Syd Holgate (founding Master’s) memorial; then lovely sunny Grey days (three out of four!) and the Phoenix Ball, held in College, of my final year, White tie and Tiaras!
More recently, as a staff member seeing the College grow and thrive working closely with the JCR and MCR, watching us be unbeaten in cricket for three years indoors and out, being awarded HLM of the JCR, then of course those in more challenging times, closing College as the COVID pandemic struck, the planning to ensure that college functioned after we re-opened from COVID and all the issues and delays to get the bar and dining hall re-opened. But without doubt the most memorable thing I’ve done as a staff member is getting the Greyhound reopened last year and pulling that first pint!
So what now? As an alumnus of Grey like you, I’ll be back and I will continue to support Sonia and Rhian, my successor with the reinvigorated alumni work through the College Trust!
It’s not really a goodbye, rather a temporary farewell. I look forward to seeing you at reunion events in Durham and elsewhere. Thank-you all. It’s been an absolute blast.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are Grey
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away!
Swifty
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