I wonder if anyone has had recent news of Lil Evans who studied with me at Ruskin on the Qualifying Social Work Course 1972-1974. (She took the second name ‘Wilton’ sometime after leaving Ruskin.) I remained in contact for many years while she was living in Somerset but do not have a recent address. Along with everyone on that course (the very first intake of the Cert. of Qualification in Social Work Course at Ruskin led by Ted Morgan), we had life changing experiences. If anyone else from those years reads this it would be good to hear from you.

Stan Young

I was at Ruskin between 1972 and 1974, along with Lil (known as Evans then) but later as Wilton…and many other memorable people on the first intake of the Certification Of Qualification in Social Work course led by Ted Morgan. I lost touch with Lil a few years ago and, now in her 80’s may have taken off in one of several directions but hopefully to East Sussex where her family lived. If anyone knows her wherabouts please do get in touch. Equally, if any of the Class of ‘72-‘74 read this I’d love to hear from you. I am still in Oxford and (hopefully) coming to the end of a social work life which is becoming increasingly difficult to survive in….but thats another story.

If any of this means anything to anyone please get in touch.

Stan Young

Hi there, I was an English student at Ruskin in 1982/3. Sadly I only managed to complete my first year as my father took seriously ill and died, and I had to quit - very reluctantly - to sort out his complex business affairs before they overwhelmed us. I always meant to return to finish my course, but I guess life only gives you one chance to take two years away from the millstone of reality. Still, can’t complain, my year was invaluable and restored the confidence I needed after redundancy to get back into the world and take it on. I now run a publishing company in Manchester, so thank you Ruskin. Many, many great memories of that all to brief time. Fabulous company, Pete smashing up his guitar, Vince and his gang trashing my room, The Russell Grant Fanclub, wild nights in The Bull, staggering up Headington Hill in the pitch black, Taffy’s sleep in bed protest in the main lobby! I’ve still got the pictures! I’d particularly like to know what became of Eddie the Anarchist, as I owe him an eternal debt of gratitude for introducing me to Kropotkin. Would be great to hear from anyone in that wonderfully odd little English group. JOE KELLY

It is with sadness that I would like to inform fellows of the sudden death of my father Malcolm Speirs who attended Ruskin during 1966-1968.

His funeral will take place at Carmountside Crematorium, Stoke-on-Trent at 2pm an Thursday 9 February 2006. Refreshments will be available at Trentham Park Golf Club after the service.

I shall post a memorial on this website in the next few weeks.

Seth Speirs

Hi all, We both want to say a big thank you to Ruskin and all the fantastic people we met there. We have both graduated from York in Politics with 2:1s. I’m now doing an MA and applying for a Phd, starting next year. I’m also a part-time manager in an insurance company. Sean is working in admin for a healthcare organisation. We’re still living in York. We often remember our time at Ruskin with great love. Do contact us

Hi Comrades (what a good phrase that is) Thought it about time I got in contact, and, with a bit of luck, re contact with old friends and comrades. I was at Ruskin doing the Dip Labour Studies from 1976 to 1978 for SOGAT the print union. After Ruskin - along with 14 others - went to Sussex to study Politics and then an MSc at same place on Science Tenchology and Industrialisation. I then ended up as a community development worker, firstly in Brixton then later in Brighton and Hove . I ended up managing the CD team for Brighton and Hove till it was abolished by the Council (what is is about Labour authorities and community development ;-) nearly two years ago. It did not feel like it at the time, but they did me a huge favour. I now work part time at the Civil Renewal Unit at the Home Office leaving time for consultancy work and photography. I’m still married to Ellen (who works for Leanring Support Service advising schools on teaching dyslexic children) and we two chilldren Christian (who was born during our time in Oxford) and who is now, I find this hard to believe, 28 years old! He’s a struggling musician and Katie who’s in her final year doing Linguistics at Kings College in London. So Ruskin, I owe you a lot. I’d love to hear from old friends and comrades (where are you Bob, Steve and the rest) Love Colin

I was at Ruskin from 1987/89 and am now running an education consultancy, Engage Education and living back in Oxford with Louisa and out two year-old son Daniel. It’s good to be back in Oxford and the new year reminds me that it will soon be twenty years since that brash group of Ruskinites jacked it all in and headed into the Rookery. I wonder whether we should try to arrange a get-together to celebrate. From what I know of colleagues (still see Will, Tony Murphy sometimes, Alan irwin etc) most of us have a great deal to thank Ruskin for.

Anyway, I am happy to do some of the legwork for a reuinion as I am living locally. Anyone want to get in touch, please contact me at: mliggins@engageeducation.org . Would be great to hear from any of the old crowd, especially Niel, John, Richard or Jimmy C.

Best wishes

Mick

Subject: Ruskin News Letter
Sender: J Hurlston
Date: 1995-1996
Just read the Ruskin News Letter, it’s great stuff. Well done to all those who made this happen. Congratulations also to Jan Smith the new President I know Jan will do everything she can to promote the college and not forgetting Bob Mathews of the fellowship for his inivative scheme to help fund future Ruskin Students. 

I studied at Ruskin from sep01 to july 03 diploma in social work, i have many fond memories while studying at Ruskin as well as this i had many sore heads, however thats a different matter.

I would like to wish every one past and present invoved with Ruskin a very happy christmas and a blessed new year, take care McGINTY.

September 25th 2005 To any Fellowship members who went to the reunion this month - how did it go and would you recommend it? (I am a new Fellowship member and I may be able to go to next year’s reunion.) In the meantime, is there a news mag or any current information? Thanks, Doreen (Hughes)