Grey College Alumni Association

DURHAM MEMORIAL EVENT - Prof. J Martyn Chamberlain

Grey College and the Physics department are holding a celebration in honour of Prof. Martyn Chamberlain's, Master of Grey College 2003-2011, who passed away in May. This will recognise and celebrate Martyn’s contributions to the University, through Grey College, his Terahertz Physics work and the Biophysical Sciences Institute, and also some of the research collaborations he fostered.

On Monday 21st September, there will be a series of presentations in the College from 2 pm. The talks will be followed by a Chapel Service. All are welcome.

Women of Grey: Reunion & Networking Evening

We are delighted to invite Grey alumnae from across the generations back to College for a special afternoon and evening of reconnection, conversation and celebration at Grey College!

The programme will include...

• An optional campus tour
• Tea, coffee and cake in College
• An informal discussion hosted by our Principal, Prof. Sonia Virdee: “What does it mean to be a Grey alumna?”
• A prosecco reception and buffet
• The opportunity to continue the evening in the Greyhound Bar

Guests are also encouraged to bring a photograph, object or memory from their time at Grey to help prompt conversation and reminiscence.

Whether you graduated recently or several decades ago, this will be a relaxed opportunity to revisit Grey, renew old friendships, make new connections and help shape the College’s future relationship with its women alumni.

📅 18th September, 2026
📍 Grey College, South Road, Durham
🎟️ Places are limited to 30 (with early bird price currently available)

Find out more and book your place here:

https://lnkd.in/e2H6NUfm

Please do share this post with Grey friends and contemporaries who might enjoy joining us!

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The first graduation ceremonies for Grey's class of 2026

PRINCIPAL's DINNER
On 14 May, Grey College was delighted to host the second annual Principal's Dinner at the magnificent Reform Club in Pall Mall.

The evening brought together around 30 alumni and friends of the College for an enjoyable opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and hear about the exciting developments taking place at Grey today and in the near future. Guests enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of the Reform Club, one of London's most historic and elegant venues, providing a fitting backdrop for the occasion.

A particular highlight of the evening was collecting guests together in front of a portrait of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and namesake of Grey College - connecting almost 70 years of Grey College history with over 200 years of British history.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. It was wonderful to see so many members of the Grey community together once again.

Prof. Sonia Virdee, Principal, greatly enjoyed meeting alumni and supporters of the College, and we are already looking forward to welcoming guests back for next year's dinner.

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death on May 9th , after a short illness, of Prof. Martyn Chamberlain , Master of Grey College and Professor of Applied Physics at Durham between 2003 and 2011.
Martyn's funeral will be held at Wymondham Abbey, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0PH at 12 noon on Thursday 4th June 2026.
If you wish to attend, please e-mail [email protected] , not later than Monday 25th May .
It is possible that the service may be streamed, and details will be provided when available

Prof. W.G. Hale

It is with sadness that we have to report the death on 27th April of Professor W.G. (Bill) Hale at the age of 91 . Bill was one of the first students (the 'aboriginals' as they called themselves) to join Grey when it opened in 1959.In those days , students had to pass an interview with one of the College Officers, and Bill used to smile as he recalled his interview with Syd Holgate , the founding Master of Grey . They were both Hatfield alumni and keen cricketers, in fact the 'interview' took place over several bowling changeovers during a match in which Bill played with Syd as an umpire.
Bill duly joined Grey, completing his PhD in 1962 , playing lots of cricket and serving as the second Senior Man in 1960-61.
On his retirement from Liverpool University as Professor of Zoology, Bill became one of the first Trustees of Grey College (only standing down when he reached 80) and his contribution to Grey over the years was recognised when he was made an Honorary Fellow of Grey College.
We extend our condolences to Bill's family on behalf of all the Grey-men and -women who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Picture courtesy of Sacristry Press

Family dilemma as County Durham rugby brothers play for club and country on same day.
Guy Pepper makes his Six Nations debut on Saturday as older brother Max starts as scrum half for Bristol Bears.

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT GREY COLLEGE
Grey College is recruiting an Alumni Engagement Co-ordinator, funded by an alumni donation.
This is a one-year fixed term position. The role involves liaising with our alumni and planning events and communications, as well as supporting alumni engagement more broadly. The job description and details of how to apply are at this link. Applications close on 12th Feb.
https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=25001858&lang=en

Could this be right for you or someone you know ? Please feel free to share

Alumni Engagement Coordinator Click the link provided to see the complete job description.

DURHAM REUNION 2026 - April 17th -19th

Bookings can now be made for this year's event in College -
https://pay.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-common-rooms/GC/grey-college-reunion-2026
When you book, you will be asked if you are happy for your name to be added to a list of those attending - this is something which we have asked for in the past, in the hope that it will encourage more alumni to make the pilgrimage back to Grey.

Bookings will close at 9.00 am on 30th March 2026 , and cancellations can be made up to that point

Event Booking Details It is a great opportunity to visit College and Durham, and to reconnect with friends. We have added an optional additional session into the programme for you to connect with college staff and friends in the afternoon of the reunion dinner.