Meet the Committee

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Durham Castle Society Committee Overview

Founded in 1947, the Durham Castle Society brings together generations of Castle alumni, helping to keep our unique community connected long after graduation. The Society plays an important role in supporting the College and its current students, while offering alumni meaningful ways to stay in touch, reconnect with friends, and build new connections across the Castle network.

The Society is run by a small committee, supported by the College. 

What we do:

  • Organise the annual Castle Society reunion in Durham, along with a variety of events across the UK.
  • Support the College and members of all three common rooms.
  • Create opportunities for alumni to stay connected—personally, professionally, and academically—wherever they are in the world.
  • Support the University College Durham Trust, which raises funds for bursaries, scholarships, and projects that benefit the College and its students.
  • Produce Castellum, our alumni magazine, helping to share stories and celebrate our community.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteer leaders, the Society continues to thrive. Together, we help ensure that our mission remains as relevant today as it was nearly eighty years ago.

Want to help?  Join the Committee!

Being part of the Committee is a rewarding way to give back, stay connected, and help shape the future of our community.

We are currently looking for new volunteers to join the committee which meets online every other month.  No experience is necessary, other than a desire to get involved and contribute.  

There are a number of working groups and we would especially welcome the input of alumni with an interest in the following:

  • Maintaining this website and posting on social media channels.
  • Planning of social events throughout the year to complement the Reunion.

Commitment

  • Share your ideas, experience, and networks to enhance the Society’s impact and reputation
  • Be a proud ambassador for the Society and the College: let your friends, family and fellow alumni know about the work of the Society, why it’s important to you and how they can get involved e.g. by attending events, meeting students and staff or sharing their stories.
  • Join us for at least two committee meetings each year.  Attendance at the annual reunion and other events is encouraged but not mandatory.

Professionalism and Conduct

  • Treat fellow committee members, alumni, staff, and students with courtesy and respect.
  • Act with integrity and in the best interests of the Society at all times.
  • Respect confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly, in line with data protection requirements.
  • Follow the Society’s guidelines and check in with the Executive Committee before making decisions or commitments on its behalf.

If you are interested in supporting the Committee, please get in touch at durhamcastlesociety@gmail.com

Chairman
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Kevin Hawes

    Roles & Responsibilities

  • Provide the overall strategy for the Society, ensuring it meets its goals and objectives.
  • Chair all meetings including the AGM, ensuring they run efficiently, and that all voices are heard.
  • Work with the committee to set agendas, plan activities, and make key decisions.
  • Represent the Society at meetings with other Colleges and the University, as required.
  • Support other committee members in fulfilling their roles and encourage collaboration.
  • Co-opt or delegate specific tasks to other committee members.
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Alex Nelson transferring to Olly Lendrum

    Roles & Responsibilities

  • Work with a wide range of contributors to generate the annual edition of Castellum in both printed and electronic formats.
  • Maintain a relationship with the printers to arrange for cost-effective printing and distribution.
  • Work with the College and Membership Secretary to promote Castellum and ensure continued readership.

 

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Martin Gunson transferring to Paul Everson

    Roles & Responsibilities

  • Maintain accurate records of income, expenditure, and the society’s overall financial health.
  • Prepare an annual or event-specific budgets and advise the Committee on financial implications of decisions.
  • Present regular financial reports to the committee and an annual report at the AGM.
  • Manage the Society’s bank account, process payments and invoices.
  • Ensure the society complies with any relevant financial regulations
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Charlie McKeever

    Roles & Responsibilities

  • Prepare the agenda and keep minutes of Committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
  • Working with the College, handle the society’s day-to-day administrative tasks and correspondence.
  • Maintain the official records of the Society.
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Paul  Everson

    Roles & Responsibilities

  • Work with the College to promote membership of the Society among the wider alumni community.
  • Work with the Treasurer to ensure the Society has accurate and up-to-date records of Castellum subscriptions.
  • (add more if/when we decide on new membership models)

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Act as the interface between the Society, the College and student bodies.
  • Support the Society in the planning of social events.
  • Support the Society through the promotion of its event to the wider alumni community.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Provide guidance on how the work of the Society could align with the goals and objectives of the College.
  • Endorse the Society as a means for graduates to stay connected to the College.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Attend at least two meetings per year.
  • Actively contribute to the Society’s plans and activities.
  • Support the Chair through involvement in specific activities.