Mark Sedwill

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Sir Mark Sedwill who came up to the Hall in 1987 to undertake an MPhil in Economics.  After the Hall, Mark joined the Foreign Office and embarked on an exciting career all over the Middle East and South Asia where he ended up as Ambassador to Afghanistan.  He then became NATO’s Civilian Representative in Afghanistan followd by Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.  Mark then acted as Cabinet Secretary to Prime Ministers Teresa May and Boris Johnson at the same time as he was National Security Adviser.  Finally in 2020, Mark stepped down from the government altogether and today has a portfolio of activities as a Peer in the House of Lords, the commercial and charity worlds.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Sir Mark Sedwill who came up to the Hall in 1987 to undertake an MPhil in Economics.  After the Hall, Mark joined the Foreign Office and embarked on an exciting career all over the Middle East and South Asia where he ended up as Ambassador to Afghanistan.  He then became NATO’s Civilian Representative in Afghanistan followd by Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.  Mark then acted as Cabinet Secretary to Prime Ministers Teresa May and Boris Johnson at the same time as he was National Security Adviser.  Finally in 2020, Mark stepped down from the government altogether and today has a portfolio of activities as a Peer in the House of Lords, the commercial and charity worlds. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Sir Mark Sedwill

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Richard Luddington who came up to the Hall in 1978 to read History and then did his MPhil in Management Studies.  Richard was the only Aularian to receive a first class honors as well as blues in three different sports and we hear how he balanced his academic and sporting careers.  Richard was at Teddy Hall at a time of change: women were accepted for the first time in 1979 and he also enjoyed three Principals during his five years.  Richard is a great supporter of the Hall and tells us why the current Hallmarks Campaign is so important for the future of the College.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Richard Luddington who came up to the Hall in 1978 to read History and then did his MPhil in Management Studies.  Richard was the only Aularian to receive a first class honors as well as blues in three different sports and we hear how he balanced his academic and sporting careers.  Richard was at Teddy Hall at a time of change: women were accepted for the first time in 1979 and he also enjoyed three Principals during his five years.  Richard is a great supporter of the Hall and tells us why the current Hallmarks Campaign is so important for the future of the College. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Richard Luddington

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Paisley Kadison, a one year visiting student to Teddy Hall from the States in 2005.  Paisley came to Teddy Hall when she was just seventeen and tells us her journey to get there as well as what it was like visiting for just one year.  Today, she is General Counsel at Accel-KKR and involved with the St Edmund Hall Association in the States. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Paisley Kadison, a one year visiting student to Teddy Hall from the States in 2005.  Paisley came to Teddy Hall when she was just seventeen and tells us her journey to get there as well as what it was like visiting for just one year.  Today, she is General Counsel at Accel-KKR and involved with the St Edmund Hall Association in the States. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Paisley Kadison

Our first guest in Series Three is former Principal Keith Gull whose great affection for Teddy Hall is apparent. Keith became Principal in 2009 and handed over the reigns to Professor Kathy Willis in 2018. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Our first guest in Series Three is former Principal Keith Gull whose great affection for Teddy Hall is apparent. Keith became Principal in 2009 and handed over the reigns to Professor Kathy Willis in 2018. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Professor Keith Gull

Coming Soon is Series 3 of Spirit of the Hall. On the 12th April, our first guest in Series Three is former Principal Keith Gull whose great affection for Teddy Hall is apparent. Keith became Principal in 2009 and handed over the reigns to Professor Kathy Willis in 2018.    We will also hear, amongst others, from Paisley Kadison, a visiting student from the States who came over when she was just 17, the British fencer Eloise Smith who competed in the Women’s individual foil event at the 2000 Summer Olympics, Richard Luddington who not only gained a first but THREE blues in his five years, Lord Mark Sedwill who served as Cabinet Secretary to Teresa May and Boris Johnson, Stuart Barnes who played rugby for both Oxford and England and Vice Principal Robert Whittaker whose retirement is looming after 32 years at Teddy Hall! Make sure you subscribe to never miss an episode.

Coming Soon is Series 3 of Spirit of the Hall. On the 12th April, our first guest in Series Three is former Principal Keith Gull whose great affection for Teddy Hall is apparent. Keith became Principal in 2009 and handed over the reigns to Professor Kathy Willis in 2018.    We will also hear, amongst others, from Paisley Kadison, a visiting student from the States who came over when she was just 17, the British fencer Eloise Smith who competed in the Women’s individual foil event at the 2000 Summer Olympics, Richard Luddington who not only gained a first but THREE blues in his five years, Lord Mark Sedwill who served as Cabinet Secretary to Teresa May and Boris Johnson, Stuart Barnes who played rugby for both Oxford and England and Vice Principal Robert Whittaker whose retirement is looming after 32 years at Teddy Hall! Make sure you subscribe to never miss an episode.

Coming Soon - Series 3 of Spirit of the Hall

In the final episode of Series Two, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Reverend Dr Zachary Guiliano, Teddy Hall’s Chaplain and Career Development and Research Fellow.  Several of our podcast guests have cited Teddy Hall’s Chapel as their favourite place in College.  Zach was born in the American Mid-West and reflects on his journey from his childhood in Illinois to ending up in Oxford and Teddy Hall.  He tells us a little about the history of Teddy Hall’s Chapel as well as its importance to College members regardless of their religion or faith. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In the final episode of Series Two, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Reverend Dr Zachary Guiliano, Teddy Hall’s Chaplain and Career Development and Research Fellow.  Several of our podcast guests have cited Teddy Hall’s Chapel as their favourite place in College.  Zach was born in the American Mid-West and reflects on his journey from his childhood in Illinois to ending up in Oxford and Teddy Hall.  He tells us a little about the history of Teddy Hall’s Chapel as well as its importance to College members regardless of their religion or faith. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Reverend Dr. Zachary Guiliano

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with former JCR President Julien Kress who came up to the Hall from France in 2019 to read History and is currently in his final year.  After only two terms at Teddy Hall, the Covid pandemic struck, the country went into lock-down the day before Hilary Term ended and Julien returned to France where he was to stay until Michaelmas term of his second year.  As JCR President, Julien led the JCR body through much of the Pandemic but assures us that the Spirit of the Hall is still very much alive! Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with former JCR President Julien Kress who came up to the Hall from France in 2019 to read History and is currently in his final year.  After only two terms at Teddy Hall, the Covid pandemic struck, the country went into lock-down the day before Hilary Term ended and Julien returned to France where he was to stay until Michaelmas term of his second year.  As JCR President, Julien led the JCR body through much of the Pandemic but assures us that the Spirit of the Hall is still very much alive! Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Julien Kress

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Choral Scholar Fred Tyrrell who came up to the Hall in 2019 to read Mathematics.  At the end of Fred’s second term at Oxford, the first Covid lock-down was announced and so he has experienced life as a student going into lock down and then coming out of it again.  On top of this, Fred was diagnosed with autism at the beginning of his second year and talks about how he has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity as well as drawn on support from his tutors and the College.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Choral Scholar Fred Tyrrell who came up to the Hall in 2019 to read Mathematics.  At the end of Fred’s second term at Oxford, the first Covid lock-down was announced and so he has experienced life as a student going into lock down and then coming out of it again.  On top of this, Fred was diagnosed with autism at the beginning of his second year and talks about how he has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity as well as drawn on support from his tutors and the College. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Fred Tyrrell

Tim Bryan

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Reverend Canon Tim Bryan who came up to the Hall in 1975 to read Geography.    During Tim’s time at Oxford he played in three rugby Varsity matches and led Oxford to victory over Cambridge when he captained the team.  Apart from rugby, Tim became a Christian in his second term which really shaped his time at Oxford.  After Oxford, Tim joined the Met Police where he stayed for 27 years.  He was ordained a Deacon in 1996 and then became a priest in 1997 where he moved into Prison Chaplaincy at Wandsworth Prison.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Reverend Canon Tim Bryan who came up to the Hall in 1975 to read Geography.    During Tim’s time at Oxford he played in three rugby Varsity matches and led Oxford to victory over Cambridge when he captained the team.  Apart from rugby, Tim became a Christian in his second term which really shaped his time at Oxford.  After Oxford, Tim joined the Met Police where he stayed for 27 years.  He was ordained a Deacon in 1996 and then became a priest in 1997 where he moved into Prison Chaplaincy at Wandsworth Prison. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Rev. Tim Bryan

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Manisha Tank who came up to the Hall in 1994 to read PPE.  During Manisha’s time at Teddy Hall she had premonitions and deja vus which made her feel that she really was meant to be there.  After the Hall, Manisha joined the competitive world of broadcasting and has worked all over the world for the likes of Reuters Television, the BBC and CNN.  She took a break and went to volunteer for an orphanage in the Dominican Republic which changed her perspective on life forever.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Manisha Tank who came up to the Hall in 1994 to read PPE.  During Manisha’s time at Teddy Hall she had premonitions and deja vus which made her feel that she really was meant to be there.  After the Hall, Manisha joined the competitive world of broadcasting and has worked all over the world for the likes of Reuters Television, the BBC and CNN.  She took a break and went to volunteer for an orphanage in the Dominican Republic which changed her perspective on life forever. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Manisha Tank

“Spirit of the Hall” features engaging conversations with some of St Edmund Hall’s most fascinating alumni, fellows and staff. Hosted by Olly Belcher (nee Donnelly), President of the SEH Association for alumni, this podcast provides a special opportunity for current and past members of Teddy Hall to share how that unique spirit has shaped their insights and experiences in politics, academia, business, entertainment, technology and more. Join us as we lead the way and shine a light on some of those who make Teddy Hall - and other Oxford Colleges - the great institutions that they are.

Mike Shaw

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Mike Shaw who came up to the Hall in 1959 to read History.   After the Hall, Mike found himself in the literary world and rose to the top as Managing Director of Curtis Brown.  Despite the new digital world we all find ourselves in today, Mike believes there is always a role for a proper book!  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Mike Shaw who came up to the Hall in 1959 to read History.   After the Hall, Mike found himself in the literary world and rose to the top as Managing Director of Curtis Brown.  Despite the new digital world we all find ourselves in today, Mike believes there is always a role for a proper book! Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Tom Crawford

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Dr Tom Crawford, Teddy Hall’s Early Career Teaching and Outreach Fellow in Mathematics, also known as the Naked Mathmetician.  Tom believes anyone can study maths, you just need to learn in a way that suits you.  His maths tattoos and body piercings also prove that there is room in the SCR for everyone!  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Dr Tom Crawford, Teddy Hall’s Early Career Teaching and Outreach Fellow in Mathematics, also known as the Naked Mathmetician.  Tom believes anyone can study maths, you just need to learn in a way that suits you.  His maths tattoos and body piercings also prove that there is room in the SCR for everyone! Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Dr. Tom Crawford

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Dr Bill Cogar who came up to the Hall in 1976 from the States to read Modern History.  Bill loved the friendly nature of Teddy Hall and became the Junior Dean in 1979, the year after the College accepted women for the first time.  After the Hall, Bill became a Professor at the US Naval Academy in Maryland and later on Director at the Mariner’s Museum.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Dr Bill Cogar who came up to the Hall in 1976 from the States to read Modern History.  Bill loved the friendly nature of Teddy Hall and became the Junior Dean in 1979, the year after the College accepted women for the first time.  After the Hall, Bill became a Professor at the US Naval Academy in Maryland and later on Director at the Mariner’s Museum. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Dr. Bill Cogar

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Maggie Carver CBE who came up to the Hall in 1982 to read Biochemistry.  Maggie threw herself into everything at Oxford :  her subject, sport, music, the Oxford Union and her social life.  Since then she has risen to the top of many companies and been a wonderful mentor to many women dealing with life’s juggle.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Maggie Carver CBE who came up to the Hall in 1982 to read Biochemistry.  Maggie threw herself into everything at Oxford :  her subject, sport, music, the Oxford Union and her social life.  Since then she has risen to the top of many companies and been a wonderful mentor to many women dealing with life’s juggle. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Maggie Carver

In the first episode of Series Two, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Emeritus Fellow and quondam Principal Justin Gosling who has touched the hearts and minds of many Aularians over the years.  Justin reflects on his years at Teddy Hall since he joined the College in 1960; he was the Senior Tutor for PPE and became the Principal in 1982. Justin offers incredible insights into life at the Hall over a sixty year period as well as changing attitudes during that time. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

In the first episode of Series Two, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Emeritus Fellow and quondam Principal Justin Gosling who has touched the hearts and minds of many Aularians over the years.  Justin reflects on his years at Teddy Hall since he joined the College in 1960; he was the Senior Tutor for PPE and became the Principal in 1982. Justin offers incredible insights into life at the Hall over a sixty year period as well as changing attitudes during that time. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford.

Justin Gosling

Spirit of the Hall will return on the 12th October with our first episode of Season 2, bringing you conversations with some of Teddy Hall’s most fascinating alumni, fellows and staff.  We will hear through this series how Teddy Hall’s unique spirit has shaped us all whether in politics, academia, business, entertainment, technology or through friendships, family and fun.  Our first guest in Series two is former Principal Justin Gosling who has touched the hearts and minds of many Aularians over the years.  Justin reflects on memories of Teddy Hall since he came to the College in 1960.  We will also hear, amongst others, from Maggie Carver who recently got a CBE for her services to sport and the media sector, Dr Bill Cogar the Junior Dean in 1979, Mike Shaw the former Managing Director of the publishing agency Curtis Brown, the Broadcaster Manisha Tank and Dr Tom Crawford, Teddy Hall’s Early Career Teaching and outreach fellow in maths, often known as the Naked Mathematician! Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode, and happy listening!  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Spirit of the Hall will return on the 12th October with our first episode of Season 2, bringing you conversations with some of Teddy Hall’s most fascinating alumni, fellows and staff.  We will hear through this series how Teddy Hall’s unique spirit has shaped us all whether in politics, academia, business, entertainment, technology or through friendships, family and fun.  Our first guest in Series two is former Principal Justin Gosling who has touched the hearts and minds of many Aularians over the years.  Justin reflects on memories of Teddy Hall since he came to the College in 1960.  We will also hear, amongst others, from Maggie Carver who recently got a CBE for her services to sport and the media sector, Dr Bill Cogar the Junior Dean in 1979, Mike Shaw the former Managing Director of the publishing agency Curtis Brown, the Broadcaster Manisha Tank and Dr Tom Crawford, Teddy Hall’s Early Career Teaching and outreach fellow in maths, often known as the Naked Mathematician! Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode, and happy listening! Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Spirit of the Hall: Season Two - Coming Soon! 

In the last episode of Series One, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with James Howarth, Teddy Hall’s brilliant librarian.   James studied at Oxford himself and joined the Hall in 2018 having been librarian at Lambeth Palace Library, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, the Taylorian Library and Balliol College.  James speaks about the history and traditions behind the Old Library and the importance of our main library to College members today, especially during the Covid pandemic when since September 2020, it has been open for 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

In the last episode of Series One, hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with James Howarth, Teddy Hall’s brilliant librarian.   James studied at Oxford himself and joined the Hall in 2018 having been librarian at Lambeth Palace Library, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, the Taylorian Library and Balliol College.  James speaks about the history and traditions behind the Old Library and the importance of our main library to College members today, especially during the Covid pandemic when since September 2020, it has been open for 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Episode 10 - James Howarth

David Gauke

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with David Gauke who came up to the Hall in 1990 to read Law and graduated into legal practice in 1995 before he became South West Hertfordshire’s Member of Parliament in 2005.  Since then David has held many positions in Government including Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Secretary of State for Justice and Various roles at the Treasury.   In September 2019, David and 20 other rebel Conservative MPs who opposed a no deal Brexit lost the Conservative Whip and so David had to stand in the December General Election as an independent candidate.  Since then, David has gone full circle and rejoined the law firm Macfarlanes as Head of Policy. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with David Gauke who came up to the Hall in 1990 to read Law and graduated into legal practice in 1995 before he became South West Hertfordshire’s Member of Parliament in 2005.  Since then David has held many positions in Government including Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Secretary of State for Justice and Various roles at the Treasury.   In September 2019, David and 20 other rebel Conservative MPs who opposed a no deal Brexit lost the Conservative Whip and so David had to stand in the December General Election as an independent candidate.  Since then, David has gone full circle and rejoined the law firm Macfarlanes as Head of Policy. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Episode 9 - David Gauke

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Bidisha who started her journalist career at 14.  Bidisha came up to the Hall in 1996 to read English Language and Literature and during her first year, she published her first book, Seahorse.  Since then she has journeyed through the worlds of journalism, radio, writing and film.  Bidisha started filming her Aurora series when the Covid pandemic began and so has had to embrace the world of remote filming over the past year.   She has dedicated much of herself to working with London-based asylum seekers and refugees although this too has been affected by the Covid pandemic.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

In this episode hear Olly Belcher, President of the St Edmund Hall Association, in conversation with Bidisha who started her journalist career at 14.  Bidisha came up to the Hall in 1996 to read English Language and Literature and during her first year, she published her first book, Seahorse.  Since then she has journeyed through the worlds of journalism, radio, writing and film.  Bidisha started filming her Aurora series when the Covid pandemic began and so has had to embrace the world of remote filming over the past year.   She has dedicated much of herself to working with London-based asylum seekers and refugees although this too has been affected by the Covid pandemic. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Episode 8 - Bidisha

This episode is with Ronny Tong who came up to the Hall from Hong Kong in 1972 to read Law.   His determination to get to Oxford in the first place is inspiring.  After Oxford, Ronny set up his own law practice in Hong Kong and later became Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association.   Ronny ventured into politics and founded the Civic Party in 2006; he was later appointed to the Executive Council of Hong Kong.   Ronny has lived through many of Hong Kong’s crises but describes the recent anti-extradition protests as heart-breaking.  Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

This episode is with Ronny Tong who came up to the Hall from Hong Kong in 1972 to read Law.   His determination to get to Oxford in the first place is inspiring.  After Oxford, Ronny set up his own law practice in Hong Kong and later became Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association.   Ronny ventured into politics and founded the Civic Party in 2006; he was later appointed to the Executive Council of Hong Kong.   Ronny has lived through many of Hong Kong’s crises but describes the recent anti-extradition protests as heart-breaking. Spirit of the Hall podcast is produced by the St Edmund Hall Association, the voluntary alumni body independent which represents all Aularians.  The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association, St Edmund Hall or the University of Oxford

Episode 7 - Ronny Tong

Spirit of the Hall

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