to this page since 1 August 2004.
A medieval and ancient historian by training, (Lancaster University 1969-72, Leeds 1972-75, where I completed, as my MPhil thesis, an edition of the Continuation of the Eulogium Historiarum, 1361-1413), I was born and brought up
in Bromley, Kent (now misattributed to Greater London!). I came to Keele University in
1976 as Examinations Officer in the then Senior Tutor's Office, (later
Academic Affairs, and now a part of Academic Services). In 1983 I transferred to the Registry, principally in its
Personnel Office. I became Assistant Registrar in 1984, and was Acting
Head of Personnel for 5 months in 1992. After a period of a joint
appointment in the Registry and the newly separated Personnel Department, the
duties of my post, apart from a secondment to Academic Affairs, were
entirely in the Secretariat area, (Registry and finally University Secretary's
Office), from 1993.
From 2000 - 2004 I was Head of Secretariat and, in particular, responsible for:
My other main interests, apart from cricket (Kent C.C.C.), birdwatching
and the "wooden walls" navy, are in classical music, the Carolina Panthers American Football team and UK politics. I have supported Leeds United through thick and thin since I first saw them play, at Charlton, on my 14th birthday. But now, living within easy reach of Crewe Alexandra's ground, I am what was at first a Championship (aka First Division) season ticket holder. ("This is unlikely to produce a conflict!" I wrote in 2002/03, but since then both teams' fortunes have fluctuated. (I shall say nothing in public about the events which led to Leeds' parlous financial position.)
In 2004/05 and 2005/06 I had to contemplate two meetings in the season. Surprisingly the Alex took 7 points out of 12. Then in 2006/07 Leeds lost their Championship place and everything went downhill for both clubs for a while, including spending the 2008/09 season in the same, third division. Crewe finished that season back nin the 4th tier of national football, while Leeds failed in the play offs again. In the New Year 2010 things are looking better. The Alex are again playing football, under the restored Dario Gradi, football genius, while Leeds are runaway leaders of League 1 (with an end-season dip in form threatening their chances) and beat Man U in the Cup at Old Trafford.
I was for several years a member of the University Chapel Committee,(Secretary 1992-96, Vice-Chairman 1998-99). I am still Joint Wine Steward of the University Senior Common Room, having served some years ago as Chairman, and am responsible for the SCR's web pages.
From January 1995-2010 I was Chairman of the Governing Body of Newcastle Community High School, now known, following award from September 2007 of Specialist Science College status, as NCHS - The Science College. From February 2010 the school is part of the South Newcastle Federation with neighbouring Clayton Hall Business & Language College, with a single governing body, of which (1 February) I have been elected Vice Chairman (NCHS). The school is near the University campus, and I have served there as a Governor since 1981. In October 2005 I commenced a four year term, renewed in 2009, as representative of Newcastle-under-Lyme Secondary Schools on Staffordshire Schools Forum.
I am now the Secretary of the North Staffordshire Branch of the Classical Association, whose web pages I maintain, as I do that of All Saints' Church, Madeley, [above]. From April 2005 to 2010 I was Churchwarden there, and also lay chairman of the PCC, a position I still hold.
In May 2007 I became a Labour member of Woore Parish Council in Shropshire, where I have lived since 1999, and currently serve also as Chairman of the Council, which I represent on the Market Drayton Area Local Joint Committee. I am also the Secretary of North Shropshire CLP, and Election Agent for Ian McLaughlan, PPC for North Shropshire in the 2010 General Election.
I love visiting North and West Wales, especially Borthwnog Hall (right), the English Lakes, Rhodes (on honeymoon), Corfu and South Carolina, (where I used to stay with my friends the McNaughtons). David McNaughton was my Best Man, and his Inaugural Lecture as Professor of Philosophy at Keele is available here. He now works at Florida State University. Since retirement I have added the South of France, the Loire Valley, Florida and Catalonia to my collection.
If you wish to e-mail Stephen,
click here.
To go to North Staffs CA Home Page here.