20. Miss Mary Boothman; 21. Mr R N Barlow-Poole; 22. Mr Geoffrey Skelsey; 23. Dame Rosemary Murray's 90th birthday party.
MARY BOOTHMAN , interviewed 26.08.03 (60 min). Mary, born and raised in Newmarket, but later living in Cambridge, started working on the NH domestic staff in 1954. She relates her work at, and impressions of, New Hall during her 30 years employment, spanning the Silver Street and Huntingdon Road years. She mentions college hostels where she worked, and other members of staff, including Miss Dufton and Miss Winter. She describes in detail the customary menus for 'Council teas' served to members of College Council and menus for Degree Day lunches. She spoke to the Queen Mother at the official opening of the new New Hall in 1965, and recalls meeting prestigious visitors during the period of Rosemary Murray’s Vice-Chancellorship. She maintains contact with NH in her retirement, including attending the staff Christmas lunch party.
RICHARD BARLOW-POOLE, interviewed 28.8.03. (30 minutes), was Esquire Bedell (a ceremonial post in the University) and recalls Rosemary Murray (ARM) as 'Vice-Chancellor-in-State': in processions at Honorary Degree ceremonies (involving alternative transport from Huntingdon Road), at the American Cemetery, and at formal dinners in New Hall, including visits by the new Chancellor, Prince Philip. R B-P recalls 'processing' ahead of ARM in a ceremonial flight over Cambridge arranged with the OTC Air Squadron. He confirms that ARM as the first woman VC had no mere token role, and pays tribute to her achievements including her links with the City of Cambridge. He also recalls the alumna Roma Gill.
GEOFFREY SKELSEY, interviewed 28.06.03. (45 minutes). During the time of Rosemary Murray’s (ARM’s) Vice-Chancellorship, GS was Assistant Registrary, and worked for the Chancellor - first Lord Adrian and then Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He recalls both ARM’s appointment, and how ARM managed the installation of the new Chancellor. He also recalls her input into training academics in teaching skills, her persuasive public speaking, and her skilled diplomacy, during a time of national economic strife. He salutes her strengthening of links between the University and Cambridge City, and with schools, and records building projects at that time including the Clinical School, New Hall, and Darwin and Robinson Colleges. He demolishes recent (2002-03) Press implications that her Vice-Chancellorship was merely a token role.
At the end of the video tape is footage of the Rosemary Murray 90th birthday celebrations in New Hall gardens.