27. Ian Nichol (27 minutes, 1 Oct. 2003); 28. New Hall grounds in autumn (28 Oct. 2003); 29. Zara Steiner (40 minutes 26 Feb. 2004); 30. Maggi Hambling lecture (12 Apr. 2003); 31. Angela Dixon (40 minutes, 26 June 2004).
IAN NICOL, himself a research crystallographer at the Cavendish Laboratory immediately after World War II, reminisces about Rosemary Murray as Vice-Chancellor, from his own standpoint as Secretary General of the Faculties 1972-84. He relates the 'flutter in the dovecotes' that her appointment caused. He comments on aspects of her background, experience and personality that made her so suitable for the position: she was 'absolutely up to it, from the first day she was in office', and 'remarkable, by comparison with other Vice-Chancellors'. He describes aspects of her role and explains the interaction of his own, commenting on her diplomacy and leadership at a time of education cutbacks and following a period of student dissent. 'She has a gift for settling matters - everyone goes away thinking they've won!'. He agrees that she encouraged New Hall fellows to take part in University life. She also fostered good relationships with local authorities in Cambridge. He describes her as 'preoccupied' with women's education. She 'always held that women should have the choice between working in a mixed society or a single one' and she argued strongly for this. In his opinion, 'She was right!'.
ZARA STEINER, interviewed 28.2.04 (42 minutes). Zara Steiner, arriving in Cambridge with her husband, was initially asked to teach for St John’s, while her children were small. She remembers feeling that she was an 'Oxbridge outsider' for many years.
A Girton colleague suggested she apply to New Hall. She describes her interview, and subsequent History teaching alongside Helen Clover. She recalls the undergraduate admission process at New Hall, and the abilities and problems of her students. She briefly discusses single-sex education.
She remembers New Hall as very cold in the 1980s, especially the Library and Dome, and recalls a flooding episode in which Rosemary Murray took charge.
Rosemary Murray 'had a great gift (unless you were very, very sensitive or of a rebellious nature) of ruling you without building up resistance to her rule'. She 'had inner calm and certainty and didn’t feel beholden to anybody'.
Her reminiscences of the Fellowship include: Council meetings; her own Vice-Presidency; the process of appointment of Anne Lonsdale as President; Fellows’ dinner events to maintain cohesion.
ANGELA DIXON, née Holder, interviewed 26.06.03 (42 minutes). Angela, one of 'The First Fifteen' NH undergraduates and originally determined to go to Oxford, says being offered a New Hall place 'changed my life'. She describes life at The Hermitage (mentioning some peers including her friend Roma Gill) and University-centred activities including acting and the Women’s Union. She speaks of Press publicity for the pioneer NH members, and social activities. She recalls sharing Anglican devotions with Rosemary Murray and Roma, and praises Rosemary Murray and Robin Hammond. She also re-appraises New Hall as the parent of a NH student/alumna.