Socialising at Essex - Creating a University episode 6
“A university should, I believe, provide an experience of living as well as an opportunity for learning.” Sir Albert Sloman, 1963 Reith Lectures The sixth Creating a University podcast covers subjects as diverse as The Who, dandelions in cricket nets, uncooperative cockerels and weight training equipment made from scaffolding poles, paint tins and concrete. All played a part in the free time students and staff enjoyed in the early days at Essex. A tradition of theatre at Essex began with little or no facilities, and a bout of chickenpox was not enough to derail the inaugural production of ‘An Inspector Calls’. Entertainments went on to include a madrigal group’s appearance at evensong at Long Melford parish church, an early appearance by Bob Marley and a concert in the Hexagon by Pink Floyd, described by one student who was there as “one of the most magical experiences of my life”. Interviewees - Peter Avis, Maths student, 1964-67 - John Foster, former member of staff and local resident - Peter Haine, Physics student, 1964-67 - Alan Rustage, first Director of Sport, appointed in 1974 - Roger Seymour, Chemistry, 1964-67 - Margery Wilson, Literature student, 1971-74